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Archive for the 'Accessories' Tag

Review: IOGear biometric mouse, part 2

September 18th, 2007, 1:16 pm by

Anything that takes multiple attempts to work is not going to get my blessing. Hence, the 1-out-of-5 rating, my lowest, is what IOGear’s personal security mouse received during a recent Gadgetress review.

That same day, IOGear released a software update.

Since I gave the Irvine company such a low rating, I decided to give it a second chance. I had no problem with the hardware but the security software was so frustrating, I couldn’t believe IOGear would let something like this out.

My second attempt didn’t go much better.

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Purple USB memory for a cause

September 13th, 2007, 6:00 am by

SanDisk memory for a cause

SanDisk has taken its key memory products to help out those who need it most: people with Alzheimer’s disease. The Milpitas company is offering 2 GB versions of its popular USB Cruzer Micro storage key and Ultra II SD memory cards in the Alzheimer’s Association‘s signature shade of purple.

So no, this isn’t a fashion statement.

SanDisk memory for a causeI’ve written stories about Alzheimer’s and it’s not pretty. Sometimes I fear that I will lose my memory because I’m pretty forgetful. Alzheimer’s, of course, is much worse. Memory loss is so bad, the brain forgets how to function making it the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Through August 2008, SanDisk will contribute $1 to the Alzheimer’s Association for each special-edition cards or key sold, up to $1 million.

Greg Rhine, SanDisk’s senior vice president and general manager of its Consumer Products Division, sums it up best in the official press release: “SanDisk as a company is dedicated to preserving digital memories, so it’s appropriate for us to do what we can to help stop a disease that attacks human memory.”

The products are the same price as SanDisks regular 2 GB storage keys and memory cards — $45 for the SD card and $40 for the flash drive. They will be available in stores in October, though they are now at select Best Buy stores. More details at www.sandisk.com/alz

Fashionized notebook skins add new ploy: limited editions

September 12th, 2007, 12:30 pm by

HP laptop skinsLost among last week’s launch of HP’s new gaming computer and other electronics — or at least lost to me — was the company’s fashion sensibility.

Not till a week later as I flipped through the latest issue of non-electronic design mag Dwell did I spot ads for HP’s new line of computer skins.

Skins are, usually, a cheap way to personalize your machine. They stick to the notebook cover and when you get tired of it, you buy a new one.

HP has offered an assortment of skins for some time. What’s new are three designs by designers Vladimar Kagan, Naeem Khan and Cath Kidston. Only 500 skins of each design will be sold:

HP’s limited-edition computer skins

At $60 each, I’d want it autographed (non-limited editions are $25 to $30).

But if you do purchase one for your notebook, you can feel good about it because proceeds from the sales are going to the non-profit Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS organization.

New Bluetooth mouse from IOGear

September 10th, 2007, 6:07 pm by

IOGear’s Bluetooth laser mouseIOGear’s latest Bluetooth mouse delves more into nano coating — the gimmicky trend to promote healthy gadgets by preventing germs from spreading.

The new GME228BW6 mouse is coated with Titanium Dioxide and Silver. Says IOGear: the two chemicals “deactivate enzymes and proteins of bacteria from surviving on the surface of the product.”

But read further and you’ll see the disclaimer:

Nano Coating properties may not protect users or others against bacteria, viruses, germs, or other disease organisms. This device cannot be used as antibiotic or anti-viral medication. Do not ingest the surface material of the device under any circumstances. If you have symptoms of bacteria or viral infection please consult with your physician and seek medical attention immediately. This device does not eliminate the entire universe of bacteria or viruses.

I like this part the best: It is not a replacement for cleanliness and good personal hygiene. Please keep your hands and work area clean for optimal protection.

So don’t blow your nose on it and dude! Wash your hands.

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Quad-core computing goes native with AMD

September 10th, 2007, 11:59 am by

AMD’s Opteron, the first native quad-core chipRemember the quad-core chips from last year? These offered the power of four computer chips in one computer. But actually, they were two dual-core chips pasted together.

Now, chipmaker AMD has released a true quad-core computer chip, making it “the market’s first native x86 quad-core processor.” It’s called the AMD Opteron. Read all about it on AMD’s site.

Gateway adds AMD’s quad coreWe’ve all been expecting it but it’s finally official so we can all rejoice! (Or, if you haven’t already, go out an buy the pseudo quad-core computers at discounted prices).

Why is quad-core good? Better performance from your computer without increasing the amount of heat it produces. That translates to lower energy bills and a more efficient data center. Hopefully. There are already reviews of the new technology.

Gateway in Irvine simultaneously announced that it’s on board with the new technology and will offer the new chip in its entry-level server (the E-9232T tower) and complete line of rackmount servers. I’m sure other computer companies will follow.


Toshiba inside the 160-GB iPod? Probably…

September 6th, 2007, 7:10 am by

iPod classic with Toshiba insideApple boosted the size of its newly named “iPod Classic” yesterday, which likely means that Toshiba is inside.

Irvine’s Toshiba Storage Device Division introduced a 160-GB hard drive — the highest capacity 1.8-inch storage drive to date (and the size of drives in the classic iPod).

This two-platter drive was built for music devices and portable electronics. The new drive uses 33 percent less power — or 0.002 watts per gigabyte — than the existing 80 GB version.

In addition to the 160-GB drive, Toshiba also added an much slimmer 80 GB drive that is 5 millimeters high.

Now, Toshiba isn’t allowed to say whether Apple is including the technology in the new iPods but I’m sure someone will soon open up the new iPods to see what’s inside.

tosh160gb.jpgConsumers should start seeing these new drives show up in gadgets to be released this holiday.

JVC offers first single-sided, dual-layer DVD-RW

August 31st, 2007, 10:23 am by

JVC’s world first: dual layer DVD-RWIf you often burn videos, photos or other projects temporarily to a disc and prefer to reuse the discs over and over again, JVC’s latest technology could be just what you’re looking for.

The company, which has a local base in Cypress, calls its new single-sided, dual-layer DVD-RW a ‘world’s first’ because it’s reusable (hence the RW). Capacity is 8.5 gigabytes.

Other features: Has a 2x-rewriting speed (that means it burns twice as fast as it takes to listen to it), and works with computer DVD drives that are “DVD-RW for DL” compatible. The disc can be rewritten about 1,000 times.

Acer supports Blu-ray

August 31st, 2007, 12:00 am by

Blu-ray discAccording to PC World, Acer Inc. has pledged its allegiance to the Blu-ray Disc Association, one of two competing high-definition DVD formats. Other members of the Blu-ray group include Acer rivals HP, Dell and Lenovo.

But missing from the BrDA support group, is Gateway, which Acer said Monday it would acquire for $710 million.

Gateway offers its customers both Blu-ray and HD DVD, a format supported by Toshiba, Microsoft and Intel. But the Irvine computer maker is neither a member of the Blu-ray group nor HD DVD Promotion Group.

Look closely however, HD DVD also counts HP and Lenovo Japan as members. Hopefully, there will be more crossover until it’s just one big happy format so us consumers don’t have to be confused anymore.

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