PINs, passwords, secure entry systems; just about everything you access these days needs some form of passive authentication code. Heck, even that Wi-Fi router in your basement uses a mega 63-character password for enabling secure access. Before you know it, youll even need a password just to go to bed at night.

More often than not, these security code systems require you to enter a lengthy 8- or more digit alphanumeric sequence. And creating powerful, unique, protective passwords can be a tough challenge for most people. What you need is some sort of portable, automatic, press-the-button-and-read-the-password device. Pass Key is an attempt at satisfying this requirement.

Ambient technology is the current rage for presenting information in a unobtrusive and, sometimes, sublime manner. Information suited for an ambient format ranges from complex number-laden data streams to simple one- or two-digit numbers. The idea here is that you can glean the same information by simply looking at the color of a cube, rather than consulting a sensor's text output.

The Golden Rule

Stick with one manufacturer, and you can use the same battery in all your tools-as long as they have the same voltage. So don't go for a 9.6-volt drill if you think you'll want an 18-volt reciprocating saw later. The descriptions below will help you determine how handy you really are around the house-and, thus, your future cordless tool needs.

The Unhandy Handyman