QuickLink Mobile Connects 'Books and Cell Phones, Supergo Laptop Stand, $10 2.5" USB Hard Drive Enclosure, and More

Charles Moore - 2003.01.03

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• Smith Micro Unveils Mac Version of QuickLink Mobile
• Supergo Ergonomic Stand for Notebook Computers
• Macally iceKey Slim USB Keyboard
• 2.5" IDE to USB Hard Drive Enclosure for under $10
• FireWire Dino 4-port FireWire Hub
• LapBottom Keeps Your Laptop (and You) Cooler
• WristLinx Communicator
• Bargain 'Books

Smith Micro Unveils Mac Version of QuickLink Mobile

The Wireless & Broadband and Mac Divisions of Smith Micro Software have announced a new version of its QuickLink Mobile data connectivity product for use with Mac OS X. The new QuickLink Mobile will enable users running Mac OS X to utilize their built-in USB port to instantly connect to the Internet via their cell phone.

QuickLink Mobile offers anytime access to email, file uploads/downloads, Web surfing, or your company's intranet without being plugged into a network or modem line. QuickLink Mobile includes installation assistance that automatically detects the mobile phone carrier and sets up your account in minutes. Connect the QuickLink Mobile USB cable to a data capable mobile phone and you can have quick and easy access to the Internet.

"Apple's laptop products are leading sellers with mobile users and they represent a significant share of the overall mobile computing market," said William W. Smith, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Micro. Smith Micro's QuickLink Mobile is the first and only solution of its kind for the Mac environment, giving wireless phone users a convenient, versatile connectivity solution without having to invest in a wireless modem or a new mobile phone,"

QuickLink Mobile provides user information for Web-browsing efficiency via the use of a "digital dashboard" to launch a connection and displays signal strength and mobile phone battery status to ensure reliable performance. QuickLink Mobile puts the Internet and its infinite resources within your reach.

The $59.95 package includes software and a USB cable. It currently supports phones from Audiovox, Ericksson, LC, and Motorola and the following carriers: AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, T Mobile, Telus Mobility, and Verizon Wireless. QuickLink Mobile requires Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar).

Supergo Ergonomic Stand for Notebook Computers

Opened or closed in a snap, Supergo allows you to use your notebook comfortably at office, airport, home, in a vehicle, on your lap, and even in your bed.

The design of the Supergo is super simple. This is why it works so beautifully and efficiently. So simple that it is patent pending in Canada and will be so in United States shortly.

Features

• Fabricated with a thick, resistant, charcoal leather look PVC
• Weight: 325 g.
• Thickness (closed): 1 cm
• Dimensions of bottom: 20 cm X 30 cm
• Two screen height ranges: 7-10 cm and 11-13 cm (To use one or the other, simply rotate Supergo 180°)
• Solidly attached to the computer with two 1 in. wide Velcro strips
• Can be removed easily and quickly
• Improves the cooling of the computer
• Very stable and does not scratch the desktop.
• The Supergo is attached to the back of your computer with two self-adhesive Velcro strips.

Supergo's developer, Tam-Tam Inc., is a young and small enterprise located at Ste-Irène, a rural area in the east of Québec. Founder and president Georges Tremblay is a professional mechanical engineer with over 30 years of experience in research and development (R&D).

Supergo is the result of more than one year of intensive testing of 15 different prototypes in the lab and the field. The manufacturing is subcontracted to a Canadian company specialized in the fabrication of high quality PVC products.

Supergo is initially offered at $Can 35.95/US$23.95 + tax + shipping.

Macally iceKey Slim USB Keyboard

Here's a super keyboard to use with your TiBook or iBook mounted on a laptop stand.

The Macally iceKey slim USB keyboard is designed to match the style of Apple's dual USB iBook and iMac. Its low profile scissor keys reduce key stroke travel distances and ease pressure on your finger tips.

Features

• 108 key ultra slim USB keyboard
• Enhanced scissor key switches for thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch
• Built-in USB ports on both sides of the keyboard
• Ice white finish to match your Mac
• Easy to store inside keyboard drawer

System Requirements:

• Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X v10.1
• Available USB port

Specifications:

• Dimensions: (W) 18.19", (H) 1", (D) 6.5
• Maximum Cable Length: 5'
• Net Weight: 2 lbs
• 3 year manufacturer warranty

MSRP is $59. DevDepot currently has the iceKey on sale for $39.95.

2.5" IDE to USB Hard Drive Enclosure for under $10

This sleek blue USB case will take any ATAPI-4 compliant 2.5" IDE hard drive that is 12.5 mm in height or smaller and turn it into a portable and hot swappable USB storage device. The IDE to USB case features USB 1.1 compliance, a 512 byte data buffer, and data transfer rates up to 900 KB per second.

General Features

• USB 1.1 compliant
• Converts 2.5" hard drive into a portable USB hard drive
• An easy way to back up files
• 512 bytes auto-allocating data buffer
• Up to 900 KB/sec upstream and downstream data transfer rates
• Supports ATAPI-4 compatible 2.5" hard drives
• Powered directly by USB port
• Unit dimensions: 6" x 4" x 1"

Power Rating: Output: 5v, 500 mA

Package Includes

• 2.5" IDE to USB hard drive enclosure
• USB A-B cable
• Mounting screws
• User's manual
• Software driver on floppy disk

Price: $9.95 plus shipping

For more information, visit Mussalli.com.

FireWire Dino 4-port FireWire Hub

FireWire Dino is stomping through town and he means business. With piercing red eyes and an open mouth that lights up when plugged in to the FireWire bus, FireWire Dino is as menacing as he is useful. When he's not destroying your desk, he's helping you with your FireWire connectivity problems.

If you have more devices than FireWire ports then FireWire Dino is for you.

Hard disks, CD and DVD recorders, video cameras - you name it, and FireWire Dino will allow you to connect multiple devices to your FireWire capable computer.

Key Features:

• 4 ports to expand your computer's FireWire capabilities
• Menacingly fast 400 Mbps data transfers
• 100% 1394/FireWire compliant
• Eyes light red and mouth lights blue when FireWire Dino is plugged into the FireWire port on your computer
• No drivers required
• Optional power adapter allows FireWire Dino to be externally powered (sold separately)
• Per-port over current protection
• Supports Mac OS, Win 98/SE/ME/2000/XP
• Stands roughly 8" tall
• Doesn't bite
• Rarely eats (CharisMac claims no responsibility for broken personal or business related property should FireWire Dino go on a rampage. As always, a clean and fed FireWire Dino results in a happy FireWire Dino - please keep small children away from FireWire Dino, just in case.)

FireWire Dino requirements

• FireWire (1394) capable computer
• Must know how to dial 911 in case of emergency

Price: $74.95

LapBottom Keeps Your Laptop (and You) Cooler

The LapBottom, a simple, comfortable solution to using your hot running laptop on your lap, now ships with new gripper pads that grip your laptop better and give you an even more secure work surface. In addition, an extra set of thicker pads will be included for those who prefer to use their laptop in a slightly slanted position.

The LapBottom is designed to enable today's users of high speed, hotter running laptop computers return to comfortably using them on their laps.

The LapBottom has a comfortably padded underside that grips your lap. The top combines raised ridges and non-slip feet to provide air flow under your laptop while holding it in place. It is made of lightweight and durable materials. About the size of laptops, it compresses to just under an inch thick.

Features:

• A comfortable and ergonomic way to use your laptop where it was meant to be
• Added stability at home or while traveling
• The air flow your laptop needs to cool itself and last longer
• Additional padding and protection when included in your carry case

WristLinx Communicator

Reminiscent of the "two-way wrist radio" in the old Dick Tracy comic strip of the '50s and '60s, WristLinx Communicator is a wristwatch/2-way radio.

Contains 1 Li-ion rechargeable battery and AC adapter.

Features Summary

• Up to a 1.5 mile range
• digital watch
• 22 channels:
  • Channels 1-14 FRS
  • Channels 15-22 GMRS
• VOX (Voice Activated)
• FCC self licensing necessary for GMRS channels 15-22
• Backlit LCD display
• Call alert
• Channel scan
• Electronic volume control
• 300 mW TX power output
• 5.2 MHz bandwidth
• User replaceable rechargeable battery
• AC battery charger included

Price: $49.99

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Bargain 'Books

There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233 MHz, the cacheless MainStreet version and the later Series II with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for the PowerBook G4/667 (Gigabit Ethernet/2001) and G4/667 (DVI).

MacResQ

• iBook 500, 256/15 GB/CD-ROM, $729.99

Small Dog Electronics

• refurbished PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, $2,750
• new PowerBook G4/667, 512/30 GB/DVD, AirPort, 16 MB SVGA, $1,849
• new PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/Combo, 32 MB VRAM, $1,949
• refurbished iBook 600 12", 128/20/CD-ROM, $795
• refurbished iBook 700 12", 128/20/Combo, $1,129

PowerMax

• refurbished iBook 600 12", 128/20 GB/CD-ROM, $799
• refurbished iBook 800 12", 128/30 GB/Combo, $1,188
• refurbished PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/Combo, $1,888

Wegener Media

• PowerBook 1400cs, 11.3" color screen, G3 upgradeable, 16/775 MB/floppy, battery included, 30 day warranty, optional 1 year extended warranty, $199.99
• w/floppy & CD-ROM, $249.99
• With extended warranty, $299.99

For more deals, see our Week's Best PowerBook G4 Deals and Week's Best iBook Deals.