Two-year-old Groupon is emblematic of an age when technology competence will increasingly dominate business, and the only way to succeed will be by exploiting a direct connection to customers via the Internet.

FORBES: Groupon—an Ordinary Company for a Revolutionary New Era

In other words, each laptop is part of a wireless mesh that relays the broadband signal from laptop to laptop—so those out of direct range can still get a connection to the internet.

ECONOMIST: The $100 laptop is fast becoming a reality

But it skips out on the direct internet connection, which could leave it more vulnerable to hacks.

ENGADGET

Small enough to fit in any luggage, purse or briefcase, the compact Multifunction Mini Router gives users the convenience of converting a direct internet connection in conference rooms or hotel rooms to a private connection for added security and mobility.

ENGADGET: Satechi releases $40 mini router that fits in a purse, works as a repeater

The STRIVA CAP can be used in conjunction with a wireless router for digital connections throughout the Internet, or it can be used to create a direct local wireless connection whenever a Wi-Fi router or hot spot is unavailable.

ENGADGET: Koss intros Striva headphone systems, lets you stream music over WiFi straight to your ears