Photo courtesy of SkyMall

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By Megan Greve

DigiMemo Digital Notepad & Pen

Another essential journalistic tool is the classic paper-and-pen combo. But wouldn’t it be nice if all those notes could be uploaded to your computer instead of thrown in piles on your desk? Enter the DigiMemo digital notepad and pen, which stores copies of your notes and drawings in its 32MB memory. These notes can then be uploaded to your computer or e-mailed directly from the notepad. With extra software, these notes can be turned into digital copies that can be edited in word processors or e-mail programs. (SkyMall.com | $149.99)

Gorillapod

So you’re at the scene of an accident, and you’ve been assigned as the reporter and the photographer. You need to take a shot of the scene, but there’s no solid surface to position your tripod on. If only that tripod were a little more flexible… Next time you’ll need a Gorillapod, the lightweight, flexible tripod that can hold a digital camera. The joints rotate 360 degrees, so that means your tripod always will be in the perfect shape, allowing you to get the shot you need. (ThinkGeek.com | $21.99 - $49.99)

USB Microphone

With the growing popularity of podcasting and Skype interviews, having a microphone for your computer is becoming more and more important. The USB microphone is a handy device to have because it positions a highly sensitive microphone close at hand without the need for a stand. It easily can be carried anywhere and used in both your home and work offices. The USB microphone also can support an external microphone connection and a USB extender if you need the microphone closer. (SoundProfessionals.com | $59.00)

Ultra-Thin Digital Voice Recorder

A digital voice recorder has become an essential tool for every journalist. There are so many choices in recorders, however, ranging from the bulky to, well, this one. The ultra-thin digital voice recorder is about the size of a credit card and only 6.5 millimeters thick, so it easily fits in your pocket or wallet or wherever. It has 1GB of storage space and can hold up to 69 hours of recording time. It has a flip-out USB connector that also serves as a charger for the device. It provides everything you need in a digital voice recorder: portability, space for files and the all-important cool factor. (ThinkGeek.com | $59.99)

Flip Video Camera

The Internet is making video an in-demand commodity for media viewers everywhere. All outlets­—regardless of if they are traditionally print, broadcast or straight Web—have audiences that want to see the news as well as hear and read it. In order to deliver on this need, journalists need an easy-to-use, high-quality video camera. The flip video camera, in either standard or HD, delivers on this video need by providing up to two hours of high-quality video. The camera is easy to use, even for the video novice, and a pop-out USB arm allows both downloading of video as well as charging of the internal battery. (TheFlip.com | $149.99-$229.99)

CompuFlash 2GB Pen

A journalist should always have a pen handy, and with the CompuFlash 2GB pen, you can always have a recording device handy too (if you don’t already!). The pen has a built-in microphone and can record up to 64 hours of interviews, notes or whatever else you need a verbal copy of. To top it off, it also doubles as an FM radio. (SkyMall.com | $89.99)