The HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse connects to Windows notebooks over Wi-Fi, so users can leave dongles and adapters at home without giving up a good mousing experience.

Until HP introduced the Wi-Fi Mouse users had two options for wireless mice – connect via USB dongle or Bluetooth. I prefer Bluetooth, but using both a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios diminish battery life. USB dongles take up ports and drain battery life as well.

I haven’t found a Windows notebook with a touchpad I want to use full-time because they all stink, so I always carry an extra mouse. For the past few weeks that mouse has been the HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse.

Wi-Fi Connection

Because HP uses your computer’s Wi-Fi radio to connect, you have to install their proprietary software. That means two things. First, you can’t just connect this mouse to any computer. Second, you can’t connect it to any Mac.

I installed the software and the mouse connected without a hitch using the configuration steps. It also reconnects quickly after you shot down or put your computer to sleep. Reconnecting is faster than my Bluetooth mice connect to the Samsung notebook used for testing.

I didn’t notice any interference between the mouse and my network connection. It just works like you’d expect your mouse to work. You will notice a new Wi-Fi connection listed in Windows. In fact I could see the Wi-Fi as a network on my iPad and MacBook too, but it won’t let anything other than the mouse connect to the network.

Comfort and Design

The concept of the X7000 screams for mobility. You don’t need a USB dongle and you can turn off your Bluetooth, both of which preserve battery life. Unfortunately, the mouse is huge. I have big hands, so I like the size. But it takes up a  lot of room in your computer bag. HP offers the HP WiFi Mobile Mouse for about $20 less. The X7000 works better as a desktop mouse for people with big hands. If you use a spacious computer bag, you may have room for the X7000. If you don’t, or if you have small hands the Mobile Mouse is a better fit.

The mouse has four buttons – the typical right and left click buttons and a thumb button. There’s also a smaller button on the top left corner next to the primary button. You can customize the buttons to perform many functions using the included driver software.

The “touch” part of the Wi-Fi Touch Mouse comes from a strip between the two main buttons replacing the typical scroll wheel. It performs the same function without the moving parts. You can slide your finger up or down to scroll or zoom. You can even tap on the strip to use it as another button.

The touch strip works fine, but I prefer a wheel. It will likely last longer than a wheel with moving parts, but I haven’t had trouble with the scroll wheels breaking on any of my mice. Give me a wheel, like the smaller version has, and I’d be happier.

The shape of the mouse fits right handers only. I’m okay with that, but if you’re a lefty move along. Nothing to see here.

Value and Recommendation

HP charges $59.99 for the X7000. That’s not too pricey for a large mouse with the unique features included in this mouse. The technology works so well, that I suspect this will catch on and become the primary method of connecting a wireless mouse. If it does, the price will drop.

Since the mouse feels comfortable and connects so well, I recommend the HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse without too many reservations. As I said above, I wish it had a wheel like the cheaper mobile version that fits better in a computer bag. I also hope Apple adds support to OS X because I’d love to use this mouse full-time when my MacBook Pro sits on my desk at home.

The Wi-Fi connection may be a cool feature, but alone it won’t make me buy a mouse. The HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse works so well so you won’t have to compromise to get the cool new feature.

You can get the X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse from HP directly or at Amazon for only $37.95.

HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse Review: Go Wireless, No Dongle or Bluetooth is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

iTwin promises to give you “limitless” USB-based file synchronization with simplicity and security through a set of USB keys that you plug into two or more computers anywhere in the world.

Cloud synchronization is all the rage these days with great services like DropBox, SugarSync and even personal cloud syncing devices like the PogoPlug.

If  you need a secure, encrypted file syncing solution that doesn’t depend on a third-party cloud service, or need to sync more files than cloud companies offer, iTwin might be a good solution for you.

How it Works

With iTwin you get a pair of USB keys that connect together. Plug them both into the first computer while the two keys are still connected to each other. Each key has a USB connector and a proprietary connector that joins the two. Once installed, the app resides in your Menu bar on OS X or in the system tray in Windows 7.

After plugging the keys into my Mac, a window popped up asking me to name my device. Type the name and hit next and enter your email address. iTwin sends you a special code. More on that in a bit. After running the setup wizard, you will see an Explorer or Finder window like the one above.

I dragged a file and two folders into the window from my hard drive. I then disconnected the part of the iTwin not plugged into my Mac and plugged it into my Windows computer and went through a similar installation process. Soon after, I saw the window above, with the files on my MacBook Pro. The small orange circle indicates that these files are not on my Windows computer, but accessible through the Internet.

You can open files and folders as if they reside locally on the computer. I experienced very little lag time when opening the file or exploring the folders. Working with files is just like they were stored on your local computer.

Security

If you lose one of your iTwin USB keys, you can prevent access to your files by removing the iTwin from your other computer and revoking access for the other key. Remember when I entered my email address above? I received a message from iTwin with a special code and a link to their revocation website. Enter your iTwin code and the other key becomes useless to would be file thieves.

To get the iTwin USB keys working again, you go through the setup process. Since all the files actually reside on your hard drives, not on the USB keys, you lose nothing and any bad guys who find the keys have nothing. If you left a key plugged in when you revoked access, then you will see the following error.

If you’re worried about the files being transmitted through the Internet, don’t. iTwin uses AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption, which means they jumble the files up as you transmit them through the Net and then iTwin unscrambles them when on other computer. iTwin doesn’t store the files, so you don’t have to worry about hackers gaining access to your files through iTwin’s servers.

Evaluation

iTwin impressed me with the simplicity and speed of device. I did have to refresh my folders on the Windows PC to see when I added a new file on my Mac. Other than that, it worked well.

If you delete a file from a folder on computer, iTwin won’t delete the file on the other computer. That’s a good thing saving you from losing files if the person with whom you’ve shared your iTwin starts deleting files.

Also, if you have a file that both users open and edit, you can’t overwrite the other’s changes. I tried by opening an image on both machines. I added a few squiggles in Paint on the Windows machine and added an arrow on the Mac using Preview. When I tried to save the file at about the same time, it saved on the Windows machine, but on the Mac I got the following error:

The hardware is simple and works. I didn’t put it under any stress tests, but they two keys seem sturdy and the connectors used to join them fit nicely.

I like that iTwin offers unlimited file sharing. If you have a 2TB drive you can share 2TB of data. iTwin’s speed and simplicity impressed me. Finally, I appreciate that they offer both Mac and Windows software.

iTwin falls short in several areas. First, if you want to share files with more than two computers at a time you can’t. Sure, you can move the iTwin to another computer, but you’re always limited to two computers at a time.

If you only need to sync 2 -5GB of data between computers, you’ll get a better value from DropBox or SugarSync, and you’ll be able to access them from the web without a thumbdrive.

Finally, if you lose your Internet connection, then you also lose access to the files from the other computer. This doesn’t happen with services like DropBox or SugarSync. The files are never stored on the second machine. The iTwin just points to the files on the other machine. You will have to manually move them from the iTwin’s folder to another folder for real synchronization.

If you need to sync large amounts of data between two computers (more than you get with free services like DropBox, SugarSync or Box.com, or just appreciate the ability to keep your files off a company’s servers, iTwin is a good option.

iTwin Review: USB Secure Cloud Syncing Without a Cloud Service is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Griffin TechSafe Universal Cable Lock bills itself as a way to secure your laptop, even if it does not have the more traditional Kensington lock that most PCs use for security while out in public. Unfortunately, even though they call it “universal,” of the three notebooks I tried it with it only worked with one – the MacBook Pro. It did not work with my MacBook Air or a Toshiba Satellite L745 that I’m reviewing. However, it worked well on the MacBook Pro, and I think it would deter a would-be thief from swiping my computer while I use it out in public.

How It Works

The TechSafe Cable Lock has dial number combination locking system, like those you find on bike locks, connected to a very heavy steel cable that they coated with a hard rubber to make it smooth. You feed the cable around something heavy like a large table leg and fish the locking mechanism through a large eye at the end opposite the cable lock. The system comes with three metal clamps that you feed between the laptop’s lid and body.

The lock fastens to the clamp when you push the button to reveal a hook that grabs the end of the clamp as it protrudes from the back of the laptop. Release the button and the lock pulls the hook attached to the clamp inside the large metal lock.

Scramble the combination to set the lock.

Griffin TechSafe Cable Lock hooked up to MacBook Pro

I often use my computer at an Atlanta Break Company nearby. I’m nervous about leaving my computer to use the restroom or to get up and grab a refill of my Diet Pepsi. I also hate having to pack everything up just for a quick pitstop. The TechSafe Cable Lock would make a thief think twice before trying to steal your laptop.

No cable lock or Kensington lock will keep a determined thief with enough time and opportunity from stealing a laptop. But a device like the TechSafe Cable Lock will make them think twice and delay them enough to protect your computer.

Video Review

Not Universal Enough

The system seems to work well with those computers that are compatible. The cable won’t be cut easily. The lock system feels sturdy enough to do its job. My son claims to have seen a YouTube video on how to crack the combination on a lock like this. The good news I tried his system and it didn’t work! +1 for Griffin!

Unfortunately, as I said above, the TechSafe Cable Lock doesn’t work with two of the three laptops I tested it on. The company’s description makes it clear that the system won’t work with a MacBook Air. However, they list almost every other manufacturer saying:

The TechSafe cable lock fits a wide variety of PC laptops and netbooks, from Dell, Acer, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Asus, Sony and more. It’s also compatible with Apple’s most recent additions to the MacBook and MacBook Pro lineup.

It lists Toshiba, but I know that the Toshiba Satellite L745 I tested it with didn’t work. You can see that in the video review above. The reason? The gap between the lid and body of the computer is too wide for the metal clamp to stay in place if a thief grabs it and pulls even slightly. You will have to test it out on your system. Look at the gap between the lid and body. If yours is wide, find another solution or don’t leave your computer unattended, which is actually good advice no matter what.

If you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro I can assure you this will work and work well. It may be compatible with other computers that have a narrow space between the lid and body.

Cost and an Optional Accessory

The Griffin TechSafe Cable Lock costs $29.99 directly from Griffin. If you find that it will work with your system, then you might also want to try out the TechSafe Locking Security Clamp, which clamps to a table and has a place where you can run the cable from the Cable Lock to secure it. It costs $19.99, but is currently out of stock from Griffin.

Pros

• Strong lock
• Cable too think to cut
• Works with computers that don’t have Kensington Lock
• Can’t easily be “cracked” like some bike locks can
• Good price

Cons

• Not compatible with MacBook Air
• Computers with wide gap between lid and body are incompatible

Griffin’s TechSafe Cable Lock: Not Universal, But Certainly Secure is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

Griffin Technology announced a new TechSafe Cable Locking System designed to keep your laptop in place when thieves might potentially walk off with it. Unlike the typical lock that hooks into the almost ubiquitous Kensington Lock port, this system works with any notebook computer, including Apple MacBooks (which don’t come with the Kensington Lock port). Most PCs have the port, but increasingly as manufacturers work to offer more interesting designs to compete with Apple styles, they are leaving off these ports.

We’ve seen locks for specific computers without the port, like this lock designed for the MacBook Air. But Griffin’s solution is universal.

A metal blade slips through the hinge of the laptop and connects to the security lock to keep it connected. The lock offers a four digit combination security code, much like an old-fashioned briefcase, only much stronger. Click the blade into the lock and connect the lock to the five-foot steel cable which loops around something secure, like a table leg, to keep the laptop secure.

An optional TechSafe Security Lock Clamp can also connect to a table and clamp in place. The cable from the lock hooks to the clamp.

The lock will keep a MacBook or other notebook secure at the coffee shop or in an office with unscrupulous coworkers. While no one should leave a notebook computer totally unattended, this keeps it safe if you are across the room.

The best security for your laptop is to keep it close by. But locks like this one from Griffin Technology add an extra level of safety. In a situation, like a workplace with customers in and out and where a user leaves the Notebook out, this adds some assurance that it won’t be lifted.

Here is Griffin’s promo video that shows how it works.

Griffin Technologies offers this security accessory for $29.99 direct from their website.

Secure a Laptop with Griffin’s TechSafe Cable Locking System is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

WaterField Designs didn’t waste any time jumping on the release and refresh of the new MacBook Air. They already have a new case for the computer called the MacBook Air Smart Case, which resembles their iPad Smart Case design. It is ready for you to get one to protect your shiny new 11 or 13 inch MacBook Air.

The new cases come in six colors – black, pearl, green, flame, pine and copper. Translation: black, white, green, reddish-orange, green and brown. You can order one for an 11 or 13 inch Air.

The simple sleeve case protects your air with a multi-layer padding made of a special water resistent nylon material that WaterField Designs designed themselves. A plastic insert offers added protection and the ultrasuede won’t scratch the scratch prone aluminum Apple uses.

On the outside a pocket will hold accessories or on other carry-along items. The computer fits snugly into the case. On the bottom the thumb tab gives you some leverage to slide the computer out. Unless you pull it out, the computer won’t slide out on its own. The sleeve is small enough that it easily fits into a larger computer bag. That way you can carry it by itself when you need only the computer and the case’s protection, but throw it into a book bag or briefcase when you need all your other extras too.

We’ve tested a number of their cases, including the iPad version of this case, and love them. They are available today for $79 or $89 for the 11.6″ or 13.3″ MacBook Air respectively.

WaterField Designs Celebrates MacBook Air Refresh with New Cases is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The AViiQ Portable Quick Stand is a portable notebook stand that offers 12 degree angle for ergonomic typing and airflow. The primary selling point of the AViiQ Portable Quick Stand is that it is collapsible, which makes it easy to carry around. However, stability and the high angle weaken what would be an otherwise useful accessory.

Design

While some notebook stands are too bulky to take with you, the AViiQ’s weighs only 5.5 ounces and collapses flat to fit in the notebook compartment of your computer bag. The AViiQ Portable Quick Stand is so thin, you will barely notice it is there.

The stand is made from four long slices of plastic that look metallic. They are held together by silicone rubber that comes in five colors, allowing you to find one that fits your style. AViiQ says that the Portable Quick Stand will work with smaller notebooks like the MacBook Air or larger 17″ computers.

The stand has a 12 degree angle which raises the notebook off the table offering increased airflow for cooling and a higher angle for those who prefer this angle while typing. People who have good touch typing form will like that angle.

Unfortunately, like many users, we are lazy and rest our wrists on the front part of the laptop. As a result the angle is a little too high for comfortable typing. Very few of our staff find this kind of angle useful for typing. The good news is the stand can be used at a lower angle, even if it was not designed to be used that way. Below you will see what we mean.

As you can see, when you fold the edge with the smaller pieces in on itself instead of putting them at the base of the triangle, the angle is much lower. This is a more comfortable angle to use while typing.

Functionality

The  AViiQ Portable Quick Stand is quick and easy to set up, just press along the folded edge and it turns into a triangle that forms the base of the stand.

There is a bit of a trick to make the stand work without your notebook sliding off. Our MacBook Air has two rubber feet on the bottom. We positioned the apex of the triangle just below those feet and it stays in place (see above). Another option is to have the top groove grab the back edge of the lid of your laptop (see below). This won’t help if your laptop doesn’t have a lid that folds back as low as the back edge of the MacBook Air’s lid.

If you place the top of the Quick Stand against the MacBook Air’s flat metallic base, the notebook will slide off of the stand. Also, the AViiQ Portable Stand is a little unstable while you type, especially for those who bang on a keyboard. If you are a heavy typer the notebook will bounce a little while on the stand. Finally, you cannot use the stand on your lap at all.

Value

At $39.99 the AViiQ Portable Quick Stand is on the high side. While the portability is a nice feature, the weaknesses above make the Portable Quick Stand too expensive for us to recommend. Typically stands in this price range offer more functionality and importantly a sturdier base to type on.

Pros

• Light
• Small
• Colorful trim
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Unstable
• Many notebooks will slide off
• Bouncy while typing
• Can’t be used while typing on your lap
• Too expensive

AViiQ Portable Quick Stand for Notebooks Review is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is a very simple mobile bluetooth mouse that works on both Windows and Mac. It has been around for quite a while, but we decided to review it in our quest to find the perfect Bluetooth mouse for your notebook computer. Sadly, this entry falls short due to problems with comfort and accuracy.

Design and Comfort

The Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is a small mouse designed to not take up too much room in a computer bag. It is small enough that you could just carry it in your pocket if you keep your notebook in a sleeve instead of a computer bag. Unfortunately, because of the size, it is not the most comfortable or accurate mouse to use.

The two top buttons are shaped so that your fingers rest nicely on them. However, the length of the mouse from the front to the back means that you cannot really rest your hand on the mouse while using it unless you have very small hands. I found myself having to grip the mouse between my thumb and ring finger to move it around. This is fine for short mousing stints. After more than fifteen to twenty minutes I found myself subconsciously using the trackpad on my MacBook Pro or MacBook Air instead of reaching  for the mouse.

The weight of the mouse is also a problem. For precision mousing a heavy mouse makes it hard to move to just the right spot. A light mouse makes it too easy to accidentally mouse past the button you want to click or the edge of the window you want to drag. This mouse is just too light. You can fix this by adjusting the speed of the cursor in the settings of the computer, but that slows things down too much the rest of the time. I like my cursor to dart across the screen. A properly weighted mouse makes this possible while still hitting the target.

Buttons and Features

This mouse has the basic right and left click buttons, but there is also a side button the left side that your thumb can hit. It is a back button for use in a browser or in Windows it goes back in your Windows Explorer history. This function is unavailable in Mac OS X Finder windows. The button is also easy to accidentally click while mousing.

Because there is only one side button, it would be a little awkward for left-handed users. Ultimately the mouse would be better if there was a button on both sides.

The scroll wheel works well and is not too stiff or loose. We prefer a smooth scrolling wheel, but for a clicking scroll wheel it is not bad. The wheel can also serve as another button. The problem is, without a supported software driver it cannot be configured. On a Mac there is no special driver. The Microsoft web site has a link to a special Mac driver but the link leads to a Japanese language site with a “not found” 404 error page.

The Windows software is adequate and can be used to configure the buttons. We turned off the thumb button and made the scroll wheel also behave as a double click button. You cannot do this on Mac.

The mouse has an indicator light which will glow red when the batteries are drained. It will flash green and red when the mouse is ready to be paired with your Bluetooth enabled computer. It turns off when it is connected.

If you don’t have Bluetooth on your computer, then you will have to either buy a USB Bluetooth dongle or find a different mouse. Microsoft doesn’t provide a USB dongle with this mouse.

The mouse can be turned off via the switch on the bottom to save battery life. The pairing button is also on the bottom.

Pricing

The retail price is $49.99, but you can find this mouse much cheaper if you search around the web. We bought ours from an Amazon third-party seller for under $20. At that price it is a pretty good deal, if you are going to be using it only occasionally. For $50 it is overpriced and we cannot recommend it. If you spend that much, add a little more and get the great Razer Orochi. Logitech’s v470 Bluetooth mouse is also a better deal for under $40.

Conclusion

If money is no object, get the Razer Orochi as we recommended above. If you are on a tighter budget go with Logitech’s v470. The only reason to choose the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 is you have really small hands or just really prefer Microsoft branded hardware and want to stay consistent. The other two mice mentioned above are so much better that we cannot recommend the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000.

Pros

• Takes little room in a bag or your pocket
• Good scrolling wheel
• Connects well to Bluetooth

Cons

• Uncomfortable
• Not suitable for left-handed people
• Too light for precision mousing

Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Offers Basics [Review] is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

The Verbatim Touch Mouse brings the touch a functionality of the Apple Magic Mouse to the Windows universe, but is that a good thing? In our testing, the Verbatim Touch Mouse offers mixed results.

The Apple Magic Mouse does not have a great reputation, even among some Apple fans who find it awkward and uncomfortable to use. This hasn’t stopped Verbatim from trying to bring the touch enabled mouse to the PC world, but the company has a hard time making the mouse stand out as Microsoft has recently launched their own Touch Mouse.

Apple Magic Mouse on left and Verbatim Touch Mouse on right

Design

The Verbatim Touch Mouse is a wireless mouse that comes with its own 2.4Ghz USB receiver. The entire top of the mouse is both a button and a touchpad, just like the Apple Magic Mouse. Unlike the Magic Mouse it is black and instead of a rounded top, the front and back are rounded while the sides are squared. Unlike the Magic Mouse, the Touch Mouse will work on Windows and Mac.

On the bottom, the Touch Mouse comes with a small USB receiver that is housed in a hole in the bottom of the mouse when not in use. It also has an on/off button which saves conserves battery life while not in use. Most mice with a self-housed USB receiver will turn on and off automatically when you push the receiver into its compartment, but the Verbatim Touch Mouse does not.

Ergonomics

The most important questions with any mouse are comfort and functionality. Because of its size and shape it is slightly more comfortable than the Magic Mouse. The back of the mouse is raised giving your palm somewhere to rest. The front is a little lower making it easier to touch than the Magic Mouse.

Touch Gestures

To scroll up and down you swipe one finger either up or down. The on-screen reaction is slower with this mouse than with most other mice or the built-in trackpad of on laptops. To go back and forward in your browsing history on the Internet or in your folder viewing history in Windows Explorer, you swipe up or down with two fingers. This is unintuitive since most of the time we want to swipe left or right for history browsing, like you do on the Apple Magic Mouse or on a trackpad.

The problem with the Touch Mouse is the whole touch concept. What we hate most about mousing is having to use a touchpad. Most laptops have horrible touchpads and the primary reasons are size and sensitivity. The Touch Mouse has a tiny touch surface and is only moderately sensitive. We do not recommend it as a replacement for the notebook for this reason. If you really like a touchpad and want one for your desktop, this might be a good compromise.

Buttons and Clicking

The other big problem with the Verbatim Touch Mouse is the button. A typical left click, which is what you do with a mouse the majority of the time, is no problem at all. Just like the Apple Magic Mouse it is hard to consistently get a proper right-click. To do so you push on the right side of the mouse surface instead of the left. However, most of the time this engages the entire button and causes a typical left click to be sent to the computer. The key is not getting too close the right edge of the mouse while clicking, and it got easier over time, but a right click isn’t something you should need to think about.

Pricing

The Verbatim Touch Mouse lists for $54, but is available at Amazon for a much more reasonable $31.62.

Conclusion

We think this mouse is a good choice only for those who really wish they could use something like the Apple Magic Mouse with a Windows machine. It is a unique idea with only a  few mice like this one, but there is a reason. The scroll wheel just works better.

Pros:

• Small and easy to carry around
• USB receiver has storage compartment in mouse
• More comfortable than Apple Magic Mouse
• Windows and Mac compatible

Cons:

• Touch surface not responsive
• Hard to consistently right-click
• Glossy so attracts finger prints

Verbatim Touch Mouse Brings Apple Magic Mouse Feel to Windows [Review] is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

USB 3.0 support is hit or miss on notebooks right now in part due to a lack of an Intel or AMD Chipset that supports USB 3.0, which has left vendors to rely on a secondary chipset to add USB 3.0 support. AMD is changing this now with the new AMD A75 and A70M chipsets that will natively support USB 3.0 on AMD powered systems, including the new Fusion line of mobile processors.

The Inquirer reports that these new AMD chipsets will be the first certified “SuperSpeed USB” chipsets. This means it will be much easier for manufacturers like HP, Gateway, Dell and others to support USB 3.0 on their upcoming notebooks and mini notebooks. This is good news for consumers who want a faster connection, but don’t want to go with an Intel Thunderbolt connection, currently only found on the MacBook Pro, and bringing a noticeable lack of consumer accessories.

USB 3.0 will deliver a faster transfer rate for moving files from your computer to an external hard drive and USB 3.0 delivers more power, which means that hard drives which may have needed to connect to two ports or power supply will likely be able to connect with a single connection for power and data transfer.

This is good news, and is another feather in the hat of AMD, which is on track to give Intel a challenge in the processor race again. We’ve been using the AMD E350 APU in a sub-$500 notebook from Gateway for a month now and have been impressed with everything the budget priced notebook can do. Add in USB 3.0 support and you have an even more attractive package for consumers.

This is especially important given the current amount of USB 3.0 hard drives which greatly outnumber Thunderbolt accessories, and are much more likely to end up on the desk of your average consumer. So far we’ve only seen professional-level Thunderbolt drives and accessories announced. Another cool use of USB 3.0 is a Bus-Powered Monitor which can plug in to a USB 3.0 port and display 1080P video without the need for any additional power source.

AMD Closer to Making USB 3.0 the New USB Standard is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Notebook battery life can be a big deal, and while many models offer long life and the ability to swap out a battery there are a wide array of external notebook battery solutions that can extend your life even longer. Tom’s Hardware has rounded up and tested 15 external notebook batteries that will help your notebook last longer.

Many average consumers won’t find the need for a portable power solution like one of these external notebook batteries to go with a $500 notebook, but if you are traveling, an outdoor enthusiast or really do need to stay powered for hours more than your traditional notebook battery allows, then these 15 batteries offer a glimpse at everlasting battery life — or at least as close as you can come today.

Tom’s Hardware tested the following external notebook batteries:

• Amstar MedXP 140
• Amstar MedXP 300
• Brunton Sustain
• Brunton Impel
• Digipower Universal Laptop Battery
• Electrovaya PowerPad 95
• Electrovaya PowerPad 130
• Energizer XP8000
• Energizer XP18000
• Lenmar PPU916
• PowerTraveller MiniGorrila
• PowerTraveller PowerGorrila
• Tekkeon MP3750
• Tekkeon MP3450
• Tekkeon MP3450i

The nice thing about these external notebook batteries is that if you can find a notebook that meets all of your needs except battery life, you can fix that with a relatively small purchase. Because these are external options that work with a number of computers, you can use them with several notebooks and when the extra weight is a problem, leave the battery in your car or at home.

Personally, battery life is a ranked higher than high end performance so I am always drawn to notebooks that can deliver long batter life on their own, but the ability to double battery life with a slice battery or an external notebook battery, is always a plus. Just watch out, as Apple like’s to make it difficult for battery makers like HyperJuice who produce external MacBook battery packs.

Via LaptopThoughts

External Notebook Battery Review Roundup and Showdown is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.