Misc

The Manfrotto Compact MKC-PO2 tripod (in grey) has been designed to provide a firm base for cameras weighing up to 1.5kg and so is suitable for compacts and the majority of DSLRs. With a packed length of less than 43cm and a weight of only 1kg, it is an acceptable burden for the keen photographer and yet will reach a maximum height of 165cm when the 30cm centre column is full extended.

As we become users of multiple devices that we find it difficult to manage without, so the problem increases as to how to ensure these devices are charged when we need them.

Do you flaunt it? Or maybe you opt for a more low profile approach during your travels. To avoid any confusion and to stop wild flights of fancy, I should clarify that the “it” referred to is your notebook / netbook and your choice of receptacle for carrying a portable computer between various locations.

Looking for a present that is both useful and slightly different then you might be interested in a new offering from iLuv.

The first from IDAPT a device to charge all sorts of things using mains power so no bundle of wires and piles of adapters. The second even more simple a small light bulb attached to a length of toughened twistable wire.

On occasions a product can be rather shy when it comes to proclaiming aspects of its functionality from the user. This type of situation is definitely not the case with a new external drive from Plextor. The PX-LB950UE may give little away with its title but it is far more forthcoming with its appearance.

Although we have all known that LED lamps offer the benefits of robustness and high efficiency, they have been long awaited in the field of general lighting. One of the main issues is that they cannot compete on price with the compact fluorescent lamps (CFCs) which, in smaller wattages, can be obtained at seemingly ridiculously low prices. CFCs have been widely adopted despite the fact that they emit UV and contain mercury. Now, however, Verbatim has launched a range of replacement

In the past I have used a number of methods to ease the discomfort that can be caused by heat emission from a laptop. Now it is the turn of a product from Belkin.

Many years ago I purchased a new hard drive with a capacity of approximately 100MB. The drive costs nearly £200. How things have changed.

As file sizes increase in size, so the media developed to store these files have increased in capacity accordingly. Blu-ray now holds the mantle of providing storage for those requiring even more space on which to store their media.

As files become larger they tend to take longer when transferring them between devices. One way to speed up this process is through the use of the latest technology.

Medical devices to help both, the first something most will encounter on a visit to their doctor a blood pressure monitor. The second something most will get in a hot summer a mosquito bite and they normally itch a lot.

This is a tale of a struggle with uncooperative cables and a piece of kit that did its best to frustrate me until technical support came to my rescue.

Rocky Nook has just published two books on digital photography: one is aimed at children and the other aimed at the rest of the family. The latter provides explanations of various factors involved so as to provide a better understanding of what is happening and, often, why. The former, Photography for Kids; A Fun Guide to Digital Photography, will open the door for the youngster to the potential of the camera and photography.

Not so long ago I took a look at the Livescribe smartpen. This was the Pulse model and I was impressed with its functionality. Now Livescribe has produced a new model which goes by the title of Echo.

Yes the Hong Kong USB kings have produced a small real fish aquarium but of course it does much more. Second a small phone – and other portable devices – charger that uses solar power to provide the power to charge.

Powerline, which provides Ethernet connectivity over the local mains cabling, is an easy and convenient way to extend Internet access and network connectivity in situations where conventional wired access is inconvenient and wireless does not work satisfactorily through building walls. Netgear’s Powerline AV+ 200 offers both high speed and security and, as the data throughput can be in excess of 80Mbps, it is ideal for gaming and multimedia file transfer.

As we own more and more mobile devices, so the logistics regarding recharging can increase. Belkin has a solution for this problem.

External USB drives – like internal ones – are getting larger in capacity while in a lot of cases are getting smaller in dimensions. Until recently external drives over 500GB required an additional power source, not so here.

Recognising that winning the argument of who is the better driver could well be grounds for divorce; Ford is now offering Active Park Assist on its latest Focus models. Enabling one to sit back, without touching the steering wheel, while the car steers itself into a suitable gap APA ensures that one can park first time, every time and so avoid these acrimonious arguments.

Combining functionality with stylish appearance is becoming increasingly important as computer set-ups are often to be found in the living rooms of many users. One product following this concept is a router from Linksys.

Someone who is new to PCs -- yes, there are still some -- find that getting to grips with their new machine is rather daunting. They need a book which will enable them to get started and guide them through the various tasks they want to perform. Simply Windows 7, by Paul McFedries, which is described as a “Step-by-step introduction to Windows 7” covers most things that the new user will need in a clear manner which is well illustrated with screen shots.

Not as yet a single product, the first an analogue clock that looks like it is a phone, the second a device that is likely to more required as global warming increases even in the UK for removing the discomfort of insect and mosquito bites.

The first is a roll up keyboard designed to be used with Bluetooth devices. The second is even smaller but certainly preferable to using those phone keyboards, the first is possibly touch typeable and the second could be if you have small fingers.

As I take my regular morning walk a new set of headphones have been keeping me company. This headphone set allows me to listen to the music stored on my Sansa Clip+ MP3 player.

A webcam is normally something that notebook users take as a given, however for some reason I do not think I have ever seen one in the top of flat panel and certainly not one in a monitor, this then is for those who use these devices.

As many of us our now on our second (or even third or more PC) it is quite common to find that people have removed and kept the hard disc from the out-dated machine. However, having retained the drive, we may find that we don’t have the means of taking data off it. Freecom’s Hard Drive Dock Pro could well be the answer as it designed to connect a bare SATA or IDE drive to a USB port.

Computerised assistance in helping you get from point A to point B when travelling has come a long way (no pun intended) since the days when Auto Route was introduced. Incidentally Auto Route was the first product that I came across which required the user to activate the software with a phone call.

Combining your existing electronic cabling set-up and WiFi is the approach of the latest HomePlug product from devolo.

The first is a set of red and white lights to attach to yourself – ideal for cyclists – to be seen at night. The second who has tried using the modern touch screen in gloves? This normally will not work, however with these gloves it will.