As Smartphone and PDA screens grow, keyboards typically shrink. Imagine using your PDA on an airplane table with a wireless full-sized keyboard. No worries if a pocket of turbulence spills your coffee on the keyboard -- just throw it in the washing machine. That's what a company called Eleksen offers with its fabric keyboard.

After using it for a few minutes, I can confirm the touch typists will be much more effective on this than a tiny thumb keyboard. It may not sport the usual key travel and click, but the slight depression leaves no doubt when a key is pressed. When done, just roll it up and stuff it in your computer bag, or even your pocket. It doesn't take up much space, and it won't break. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB.

Eleksen also uses this technology in clothing. On display was a ski jacket with music player controls embedded in the sleeve. No, these "buttons" aren't sewn in or ironed on -- they're part of the fabric. (The buttons are activated by pressure, not heat, so gloves can be kept on.) The jacket included a headphone jack and a microphone built into the collar, and the control unit is smart enough to pause the music when you answer a call (all via the sleeve buttons). The picture just doesn't do it justice.