Sweden company offering custom-designed parts

Computer users tired of black or beige plastic now have a more natural choice.

Swedx, a maker of computer peripherals, sells custom-designed monitors, keyboards and mice encased in timber culled from Chinese forests.

Swedx monitors, like the one pictured above, range in size from 17 inches ($675) to 19 inches ($1,175). Keyboards retail for around $60. Optical, USB and wireless mice, made from a single block of wood, go for about $40.

The company has sold thousands of the peripherals since it introduced them in 2002 and expects U.S. demand and sales to increase after CeBit America, scheduled for May 25-27 in New York.

Technology

Cell phone packages target baseball fans

Baseball addicts will be able to squint at video highlights on their cell phones under a deal MobiTV has struck with Major League Baseball.

MobiTV, a 6-month-old service that broadcasts such networks as Fox Sports and the Discovery Channel to Sprint mobile customers, is launching two baseball packages, for $9.99 a month each.

One package provides live audio of every game played, with choice of home or visiting team announcer. The other package features video highlights of the day’s games.

“As the cell phone becomes a wallet for individuals, this is a great way to keep baseball close to fans,” said Bob Bowman, chief executive of MLB.com.

Motley Fool

Name that company

Founded in 1932 to sell nail enamel and based in New York City, I’m a world leader in cosmetics, skin care, fragrance and personal care. My brands, such as Almay, Charlie, ColorStay, New Complexion, Fire & Ice, Jean Nate, Mitchum and Ultima II, are known around the world. My products are sold in some 175 nations and territories. During World War II, I made first aid kits and dye markers for the Navy. Later, I introduced manicure and pedicure instruments. Charlie, introduced in 1973, quickly became the world’s top fragrance. I rake in $1.3 billion per year. Who am I?