TOY BOX: The Rivet is a good fit for certain items

RoadWired's Rivet micro-fastener kits, available in three models - Power Broker (the one I sampled), e-Treker ($29.95), and Rave Star ($19.95) - essentially offer a hi-tech looking alternative to those geeky belt clips that come free with cell phones and other gadgets.

The system is based around the e-clip, which is a small piece of alloy with a spring-loaded entry gate and push-button release chute. Users slide different kinds of pins - fixed with adhesive, or free hanging via key ring or lanyard cord - into the hub. The ensemble is then hooked to one of several attachment options - a belt-clip, dashboard mount, or fabric pin mount. I tried attaching the e-clip with the non-adhesive pin to a Motorola V60i cell phone, Apple iPod, and Surefire E2e flashlight - all popular items - but none could accept carrying cords or key rings. Assuming that permanently sticking a steel plate to your expensive gear isn't ideal, limited compatible devices is a minus. The verdict: Cool concept and design, but make sure your gadgets can handle it. Any questions? Write us at toybox@prweek.com

Sara Calabro writes Toy Box. She is a New York-based staff reporter for PRWeek ----- Price $39.95 Available at roadwired. com, and select luggage, computer, and wireless shops Specs The Power Broker kit contains an e-clip, one belt clip, one fixed pin, one multi pin, a multi pin ring, a fabric pin, an adhesive plate, and two extra adhesive pads.