Handy Gadgets

A review of the Mobile Edge Dig Laptop Messenger notebook carrying case has been posted over at PC Mag. 'The Dig's main compartment is divided into two sections. The laptop bag's trademarked Superior SafetyCell computer protection compartment is designed to accommodate 15.4-inch laptops, though my 17-inch MacBook Pro was able to fit snugly. The cushion was thick enough to make my laptop feel really well protected. The second section can hold a paper notebook or a few magazines, but not much else. Underneath the flap, there's a front Velcro enclosed sleeve with a pocket for your wallet, cell phone, and various gadgets, plus another mesh zippered section for your pencils and pens.'

Continue reading "Mobile Edge Dig Laptop Messenger Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:12 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Cherry Electrical Products has introduced its new J84-2800 Series washable keyboard for the healthcare/medical market. The keyboard helps control the spread of infections in medical facilities, an issue critical to the healthcare industry.

Continue reading "J84-2800 Washable Keyboard Helps Protect Against Infection" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Press Release

The Guardian Military PDA is designed to provide a full range of computing functions in a PDA that meets Military specifications for shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference. These include MIL-STD-801F, MIL-STD-461E, and MIL-STD-464A. Built to take a five foot drop onto concrete, waterproof and sealed, the Windows Mobile 6.0/Windows CE 5.0 based system can be adapted to a wide range of applications. The 3.7” transflective screen with resistive touch screen is available in VGA and QVGA models and a full range of I/O capabilities are available. These include USB, RS232, RJ-45, CF, Stereo, Microphone, and DC power. Communications capabilities include Bluetooth, WLAN, GPS, and GSM/GPRS/3G/3.5G. The powerful battery allows a full eight hours of usage before requiring recharging. A downloadable brochure is available at www.industcomputing.com.

Continue reading "Industrial Computing Introduces the Guardian 37 Military Personal Digital Assistant" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:04 PM | Permalink

Press Release

New Hybrid ExpressCard TV Tuner Gathers Clear QAM and H.264 Real-Time Recording Capabilities onto an Ultra-Slim Shell

MILPITAS, CA - May 19, 2008- AVerMedia® Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of digital multimedia and presentation technology announced today the release of the AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress, the compact ExpressCard TV tuner with the ability to receive HDTV (ATSC/Unencrypted "Clear" QAM Digital Cable TV), Analog TV or FM Radio on any Windows XP or Vista laptop. The slim-fit design easily inserts completely into the ExpressCard slot, leaving no protrusion of the unit outside of the laptop. The great functionalities and stylish appearance earned it a CES 2008 Innovations Design and Engineering Award Winner in the Video Accessories category.

Continue reading "AVerMedia® Launches CES Honored Hybrid ExpressCard TV Tuner" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Datalogic Mobile announces the addition of Windows Mobile® 6.0 operating system and E-GPRS communications to the Pegaso™ mobile computer facilitating applications in Retail, Warehouse, and Field Force Automation where constant enterprise connectivity is required.

Datalogic Mobile, a global leader in the Rugged Mobile Computer market, announces the availability of Windows Mobile® 6.0 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (E-GPRS) communications for the Pegaso™ rugged PDA mobile computer. The addition of E-GPRS, a technology that uses cell phone networks to provide a truly mobile broadband connection, and Windows Mobile® enhance Pegaso™ in applications where users need to access their enterprise network when outside the four walls. Applications in mobile POS, route sales, direct store delivery, and parcel delivery will be among the first to use E-GPRS and Windows Mobile®.

Continue reading "Datalogic Pegaso Mobile Computer Now with Windows Mobile 6.0 and E-GPRS" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:18 PM | Permalink

Press Release

San Diego, CA -NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems, the leading innovator in bicycle lighting systems for serious athletes and commuters, has turned their intense focus to developing five new cycling computers sure to capture the attention of riders, as well as other cycling computer makers.

Continue reading "NiteRider Expands It’s Cycling Electronics Product Line" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Press Release

To help schools offer affordable computing to every student, HP today introduced a full-function, mini-notebook PC priced starting under $500.(1)

Designed for the education market, the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC is flexible enough for students to use from the classroom to the family room.

Continue reading " HP Introduces Full-function Mini-notebook PC for Education Market" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:36 PM | Permalink

A review of the Electrovaya Scribbler SC4000 Tablet PC has been posted over at Tablet PC Review. ‘The 12.1" display on the SC4000 is very nice. It has great viewing angles and the colors are bright and vivid. It even comes with the option of a sunlight viewable screen, which is great if you work outside often. I have to say I am quite impressed by the quality. The SC4000 would make a great second display if you need to hook up another notebook. The touchscreen is responsive and accurate as well. Taking notes was easy since the Scribbler has a Wacom digitizer. Even using my finger to navigate was simple. The Scribbler series doesn't have keyboards, so you have to use the onscreen keyboard or use the pen to write with.’

Continue reading "Electrovaya Scribbler SC4000 Reviewed" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Press Release

Torrance, CA, TabletKiosk™, a leader in Tablet PC based mobile computing solutions, today announced that it is now shipping the GETAC 840XT (g840XT), the company’s first full mil-spec rugged Tablet PC, created in partnership with rugged mobile computing pioneer, GETAC.

The g840XT is an 8.4" Tablet PC designed for people who require mobility, durability and advanced wireless functionality and that complies with the rigorous environmental requirements of the MIL-STD-810F standard. By incorporating a shock mounted HDD, GPS module, sunlight readable display and fan-less design, the g840XT offers the convenience of a touch screen Tablet PC encased in a durable, magnesium alloy exterior.

Continue reading "TabletKiosk™ Ships the GETAC 840XT Full Mil-Spec Tablet PC" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:48 PM | Permalink

Notebook Review have published a review of the Adesso CyberPad which records what you write digitally without special paper. 'The Adesso CyberPad is a simple and straightforward design that looks something like an "electronic clipboard." In fact, that's a good description of what it's like to use the CyberPad. The silver plastic clip above the tablet surface holds a pad of 8.5" x 11" paper and you use the inicluded pen to write on the paper like any normal clipboard. The CyberPad tablet surface and pen work together to record what you write in electronic format. The all-plastic construction gives the CyberPad a slightly cheap feel, but keeps the weight low. The included portfolio case keeps the CyberPad protected and helps make this digital notepad look like a professional tool.'

Continue reading "Adesso CyberPad Reviewed" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:58 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Apple Time Capsule (500GB) which facilitates the automatic wireless backup for your Mac. 'When Time Capsule does ship, it appears that it will be the only device out there that combines an 802.11n wireless access point and basic network attached storage. Apple's old Airport Extreme access point comes close, in that it has 802.11n and can accept an external hard drive via a USB port. Time Capsule looks like a more complete, self-contained solution.

Continue reading "Apple Time Capsule Review - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:18 PM | Permalink

Caleb Schmerge writing over at Notebook Review has posted a review of the Bamboo Pen tablet from Wacom. ‘This tablet has four buttons on the tablet, two buttons on the stylus, and a zoom/scroll ring. The controls are pretty good. The buttons on the tablet are large, and fell good. You won’t press them on accident either. By default the top two buttons are Forward/Backward, and the bottom two are customizable. This helps to allow you to make them more productive for your work style. I don’t use them much, but when I do, they save me a lot of time.

Continue reading "Wacom Bamboo Tablet Reviewed" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:04 PM | Permalink

Kenneth Barrow writing over at TabletPCReview has posted a review of the OLPC XO children’s laptop. ‘The OLPC XO, once nicknamed the "Hundred Dollar Laptop" is the new children's laptop developed by MIT and the Open Source Lab with significant contributions from a community of developers. Currently available to the general public with a "give one, get one" scheme, the XO promises to be a unique tool for children. The operating system and software on the XO have been specially crafted to create a very usable interface with minimal hardware. The main shell of the XO is made from polycarbonate plastic, which is the same material that many laptops today are made out of. It's very durable and is bend-resistant. On the back of the laptop there is a handle with two thumb holes for easy carrying. The handles were very thick and textured to give greater grip. The only components on the base of the laptop are keyboard and touchpad, everything else is located behind the screen. This results in the base of the laptop being about 1/3 inch thick.’

Continue reading "OLPC XO User Review - TabletPCReview" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 8:48 AM | Permalink

Pocket Lint have published a review of the Rock Meivo Media Centre TV PC. ‘The 22-inch screen is very impressive, as we'd expect from someone as successful with portable display technology as Rock. It comes with Vista Home Premium preloaded, along with a wireless mouse and keyboard and remote control to access and control the Media Center functionality. Setup and control of the Meivo is about typical of any Vista PC, so the main shout for Rock with this new entry is clearly the home cinema oriented features that it has integrated seamlessly into a unit with such a small footprint.’

Continue reading "Rock Meivo LCD TV Review – Pocket Lint" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:41 AM | Permalink

Personal Computer World have published a review of the Yoggie Pico Pro which is a USB key-size security appliance designed to boost your PCs security capability. ‘The Yoggie Pico Pro includes 128MB of memory and a 520MHz Xscale CPU that runs dedicated security software, forming a barrier between your PC and the outside world. The Yoggie's dedicated processor runs all its security systems independently of your PC's CPU. This means all the time your PC would have spent running a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and anti-spam software, can now be spent on what is was supposed to be doing - running your programs.’

Continue reading "Yoggie Pico Pro Reviewed" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:14 AM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the LeapFrog Fly Fusion Pentop computer. 'For those new to the digital-pen world, these handy gadgets take your handwritten notes and turn them into documents that you can then e-mail, print, and save. Designed for children ages 8 and older, the FLY Fusion does something not all digital pens/notetakers can do—it's able to read your handwriting and turn it into editable text (provided you have nice penmanship). I think that's absolutely brilliant! If only I'd had one of these back in my school days. In the box is the FLY Fusion pen, a mini USB cable for transferring files and charging, a notebook with special FLY Paper, the Fly World Application software, a cheat sheet that explains "FLYcons" (more on that later), and a booklet of games and brainteasers.'

Continue reading "LeapFrog Fly Fusion Pentop Computer Review - PC Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:18 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Logitech MX Air gyroscopic mouse. 'There are a lot of reasons why you may want to move your mousing out of the standard 2D, flat-on-the-desk mode. For computer users with persistent hand and arm pain caused by poor ergonomics or repetitive motion (sometimes called mouse arm), gyroscopic mice like those in the Gyration line have been good solutions, letting users lift the mouse up off the table and control the cursor by moving the mouse through the air. Later on, home theater enthusiasts also discovered gyroscopic mice, and these devices have become a popular, if not exactly common, choice for controlling the functions of a Media Center PC from the living room couch.'

Continue reading "Logitech MX Air Review at CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:26 PM | Permalink

Vivek Gowri writing over at Notebook Review.com has posted a review of the Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for notebook computers. ‘The QuickCam Deluxe features an integrated microphone, adjustable focus, glass lens, a hard-to-press snapshot button at the top, and an adjustable clip on the back, which I will get to in just a moment. At just over 2-inches long and an inch wide, the QuickCam is rather large, but the design is sleek enough to mask the size. It is also a pretty slim device, with the webcam itself being less than half an inch thick.

Continue reading "Review: Logitech QuickCam Deluxe – Notebook Review.com" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 6:37 PM | Permalink

A review of the feature-rich Voodoo Envy HW:201 notebook PC has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. ‘The Voodoo Envy HW:201 is not just a notebook; it's an experience. From unboxing this 16-pound beast (complete with its own hardcover owner's portfolio) to opening the massive lid and turning on the huge 20.1-inch screen for the first time, you'll have no doubt where your six grand went. But while our configuration's performance was very, very good, you'll need to spend even more to upgrade the components to match the Alienware Area-51 m9750's numbers.

Continue reading "Voodoo Envy HW:201 Gaming Laptop – Laptop Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:16 AM | Permalink

If you can afford the the five or more thousand for a high quality notebook computer, you shold take a read of Trusted Reviews take on the Asus Lamborghini VX2 which packs some high-quality components in an extremely sylish package. 'The Lamborghini emblem sits proudly on the lid, with the bull logo raised, while the Asus logo is placed discreetly lower down on the left. A black honeycomb grille is located on the front, which has the look of a car radiator grille. Underneath are four lights that shine through with icons next to them that indicate when the laptop is plugged in, charging or has Wi-Fi or the integrated Bluetooth 2.0 EDR turned on. The hinge is painted black while at the top, as is the rear of the integrated webcam. Basically it's a good looking lid.

Continue reading "Asus Lamborghini VX2 - Trusted Reviews" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:27 PM | Permalink

CNET have reviewed the Velocity Micro's CineMagix Grand Theater entertainment system which allows the user to store music for instant access, record TV shows digitally and in HD, create photo slideshows, and access the web from a television set. 'The CineMagix Grand Theater represents Velocity Micro's first foray into the realm of the all-out home theater PC. Blu-Ray, CableCard, Windows Vista Home Premium, quad-core CPUs--they're all here. You can also scale it back to more modest specs, starting at $2,195.

Continue reading " CineMagix Grand Theater - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:53 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine has published a review of the new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system which is now available to consumers at large. 'After more than five years of intensive effort—and more than a few setbacks—today Microsoft announced that Windows Vista is complete. The company's decision to release the product to manufacturing means that it will be available to volume-licensing customers—large companies, that is—at the end of November, and to consumers and small-business buyers around the end of January 2007.

Continue reading "Microsoft Windows Vista - PC Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:43 PM | Permalink

The model 02 1-pound PC features an integrated backlit thumb keyboard, track stick, WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 technology 'The model 02 is about the size of a T-Mobile SideKick 3 and fits into the palm of your hand. You hold this 1-pound wonder cradled in both of your hands, while your thumbs do the typing. On what, you ask? Push the 5-inch LCD screen upward to reveal a QWERTY thumb board that has a total of 58 keys, including left and right mouse buttons, a pointing stick to drive the cursor, and a conveniently located number pad. The look and feel might conjure up images of the Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P, which has a similar keyboard and a sliding 4.5-inch LCD screen. The keyboard on the OQO model 02 is better in many ways. The keys are bumpier than those on the model 01, and far better than the flatly laid-out keys on the Sony UX180P. Each key is remarkably comfortable. They're quick, too; I can thumb-type a full page of notes in a reasonable amount of time.

Continue reading "OQO model 02 - PC Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:44 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine has provided some informed comment on the Creative Xmod plug-and-play device for PC/Mac which allows the user to listen to enhanced sound from music and movies. 'Initially, we were a tad skeptical of Creative’s much-hyped Xmod, a plug-and-play sound enhancer that connects to a notebook’s USB port for upconverting digital audio to surpass CD quality. But our suspicions were soon stymied after firing up this ingenious device. Whether we were listening using headphones or a set of 2.1 speakers, movies and music sounded clearer and crisper'.

Continue reading "Review: Creative Xmod - Laptop Mag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:24 PM | Permalink

The investment in your notebook/laptop can be immeasurable particularly if your income is derived from your use of the machine. You can never be too sure your laptop will never slip from your grasp or bag and fall possibly on to a hard surface thereby occasioning some expensive repairs. Of course you can devise your very own means of insulating your computer when you are on the road but if your finances would allow there are some pretty tough cases such as the brand new Hardigg Storm Case - iM2370 which would get the job and cut a nice show at the same time.

Continue reading "Hardigg Storm Case Secures Your Laptop From The Elements" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:33 PM | Permalink

Dong Van Ngo writng over at CNET.com reviews the Apricorn 60GB Aegis Mini Ultra Portable Hard Drive. 'The Apricorn Aegis Mini Ultraportable hard disk drive is a tiny hard drive fit for the road. It comes with an extension cable, a padded pouch, a quick-start guide, and a software CD. Despite the extra accessories, all you really need is the drive, as the cable is integrated into the drive and tucks right into the side of the drive--a thoughtful design touch for a portable drive. Take it out of the box, plug it in to a PC or a Mac, and start using it. It comes in USB and FireWire versions (30GB and 60GB capacities for each connection type), but not both together. The USB version we tested performed well in our Labs-based tests. At $159 for the 30GB USB version, though, it's a bit pricey. Plextor's Plextor Shock-Proof Portable Hard Drive costs $169 for an 80GB drive. However, Plextor doesn't include backup-and-recovery software, so that's what you're paying for with the Apricorn drive.'

Continue reading "Apricorn Aegis Mini Ultraportable HDD with USB (60GB)" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:33 PM | Permalink

Are on the lookout for a truly "pocket sized computer" with all the computing capability [and more!] of your standard desktop or laptop? Akihabara News gives a up-close view of just such a device from Sony. 'The Sony VGN-UX50 measures 150.2x95mm or 100.5x23.2mm for 520g. The ultracompact computer adopts a 4.5" WSVGA 1024x600 touch screen, a Core Solo U1300 at 1.06Ghz (UX50) or a Core Solo U1400 at 1.2Ghz (UX90) (Celeron is optional), a 20 or 30GB HDD, a 1.3MP camera and webcam, Wireless a/b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, a CF and MS slot. Battery life should be 3.5 hours.' These devices go sale at the end of May and they most likely will be priced around the $1500 and above range.

Continue reading "Akihabara News: Sony Vaio U VGN-UX50 and 90 Ultra Compacts" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:40 AM | Permalink

Associated Press reports on the news of the super-capacity Barracuda 750-Gigabyte Disk Drive which was recently released by Seagate Technology LLC. 'Scotts Valley-based Seagate, the world's largest disk-drive maker, is first releasing the product as an internal drive for PC makers. Next week, it plans to introduce external hard drives -- add-ons that consumers can use to supplement their existing computer setups -- with a suggested retail price of $559. After that, Seagate plans to introduce versions for other consumer electronics, such as digital video recorders that are growing in popularity as standalone set-top-boxes or part of cable and satellite television receivers. '

Continue reading "Seagate Technology LLC Releases Barracuda 750-Gigabyte Disk Drive" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:53 AM | Permalink

Gizmondo has offered what must be among the first public photos of the Microsoft mini-tablet device. 'News.com is saying that the Origami devices run a “variant” of Windows XP (and can run other x86-compatible operating systems) and are small enough to fit in a “large pocket.” (That’s pretty wishful thinking for a device with a 7-inch screen.) While some models leave out the keyboard entirely, one model—the red and white one seen previously, which is said to be a prototype that’s two years out’—has a twist-top that reveals a QWERTY thumb board underneath.'

Continue reading "Gizmondo: Origami - Small PC based on Windows XP" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:25 AM | Permalink

As the threat of shutdown of communication via the much-loved BlackBerry handheld devices appears to be receding, James A. Martin from PC World ponders on just how much you can accomplish on your Blackberry without reference to your notebook computer. 'Despite Research In Motion's recent patent disputes, its BlackBerry is still the most sought-after handheld communications device for mobile professionals. And if I had to roll the dice, I'd bet the BlackBerry will continue to be popular for the foreseeable future.But how does a BlackBerry fare as a notebook alternative? Can you comfortably leave the laptop at home and take only your BlackBerry on a business trip?'

Continue reading "BlackBerry: Communications Device or Notebook Alternative?" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:53 PM | Permalink