- Matt Faulkner

I don't know how long it will take, but it's coming sometime...  We'll have to see how this goes when it gets to me, but this is going to be my work phone hooked up to our exchange server.  It's the first Apple product I will ever own!  Maybe that rumored (yet again...)  Mac Tablet will be the second one I will own :)  I'm kind of worried about the battery life reports out there, so maybe I'll have to look into one of these when it gets to me.  I bet you the first time I go on a trip I'm going to miss the ability to tether it up to my computer...

EDIT - Ordered Wednesday - supposed to be delivered tomorrow!!!! Can't believe that - Warner isn't going to be happy... What fun for the weekend :)

- Rob Bushway

One of the benefits of my job is getting to meet our readers when they come to town. Such was the case yesterday when I spent a couple of hours with Mark Wharton, aka K0LO, at my favorite hang-out in Colorado Springs, Pikes Perk.

Mark surprised me a bit by unleashing his "mobile" kit: a tiny 8 GB USB key containing every application needed to surf the web, vpn in to his network, image a drive, launch a recovery version of Vista, and other applications available from PortableApps. He keeps all of his documents with him by using SyncToy on his various computers, and syncing them to his USB key. He's got a complete mobile set up in the portable confines of a 8 GB USB key. Amazing. 

- Rob Bushway

One of Hugo Ortega's resellers hacked together a really interesting solution for mounting a Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium in a car. They took an Otterbox case and hacked it on to a RAM Mount. Very ingenious!

Any interest in seeing these mass produced?

Click through to the Read More link for more pictures.

 

 

- Craig Pringle

One other great features of mobile PCs is that they are a mobile.  You can take your PC pretty much anywhere you care to go, and work while you are travelling there and when you arrive.

There is however an art to travelling well with your gadget bag.  This is especially true when you are travelling on airplanes.  In this article I will explorer several tricks I have learned over time that have made easier for me to travel with my mobile PCs.

In short, my tips could be summed up as follows:

• Pack your bags tidily.
• Know the rules
• Spread your load
• Standardise to lighten your load.
• Think about power!
• Look for smart accessories.

Let's explore those in more detail.

- Warner Crocker

We’ve reported before about the coming of new computer bags that will help you get through airport checkpoints a bit more quickly, thanks to some new laws. MobileEdge is now out of the chute with three designs to help the weary traveler. Called the ScanFast collection, it consists of a briefcase, a messenger bag, and a backpack; each designed to easily open while allowing you to leave your computer in the bag when passing through security.

 

- Warner Crocker

Talk about an interesting promotion. With many states having laws against using a cell phone while driving unless you are hands free, Aliph, the makers of the Jawbone BlueTooth Headest is giving you $20 off if you got a ticket for using a cell phone while behind the wheel. Looks like they are tied into state records from the website as you have to enter your state and your ticket number.

Via BoingBoing Gadgets

 

- Matt Faulkner

Thanks to TomBihn and the USP guy - I am sitting here looking at a Super Ego!  Look for more on this later, but I just wanted to put up a quick note.   I have been using the Ego bag for a while now and love it - and when the fine folks at TomBihn saw my post about looking for a new bag, they sent me out the bigger version...  It will be interesting to take a look at the size difference between the two bags and what all I can cram in with the added space.  There were a couple of other little things in the bag too - but you'll have to wait for a video to check those out.

Sorry for the poor quality photo - I'll get a better one up soon.

- Warner Crocker

Don’t consider this solid yet, but CrunchGear is reporting that round two of the Amazon Kindle looks to begin rolling out in October, just in time for the holiday season. Wait a minute. I can’t believe I just typed the words “holiday season.” Are we really getting that close to that. Yikes! Anyway, according to the report, there will be two versions. The first version will  have the same size screen, an improved interface, and come in a range of colors. The second version will be shaped like a regular sheet of paper, and is obviously larger than the original. Not much more on that at the moment. It won’t begin rolling out until next year.

 

- Rob Bushway

I love it when companies think outside the box, especially when it comes to usability. TabletKiosk's new extended battery for their Sahara i400 Tablet PC not only gives a total of 8 hours of battery life to the slate, but also features a detachable stand to help when you just gotta whip out the keyboard or make a presentation. I love that stand and wish more OEMs would integrate them into their batteries. In addition to the stand, the battery also offers additional USB and FireWire ports. 

The price looks a bit challenging at $369, with an additional 2.2 lbs; however, if you are in need of long battery life, then this just might be a great solution.

Here are the specs courtesy of TabletKiosk's blog and their website.

1)  High capacity Lithium Ion battery provides up to 8 hours of battery life when used in conjunction with existing tablet battery.  Note that the actual battery results are dependent upon how the tablet is used.).

2)  Offers additional USB and IEE1394a (FireWire) Ports.  Both of these ports are located on the back of the tablet facing down so that peripherals can be attached without having cables coming out of the sides of the tablet

3)  The pass-thru DC power port allows you to charge the SELB without having to remove it. 

4)  Comes with a detachable, 3-way adjustable legs to hold the unit upright while maximizing viewing angles.   The legs can be easily removed for flat-down desktop use.

5) Features LED Indicator lights on the back which show the unit's charging status as well as the remaining power level (in 25% increments)

6)  Includes an AC Adapter for on-the-go charging

7)  Weighs 2.2 lbs.  Depth = 14 mm 

8)  For quick changes, the SELB attaches to the back of the unit with oversized, easily removable thumb screws.

9)  SELB fits flush to back of the tablet which leaves all functions keys, power switches and I/O ports unobstructed and available for use.

10)  Features built- in MIS-D 100mm VESA mount holes

11)  Price $369

 

 

 

 

- Truc Bui

In the second to the last round of the Screen Protector Shootout series, I take a look at Strong Engineering's screen protector. The video review is below, followed by the written review.

 

Round 7:

Strong Engineering

Summary:

Pros:

· Great fitment on custom cut piece. Easy to install.

· Excellent smudge resistance.

· Writing feel was on par with the best of the AG films.

Cons:

· Not full adhesive, but this is more personal preference.

· On glossy screens, bubbling issues resulted in an unpleasant overall experience. Those with a matte screen from the factory will not have any problems.

In Round 7 of the Screen Protector Shootout, I put Strong Engineering through the gauntlet. Let’s see how it holds up to the competition!

Initial Impressions:

Strong Engineering’s screen protector was as good as the other anti-glares in this competition. At approximately $22 shipped, the price is runs midpack for this competition. The Strong protector has adhesive strips on all four edges of the screen protector and provides edge to edge coverage, however, this is a custom cut piece. Prices and fitment may vary.

Installation:

Like all other edge-only adhesive protectors, the installation process was a snap. The issue that I came across was with bubbling. Unfortunately, due to the T2010’s glossy screen, the Strong Engineering protector bubbled. I’ve never experienced this before with any of the other AG screen protectors, so user beware. Stay away from the Strong Engineering protector if you have a glossy screen. You’ll be thoroughly disappointed.

Preservation of Luminosity:

Due to the bubbling, luminosity and preservation of screen image quality was lackluster at best. However, I had a feeling it had something to do with the construction of the screen protector itself. Sure enough, on the backside of the Strong Engineering, the screen protector was smooth. Because of this, the smooth-on-smooth contact resulted in the ugly bubbles. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get the bubbles to go away. The problem is exacerbated because of the adhesive strips on the edges of the protector, which causes an elevation difference between the edge of the protector and the center.

Writing Feel:

If you have a matte screen, like that found on the Toshiba M700, this screen protector would work very well for you. The writing feel was with the best of the AG protectors I’ve tested. It’s very smooth, giving that great "pen on paper" feel. However, with the bubbles underneath the screen, I was not able to get a thorough feel during prolonged inking. It was only after trying to troubleshoot the bubbles did I get a decent experience for its writing feel, albeit quite short. From what I could tell, though, it did very well.

Outdoor Viewability:

I didn’t test outdoor viewability with this screen protector because I couldn’t deal with the bubbles anymore. Yes, it was that intrusive. Check out the video and you’ll see how bad it was. In use, it was very distracting. The crispness of the T2010 was utterly lost under all those bubbles.

Screen Protector Removal:

All you have to do is pry it up and peel it off. Since the edge adhesives do not go all the way to the corner of the screen protector, you can actually just use your finger to pry it up. The adhesive strips did not leave any residue on the screen itself.

Conclusion:

Getting tested later in the roundup, the Strong Engineering faced some very stiff competition. Unfortunately for Strong, I couldn’t give it a complete workout since the bubbling issues were noticeable under every lighting condition. In fact, the bubbling intruded on screen image quality, let alone viewability. I took off the Strong Engineering, put on an old AG matte screen protector I had laying around, and reinstalled the Strong. The bubbling issues went away. In the video, I demonstrate the smooth feel of the backside versus the matte side of the front. If you have a matte screen, the Strong seems like a very good choice. If you have a glossy screen, I cannot recommend it.

Stay tuned for the last round of the Shootout. I will be taking a look at the InvisibleShield before writing a final wrapup and declaring a winner.

 

 

- Truc Bui

Have you ever been stuck behind someone in an airport who forgot to take their laptop out of its case at a security checkpoint? Yeah, that person. Or were you ever that person? The TSA has recently approved a new bag design that eases security screening burdens for those traveling with computers and other electronics. Targus and Pathfinder were expected to adopt this new design but a quick search on their respective websites yielded nothing new. Earlier this morning, Engadget released a story on the arrival of Skooba Design's TSA-approved laptop bag but later updated the story, stating that Skooba Design's CEO still has not released the final product pictures and what they had on their site was just an illustration. Fast forward 4 hours and Gear Diary's Judie Lipsett has photos to go along with a rundown on the new bag's design and features. I can't wait to get these bags. I'm so tired of being that guy.

 

- Rob Bushway

Motion Computing is improving upon their C5 / F5 Tablet PCs by integrating WWAN into the C5, offering SSD as an option, increasing HDD capacity at no additional cost, and introducing new accessories like the new Mobile Dock and Flex Carry hand strap.

If you have not been reading our Talk To Motion thread, be sure to. Fascinating comments for sure.

Motion Computing® , a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, today announced the C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA) and F5 semi-rugged tablet PC feature upgrades and new custom peripherals created for the unique design of the devices. The C5 now features integrated mobile broadband and solid state drive (SSD) options to extend its usability to the point of care, regardless of patient location. Additionally, the C5 and F5 now feature improved capacity with standard 80 GB hard disk drives (HDD) at no additional cost.

“Motion understands mobile workforces and we are focused on improving productivity across a broad range of environments, from the patient bedside to the construction site,” said Mike Stinson, VP of Marketing at Motion. “Customer feedback is a critical part of improving our tablet PCs, and based on recent input we’re confident that these upgrades will enable our target customers to be more productive, no matter where work takes them.”

With the C5’s optional integrated mobile broadband, mobile clinicians can improve productivity by accessing important patient information, including digital images and patient history details. For many mobile point of care applications, such as those in home healthcare, ongoing connectivity will enable better collaboration with other treating clinicians and reduce travel time by allowing the immediate transfer of documentation after every patient visit, which can reduce processing delays and improve billing cycle times. Additionally, the optional SSD will help further protect the C5 from the occasional bumps and drops experienced by highly mobile professionals.

Motion® continually adds features and options that help organizations reduce the number of devices technicians carry, improve workflow, reduce data collection errors and ensure users can communicate with host systems and each other from the field. With a new standard 80 GB HDD in the Motion F5 semi-rugged tablet PC, mobile field forces in construction, government, field sales and service, and manufacturing are now able to store more images and other documentation, allowing them to complete tasks and solve customer issues when away from the office.

Motion also announced today new peripherals, custom-designed for the C5 and F5 that offer expanded options to more easily transport, charge and utilize the PCs while away from the office or standard docking stations.

Motion Mobile Dock. The Motion Mobile Dock offers the convenience of docking the C5 or F5 in almost any location, such as a vehicle, wall or cabinet, and features full port replication and charging capabilities.

Motion Flex Carry. An ergonomic solution that provides alternate methods for carrying and holding the devices throughout the workday, the Flex Carry includes shoulder and hand straps and easily fits into the standard docking station for uninterrupted workflows.
Motion tablet PCs now ship with Windows Vista® Business, which offers integrated features that improve the tablet computing experience. Benefits include improved handwriting recognition, enhanced searching capabilities, tablet input panel with auto-fill features for email addresses and URLs and pen clicks that enable users to quickly conduct an action with a simple pen gesture.

The Motion F5, C5 and Flex Carry are available now through Motion’s network of resellers and distributors. The Mobile Dock is expected to ship August 1, 2008. Visit www.motioncomputing.com/buy/index.asp for more information.

- Rob Bushway

The following is a guest article by Matthew Dillon

- Matthew Dillon

I love the idea of being tech-mobile AND not dependent of frequent recharges. So many of the cell phones or PDAs I've used in the past were feature packed, but really didn't deliver when it came to battery life. HYmini might just help to solve some of those high voltage problems.

The HYmini is a portable wind/solar device that has the ability to recharge your devices and give you a little more juice. It is designed to give your iPhone/iPod, cell phone, PDA, or camera a recharge from its internal battery. It uses wind power (you might mount it outside your window if you have a strong breeze, hold it out your car when driving, or attach it to your bicycle) to help you achieve greater battery life from the gadgets you love. It can also simply be used as an external battery as it does collect and store a charge from a wall plug. The HYmini itself relies only on wind power, or input from a wall plug/solar-panel. An additional solar-panel can be purchased, called the miniSOLAR, to charge the battery of the HYmini. You can attach up to four miniSOLARs to the HYmini to maximize charging time. The HYmini in three colors is available at the link below for $49.99. Together the HYmini and the miniSOLAR can be purchased for $74.98.

The HYmini certainly looks cool.

- Rob Bushway

Truc Bui continues his fantastic Screen Protector Shootout Series, this time focusing on Clarivue Clear screen protectors. Video below, followed by the text review:

- Warner Crocker

This will probably be a boon for frequent flyers. The TSA has approved a new design for those carrying computers when they fly that should make your trip through security a bit easier. At least two manufacturers, Targus and Pathfinder are rushing to get these on the market in both briefcase form and a stand alone sleeve, which I assume will fit inside other bag types. Other bag manufacturers are jumping into the fray as well. The idea is to keep you from having to remove your computer when you pass through security.

Via The New York Times

- Warner Crocker

We’ve all been there. You’ve just taken a drink of some beverage when someone or something hits you with something so funny that your nose becomes a fire hose spraying everything in sight. Late yesterday after rehearsal, we were in the office finishing up the program/playbill so that we could get it off to the printer. We sell a lot of advertising for our playbill and of course that means we are always waiting for our advertisers to get the copy in at the last minute. Turns out quite a few ads were dropped off while we were in rehearsal. Usually the process involves us retouching and rearranging things to fit the layout and make the ads look good.

I was at my desk, doing some last minute corrections, and scanning in some images to the iMac. I'd do some retouching, then I would make them available to the staffer who was doing the program layout. On my desk, I had three screens going at the time: the iMac, a second monitor attached to it running Vista using VMWare Fusion, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Tablet PC. I was literally working on a variety of things at once as we were all cranking to get this work done and go home for some rest after a long week.

It was also a hot day and very humid day and I had been consuming vast amounts of fluids to keep me going. I had just taken a large gulp of some green tea when one of my fellow workers let loose with a wisecrack, and I think you know where this is going.

Green tea came shooting out of my nose and mouth in an explosion of immense proportions spraying all three screens and raining a cloud of green tea droplets over everything on my desk. Try as I might I just couldn't turn my head in time. After the moment settled I realized that everything was quickly turning into a sticky mess.

Not to worry. I pulled out my trusty Shwamee Microfiber cloth, grabbed a glass of water and proceeded to clean everything up. It only took a few minutes and things were back to a "pre-liquid from the nose explosion" state, without a streak or smear to be found, including the wedding picture of me and my lovely wife. I've recommended the Shwamee Microfiber cloths before (check out this InkShow) and I'll do it again. They'll clean up even the stickiest messes. Thanks Shwamee.

 

- Matt Faulkner

A while back I was brought to an end of my hunt with a bag that was given to me by the wonderful people at Tom Bihn.  It's probably the longest I have had a bag in a long time... but the the new addition of my 'regular' laptop - I have to be on the hunt again... :( 

The bag I have is the Ego - and there is a Super Ego that will work for me - that is a serious consideration as the Ego bag has been wonderful.  But, I haven't been on the hunt for a full sized bag in a while so I am asking you, the GBM readers, if there is something you have or a brand that I should check out!  I will say that I am not a Backpack type of person, more of the 'messenger' type of guy.

It also have to fit my companion Tablet PC in there too...  I have all but decided that the LS800 is perfect for me to take to my meetings, sit by me at my desk, couch surfing and child prodigy device.

So, are there any suggestions out there??

- Rob Bushway

Let's face it, these are certainly interesting times to be a mobile worker. With gas prices now above $4 a gallon, people are looking for creative ways to save money. On my way to the office the past several months, I've noticed more and more people on motorcycles or bicycles, and I'm about to join the crowd.

Once I get back from my AMD trip this week, I'll be making my daily commute to the office on my bike, with my Dell Tablet PC, clothes, and gear packed up in a Tom Bihn Brain Bag. Years ago, I used to bike to work and home every day, so it won't be a huge shocker. I'm actually looking forward to it. My ride to work is about 10 miles, which I can knock out in no-time. I'll be sure to film an InkShow of this new twist on "going mobile".

Are you making changes to save some money on gas? Are you telecommuting from home more than usual? What changes have you made to your mobile set-up to help you stay out of the car more often?

- Warner Crocker

Well we certainly see all kinds of gadget bags and carriers, but I think this is the first gadget bandolier I’ve seen. The Setgo Transport slings over your shoulder and allows you to carry a range of tiny gadgets with you. I’m not quite sure how airport security will look at this when you approach the gate though. We’ll have to see how Rob, GBM’s resident geek fashion arbiter, feels about this one. It is selling for $80.

Via Crave

 

- Warner Crocker

Rob and I had fun on GBM Podcast #51 testing out the Blue Snowflake portable microphone for our recording. We think the sound quality came out pretty good. The Blue Snowflake is made by Blue Microphones and is one of many microphones and audio accessories they offer. In addition to good audio quality I love the portable/mobile aspect of this microphone. Here’s a quick GBM ShortCut on the portable Blue Snowflake Microphone.