Wireless networks are hot in today’s computer world. It’s nice to be able to have computers communicating without tearing up the walls for wiring. Yet we still have to deal many other cables and wires. Cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players all have cables for recharging. There are telephone cables and USB cables to contend with. These cables are especially aggravating when you are traveling and have to carry several different cables for different pieces of equipment.
This makes the Zip-Linq cables quite attractive. Zip-Linq produces compact spools of high quality cable that is retractable. The wiring fits into a small round 1” reel which looks like a small hockey puck. The ends of the cable stay out to the sides. The entire device is small and compact. For instance, when retracted, the entire USB cable is less than four inches long and an inch wide. It weights less than an ounce.
The device is spring-loaded so you simple pull on either end to reveal several feet of cabling. When the cable is exposed, just pull again and it will retract. The cable will stretch to between 2.5 and 5 feet, depending on the type of cable chosen. My three-year-old grandson tested this product’s durability by pulling a Zip-Linq USB cable in and out for over an hour with no hang-ups.
Choose from RJ11 cables for modems, IEEE 1394 Firewire, USB, and Cat 5 RJ45 for networking. There is also a Zip-Linq cell phone charger and a PDA charger. These plug into any USB port eliminating the need to carry all those cables. Aimed at the mobile person who uses a laptop computer, a cell phone and/or a PDA, these products allow you to charge your phone or your PDA easily, especially on the road. The phone charger will charge most phones in about an hour. Models can be purchases for use with Motorola, Nokia, Siemens and Ericsson phones. The PDA charger will synch your PDA as well as charge it.
Other Zip-Linq products include a hands-free headset with built-in retractable cable for cell phones and audio players, and a mini-optical mouse. There is also a $60 Road-Warrior kit that includes a USB light, a network cable, phone/modem cable, a USB extension cable, and a mouse with cable.
These cables are ultimately useable. The compact design of this roll-up device makes it perfect for travel. Business road warriors, casual travelers, and retired wanderers will all find Zip-Linq lightweight products save space and avoid tangled-cable-frustration. Prices for most cables are around $20. Look for discounted prices at online retailers and discount stores. All Zip-Linq cables are PC and Mac compatible.
