Belkin, a technology integration company, has announced the upcoming release of CushTop Hideaway and the Laptop Cooling Hub – two products designed to protect both user and computer from excessive heat.
The CushTop Hideway protects user’s laps from a hot laptop when desk space is not available, and provides a convenient storage case for the computer. The Laptop Cooling Hub keeps laptops cool, and provides several USB ports for external hard drives, mousse and webcams.
Belkin is also releasing two other laptop cooling products: FlexTop Cooling Pad and Cool Strip. The FlexTop Cooling Pad has an adjustable-height mechanism and a wider footprint for a more comfortable computing experience at lap-level. The Cool Strip simply lifts a laptop, allowing it to breathe while also managing the power chord.
These products will be made available in October 2008 across North America. The products range in price from about $20 to $65, with the CushTop Hideway being the most expensive and the Cool Strip the least.
Belkin, a company that specializes in technology integration products, recently announced the upcoming release of its new GoStudio hardware product for the iPod nano and classic models.
The GoStudio allows users to capture and record high-quality audio (16-bit, 44kHz digital) content from their iPod. Users can record full podcast episodes, interviews, lectures, music, or short clips directly onto their iPod and then upload content onto iTunes when the iPod is connected to a computer. The audio content can then be added to a blog, website, MySpace or Facebook pages.
Audio recordings can be played back instantly via GoStudio’s built-in speaker. The GoStudio also features two combo microphone inputs, two built-in omnidirectional stereo microphones, and a 3.5mm mini-jack microphone input.
The GoStudio will be available in September/October in North America. The product will be selling for around $120.
If nothing else, Belkin holds up to its promise of creating a stylish case for the already sleek iPod Touch. The slim leather case covers the entirety of the iPod Touch, while still allowing access to the screen, hold switch and dock connector. The case also comes with a thin, clear plastic sticker to put on the screen of your iPod Touch to prevent scratching, while still allowing you to use the full capabilities of the touch screen. The case is very visually appealing – the particular one I used was black leather with white stitching.
While Belkin’s iPod Touch case does an excellent job of protecting the device, not all of its features are worthwhile. The packaging of the product accentuates the “secure Velcro strap attachment” the case has, but it’s not really worth anything. The strap attachment is too small for a belt, and is really only suitable if you want to have your iPod Touch hanging off your key chain. I often use my iPod while working out or walking long distances in the city, so when I’m looking for a case I want it to be able to stay securely in place while I’m moving around. The case doesn’t provide that at all, but, as previously mentioned, its going more for style than for practicality. READ MORE »
