hUtility vacuum

hUtility vacuum
It's hard to resist comparing Black & amp; Decker's new 3.5-amp Wet & amp; Dry Utility Vac to R2D2, the "Star Wars" pint-size robot.
The 2-gallon vacuum is compact, so it can be stored easily, and removing it from storage for use is relatively effortless. While it won't pick up heavy-duty stuff, it will do the dropped-sugar, spilled-coffee number fairly easily.
Price: $24.95.
For more information visit www.blackanddecker.com.
Storage for your tools
A new storage product to the market is the ZAG Mobile Work Center, produced by a subsidiary of Stanley Tools.
The mobile storage unit will hold 50 pounds of tools and has compartments designed to hold lots of items. It has a swivel front drawer and front tool pocket for the tools you need to get to quickly and often; a full-size compartment tray for other hand tools and accessories; two lid organizers for small parts; and a large storage compartment for cordless and power tools.
The work center can be quickly separated into two units.
Price: $29.95. Available at Wal-Mart.
Want a streamlinedand edgy bathroom?
"Streamlined" and "edgy" aren't usually the first words that come to mind when discussing bathroom fixtures. But industrial designer Philippe Starck might change that with his new line of fixtures for Duravit, called Starck 3.
Starck took his inspiration from the shape of a square, creating washbasins that feature a comfortable-sized bowl as well as plenty of counter space. The sinks come in 19-, 22-, 24- and 25-inch widths, and furniture washbasins are available in 31 1/2- and 39 1/2-inch widths. The pieces range in price from $135 to $695.
The Starck 3 collection also includes wall-mounted toilets ($575-$640), equipped with the dual-flush system, which lets the user choose between a 3- or 6-gallon flush for more economical water usage.
All of the fixtures in the line are available in Alpin (white) and Pergamon (off-white), as well as with the easy-to-clean WonderGliss finish.
The Starck 3 fixtures can be ordered by calling (888) 387-2848 or visiting www.duravit.com.
Think spring for kids
Just because it's January, doesn't mean it's too early to think about spring.
Fans of David Kirk will be happy to hear that the characters from his Miss Spider children's books will be featured in a new line of products at Target. The Sunny Patch line includes a line of garden products for kids, home decor and apparel.
Kids who want to dig in the dirt will enjoy Green Bug and Ladybug Kneepads ($4.99), the Miss Spider watering can ($7.99) and the Red Bug Pail ($7.99).
Sunny Patch products will be available in stores soon.
Carbon monoxide alarmrecalls high level of gas
With colder weather we rely on such devices as fireplaces, gas ovens and stoves, space heaters and furnaces to keep us warm. But they can increase our risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide -- a colorless, odorless gas -- is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. To stay warm and still keep your risk low, consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Kidde, manufacturer of home safety products, has developed the Nighthawk Digital Display carbon monoxide alarm, which in addition to sounding an 85-decibel alarm if carbon monoxide is detected, also updates its digital display every 15 seconds. The alarm's memory recalls the highest level of carbon monoxide detected, allowing workers to react appropriately in case of emergency.
The Nighthawk is available at hardware, home center and mass merchandise outlets for about $45.
For more information, call (800) 880-6788 or visit www.kiddesafety.com.