Developages - Development and Technology Blog

If you like to move fast on the computer, then the RoadMice Camaro Wireless Mouse is just what you need. Car lovers will be happy to know that RoadMice come in a plethora of models: You can choose from various Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, and even highway patrol and police cars. The mice are both PC- and Mac-compatible and cost $44.95.

I tested out a black Chevy Camaro mouse.

The mice have 800-dpi resolution for enhanced accuracy and precise movement. The mouse glides smoothly on the mousepad, and you never have to worry about running over the cord. If you’d like, you can choose to have the headlights light up when you click on the left or right mouse buttons.

And just like when you’re buying a real car, you get the title to your car. Registering your car gives you a unique VIN number, which is a great way for collectors to make sure their car mice are properly documented. You actually get a real title that you can hang up above your desk as you use the mouse.

You can even buy “insurance” for your car. The one-year replacement plan, which costs an additional $19.95, covers all types of damage, including: “mechanical breakdown, crashes, theft, fire, acts of god, parental repossession, beverage or water damage, earthquake, floods, drops, falling rocks, animal consumption, jealous friends or family members stepping on it, and anything else that typical insurance companies will exclude from coverage.”

Original post by Jennifer Bergen

Symwave announced today that it will demonstrate the first-ever USB 3.0 Physical Layer (PHY) device, this week at the SuperSpeed USB Developer’s Conference in San Jose, CA.

The Quasar PHY is designed for use with “sync-and-go” devices like external hard drives, media players, HD camcorders, and phones. The Quasar is said to work at 5Gbps, making it 10 times faster than standard USB 2.0 devices.

The debut of the Quasar is set to coincide with the official release of the USB 3.0 specifications at the show.

Original post by Brian Heater

Made perhaps either to humor those who are slightly paranoid or to truly address the public’s issues regarding data security (or both), Lenovo introduced the new ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive. Apparently called the Mobile “Vault″ as well, the external hard drive comes with a keypad with the sole purpose of guarding your drive with a passcode. Up to ten users and one administrator can share a single 160GB or 320GB drive, each one getting a unique user ID.

Other than the physical keyboard, the drive also uses 128-bit advanced encryption as a security standard. The hard drive is as small as a 3×5 index card, is perfectly pocketable, and has built-in USB cable. Both the 160GB and the 320GB versions of the Lenovo ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive will be available this mid-November for $179 and $219 respectively.

Original post by Mariella Moon

Logitech today announced the release of a Mac-compatible version of its popular diNovo Edge keyboard. The wireless keyboard features a customized Mac layout and the company’s PerfectStroke key system, which offer more key travel than standard keyboards.

The diNovo Edge keyboard for Mac comes in a piano-black finished with a brushed aluminum palm rest, has a five-year warranty, and features an integrated number pad. It’s compatible with Apple OS X 10.3.9 and later versions.

The keyboard will be shipping later this month at $99.99 list.

Original post by Brian Heater

The long-awaited latest installment of the popular USB trilogy–the fittingly-named USB 3.0–is set to be formally unveiled next week at San Jose’s SuperSpeed USB Developer Conference. Intel first made mention of USB 3.0 more than a year. Next week the final specs for the protocol will be formally announced.

Everything USB has the following speed comparisons for transferring a 25GB HD movie:

• USB 1.0: 9.3 hours

• USB 2.0: 13.9 minutes

• USB 3.0: 70 seconds

Windows 7 will likely not ship with native USB 3.0 support.

Original post by Brian Heater

The temperature is getting colder as days go by and Thanko′s taking advantage of the season by releasing a list of computer peripherals with built-in heaters. The with integrated cooling fans and heater already preceded these two newer devices - the USB Warm Mouse and Mouse Pad. The mouse looks just like an ordinary USB mouse except it has an on/off button so you can choose whether to turn the heater on or not. The mouse pad, on the other hand, is also a USB hub with four ports available. The heater itself has a separate USB connector like the USB cooler and heater keyboard that uses two USB connections. Perfect for people whose fingers freeze quickly during the cold, Thanko’s USB Warm Mouse and Mouse Pad can reach temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.

Original post by Mariella Moon

Moore’s Law still rings true with processor performance and hard-drive size, but notebook batteries haven’t seen much of a bump in capacity in recent years. So the $300 Powergorilla portable notebook charger is a necessity for deep-pocketed notebook users who need to power their systems for extended periods without plugging in an AC adapter: It extends the battery life of your notebook computer and other electronic devices wherever you don’t have access to a power outlet.

The Powergorilla packs an impressive 21,000 mAh of power into a package small enough to carry regularly in your laptop bag, providing additional juice whenever you happen to need it. A variety of power connectors–25, to be exact–are included with the Powergorilla, and include support for everything from notebooks to cell phones to portable gaming systems.

The device is also compatible with Apple notebooks, though you′ll need to purchase the Apple airline adapter for use with the Powergorilla’s car-charger socket. A USB power port allows you to charge any device with a USB power cable, including Apple iPhones and iPods.

I′ve been using the Powergorilla on a regular basis over the last two weeks, and it has been a lifesaver on several occasions, especially when compensating for my iPhone 3G’s diminutive battery life while on the road. I took the device on a round-trip flight to St. Louis, and the Powergorilla was able to power my Apple MacBook for 5 hours of movie watching and Web surfing while it also charged my iPhone through its USB port.

A voltage selector allows you to choose between 16v, 19v and 24v depending on what you’re powering. You can bump up the power when supporting multiple devices with the push of a button; the current output voltage is reflected on the Powergorilla’s LCD.

In addition to output connectors, the 1.5lb Powergorilla includes an AC adapter with a variety of international plugs, and a neoprene zip case for storing the device and a selection of power connectors. You can also charge the Powergorilla with many notebook AC adapters, so you may be able to leave the device’s AC adapter at home. The Powergorilla is available for purchase from EcoGeekLiving for just under $300. Unless the price drops closer to the $150 mark, however, it’s difficult to justify spending $300 on a battery when many notebooks can now be had for only a couple hundred dollars more.

Original post by Zach Honig

Contrary to popular belief, vinyl is anything but dead. Unfortunately, turntables are becoming less and less common in some clubs and venues, and wax-spinning DJs often have to bring their own gear, which is difficult when you’re also lugging your favorite records, a mixer, a laptop, and an external hard drive. Enter the Numark PT-01USB, a portable, battery-powered USB turntable that’s equally qualified for your next laptop symphony in front of a crowd of hundreds or a quiet night ripping your vinyl collection to your iPod.

Audiophiles still hunt down their favorite old songs on vinyl, online and in thrift stores, and DJs and import-music lovers still dig through crates at local independent music stores to find their favorite new and old releases. I′m one of those DJs who still believes that spinning vinyl requires more skill and soul than relying on Ṃs, but even I have to admit that carrying a record case full of vinyl is a chore. The Numark PT-01USB gives me an easy way to rip my vinyl to my laptop or an external hard drive; then I can take my collection with me to any gig anywhere in a carry-on bag.

Ion’s USB Turntable has been available for a while, and though it’s a solid product, Ion isn′t exactly a name in the DJ community, nor is it well known for performance DJ equipment. Numark, on the other hand, is known among performance DJs for its turntables and mixers.

The PT-01USB is a belt-driven turntable, so it’s more suited to home music studios and consumers than for performance DJs looking for fine control over their record. Audiophiles will appreciate the belt-drive though, since direct-drive turntable motors create a low rumble that can be audible in high-quality rips. Even so, since the PT-01USB turntable is portable and can run on battery or wall power, you can take it with you to a gig, and because you can connect it to a computer via USB you can use your laptop as a mixer if you want to do a hybrid MP3-vinyl set.

Numark’s USB turntable features everything you would expect from a professional turntable, including +/- 10% pitch control; support for 33-, 45-, and 78-RPM records; and an included cartridge, although you may consider using or buying your own. The turntable has a built-in speaker, so you can listen to your records while you rip them, and has RCA and headphone outputs if you’d like to connect it to a mixer or your own headphones.

If you’re not planning a gig at a huge nightclub, Numark’s USB turntable can help you archive your vinyl collection at home as well. It comes with Numark’s EZ Vinyl Converter 2, a software package that’s designed to make archiving your record collection easy. Additionally, the tool supports Gracenote’s MusicID (formerly CDDB) technology, which names and tags music automatically as you rip. The software is included with the turntable, and supports Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, as well as Mac OS 10.4 and higher. The Numark PT-01USB is available now for $99.95 from retailers such as Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend.

Original post by Alan Henry

If there’s one thing Americans have far too much of these days, it’s extra spending money. Honestly, there’s so much surplus cash floating around! So why not lavish yourself with overpriced, completely unnecessary luxuries–like, say, an 18-carat-gold USB drive? At least that seems to be the impetus behind Super Talent’s 8GB Pico-C.

The San Jose-based memory manufacturer announced today the release of a solid gold version of its Pico-C USB drive. The thumb drive support transfers up to 30MB a second, and comes with a serialized certificate of authenticity, encryption software, a free laser-etched logo of your choice, and, of course, a black-velvet jewelry box.

“We fused advanced technology with precious metals into a precision crafted device with no equal,” said Jin Kim, the company’s design engineer.

You get all of that for the low price of $599. Honestly, you’d be stupid not to buy it.

Original post by Brian Heater

Computer accessory manufacturer Logitech today announced that it has agreed to acquire Berkeley-based video communication service, Sightspeed for around $30 million in cash. The acquisition will integrate Sightspeed’s video calling technology into Logitech’s existing services.

“With this acquisition, we are significantly augmenting our current video R&D resources to help us move more quickly toward our goals for video services that complement the way people socialize, communicate and enjoy entertainment,” said Logitech executive VP, Junien Labrousse.

No word yet on how Logitech will incorporate SightSpeed’s 25 employees into its existing business.

Original post by Brian Heater

The Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox doesn’t require much of an introduction–quite simply, it gives you access to Internet radio stations by connecting a USB device to your Windows-based computer. But why in the world would you want to pay $30 for free Internet radio?

I can actually think of a few reasons, though none apply to me: For corporate users with locked down machines, the Internet Radio Jukebox offers a workaround for your IT department’s employee-proof locks. Another target audience, those so obsessed with Internet security that they haven’t downloaded so much as a bug fix in years, will embrace this all-in-one solution that requires no downloaded applications.

If that’s you, feel free to read on; but if you′d rather get your free Internet radio for no charge, Apple’s iTunes (a free application) offers Internet radio as well. There is a catch, though–iTunes requires a download and administrator access for installation to your PC or Mac.

If you do decide to pay for your 13,000-plus free Internet radio stations, Aluratek adds insult to injury by throwing in a bonus to help drum up interest for their other products: Not only do you need to hand over 30 big ones, you also have to deal with non-stop banner ads at the bottom of the application. Sure, the ads are there just to suggest other Aluratek products, but are they really necessary?

The application works as described (when it does work), launching when you attach the thumb drive-size device to a computer running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. Radio stations are sorted by region and genre, and favorites and other settings remain on the Internet Radio Jukebox when moving it to other computers.

I tested the Internet Radio Jukebox on five PCs running Windows XP and Vista. I had no issues using the device with my personal workstation, a desktop running Windows XP. Connecting the device launched the Add New Hardware wizard, and the Internet Radio Jukebox was recognized as an optical disk. I was slightly confused, but clicking on the application icon launched the program without issue.

I began encountering issues when using the device with other machines, however. The second computer, running Windows XP, wouldn’t recognize the device at all; the third, running Vista, returned a confusing error message; the fourth, running XP, recognized the Internet Radio Jukebox without issue; and the final machine, running Vista, crashed while trying to launch the application, and required a restart (my apologies to PJ, our digital imaging analyst).

Considering these issues, I’d suggest staying away from the Aluratek USB Internet Radio Jukebox unless you have no choice but to run an application from external hardware. You’ll be much happier using Apple iTunes, or any of the dozens of other free Internet radio applications out there.

Original post by Zach Honig

The Kensington Media Sharing Cable for PC and Mac (top left) and the Targus for Mac File Share Cable (after the jump) look like they were separated at birth. Each cable features a thumb drive-like device on one end and a male USB connector on the other. Both are designed for moving files from a PC to a Mac (or back, if those new Microsoft commercials have won you over)–a dreaded task previously reserved for experienced technicians.

I tested the cables using a desktop running Windows XP and an Apple laptop running Mac OS 10.5. Using the cables could not be easier. Both include similar software (with an identical interface but slightly different branding) that launches automatically on both machines once the cable is connected to both. Sharing files is simple: Just drag them from a folder on one computer and drop them in a folder on the other, which you can do just as easily from either machine.

For my hands-on tests, I moved a 100MB video file from the Mac to the PC and back again. Each cable accomplished the task in just under 6 seconds, every time: I transferred the file several times, and the process was consistently simple and yielded the same results. I was pleased to see that there were no blue screens, crashes, or corrupted files to deal with.

Because the Kensington Media Sharing Cable for PC and Mac and the Targus for Mac File Share Cable are virtually identical, I can’t recommend one over the other based on performance. The Kensington cable is available now for $49.10 on Amazon, and includes a cable length of just over 7 feet, while the Targus cable will be available in November for $49.99, with a cable length of just over 4 feet. So based on availability, cable length, and attractiveness, I recommend the Kensington cable. Its cable is 3 feet longer, it’s (if only the slightest bit) more attractive, and you can run out and get it now. If you see a better deal on the shorter cable come November, however, you′ll be just as well off opting for the Targus.

Original post by Zach Honig

This USB 4-port Hub from USB Fever may have a totally different practical application than the Super Kid or the Octopus. The hub has three embedded magnets, so you can place it anywhere metallic–which could make it easier to get some clutter off your desk. Attach the hub to the body of your desktop, a filing cabinet by your computer, or your desk.
As the site states, “If your just usb your USB Hub once for a while and don’t brother to put one more stuff on your desk, will you consider this Hub.” Unfortunately, magnets don’t help much in translating to English. Get your own for $13.99, with a $2.99 shipping charge for U.S. orders.

Original post by Chris Gampat

LaCie has announced a new line of 700 series of LCD monitors for creative professionals who need better color accuracy. The 700 series includes the 20-inch LaCie 720, 24-inch LaCie 724, and the 30-inch LaCie 730.

This new LCD line was designed to display images as close to real life as possible. That means that your HDR images, the result of anything that came from Photokina, and anything viewed in Photosynth should be extremely realistic.

Each LCD in the 700 series had an RGB-LED backlight and ultra-wide gamuts to decrease the need for mapping. The LaCie 724 and 730 monitors feature a 16:10 wide-screen format (vs a 16:9 format); the 720 has a 4:3 aspect ratio. Complete with a USB 2.0 hub, the monitors also come with a hood and optional calibration software and color meter.

The LaCie 720, 724, and 730 monitors are available on the LaCie website and retail, respectively, for $1599, $2299, and $4599.

Original post by Chris Gampat

Targus announced this morning a new line of computing accessories specifically for Mac notebooks.The new line, available now, includes the Wireless Mouse, Bluetooth Laser Mouse, Bluetooth Presenter, USB Hub, Chill Mat, File Share Cable, and Privacy Screen.

Bob Shortt of Targus said in a release, “We designed the functionality required to deliver what Mac users want in their products, like the intuitive interface on the presenter, the smooth-moving touch scroll and the dual programmable buttons that let users personalize their experience.” And the sleek white accessories certainly look like they belong with Macs. More details and prices, after the jump.

Wireless Mouse for Mac and Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac: Both mice feature a 4-way touch scroll and two programmable buttons. The optical Wireless Mouse has a 2.4-GHz Micro USB RF receiver and scans at 1,200 dpi; it’s selling for $49.99. The Bluetooth Laser Mouse uses 1,200-dpi laser technology; you can pick one up for $69.99.

Bluetooth Presenter for Mac: Its primary controls, including previous slide, next slide, and laser pointer are simple to tell apart by feel.Other controls, such as blank screen and slideshow, are recessed to prevent accidental pushes. It also features two programmable buttons, and has a range of up to 33 feet. It lists for $79.99.

USB Hub for Mac: This hub lets you connect up to 4 USB devices, and its cord wraps for easy packing $29.99.

Chill Mat for Mac: You can keep your Macbook off your lap; two USB-powered fans keep things cool. $49.99.

File Share Cable for Mac: Share any files between Macs and/or PCs, including media files, without any software to install. $49.99.

Privacy Screen for Mac: Its “microscopic vertical blinds” keep snoops from reading your screen, and it’s anti-glare too. $49.99 for the 13-inch, $59.99 for the 15-inch, and $79.99 for the 17-inch.

Original post by Carol Mangis