* Latest Cool Tools video: Belkin Flip makes KVM cool * Latest Cool Tools Column: A mouse that talks * The past 7 days on the Cool Tools Blog * Featured reader resource
Keith Shaw’s Cool Tools Alert
* LATEST COOL TOOLS VIDEO:
Belkin Flip makes KVM cool
KVM may not be the most exciting topic, but Belkin’s new Flip makes connecting two computers to one keyboard/mouse/monitor combo fun and easy.
* LATEST COOL TOOLS COLUMN:
A mouse that talks
MouseTalk, from Sony (about $80) is a USB mouse with the Vaio branding, this peripheral also opens up to become a Skype-certified handset (or other VoIP software application). When used as a mouse, it operates as a three-button mouse with 800-dot-per-inch resolution. When opened up to become a VoIP handset, the scroll button can be used to mute calls or raise and lower the volume.
Also: BlueConsole’s BlueConsole2 serial-to-Bluetooth adapter.
* PAST 7 DAYS ON THE COOL TOOLS BLOG:
Blogging on the bus
That’s right, I’m heading back to Boston from New York via the LimoLiner, the executive bus with comfy leather seats and none of the hassles of the airport shuttle or high-speed train. The ride might be a bit bumpy, but the amenities are nice and there’s a wireless Internet connection for getting work done. As long as I can tolerate the guy next to me who just took off his shoes, I think I can write about some of the interesting products and companies I saw at this week’s C3 Expo.
Immersion adds touch feedback to mobile devices
If you’ve ever played a video game with force feedback technology (controller shakes when something explodes, for example), you’re familiar with the idea of tactile technology. Immersion Corp. and its VibeTonz system has been at the forefront of this technology in the mobile phone space (going beyond vibrating handsets).
On assignment in NYC
I’m in muggy (and rainy?) New York City, heading to the Corporate & Channel Computing Expo (also known as C3). If you’re at the show today, stop by the 2:30 p.m. panel called “Home Office Powerhouse,” where yours truly will be talking about the right technologies to rig out your home office.
NW Twisted Pair Podcast
Yes, it’s official, we have a name for the new Week in Review podcast that Jason Meserve and I produce. It’s called “Network World Twisted Pair,” and you can listen to this week’s episode here. If you enjoy the show, head to this page and catch some of our earlier episodes.
Record TV to handheld without a PC
Doghouse Electronics this week launched its RoverTv device, a portable media recorder and player that records directly from a TV without the need for a PC middleman. The device comes in two models – a $299 version with a 3.5-inch display or the $349 4-inch “widescreen” model.
Handheld device aims to relieve stress
If gadgets and technology are causing you a lot of stress in the workplace, you might want to grab hold of a gadget that aims to reduce your stress. Quantum Intech today says its emWave Personal Stress Reliever (available through its HeartMath subsidiary on June 27) can help reduce the stresses of every day life.
Dell touts new 3-lb. business notebook
Dell this week announced its Latitude D420 model, an ultraportable notebook that starts at 3 pounds with an up to 7-hour battery life. Other new features include embedded broadband wireless, biometric security and magnesium alloy construction.
