Getting the balance between work life and home can be a tricky one, and in this ever increasingly "connected" world this fine balance can be even a greater challenge to achieve.

What are we to make of Creative's latest InPerson Conferencing launch then? Which the company describes as a "breakthrough in technology, design, price and ease-of-use and introduces an entirely new category of inPerson Conferencing".

All the tech is there in abundance as it features Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-party conferencing, a 16 million colour 7-inch LCD and Sure Connect technology for "fast and easy connection". And with Creative's pedigree in the sound department, audio is bound to be pretty slick.

As Jeff Stoen, PhD, general manager of video and imaging for Creative Labs, Inc. puts it: "Imagine having seven meetings on seven continents in seven hours, and everyone wants you to be there. With Creative inPerson, you can join a board meeting in Geneva, a one-on-one in Africa, and your child’s birthday party in California while you’re stuck in the airport in
Australia".

Yes, Mr Stoen has just described the day from hell, but more to the point although this may well improve productivity when at work, we doubt this gadget will actually improve your work/home balance. This is due, in part, to its portable nature (7.5 x 6 x 1 inches) meaning it might just act as another way for your employers/colleagues to contact you, thereby "encouraging" you to work when you should be doing other - less worky -stuff.

Saying that, this is obviously great for certain employers as the unit is apparently a relative snip at $699.99 and could cut down the need to travel.

No word on pricing or availability yet, but more news should be coming in the next few weeks.

Photos by Stuart Miles