With almost every brand finding a new sales pitch to take the customer by the hair, Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL), too, has worked on a new USP for its Organics shampoo--a formula that reduces hair breakage by 50 per cent.The new Organics Root Nourishing Shampoo contains a patented silicone (for hair, too!), which coats the hair fibre to protect it from damage, delivering shine and softness, claims a company statement.

The novel conditioning technology is based on considerable research development and extensive consumer testing, the statement says. According to Dalip Seghal, marketing controller (personal products), the new formula Organics has been made keeping in mind the woman who looks for real and long-lasting beauty and not just superficial shine and temporary attractiveness.

Organics is available in two new variants for normal hair and dry hair in packs of 180 ml for Rs 81, 90 ml for Rs 43 and 6 ml sachets for Rs 2.

Guarding against laptop thefts

The mostrecent national figures show that more than 300,000 laptops were stolen in 1997 in the US, and those numbers are expected to increase steadily. The FBI says stolen laptops are one of the most sought-after items on the black market, reports CNET Services.

So, what can you do? There are a few options available now. You could buy a lock and cable that fastens your laptop to your desk. If you're on the road, you might benefit from an alarm device that sounds when your laptop is separated from the companion radio transmitter that you would carry. You can also buy encryption software to safeguard your data and limit access to your machine.

The demand for laptop security devices is driving many companies to develop new products. So be sure to ask about the latest offerings when you're shopping for your laptop.

In the meantime, check out CNET Download.com for security and encryption utilities for Macs and PCs, and their prices. If you have a question, send it to questions@tv.com.

Jamaican designs forwindows

Add a touch of the Caribbean to your lifestyle. Morarjee Mills has introduced a new range of curtain and upholstery material called the Jamaican Collection. The prints are in four lively shades of blue, green, yellow and rust, with seven different patterns to choose from. The fabric is available in a range of materials too: polyester cotton and polyester viscose. The prices range between Rs 175 and Rs 225 for a metre.

Get a whiff of St Dupont

Another foreign parfum has hit the Indian shores. This time, it's St Dupont. The French company has tied-up with the House of Baccarose to bring this fragrance to the country. St Dupont pour homme and St Dupont pour femme are available in 500 ml, 50 ml and 30 ml packs. You can choose between eau de toilettes and deodorants. The perfumes are available at the perfume counters in all departmental stores like Ebony and Big Jo's in Delhi and Akbarally's, Shopper's Stop and Parcos in Mumbai.

Teddy biscuits for kiddies

Britannia is catchingthe imagination of kids with its new animal crackers biscuit. Available in the shape of a teddy bear now, Funland biscuits are an extension of its popular product, Milk Bikis. Funland is available in pouches of 25 g,50 g and a 100 g carton priced at Rs 3, Rs 5 and Rs 10, respectively.

Hilfiger Athletics for the sporty man

Tommy Hilfiger has come up with a new perfume--Hilfiger Athletics. The perfume is meant to capture the fun and energetic side of a man with a zingy fragrance. Hilfiger Athletics has the entire range of accessories with it: total body shampoo, deoderant spray and stick, body cooling gel, muscle therapy soak and even aftershave. Check it out at the next Duty Free you pass.