By Cheryl Currid

If you've run out of room clipping digital appliances to your belt, have no fear.

Technology makers are now headed for your neck. From digital cameras, to memory devices, to cell phones -- neck straps are starting to show up in the boxes.

It turns out that the neck is a convenient place to store a technology piece. It keeps the device close at hand and much easier to use that if in a brief case or purse.

Here's an example. Several technology makers have recently released handy storage devices that plug into a USB port. They call them USB mini-drives but in most cases, there's no drive mechanism, it is solid technology with no moving parts. Inside the case sits a tiny removable Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard device, which is a new standard for removable memory.

These handy mini-drives let you easily transfer data files, presentations, pictures or music from one computer to another. It's also a great way to make a temporary backup that you wear like a necklace.

Besides, with a 128-megabyte USB device rather than a 1.44-MB diskette, you get the storage of almost 90 diskettes.

One device I tested was Simple-Tech's new sub-$100 Bonzai USB Mini-Drive. Measuring just 2.5 inches by 1.3 inches by 1/4 inch, the hard-shell plastic Bonzai mini-drive comes with its own neckband. It has a clip that makes it easy to remove the drive, use it, and then hook back again.