j5create’s new Wormhole Station JUH320v2 will let users easily drag and drop files and copy/paste text between PCs, and Apple computers via a simple USB connection with speeds of up to 480Mbps. It also allow users to connect a laptop or tablet to desktop computers and share keyboard and mouse inputs. Other features include an Ethernet connection, audio connections, flash card reader and USB 3.0 support. The Wormhole Station is available now at Buy.com and other retailers for an MSRP of $129.99

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: Macbook

j5create’s Wormhole Station – Share data between PC and Macs originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 15, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Does your MacBook double as your desktop workstation, requiring you to manually plug in a full-size monitor, keyboard, printer, external drives and other peripherals every time you sit down to use it?  Henge Docks has come up with an elegant solution.  Slide your MacBook down into the Henge Docks Docking Station and bam, you are up and running as a desktop.  Decked out in Apple-esque white, it includes port replicator connections that allow you to use your own cables and only the ones you need.  Check out this video for a quick run-through.  A model is available for each type of MacBook, from the white plastic MacBook to the aluminum 17″ MacBook Pro with prices ranging from $59.95 to $74.95 depending on your model.  Anyone out there use their MacBook in this fashion?

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: docking station, Macbook

Elegant Henge Docks MacBook Docking Station originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 1, 2011 at 9:00 am.

There are certain manufactures where I truly love their products; Apple, Vaja, Surefire and Waterfield bags, to name a few.  Yep, definite fanboy and I am not ashamed to admit it. Quality is what matters. With the purchase of my 13” MacBook Air, I have been doing my best to take it with me as minimalistically as possible. For the most part, I have been transporting it in my booq Flow backpack (which I love) and my Speck TuckBack slipper case. Neither of which are as sleek or slim as I would prefer. It had been quite a while since I have used a Waterfield slipper case. So, when I discovered that Waterfield was creating a slipper case (SleeveCase) especially for the new MacBook Airs, I requested one to review to see if they are as great as I remember them to be.

I requested the Cadillac of what was possible for Waterfield to create. I chose horizontal orientation, flap, side D-rings/shoulder strap, accessory pouch and leather bottom/highlights.

On the right is my old Waterfield slipper case that I carried around my 17” MacBook Pro. As you can see, their design has not changed much over the years (why futz with a good thing). That said, I really like the new leather bottom/highlight option. It transforms a nice looking case into one that looks stylish and professional.

My MBAir slides snugly into the sleeve. Waterfield has done their usual great job of creating and sizing a form-fitting slipper case. The exterior of the slipper case is a rugged ballistic nylon. The interior is soft padded felt material that will protect and definitely not scratch your precious laptop. Without a doubt, Waterfield’s material and construction are up to their usual high standards.

As you can see, the case really does look nice. Other than the black nylon pull tab on the bottom, D-rings on the sides, and magazine pocket on the back, the MBAir sleeve is very simplistic in its design.

I opted for the D-rings which are well engineered into the sides of the sleeve.

These are meant to attach not only the (suspension) shoulder strap (which is as well constructed as the case itself)…..

….but the accessory pouch as well.

The pouch is lightweight and ideally sized to carry my tech-essentials.

Everything fits within the pouch with a bit of room to spare.

The Waterfield laptop SleeveCase for the new 13” MacBook Air and accompanying accessory pouch is very nice and extremely well constructed. However, it is not engineered to protect your laptop during a significant drop or impact like the booq Flow. It is designed to protect the MacBook Air from minor bumps, bruises, and scrapes.

Waterfield allows you to customize your sleeve; the flap ($15), leather bottom ($10), D-rings/suspension (shoulder) strap ($22),and  accessories pouch w/leather trim ($27) are all upgrades to the base model sleeve (which comes in vertical and horizontal orientations). The base model is reasonably priced @ $39.  The way I customized mine is a pretty steep upgrade at $113. No matter how you configure it, I would recommend Waterfield as one of the best places to get a sleeve for any device you are trying to protect.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Bag, Macbook

Waterfield Laptop SleeveCase for the 13″ MacBook Air Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 18, 2011 at 1:08 pm.

Did you buy a brand new MacBook Air and want to keep it as clean and pretty as the day you unboxed it? NewerTech understands and has just announced their NuGuard keyboard covers for the MacBook Air, MacBook and MacBook Pro. Made of silicone and available in Black, White, Pink, and Red,  these covers protect against key wear, food and drink spills, dust and pet hair clogging. The next time you eat a package of Oreos over your MacBook it won’t be a problem. Just peel up the NuGuard keyboard cover, rinse under water, and dry. Crumbs and creamy filling be gone! The NewerTech NuGuard Keyboard Covers are available now for $17.99.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: Keyboard, Macbook, Spotlight Gadgets

NewerTech Debuts Keyboard Covers for MacBook Air, MacBook and MacBook Pro originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

Ok.  Anyone who has read the Gadgeteer knows that I love laptop bags.  I have no idea why…some people collect stamps… I collect laptop bags.   I have two sizes of computers… my large Dell and my 10.2 inch Acer Aspire One Netbook.    I’m a writer so I lug my laptops around with me everywhere and when I mean everywhere….I’m serious…they go where I go.   When I am out and about and there’s a chance I’ll sit for a moment, I drag the netbook with me because it’s smaller, lighter and more portable.   Until now, I thought I had a decent netbook bag but honestly…it’s a little small for all the schtuff I carry.

Bag features side flaps that fold in and prevent things from slipping out like pens, pencils, etc. Very cool design. Slimmer over all than average laptop bags.

Be.ez has solved my dilemma with a fabulous netbook messenger bag that fits my 10.2 and will also accommodate a MacBook 13.3.   Measuring ten inches across and a little over 14 inches long, the “LE Vertigo 13 Lime Art” is a lot slimmer and much more compact than your average laptop bag made for full sized laptops.

It has the padded section for your smaller machine, sectioned compartments for Mp3 player, cell phone, pens, pencils and larger sections for power cords, notebooks, plus a zippered pocket for whatever.

For a slimmer laptop bag, this be.ex LeVertigo Lime Art carries plenty.

I like the unisex charcoal gray woven exterior which is water repellent and the cool chartreuse lining with the “e” in be.ez  stitched into the Velcro closure…nice touch.   And here’s an extra bonus for this bag, there is NO WAY any airline will deny you this bag on the flight.  It’s large enough to carry your MacBook 13.3 or your 10.2 Netbook along with  cords, boarding pass…whatever and will stow neatly under your seat.  It has an attached extendable webbed strap so you can hang the bag from your shoulder or across your body like a messenger bag.

I LOVE the construction of this bag.  It’s tough, very well made, well stitched and compact.  This bag will handle all the abuse I give (unintentionally) to my bags and it will last.  At $59.90, you will be able to find less expensive netbook bags, but  you will get what you pay for.  This bag is well worth the price.  I’ve seen bags for at least ninety dollars or more that are nowhere near as well made.

One complaint that I have about this bag is that there are no external pockets.  I love my external pockets for storing sunglasses, car keys, tissues, Chapstick… the small things I need that I don’t want to have to go digging in my bag for.  But otherwise, this is a fabulous bag, terrifically made, good price and built to last.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Laptop Bag, Macbook, Netbook

The be.ez Levertigo Notebook Bag Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 15, 2010 at 5:45 pm.

Book Book Mac Cover, $80 Not always available.

Check out the Book-Book Mac notebook cover available from Twelve South — disguise your Mac as an old-world book.  Then put it in a bookshelf and amaze your friends with your non-tech living room.  Ok, well, it’s just kind of cool.

[Via SlipperyBrick]

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: Case, Macbook, Spotlight Gadgets

Can you spot the computer in these photos? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 2, 2010 at 4:44 pm.

Do you use your 15″ Macbook as your primary computer and wish you had an attractive and useful way to expand its capabilities? How about the DeskBook Pro docking station from Zemno? It adds 7 USB ports, 3 Firewire 800 ports, 1 Firewire 400 port, 1 DVI output, 1 ESATA data, 1 ESATA powered port, Audio in/out port and a flash card reader. The DeskBook Pro also has 2 large slots called ModBays, that can accommodate hard drive modules or battery modules. The price for all this goodness doesn’t come cheap. If you want to add this to your Macbook, it’s going to run you $499.99 for the dock and extra for the ModBay modules. Who wants to buy me one for Christmas?

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: Macbook, Spotlight Gadgets

Turn your Macbook into a desktop – Zemno DeskBook Pro originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 27, 2009 at 10:52 am.

Let’s go natural and earthy! No, I am not talking about getting naked and rolling around in the dirt. I’m talking about an earthy (looking) sleeve for your laptop. These sleeves from ColcaSac are being sold as MacBook sleeves, but other laptops will fit in them too. Let’s check it out.

ColcaSac offers several styles of their sleeves, but I’m just going to tell you about the Romana. This Green sleeve is made of a heavy canvas (click the image to see a larger view) made of hemp, jute and cotton. It that may look like it the fabric would not be soft to the touch, but it is.

Plush Sherpa fleece lines the interior and flap the sleeve, to protect your laptop from scratches. A wide strip of Velcro keeps the flap securely in place. In my opinion, the Velcro detracts from the style of the sleeve. I would rather see buttons or a snap used instead.

I was sent the 15″ version and am happy to report that my 15″ MacBook Pro fits perfectly. I’m sure that the fleece padding will provide protection the laptop from everyday bumps and knocks.

This sleeve would be handy to use with other bags that do not have a special padded laptop pocket.

A flat open topped pocket is located on the exterior of the sleeve. The fact that it is open topped is a bit of a bummer though. As is, I don’t use it much because I’m afraid I’ll lose the contents.

I love the look and feel of this sleeve. It stands out from the sea of boring neoprene sleeves and feels rugged enough to last for quite a long time. My MacBook Pro likes it, and I like it. Actually, I would love a jacket made from the same material

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear

Tagged: Macbook, Sleeve

ColcaSac MacBook Sleeve Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 21, 2009 at 5:35 pm.

More companies have been producing accessories that attempt to seamlessly integrate with the functionality and aesthetics of Apple’s MacBook line (that “Mac Factor”), such as the mStand.  Behold the BookArc from Twelve South, which lets you to “turn your laptop into a desktop.”  The BookArc holds your MacBook in a vertical orientation providing a smaller footprint than many laptop stands.  Made of steel for a solid base, it sits on soft silicone footpads to avoid scratching your desk surface.  Each unit includes three interchangeable silicone cushions designed to give flexibility to firmly grip all current sizes of MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.  Also claimed is an increase in computing speed, with the idea that operating with the MacBook closed will cause it to dedicate 100% of its video memory to the external display, rather than splitting it with its internal display.  One observation is that this sexy-looking little device appears to be predicated on owning an external monitor that you can connect to your MacBook.  It is available for $49.99 and with free shipping as of this writing.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear

Tagged: Macbook, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

BookArc MacBook stand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 27, 2009 at 12:16 pm.

You can never have too many cases and bags, I always say!

The Toffee Brief (in red), the Toffee Case (black) and the MacBook Air

I tend to shy away from frilly, and lean towards clean and utilitarian.  These two items from Toffee are for the MacBook Air I just bought.

When I first opened the box, I was greeted with the intoxicating leather aroma.  Nothing like it!  These are similar to, but not quite the same as the Toffee Leather Sleeve.  Let’s take a look at the simple flap-sleeve first, called the Toffee Case.

The Toffee Case is a leather sleeve with a flap.  There are no other zippers, pouches, pockets, or attachements.  It’ strictly for the laptop and nothing else.

A magnetic snap keeps the flap securely fastened.

The inside is lined with a soft fabric.  No other pouches on the inside or outside.  The Toffee Case adds some bulk to the MacBook Air, but not that much.

It has just enough padding to protect from minor bumps, but I would not anticipate a laptop surviving a fall to the floor, and I’m not willing to test this!

The Toffee Brief features a zippered main compartment, a front accessory pouch, and retractable handles.

The Brief, with the handles retracted, makes it easy to stuff into a larger bag.

Unfortunately, the accessory pouch is very small.  I tried stuffing the MacBook Air’s power supply.  This was the result!  Oh well.  The pouch is better suited to thinner items.

The detail and stitching is quite attractive.

Open up the Brief and you’ll see the inside is lined with fabric, and has corner straps for the laptop’s edges.  The zipper is also nicely recessed to minimize contact with the laptop.

The straps held onto the MacBook Air very well, and stayed on when I opened the case.

There is enough room to access the MagSafe power connector as well as the pop-down headphone/USB/video ports.  However, you can see there isn’t a lot of room for ventilation.  The MacBook Air’s vents are on the bottom edge towards the back, and as you can see from the photo, there isn’t much room for airflow with the padded liner material.  While it’s possible to work out of the case, I wouldn’t do it for extended periods of time to avoid cooling issues.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear

Tagged: Bag, Macbook, Sleeve

Toffee Leather Laptop Sleeve and Brief originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 26, 2009 at 1:00 am.

Remember the review I wrote recently of the Pogo Stylus for the iPhone? Ten One Design’s latest creation is the Pogo Sketch. It appears to be longer than their stylus and is being marketed for use for both the iPhone and multi-touch Macbooks. You can use the Sketch to…ummm… sketch things on the Macbook trackpad. A way cheaper alternative to a Watcom tablet perhaps?

Filed in categories: Uncategorized

Tagged: iPhone, Macbook, Spotlight Gadgets, Stylus

Spotlight Gadget: Pogo Sketch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2008 at 2:01 pm.