vacuum cleaner has an innovative design

Gtech AirRam, $350,

www.greytechnology.com

Gtech, a maker of floor-care and garden products in Britain, is setting its sights on the United States with the introduction here of its latest vacuum, the AirRam.

The AirRam, invented by the company's founder, Nick Grey, combines the simplicity of a cordless vacuum with the power of an electric one. This is thanks to an efficient, compact design that eliminates tubes and bags and incorporates a professional-grade lithium-ion battery.

At 7½ pounds, the AirRam is light, making it easy to push across a carpet or hardwood floor. And disposing of the vacuumed dirt and dust is easy, too, because the AirRam compresses it into tiny bales that can be plucked from the vacuum's waste tray.

The AirRam, which costs $350 and is available at Brookstone, collects data such as how many calories were burned while vacuuming and how much electricity was saved. In a test, it sucked up all the dirt, crumbs and cat hair under the couch with one pass.

But the AirRam is awfully loud, like a blender grinding up rocks. It's a smart innovation, but Grey needs to design a muffler for the motor.

a waterproof case for the ipad mini

Fre case, $100, www.lifeproof.com

Lifeproof made its name building phone and tablet cases that are water-, dust-, snow- and shock-proof without adding the armor cladding of many submersible cases. It claims its new Fre case for the iPad mini is its most streamlined yet.

The Fre wraps the iPad mini with a protective bumper that has clear front and back windows, unlike its Nuud models, which are waterproof without a front cover.

It adds modest bulk and weight to the mini, so you aren't compromising the little iPad's foremost charm.

The Fre has optical glass over the camera, to avoid distortion and a latch on the bottom that opens for charging without removing the cover completely.

All the iPad controls can be reached while in the case and there are eyelets for a carrying strap that is included.

NEW YORK TIMES