The More Things Change . . .
One comment often heard at recent trade shows has been “is there anything new”? In many cases, the reply is that “new” and “version 2.0” are virtually interchangeable.
However, version 2.0 is usually much more than an upgrade. Design flaws are corrected, additional features – many suggested by users – have been added, and the product is enhanced without being upgraded in price.
Redesign of familiar products may seem like nothing more than adding more color choices or styles, but they are the result of customer feedback and perusal of sales figures.
iFrogz has come out with brightly colored iPhone cases that offer fashionable hues so you can match your phone to your outfit . . . geek chic! However, the innovative two-part design of the case offers more than simple eye candy, it is sturdy, light and does not add unwanted weight while protecting your unit from damage and shock. At prices no higher than $30 (many are lower) you will want a wardrobe full. The matching ear buds, some with microphones, not only add to the elegance of the case, but provide crystal clear sound that greatly enhances enjoyment of your play list. See them at http://ifrogz.com/ and add color to your life.
Laptops can be fashionable, too – and Gelaskins has added several lines of artistic laptop skins to compliment their iProduct skins. I’ve chosen “The Great Wave” by Katsushika Hokusai for my laptop, and am seriously considering the matching iTouch skin and wall paper just because it is so attractive and would look so fabulous on my desk at the office! Looks aren’t the only reason to apply a Gelaskin, though. They protect your laptop from scratches and fingerprints, deter theft (incidences “snatch and grab thefts” of personalized electronics are considerable less than those of basic models) and you can even create custom designs. How wonderful would it be to have your laptop or iPhone wrapped in your business card? Prices for virtually any personal electronics device range from $15 to $30, including custom designs. They recently announced their new National Geographic designs, which include images from renowned National Geographic photographers including images of nature, wildlife, human accomplishment, space and sea. Marvel Comics designs are coming soon. http://www.gelaskins.com
A product we raved about last year – the Rebit backup system – required the Rebit external drive for their “ridiculously simple” protection. Although they are well made and certainly worth the cost, many potential users felt they should be able to use the external drive they already owned. Rebit listened, and created “Save Me” software that may be used with an external drive to back up, restore and transfer files in up to six systems. Complete and continuous protection for your home or small office for under $40 (currently) at http://www.rebit.com/products.html, and – yes – it is Windows 7 compatible.
Finally, small things can be sturdy as illustrated by the 16GB Wink USB Drive. It is waterproof, a colleague drove his car over one and we froze one inside an ice cube - it still worked, so these are fairly rugged. The only problem I had with the one I reviewed was having it “borrowed” at CES, with all my notes and some scans saved inside. Next time, I’ll attach it to a big keychain!
For the ecco-conscious, they offer an Endangered Species series of USB Flash Drives, and for memories of your vacation Hawaii, New York and San Francisco Souvenir drives. www.activemp.com
Next time, CTIA/Wireless coverage, and more reviews.