Misc

Recently I have felt like putting my laptop on a diet. The reason for this unusual thought was brought about by the need to test a laptop bag.

For those of you that were introduced to corporate presentations in the form of acetate slides and permanent markers things have come a long way.

To me I knew the name Duracell for one thing batteries. Here they are launching a range of top quality torches, powered of course by their batteries. However the torches themselves offer something new, not seen before.

This book by William R Stanek and published by O’Reilly contains a massive amount of information in its 960 or so pages. It is not a book to be read but one to be delved into as and when the need arises – and this could well be anytime from the moment you get the computer.

It is not just call centres that require headsets for communication purposes; ordinary users could find such a device will suit their needs.

A recent delivery from Spain brought with it the ability to charge various portable devices simultaneously.

As somebody who spends a great deal of time typing, my choice of keyboard does need to combine functionality and, more importantly, ease-of-use.

Recently I heard from a reliable source that this type of product had been recommended by a doctor as a solution to overcome a medical problem. However, to the best of my knowledge, the product in question is not available on the National Health.

While the desktop PC often has up to six USB ports, a Notebook or Netbook rarely has more than three. So with more and more devices connecting via USB we all from time to time will need a hub to provide extra ports.

Portable external drives come in all colours, shapes and capacities. Recently I have been using an external drive that offers an extra layer of security.

Taking the opportunity to give my regular laptop pointing device a break from duty, I took a new mouse from Conceptronic on my travels.

Here I am looking at two more unusual items, first a 7 port USB hub with all ports switchable. Second an LCD water powered clock in what looks exactly like a soft drinks can, the surprise for regular readers is only one is from Brando.

Not everybody can get on with the ear-bud style of headset. If you fall into this category then a Sennheiser headset is a viable option.

Here I am looking at two of Brandos more whacky gadgets. First what looks like a Hamburger but it is a hand warmer and massager. Second what looks like a largish mouse (not the rodent) but is a card reader with a memo taker.

As house guests go I would not normally consider allowing a gorilla to share my abode but in the case of this minigorilla I might well make an exception.

First two are a wooden (yes wood) mouse and a wooden keyboard that both feel wonderful to the touch, they really look the business when on a desk. Third a USB Card Reader that is wonderfully compact and easy to fit in a pocket this also has another purpose.

One name that immediately springs to my mind when I think of SatNav products is that of TomTom. With over 3,300 employees spread over four business units (TomTom, Tele Alias, AUTO and WORK), the company is a world leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps.

Voice Recorders have been around for a long time, mainly as an office tool for the executive wanting to dictate notes or letters when away from the office. Of course many other devices such as MP3 players can do this now.

Have you noticed how inanimate objects have a habit of developing the ability to conceal themselves in a variety of locations? You may also have come to the conclusion that the effectiveness of this ability increases with the relative importance of the object at the given moment you need it.

Two USB devices that can help keep you warm during chilly weather, neither is an item of clothing. First a cup warmer and second a lunch box warmer, both from those clever people in Hong Kong who do all things USB. Finally a device that works out how much power your PC can save without shutting it down.

Tripods are normally considered something to attach your camera to that allows you to get a steady shot either with a very slow shutter speed or when you are using a large optical zoom. Here two rather different takes on a tripod.

Even though the majority of us are not, as yet, using Windows 7, the situation must surely change before too long. After all, it is now being installed on new machines. Furthermore, there are many Vista users who will want to migrate. This book could well ease them through the migration process.

Two rather different items that would make ideal Christmas presents the first for a young child Junior Classic Games for the Nintendo DS. The second a novel shopping bag holder with an undoubted plus for an older person.

At a loss for what to get the kids for Christmas? Bewildered by the array of boxes on the shelves of the local toy shop? Help is at hand!

Snuggies are an ideal solution to some of the colder aspects of the British winter.

Do you ever make paper notes when out and about and then have to copy them into a PC. If so then this package might save you time and potential mistakes in transcribing.

Like fish & chips, bread & butter or UK Bank Holidays and their associated rain and traffic jams, the keyboard and mouse go together hand-in-hand.

Speech recognition on mobiles hasn't moved beyond answering the odd call - Vlingo aim to improve matters!

Sometimes having to wait a while to see something is a good thing. If it is still around a year after you requested it then it probably does the job it is meant to, sometimes however the world has moved on. Here I am looking at a very small projector either hand held or mounted on a tripod.

Two unusual items from those clever Hong Kong people. Neither of which will break the bank. First a combination lock to fit on a USB stick to keep your data safe. Second what looks like an old cassette tape but of course it isn’t.