(Source: McClatchy/Tribune)
Many of today's laptops have ExpressCard slots built into the side. Most are used for wireless Internet cards or to download photos, but users can get even more out of the slots with an ExpressCard adapter.
Belkin makes a bunch of these including a real handy one to add one Hi-Speed USB and 2.0 two FireWire 400 ports. The ports work as if they are built into the computer, giving users the options of adding more accessories without the hassle of having to unplug others. Accessories that can be used are unlimited but include media card readers, hard drives, external CD/DVD drives and printers.
The newer ExpressCard slots require less power than the older and bigger PC Card slots and have a data transfer rate almost twice as fast as the older units.
The setup is simple: just plug it in and the computer should do the rest. If it doesn't the user manual should get you going, but that shouldn't really be necessary.
The ExpressCard connection in the computer has a faster bandwidth, with the ExpressCard I/O interconnection standard according to Belkin. This gives the user additional speed to download photos and video from your camera or to stream movies. How much you can do at one time along with the exact speeds can and will vary depending on the computers specs and configuration.
Other express cards are available to attach a Serial ATA device, Ethernet connections and FireWire 800 to the computer.
Details: www.belkin.com, $99.99
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I never thought I would be including clothing, and more specifically gloves, in this column but a new pair from Etre have made this possible.
For all you iPhone and other touch screen gadget users, working with your unit in the cold can be a challenge since the screen requires skin contact to the touch screen.
To the rescue come the Etre Touchy gloves, since they have the tips of the thumb and index finger missing. The stylish glove gives users all the necessary uncovered parts of the hand to operate the device in the dead of winter.
The rest of the glove is normal with all the other three fingers closed in. They come in two sizes (medium and large) and one color charcoal with a turquoise trim around the open fingertips.
Details: www.etretouchy.com, $21.79
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Disposable batteries have gone green with the introduction of the environmentally friendly batteries from Fuji called EnviroMAX.
They come in all the standard sizes (AA, AAA, C and D) and have the same power and longevity of standard batteries. Two lines of the batteries will be available, digital alkaline for digital devices and a super alkaline for general use. All the batteries will come date coded to keep inventories in order.
The company had the batteries independently tested, which shows them to have equal or better performance than many of the major battery brands. They are ideal for digital cameras, flashlights or most anywhere that a battery is needed.
The batteries are environmentally friendly because they contain no mercury or other toxic elements and so can be disposed of as needed and are landfill-safe. As the company states it, they are made of "basic elements of the earth."
The batteries are manufactured in eco-friendly plants where most of the processes of production are re-used and recycled. In addition, the packaging and battery labels are made with recycled paper, giving the product a full-recycled feel.
Expect the availability and pricing of the batteries this spring.
Details: www.greenfuji.com
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Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com.
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(c) 2009, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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