A laptop screams convenience as an on-the-go device that  fits as comfortably under your arm as it does inside a backpack or carrying case. However, a laptop falls short in the viewing area department –the “real estate” provided by the screen. This creates the dilemma of having to pick and choose which applications to leave on the screen and when, so as to avoid overlapping windows. Those with desktop PCs can obviate this problem by adding a second monitor. But having to lug a monitor around with the laptop, not to mention needing an AC outlet, sort of ruins the whole “portability” idea.

That’s no longer the case if you’ve got one of the new breed of USB-powered LCD monitors. AOC presents its 16-inch, LED backlit monitor as a lightweight addition to a laptop’s screen at a mere 2.5 pounds. But the best part is the loss of the power adaptor — the AOC monitor gets both its data connection and its power directly from the laptop’s USB socket.

While resembling a tablet from the front, don’t be shocked to find that there’s a great deal more depth to this monitor compared to that of an iPad or Android tablet. Part of that depth consists of an embedded tab that pulls out for standing the monitor upright: the tab rotates for use either horizontally or vertically. And sensibly there are rubber tabs attached which both indicate which way is up as well as provide protection from scratching the surface underneath it. But since there’s no protective case included, even though the screen is glass, it could get scratched if mistreated. I would recommend getting a tablet carrying case for it as a safety precaution (you have one for your laptop anyway, right?).

The finish is a flat black, although looking at the screen while holding the monitor might cause some to think there is a very glossy finish. This is misleading, since a glare-resistant coating is touted as one of the features. In general use, complaints about glare will be minimal, if at all.

The rest of the contents consist of a moderate length USB cable (one end being the mini-USB plug that fits into the very unobtrusive socket on the monitor’s back, behind the pull out tab), and a CD that installs the device driver into a PC. Note: it’s always a good idea to check out the manufacturer’s website’s “Support” to see if there might be an updated driver to use rather than the one that has been burned on disc. Since the Mac driver is only on the website, if you don’t go there, you might not think it works with an Apple computer (it does).

So after you installed the driver and rebooted, it’s just a matter of placing the monitor next to the laptop and connecting the two ends of the USB cable to their respective USB sockets when you want to use it (note: you’ll be connecting the monitor to the PC during the installation process as part of the procedure so it might already be connected). Should you be using a device, which has a low-powered USB output (unlikely these days), the second USB plug at one end of the cable will have to be inserted into a second USB socket. [AOC recommends attaching the monitor prior to turning the computer on, by the way]

With the laptop now active, the monitor now comes to life. At this point you’ll want to decide whether to “mirror” what is being seen on the main screen, or use it as an extended monitor. Setting this and other aspects of the monitor is done through the display options inside the PC laptop’s “Screen Resolution” (the monitor tops off at 1366 x 768 pixels). You can orient the monitor for “portrait” or “horizontal” viewing. Later you can access the settings through an icon in the System tray, using XP or Vista, or through a key press combination using Windows 7 (with Macs, a simple but dissimilar procedure applies to activate the monitor).

The monitor’s performance is somewhat dependent on the graphic card and processing power of the attached computer — no surprise there — but while you can use it in a similar manner to that of the main screen, it’s comparatively lower resolution could be disappointing to some. Certainly if you use it for static imaging and other applications where motion and detail is less prevalent, it’ll work fine (say thanks to the internal processing chip inside aiding in the processing of what is being displayed). As an example, I’d keep word processing on the main screen to avoid eye-strain and let videos play on the AOC. I didn’t encounter any screen refreshing issues that were visible to the eye, or any “flicker” or image smearing over a period of extended use. The high dynamic contrast ratio (50,000:1) is a far cry from the puny, early days of LCD and is extremely helpful when using a small monitor such as this one.

A final issue is that of the power drain derived from an extra monitor. Obviously the monitor will decrease the usable battery powering a laptop — unless it’s plugged in for power — but just how much depends on factors ranging from the charge of the battery, the kind of applications being run, etc. In general, it’s fair to say that the battery drain should be considered and noted over time as the monitor is used so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Editor’s Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Great

Bottom Line: Having a second monitor provides more “real estate” when using a laptop, as well as allowing for a better segregation of applications in use. The lightweight nature and lack of power brick that is the standard of the AOC USB monitor, and this new breed of portable monitors in general, makes it well suited for traveling with you whether across the globe or in a coffee shop or bedroom.

Pros

• No need for a power plug
• Lightweight for portability
• Clear and bright display

Cons

• Somewhat “flimsy” construction compared to that of a tablet
• No protective case included
• Mac instructions a bit vague

USB hubs are pretty common place.  However, very few achieve “form meets function.”  The Pig Buddies is an adorably cute USB hub.  And while we’re sure you’ve figured it out, we feel inclined to tell you that the baby pigs act as a thumb drive, while the momma pig is the USB hub itself, accompanying up to three babies at a time.

No word on a price, but there is just no way they won’t manufacture this.

It’s been roughly 25 years since the last time I can say with certainty that I’ve held a brand new Nintendo Entertainment System controller. The last time I held one was a couple of days ago, playing old games with my controllers so worn down that certain buttons don’t work right, that I cramp my hand slightly when making my character move left due to deteriorated responsiveness. When I saw the Retrolink USB NES controller, I knew instinctively from years of gaming that this was the real deal. No aspect of the now-antiquated yet refreshingly simple original NES controller was overlooked.

The Retrolink NES controller is precisely the same size and shape of the controller it’s modeled after, but the attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The directional pad is made out of the same plastic, the buttons are concave and red like its namesake, and the select and start buttons are still the same pliant rubber that they were always meant to be. But I had to know just how deep this homage to retro gaming’s commitment went, so I took to my toolbox for a comparison.

It should have been an obvious sign when the Retrolink used the same number and size of screw as my NES controllers did, that taking them apart was an identical process for both controllers. Opening the controllers, the only differences on the inside were the PCB boards and the wires, which really came as no surprise considering that one was USB and the other proprietary to its console. The wire even nested inside the box the same way. The rubber beneath the plastic and the d-pad and buttons were virtually identical, and enough so to be swapped between the two. Even if I couldn’t find a myriad of uses for the Retrolink controller, the idea that I now had a reliable source for replacement buttons for my NES controllers was a huge relief to me.

There are some differences between the two, but they are largely cosmetic. The back indentation where Nintendo left their model information and brand insignia was simply left blank on the Retrolink, the buttons are a slightly deeper red, and the rubber making up the start and select buttons is slightly different on the inside but still a solid fit in either controller. None of these things really stuck in me as a design flaw, but if you have to have everything exactly the way it was way back when, these changes might stick out at you.

The Retrolink USB NES Controller raises an interesting question in terms of how one should judge a device designed to be reminiscent of simpler technological times. In terms of what it does and what it can do, the Retrolink controller comes up short in every way imaginable to similarly-priced gamepads. It’s almost pitifully primitive, and while great for say, emulation, it requires a small degree of sacrifice for almost any other application. Yet, if you consider the intent and the scope that the company made designing this product, if they’d added more buttons, or analog sensitivity to the D-pad, retro enthusiasts would have been up in arms about how it didn’t capture the right feel, how it just didn’t compare to the real thing. Retrolink kept it simple, and delivered exactly on what they promised. It might not be the most ergonomic or functional peripheral, but if you want to feel like you’re back in the 80′s playing all the old classics, this is the perfect controller to do just that.

Editor’s Rating

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

Bottom Line: With a purposefully retro feel, using the Retrolink USB NES Controller is going to limit you to any game that needs nothing more than 4 buttons and digital movement. You could make a strong case for this being a huge setback in terms of usability and function, but anything more would have betrayed the very design and feel of the controller, turning it more into a generic gamepad than something truly retro. In terms of form, the Retrolink is precisely the same in terms of dimensions and feel to an NES controller. The fact that it can be disassembled to repair your childhood controllers is just a cherry on top of an otherwise flawless product.

Pros:

• Perfectly replicates the feel of using an NES controller for any games or emulators on your computer
• Being made out of roughly 90% compatible parts, the Retrolink can also be used to replace failing aspects of genuine NES controllers
• Easy to hook up and get started with instantly, no hassle getting right into the game on any PC

Cons:

• Limited buttons in the design means limited functionality across a wider library of games
• Takes a bit more setup than just plug-and-play on Linux-based systems if you’re not already setup to use gamepads
• Not entirely identical to its namesake in terms of internals and colors; though it works perfectly fine it may be a sticking point for purists

The Retrolink USB NES Controller is available from ThinkGeek for $29.99.

Amazon is offering a generous discount on this Kingston  WID/32GBZ Wi-Drive 32 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive!

If you were looking for a way to boost the memory capacity of your portable devices such as your iPhone or iPad than Kingston has a great solution for you! Now with a 50% price cut you can grab this 32GB portable Wi-Drive and feel the freedom of extra storage no matter where you happen to be. That’s because this unique little drive uses a network interface and Wi-Fi to tether to any portable device or computer you have with you, but also because its battery powered so you need not plug it in on the go. The Wi-Drive supports a load of different file formats so you can either listen to music, watch videos, read documents or books and much more and once connected to your iPhone you can utilize and download the free Wi-Drive app so you can take full advantage of this 32GB boost, which may indeed double your storage or more instantly! To top it all off this handy drive has some nice rewards under its belt, including the Flash Memory Summit 2011 Best of Show and an Editor’s Choice rating at StorageReview.com!

Take $90.01 off the original price of this portable, wireless hard drive, and it’s just $89.98 with free delivery

Whether you just prefer to do your web browsing from the bed or if you want some inputs to get used to no matter where you are, the Verbatim Mini Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse is a nice, compact solution that is incredibly easy to set up, comfortable to use, and effective for just about any purpose shy of gaming. With a roughly laptop-sized keyboard and a small mouse that also houses the wireless receiver when not in use, this set comes with pretty much everything you could need from a wireless keyboard and mouse.

The keyboard itself is fairly standard, complete with function keys and even selectable number pad keys and volume controls. The keyboard runs off of 2 AAA batteries and just stays on, waiting for inputs. The keys are push in comfortably, and it’s very easy to adapt to for anybody who spends any amount of time using a laptop. The letter keys are spaced more like a traditional desktop computer, which is great for typing, though the other keys tend to be more bunched up and in different places, which means looking around a bit if you’re trying to insert or delete.

In order to save on battery life, the mouse features an on/off switch on the bottom. More responsive than other optical mice I’ve tried, the Verbatim Mini Wireless Mouse is a comfortable yet small size, works great on almost every surface I tried (including my white desk), and the scroll wheel is smooth but responsive. The fact that the mouse can be used anywhere is a serious perk to consider when you imagine that you might be taking these out to use on a conference room table or a couch arm or anywhere you can think of, really. Knowing that the mouse is going to be responsive on a wide array of surfaces increases the potential uses for a wireless combo like this.

As nice as the Verbatim Mini Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse are, however, there is still room for improvement. The lack of a power button on the keyboard means that battery life is always draining, albeit slowly, though if you’re carrying the keyboard with you, every time a key is pressed it’s pecking away at the battery. The tiny wireless USB receiver, while convenient in its size, is pretty easy to lose track of if you don’t want to keep removing and replacing the mouse’s battery case to store it. While I’m sure they would make the battery life drop a little faster, some lights on the keyboard to let you know if Num Lock or Caps Lock are activated would go a long way. I also would like to see some kind of USB compatibility so that if your batteries run out and you don’t have a spare set on you, you could still use the keyboard at least.

With a solid wireless distance and decent battery life, the Verbatim Mini Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse make for a very good temporary solution for presentations or the odd situation where you don’t want to stretch cables. However, because of the reliance strictly on AAA batteries that do wear down after about 15-20 hours, I don’t recommend getting these for use in making your home a bit more mobile or wireless. The products themselves work to specifications and the fact that all it typically takes to get going is plugging them in and putting batteries in goes a long way in my opinion of any wireless device. Finding a regular use for them that makes sense in terms of not constantly buying batteries, on the other hand, is a little harder to do.

Editor’s Rating

3.5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

Bottom Line: The Verbatim Mini Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse isn’t perfect, but has enough going for it that it should be considered for anybody looking to add some wireless functionality to any computer around. The compatibility across multiple operating systems means that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, getting started is often just as easy as plugging in the wireless USB receiver to the system and going. For a product designed for portability and ease of use, something as pivotal as that simply can not be overlooked. Anyone looking for a replacement for their current keyboard and mouse aren’t going to like shelling out battery money frequently, however.

Pros:

• Full number pad via a function key is a rarity for portable keyboards
• Works with a variety of operating systems simply by plug and play
• Mouse works great on virtually every surface and has a full, clickable scroll wheel

Cons:

• 2 AAA batteries for the keyboard, another 2 for the mouse, if you use these devices with any degree of long-term frequency, you’ll need to keep a lot of batteries stocked
• Lack of LEDs for Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock means relying on the installable toolbar that comes with the keyboard on a CD to know if you have any enabled
• With no shutoff switch for the keyboard, batteries need to be removed to make sure life isn’t being drained while it stows in your bag or briefcase

The Verbatim Mini Wireless Slim Keyboard and Mouse is available from Amazon for $29.24.

A nice addition to any MIDI setup or to serve as a starting point for anybody with an interest in sound design, the Korg nanoKEY2 takes a considerable step forward from its previous iteration in terms of style. Whereas the first nanoKEY was modeled after the thin, trapezoidal sort of keys frequently found on laptop keyboards, the nanoKEY2 adds some spacing and autonomy for each button by taking a page from the MacBook, with rectangular keys that are each spaced uniformly and separated by the plastic casing. The nanoKEY2 lives up to its name by being incredibly thin and lightweight, only taking up as much space as it absolutely needs to.

With 25 keys, as well as on-board octave changing, pitch modulation, and note sustaining, the Korg nanoKEY2 is extremely flexible in what it can accomplish as long as you exercise a little bit of creativity and planning beforehand. The true amount of its capabilities are highlighted through the software licenses provided with each purchase. From Korg’s own M1 Le synthesizer program to ToonTrack’s EZDrummer Lite, Lounge Lizard Session, and a $50 coupon for any of the critically-acclaimed Ableton programs redeemable through their website, the Korg nanoKEY2 is a smart investment for anyone getting started just in terms of the software included.

As someone with a small amount of practice on larger, more classically designed keyboards and pianos, the uniform size and spacing of the white and black keys has a tendency to throw me off, leading to me placing my fingers between keys and pressing them simultaneously, or getting finger spacing all wrong while playing chords. Obviously, the nanoKEY2 isn’t designed with 1:1 piano replication in mind, but it does need to be considered for anybody who thinks they can just jump right onto this device without any acclimation.

That being said, the inclusion of velocity-sensitive keys on a keyboard of this size and price range was more than enough to make up for any issues I might have with key spacing. Though I have had a little bit of trouble comfortably replicating the right amount of pressure while playing around on a consistent basis, that can all be adjusted via the software with four different settings for the velocity and pressure. It may seem like a frivolous feature, but anybody who’s played a piano knows the massive difference between a soft, whispering melody and pounding the keys like Ben Folds. That the Korg nanoKEY2 lets you decide which you’d prefer by simply playing is a big, big deal.

More of an additional tool to be used in conjunction with other devices, the nanoKEY2′s slim, portable design fits in well with other similar devices that hook up easily to laptops or tablets. Available in black or white, you can even select the design that better matches the rest of your gear. Due to the smaller design and lack of included features and full playability, the Korg nanoKEY2 isn’t going to be good enough as a stand-alone keyboard for any serious players, but then that’s not really it’s intended purpose. The nanoKEY2 is really ideal for sitting alongside other equipment, adding extra functionality to already existing digital musical tools, and it does that pretty well.

Editor’s Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Bottom Line: The Korg nanoKEY2 is a pretty bare-bones synthesizer that let’s you get right down to handling some simple play that can be fleshed out more in the presence of a full suite of software and hardware. Designed more as an additional keyboard to use with others, the amount of full-featured musical programs whose licenses come with the nanoKEY2 make it an ideal starter set for anybody looking to start dabbling in music. For the price, there’s just so much you can do with this keyboard while getting your feet wet to pass it up.

Pros:

• Onboard pitch, octave, and sustain buttons give the user a good deal more ability than a regular 25-key mini-keyboard
• Velocity-sensitive keys allow for a more natural feel while playing
• Included suite of software is enough to get absolutely anybody started with powerful, flexible tools

Cons:

• Key spacing can seem a little unfamiliar to anybody with any training on a more traditionally shaped piano or keyboard
• Hard to play anything of any considerable depth or range without the assistance of a looping device or software
• Sustain can only be held, not toggled, so sustaining a note in one octave and then playing a part in a different one only sustains every note played

The Korg nanoKEY2 is available from Amazon for $49.99.

Whether you need a good microphone for podcasting or just to get the most out of your Skype calls, I don’t think you’ll find a better balance of sound quality, good looks, portability, and value than the Samson Meteor Mic. Modeled after the classic studio microphones of long ago, the Meteor Mic keeps its features simple and built-in, making the use of this product extremely intuitive and quick to set up in a way that not only works, but works perfectly.

The Meteor Mic plugs in to your computer using a mini-USB to USB cable that is fairly long, and is ready to go immediately. Without even needing to be set up in any kind of recording software, I plugged a pair of headphones into the jack on the microphone and could hear myself clearly right away, adjusting the sound with the volume knob to see exactly how much background noise there was, and finding the best angle and spacing to keep myself sounding just right.

Of course, when it came time to actually record the Meteor Mic was already ready to go, and I couldn’t help but notice a huge leap in quality from my previous $30 microphone. Chalk that up to being able to make my adjustments on the fly rather than through a series of test recordings if you like, but the 25mm diaphragm condenser and 44.1/48 Khz resolution probably aren’t hurting either. Just seeing the Samson sitting on my desk as I talk into it makes me feel more confident that I sound as good as possible while speaking.

I have to do my best not to just be enamored by the style and functionality of the Meteor Mic, but when it comes to trying to say anything negative I feel like I’m just nitpicking. Hitting the mute button on the mic off and on gives off a distinctive “thunk” sound in the audio, something that a small wired remote could solve. I wasn’t able to make use of the screw attachment to connect the Samson to my mic stand due to a size difference. These kinds of things really didn’t make an impact in any of the uses I or most people had for the microphone, and so I don’t feel that they really detract from the overall experience. Sure, I couldn’t use my stand, but the microphone comes with its own. If I didn’t want to make a sound as I muted myself, any piece of software can accomplish the same thing easily.

If you’re thinking of recording anything in the near future or using voice chat functions with your desktop, laptop, or tablet, the Samson Meteor Mic belongs in your arsenal. Being as portable as it is, the Meteor blew me away in terms of how much it improved the audio quality of every one of the applications I use a microphone with. Other people notice it as well, whether they’re just hearing the results or actually see it’s distinctive look standing next to my keyboard. It’s thick and all metal, save the rubber feet on the bottom of the folding legs, so don’t worry about it getting banged up when you transport it. In fact, don’t worry about anything where the Samson Meteor Mic is concerned, it’s more than able to handle the job.

Editor’s Rating

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

Bottom Line: The Samson Meteor Mic may not be the best choice for a nationally-syndicated radio show, and finding the right position to use it in to improve your recording quality from pretty dang good to perfect may take some time, but make no mistake: the Meteor Mic is going to fit virtually every need an amateur will need. For its price, finding a better-looking mic with the same level of performance is most likely impossible. Highly recommended.

Pros:

• Flexible legs create built-in mic stand, or microphone can be screwed onto an existing stand
• On-mic volume/muting knob and headphone jack for latency-free monitoring ensure that you sound professional and clear at all times
• Sleek yet compact design and travel pouch make the Meteor Mic extremely portable without making the slightest concession in sound quality

Cons:

• Volume/mute knob is located on the front of the mic, which can cause some sounds to pop up when adjusting, or become inaccessible if pointing the mic upward using the legs, some kind of remote would make this feature that much better
• Bottom screw to attach to booms or stands didn’t fit my stand, so do some research if that’s something you absolutely need
• USB connection on back means that the mic can’t be folded up with the cables attached, make sure to keep the cable in the travel pouch with the microphone

The Samson Meteor Mic is available from Amazon for $67.01.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Who watches cable TV anymore? I don’t. In fact, if I didn’t already get it for free I’d cancel it immediately because I never watch it. Sure, that means no first viewings and no lucky daytime nostalgia through the boob tube, but most of those channels are useless anyways and it’s expensive. But to want to watch something on the big screen requires my laptop and a cadre of ugly wires in the living room. That’s why USB streaming is such a promising technology: it kills clutter, keeps laptops safely out of harm’s way, and still streams all of your video to the TV.

Warpia’s Stream HD does just that, and well.

The Stream HD is a simple two-USB dongle setup with a base that connects to your TV and a dongle for your laptop. Installation (on a CD…people still use those?) is quick and mostly painless, adding yet another icon to the taskbar. Once installed the USB dongle transmits your computer screen wirelessly to the connected screen at up to 1080p, assuming of course that you’ve got the juice for it.

Requirements for USB streaming are…strenuous, to say the least. For 720p video, Warpia recommends at least a dual core 1.8GHz CPU and 1GB of free RAM, and for full 1080p video 2.4GHz and 2GB. A Warpia spokesperson said dual core CPUs are recommended only so that other applications can run without error since video streaming only uses a single core, but laptops sold over the past 3-5 years have come with weak processors, opting for low-power and multiple cores instead of frequency. Netbooks and inexpensive laptops will have trouble with 720p video. For general web-browsing and using the TV as a secondary display, a 1.6GHz single core CPU and 512MB of RAM are recommended, and work just fine. But video on such a pathetic machine is a bobbleheaded mess.

I tested the Stream HD on several laptops, including an HP Elitebook (2.6GHz, 4GB RAM), a MacBook Pro (2.4GHz, 4GB RAM), and the new MacBook Air (1.8GHz, 4GB RAM). Warpia doesn’t formally support Mac OS, but the drivers are available and it does run. The HP laptop ran like a charm. Both 720p and 1080p video playback fast and smooth. The last-generation MacBook Pro did have some trouble with 1080p video playback, and washed out at 20fps instead of the customary 24fps for films, though after updating to newer (recently released) display drivers, it ran smoothly though depending on background applications there is some spillover.

I also tested running off Windows 7 through Parallels, though actually running Parallels slowed the computer down enough to make video choppy. While I didn’t reinstall Windows 7 using Boot Camp, there should be no lag, so Boot Campers should have no trouble even if their computers barely meet the requirements.

The MacBook Air was more trouble, thanks to it’s slower 1.8GHz processor. Even though it can turbo to 2.9GHz, video strained and was choppy, and battery life plummeted on the machine.

That said, I’m impressed with the setup of Warpia’s Stream HD system. It’s not difficult to use in any way: just plug the HDMI cable from the base into your TV (and optical if necessary to your sound system), plug the dongle into your laptop, and stream away. The software itself feels clunky, which feels like a problem with Windows because in OS X it just worked. The dongle does get surprisingly hot…it won’t scald you when you unplug it, but it’s hard to miss when a USB dongle could be used for Hot Potato.

Actual use is also promising thanks to the easy line-of-site requirement. That means you can’t stream from another room, and I’ve measured the cutoff point at about 20′ before video quality begins to suffer, though unless you’re trying to stream for a movie theater, that shouldn’t be a problem. My larger concern is actually the USB technology, because right now USB streaming doesn’t support use of the GPU, which is frankly terrible for streaming devices like the Stream HD. It limits so many laptops from streaming HD content. On my MacBook Air I can play 1080p video, no problem, but not streaming through USB. So for myself and tens of thousands of laptop owners, the Stream HD isn’t a feasible solution because their laptops use processors that are too weak to play the video, even though their laptops can with minimal stress. Furthermore, battery life drains significantly faster streaming via USB because of how CPU-heavy it is, instead of sharing resources and minimizing the power impact.

However, that’s all an aside, because USB streaming is a technology of convenience. It’s made to get rid of cables in the living room, make it easy and comfortable to watch TV from your computer on the TV, and not take forever to do so. In all of these things, the Warpia Stream HD does an excellent job. Now I leave the USB dongle on my coffee table for instant streaming of my favorite shows. Because seriously, who needs cable?

Pros:

• Simple, convenient, easy to use and setup. Post install, it’s literally plug and play.

Cons:

• Dongle gets very hot, very quickly
• Battery drain on lower-end machines is higher thanks to CPU stress

Ugly:

• USB streaming has severe limitations and heavy laptop requirements, but with today’s operating systems and hardware configurations, that likely won’t change

There are more than a myriad of options when it comes to wirelessly streaming music to a set of speakers in  your home.  For instance, there is Audioengine.  They provide a simple solution that consists of a USB dongle that plugs into your computer and sends tunes to an accompanying receiver unit.  They’ve also got a iPhone/iPod compatible transmitter dongle, though it will put a significant drain on your device’s battery.  Alternatively, there is Airport Express, which is compatible with Apple’s Airplay tech and integrates nicely with Apple products.  Lastly, there is the more expensive, yet scalable Sonos system.  Sonos is available at a variety of levels depending on the home owner’s needs, ranging from stand alone speaker systems, to a fully integrated speaker and receiver system that can be mounted into ceilings and walls.

Entering the fray is a company called playGO.  At the end of the day their offering is effectively the same.  A transmitters plugs into the computer’s USB port, while a receiver unit can attach to a set of speakers or compatible stereo equipment thanks to your choice of optical or RCA connectivity.

The units themselves are made of a material Corian, which is used in the manufacturing of countertops – in other words these things should be able to take a licking.  A set of LED lights indicate activity and the receiver unit features play and volume controls, though were not sure on their level of compatiblity barring a software driver for your computer.  The max wireless range is up to 75-feet and the transmitter is compatible with up to 4 receiver units simultaneously.  Much like Audioengine’s offering, the receiver unit will require power, as in an AC adapter.

So we give them high marks for a trendy look and durability.  However, the catch is the price, which is $449.99.  Audioengine’s W1 USB system, which is extremely comparable in feature set (minus the controls) is just $99, as is Apple’s Airport Express.

Before Apple popularized the MagSafe Power adapter, we’re pretty sure you and everyone we know destroyed at least one laptop power adapter running out the door to a last minute meeting.  In fact, it’s kind of funny to see a laptop without this tech installed.  And while the Powermat, and those products alike sort of resolved this issue when it comes to charging our portable gadgets, the bulkiness, at least in our opinion, is just too much of caveat to justify the convenience.

The Zip USB multi-charging station is effectively a MagSafe charging pad compatible with all micro-USB and mini-USB products.  You just plug the compatible ZipTails into your smartphone and place it near the charging pad.  And like that the magnetic connector is magically sucked into place and charging commences.  Now we know what you’re thinking; “what’s the point?”  Consider this: your charging your phone with a good old AC adapter when a call rings on your handset.  Your natural response is to pick it up, and in turn you end up ripping, as in breaking, the the power connection.  Honestly, how many of you have wonky micro-USB connections as a result of this?  With the Zip USB the connection breaks free without damaging the charging port.

Joy Division, the maker of the Zip USB, says that no power loss occurs with their product.  The pad has 2100mA, so it can charge up to 3 smartphones, or possibly more depending on their power demands.

Included in the starter kit, which costs $79.95, are one mini USB and two micro USB receivers.  Unfortunately, they don’t currently sell an iPhone version, which is just a crying shame, but perhaps they didn’t want to incur the exuberant licensing fees and the possibility that the next iPhone will make their tech obsolete.

Where there is smoke…there is probably a weed smoker and perhaps even a dealer.  You’ll probably also find a laptop or some sort of computer laying around their crib playing Sienfeld reruns.  And it’s not like this mouse will prevent the PoPo from deeming them a drug wielding and dealing suspect, it will perhaps add a certain level of bewildered amustment when the cops perform their drug raid.

The USB Optical Mouse with Pocket Digital Scale is not just your regular optical mouse.  In fact, it doubles as a digital scale that can measure objects weighing 0.1g to 500g.  Just pop off the cover, insert two AAA batteries and what was once a one trick pony will become a multifaceted device.  It even has a backlit LCD display.

Brando – who else – sells it for just $22.

Road warriors are the masters of packing a suitcase when it comes to any trip.  Inevitably they must carry a variety of chargers since they’re generally equipped with at the very least a smartphone and a laptop.  Fold in a portable audio player and a tablet computer into the fray and now we’re talking about up to four individual power packs to charge all their gadgets.

The AViiQ Portable Charging station eliminates up to 3 AC adapters and neatly encloses all your plugs into one handy miniaturized zip up suitcase.  Up to 4 USB devices can be charged simultaneously and it uses just one outlet, meaning your gear can be neatly placed in one area of the room.  A retractable USB cable also lets you sync any charging device to your computer.

AViiQ is so confident that you’ll love it that they’ve got a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied.  And considering it costs $79.99 there better be.

We don’t exactly get excited by flash storage.  But, for Victorinox’s latest USB flash drives we’re willing to make an exception.  They come in two flavors, Slim and Slim Duo, and store a varying capacity that ranges from 4GB to 128GB – the latter is for the Duo, which we believe features two 64GB drives.  What makes these multipurpose like knife tools different from the run of the mills USB flash drives is their durability and level of protection.  Victorinox says that they are password protected and are unhackable.  Apparently, they haven’t seen the powers of Anonymous in action.  Nonetheless, we’ll take their claims for face value, at least for now. Both models are waterproof, shock resistant, TSA-approved and come in a variety of stylish colors (silver, blue, orange, pink and green).

If you wanna scoop one up now, you can grab it at Amazon starting at $42.99.

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Do you remember that gum that turned your friend’s mouth blue?  It was a harmless prank, which of course now looking back probably wasn’t all that harmless since it probably used a carcinogenic dye.  Fast forward 20 years later to the computer age and you’re working in a bored-to-tears 9 to 5 job.  So what’s one to do?  Exactly what you did years prior, prank the crap out of your co-worker.

The USB Computer Prankster plugs into any free USB port and plays havoc on your friend (or foes) computer.  You can set it to make the mouse go haywire, permanently engage the caps lock feature and make the keyboard go bananas.  It even features a time delay in the form of a volume wheel, which allows you plant, walk away and then set the attack in motion without being within close proximity to your target’s computer.

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Newegg has a super low price on this TP-LINK TL-WN722N Wireless-N 150Mbps USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter which comes to just $24.99 – $9 Discount + Free Shipping = $15.99!

With computers moving anywhere in your home it’s much more convenient to use the Wireless technology that most routers provide and for a super low price you can give this capability to any computer! This TP-Link Wireless Adapter pumps 150Mb/s Wireless-N speeds to any computer of your choice while connecting to a USB 2.0 port for maximum speed and compatibility. It includes a detachable omni-directional antenna for superior range as opposed to other USB Wireless adapters and fully conforms to every security standard you need including WEP 64/128 bit as well as WPA/2 TKIP/AES.

BeachCamera via eBay has a super deal available on this Seagate ST310005FDA2E1-RK FreeAgent Desk 1TB USB Hard Drive for only $71.95 + Free Shipping = $71.95!

Backup all of your important data quickly and easily or even consolidate your most important files without a hassle! This Seagate FreeAgent Desktop Hard Drive features a huge 1 Terabyte capacity for holding everything from your HD media collection to your entire set of data backups with ease. It also includes easy-to-use software which can automatically backup your files for you along with encrypting important information and folders to protect them from prying eyes. It is contained in a stylish and compact design which will easily fit on your desk.

When old meets new we smile with joy. Say hello to the Quattrogiga leather journal from Pinetti.  It’s your garden variety leather journal, but instead of utilizing your standard strap and hook system to keep the pages sealed from prying eyes, they’ve replaced it with a rubber strap that has a built-in 4GB flash drive.  The pages of the journal are completely refillable which adds to it’s overall versatility and assuming you’re willing to throw down $85 for one, you’ll never be too far from your pictures, homework or files when you’re jotting down the day’s events.

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Buy 100 of these and you’ll have a USB army worthy of opposing you. Fight them in the living room, fight them in the bedroom, but get a damn good door so you can have some quality bathroom time outside the battlefield.

Yes, the Autonomous Futuristic tank now with USB port and “amazing maze solving”. If you don’t build a maze for it, the Tankbot will turn your beloved home into one. With amazing maze building skills found in its autonomous personality mode.

Well, the personality part is true. It can even vary its play patterns, though we have no description of how exactly it does the playing. No maze building skills, that part was a terrible lie.

And when you get tired of fighting these mini-bots from a dystopian future, control them with your iPhone or iPad. Just catch them by hand and add a dongle. I only wish fish were that easy to control. Or catch by hand.

Unfortunately, their LiPo battery only lasts for 15 minutes.

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For the budding musician in you, if that budding musician is extremely ambitious, Akai has made the SynthStation49 iPhone and iPad dock.

Not one of the smaller docks, this is a full-fledged, 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard. It even has manual pitch control and drum pads. It’s also the follow-up to a previous SynthStation dock, which was much smaller and less, shall we say, professionally done.

My guess is that synching a keyboard painlessly to your iPad has musical recording advantages, in the form of apps, since it’s iOS CoreMIDI compatible. There’s direct in-app MIDI recording, output through ¼” jacks, and if your iPad isn’t handy, you can use the SynthStation49 as a USB MIDI controller.

Having not yet been approved by Apple, pricing details are not available.

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What’s not to love about Quirky? An online community that designs objects and then manufactures them once a certain number of orders has been reached. 1600, in the case of the Perch, an all-in-one speaker and charger for your smartphone.

Made up of two parts – a dock and a Bluetooth speaker. The speaker is small, good-looking, and extremely portable. It charges when placed on the dock, and it can be taken along for the ride when you leave home. And it goes from compact to deployed in seconds, thanks to a deployable mini-kickstand. When docked, it attaches painlessly by way of magnets.

The dock plugs into AC power and gets universal compatibility with smartphones through USB cable connection. And it even has clock readout and alarm capabilities. Pitch in early and get it for $180, otherwise it’ll be $200.

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