REVIEW: SOLO Vintage Leather Backpack
Posted by warthog on 08/14/08 in General, Laptop Accessories, Mobilitysite Reviews
Reviewer: Andy Mason, aka Warthog 
Product: Solo Vintage Leather Backpack
Manufacturer: Solocases
Price: MSRP $84.96 (significant savings available online)
A year ago I purchased a laptop on eBay and the seller included a backpack with the transaction. I carried my old laptop around in a briefcase and had never really considered a backpack until the “freebie” arrived with my new ThinkPad. The backpack was spacious and very functional, but I was never a fan of the white cloth material and the black flap that overlapped the front of the bag. It occurred to me one day that detachable pouch I was using for power cord/cable storage looked suspiciously like one of those travel make-up purses my wife uses. My suspicions were confirmed through an online search that revealed I had, indeed, been carrying a woman’s backpack. Ugh!
I immediately began a search for a laptop backpack that could accommodate all my gear while, at the same time, restore my manly-man persona! The kind folks at Solocases.com asked if I would like to review a backpack from their Vintage leather collection. The backpack is constructed in dark leather which, at first glance, reminded me of a WWII aviator’s jacket . . . you can’t get much more masculine than that! Could the SOLO Vintage leather backpack handle my gear and reinforce my masculinity? Take the jump and let’s find out . . .
"Kinda Cool" … but certainly "Kinda Odd"!
Posted by Jack Cook on 05/9/08 in Laptop Accessories
With my recent trip to Seattle I was perplexed as to how I would take all that I wanted. Usually I try to “go light” on long trips but I had a need to carry a few more items this time so I ended up carrying two gear bags along with my luggage. I suppose I could have packed “stuff” in my luggage but you hear those stories of folks finding things missing when they arrive at their destination. Of course all the folks I met up with all had backpacks that allowed them to carry everything and it did start me thinking about the need but the truth of the matter is I don’t want a back pack that looks like a “kids” bag so I’m still looking.
In any event, I saw this item today that is “Kinda Cool” … but certainly “Kinda Odd”! I’mm not sure if it is something I would care to use but I can see its usefulness especially if you are a bike rider and have the need to carry your laptop in a secure manner. When you think of a laptop bag, you most likely think of the “traditional” bag. Well this bag is anything but traditional, in fact it is absolutely unusual but I think for some, it may well be a perfect choice.
Made from lightweight neoprene and breathable air mesh, our new ultra-slim backpack streamlines the transport of your laptop and accessories. The main compartment accommodates and protects laptops from 12–17″ with room to spare for books, folders or other essentials. Two additional smaller compartments provide storage options for your other necessities; one conveniently located directly on the shoulder strap for easy access. With two sizes available to fit most people, an adjustable sternum strap helps tailor to your shape.
Check out the BUILT Laptop Backpacks here
The Proporta Laptop Sleeve for your MacBook
Posted by gasusan2005 on 03/4/08 in Apple, Cases, Laptop Accessories, Proporta
Need something for your MacBook? Try the Protective Laptop Sleeve from Proporta. Ideal for protecting your MacBook against scratches and impact damage; it can also be stored away safely when not in use.
The Proporta Laptop Sleeve is available in three sizes; 13inch, 15inch and 17inch to perfectly fit whichever MacBook you have. It also features elasticated sides for an even more snug fit.
This incredibly soft to the touch sleeve incorporates a nylon lining to prevent scratches caused on the move by knocks, bumps and loose items in your bag.
Quite simply this Laptop Sleeve does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a quality, comfortable, protective casing for a device which most definitely deserves it.
For more information visit Proporta
Source: email Hannah Saffman, Marketing and Advertising Executive - Proporta Ltd.
BodyGuardz Available for ‘World’s Thinnest Notebook’ - MacBook Air
Posted by gasusan2005 on 02/19/08 in Apple, Cases, Laptop Accessories
NLU Products’ Tough, Transparent ‘Accessory of the Year’ Now Available to Protect Apple’s Ultra-thin, Ultra-portable New Notebook Computer
NLU Products, the developer of scratch-proof, transparent skins for mobile devices under the ScreenGuardz and BodyGuardz brand names, today announced that BodyGuardz clear film covers are now available for Apple’s latest groundbreaking product: the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air BodyGuardz protector, which is custom-designed and precision cut specifically for the MacBook Air, is made of a clear film that covers the body of the notebook computer, providing scratch protection from outside elements.
BodyGuardz protectors are made from the same material that is used to
protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements.
The protectors are easy to apply and are optically clear; the protection
remains transparent without distorting the MacBook Air’s dimension or
design. Each BodyGuardz for MacBook Air package includes one complete Apple Macbook Air Bodyguardz protector, Bodyguardz application solution, a squeegee card and application instructions. In addition to the complete
BodyGuardz for MacBook Air set, BodyGuardz also offers individual MacBook
Air Top, Bottom, and Wrist Rest and Trackpad protectors separately.
NLU Products, also the developers of popular ScreenGuardz screen
protectors, creates custom protectors for over 1,000 different varieties
and brands of computers, phones, PDAs, media players, gaming devices, and cameras. Current top-selling BodyGuardz include protectors for Blackberry Curve (8300), Apple iPod Touch, Blackberry Pearl (8120/8230), Apple iPod Nano 3G, and Apple MacBook 13″.
BodyGuardz adhere using a water-based adhesive that holds the protector
in place, but can be removed when needed. BodyGuardz will not come off
unless the user pulls them off. Included in each package are step-by-step
instructions on how to install the protector, and how-to videos are
available on the BodyGuardz website to assist users with installation.
The complete BodyGuardz protector kit for the Apple MacBook Air is
priced at $49.95, and qualifies for free first-class shipping on U.S. orders. The Apple MacBook Air BodyGuardz Bottom protector is priced at $21.95, the Top protector is priced at $19.95, and the Wrist Rest and Trackpad protector is priced at $15.95. The products usually ship in 24 hours. BodyGuardz for Apple MacBook Air, as well as all other BodyGuardz
products, can be purchased at http://www.bodyguardz.com.
Source: NLU Products press release
CaseCruzer’s New Pelican Laptop Case Turn Business Air Travel Warriors Into Easy Riders
Posted by gasusan2005 on 02/19/08 in Cases, Laptop Accessories
The new first class Pelican Cases provide protective laptop cases for the MacBook Pro with lots of room for all the essentials of business and pleasure
The NiteCruzer 1510 laptop case introduces the latest addition to a comprehensive line of carry-on luggage by Pelican Cases. Business nomads with an eye for trailblazing amenities are chucking dual shoulder bags in favor of the new suave and sleek NiteCruzer – the toughest airline-legal carry-on baggage available today. This innovative spin on air travel marks the end of those days when technology and personal belongings required separate but equal spaces.
The mobile NiteCruzer 1510 is yet another progressive CaseCruzer design. This cutting edge laptop case with its spacious interior gives globetrotters ample storage for personal belongings. Yet it also pampers laptops with a protective lid compartment that is ideal for the Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-, 15-inch or the new MacBook Pro Air.
Arrivals and departures are always smooth with NiteCruzer’s deluxe 17-inch retractable extension handle, which allows world-class voyagers to roll in and out of any hemisphere with ease. And since the new NiteCruzer1510 is equipped with side and front handles, assistance won’t be necessary when hoisting it into an overhead bin.
Goodbye, Boring Beige Mouse: Microsoft Recharges Peripheral Perception With Innovative New Mice
Posted by gasusan2005 on 02/5/08 in Laptop Accessories, Microsoft
New hybrid mouse delivers desktop mouse comfort with notebook mouse portability; rechargeable mouse offers high-end technology at affordable price point.
Microsoft today added two new desktop mice to its line of award-winning input devices with the new Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, giving consumers more choice and flexibility in their computing experience. The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 debuts a new desktop mouse design, combining a full-size mouse for supreme comfort with a portable snap-in transceiver for easy mobility. Microsoft also announced the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, offering top-notch technology and recharging at an affordable price point. Both mice come packed with high-end technology features in sleek designs to deliver supreme performance and comfort.
The Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 offers a unique concept in computer
peripherals, blurring the lines between desktop and notebook mice by
creating a full-size mouse with a portable snap-in transceiver for easy
storage and mobility. With more than one-third of consumers buying
full-sized desktop mice for their notebook computers, this mouse
delivers on a growing computing need: moving easily from on the desk to on the go, without compromising on size and comfort.
Microsoft offers a stylish, rechargeable mouse at an affordable price
with the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000, joining the company’s line of
rechargeable input devices that includes the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 and Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. By choosing a rechargeable mouse, users can reduce their battery consumption by up to 80 percent over three years of use. The horizontal charging station provides a sturdy base, and the battery status indicator lets users know when it is time to charge. The Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 also offers high-end design elements, a mini transceiver and an ergonomic shape for hours of comfortable use.
Skooba Design: 25% off and free shipping
Posted by gasusan2005 on 01/15/08 in Cases, Laptop Accessories
From now through the end of February 2008, readers of selected tech sites and blogs can take 25% off any order of $50 or more at www.skoobadesign.com, PLUS get free UPS Ground Shipping (continental US)! Simply enter coupon code TECHREADER at checkout and the discount will be applied even off already discounted items.
Source: email Michael Hess (Skooba Design)
Xpad4Laptop Review
Posted by Steve Laser on 01/12/08 in Laptop Accessories, Mobilitysite Reviews
Hot!
Holy cow, my laptop gets mighty hot. Laptops don’t employ such effective cooling methods as desktops, thus the whole bottom acts as sort of a radiator, dissipating heat. According to their website, laptops can give off 130 degrees Fahrenheit of heat and more. That is hot. I’ve tried many solutions to block the heat, but none so effective as the Xpad4Laptop.
First Impressions and Specs
So what is this thing? My initial impression is of a thin, plastic coated, very light, board. According to the website it weighs just one pound, and measures 13″ x 10.5″ x .66″. The bottom and the 4 legs of the “X” on the top face contain non-skid pads.
The Xpad accommodates laptops with screens measuring up to 17″. It is a universal size. Again, it is so thin that after using it a couple times I don’t even notice it’s there anymore. It’s very portable as well. It easily fits into a laptop bag and doesn’t add noticeable heft.
The Technology
But how does it work? There are no fans, electrical or mechanical devices on the unit. You just put it under your laptop and you are set.
The legs of the “X” shape are raised slightly above the base of the unit, allowing airflow and cooling. Inside is a strong platform with insulative air pockets, and EVA insulation material at the bottom provides a third layer of insulation and acts as the non-skid surface. I don’t understand all the tech stuff. I just know that it works.
Results
While no solution completely blocks all the heat from contacting your legs, this Xpad has come amazingly close. Other solutions use up USB ports and utilize fans, which in itself creates heat and noise. But the Xpad’s passive heating technology just relies on a great design to do the job. The result, even when using a laptop for hours, is the same feeling as having a warm, comfortable blanket on your legs. And a warm blanket is far better than a burned lap.
Summary
I have found the Xpad to be a very effective solution. To put it simply, it works. It does it’s intended job without reminding me it’s there. It sits, unobtrusively, above my lap doing its job without asking for any kind of recognition. It’s kind of like the military’s “stealth” technology. I happily recommend it to all laptop users. At $29.95 it is a great solution at a reasonable price.
Pros
light and thin
portable
effective heat blocking
easy to use
doesn’t take up USB ports
quiet (no fans)
Cons
I would like to see a thinner design
Even though this is a very effective solution, it could be even better
The price, though reasonable, may be higher than some competitors
I rate this a 9/10. It is a fantastic product. Visit them at Xpad4Laptop
Bump your notebook to 2GB of RAM for $26.99
Posted by Chris Leckness on 01/10/08 in Laptop Accessories
Newegg.com has a Transcend 2GB PC2 5300 notebook memory module for $26.99 (after a $10 mail-in rebate). Shipping will run you $4.99.
Source : Crave
CES 2008: New Belkin Backpack and Hideaway
Posted by gasusan2005 on 01/7/08 in Belkin, CES, Laptop Accessories
Belkin’s new Backpack boasts a slim design that allows you to carry your laptop and other notebook accessories without added bulk. Its plush inner lining protects your laptop from scratches and is soft to the touch. The Backpack has two shoulder straps with extra padding and breathable mesh to give you maximum support while you trek to the coffee house, to work, or even through the airport.
Backpack (F8N057) - $59.99
- Plush inner lining protects laptops from scratches
- Slim design provides as much carrying capacity as larger cases
- Separate pouch included for power adapter and cables
- Phone compartment in shoulder strap
- Fits up to a 15.4″ widescreen laptops
- Available in colors: dark gray/green, dark gray/light blue, dark gray/lavender, black/light gray, jet/cabernet, chocolate/tourmaline, dove/tarragon, dove/peony
Belkin’s new Laptop Hideaway is stylish storage that keeps your laptop and accessories accessible, organized, protected and out of the way. Its large handle allows you to easily carry your laptop, power cord, and magazines from room to room
Laptop Hideaway (F8N060) – $49.99
- Works with 15.4-inch laptops—both widescreen and standard
- Available in colors: chocolate/tourmaline, khaki/tarragon
Source: Belikin press release and Belkin press release 2
CES 2008: New Ceylon Messenger Bag from Belkin
Posted by gasusan2005 on 01/7/08 in Belkin, CES, Laptop Accessories
Stylish and lightweight, the Ceylon Messenger features built-in stability, making it easier for packing
The new Belkin Ceylon Messenger bag brings modern style and functionality to your laptop for local outings to the coffeehouse or the bookstore. Unlike heavier, bulkier laptop bags of “mobile warriors,” the Messenger is slimmer and lighter, yet still provides plenty of room for your laptop and accessories. With its built-in stability, the Messenger bag stands upright on its own for easy packing and unpacking.
Features
- Slim and lightweight – multiple compartments provide ample room for your laptop and accessories
- Hidden handle available when needed
- Plush inner lining protects laptops from scratches
- Built-in stability for easy packing—bag stands up on its own
- Works with 15.4″ laptops—both widescreen and standard
- Made with water-resistant nylon
- Available in colors: black/light grey, grey/lavender, grey/green, grey/blue
CES 2008: New Logitech Premium Bluetooth Keyboard-and-Mouse Combination Features Flagship MX Revolution Mouse
Posted by gasusan2005 on 01/5/08 in CES, Laptop Accessories
Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Includes Dynamic Display, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Logitech introduced today the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution to help people navigate through today’s complex digital environments with ease. The premium keyboard-and-mouse combination features the award-winning Logitech MX Revolution cordless laser mouse, a dynamic keyboard display and Bluetooth wireless technology.
Meet Matt Westover - the man behind the MoGo Mouse
Posted by Jack Cook on 12/27/07 in Laptop Accessories, Laptops, Tablet PC, UMPC
“My life is what I make of it” (Matt Westover)
Two years ago I had the unique opportunity to meet the folks behind the MoGo Mouse. The PR people, a few of the investors, several employees of the company and Matt Westover. In each case, I saw a group of people that were totally committed to a concept, a dream and an opportunity to make a permanent mark in the area that we all love … Mobility! Thus the name, MoGo … Mobility on the Go!
The vision that Matt and the folks at Newton Peripherals had of a mouse that would fit into an available open slot on a notebook, connect without wires using Bluetooth technology and provide that ease of navigation on a screen that we were so used to getting on our desktops was a grand dream. But dreams and their realizations are what makes us so unique and it was this dream that led to the growth and the ultimate success of the first MoGo Mouse.
Dreams don’t have to stop and Matt was certainly not going to sit back and just have those memories but rather he has taken advantage of a very basic philosophy that was instilled in him as a child; his life will be what HE makes of it. And so when Matt says “I grew up with an opportunity, an education and a dream”, he starts everyday thinking about it. His goals? To have fun, to have the best team, and to create wealth for the investors and the team. Matt Westover is the man behind the MoGo Mouse!
I thought that you might like to have a peek into the man behind the MoGo Mouse so check out this link (or click the picture below) which gives a video introduction to Newton Peripherals. It was hosted on CNBC.com on their Big Idea: Road to CES blog
StashCard - This is the COOLEST IDEA EVER!
Posted by Chris Leckness on 11/28/07 in Laptop Accessories, Laptops
Maybe not ever, but I really like it. I use a 3g Wireless card in the slot, but for the longest time, it was empty. It was lonely and taking up space, this would have been a really neat place to store a thing or two!
You know that unused PC Card slot in your notebook? Now there’s a good use for it. The StashCard is a secret compartment that slides into your PC slot to stash away all sorts of stuff. Memory cards, money, stamps, keys, photos, and so much more. What will you be hiding in your StashCard?
Source : Stashcard via Red Ferret Journal
Review: Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse
Posted by warthog on 11/26/07 in Laptop Accessories, Logitech, Mobilitysite Reviews, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Not long after I purchased my first desktop home computer the very first computer peripheral purchase I made for my home setup was a Logitech Cordless iTouch keyboard and mouse. I loved that keyboard. It served my needs for many years until I decided to upgrade to one of Logitechs newer keyboard/mouse combos. I have owned three Logitech wireless keyboards and four Logitech wireless mice over the years. They have all been solid devices and continue to function to this day! Tech-envy is the only reason I ditched one Logitech keyboard/mouse for another.
I was offered a Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for notebooks and I jumped at the chance to review it. Admittedly I entered this review a little biased but, why wouldnt I? From my personal experience, Logitech has a track record of producing solid peripheral devices. Did Logitech produce yet another winner with the VX Nano? Lets find out..continue the review here
