Pocketables

Flush removable storage for your UMPC/MID

This guest article was submitted by Andreas Ødegård.

Since UMPCs and MIDs are rarely your primary device, you'll most likely find yourself in the situation of having file sync issues. Sure, there are apps that sync files over the net, but that requires a fast upload speed.

Flash drives are one way of transferring files and can also serve as backup tools. Unfortunately, most drives stick out a lot and leaving them inserted permanently is not an option. There are some small ones, but they are a bit expensive. Luckily, you can now get a small flash drive that won't break your wallet or stick out much from the USB port by combining a microSDHC card and the real world's smallest microSD reader.

Quick look: Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 by Sprint

This guest article was submitted by Chris King.

 

My wallet is in trouble this week because Sprint is finally adding some exciting new devices into their lineup, which had gotten a bit stale lately. Of course, Saturday is the big Palm Pre launch, and I'm sure I'll find my way there at 8 a.m. even though I keep trying to resist.

But this article is not about the Pre; I'll save that for another time because today I'm going to tell you about another new Sprint device that got me in the store a few days early. I'm talking about the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router that was released yesterday. And from what I have seen so far, this is definitely a challenger to the title that CradlePoint has always kind of had to themselves.

I'll follow up with a more detailed review after I use the MiFi for a week or two, but in the meantime, here's my quick first take and some pics to show how the MiFi 2200 works and how it compares in size to my other battery-operated mobile router, the CradlePoint PHS300.

Solving accessory incompatibility issues with the latest iPhone/iPods

This guest article was submitted by Andreas Ødegård.

Apple is notorious for making changes that break compatibility with current accessories. A few years back they removed the topside dock port in favor of a 30-pin bottom connector – a change that was actually needed. The changes they’ve made to the newest generation of iPods as well as the iPhone 3G, however, can’t be said to be very useful, breaking compatibility with various accessories – especially chargers."This accessory is not made to work with iPhone" is a message many people have seen since the release of the 3G version, but what exactly does it mean?

There are essentially two charging-related incompatibility issues in the newest Apple products as well as some incompatibility regarding line-out, microphones, Nike+ equipment, radio remotes, in-line remote controls, and AV (audio/video) out cables. These issues are all related to various changes Apple has made to the devices, all of them seemingly motivated by the desire to make money more than anything else. Read on for a list of incompatibility issues you might encounter as well as solutions to some of them.

Review: U2O iWalk battery packs for iPhone/iPod touch

Looking for a better way to keep your iPhone/iPod touch running longer? Then check out the U2O iWalk external battery packs (800mAh and 5400mAh) from Ultimate Travel Gear.

Not only do the batteries provide extra power for the Apple devices, they're compact and stylish as well. Form and function sound great, but are they worth their £16.99 and £44.95 prices? Read my full review to find out.

Save 30% on all ZAGG invisibleSHIELD products

ZAGG, makers of the excellent invisibleSHIELD, is currently accepting a coupon code good for 30% off its entire online catalog. Now until April 21st, fill your shopping cart with protection for all of your consumer electronics and enter the code TAXRELIEF at checkout to knock off 30% from your total.

ZAGG makes invisibleSHIELDs for the Sony Vaio P, iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1, BlackBerry Storm, and thousands of other gadgets, so it shouldn't be too hard to find an excuse to do some shopping.

[invisibleSHIELD]

Vaja releases leather case for Sony Vaio P

Two things I get the most flack for covering around here are accessories and the Sony Vaio P. Why people feel the need to 1) tell me what I should and shouldn't do with my own site and 2) complain about free content they can easily ignore amuses me on some days and annoys me on others. In any case, however, I can't stop liking what I like or buying what I buy.

That's why although not everyone shares my feelings, I'm glad to see that Vaja has just released the classic Retro Slim Jacket for the P. Starting at $120, the case is customizable like the luxury leather company's other products and handcrafted/made-to-order in about three weeks.

Review: Carrymobile Sony Vaio P leather case

Carrymobile offers several choices for Sony Vaio P owners to protect their mini notebooks. One that enables in-case use of the device is the "book type" leather case that retails for $50.

Check out my mostly pictorial review below and find out how you can get this case for free.

Review: Sony Vaio PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100)

I'm a complete neat freak when it comes to taking care of my electronics. I buy six packs of compressed air to keep my keyboards dust-free, wipe my screens with lens cleaning cloths, polish away smudges, and even detail my computers with Q-tips and alcohol. Add to this obvious neurosis a consuming affection for anything that Sony slaps its Vaio brand on . . . and well, you understand why I had to import the company's PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100) from Japan. I paid a bit more than the 2480 yen (~$25) retail price, but for something that will probably outlast all of my gadgets, I think it was money well spent.

Willcom D4 gets MapFan Navii GPS navigation kit

A GPS receiver accessory has always been available for the Willcom D4, but the slide-and-tilt UMPC has never had any special navigation software to go with it. That changed a few months ago when Willcom announced that it had chosen Increment P's MapFan Navii to transform the Atom-based computer into a full-fledged portable navigation device and capable GPS unit.

MapFan Navii has an array of features and can be purchased separately (13,800 yen) or bundled on a 4GB microSD card with a starter kit that includes a flexible USB adapter (the D4, you may recall, is equipped with only a miniUSB port) and GPS receiver with miniUSB host attachment. This kit sells for 24,800 yen (~$254). A separate car mount is available separately for 1980 yen (~$20).

Review: iPhone 3G mobile power station

Battery life may not be one of the top complaints about the iPhone 3G, but that doesn't mean it couldn't stand to be better. Considering its multimedia, gaming, and internet features, most people are obviously using it as much more than just a phone. And that, of course, eats up battery life more quickly. For example, my iPhone 3G isn't even a phone anymore (thanks, Xperia X1) and yet I still charge it daily because of how often I use it for other things.

That's why I couldn't refuse WirelessGround's offer to send me their 800mAh mobile power station for review. They even sent me an extra one to give away to one of you! Read my full review below and find out how you can be the one to get it.