It seems like everybody and their entrepreneurial uncle has released a docking speaker system for the insanely popular iPod, so Tuesday Apple announced it has followed the trend with the iPod Hi-Fi. Who knows whether this will sound the death knell for the boombox, but that’s what this clean, nifty device replaces. Buy it directly from the Apple Store for the maximum “feel good” quotient. Get it for $349 (iPod and cool tunes sold separately).

Thought we’d take just a minute to show you this item for the harried, perpetually late — or overly laidback — person on your gift list. This clock is not for the time watcher, but rather for the time disrespecter. Comes in “Whatever” style or, for those who feel more guilty about their impromptness, “Oy Vey!”. It goes for $25 at uncommon goods, a store that doesn’t waste our time on anything that’s not unique or design-worthy.

Our Shopperati featured site TreeHugger offers a “bright idea” this week. To reduce CO2 emissions, save energy and money, replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). But how to avoid that creepy green glow of some fluorescents? Buy “warm” light CFLs with color ratings of 2000-3000 Kelvin that replicate incandescent tones. The government’s Energy Star website claims that if every U.S. household replaced just ONE light bulb with an Energy Star-rated CFL, it would reduce as much pollution as taking 1 million cars off the road. And you save about $30 per bulb by switching to energy-efficient flurorescent. Find lightbulbs online at: bulbs.com, 1000bulbs and Light Bulbs Direct.

Eye on the time in Beijing, Beirut or Boston? You’ve got it at your fingertips with this unique timepiece. Roll it so the city you are watching is on the top to get the correct time. Includes all 24 global time zones. For stockbrokers, globetrotters, folks who like cool things on their desk and the math-challenged. By Charlotte Van Der Waals, available at design-oriented JUNRO, ($75 in red or black; stainless steel $190).

The Sak has a handbag for everyone – urban business types and soccer moms alike – but none is more fun than this colorful, crocheted throwback with a cross-body strap that’s new for spring ($59). You’ll know it’s the updated version when you stash your cell phone in its own interior pocket. Shop The Sak directly. The Sak folks aren’t they only ones pushing our whimsy buttons this season. See Dooney & Bourke “Doodle” Bucket Bag ($140) made of weather-treated cotton tapestry fabric with leather trim, at Dillard’s and other department stores.

Banana Republic continues to have its own makeover as the retailer takes a new direction for ‘06. For one thing, don’t go in expecting a large selection of wrap dresses, as Mary Dixie Carter humorously noted in her bridalblog. Instead there is this whole Bohemian-Chic thing happening that, while quite attractive on its own merits, may not be what the regulars are accustomed to. But we think change is good and refreshing, so bring on spring and a new attitude.