Ever since Apple introduced the new Magsafe connector to their portable line-up, there has been a big lack of accessories. This is because they will not license the Magsafe technology to third parties. This is a shame, because I think it is a fantastic feature.
FastMac have just introduced a new charger called U-Charge that does away with the problem. Instead of plugging directly into the laptop, you plug straight into the battery. It is very portable, and available for the PowerBook G3 Pismo, 12-inch iBook G3/G4, PowerBook G4 Alu, and the latest MacBook and MacBook Pro. Costing $69.95 it is well worth checking out.
Kolobags Knomo - Carry your MacBook in style
If you are looking for something a little different (aka stylish) to carry your MacBook around in, then check out the Knomo from Kolobags. Nice styling, built in handle, and cuddly padding, make this a very stylish choice. Comes complete with a "if lost' tag that has a unique identifier code, so if some finds your laptop after it is stolen or mislaid, you might well stand a chance of getting it back. The Knomo looks pretty good, for a little under $100.
Proporta Laptop Sleeve - something a little different
If you are looking for something with a bit of design thought, to protect your laptop, check out this new offering from Proporta. It is ideal for protecting your MacBook against scratches and impact damage; it can also be stored away safely when not in use.
The Proporta Laptop Sleeve is available in three sizes; 13inch, 15inch and 17inch to perfectly fit whichever MacBook you have. It also features elasticated sides for an even more snug fit. This soft to the touch sleeve incorporates a nylon lining to prevent scratches caused on the move by knocks, bumps and loose items in your bag. Seems like a bit of a bargain at £19.95 too. Come back soon to check out a full review.
iFold Stand - Ease the neck pain!
Matias today announced the iFold, a laptop stand that folds flat for travel. By raising your notebook to monitor height and attaching a keyboard & mouse, you get the comfort level of a desktop computer, without losing the convenience of your laptop.
"We've created an instant classic," said Vesna Vojnic, Marketing Director for Matias. "Made from beautiful black acrylic, the iFold is simply gorgeous. The folding mechanism is zinc alloy and fully visible. You can see one in person at flagship Apple Stores. It's really cool. "
"With laptops out-selling desktops, the landscape has really changed. Lots of problems that were solved in the desktop era are now reappearing. For example, displays are too low, so people are getting neck pain from looking down. Laptop keyboards are cramped and lack a number pad. Most of the products out now are not portable. In the coming weeks, Matias will be offering solutions to all these new problems," said Vojnic.
Price & Availability
The iFold is $59.95 (US) available today from the Apple Store, eCost.com, Amazon.com, and Matias.ca.
Be-ez introduce LA Dolce Vita Bag
Be.ez, a leading manufacturer of multimedia accessories in Europe and Asia, announced today the new LA Dolce Vita bags, an innovative space-saving Laptop bag that can transport your notebook during the day and your clothes in the night.
The LA Dolce Vita is an ultra sleek bag that offers style-conscious users a simple solution for carrying and protecting their MacBook in complete safety. Be.ez have included a removable compartment in LA Dolce Vita offering users the ability to change the bag as required, a Mac carry case during the day and a fashionista’s holdall during the night. The bag, made from original Tarpaulin material shines with its versatility, it comes in three different colours - Ristretto, Zucchero and Moka. With its ingenious removable flap (invisible to the naked eye…), the most original of users will be able to change their companion to reflect their personality and style, over and over again…
Nicolas Cottard, CEO, Be-ez, commented: “Here at Be-ez we are dedicated to producing the most fashionable yet intelligent protection for mobile devices, it is all about being sleek in the Apple world this season. We offer the best available material and design that people on the move will really appreciate. Featuring a cross-shoulder carrying style, Be-ez LA Dolce Vita clings snugly to your body bringing comfort with style. The removable compartment means you can carry your notebook to work and your running trainer’s home. The LA Dolce Vita bag is the ultimate in practicality and style.”
Pricing and availability
The LA Dolce Vita is available on 15th November and costs £49.95, a list of retailers can be found here.
Vibro Max now available in UK
The amazing follow up to the Vibro Blaster turns any flat surface into a speaker. No bigger than a rubix cube, the Vibro Max is the ultimate portable speaker – all it needs is a flat, solid surface, the patented electro acoustic technology does the rest, transforming sonic signals into sonic mechanical vibrations to produce 20 watts of sound quality to rival some of it’s bigger, bulkier competitors. The Nimzy Vibro Max is available now for £79.99 from Widget.
Rex - Apple Remote for your slot !
SiK inc. took the Apple Remote one step further today. We all know that most of the current Apple Macs come with a nice remote control, but only the iMac has a nice magnet to keep that remote safe. Well, now MacBook Pro owners can pick up a Rex Remote for just $26. It replicates all the normal remote features, but when not in use, can be stored in the MacBook Pro express card slot. Wicked !
Belkin SleeveTop - lightweight protection
The Belkin SleeveTop was announced today, and is designed for comfortable laptop use around the house. In a similar way to the PocketTop, it provides a nice base to work with your laptop actually on your lap. When not in use, you zip it closed and your laptop is protects from knocks and scratches. The SleeveTop will be available soon for £29.99 and is available in green, orange and silver.
Belkin PocketTop - Love your laptop
This years CeBIT is underway tomorrow, and Belkin is launching a slew of new products, many of which will be reviewed right here on Geekanoids. Throughout today, we will be bringing you news of the best of their new releases.
The PocketTop is a case and mobile workstation all rolled into one, providing a built-in cooling pad and storage space for laptop accessories and power. So you can open up the PocketTop and use your laptop whilst still in the case, then when your done, store it safely. It will be available soon in green, orange, or silver for £34.99.
Gear4 BluPhones announced - wireless goodness
Today GEAR4 announced their BluPhones, a stunningly designed set of wireless stereo headphones for Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, laptops and MP3 players. They weigh just 26g and are one of the lightest and smallest Bluetooth stereo headsets in the world, ensuring maximum comfort and portability. But they don’t just look great, Bluphones promise to provide superb rich sound for your music too – all for under £50.
When used with an A2DP-enabled mobile phone, the headphones alert you to incoming calls and automatically pause your tunes, allowing you to answer the call via a small and sleek multi-function button on the headset. After you have finished the call, your tunes will automatically restart. The BluPhones receive and play Bluetooth stereo streaming audio data direct from mobile phones, laptops or music players that support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for advanced stereo. They also work with many non-A2DP Bluetooth devices in mono.
The BluPhones should be perfect for any occasion, whether it be the daily commute on the train, getting fit at the gym or running a marathon. You can be sure that you can listen to your music or answer calls in comfort, knowing that they are securely attached to you ears.
Features:
- Weighs only 26 grams
- Works as a hands-free headset for any Bluetooth mobile phone
- 5 hour music playing / talk time
- 60 hours standby time
- Plays music in stereo from any A2DP Bluetooth device and in mono for most other Bluetooth devices
- AVRCP technology (Audio Visual Remote Control Profile) for wireless control of mobile phone directly from the BluPhones
BluPhones are now shipping via the GEAR4 web store www.gear4store.com for £49.99 inc VAT.
FastMac - New MacBook Batteries
FastMac today announced new MacBook batteries. The new batteries come in black or white versions, and 60-watt promising increased usage times compared to the standard battery that ships with the MacBook. The design also includes and integrated safety circuit, which should protect you if the worst happens. They are available for pre-order now at an introductory $99.95.
Case-mate Leather Case for MacBook Pro
Case-mate have launched a new version of their luxury Signature Suit for the MacBook Pro. This leather clad case for was previously only available for the MacBook, but is now available for the MacBook Pro for $159.99. I have a Signature Suit on my MacBook and can highly recommend it, the quality is superb and it does a really good job of protecting the laptop against knocks.
Available in Alpine White, Phantom Black and Sienna Red, check out the full range here.