TREADLAYERS.COM: HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS: KENSINGTON NOTEBOOK ACCESSORIES

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS: KENSINGTON NOTEBOOK ACCESSORIES

So here we are again, Black Friday looming in the horizon. Geeks, nerds, and enthusiasts alike, all getting ready to nab the best deals in town for themselves and as stocking stuffers. But what if those deals are just that - deals, but no substance? Here are a few items from Kensington which would make any notebook user grin with glee...

Wall/Auto/Air Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port

This is one of the most useful accessories for any notebook user which transports their portable frequently, and has at least one USB device requiring recharging. This power adapter is pretty much universal on both the output AND input.

On the input side, it will take AC anywhere in the world (100-240V). The AC cord is detachable and can be easily replaced with one that has the correct plug style. It will also accept 12VDC input from airline seat power sources or a vehicle cigarette lighter.

As for the output, it has two settings for the notebook, 14-17V and 17-21V, plus a 5V USB port for charging things like cell phones or MP3 players. Maximum power is about 90W, which should be sufficient for most systems except for a few high-end desktop-replacement monsters.

Output adapter plugs are included and color-coded for a wide range of compatibility and easy, fool-proof configuration. The plug end going into the notebook also glows, very cool. It also comes with a zippered bag for neat, safekeeping.

LINK TO KENSINGTON PRODUCT DEMO

Manufacturer Stated Features and Specs:

Features

Simple, reliable portable power for home/office or on the go

All-in-one design powers your notebook at home, in the car, or in the air

Built-in USB power port charges cell phone, PDA, iPod and more (USB Power Tips sold separately)

Color coded notebook tips for an easy set-up

Includes notebook tips for: Dell®, HP®, Compaq®, IBM®, Lenovo™, Toshiba®, Sony®, Gateway®, Acer®

Works on global wall outlets with Kensington Travel Plug Adapter (sold separately)

90 Watt of continuous power and up to 110 watts of peak power

Over current protection; over voltage protection; over temperature protection; short-circuit protection

Specifications

Input: 100 – 240VAC, 50 – 60Hz, 1.5A Max (Global AC (Mains) Compatible)

Output: 14 – 17 VDC and 17 – 21VDC (Notebook Voltages) 90 watts

Unit Dims: 155mm (6.1 inches) x 65mm (2.6 inches) x 30mm (1.2 inches)

Weight: 550g (Body) to 710g (Ready to Use) -- 19oz (Body) to 25oz (Ready to Use) -- Notebook Cable: 1800mm (71")

Built-In Safety: Over Current Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Over Temperature Protection -- Disclaimer: Some tips may not be compatible with all notebook models of the manufacturers as shown. The most up to date compatibility information can be found by visiting www.kensington.com. Some notebooks/devices have very specific electrical requirements which may result in no compatible tip becoming available for that notebook/device.

Warranty
Wall/Auto/Air Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port is backed by the Kensington 2-Year warranty

The unit was tested on several systems, including a Core2Duo 12.1" MSI-based system, a Toshiba A135, and a Dell D600. First, we had to make sure that the voltage of the notebook matched that of the output of the power adapter. A locking switch on the underside of the adapter selects between the two voltage ranges. A paperclip is required to move the switch - very important to prevent accidental switching. Next, matching the notebook's DC input with the right adapter was a simple match game. Once everything was hooked up, we fired it up and it worked as advertised! All systems reported AC power and battery charging as well. We plugged in a cell phone into the USB port, and that was charging too. Aside from a hint of buzzing when charging a nearly-depleted laptop and phone, the Kensington Wall/Auto/Air Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port is a highly recommended purchase for any mobile computer user.

LiftOff ™ Portable Notebook Cooling Stand

Having a laptop on your lap, bed, or any other uneven surface is not always good for the device. Cooling fans usually draw air from underneath, or use that surface to radiate heat. Furthermore, ergonomics suggest that the typing surface be angled upward towards you in order to prevent wrist injury. This product aims to tackle both these issues in a lightweight, portable, collapsible platform.

Manufacturer Stated Features and Specs:

Features

Portable notebook cooling stand helps keep your notebook running cooler, longer.

Stand lifts the notebook off its surface, promoting air circulation and reducing heat buildup.

Adjustable tilt and height lets you position the screen to reduce neck and eye strain.

Lightweight and collapsible stand fits neatly into computer carrying case.

Built-in handle design adds convenience and portability.

Non-skid base holds notebook safely in place.

Compatible with notebooks up to 17 inches.

1-year warranty and free technical support.

Specifications

Light weight and slim

2 height adjustments

Built-in handle

Collapsible

Non-skid base

Dimensions
12.5"L X 0.6"H X 9.75"W

This is a very simple product but with profound consequences. The stand made typing easier, and after several hours, the normal shoulder and wrist strain was noticeably less than without the stand. As for its cooling effect, temperatures on the wrist rest area felt cooler, and we noticed that the notebooks' cooling fans did not stay on as long as they normally do, especially when set on a bed or other uneven, obtrusive surface. I don't know if I'll carry this around everywhere I go even if it is touted as being portable, but if I need to, I know it can be brought on long trips or vacations very easily.

Pocket Speakers

Typically, portable computers have horrible audio quality. Especially the ultraportables having 13.3" screens or smaller, their speakers sound worse than a cell phone. Some even only have one mono speaker. Well if having such pathetic audio reproduction is a substantial shortcoming, the Kensington USB Pocket Speakers is a small and portable solution.

It flips open like a mobile phone, revealing two stereo speakers. It connects to the computer via USB. Basically, it is its own sound card and amplifier, drawing power through the USB port. That's both good and bad: Its good because it does not require any batteries, extra cables, or power adapters. Its bad because the USB sound card bypasses any advanced audio features your computer may have. A volume control is present, allowing you to easily adjust sound output.

Manufacturer Stated Features and Specs:

Features

Comfortably listen to MP3, CD, and DVD audio

Digital quality overcomes analog headphone limitations

Lightweight and compact for on-the-road enjoyment

Plug-and-play installation with USB 2.0 or 1.1 port

Easy-to-use knob for fingertip volume control

System Requirements
Windows PC or Macintosh computer with an available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port.

Warranty
PocketSpeakers is backed by the Kensington 1-Year warranty.

These speakers are small and cool. They do offer much better sound than the built-in ones on the 12.1" test notebook we have. Music sounded fuller, webcasts were easier to understand, and these can definitely add an extra dimension to business presentations too, making meetings and ideas more memorable. For the price it commands, it is a stupendous deal. But then again, at that price, there are others which reproduce music at much higher clarity and fidelity.

WiFi Finder Plus

Nearly everyone's portable today has Wifi. On the move, it can be difficult finding a hotspot just to connect. One requires firing up the PC, then using its utility to detect signals. Walking or even driving around while doing this is not safe, and is actually quite dorky. Many companies have come out with portable devices which essentially does the same detection, but in a smaller, easier to use manner. The Kensington WiFi Finder Plus does just that - finds WiFi hotspots.

Manufacturer Stated Features and Specs:

Features

Eliminate wasted time and effort booting up the laptop or PDA to find hot spots

Convenient one-button detector searches and indicates signal strength if 802.11b or 802.11b/g network is within range.

Separate indicator illuminates when within range of active Bluetooth® enabled device or network

Filters out other 2.4-Ghz signals from cordless phones, cell phones and microwave ovens

Compact unit fits comfortably in the hand and attaches easily to laptop carrying case or keychain

Includes a built-in flashlight for added convenience

5 LEDs display hotspot network signal strength to correspond with most laptop signal strength meters

1-year warranty and free technical support

Specifications

Convenient 1 button detector searches and indicates wireless hotspots.

Detects 802.11b and 802.11 b/g (g networks in b compatibility mode - common)

Separate Bluetooth indicator detects active Bluetooth networks

Convenient built in flashlight

Dimensions
Dimensions including keychain make length 3.5"

3.5"x1.6"x0.5"=0.00172 cubic feet

2.6"L X 0.4"H X 1.6"W

Warranty
WiFi Finder Plus is backed by the Kensington 1-Year warranty.

The WiFi Finder Plus did its job, and quite very well in fact. It had no problem sniffing out access points, and its LED indicators showed relative signal strength, and also direction to the source of the WiFi through a specific button-press combination. Furthermore, it also showed Bluetooth sources, which is not that useful really. The built-in flashlight is a nice touch, but rather weak in its intensity.

The problem with this product is that it does not let you know if the hotspot is secure or not. You may use it to find a hotspot, but eventually discover that you can't connect because it doesn't have public or open access.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!