Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.05.17
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
CMS Reduces Prices on Automatic Backup
Solutions and Notebook Hard Drive Upgrades
CMS
Peripherals has announced a price reduction affecting their
entire line of notebook and desktop Automatic Backup System Plus
(ABSplus) solutions, as well as the Easy-Plug Easy-Go (EPEG) line
of notebook hard drive upgrades. With ABSplus prices starting as
low as $299 for 20 GB and EPEG prices reduced by as much as 34
percent, CMS makes "ease-of-use" even easier to own.
Using an industry standard, fully bootable and removable hard
drive, the ABSplus offers unmatched data security enabling failed
hard drives to be quickly and easily replaced with the ABSplus hard
drive. In minutes, users can reboot their system to find all of the
applications, configurations and data intact as stored to the
ABSplus during the last backup.
Providing hands free, automatic backup and external storage in
capacities ranging from 20 GB to 120 GB, CMS offers the new
bootable feature in a choice of USB 2.0 connectivity - or FireWire.
Both interfaces offer users hot-swap capability and fast, easy data
sharing between multiple USB 2.0 or FireWire enabled notebook and
desktop systems.
Beyond providing one of the world's easiest hard drive upgrades
for notebook computers, the EPEG product line provides data storage
which can be stored off-site if necessary for additional data
security. Compatible with more than 700 models of portable notebook
computers, CMS' EPEG product line even supports mixed partitions
for dual and multiple boot operating systems providing added
convenience as well as broad application and environment
compliance.
Effective immediately, the pocket-sized Notebook ABSplus is
available in capacities of 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, and 60 GB, and the
ABSplus for desktops in capacities of 20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB,
100 GB, and 120 GB have been reduced from a starting price of $349
to as little as $299. The EPEG line of notebook hard drive upgrades
in capacities of 10 GB, 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, and 60 GB have been
reduced from starting prices as low as $229 down to just $180.
Willow iPod BiFold Case
The
iPod BiFold has been designed to protect your iPod from
bumps and scratches while still allowing easy access for use. The
case features a convenient, removable earplug pouch as well as
standard waist belt clip.
iPod BiFold Features:
- great protection afforded by foam laminated fabric and
reinforced flap that covers the front.
- flat profile (with the waistbelt clip removed) to allow the
case to easily fit into pockets.
- pause switch and FireWire port access provided by the snapped
top flap.
- detachable earpiece pouch which can be secured to the bottom of
the BiFold for commuting storage.
- hook and loop fastener attachment of the earplug pouch to the
main case to allow removal when it's not needed.
- handy business card pocket on inner flap wall.
- optional convenient power supply case available as system
accessory.
- optional arm band holder for running or workout
usage./font>
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available Colours: Black, Charcoal, Navy, Teal, Royal, Mauve,
Red, Silver, Burgundy, Grape, and Taupe
Pricing: $ 46 Cdn/$ 30 U.S.
Tom Bihn Announces Empire Builder
Briefcase
The
Empire Builder is the result of three years of product
development and 30 years of bag-building experience. 
It is uniquely styled, superbly functional,
and built to endure years of abuse.
The asymmetrical front flap closes with a sturdy 2" side-release
buckle and has three pockets: a horizontal zippered pocket to fit
CDs or a CD player; a vertical zippered pocket to provide quick
access to a cellphone; and a diagonal, open-top pocket for plane
ticket, etc. Under the front flap, a large pouch has further 3-D
pockets for PDA, cell phone, and pens, plus a snaphook for keys.
The main compartment unzips low on the sides, exposing a "bellows"
that allows access to the depths of the bag; the zipper on this
compartment has lockable sliders.
The front, back, bottom, and sides are padded and stiffened by
1/4" (6 mm) closed-cell foam to protect contents and maintain sharp
looks. Inside the main compartment, the Empire Builder comes with
three hard plastic file dividers that make organizing your papers a
snap & keeps those important files from getting damaged. The
dividers stay put inside the bag, but are easily removed if you
don't want them, or you can order extras for even greater
organization. Also in the main compartment, you will find snaps for
the optional Brain Cell (formerly the Lap Dog), so you can turn the
Empire Builder into a sophisticated and highly protective laptop
briefcase.
The handles are constructed of nylon webbing rolled around
high-quality foam; they lay naturally together at the top of the
bag, so there's no fishing around for your grip. Of course, you can
always add a shoulder strap when the load gets too heavy.
Available in Black with Silver lined with Red, or Black with
Black lined with Black.
- An open-top back pocket for your favorite daily or zine
- #9 & #10 YKK Coil Zippers; genuine Ballistic and 500 denier
Cordura
Empire Builder sells for $130.
The Brain
Cell (formerly the Lap Dog) takes laptop protection a step
further. Cradled in soft foam padding, 
your
laptop hangs suspended in a corrugated plastic insert. This offers
significantly more protection than many other laptop bags in the
event that you drop your brain. It closes on the top, like a cereal
box, except with Velcro®, and snaps into either the Big Deal!,
the Empire Builder, or the Brain Bag, turning them into great
computer cases.
For use on it's own, the Brain Cell features an open-top, snap
closing front pocket of Spandura stretch Cordura to accommodate
your power supply, cables and/or external drive; webbing handles
and optional shoulder strap.
Available in Basic Black
- 500 Denier Cordura & Spandura Stretch Cordura.
- Size 3 (formerly the 2001 Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of
approximately 13" x 10.75" x 2.5" / 330 x 275 x 65 mm
- Size 4 (formerly the G4 Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of
approximately 13.5" x 10" x 1.25" / 330 x 255 x 30 mm
- Size 5 (formerly the iBook Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of
approximately 11.5" x 9.5" x 1.5" / 290 x 240 x 40 mm
Brain Cell sells for $50.
Intrigo Lapstation Series
The
Intrigo Lapstation B2 is a portable, folding laptop
table that is both convenient and comfortable. 
The Lapstation B2 is a flat-type table that provides
almost enough desk real estate for two TiBooks. The table is made
of translucent high-impact polycarbonate which comes in either
Smoke, Aqua, or Vapor. The gel wrist pads on the B2 model make
working on your portable computer for an extended period of time
much more comfortable.
Angled desk tables tend to be more comfortable for using your
PowerBook in a horizontal (i.e. lying down) position while flat
tables (like the Lapstation series) are more convenient for using a
laptop while sitting up (with pillows behind you) or when sitting
on a couch. The Lapstation B2 includes two cool zippered pockets on
each side of the unit allowing a good amount of storage for cables,
chargers or accessories. The Lapstation B2 costs US$100 and is
available from the Intrigo store.
- Lightweight High-impact Polystyrene Structure
- Medium Density Neoprene Wrist Pads
- Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
- Translucent High-impact Polycarbonate Structure
- Ultra Soft Gel Filled Pads
- Premium Quality Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
- Durable Titanium-finish High- impact PC/ABS Alloy
Structure
- Ultra Soft Gel Filled Wrist Pads
- Premium Quality Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
- free Neoprene Bag
Shaun Jackson Design Introduces New
LapTrap
The
LapTrap is a unique padded sleeve for your computer that
unfolds in seconds for use on your lap or desk. 
Compact enough to be stored in your current
briefcase or backpack. The new configuration of this case also
provides quick and easy access to the computer when traveling
through security at airports.
The LapTrap is a solution for users who want the protection of a
compact, dedicated Laptop case with the added functionality of a
portable office, but do not want to give up their current
briefcase, bag or backpack.
Two versions will be available. A rugged Cordura nylon for the
adventurous, and a leather for the urban warrior. The nylon will be
available first ($59.95 plus shipping) with the leather soon to
follow (leather estimated cost $199.95).
1000 denier urethane coated Cordura
- 1000 lb test military spec webbing
- non-slip gripdeck which also provides a thermal barrier between
the laptop and user
- shock absorbing EVA foam
- molded rubber handle
- military spec hardware
- all seams are edge bound
- all stress points are reinforced for increased strength
- will accommodate most large screen computers
- 2.5 lbs
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.
- iBook 500, 64/10
GB/CD/56K/USB/FireWire), 12", (like new, 11-mo. warranty),
$909
- PowerBook G3/400 Lombard,
192/6 GB/DVD/56K/USB, 14.1", $797 (add Zip module for
$44)
- PowerBook G3/333 Lombard,
128/4 GB/CD/56K/USB, 14.1", $635 (add Zip module for $44)
- PowerBook 5300c/100, 24/750
MB/10", floppy, $135
Note: On the Baucom Web page it indicates that the 500 MHz iBook
and Lombard PowerBook have a "fast 100 MHz bus." This is incorrect:
Both have a 66 MHz bus.
- PowerBook G4/550, 256/20
GB/Combo/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,199
- iBook 500, 128/10/CD/56K,
$999
- PowerBook G4/667, 256/30
GB/DVD/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,399
- PowerBook G4/667, 256/30
GB/Combo/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,499
- PowerBook Kanga G3/250, 160/5
GB/CD/56k/12.1", $599
- PowerBook Wallstreet G3/233, 32/2 GB/CD/56k/14.1", $699
- PowerBook Wallstreet G3/266,
128/4 GB/CD/56k/floppy/14.1", $749
- PowerBook Wallstreet G3/300,
192/8 GB/CD/56k/FD/14.1", $777
- PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128
MB RAM, 4 GB HD, CD, 56k, 14.1", $849
- PowerBook Lombard G3/400 64 MB
RAM/6 GB HD/CD/56k/14.1", $909
