November 11, 2009 @ 1:28 am
If you aren’t too keen about spending nearly $300 on a laptop stand, then the Macessity NX Stand may be a better alternative. At just $60, it comes with a side slot for an external harddrive and a built-in 4-port USB hub (along with allowing you to access the laptop’s USB hubs while in the stand).
In terms of usefulness, I feel like the NX Stand beats out the Balmuda Floater by a long shot. Plus, it helps that the NX Stand is a fraction of the price. Anybody own this who can attest to the solid steel make? Sturdy or not?
November 11, 2009 @ 12:45 am
A Tokyo design company named Balmuda has created this beautiful industrial looking MacBook/MacBook Pro laptop stand for a premium price. The Floater, as it is called, stands your MacBook/MacBook Pro upright, saving you precious desk space while still giving you complete access to your ports on your laptop. Like other upright stands, the Balmuda Floater is meant to turn your laptop into a full-fledged desktop computer (assuming you’ve got a keyboard, mouse, and monitor set up already).
If you want one, it’ll set you back at least $298. But keep in mind which model you are buying because the Floater comes in T2 and T3 variations, each meant for a specific version of a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or PowerBook. See which one you need here.
August 10, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
CableJive was kind enough to send me their iStubz and I’m even more convinced now that this is the single most important accessory to own if you have an iPod, iPhone, or iPod touch.
As I mentioned earlier, the standard-issue iPod dock connector cables are way too long for no apparent reason. In my own personal use and also while watching other people connect their iPod to their computer, I have never once seen anybody use the full length of the standard iPod dock connector cable. NEVER. The default length ends up being more of a bother than a solution to anything because it ends up entangling with other cables to other peripherals or literally strangling other items on your desk. I hardly consider untangling wires a hobby so I really love what CableJive has done with these just-right iStubz. I love being able to pack away my cable for my iPod without having to worry about dragging something else tangled with it off my desk (I’ve come close to breaking many things like this before).
Plus, iStubz come in two sizes, 7cm and 22cm, both of which are purely functional and no-hassle. Both of these are ideal for travel and are constructed in the same way as the default iPod connector cable (in fact, I couldn’t tell a difference when I was just looking at the ends).
In my opinion, these iStubz are godsend and definitely something every iPod/iPhone user should consider purchasing. I’ve taken some pictures below of both cables compared to the standard cable length. Check them out, and then go ahead and make the best $8 or $9 decision of your day.
Note: I kept the plastic coverings on the iStubz because I’m particular about keeping new things new for as long as possible. Forgive my OCD.
January 17, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
Click to see bigger image
So I’m at EPIC East Coast Conference 2009 in Philly and I just installed LeopardDocks, a small app that easily allows you to change the way your application dock looks in Mac OSX Leopard.
I am currently using the Plateau dock. It is awesome!
September 26, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
I am never satisfied with the amount of USB ports my computer has. I always seem to need more USB ports to connect my supply of USB-enabled devices (card reader, multiple iPods, multiple portable HDDs, Nintendo DS Lite charger, nonsense desk toys, etc.).
Anyway, Griffin Technology has this pretty fantastic USB device called the Simplifi that serves as an iPod charging dock, a card reader, and a USB hub as well. It supports just about all recent iPod lineups and reads all popular memory card formats like SD, Compact Flash, and Sony’s stupid Memory Stick. On the back of the Simplifi are two extra USB ports for plugging in extra USB-powered devices.
I want it, and at $70, this sounds like a pretty good way to keep as many USB devices plugged in at the same time without having to worry about ejecting and swapping disks.
