We took a close look at the Lowepro Messenger Factor notebook bag over the past couple of weeks. While it isn't the fanciest bags we've seen, it does offer a good value for students and budget-conscious notebook users. It does everything that can be expected of an entry-level notebook bag and offer a touch of design without being too flashy. 
Acer announced it's acquiring Gateway for $710-million, the fourth largest PC company in the US. The combination will create a multi-branded PC-company with more than $15 billion in revenues and shipments in excess of 20 million PC units per year. 
Toshiba's paying the Tsales tax on Satellite and Qosmio notebooks through September 1st 
Apple has a limited stock of refurbished 15.4-inch MacBok Pros for $1,699, which is $300
If you want to put custom ringtones and third-pary applications on your iPhone you should check out this video. Here's an instructional video on how to hack your iPhone using iBrickr on Windows XP or Vista. 
Google Earth has been updated so you can explore the universe. Google Earth's 'Sky' feature is amazing and easy to use. With a few clicks you can zoom in on 200 galaxies. There are guided tours and learning tools to make it more fun. Check out this video of Sally Ride, the first female astronaut in space, using Sky in Google Earth. 
Apple's offering up to 20% off
Logitech's announcing the Alto Cordless Notebook Stand later today. The latest notebook stand in the Alto line features a wireless keyboard, making it a simple We got our hands on an early review unit and think it’s a great solution for anyone looking for a simple docking solution that can be set up nearly anywhere. 
Toshiba announced it will begin producing the world's highest capacity notebook drives. The MK3252GSX stores 320GB of data and spins at 5,400 RPM. The new Toshiba drives edges out Fujitsu's 300GB model for highest capacity of any 2.5-inch drive. 
The 12.1-inch LifeBook T2010 Tablet is now shipping. The T2010 features a LED-backlit display, Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage processor and optional 32GB solid state drive. 
One iPhone user racked up a $5,000 bill while using the iPhone's Internet applications in England. He's pretty upset that AT&T charged him 2 cents per KB and thinks his $20 per month "unlimited" data charge should cover this. 
Here's a backpack that's designed to protect computers and lives. The mjbackpack by MJ Safety Solutions features the expected notebook sleeve, pockets and pouches, but can also withstand close-range handgun fire. In case of a school shooting, junior can tale the backpack of his back and use it as a shield. 
Logitech announced the Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks with Bluetooth Technology. The V470 is a pretty basic mouse, but no external receiver is needed since it connects to your notebook via bluetooth. 
Nokia issued a safety advisory for up to 46 million batteries that could overheat and explode while charging. The battery in question is the BL-5C, which is used in many of Nokia's most popular mobile phones. Nokia is offering free replacement batteries to users with potentially hazardous batteries. 
Samsung's showcasing its fuel cell power supply at its Korean headquarters. The company expects this system to keep its notebooks running for up to a month at a time. Samsung's previously stated it would ship a fuel cell system for notebooks by the end of 2007. 
Justine got a surprise in the mail from AT&T- a 300 page bill. The monster bill isn't as scary as it sounds since her 30,000 or so text messages were included her unlimited plan. 
Toshiba announced today that that it's recalling about 1,400 notebook batteries due to overheating risks. The batteries were manufactured by Sony for Toshiba's Satellite A100 Satellite A105 and Tecra T7 notebooks. 
The single most frustrating thing about switching to a Mac this summer was working with video from my hard disk drive camcorder. But Apple's stepped up to the plate and added support for camcorders that use AVCHD and MPEG-2 formats, greatly improving workflow for users of camcorders that record on either hard drives or DVDs. 
Apple details an innovative multi-touch touchpad in a recent patent application. This new design could bring iPhone-like gestures and more to future MacBooks and MacBook Pros.