New VB scripter Troy modified a script for Outlook that lets him know when he’s forgotten an attachment on an email (not counting his company logo).

Troy writes:

I started a new job back in July, and had to fill out a form to get access to a client’s network. Unfortunately I sent the email without the form. As part of my new job I had been working on learning VBScript, so this was the perfect opportunity to test my skills. With a little searching I was able to find an example of what I needed, and tweaked it to account for my signature’s company logo.

In short, Troy modified a script Jack Stowage originally posted in the comments here to work for him. Since he attaches his company logo in his outgoing message signature, this version of the script lets you set a base messages attachment number (in his case, one logo file) and compare from there. So if he sends a message with the word “attach” in it and it only has one file attached (the logo)? Outlook pops up the notification shown above.

(Gmail users, you can also have this feature by enabling it in Gmail Labs.)

Hit the link below to grab a copy of the VB script for Outlook, and get the instructions for setting it up yourself. Congratulations to Troy! He’s earned himself a signed copy of our latest book, Upgrade Your Life. Here’s how you can win one yourself by sharing your best timesaver of the year.

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I’m not the kind of girl who often has the need for 15 to 20 feet of 550-pound test paracord (I’d rather walk over hot coals than camp again, and don’t get me started on extreme sports) but if you’re a more rugged type than me, you might be interested in this survival bracelet from Survival Straps.

Not only does it look good as a piece of rugged, rustic jewelry, it can be unwound if you’re ever in a sticky situation, and once you’ve made it back to safety (crossed a river, made it down a mountain, whatever) just send it back for re-winding. Prices start at $20. I’d like to see Tiffany try to match that.

Via Boing Boing Gadgets.

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Peek

Have you been considering getting a laptop or Blackberry for your tech-challenged relative because they’re out of the loop since the rest of the family communicates via email? You probably have hesitated thinking of the endless tech support that you’ll doubtlessly be providing over the years. No need for that with the Peek- an email only device which is as slim and stylish as a new smartphone but is super-simple as it’s used for email only. And no need for setting up wireless networks or anything else- the Peek comes with its own nationwide cellular network. It’s not a phone or a music player or a camera- it’s for email, which is made easy with a full qwerty keyboard. And the Peek now supports text messages too. And you can stop dodging phone calls from your Dad, fearing it’s another call for computer setup. The Peek is $99.95 and the monthly service is $19.95. (Mia)

Orbit Speaker

At $39.99, the Orbit MP3 speaker system from Altec Lansing is a perfect gift for any music lover on your shopping list.
It easily connects to portable CD players, MP3 players, music-enabled phones, laptops and other audio devices, including iPod and iPhone. Plays for up to 24 hours on 3 AAA batteries. The design does more than provide a cuteness factor since it provides a 360-degree sound field. Good sound in a small package. And did we mention that it’s only $39.99? (Amazon.) (Evan)

Discovery Sound Lab

For the budding engineer in your child, this device promises an exciting time in carrying out sound experiments by wiring up the provided circuits. The digital sound and electricity lab is safe and does not require any additional tools or soldering. All you need is to be prepared to hear a range of modulated sounds through the day as your kids explore the lab. Available from Amazon for $27.97 (Kanchana)

Tanita Pedometer

If there’s a fitness buff on your Christmas list, they’ll be delighted with the new Tanita Pedometer 724 for one reason — it utilizes unique technology that allows you to carry the pedometer in your pocket or around your neck instead of the traditional method of clipping it to your belt. Apparently, 10,000 steps a day is the recommended amount of walking for long term health and reducing chronic risk of disease. For successful, sustained weight loss, 12,000-15,000 steps a day is recommended. And for those of you that want to burn as many calories as possible during the day, make 3,000 or more of your daily steps fast. We like it because it’s easy to use and features a panic alarm in case you’re threatened while out walking. $34.99 at The Competitive Edge. Also, because we’re going to need to use it after we consume all that Christmas candy. Dark chocolate anyone? (Evan)

Funkeyboards

If you think that black and white keyboards are so boring and could do with some colors and designs, look no further than funkeyboards. These are jazzy stickers shaped to fit your keyboard transforming them into cool looking accessories.The fluorescent print reflects any light source such as the monitor, making the keyboard letters glow. Get one at $9.99 (Kanchana)

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