Opinion: The 25 most innovative products of the year

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December 28, 2007 (PC World) -- Make no mistake, the Web is taking over. Applications are moving to browsers en masse, and technology to take Web apps offline promises to smooth the road ahead. And let's not forget breakthrough devices advancing the Web-anywhere world: Apple Inc. has redefined the phone, and One Laptop per Child's sub-$200 laptop is delivering Internet-style collaboration to children in developing nations.

But innovation isn't all on the Web; the PC is evolving as well. Apple has re-envisioned backup, Hewlett-Packard Co. has created the first useful touch-screen PC, hybrid hard drives boost speed and battery life, and ultraportables have become even more useful. Chosen from the hundreds of products we reviewed in 2007, here are 25 that will change the way you work, communicate and play this year -- and beyond.

1. Google Gears

Innovation: Plug-in lets Web applications work offline.

Benefit: Tackles the single biggest hurdle to making Web apps truly convenient.

Imagine firing up only one application -- a Web browser -- for handling all of your daily computer tasks. It's a nice dream, but it has one major problem: What do you do when you're offline? Google Gears, a Windows application now in beta, solves this problem by allowing service designers to create versions that still work when your PC doesn't have an Internet connection. Google Reader, Zoho Writer (which added offline editing via Gears in late 2007) and online task manager Remember the Milk already use it, and Google Inc. is working to add Gears to other applications in its stable. (If you're thinking of ditching desktop software entirely, read one writer's take in "Life Without Desktop Software." )

2. Apple's iPhone

Innovation: Gee-whiz touch-screen interface and Spartan case dial up a mobile revolution.

Benefits: Mac OS-simple software offering slide-and-glide access to bright, colorful menus sets this cell phone apart from its rivals.

The $399 iPhone has taken some criticism for its shortcomings, mainly its lack of 3G (third-generation) connectivity, but you can't deny that the sleek handset is innovative. Apple made navigating via a touch screen -- sure to be a staple in future PDA phones and other small devices -- intuitive and fun. IPhone's Safari browser makes the handset a great mobile Web device (at least when you can get a Wi-Fi connection). And, sure, many phones play music, but Cover Flow cranks the iPhone up to 11 as a music player.

3. One Laptop per Child XO

Innovation: $200 laptop does mesh networking, is sandproof and waterproof, and works well in direct sunlight.

Benefits: What every child in the developing world needs; makes you ask, "When will my laptop be able to do that?"

Innovation isn't always about being bigger, better and faster. One Laptop per Child's Linux-powered XO laptop, with a 7.5-in. display -- designed for children in poor countries -- is one of the cheapest, most power-conscious and sturdy notebooks on the planet. It also has features you might wish you had on your mainstream laptop. One clear standout: XO's Wi-Fi allows it to function in a mesh-network node that can connect with other XOs, even when no Internet connection is available.

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