Battech Releases iPower SX Solar Charger
28 November 2008 02:13 EST
Chris Barylick
Recently, UK technology firm Battch released its iPower SX solar-powered accessory charger for portable consumer electronics. According to Pocket-lint, the device features a 2,200mAh battery capable of powering an iPod classic for up to 50 hours as well as devices such as the iPhone, portable gaming consoles, MP3 players and cameras.
On a cloudy day or when stuck indoors, the iPower SX can also be recharged via a USB port from your Mac or PC and features an indicator light to show how much power is left in the device. The iPower SX uses a 5.5V, 80mA crystalline solar panel with a 5.3V, 500mA output.
The iPower SX is now on sale in the UK and retails for about US$62.
If you've found a favorite solar charging device of your own, please let us know in the comments or forums.
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Sonnet Releases Simply Fast FireWire 800 to FireWire 400 Adapter
26 November 2008 12:16 EST
Chris Barylick
When somewhat irate with Apple, you can always turn to the third parties for answers.
According to The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Mac accessory giant Sonnet announced today the release of its Sonnet Simply Fast FireWire 400 to 800 adapter, a dongle which allows users to access FireWire 400 devices via the FireWire 800 port.
The dongle functions with standard 6-pin male FireWire 400 cables and can be purchased for around US$14.24.
If you've had a chance to play with Sonnet's recent adapters or have a favorite FireWire 800 to 400 adapter of your own, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Woman Defends Against Serial Rapist by Using iPod Charger as Stabbing Weapon
17 November 2008 08:30 EST
Chris Barylick
I wasn't sure how to categorize this one, but here it is.
According to the Gothamist, Staten Island, New York police arrested a serial rapist suspected of raping a woman over the weekend. The report indicates that the New York Police Department received a tip on their CrimeStoppers online site and arrested 23-year-old Thomas Fields, who was then selected out of a line-up.
The interesting part: "Sources told the Advance the woman fought back during the rape by jabbing her iPod charger into Fields' neck. He still bore two prong marks on the neck from the charger." Fields had grabbed the victim and dragged her behind a church.
Fields had been convicted of raping two women when he was 15, was convicted, sentenced in 2001 and released on parole in 2007.
This one seriously comes out of left field, yet makes a fair amount of sense. Ladies, perhaps your iPod charger is a better choice than pepper spray, kickboxing or folding your keys into your fist like they taught you in driver's ed. And guys, if she says no, borrow US$8.40 from a friend, go home and start a stamp collection, as it beats being rightfully brutalized with an iPod accessory.
As always, let us know what's on your mind over in the comments or forums.
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Texas Instruments DLP Pico Micro-Projector for iPhone, iPod to Release in Japanese Market
13 November 2008 09:33 EST
Chris Barylick
I'm not sure if this will make up for the company's reputation of making psychotically geeky, overwrought calculators, but it couldn't hurt.
According to Engadget, Texas Instruments has introduced the DLP Pico projector, a small projector capable of connecting to an iPhone or iPod and projecting a 60", 480 x 320 image up to 8.5 feet away.
The Pico arrives with an integrated 0.5 watt speaker, dock connector and runs for about two hours on a single charge. The unit is expected to go on sale in Japan on December 1st and retail for an estimated US$511 (or ¥50,000).
And since a picture's worth a thousand words...
If you're in the Japanese marketplace and get a chance to pick this up and play with it, please let us know what you think in the comments or forums.
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Potentially Interesting: Iqua Sun Bluetooth Headset
10 November 2008 02:45 EST
Chris Barylick
Reader and contributor Ryan Kaplan just dropped this link about the Iqua Sun solar-powered Bluetooth headset which is currently being profiled over on Buy.com.
Take a gander:
If you've dealt with Iqua's products before or know if this would work with an iPhone, let us know in the comments or forums.
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That Which is Spiffy: RichardSolo Backup Battery for the iPhone and iPod
10 November 2008 11:45 EST
Chris Barylick
Over on the Apple Core, Jason's drawn attention over to the RichardSolo 1800, a backup battery for the iPhone and iPod touch that doubles the capacity of assorted external batteries.
The new model currently offers 50% more power than the previous model and snaps onto the iPhone and iPhone 3G handsets via a latching mechanism that connects to the device. An optional brace keeps the battery attached to the handset.
The RichardSolo 1800 is composed entirely of polycarbonate/plastic which lends to a lighter feel than the aluminum housing of the previous models. Also featured in the 1800 are two built-in lights; a white LED flashlight as well as a red laser pointer.
The RichardSolo 1800 retails for US$69.99.
If you've found an external iPhone or iPod battery of choice, let us know in the comments or forums.
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OWC Announces External Blu-Ray Drive
23 October 2008 11:35 EST
Chris Barylick
On Wednesday, peripherals manufacturer Other World Computing announced the first of its new line of Mercury Pro Blu-ray external drives for the Mac.
According to the Apple Core, the drives will ship with FireWire 400, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 and eSATA interfaces and allow up to a 4x Blu-Ray disc write speed for burning up to one gigabyte of data per minute and transfer data at up to 150 megabytes per second.
The drives include a 3" FireWire cable, a 3" USB cable, a year's warranty are compatible with iTunes, iDVD 5, DVD Studio Pro and Roxio Toast, among others and start at US$499.99.
If you've gotten your hands on a unit and had a chance to test it out, let us know what you think over in the comments or forums.
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Synchrotech Releases FireWire 800 to 400 Adapter
16 October 2008 08:39 EST
Chris Barylick
With Apple's announcement of the new late 2008 notebooks came the news that the company has dropped the FireWire 400 port from both the MacBook and MacBook Pro, removing FireWire from the MacBook and leaving only a FireWire 800 port on the MacBook Pro.
Understandably, not everyone's enthralled with this change and thus the adapters come in.
Yesterday, accessory manufacturer Synchrotech noted that the company has released a 6F to 9M adapter plug to make a FireWire 800 port usable with a FireWire 400 peripheral and cable.
The unit operates at 500 Mbps, retails for US$9.00 before shipping and handling and is available now.
If you have an adapter of choice or two cents to chip in on this, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Sonnet Announces Aria Extreme N 802.11n PCI Card
02 October 2008 10:22 EST
Chris Barylick
In as much as the PowerPage focuses on mobile technologies, sometimes your desktop needs an upgrade or two.
According to Macworld, peripherals maker Sonnet Technologies has announced the availability of its Aria Extreme N 802.11n PCI card.
The card, which installs into a desktop Mac's PCI or PCI X slot, functions at up to 2.5 times the speed of an 802.11g card, supports multiple concurrent data stream transmissions and supports the WEP, WPA, AES and TKIP security protocols and is functional with Apple's AirPort hubs and base stations as well as other wireless hubs.
For users looking to upgrade their machines, the unit works in the Power Mac G4, Power Mac G5 and Mac Pro computers.
The card requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later to install and run.
If you've heard anything about the Aria card or have an 802.11n PCI card of choice, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Sonnet Announces Tempo SATA Pro ExpressCard/34 for MacBook Pro
12 September 2008 02:10 EST
Chris Barylick
On Friday, peripherals maker Sonnet introduced its Tempo SATA Pro ExpressCard/34 unit.
The unit, which fits into the ExpressCard slot found on the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro notebooks, sports two external SATA (eSATA) interfaces, allowing users to connect to additional hard drives. According to Macworld, the card can function at 200 megabytes per second, is based on Sonnet's E4P host controller for desktop computers and can connect to to as many as 10 SATA hard drives.
The card retails for US$299.95, requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later to install and run and will ship in October.
If you've heard anything from your end about this or have an ExpressCard/34 peripheral of choice for use with SATA drives, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Macessity Introduces LapTuk Stand for Apple Notebooks
03 September 2008 09:07 EST
Chris Barylick
On Wednesday, accessory manufacturer Macessity introduced its LapTuk stand for Apple notebooks.
According to Macworld, the steel stand, which is finished in an aluminum color to match the MacBook Pro notebooks, can support any LCD display up to 35 pounds and is designed to fit any 15"-or-under notebook and measures 15 x 10.25 x 1.5 inches in diameter.
The back of the LapTuk is open to allow air circulation and includes a cable management slot to accommodate the many ports and connections on the sides of Apple laptops.
The unit retails for US$39.99 and will ship on September 15th.
If you've tried Macessity's products before or have a notebook stand of choice, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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Synchrotech Releases ExpressAdapt PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapter
27 August 2008 08:47 EST
Chris Barylick
Late Tuesday, accessory maker announced the release of its ExpressAdapt PCMCIA PC CardBus to USB Mode ExpressCard Adapter. The ExpressAdapt unit requires no additional drivers and features voltage regulation circuitry to consume less power than competing devices.
The ExpressAdapt, which retails for US$45 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later to install and run, is only compatible with USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCards only and does not work with PCIe-based ExpressCards or ExpressCard/54 devices.
If you've tried the ExpressAdapt or Synchrotech's other products and have feedback to share, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Oncore Introduces 6-Bay Charger Charger for MacBook, iBook Batteries
12 August 2008 08:00 EST
Chris Barylick
Late Monday, Oncore, a supplier of power products for the education market, announced the released of a 6-bay Charger for Apple's MacBook and iBook notebooks.
The 11" x 17" holds six MacBook or iBook batteries and can recharge as many as six MacBook batteries in less than eight hours.
“Budget cuts are keeping schools from upgrading equipment, and many classrooms are using older notebooks. Students at our local schools have complained of batteries that last only 10-15 minutes before needing to be changed. This is a distraction for the students and the teachers. What schools need is a low cost power upgrade solution tailored for their specific needs. The right charger, combined with six new high capacity Oncore batteries, can maximize students’ run time and improve a school’s performance on older notebooks at a fraction of the cost of buying a new machine today,” said Mark Rapparport, president of Oncore Power Systems and the design leader behind the new charger.
Oncore's 6-Bay Charger retails for US$395 when sold through single unit quantities. The unit is also available in a power value upgrade kit complete with six high capacity Oncore batteries.
If you've tried Oncore's products before, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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FIN Releases Riser/Handle/Heat Dissipation Unit for Apple Notebooks
04 August 2008 10:12 EST
Chris Barylick
On Monday, accessory provider Fin-ups introduced the FIN, a combination riser, handle and heat dissipation unit for the 13" MacBook notebooks, the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro notebooks and the 12", 15" and 17" PowerBook G4 aluminum notebooks.
According to MacMerc, the FIN features black rubber feet to help assist in gripping surfaces as well as a tilt hinge to help prop the notebook at an angle conducive to typing and heat dissipation.
The FIN attaches to the notebook via supplied longer screws that go into the bottom of the MacBook notebook, thereby most likely violating the MacBook's warranty. A second caveat to the device comes in the form of the FIN perhaps making the MacBook notebook too large to fit in a conventional protective sleeve to carry it in.
The FIN retails for US$39.95 and is available immediately.
If you've tried a FIN or found a handle/heat dissipation unit of choice for your Apple notebook, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Decocases Debuts Alu-Magnesium Case Line for MacBook, MacBook Pro
13 June 2008 08:33 EST
Chris Barylick
On Friday, peripherals designer Decocases introduced its Alu-Magnesium case line for Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks.
According to MacNN, the case provides strong protection to the notebook while allowing the user to avoid overheating. Once inserted, the notebook can remain in the case while still providing access to all of its functions.
Where heat is concerned, the company has claimed its design to be superior to a standard plastic or leather case which may trap the heat from the notebook and allow the device to overhead.
The case itself is fully lined with neoprene which can help prevent scratches and the design features rubberized feet to help prevent slipping on smooth surfaces.
The case also features a removable strap system and is available in MacBook (13.1"), MacBook Pro 15" and MacBook Pro 17" sizes and retails between US$100 and US$150.
If you've tried the Decocase line before or have found a laptop bag of choice for your MacBook or MacBook Pro, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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Griffin Releases PowerDock 2 Simultaneous Charger for iPod, iPhone
30 May 2008 08:30 EST
Chris Barylick
I've got to say it: This could be nifty.
On Thursday, peripherals manufacturer Griffin Technology announced the availability of its PowerDock 2 unit, a standalone charging dock that can simultaneously charge an iPod and an iPhone (as well as other combinations such as two iPods or two iPhones).
The unit is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano with video, iPod with video, iPod nano 2G, iPod 4G and iPod mini, is currently available in retail stores and sells for US$49.99.
Griffin's upcoming PowerDock 4, which will allow for up to four devices to be charged simultaneously, will retail for US$69.99 and be available this July.
If you've seen this unit in action or have tried out a similar device, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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Apple External USB Modem May Cause System Freezes
28 May 2008 09:19 EST
Chris Barylick
Per the mighty MacFixIt, a number of users have stated that they're experiencing what appears to be a system hang after minutes of being connected to the Internet while using Apple's external USB modem. In some cases the computer must be reset multiple times before the modem will initialize properly and connect. The behavior appears to occur in all Macs and appears at random, as described by an Apple Discussions poster identified as Matt R:
"Sometimes it takes 5-6 restarts to get it to connect, then it hangs after 4 mins online. Then the next day it'll connect no problem and stay online for over an hour."
Certain elements of the bug have also shown the freeze/crash to be the computer functioning normally with only the keyboard and trackpad not working. One MacBook Pro user mentioned that even though the freeze/crash may occur, other programs will behave normally:
"If iTunes is running in the background, songs will continue to play, but you can't navigate to anything. The function keys don't work, and even the caps lock doesn't light up when you hit it."
Other users have described instances wherein while the computer doesn't crash or freeze, the Mac will drop its connection to the Internet. Such a situation could indicate the modem itself being faulty or a driver conflict in Leopard.
Click the jump for the full story...
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Nova Media Releases GlobeSurfer ICON USB Modem
23 April 2008 08:49 EST
Chris Barylick
On Wednesday, Germany's Nova Media introduced its GlobeSurfer ICON HSUPA High-Speed USB modem. The modem, which retails for €299 (or US$478.25), supports the HSUPA 3G UTMS speeds, EDGE and GPRS protocols and ships with a USB extension cord.
"This small and lightwight modem is the perfect internet companion for the MacBook Air", said Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. "Since it features an advanced receiver technology, it is likly to work in places with sub-optimal quality of reception as well."
According to Macworld UK, the GlobeSurfer HSUPA ships with the Internet connect wizard launch2net software, which offers connection settings for most international network operators.
If you've found a HSUPA modem of choice for travel, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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SternLab Working on Knitted Body Technology Interfaces
16 April 2008 03:45 EST
Chris Barylick
It's not explicitly Mac-related, but SternLab is apparently working on its Body-Laptop Interface, a series of knitted accessories meant to provide "privacy, warmth and concentration" when using a laptop in public spaces:
The idea is in the concept stages and additional products can be seen over at the SternLab web site.
If you've got two cents to chip in about this, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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Marware Introduces Sportfolio Sleeve for MacBook Air
07 April 2008 09:12 EST
Chris Barylick
On Monday, accessory company Marware introduced its Sportfolio Sleeve and Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve cases for Apple's MacBook Air laptop. According to Macworld, the cases are form fitting and composed of neoprene with the regular sportfolio featuring a horizontal design while the vertical case's design more readily accommodates a backpack style of carrying the unit.
Both cases incorporate a zipper as well as a stretchable "Orca Skin" exterior pocket that can be used to store peripherals such as a mouse, camera, iPod, iPhone or cables. The cases include a plush inner lining to help prevent scratches and retail for US$29.99 before shipping and handling.
If you've gotten your mitts on a Sportfolio Sleeve or found a laptop bag of choice for your MacBook Air, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Ecamm Replaces Huckleberry Camera Attachment for MacBook, MacBook Pro
11 March 2008 12:08 EST
Chris Barylick
On Tuesday, software and accessory manufacturer Ecamm Network announced the released of its redesigned Huckleberry, an accessory that reverses the direction of your MacBook or MacBook Pro's iSight camera.
According to Macworld, the device is placed above the screen and uses two acrylic mirrors to offer a full 180 degree change in the iSight's direction and shoot footage relative to the back of the laptop as opposed to the standard front side.
Ecamm has stated that this is the third revision of the product, which now fits all MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks. The company has also claimed that a change to foam brackets has made the product sturdier and easier to assemble and disassemble.
The Huckleberry retails for US$28.95 and is immediately available.
As always, let us know what you think in the comments and forums.
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ViDock Gfx Allows MacBook Pro Access to Three External Monitors, Now Available for Pre-Order
10 March 2008 09:44 EST
Chris Barylick
You love your MacBook Pro and the idea of marrying it to up to three external monitors at once would just make it that much better. According to Gizmodo, Village Tronic's ViDock Gfx accessory allows the MacBook Pro two additional DVI/VGA ports for driving two external monitors. The device functions as an ExpressCard/34 slot peripheral and brings the external monitor support on the MacBook Pro to three once the built-in DVI port is added in as well.
Final pricing for the ViDock Gfx has yet to be announced, although the unit is currently available for pre-order. Submit the form and they'll get back to you with pricing information.
If you've heard anything else about the ViDock Gfx or discovered a favorite monitor expansion peripheral for your MacBook Pro, let us know in the comments or forums.
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Launchpad MacBook Riser Now Available
21 February 2008 08:00 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Back in January 2007 I wrote about a sexy new MacBook stand called Launchpad from a group called 604 Labs. While their prototype was one of my all-time favorite notebook riser stands, the company was plagued by production issues with their supplier.
I received word today that 604 Labs has got their act together and that a metric ass-load of the slick new stands are produced and "on a truck" to them right now. The Launchpad comes in two colors (silver and black anodized) and three sizes fitting 13, 15 and 17-inch notebooks for US$60.
From my review a year ago:
The Launchpad comes in three flavors for 12, 15 and 17-inch "notebooks" and in sliver and black. The angled surface created by the Launchpad is more comfortable and ergonomic for typing on a desk but it also keeps the notebook a comfortable distance away from your twigs and berries for those times when you just must use it on your lap. Cooling holes in the aluminum surface allow heat to dissipate quickly.Sure, there are a million various wedges and stands out there that will help ensure that you're able to have a Father's Day (one day) but what makes the Launchpad unique is that it doubles as a protective shell for your precious iron. When traveling, you can place your MacBook or MBP inside the cavity created by the underside of the Launchpad and then stick the whole shebang inside your bag.
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DLO Releases Portable Speakers for iPhone
11 February 2008 08:11 EST
Chris Barylick
On Friday, accessory manufacturer Digital Lifestyles Outfitters (DLO) released its Portable Speakers for iPhone, a pair of foldable stereo speakers complete with a mic stand that allows users to hear their iPhone audio without TDMA radio interference.
The speakers connect via the iPhone's headphone jack and the unit features a rotating stand. The unit is power by either AAA batteries or an included AC adapter and retails for US$49.99 before shipping and handling.
If you've seen a similar product or have a favorite home-brewed iPhone speaker solution, let us know over in the comments or forums.
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