Misc

A visit to a press event introduced me to a Hitachi product that attempted to combine style and an innovative approach to hardware and software.

It can prove extremely useful if you can switch the orientation of certain Apple devices when they are attached to a speaker enhancing product.

An interesting mix an executive toy and something that never existed in my childhood pens designed especially for use for left or right handed children, they even do different models according to the age of the child.

With smartphones, mobile music devices and other electronic gadgets it can sometimes be difficult to find all the power points necessary for recharging purposes. One solution could be to use a universal desktop charger.

Brando from Hong Kong has cornered the market in quirky devices that are in some way powered by USB. Here a USB hub with a touch responsive Plasma Ball, the second DJ Mix Turntable, both these items are fun things.

The first is a good way to listen with some rather nice earbuds multi sized from Shure. The second a really small TV aerial that can give reception in places without a roof or loft aerial, best of all its easy to move with the TV this from OneForAll.

Networking your Computers & Devices Step by Step from the Microsoft Press is a guide to networking a Windows 7 PC with one or more other PCs. As well as networking with other Windows 7 machines, this book also covers networking with Windows XP, and Mac or Linux-based machines as well as sharing printers, devices and files across the home network.

This time it’s not security for a PC but for a home. I have been testing this range of items all held together by a service since the late autumn. While you have a camera or cameras you also have switches for doors and other items.

Two interesting little gadgets both connect via USB and for regular readers only one is from Brando. A USB powered electric razor is something to keep in a desk drawer. The mouse has bolder claims 'change the way you will use your laptop'.

You would have thought that notebook users would be satisfies with the device’s touchpad rather than spend extra on a mouse but often this is not the case.

As hard drive increase in capacity so does the demand for faster data transfer. Verbatim offers a solution.

RockyHydro has devised a system that easily allows a user to choose from over 400 different custom micro-hydro systems to allow the customer to generate electricity from their own water source.

Giving my keyboard and mouse a rest from the usual pounding gave me the opportunity to check out an offering from Logitech.

Here I am looking at three new SD cards, one from Kingston, the second from Verbatim and the other from Integral. All are 64GB and use the new SDXC format (128GB cards will follow shortly). However you will need updated card readers to view your files.

Having purchased a netbook, you might find the lack of an optical drive to be inconvenient. A solution could be to add an external drive

Once considered only suitable for the experienced user, networks are now being promoted as being straightforward and easy to set up with products such as this new offering from Cisco.

Two separate items the first from Edifier a small soundbar for use with a PC or any device with a 3.5mm output. The second Microsofts LifeCam HD-5000 for those without a web cam so probably for those using a PC rather than a notebook.

Combining the ability to take digital notes while recording audio is a product that could be said to have its finger on the pulse.

Having spent a fair amount of money on a new laptop it is important to get a suitable case. The Revolution from STM Bags is a backpack that will be easy to carry around and should provide adequate protection for the laptop even though its internal facilities for accessories could be improved.

If you have built up a collection of business cards then you will know that the card you want is never the easiest to find. Dymo have a solution to this problem.

Unlike most of my reviews, this next product requires an oven and a bowl of water rather than a computer and a mouse.

My first external hard drive, still in active service as a backup device, has a fairly substantial presence with its own power supply. More recent models have decreased in size while offering plenty of storage capacity and accepting power via the USB connection. Now a drive arrives with a choice of connectivity.

Back to Hong Kong for two further USB items, the first a Skype (or other VOIP handset) that is shaped just like an old BT handset. The second a USB stick that is made from a set of three dice, either would make ideal presents.

I always wanted to own a Mini and now I do! Well I wasn't expecting it to be small and to drive my computer, I was rather hoping to be able to get in it and go shopping! But this little Motormouse can at least help me do my shopping on-line!

Chilli Technologies have produced a head cam ideal for wide angle shots for those times when you do not have an available hand such as cycling. The second is a mouse that does not require desk space to function this from Brando in Hong Kong.

A classic toy never goes out of fashion. It's 30 years since I opened BigTrak in the Christmas of 1980, and it's as much fun today as ever. Great toys work through the ages. An excellent present for small kids and to remind big kids of their childhood. A big exciting bit of kid for around £30.

A telephone call alerted me to the possibility of being one of the first to check out a new Blu-ray drive from Buffalo.

Just because you are paranoid, it does not mean that nobody is watching you and recording your every action. Somebody could well be carrying out a surveillance operation right now with you as the subject.

Adding video capturing and communication facilities to your computer is the task of a webcam such as a high definition device from Microsoft.

If you can be ill or well we accept illness so why not wellness? Here two items from Oregon Scientific a Wake-up Clock and an Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser both from their new Wellness range of products recently launched.