The computer keyboard goes funky with the Keybag

What is black, white, pink or red and holds an arrangement of buttons with single alphanumeric characters engraved on them? You said a colored computer keyboard, huh? Easy enough, but you ain't quite there yet. Technology and fashion borrow ideas from each other so often that it's almost impossible to guess at first glance whether, for example, a compact kit is really a makeup accessory or a chic cell phone in disguise.

In this spirit of artistic inspiration, the Keybag by Portugese designers Joao Sabino Studio is a tribute to the faithful old computer keyboard. It is a lady's handbag made of plastic keyboard keys on the outside, with a nylon lining on the inside. And a total of 393 keys are used for each bag measuring 30 x 22 x 50 cm, if you must know. The multi-purpose handbags are available in the normal keyboard black and white or the more sporty pink and red colors.

Our verdict - looks totally funky for a geeky girl's night out and is bound to get you attention, but is probably to be avoided during mundane expeditions like shopping simply because it looks to be fairly heavy even without the addition of your purchases. As always, art doesn't come cheap - even if it is only a keyboard, in essence. The black and white versions are available at $175 while the pink and red versions are priced at $195.

Via designboom.

The Turtle USB hub can be your geeky pet

Though it stumps me as to why we like to surround ourselves with computer peripherals that resemble animals, I would like to make a little argument in favor of the Turtle USB hub simply because of the fact that it looks rather sincere (and lovable) as it lies on the desk, faithfully connected to the PC. And I am perhaps also subconsciously inspired by the fact that all turtles represent the idea of endurance, living out hundreds of years as symbols of calm and poise.

Well, to cut out the poetry, the Turtle USB hub is a cleverly designed 4-port USB hub with the USB ports hidden within the limbs of the e-reptile. The shell is functional as well, and can be lifted up to store away the tiny items on your desk such as paper clips, post-it notes, and so on. A handy contraption that also looks good on your desk. Head on to USBFever.com to get your turtle at $13.99.

Via Pocket-lint.

Dell Adamo laptop: Love at first sight?

Dell's latest laptop

is shooting for the high end market with its latest offering. Complete with a snazzy website featuring beautiful models looking blase and a forgettable, mind-numbing track on an endless loop, the Dell Adamo is definitely a looker. Decked out in a machined aluminum chassis, with a mix of brushed and glossy facing, Adamo is available in Pearl or Onyx.

The name Adamo is latin meaning to "fall in love with" and looking at the specs, it’s easy to see why. Sporting a waifish .65 inch profile, weighing in at four pounds, the ultra-thin Adamo makes size 0’s jealous. The keyboard is a backlit, scalloped deal, making for a unique look and a nice typing experience. The view just gets better with the 13.4 inch widescreen 16:9 HD display with an integrated 1.3 megapixel web cam and edge to edge glass. But Adamo still packs a decent punch in the power department with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processors with Centrino technology under the hood. With its

advanced lithium polymer technology,

Dell claims that Adamo has a battery life of approximately five hours on a full charge. WiFi and Bluetooth are standard.

Is the Conficker worm an April Fool's joke?

It's not at all clear whether the much-talked-about Conficker worm will really bring those of us who use Windows to our knees, as if we didn't have trouble enough. See, for example, Brian Krebs, CNET News, and dozens of other PC pundits that turn up in a search of Google News.

But there seems to be a bit of consensus that something will be unleashed from unwittingly networked Windows computers on April Fool's Day, April 1. Which is almost upon us, so listen up. You don't want to be April Fooled, do you?

One of the best protections against Windows mischief is to read Brain Livingston's swell newsletter, Windows Secrets. It's free, but you can also upgrade to the paid version for a modest contribution. Just out, a special free update on how to deal with Conficker.

Internet Explorer 8.0 is here. Whoopee?

Microsoft has announced the public release of Internet Explorer 8.0, which it claims is faster, safer, slicker, and better in every way. Astonishing.

Ars Technica loves it. PC World, not so much.

Yawn. I'm a Firefox myself.

Go anywhere with Métro, the free guide to transport everywhere

There you are in a strange town, like Chicago - or Brno. How do you get around? There's always a taxi, of course. But public transportation is not only cheaper, it often gives you a much better sense of the city and its people. Armed with Métro, you'll always be prepared to get around a new city.

Métro is an amazing accomplishment, a free guide to public transport systems - subway, bus, tram, elevated, suburban systems, ferries, etc, etc--in some 400 cities worldwide. It runs on your PDA (Palm or PocketPC) or your Smartphone and is updated frequently so you can always keep track of station closings and construction annoyances.

The Palm version, which I've been using for years, provides station searches, a station list for each line, hours of operation, places of interest and tourism info, color coding, a contacts list keyed to the proper station for each, and even a choice of routes (fastest or fewest connections).

Vioguard keyboard cleans itself with UV light

Being the cleanliness freak that I am, a whole world of possibilities has just opened its doors for me with this product - the Vioguard self-cleaning keyboard. Why am I feeling elated? Well, this is a dream product as far as hygiene is concerned, that's why.

The Vioguard keyboard is housed within a motorized drawer that does magic once the user presses a button indicating that he/she wants the keyboard cleaned - the keyboard withdraws inside only to be flushed out by a powerful, anti-germ UV light that ensures that it is germ-free. The cleaning also happens automatically after a "predetermined period of inactivity," and a bunch of LEDs indicate that the keyboard is ready for use. We call that simply revolutionary.

The Vioguard keyboard is expected to assume mass production sometime this year and could be priced in the $499 to $599 range. More donkey work for me until then.

Via Newlaunches and TechFlash.

YouTube video of the Vioguard in action after the jump.

The last thing that you thought was that your $10 could let you go as far as a laptop. Well heck, it is true. The creative genius unleashed by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai has apparently given birth to a revolutionary laptop prototype that is going to cost you - as little as an item on your weekly grocery bill.

The laptop prototype, currently in the testing phase, is targeted at students and will sport Wi-Fi, LAN and expandable memory. Which happens to be the only scant details provided as of now. Official sources from the HRD Ministry say that the Indian government plans to provide these laptops to educational institutions at a subsidized price.

After all the years of uncertanity on whether such a machine can really be manufactured (the OLPC XO-laptop itself is currently at $188 from its planned $100 tag), placing a deadline on commercializing the $10 laptop seems a bit lofty. Or not - is what we will know in 6 months time.

Image : XO laptop.

Via ExpressIndia.

Latest update : The Times of India reports that the laptop will support 2GB RAM. Perhaps to put cynical minds to rest, the prototype is being displayed on February 3rd at Tirupati.

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01. 5.2009

Lenovo launches dual-screen ThinkPad W700ds

Lenovo has finally (officially) launched the world’s first dual-screen laptop, the ThinkPad W700ds, putting some of the mystery around it to rest. The limelight is obviously on the two screens – the main display being 17-inches, with a second 10-inches slide-out screen. And no, the second screen doesn’t weigh down badly on the laptop – just expect the ThinkPad W700ds to be half an inch thicker than its predecessor W700. The spring-loaded secondary display is housed within a “pocket door” configuration and can be angled upto 30-degrees.

The other specs include a NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M graphics card, 8GB RAM, WiFi, support for Dual-Link DVI, Display Port and VGA, a 7-in-1 multicard reader and five USB ports. Some select models also offer WiMAX and an optional fingerprint reader, a smartcard reader and hard drives with full-disk encryption. The device is priced starting at $3,663 and according to Lenovo, it is to be available immediately from the Lenovo website, though a search on the site stills reveals no information on the availability. A must dekko if you are in the field of graphics design or the likewise.

Via Electronista and Engadget.

Update : Vivienne Tam HP Digital Clutch

Remember when we told you about Vivienne Tam’s fabulous HP Digital Clutch which she previewed at Fall 2008 fashion show in Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week? With everyone clamoring to get it for the holidays, HP moved up the production and you can get yours now by calling 1-800-230-5752 or online at HP MiniVT. By making a reservation now, you are guaranteed one in early December. ($699.99 with the colorful,protective Vivienne Tam silk sleeve.)

At only 2.25 lbs and a mere 1" thin, it's the perfect accessory.

Product Specs:

10.2" High Definition display

Under 1-inch thick

Built-in HP Mini Webcam

Windows XP Home with SP3

Intel Atom Processor

Put it on your Christmas list today or do what I did and enter the contest.

What to look for in a bargain laptop--and how to find it

Now that brand-name laptops can be had for under $500 if you are a smart shopper, a notebook computer is a reasonable choice for the Big Present even in these worrisome times. Laptop mag's Avram Piltch has a brief rundown on features to look for in a bargain laptop here.

The smart shopping is up to you. One place to start is Retrevo, the comparison shopping site for electronics. Retrevo also finds reviews and those precious manuals.

Cover your monitor the Martha Stewart way

I've mentioned before that my love of clever crafts far exceeds my ability to execute them, but I am still always entranced by the inventive and the pretty.

As someone who sometimes needs a lot of encouragment to log off ("but I wanted to check my email one last time" may well end up as my epitaph) these cute and (if you're not me) easy to make monitor cover (or as Martha Stewart calls them: TV Cozies) caught my eye. When work is done for the day, I'll slip one of these onto my monitor and go... slump in front of the TV, probably. Baby steps.

Via Geek Sugar.

Dell releases Dell Studio laptops with gallant red artwork

In support of Africa's battle against that much-feared disease called AIDS, Dell has released its latest range of Dell Studio laptops labeled (PRODUCT) RED. This special edition has been released to contribute to the Global Fund that is targeted towards elimination of AIDS in Africa.

And the reason to own one just begins there. Three exceptional artists have been roped in to create visually stunning designs in theme red - one of the main colors of many African Gods, "including Mamiwata, who can heal the sick", as artist Joseph Amedokpo puts it. The result - "New World" by Joseph Amedokpo, "Shine Within" by artist Siobhan Gunning and "Healing Patterns" by artist Bruce Mau. With your purchase, a contribution of $20 will go towards the AIDS charity and you can walk home with a laptop that is sure to be the cynosure of many envious eyes. Additionally, as Dell guarantees, the designs are fade and scratch proof as they are permanently infused into the laptop’s casing.

CurrenKey : LaCie debuts coin-shaped USB flash drives

Here comes a currency just for geek trading - CurrenKey USB flash drives from LaCie. A pretty chic design that is the brainwave of the 5.5 Designers firm, these adorable USB 2.0 flash drives are shaped liked coins with the capacities engraved on the surface - 4GB or 8GB. Just twist the coin and the hidden USB connector is revealed. The USB drives are shock-proof and are made from durable metal die-cast. We call that totally slick.

Available in bronze or silver finish from LaCie for $19.99. Go get one and tick off an item on your holiday shopping list.

Via Chip Chick.

Give One Laptop per Child, get an XO for your child--or yourself

Feeling gloomy about the state of the world ? You may think there isn't much you can do about the monumental messes we're in. But here's something that could change things, really change things. Give the XO, this cute-as-a-bug green laptop, to a kid in the developing world. And there's a terrific sweetener: the deal includes a second XO for the child of your choice, even if the child is you.

Yes, once again this year the One Laptop per Child folks have come up with a give-one get-one pitch. This means you can buy not one but two cutting-edge small computers for less than the price of conventional laptops retailers are hawking at this time of year: just $399. (Or you can forgo a personal XO and send one to a child in the developing world for just $199.)

The rugged little XO laptop may look like a netbook, but it isn't. Yes, it's energy efficient, with built-in wi-fi and a swiveling screen readable in sunlight. But the big deal about the OLPC laptop is the innovative software that makes it easy for kids to write, draw, paint, make videos, create music--and even program and write their own software. All on their own, mind you.

Imagine a planet where children everywhere, not just in rich countries, live with a computer every day and even begin to master programming. I get a chill just thinking about the possibilities for remaking the world into a much, much better place.

There are many causes worthy of charity. But I can't think of any others with the potential for changing the state of things so dramatically for so little money. To say nothing of also bestowing a generous and enjoyable gift on the giver. When I signed up for the OLPC laptops last year, it left me feeling wonderful--and also left me with an adorable little green laptop of my very own.

The Logitech mouse hits a billion

It’s official - the mice are slowly gathering force to outnumber us humans, and we only have Logitech to blame. The world's top computer peripherals company announced on Wednesday that it has shipped out its one-billionth mouse for PCs. And the announcement comes just as the company is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the first time the computer mouse was demonstrated to the public by one of its founders, Doug Engelbart.

To celebrate hitting the one billionth mark, Logitech is also launching a worldwide contest - people are invited to track the route of the one billionth mouse, Billie, as it makes it journey from the start of production to the final destination. Those contestants who have the correct answer to the question posted each day (for the next two weeks) on Billie's Blog will be eligible for Logitech's daily draw for a product prize.

Whatcha waiting for Pied Piper, 'tis time to forget the rats and woo the mice instead.

Via Electronista.

Multi-faceted mouse pad is several utilities rolled into one

It seems even the normally inconspicuous mouse-pad can sometimes make itself indispensable - not because it might be essential to extend the comforts of one to your mouse, but because one like the Roll-up Mouse Pad is sure to leave you impressed. And hooked.

This portable Roll-up Mouse Pad works exactly like it sounds - once you are done with the pad, you can roll it over completely and take it along wherever needed. Wondering why anyone would be interested in taking a mouse-pad around ? Because this little device also hosts a 4-port USB hub and dual speakers that can be connected to your MP3 players. Now that makes sense, doesn't it ?

Plus, consider the "cool" factor - you would look much like a sleuth rolling out a scroll for your next clue as you set up your roll-up mouse pad. Wonder if anybody could beat that. Available from Gadget4all for $22.

Via bookofjoe.

Mini Bubblegum - 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive

Ever since I glued rhinestones on my first BlackBerry, I've flaunted the fact that I'm a geek girl with style. (It was also handy as I worked at AOL at the time and at meetings you had to leave all communication devices outside on a table. Believe me, no one ever picked up mine by accident:)

So I actually love this bubble-gum pink portable hard drive by Simple Tech which boasts 250 GB! (You can also get it in other "flavors.")

What's to love:

- Sleek design by Pininfarina
- Small, compact size
- Durable and made for travel
- Multiple colors and capacities to suit your style
- High speed USB 2.0 “Y” cable included provides power without extra cables
- Simple, automatic backups with Fabrik Local Backup
- Complete protection with Fabrik Ultimate Backup online service (2 GB free)
- Joggle digital content manager for easy tracking, sharing and publishing of photos, music, and videos
- Free technical support

If you feel like flaunting your inner stylish geek girl, it will cost you $85 at Amazon.

Digital Post-It comes to life with the MintPad

If you are a digger for gizmos with small form factors, this first brainchild from the Korean company MintPass will most likely leave you lusting shamelessly for one - the WiFi-enabled multimedia device called the MintPad.

The MintPad is probably the coolest mini-gadget that we’ve seen in quite a while. Though it looks absolutely cute, the device has sophisticated functions. Cut it up and you find that it is somewhat like a mini-tablet PC - a 3-inch TFT screen, 1.3MP camera, and 4GB memory for playing music, videos and storing photos (with support for upto 8GB microSD). The interesting thing however is, you can create notes similar to Post-It notes and send it out to your friends via Wi-Fi. And if you can manage to - have fun blogging, browsing, or chatting with your friends.

Pretty awesome considering that the MintPad is priced at just $157. Bad news - it is available only in Korea.

Via Engadget.

Floppy disk makes a comeback with the USB Floppy Disk

Ever since the data storage industry was taken over by the multitude of sleek storage drives that can hold a zillion gigabytes with ease, their poor cousin, the floppy disk, is almost extinct. Perhaps rightfully so – I remember losing my precious data a million times because of faulty diskettes. Also, the grinding and groaning noises the disks would make trying to read the data was enough to drive me into fits of frenzy.

But a revival of the floppy disk as a piece of forgotten art seems exciting – the USB Floppy Drive is a project concept by Thomas O'Connor to recycle old 1.44MB floppy disks and convert them into functional (good-looking) USB drives. The disk can be connected to a USB port and used as a normal pen drive. And every part of the floppy has been used well – the USB drive flips out of the disk at right angles, creating a stand to rest against, and the circular metal hub at the center becomes a power-cum-data-transfer indicator. Who would have thought that a floppy disk could look so important again? All we dare say is - this is a cool storage device waiting to happen.

Via DVICE.

Dell quad-core mobile workstation in the making

Dell is all set to inject some serious adrenalin into the laptop market this fall by introducing its 17-inch quad-core “precision mobile workstation.” Brace yourself for the specs – 1-terrabyte dual HDD, quad-core processor, and an immense 16GB of memory with 1GB reserved for graphics. Enough for this beast to practically support up to two 30-inch external displays.

No further details are available at this point, except for the presence of a jog-shuttle controlling mechanism – all of which is in the sneak preview below. Want to know what’s additional on our wish list? Blu-Ray drive, subwoofer, extreme portability, and silent operation – not something that all Dell laptops are known for.

Via Engadget.