Archive for the 'Peripherals' category
Reviewed: Panasonic RP-SDV16GE1K SD HC
February 5, 2008 5:37 am
With close to 90 per cent of laptops coming with a Secure Digital slot sharing files with your digital camera or camcorder has never been easier. It’s a standard SD card but supports High Capacity, so you won’t be able to use it in devices that don’t already…
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Original post by Michael Browne
Reviewed: OneClick Intelliplug
February 4, 2008 2:42 amWe should all consider being more energy efficient and this neat little device from OneClick can, in theory, help shave up to £200 a year from your electric bills. It’s a master controller that you plug your laptop’s power lead into and a second lead plugs in to any available USB port. Then, when you switch off your laptop, or even put it in standby, the power will be shut down to the peripherals.
Along with the single plug, which also has space for two peripherals to be inserted, there is a separate Intellipanel (£25 inc. VAT), which acts in exactly the same way but with space for eight devices to be attached.
When your system wakes from standby mode, the unit deliberately takes a few seconds to power up, so saving even more power. It also acts as a surge protector, so should there be any sudden power spikes […]
Original post by Michael Browne
Reviewed: Laptable 15-inch
February 1, 2008 3:02 amLaptop stands are an increasingly popular addition to the home users kit and this has to be the least hi-tech approach we’ve seen. Essentially, the Laptable is a small foldaway table with an adjustable lid so you can pitch your laptop as the right angle. With a variety of sizes on offer, we tested out the 15-inch version and found it solid and reassuringly reliable.
You fold out the legs, pitch the lid and place your laptop on top. If you like to add an external mouse, you‘ll find space enough for that too. This version even comes with a cup holder, which while useful looks a little precarious to use in conjunction with your laptop.
It isn’t designed for mobile use, rather for use about the home, or as the website suggests, even when sitting up in bed. What may look like a school woodwork project is actually a […]
Original post by Michael Browne
Reviewed: Sandisk Sansa Clip
January 31, 2008 2:49 amThis flash-based MP3 player is pitched as a rival for the iPod Shuffle or the Creative Zen Stone but manages to have a style all its own. Measuring 56 x 36 x 13mm, it manages to incorporate a 25mm screen that is far more usable than on the Stone. The controls are straightforward, but it’s the addition of a Home button than really stands out, as this is a one-click operation to get back to the start menu.
It gets its name from the clip on the back, similar to the one found on the iPod Shuffle, so you can attach it to the collar of your coat. With 1GB of space on offer – a 2GB version costs £35 (inc. VAT) – this isn’t a mass storage device but it’s fine for the gym. There‘s also a dedicated volume on the right-hand side. When it comes to […]
Original post by Michael Browne
Reviewed: MSI Digivox Mini II V3
January 30, 2008 1:11 amPortable TV tuners are made up of two elements: the hardware and the software. In terms of hardware, the MSI Digivox is a large USB dongle with an RF antenna at one end that plugs either into your roof aerial or the supplied portable version.
With support for 1080i High Definition broadcasts, which you’ll need a subscription for, this works as a standard digital terrestrial TV tuner, so you can receive Freeview channels. You also get a brightly coloured remote control unit, which has large buttons and woks well.
Extras in the box include a USB extender, so the tuner doesn’t obstruct your other USB ports – essential if they’re all backed together as they are on most machines. You’ll also find a mini-aerial but as with all portable tuners this is only as good as your local signal, so it’s best to use a rooftop aerial whenever possible. […]
Original post by Michael Browne
Placing your laptop on a stand when at your desk can help improve the eye-line sight of the screen, making it easier and more comfortable to use. The Akasa Gemini has been designed specifically for desktop replacement laptops with a screen up to 17 inches in size, as the sturdy plastic stand is wide enough to support the largest of machines.
The design has a fined body, so air can circulate under your laptop and with two 1200rpm fans, which are powered through your laptop’s USB port, we found it could keep even the longest running of laptops cool.
We were surprised at how quiet the fans ran, especially in comparison to the previous version of this stand, as they had a hardly perceptible hum. Apart from being a stand, you’ll also find a USB port for adding peripherals. It isn’t powered, so while it’s fine for adding a mouse […]
Original post by Michael Browne
Sony’s SZ range is overhauled
September 19, 2007 4:44 am
Sony’s venerable SZ range is to be updated with the launch of the VAIO VGN-SZ6. The SZ6 retains the familiar 13.3-inch display, but now offers the latest Centrino Duo technology.
This means the inclusion of Intel Core 2 Duo processors with a…
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Original post by Phillip Barker
Targus Blue Vibe Messenger laptop bag
August 1, 2007 6:20 am If you’ve just bought yourself a new laptop, chances are you’ll be needing a bag to protect and hold it on the way to work. Targus’ Vibe messenger will appeal to all types of user, thanks to its subtle styling and usable design.
Made for laptops of up…
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Original post by Phillip Barker
Generation 5 Portable Media Players from Archos
June 19, 2007 3:01 am
Press week at What Laptop is not a pleasant time, with a million and one things going on. So, when I received an invite to the launch of Archos’ Generation 5 portable media player range, I jumped at the chance.
Like the Archos Generation 4, the latest…
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Original post by Phillip Barker
Computex Day 1
June 4, 2007 10:21 pm Arrived in Taipei at midnight last night, jet lag feels more like a cheap hangover than anything else. The city’s traffic makes London look like a poorly attended parade and the rain (it’s the start of monsoon season, apparently) makes a wet weekend in…
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Original post by Michael Browne
