Archive for the 'Accessories & Peripherals' Category

The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), the trade association for PC Card and ExpressCard technology, has announced that the ExpressCard Standard 1.2 is undergoing a significant update to accommodate the faster data transfer speeds.

“The new ExpressCard Standard 2.0 will support transfer rates ranging from two to 10 times faster than ExpressCard Standard 1.2, depending on the data protocol used. The ExpressCard Standard 2.0 will enable manufacturers to develop higher performance ExpressCard products for consumers,” the PCMCIA’s press release says.

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Lenovo today announced its new ThinkPad and IdeaPad 90W slim AC/DC combo adapter, the company’s first all-in-one adapter designed to charge other electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and mobile audio devices.

“At about a half-inch thick and 33 percent smaller than Lenovo’s previous combo adapter, it’s roughly the size of a deck of playing cards – small enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket,” Lenovo says adding that the adapter is 25 percent lighter than the company’s previous model.

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Connect-A-Desk has unveiled a new patent pending product with the same name, giving users the freedom to use their laptops while walking or standing.

“It’s great for inspectors, warehouse supervisors, inventory control specialists, bloggers, journalists, and anyone who wants the freedom to be mobile while using their computer,” the company’s press release says.

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Pyramat today announced its Laptop Sound Booster notebook stand, “which turns laptops into a personal home theater experience by amplifying sound through two powerful, full range Pyramat speakers”.

Along with a pair of 4W stereo speakers, the Laptop Sound Booster features an ergonomic design and a heat-dissipating base. The speakers are powered through an USB port. There are also an Audio-In port and a volume control wheel. The Laptop Sound Booster has an iPod docking station and can be powered by batteries when it is used as a speaker system for iPods or MP3 players.

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Asustek has released accessories for the ASUS Eee PC, including a mouse, headphones, power adapter, and extra batteries for this ultraportable notebook.

The mouse has a resolution of 1000dpi and connects to an Eee PC through USB. It is available in five different colors in order to match various Eee PC casings. The headset consists of a pair of headphones and comes with 1.15m of cable and 3 sizes of earbud gel tips. The power adapter provides various power code specifications for different countries, while the extra battery features 4 cells with 5200mAh or 6 cells with 7800mAh.

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Secured Digital Applications today unveiled its new EyStar Bluetooth GPS receiver for the U.S. market.

“The EyStar Bluetooth GPS receiver forms part of a system comprising of navigation software installed in either a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, PDA or laptop. No cable or line of sight is required to connect the receiver to a compatible cell phone, PDA or laptop. The pocket-sized receiver can be used without external power for up to 15 hours. The 20-channel all-in-view tracking SiRF Star III GPS receiver with its high sensitivity is particularly suitable for city or mountain navigation,” the press release says.

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Sprint and Alcatel-Lucent have announced the SprintSecure Laptop Guardian service for corporate users, which enables 24/7 notebook computer security through remote monitoring, location, and locking if a laptop is lost or stolen.

The solution utilizes a unique Mobile Broadband connection PCMCIA card that serves as a two-factor authentication device.

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Verizon Wireless has announced the UM150 USB wireless modem, optimized for the company’s EV-DO Rev. A network and the BroadbandAccess service. This modem, which connects to laptop and desktop computers via a USB port, also features a microSD memory slot.

According to the press release, users of the UM150 USB modem in Verizon’s EV-DO Rev. A coverage areas are provided with average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500- 800 kbps. This means that customers can download a 1MB file in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

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The Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card for AT&T 3G wireless network is now available. This Type II PC Card for notebooks supports enhanced upload speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps reportedly.

“Compatible with High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, the AirCard 881 PC will enable average upload speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps as AT&T commences the industry’s first U.S. deployment of High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). After completion of comprehensive testing and certification, AT&T is rolling out HSUPA technology in its network today, with availability to be announced in select U.S. markets later this fall,” the press release says.

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Asustek has introduced the ASUS Xonar U1 external USB audio device, aimed to provide laptop and desktop PC users with an improved audio experience.

“The Xonar U1 is an external USB audio device that improves the laptop or PC’s underachieving audio by first eliminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noisy DC circuits inside the PC chassis. It then utilizes the high quality DAC (digital to analog convertor) to bring about crisp, clear music or gaming audio in the original flavor that was meant to be heard. The Xonar U1 provides a huge boost to PC gamers by supporting EAX and DirectSound HW acceleration for best gaming experience in Windows VISTA and XP,” according to the company’s press release.

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Kensington announced today the new line of notebook accessories, which includes four mice, and a set featuring a wireless keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a laser mouse. There are also a remote controller, two laptop cases, a docking station, two stands, and power adapters for noteboks and other mobile devices.

The Kensington SlimBlade collection includes the SlimBlade Presenter Mouse (SKU K72283 and SKU K72285), SlimBlade Media Mouse (SKU K72282), SlimBlade Presenter Media Mouse (SKU K72280), SlimBlade Trackball Mouse (SKU K72283), SlimBlade Media Notebook Set (SKU K72279), and SlimBlade Media Remote (SKU K72320). The line features a range of color finishes, including graphite, pewter, ice blue, deep blue, deep wine and black.

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Targus Inc. the new EcoSmart line of eco-friendly laptop cases.

“Targus’ new EcoSmart series of messenger bags, backpacks and top loading laptop carrying cases are made of PVC-free material, which makes the production of EcoSmart cases less harmful to the ecosystem. In addition to the removal of PVC material, plastics used on the cases are recyclable and all metal hardware is nickel-free,” the company’s press release says.

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In addition to the Bluetooth 5000 and the Wireless 7000 laptop mice, Microsoft introduced the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000, which is “the industry’s first rechargeable notebook mouse with 1GB of flash memory built into the transceiver”.

“Designed to prevent USB port shortage, the single transceiver is a three-in-one supertool that lets users simultaneously work wirelessly, save important files with 1 GB of storage and recharge the mouse without deficiency in performance - all through one USB port,” the Microsoft’s press release says.

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Microsoft launched today a sleek new notebook webcam - the LifeCam NX-3000.

The Microsoft LifeCam NX-3000 features 640-by-480 pixel resolution in video mode, and is capable to capture high-resolution still images with its 1.3 megapixel sensor. The NX-3000 has a built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation.

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Microsoft announced today the Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 and the Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000.

The Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is designed to work with Bluetooth ready computers. It does not need a transceiver, and features the High Definition Laser Technology for “smoother tracking, more responsiveness and better precision”, according to Microsoft.

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