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Bigger, better and faster is what you get from the new Verbatim SureFire portable hard drive.
It comes in capacities of 250 gigabytes ($109.99), 320GB ($139.99) and 500GB ($179.99). But what stands out is the speed with a FireWire 800 connection on a Macintosh computer.PC users can use a USB 2.0 connection, so the hand-held drive works on almost any desktop or laptop computer. It comes with the cables needed for any connection and works in plug and play without drivers or software. It’s bus-powered, so there is no need for a power cord, and the FireWire connection attains transfer speeds of 800MB per second.The 2.5-inch drive is stylish in its black extruded-aluminum case with fingerprint-resistant matte finish. A carrying case is included. The drive has a 5400-rpm spindle speed and 8MB of cache memory and weighs 0.41 pounds for portability.Verbatim also introduced the Color Nano Wireless Notebook Mouse ($29.99)this year.The 2.4 GHz wireless mouse, which works for both Mac and Windows systems, is available in seven colors: blue, graphite, green, pink, purple, red and yellow. Users connect a tiny USB attachment to a port on the computer for an instant connection. The attachment is so small that it can be left attached unless the port is needed for something else. The mouse’s clean design is complemented by a smooth, rubberized grip that provides comfort and control for right- or left-hand use. The roller button is programmable, so that favorite features can be assigned to the roller for easier access to them.www.verbatim.comRockBuds earbudsRockBuds earphones from chicBuds are called functional and comfortable on their Web site, and I agree. What makes them functional is the retracting cord, which rolls into a built-in device on the cord. Users can extend the cord to the desired length so that extra cord doesn’t get in the way or get caught on something. The cord has five stopping points.The earphones are silicon-tipped inner earbuds, which is my preference for comfort. The black case is adorned with what the company calls a rockin’ design, so if you’re into a full-fledged styling set of earbuds, this is for you. The sound is OK, but the retractable cord is really what makes these handy. Nothing gets tangled, and the cord is ideal for using your MP3 player in a pocket or armband and or even attached to your belt.A clip is also on the retractable cord to attach it to your shirt, lanyard or most anything within reach. www.RockBuds.com, $19.99Targus Lap Chill MatThe new Targus Lap Chill Mat ($39.99) is one of those items that every laptop owner should have. It’s designed with two fans, which are pretty quiet and move air to keep the laptop cool.Users simply rest the device on their lap with the computer on top. The only other necessary step is plugging the USB cord to the computer for power. It weighs 2.65 pounds and measures about 12 by 15 inches, compatible with almost any size of laptop.It’s ergonomically tilted for typing comfort, and a soft neoprene on the bottom cushions it on your lap.It also works on top of a desk. Since a laptop gets hot anywhere it’s used, the cooling unit is helpful when sitting at a desk, especially since it has rubber stops on the bottom to make it slip-proof.When the laptop is not in use, the Targus A7 Sleeve ($29.99) makes a nice storage home to keep it safe and clean. Its interior is made with a Tri-cell Cushion System, with padding to protect laptops up to 15.6 inches in size. The exterior is a durable neoprene with extra protection on the edges, making it durable and water-resistant. www.targus.com
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