It may be the pressure of trying to compete with Apple’s anorexic - yet feature-lite – MacBook Air but Dell might be pushing its new notebook features too far: electric shocks.
According to Cnet, if you touch the new aluminium new XPS M1530 laptop you get an electrical charge that ranges from a “gentle tingle to a sudden jolt”. The nasty experience was reported by numerous staff who were surprised more than once when they tried connecting peripherals like printers and PDAs.
The problem seems to lie with the 2-pin connector that sits between the mains lead and the power adaptor not being properly earthed.
Apparently the Dell forums are “littered” with other shocking experiences by unhappy owners of the aluminium XPS M1330 and XPS M1530 laptops. Dell has yet to officially comment.
Are you getting more from your cool, brushed aluminium Dell laptop than you bargained for?-Martin Lynch
[Cnet]
laptop Dell notebook
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Cyclists may be happy to hear that you can now get a decent iPod speaker for your bike. If nothing else, it could help ensure that less earphone-wearing cyclists end up under the rush-hour wheels of buses and cars.
iHome has launched the iHome2Go iH85B, a water-resistant iPod case that you attach to the bike frame and then control from some audio controls attached to the handlebars. It’s compatible with all iPods, apart from the Shuffle. It’s a bit bigger than a standard water bottle and because scumbag iPod thieves will think that’s just what it is, your iPod should be safer than most.
The wireless remote on the handlebars allows you to choose tracks and adjust volume. Key features:
Charges your iPod when connected to AC adaptor(included)
Works with docking iPod models
Reson8™ technology with passive speaker for full, rich sound
Mounted wireless RF remote control for safer control while biking
Comes with mounting bracket and all hardware
Bike mounted remote control for safe riding
Tough water and impact-resistant polycarbonate case
NOT compatible with iPod Shuffle.
The iH85B also doubles up as an iPod speaker dock for your home. Not a bad deal either at £40 here.-Martin Lynch
[OhGizmo]
ipod MP3 cycling gadgets
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Just like the noticeable increase in the availability of surround sound bars for tidy home cinema set-ups, TV companies are rolling out special home cinema TV stands.
So far, we’ve had the Evesham Sound Stage X2, the Sony Bravia Home Theatre RHT-G800 and the Sharp Aquos Rack Home Theatre System. Now Sharp is on its second generation product with the Aquos AN-ACD2 Home Theatre.
First off, it’s important to point out that despite looking like the last one it lacks the firepower. The 300W output of the first one has been trimmed to 150W in this by the way of 1x 100W subwoofer and 2x 25W speakers. However, it does come with HDMI slots so it’ll make it easy to hook it up to your HD console, HD movie player and skinny HDTV.
Let’s hope that the reduced feature set means a slimmer price. The first Aquos AV rack cost a whopping £600 – for 2.1 stereo sound!
This is one is hitting Japan first with a price tag of around £440. Expect that price to rise as it travels here but, in my humble opinion, £440 is still just way too much to spend for a 2.1 stereo home cinema system.-Martin Lynch
[Akihabara]
HDTV home cinema TV TV
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Steve Jobs pulled the MacBook Air from a manila envelope at Macworld, showing off just how thin the anorexic MacBook Air really was.
Around 10 seconds later, two smart cookies decided that they’d develop the idea and have announced the AirMail Laptop Sleeve. The makers have decided that since the MacBook Air is ‘revolutionary’ so should its wee jacket. They say:
“The AirMail laptop sleeve is handmade out of durable upholstery-grade vinyl, and lined with fuzzy, soft fleece. All AirMail sleeves have the same dimensions as standard interoffice manila envelopes, which will serve to remind you -- and everyone around you -- that your new MacBook Air really is the thinnest laptop in the world!
AirMail laptop cases are lined with thick fleece, which will protect your laptop from any cosmetic damage and smudges, and keep it safe from bumps in daily use. It is not suitable, however, for any extreme use. But geez, treat your MacBook Air kindly!"
I say, considering the MacBook Air costs a not inconsiderable £1,200, I’d like something a little more serious in the protection business. Maybe a Kevlar Envelope.
Out in a few weeks for £15 here.-Martin Lynch
[Engadget]
apple laptops macbook notebook
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I like my laptop but does it really need a tent?
That’s what you need to ask yourself before thinking about buying it the LapDome, a tent for laptops so that you can carry on working by the pool while on holidays. Warning: if you have your laptop on holiday you aren’t actually on holiday.
Anyway, say by some freakish coincidence the sun decides to shine when you’re officially [cough, cough] ‘working from home’, and you think:
“Hey, I know, I’ll go work in the garden, in my shorts, bad Hawaiian shirt and with a few beers [dehydration is a killer, after all]. Oh no! It’s too bright. I can’t see the screen. Where’s my LapDome? Ah, that’s better. Now, where’s my beer? *Slurp* Perfect. "
Yes, it really is that insane. This is what the company says:
“This laptop computer carry case transforms into a sheltered, darkened work environment. It offers privacy, security, and protection from the elements, but most of all, computer screen visibility outdoors in the daytime.”
Frankly, there’s just not enough sunshine where I am to tempt me outside. For the rest of you, this laptop accessory will cost you from £15 upwards here.-Martin Lynch
[Geeksugar]
laptops gadgets notebook
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
