Any fan of sci-fi shows such as "Star Trek" and "Babylon 5" has to envy those wearable communication devices; so much more stylish and convenient than having to haul out a cell phone. Well, once again, fiction has become reality, and although the Vocera Communications Badge B2000 doesn't double as an insignia, it offers more practical features. Most notable is that the wearable device includes Wi-Fi security options and multimode wireless support along with BioCote antimicrobial technology. Together these features make the B2000 ideal for use in a hospital setting, where cellular devices could interfere with medical equipment.

The badge still weights more than those from the sci-fi shows, but at less than 2 ounces, it is still lighter than most mobile phones. And you call people by name, number, location or even groups merely by pushing the button and speaking. Designed originally as "telephonic jewelry," the B2000 combines fashion with functionality too.

Post by Peter Suciu