I'm one of those guys who scribbles notes on everything. Constantly. Scraps of paper everywhere. My short term memory is worse than my grandmother's (she sent me a Christmas card just last week), so I've learned that if I don't write something down immediately, it's gone forever.

I've thought about getting one of those digital recorders, but it's just one more thing to have to carry around. And unless I write myself a note to remember to bring it with me, I'll just end up leaving it on the kitchen counter anyway.

But I usually have my iPod with me. In the car. At the gym. On my desk here at The Pad. Some of the places I tend to come up with my groundbreaking ideas. Or shopping list. Fortunately, XtremeMac has an easy way to turn an iPod into a personal memo recorder.

Snap their MicroMemo onto the dock connector of your Nano or video iPod. Your iPod will automatically bring up the Voice Memo screen with on-screen controls. You don't have to install any software or change any settings, it couldn't be easier.

Capture and record with the flexible, detachable mic -- or any other mic with a 3.5mm plug. You can even record directly from a computer or soundboard. Depending on whether you choose to record in high or low quality, you'll get from 48-192 hours of record time on the average 30 Gig video iPod. Recordings can also be exported to programs like Garage Band for editing, or added to a video soundtrack.

If you have a brainstorm while listening to music, pressing the "X-Man" button on the MicroMemo instantly pauses your music or video and brings you directly to the record screen. No need to scroll through the menu and risk losing that idea.

I'm going to make a note to send one to my grandmother next week. For Christmas.

$59.95
www.xtrememac.com