Simple Laptop Computing
In this category there are news and reviews about notebook PC peripherals and accessories, making everyday mobile computing easier.
Microsoft has made available for pre-orders the battery-equipped Surface Power Cover keyboard, which “extends the battery life of your Surface up to 70% and doubles as a screen cover.” The Power Keyboard which is compatible with Surface 2, Surface Pro, and Surface Pro 2 tablets is priced at $199.99 and is expected to start shipping on March 19th.
Yoggie Security Systems today launched the Gatekeeper Pico for Mac and Gatekeeper Card Pro for Mac, the “world’s first miniature hardware internet security devices for MacBooks and Mac desktop computers”.
The devices provide 12 internet security applications on a dedicated hardware. Security functions in the Gatekeeper for Mac products include integrated stateful inspection firewall, Snort intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems, Sourcefire VRT certified Snort rules, Kaspersky anti-virus and anti-spyware, Mailshell anti-spam and anti-phishing, SurfControl Web content filtering, adaptive security policy, multi-layer security agent, Layer-8 security engine, and VPN client (Card version only).
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.
LapWorks Inc. today announced Laptop Desk Futura. It is a dual-purpose notebook stand, which provides an ergonomic workspace across the lap, and folds into a wedge-shaped stand for desk use.
The Futura retains key design features of other products in Laptop Desk family, such as dual-purpose Laptop Desk 2.0 and Laptop Desk UltraLite, but it additionally offers improved cooling and a “fashion-forward” look.
Logitech has expanded its Alto line of notebook stands with the new Alto Connect and Alto Express.
The X-shaped Logitech Alto Connect laptop stand incorporates four-port USB hub. One of the ports is located at the front of the stand for easy access when plugging in a device such as an MP3 player or thumb drive. Alto Connect also offers a cable-management system and a cavern for storing the USB cable when not in use. The new stand is compatible with any notebook PC, as well as with MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.
Along with AirCard 875U USB mobile broadband modem, AT&T has announced the Option GT Max 3.6 Express ExpressCard, enabling notebook users to connect to AT&T’s 3G network.
The Option GT Max 3.6 Express and Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U, the products in AT&T’s LaptopConnect portfolio, can be used in conjunction with AT&T BroadbandConnect in more than 165 major markets — where users can download a 1MB file in about 15 seconds on average. Also, these modems provide the connectivity outside 3G-coverage areas on AT&T’s nationwide EDGE high speed wireless data network, according to the company.
Sierra Wireless today announced the AirCard 875U USB modem will be available from AT&T. The AirCard 875U USB modem offers tri-band UMTS/HSDPA connectivity for PC and Mac users, making it compatible with mobile broadband networks worldwide, with data speeds up to 3.6 megabits per second, Sierra Wireless published today.
“As notebook computers become ever more compact, there are many users without a PC card slot who are looking for an alternative,†said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “The AirCard 875U offers the same reliable, high quality performance customers have come to expect from our AirCard products, and the flip-out USB connector allows customers to purchase it with the confidence that it will be compatible with not only their current laptop, but also with one they may be planning to buy in the future.â€
Logitech today announced the QuickCam Deluxe and QuickCam web-cameras for notebooks. The new webcams, introduced at CeBIT show in Hannover – Germany, incorporate 1.3 megapixel sensor and provide maximum of 640×480 vide capture resolution and up to 15 frames-per-second.
The Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks additionaly features a glass lens.
Eleksen Group unveiled the Microsoft Windows SideShow based Wearable Display Module (WDM), a computer auxiliary display product for integration into soft-goods such as bags, backpacks and clothing. The Wearable Display Module, showcased at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, lets consumers connect their carry cases directly to their computer with Windows Vista installed … Read more
Asus will showcase the XG Station, an audio-visual workstation for laptops, at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007 in Las Vegas. Aimed to give users better graphics and audio-visual effects when connected to their notebook, it is equipped with discrete graphics chips, Dolby output and USB 2.0, according to the company. Asus XG Station: … Read more