Archive for the 'Accessories & Peripherals' Category

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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Logitech today announced the AudioHub Notebook Speaker System, which also features an integrated USB hub.

“The AudioHub combines a unique 2.1 one-piece speaker system and three integrated Hi-Speed USB ports in a compact design that fits neatly behind most notebooks,” the company’s press release says.

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Toshiba showcases its line-up of external storage, docking stations, protective carrying notebook cases and other PC accessories the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin this week. Marco Perino, general manager for PC Options, Peripherals and Services Division at Toshiba Europe says the showcased products are more than a set of optional extras.

“It’s a strategy he refers to as ‘the future success of this business’ for supplementing the configuration of low-end notebooks,” IT Pro reports.

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SanDisk Corporation has launched the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter, offering “fast transfer speeds from memory cards to notebook computers”.

The Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter fits into the ExpressCard slot found in most new laptops. It supports six memory card formats: SD, SDHC, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo.

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Sierra Wireless has announced the AirCard 880U and AirCard 881U USB mobile broadband modems for HSUPA networks.

“With Sierra Wireless AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems operating on an HSUPA network, mobile data customers will be able to send email attachments, upload information, and transmit data from portable devices at speeds more than five times faster than on current HSDPA networks, up to a theoretical maximum speed of 2 megabits per second (Mbps). This improvement in uplink speed creates opportunities for a variety of new applications involving client-generated content, such as web conferencing and live video, and for customers working over a virtual private network, the user experience is expected to significantly improve. Downlink speeds are also improved, with a theoretical maximum download speed of 7.2 Mbps,” the press release says.

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Logitech has announced the addition of the Alto Cordless to the company’s notebook stand lineup. When compared to other Alto stands, the main innovation in this new product is its cordless keyboard, providing users with a more comfortable computing “away from the heat generated by the notebook”.

As same as the first Alto, Alto Connect and Alto Express, the Cordless model raises the notebook display to eye level, enabling the optimal display viewing. The specifications say it is designed for PC notebooks with up to 15.4-inch displays and connects to a computer via a single USB cable.

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Logitech today announced the V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks, which connects to a laptop via Bluetooth.

The V470 mouse features Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology and laser tracking. In addition, with its Side-to-Side Scrolling Plus Zoom people can instantly zoom in and out, or scroll horizontally or vertically. This mouse has a battery life of up to 4 months.

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Toshiba today announced Wireless UWB Port Replicator for Portege R400 Tablet PCs. It is the world’s first wireless port replicator capable of transferring baseband video, according to Toshiba.

“The integration of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) high-speed wireless technology capable of transmitting digital video wirelessly, allows the Toshiba Wireless UWB Port Replicator to stream baseband video with up to SXGA resolution. This enables users to easily stream unencrypted/uncompressed video, such as home videos, music and video CDs or Internet-based video,” the company’s press release says.

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