Linda posted on December 01, 2007 14:08
As new laptop computer models continue to get thinner and lighter, while featuring processor speeds and memory that approach even the most powerful desktop models, it is no surprise that in 2007 the sales of laptop computers have surged more than 28%. Add to the equation the fact that more and more people are working from home, telecommuting, and traveling with their computer for work and pleasure, manufacturers are responding by developing an ever expanding group of products designed for mobile computing.
So what are the hottest products for 2008?
For travelers looking for the convenience of a wireless internet connection in the comfort of their hotel room, several manufacturers are introducing wireless travel routers. These devices are compact and light weight, and allow you to easily convert the wired internet connection in your hotel room to your own wireless network. Of these products, the most feature packed is the Linksys WTR54GS 54Mbps travel router with SpeedBooster. What sets this router apart from its competitors is the built-in power adapter and its ability to share both the wired and wireless connections. Setup is as simple as plugging it in and connecting the hotel’s high speed internet service connection to the WAN port. There is a built in firewall for added protection against intruders and internet attacks, and the wireless connection can be encrypted with WEP or extra-strength WPA personal encryption. In addition, a wired port is available if you need to connect another wired device to the network. With a MSRP of $99.99, this isn’t the least expensive travel router on the market, but its features, including the built-in power cord, raises it to the top of the list.
If you are looking for something a bit less expensive, consider the D-Link DWL-G730AP or the Belkin F5D7233. Both of these models have a MSRP of $59.99, and come with a travel pouch and separate power adapters. Weighing less 2 ounces, these units fit easily in the palm of your hand, and can be slipped into your laptop case without notice. Both of these models have encryption and a built in firewall. They do not provide a separate port for an additional wired device, but when you only want the freedom to use your laptop from the balcony or bed, that’s not an issue anyway.
One drawback to shrinking size of laptop computers is the number of USB ports are sometimes lacking. Many laptop models have only two USB ports and depending on the peripherals that you wish to connect, it can be difficult to use both ports at the same time. One innovative company, Ritek, has devised the Yego EZdrive - a “Y” shaped USB flash drive combined with a 2 port USB hub. You simply plug the flash drive into one of your USB ports, and instead of losing a port, have an additional port available. The drive comes in a variety of colors and in sizes from 128MB to 8GB. If your notebook is running Windows Vista, you can use the flash drive as ReadyBoost additional memory or use it to conveniently move files between machines. And there is nothing to prevent you from plugging a second EZdrive or another flash drive into one of the two ports on the first drive. Price varies by memory capacity.
If you are short on USB ports and need some light on your screen or keyboard, check out the travel USB 4 port hub with light from Targus. The hub sells for $29.99 and comes with a 2 foot cable allowing you to clip the hub to the top of your laptop screen allowing you to light your keyboard from above, making it perfect for travel or when working in bed at night.
If you work from a Bluetooth enabled PDA or cell phone, and need to enter a lot of data, the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard from iTech may be just what you are looking for. This cigarette lighter sized device uses a laser to project the image of a QWERTY keyboard on any flat surface. Touch the keyboard image, and that character is entered. While I think this device is useful in certain situations, online reviews of this device are mixed. It appears that this $159.95 device is one that you will either absolutely love or completely hate. The rechargeable battery is good for 2 hours of continuous typing and can be set to automatically shut off when not in use. Wave your hand over the surface where the keyboard was displayed and it will turn back on automatically.