Devices to die for

We've been talking about a few potential gadgets or devices that we'd find useful at work. I can't believe that no-one has come up with these yet.

First off, why do we put up with horrible patch panels and switches? What about integrating the whole thing, so the port leads are connected straight into the back of the switch, and all you'd need as a couple of RJ45 ports for servers and stacking? Lose that rat's nest.

There's been some discussionon the perfect PDA/phone device. I think it's still unreasonable to expect it in the near future, but such a device would have to contain GPS functionality as well as all forms of wireless networking, be able to act as an MP3 player and have USB connectivity to make use of its 20 Gb on board storage for file transfer. And all in a form factor easy enough to hold in one hand. Batteries that last longer than twenty minutes might be a good idea, too!

My personal preference is for a terminal device. I'm bugged by the lack of serial ports on so many systems nowadays. Laptops seem to have retained the all-but-useless parallel port at the expense of a decent 9 pin serial connection. But what I'd really like is a handheld unit with serial and network connectivity built in, to allow for device testing. Suggestions welcomed.