MobileEdge ScanFast Backpack

MobileEdge ScanFast Backpack

A new type of laptop bag will help you get through security faster. Several manufacturers are creating bags that are specially designed so that airport screeners can x-ray a traveler’s laptop while it is still inside their bag, eliminating the need to remove the laptop from its case. These bags have to be TSA-approved.

The folks at MobileEdge were kind enough to send me one of these special bags to use during some recent air travel. MobileEdge calls their checkpoint-friendly bags “ScanFast”. My ScanFast backpack was sturdy and well-constructed. Thankfully, the shoulder straps were nicely padded. In fact, the entire bag was padded so I felt safe to throw in my iPod, DVD player, and my other electronic equipment as well as my laptop. The backpack easily fit my 17″ laptop. And there were multiple compartments to accommodate all my stuff. One of the compartments was also perfectly sized for file folders, magazines, and other paper work.

Special Compartment for Laptop

Special Compartment for Laptop

The trick to using this bag is to put only the laptop in the special laptop area. This is clearly marked on the bag, and the instructions tell you to be sure to put the cables, mice, and other equipment in one of the cases other compartments. When you approach the screening belt, you simply unzip the laptop compartment and place the entire bag on the belt without having to remove the laptop.

Although this may seem like a very small improvement, I found that it made a big difference when going through security. Not only did I not have to unpack my laptop, but I didn’t have to repack it on the other side of the x-ray machine when I was scrambling to gather all of my stuff quickly and efficiently.

I also found that having the laptop in the bag offered a little addition piece of mind. I only had one thing to watch and to retrieve rather than having to keep an eye on the laptop itself as well as the bag I usually carry it in.

If you are a frequent air traveler, this bag will make life just a little easier. And it’s the little things that can add up to make a big difference.

The Mobile Edge ScanFast bags come in a backpack, briefcase, and messenger bag. All retail for $99, but Amazon is offering big reductions off the retail price.

Audio and video files can be difficult to work with because of differing file formats. There are many different programs that convert audio and video files from one format to another. There are also programs that edit video and burn disks. In fact, there are so many different programs that sometimes I forget which program I can use for each of those tasks.

That’s why I find programs that can do it all so appealing. The Blaze media Pro software is a program that can do it all.  It has DVD ripper software so you can copy DVDs. It is a video encoder and it is also an audio converter. The program supports many different formats. So you can use one program for all your multimedia needs. Check it out.

The Flip Ultra

The Flip Ultra

The Flip Ultra is a unique video camera. It is simplicity at its best. As small as a compact camera, it will fit in your shirt pocket. It has a USB connector that pops out of the camera for an easy way to attach it to the computer. The software offers a very easy way to upload your videos directly to YouTube and other websites. Even though the resolution is fairly low, the video quality is amazingly good. It is perfect for videos that you want to post online or email to family and friends. Read my full review at HardwareSecrets.com.

The Flip Ultra comes in black, white, orange, pink, and green. It retails for 149.99, but is cheaper at Amazon.

Everyone can attest to at least one situation where a driver talking on a cell phone has almost had or caused an accident. So there is little doubt that more and more states will follow the lead set by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, and California in making it illegal to drive while talking on a hand held cell phone. A Bluetooth headset is one solution, but a better one is a mobile speakerphone. And the BlueAnt Bluetooth SuperTooth 3 Handsfree device is one of the best.

BlueAnt SuperTooth 3

BlueAnt SuperTooth 3

The SuperTooth 3 that I reviewed mounts to the sun visor in your car with a strong magnetic clip. Full instructions are given on how to pair your cell phone with the device. Once paired, the SuperTooth will automatically upload your telephone book. It will also handle all of your calls.
The SuperTooth has only 2 buttons and a volume control. The Multi-function button (MFB) is used for power on & off, pairing, answer, voice dial, redial, and audio transfer. The second button is used to end and reject a call and to reload the phonebook.

The SuperTooth has a very useful auto-voice answer mode. Just press the VOL control button for 5 seconds. The SuperToothconfirms this mode by saying “Voice answer enabled”.

Once that is done, when a call comes in, it will be announced by the SuperTooth. Its built-in Text-to-Speech Technology that will announce the incoming callers’ name (if you have it recorded in your voice-calling-enabled cell phone) or their caller ID number. To accept the call you simply say “Accept Call”, “Accept”, “Answer”, or “OK” and you will be able to talk handsfree.

If you phone supports voice calling, making a call is also easy. Just press the MFB button and say the name of the person as you have it entered in your phone book.

The call quality is excellent. I tested the SuperTooth in several different cars. Even with the widows open, I could hear the caller and they could hear me.

Other good features include:

• No installation required
• Voice prompt guides the easy setup
• The visor clip is magnetic on both sides so that you can easily switch its position. This is important if you need to put the sun visor down or prefer to make the SuperTooth a little more hidden when parking.
• Talk time of 15 hours, with 800 hours of standby means you won’t have to recharge too often. When you do, you can use the included wall plug or the car plug.
• You can pair up to 8 different devices.
• When you get in the car and the Supertooth is on and the Bluetooth in your phone is on, the device announces that the connection has been made, so you are assured that the Suptertooth will take your calls.
• You can easily transfer the call back to the phone if necessary.
• When the battery is the LED on the SuperTooth which is normally blue, turns to red and the Supertooth 3 verbally announces “Low Battery”.
• There are several languages to choose from: American English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and British English.
• The noise/echo cancellation works quite well.
• It comes with a two-year full replacement warranty.

MSRP: $129.95

As you may know, I am an avid iPod user. I have owned every version of the iPod nano since they first came out. The ease-of-use of the device combined with the iTunes software and the iTunes Store fills all the needs of any digital music player owner. On top of that, the design of the iPods is really great. So it is not surprising that during the short lifetime of the iPod, Apple has sold more than 52 million units.

If you are considering an iPod, you might want to investigate the iPod shuffle, which is the cheapest iPod. Starting at $49, it comes in 1GB and 2Gb models and great colors: green, blue, pink, purple, and silver. It doesn’t have a screen, and the music plays randomly, but it is perfect for the gym where you can wear it on your sleeve or your gym shorts and listen to the upbeat music while you sweat it out.

The iPod Nano is the next step up. It’s a little larger and has a screen for making selections, viewing pictures and even watching movies. It comes in wonderful bright colors and is thinner than ever before. With the addition of a simple radio transmitter, the iPod nano is perfect for in-car entertainment. You can also purchase a speaker dock and use the nano as your desktop or bedside music player.

And don’t forget to look at the iPod touch. It does everything the nano does and more. It has a built-in speaker, a multi-touch display, and 3D graphics. The on-board accelerometer is perfect for playing games, many of which are available for free at the iTunes Apps Store. The touch also has built-in wi-fi so you can surf the web. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Just received a note from Pandora Internet Radio thanking me and all the Compu-KISS visitors who called their representatives to support the legislation to support Internet radio. The bill passed! It proves that we can make a difference. Thanks to all.

My search for a case for the iPhone has produced a lot of great contestants so I won’t yet declare this one the winner, but it is, without a doubt one of the best. If you follow my posts you will know that I ordered a Treadz case for my iPhone from a company named iFrogz.

IFrogz Luxe Case (Back)

IFrogz Luxe Case (Back)

I didn’t like it so I returned it. The iFrogz company was amazingly gracious about the return. I chose to exchange the Treadz case for the iFrogz iPhone 3G Luxe case which was suggested by their representative during a telephone call. “Everyone here has their iPhones in the Luxe case”, she said. “I’m sure that you will love it!”

The Luxe case arrived quickly and the rep was right. I love it. The Luxe is a hard shell plastic case. It comes in two parts that slide together to encompase the iPhone in an atractive arching design. One part of the case is a bright color. The other is black. The colors include royal blue, ruby red, medium magenta, orange, silver, and the lime green that I choose. Actually, the color is a bit more muted than it shows here. The neat thing is that the case has a metallic facade that has a velvety soft touch. I don’t know how they did it, but the finish is really great. So it is aptly named “Luxe”.

The case comes with a screen protector to prevent scratches. You simply peel it off the paper and apply it to the face of the iPhone. My first try produced a few bubbles, but the second try produced good results.

It is difficult to give the iPhone an extremely protective case without interfering with the functionality of the full-face touch screen, but the Luxe does a good job. Everything is accessable and the case gives the iPhone a great feel. No more fear of it sliding out of your hand!

Tadpole for Kids

Tadpole for Kids

Many of us succumb to the lure of the new iPod models with new features. But you don’t have to just shove that old iPod into a drawer. You can turn it into a treasured possession for your children or grandchildren. iFrogz makes a special case called the Audiowrapz Tadpole. This is a great rubberized case with handles that is perfect for any kid. It’s both tough and protective.

As you may know if you read my previous posts, I have found the iFrogz company to be very competent and responsive.

They are currently offering the Audiowrapz Tadpode along with a screen protector and the your choice of wheel art for only $.99. WOW, what a fantastic offer. Just be sure that you choose the Audiowrapz that is right for your iPod version. Then enter promo code “only99″ at checkout to get your 99 cent Audiowrapz. This is a limited time offer. Only good while supplies last.

iFrogz is also offering the same deal on their regular Audiowrapz Treadz iFrogz Tadpole for Kidscovers. So pick one of those up, as well.

The Olympus SP-570UZ is a point-and-shoot camera with a big difference. In many ways it thinks and acts like it is a more expensive digital SLR (Single Lens Relex) camera. And that’s a good thing!

Olympus 570

Olympus 570

This Olympus is not considered an SLR because it does not have interchangeable lenses. Instead, it has a powerful, but compact 20x optical zoom wide angle lens. You can do as little or a much as you like with the 570. It has full manual control, but also works well in Auto mode and has 21 preset screen modes to choose from.

Other features are face detection,  dual image stabilization, and  It also has two features that are wonderful, but not always found in cameras of this type: It has a hot shoe for an external flash and also has the ability to shoot in both JPEG and RAW formats.

Read my full review at HardwareSecrets.com.

Retail: $449.99

A large recall has just been announced for a very small item, but one that poses risk of electric shock. The problem is what Apple calls the ultracompact USB power adapter that was supplied with every iPhone 3G in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and several Latin American countries.

Defective iPhone Power Adapter

Defective iPhone Power Adapter

This is the white adapter that plugs into the USB end of the iPhone charging cord and is used to power up the phone from a regular outlet. Apple is asking people to avoid using the adapter until it can be replaced. In the meantime, they suggest charging the iPhone from a computer with a USB port.

The adapters can be exchanged at an Apple Retail Store starting on October 10th or you can order a replacement via the web at the Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program website.

More information can be obtained at the Apple Exchange Program website. You can see that Apple prefers to call this an exchange program rather than a recall. But whatever you call it, you will want to stop using the power adapter until you can get a new one.