SuperTooth HD Review
Company: SuperTooth
Price: $129.00 USD
As a commuter with a fairly long drive to work each day, I often find myself in situations where I need to use my iPhone while driving. Aside from the fact that using a cell phone while driving can be dangerous, it is also illegal to do so in New York State. Utilizing a Bluetooth handset and going hands-free is the only safe and legal option for motorists needing to use their cellular devices in my area of the country.
I’m not a big fan of in-ear Bluetooth devices. I find them uncomfortable and distracting, and that’s not a situation I want myself in while driving. The SuperTooth HD speaker phone seems to fix that dilemma with its visor-mounted handsfree system.
Soulra XL
Eton Corporation
$250 U.S.
The Eton NSP500B Soulra XL Sound System for iPod and iPhone is a sturdy and innovative stereo speakers boombox that offers the ultimate in portability. You can use it to play or recharge your iPod or iPhone and, because of its large built in solar panel, you can be off the grid forever.
Verbatim Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
Company: Verbatim
Price: $39.99
http://www.verbatim.com
I’ve been using Verbatim products, primarily their recording media, for many years. I’d always found their products to be reliable and priced well. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Verbatim also produces other items, such as the Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse. Most people still have had a tendency to use a USB mouse, plugging a wireless receiver into one of the USB ports. Well, when you’re using a MacBook, having only two ports can be a bit of a hindrance.
Verbatim’s Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse can help free up one of your USB ports and make your life a bit simpler. The mouse comes with a CD with application software (Mouse Agent) for both Mac and PC, 2x AA batteries and a Quick Start Guide. I unpacked the mouse, placed the two batteries inside, closed the lid, synced the mouse via Bluetooth with my MacBook, and I was off and running. Absolutely no problems whatsoever in using the mouse from the start. Right click usage was standard as with any other mouse, it responds quickly and did not suffer from any hiccups.
The mouse itself is approximately the same size as other notebook mice (3 5/8 L x 2 1/8 W x 1 1/4 H) and is easily held in one’s palm. Weight is negligible and it fits easily into any laptop bag when one is traveling about. The on/off button on the bottom of the mouse makes it easy to shut it off when one is done working on the computer and I noticed no unusual battery power loss issues if I left the mouse on for days while not using the computer. Scrolling left and right using the tilt wheel was a breeze, made page viewing very easy online without touching the keyboard or keypad.
I’ve found the mouse to be easy to use, smooth and does exactly what it is supposed to do. Setup is a breeze, portability is not a problem, particularly since there are no wires/cables to dangle about. System requirements under Mac OS X is version 10.4 or higher. The mouse comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Recommended!
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Arc Mouse
Company: Microsoft
Price: $59.99
http://www.microsoft.com
It takes a lot to innovate in the world of computer mice these days. After all, seen one mouse seen them all, right? Wrong. Microsoft has figured out a way to innovate the mouse with their Arc Mouse.
Continue reading »
NewerTech MAXPower Wireless USB 2.0 Stick Adapter and Extension Cradle
Newer Technology
Price: $52.99
www.newertech.com
I know what you’re thinking. Why would I need a wireless USB stick adapter when I have an airport extreme card built into my Mac? Let me list a few reasons why the Newertechnology MAXPower Wireless USB 2.0 Stick Adapter & Extension Cradle (MAX) might be worthwhile to you:
1) You have an earlier Mac that doesn’t have an Airport Extreme card (AEC). Continue reading »
2) Your current AEC only supports 802.11b or 802.11g protocols (MAX includes 802.11n support) and you want the speed 802.11n provides.
3) The network you want to connect with has a weak signal (You get up to 4x greater range with the “n” protocol).
4) The card in your current Mac is not working.
Sony Vaio wireless LAN PC Card model PCWA-C150S
Company: Sony Corporation
Price: $89.95
http://www.sony.com
PC card 802.11b driver software
Company: IOXperts
Price: $14.95 (while in beta test)
http://www.ioxperts.com
Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium owners are painfully aware that AirPort reception range is woefully inadequate. The thin titanium sheathing of the case severely inhibits the built-in antenna. The newest PowerBooks, the aluminum 12″ and 17″ versions, have antennae located around the edge of the screen bezel, which is supposed to improve reception range.
But most Titanium owners are not going to sell their existing computers and buy a 12″, a 17″, or wait for the rumored 15″ aluminum version, just to get better AirPort range. What alternatives are there for better AirPort reception?
Continue reading »
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