We use the spiffy Gmail integration on the current iPhone 3G to keep in touch with clients and ideas on the move. We also use the fantastic Wordpress app to draft (and update) content of our site, and our client sites, whenever we need to make a quick change.

So here's a quick update on what's new, and what's not new, in the just-announced iPhone 3Gs.

We've been using the 3G for around a year, and love its organisation tools, the integration with Google Calendar (we never did get into iCal - too propriatery), and it's 'ok' touch-screen keyboard. We must admit though, as a telephone, it has been lacking. Dropped calls on 3G network, confused iPod when SMS arrives. That aspect of it just doesn't seem finished - we guess we should have got a touch instead. The fact O2's 3G network is oversubscribed in London leads us to believe they should really not advertise "3G" as a useable feature in high density areas. We haven't had a hands-on with the 3GS yet, so will not touch on the phone features.

But what's new in the 3GS that will aide our output?

The 3 mega-pixel camera will be a handy addition to our blogging projects. We don't often use the existing 2 mega-pixel camera on the 3G as it is really poor quality. Maybe you'd like to have a bit more spontaneity on you blog and post photos you've just taken. Hopefully the improved camera will make them look a little more professional, rather than the 'taken through a sheet of scratchy plastic' pics we get at the moment.

The Voice Recorder app that's coming with OS 3.0 will be great for keeping little reminders to yourself. We've been trying to get into Evernote for a while, but the lack of a useable 3G network in London means we got bored waiting for it to sync.

Cut-and-Paste. Oooh. Despite the grumbles that it should have been there at the start, now it's been implemented it really does work a treat. Edit your notes or your Wordpress posts right from your phone. Nice. The pinch-and-stretch highlighter works well, and is simple to use.

If you've got a lot of notes for articles, or client contacts you need to get to quickly, the Spotlight Search is a great addition to the OS. If you splashed out for MobileMe and the contact or email message you’re looking for isn’t on your iPhone, you can continue your search on the server. Search responds with all the results so you can display them on your iPhone.

Computer

Doh, no brainer.  Check out our upcoming Top 5 Netbooks feature for a portable powerhouse.  But for the desk, something like an iMac or an XP pc will do the job.  Many markets allow writers to submit proposals via email, and it's the easiest way to communicate in the 21st century.

Pens and Pencils and a Pad of Paper

Despite the fact you'll likely do most of your actual writing a your computer, a little pad of paper by your side is great for jotting down little plans for articles, keeping notes that don't merit opening Word, and for sitting on the toilet taking notes while you do your thinking.

Dictionary and various Reference Books

We recommend Fowler's A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, and a good thesaurus.  Strunk and White is also a must if you are submitting work to broadsheets - and even if you're not, your work should meet high standards.

Calendar / Day Planner

Keep track of the tasks you have to accomplish today.  With a computer (and the internet) at your fingertips, it's easy to be distracted.  So write down what you want your goals to be.  Then you know what you'll get done.

In Tray

Desks get out of control with papers, notes, clippings and letters.  With a tray, you can keep your plans organised.  Your documents that are pertinent to your current task are within easy reach, and your train of thought won't be interrupted while you dig around in your drawers looking for that note.

Webcam or Microphone

Quicktime Pro does work with the built-in iSight, because Quicktime Pro supports USB cameras. Quicktime Pro is inexpensive, but inexpensive still isn’t free, and it makes no sense to shell out cash to fix a problem that shouldn’t be a problem to begin with.

If you're posting blogs or podcasts, you'll find these invaluable.  They let your computer be the true workhorse of your business.  Many modern computers, such as the iMac and even many of the netbooks on the market, have these built in so you can record your podcasts on the hoof.

Printer

Even though the internet and email allows you to submit work electronically, there's still a very real requirement to have hard copies of work for your clients. Many will require this to be couriered to them before they will approve your work for publication.

If you do not have a footrest, it can force your lower back into an arch, and put excessive pressure on your spinal discs. With a footrest, your lower spine will be placed in a more neutral position, and your back muscles will relax. The distribution of the weight of your torso will be correct and you will be less inclined to become tired while sitting.

Here are some options.

Humanscale Foot Machine 500
Its sleek design is a mixture of function and beauty. The wide, moulded plywood platform is stable and durable. The base has rubber grips for a non-slip surface if the floor is wood or linoleum. The die-case aluminium legs are curved slightly to encourage a relaxing rocking motion. This movement allows for the exercising of the lower leg muscles while you are seated.

The plywood is from sustainable forests. It is stained with brushed steel with straight black accents.

The ErgoWise Foot-Rest

This alternative helps to combat the discomfort and tiredness associated with sitting for extended period with its innovative design. It features padded rollers which move independly of each other and give a smooth massage to the soles of your feet.

The angle is adjustable with knobs which tighten to give stability to the platform and tilt to suit the user.

Budget Ergo-Comfort Adjustable Footrest

This low-cost basic model covers all the bases in the most simple ways. It elevates the feet (at least 2 inches is enough), and improves the circulation in your body. Allowing your shoulders to naturally relax backwards helps your posture. The 'Easy-Glide' design allows for the positioning of your legs and feet while the rest is in use, and the tilt angle will slide to any position that is comfortable.

Read our 6 tips on how to choose a suitable chair for your main office needs. If you work for a company, you should have a word with your department administrator in getting the chair that suits you.

One word of caution - the chair itself may not be the cause of any discomfort you may be feeling. You may need to adjust other elements of your work environment - such as monitor or foot rest.

Adjust your Seat Height
The is the first correction that should be made, and when it is correctly done, your hands should be allowed to float just above the keyboard, with your forearms laying parallel to the floor. If you can get close enough to your desk, your elbows should be in a vertical line with your shoulders.

Seat Depth
The depth of the seat should support your thighs so you do not strain your legs. You should be able to put 2 fingers in to the gap between the front edge of the seat, and the back of your knees.

Backrest Height Adjustment
You need to be sure that your back rest is able to be adjusted to such a degree as to provide lumbar support. The height of your lumbar region from the base of your spine differs from person to person, so you should be able to adjust this appropriately.

Backrest Reclining Adjustment
Although you ideally should have much of a recline on your seat when doing your normal day-to-day work, it can offer a pleasant respite if you are on the telephone or taking a break. Set the angle to a comfortable angle so it reduces back strain, yet will still maintain the lumbar curve.

Foot Rest
If you are of a dainty proportion, and when your seat height has been appropriately adjusted and your feet do not rest flat on the floor - you may need a foot rest. The rest should enable you to sit with your knees and your hips at right angles.

Adjustable Armrest Height
If you prefer a chair with arm rest, please consider these 3 points:
The are fully height adjustable within the restrictive height of your desk
Your arms do not rest on them while you are performing your task at your desk
Your shoulders do not 'hunch'

Clear and loud audio is achieved by way of their 'Voice Isolation Technology' and 'Noise Assassin' respectively. You can pair the devices with an impressive 8 different devices (and connect at the same time to 2). They cost the same, and the look pretty swish.

So where do they differ? The Jawbone senses your speech by way of a little doobery that touches your cheekbone, and it's controls are hidden under the casing. The Q1's controls are on the outside, but effective.

For our money (£80 of it), the Prime just feels comfier. The interchangeable earbud makes for a snug fit no matter how big your lugs. Q1 only has two different sizes, so it's just your luck if it fits or not.

Styling-wise, the Jawbone also takes first place. In shocking green, you'll stand-out (if you want to) with this kind of Klingon intergalactic communicator.

The winner? For our money, Jawbone Prime for adaptability and good looks.

[Jawbone]
[Q1]

Aliph Jawbone Prime Bluetooth Wireless Headset

1 Bid

US $25.00

JAWBONE 2 3 II PRIME EAR LOOP S HOOK S EAR BUD S 7PCS

0 Bid

US $11.99

Aliph Jawbone 3 Prime Bluetooth Noise Assassin EARWARE

US $89.16

Jawbone Custom 1 2 prime Adapter from Big Ear Inc

0 Bid

US $64.00

Jawbone Prime Bluetooth Earbud

US $50.00

Black Jawbone 3 Prime Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Aliph

0 Bid

US $36.99

Pink Jawbone 3 Prime Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Aliph

0 Bid

US $36.99

Green Jawbone 3 Prime Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Aliph

0 Bid

US $42.00

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Blueant Q1 Specs

Just stick a few centimetres of the 19mm (3?4") wide patented magnetic tape to the back of your photos, posters, notes, etc. and a matching piece on the wall, the fridge door or office cupboard etc.

The tape strips will stick to each other magnetically. And can be just as easily taken off again. Unlike conventional removable adhesive tape, you can use this tape again and again. Ideal, for example, if you need to reposition storyboards several times.

Silver medal at the inventors’ fair in Geneva, 2006.

The acrylic magnetic tape has an underside which sticks to wallpaper and paper as perfectly as it does to wood, glass, plastic and metal.

[via The Red Ferret]

(Note: you'll not see many folk down at Starbucks sporting these badboys)

Paul Smith Men's Laptop bag £90

Paul Smith laptop case printed with a seasonal Mini on location photograph. The spring/summer 2009 picture is taken at Portland Bill lighthouse. It is complimented with chocolate coloured leather trims.

Internally the laptop case is lined in purple canvas with two additional pockets; one which is zip fastening. It is finished with a Paul Smith's signature logo tab is sewn into the seam.

[paulsmith.co.uk]

AO Ally Capellino brown air glove for MacBook Air £110
By [Ally Capellino]

Made from softly polished natural leather, a green lightweight cotton quilted lining and a leather button with easy elastic fastening to reflect the original carrying concept from Apple. Your Macbook Air will slip comfortably and smoothly inside.

Features

* Polished full grain leather
* Leather button with elastic flap closure
* Soft cotton tote duster bag in green

Interior

* Soft cotton green quilted lining
[via Apple]

Herald laptop case £275
from [Bill Amberg]

A document and laptop slip made in the Modern Traveller signature perforated leather with contrasting red interior. An amalganation of Bill's earlier two separate laptop and document case designs- this time with more internal pocketing for CDs, your mobile, paperwork and pens.

Search Pad uses a simple, easy-to-follow interface.

Video attached is from Yahoo and demos how the service works.

Search Pad is a note taking application built into Yahoo! Search that automatically assists you in saving websites you visit and taking notes as you search. Search Pad helps you collect, edit, organize, save, print, and email your notes for immediate or future use.

Search Pad is helpful in completing tasks and making decisions that require collecting information over multiple search sessions such as making a large purchase, planning a vacation or gathering information on a health issue.

[via Snashing Magazine]

Dickie's pics provide a lot of snaps and info for achieving this "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus" of a Moleskine wallet.

[Make]