It’s interesting to think of this technology at the end of its natural life. We are on the brink of the next wave and in my mind it has to be some kind of tablet type device. Although having spent the weekend without my laptop trying to work from our iPad I am much relieved to get back to this MacBook Pro. The tablets need to resolve their cumbersome typing problems. If they could fix that I’d blog from the iPad in a heartbeat!

• $Free
• MetaQuark
Are you good at keeping all your apps and your operating system up to date? If you’re like the majority of people we know, probably not. Applicatiib and system updates are usually right up there with “reorganizing the closet” and “properly tagging all my music files”: ideal ventures better held off till tomorrow. Procrastinate no longer (OS X users), the free AppFresh will keep tabs on Apple Software Update, Sparkle, Microsoft AutoUpdate, Adobe Updater, osx.iusethis.com and other apps, preferences and widgets, providing a centralized way to make sure you’re running on the latest and greatest. AppFresh is still in beta, but the free price tag might warrant a download.

By Gregory Han

Belkin F5L001-BLK Laptop Cooling Pad
The Laptop Cooling Pad’s unique patented wave design prevents your laptop from overheating. It uses natural convection to enhance fan cooling, and ensures low power consumption via your laptop’s USB port. It requires no bulky power adapters. Gentle slope improves typing comfort and reduces wrist strain while raising the screen height to help reduce neck strain. Fits conveniently inside a laptop bag and the wave design enhances cooling capabilities. We love the fact that it even has a convenient storage compartment for USB cable when not in use.

Logitech N100
For a fan-equipped laptop cooler, Logitech’s N100 is really silent. It is otherwise a simple construction with an attractive, rounded design. The surface is gray (or an optional pinkish hue), but underneath it is moss green for some reason. Whether you like this particular choice of color is a matter of taste of course, but it is distinctly unique. The single, centrally placed fan in combination with the efficient air channels provide good cooling and exceptionally low noise.

Targus Lap Chill Mat
This is one of few fan-based laptop coolers that do not have fans in the base of the stand, but relies on air intake from the sides. This is great since you will not get needlessly cold when operating it on your lap. In terms of design it’s not spectacular in its dark and light gray appearance – Targus has instead gone for a discreet and low-key approach with the Lap Chill Mat. Neither is it all made of metal. Instead it is clad in neoprene fabric on top and bottom, which provides added comfort when it rests on your lap.

Microsoft Cooling Base
The big fan in the middle of the stand provides adequate cooling, but is also relatively loud. To make matters worse, Microsoft forgot to include a compartment where you can stow away the USB cord when it’s not in use. On top of the Cooling Base are two rubber strips, one at the top and bottom, to keep your computer in place. They are gray while the rest of the board is white. On the black bottom there is a fold-out that allows you to place your computer a bit higher if you want to.

By Joel Pirela.

Logic dictates that if this works so well for the MacBook Air, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work for other types of laptops. So why does Adobe Flash, which is used on websites for animations, games, and videos, use so much battery power? Simply, when a browser loads a Flash file, the computer’s processor has to run a lot harder than if there wasn’t any. Initially, this seems ridiculous, but Ars Technica has run some tests and apparently the new MacBook Air can run up to 6 hours without Flash installed and only 4 when it is installed.

What does this mean for the normal user? Basically, on your home computer, it doesn’t mean anything. However, if you are on the road a lot and rely on battery power to make your laptop run, then a smart move would include uninstalling the Adobe Flash player to get that 30% extra juice for the long hauls.

This will definitely impact how long you can run off the battery when you are on the road. Alternatively, you can install some extensions so that your browser blocks those pesky ads that use Flash, without hampering the playback of some Flash videos, like on YouTube. For Firefox, this includes the NoScript extension and the appropriately-named Flashblockaddon. There’s Foxie for Internet Explorer that includes a flashblocker. Apple’s Safari hasClickToFlash and Google Chrome has got the Flashblock extension.

By Range.

The most important thing about a monitor is its general size, which is measured from diagonally in inches from one corner to the other. Anything under 20″ is definitely too small for most users. The other thing that important is the screen resolution. Most computer monitors have great resolution, which is still better than HDTV resolution, so it’s important to get as high of a resolution as you can. The thing is that you can always select a smaller resolution when setting up your computer, or simply use the zoom feature of many apps.

Refresh-rate is also a particularly important feature. This will cut down on the flicker rate that can be perceptible to some users. The latest monitors use LEDs, which offer great brightness. It’s almost shocking when you put an older LCD next to a new LED screen and compare them. LEDs are the way to go, even if they are slightly more expensive.

A brand that I trust is Viewsonic. My last two computer monitors have been from Viewsonic and I’ve had no complaints. My latest is a Viewsonic 22-inch screen. There are almost no dead pixels and the resolution is good at 1680 × 1050. I always trump the largest size possible, within a certain budget. When I upgrade, I’ll go for a 27-inch screen.

Dell also makes some good screens as does Sceptre. You can get a 27-inch monitor for around $500 and you can easily spend up to $1,000 on it if you go with Dell. The new Apple Cinema Display will also cost a lot more. The 30-inch used to cost $1,800. The 24-inch LED LCD from Apple is sometimes available on special for $599. Check out our full review of this monitor here.

By Range.”

M-Edge Flip Jacket: Constructed from durable canvas and with an elastic strap that holes the jacket tightly closed for easy portability and reduction of conspicuousness, this case does not scream “iPad inside” and is available in a variety of colors.
Archival iPad Musette: Cycling enthusiasts will recognize this clever little bag made of stout, closely woven waxed cotton and military-grade cotton webbing. We love the solid brass hardware that is used throughout and that these babies are handsewn in Oregon.
Moleskine Inspired DIY: Make your own iPad case for about $19 using these easy to follow instructions.
SGP Vintage Edition Leather Case: This gorgeous case has vintage full grain leather as the exterior and microfiber on the interior, giving it a very luxurious feel.
DODOCase: Our personal favorite on this list and the one that our iPad is currently wearing. We love the design of this case, and the feel of it in our hands. We also love the artfully carved bamboo that the iPad rests in and that this case is handmade using bookbinding techniques in San Francsisco.

For more great iPad cases check out this roundup.

By Joelle Alcaidinho.”

[via Yanko Design]

By Gregory Han.”

OUR LIST:

1. As Walletpop had previously mentioned, MP3 players are a big one. If your budget is $10, then sure – you can grab one from your local bargain bin. Just don’t expect it to last for long. The quality of manufacturing, materials used, and interface will suck so bad that you’d might as well not buy it at all.

2. Cameras. There’s plenty of affordable name brand options out there with plenty of sources (including us) to provide first hand reviews and experiences regarding the performance and picture quality of the camera you plan to buy. No-name models tend to milk on the “buzzwords” like “high pixel count” and “70 event modes.” Best to avoid those if you’re looking for something that’ll take pictures where people’s faces are actually distinguishable.

3. If you’re used to listening to low bitrate MP3s or fuzzy radio all day, then you may disregard this one. But if you actually wish to appreciate music, we suggest investing in a pair of quality headphones or earphones. We’ve covered plenty of ground here, so there should be no soul out there blasting away with some iPod headphone throwaways unless they have to.

4. This should be an obvious one - computers. No, we’re not saying to go out and buy a Mac. Just be careful when settling for a “netbook” sold at the flea market from a brand you’ve never heard of once in your life. Computers break, but a generic one will break much faster with little hopes of getting even a single e-mail back from the manufacturer when things start to fall apart. (Additionally, buying off-brand Apple power chargers and accessories is risky business as well)

5. Cell phones. Yep, we’re talking about you, $0 after $100 mail-in rebate AT&T standard phone. Avoid, avoid, avoid. This falls into the same realm as cameras, here. If you’re not willing to spend a dime on your phone and figure the experience is merely “just talking on the phone” then you’re mistaken. Even simple things like a buried contact list, sluggish buttons, and sticky keys can go from annoyance to technology hell. Best to do some research and try a few phones out first before settling for the default.

Got a tech product that you know will suck tremendously unless you buy name brand? Share it in the comments below!

By Anthony.”

1. Backup Laptop Battery: Even though most places have a spot to plug in or someone with an extension cord willing to lend a hand, we’re more of a lone wolf and would prefer to be 100% independent of everything else. To date, it’s been one of the best eBay purchases we’ve ever made.

2. Privacy Screen Shield: When you have to work on the go, it means the to-do list has to get done right then and there. There’s no waiting to transfer funds in your bank account until you get home and not wanting to share information with strangers next to us (even if we’re just reading other blogs) led us in this direction. It’s simple to apply and keeps spying eyes in all directions off your screen. You can also apply it to your cell phone if you are wanting to cover all bases. We found this one online for just under $50 (on sale), though we’ve seen them in stores for less.

3. Wireless Mouse: Even though some have no desire to own a wireless mouse, we found ours to be particularly awesome when it came to doing more work than just typing out a few emails. When Photoshop or other larger programs are involved, it can save you time and multiple headaches for sure.

4. Proper Cell Phone Applications: It might seem silly to include cell phone applications in this list, but knowing we can do anything on our Blackberry that we can do on our laptop provides sincere peace of mind. If you have a phone with such abilities, make sure to research applications that help control email, internet, passwords and credit card numbers.

5. Converter Plug: For those who might be headed overseas, taking a universal adapter or plug for your electronics is always a good thing. If you’re unsure of which one to purchase, you can wait until you arrive (check the airport gift shop before you leave) or read through reviews on Amazon, but a backup battery doesn’t do you any good if you can’t charge it when everything is drained of it’s power.

6. Concealed Carriers: Though laptop bags are universal these days and many folks are toting their equipment back and forth to work, that doesn’t mean there aren’t those who aren’t looking for an easy score. Before purchasing a laptop bag (or even camera bag) make sure the outside doesn’t look like what is going inside. We use a laptop sleeve inside a typical Jansport backpack that doesn’t look triple padded or even that it’s carrying more than our lunch. Although carrying cases are becoming more sophisticated and able to carry more with extra pockets and zippers, sometimes it’s best to find something more traditional that’s a bit more flexible rather than something made specifically for the task (when it comes to safety).

7. Paper File: It doesn’t have to be much more than an envelope with a strong clasp, but a secure place to put papers is key to keeping track of bills that might not be paid online or important check stubs or receipts that need to be used later on down the line when it comes to taxes. If you’re away from home it’s easy to start putting things in random pockets to keep them safe, but never putting anything in the same spot to be able to find them easily later on.

8. Silicone Pot Holders: This one seems a bit out of left field, but what is a girl to do when her lap board gets packed along with her other belongings and she needs to cool down her laptop while still holding it… well… on her lap. She uses a pot holder, that’s what! We now keep two in our backpack at all times. They help wick away heat and keep things in place when we’re on the go without the bulk of added products.

9. A Dropbox Account: So what if you don’t have a home computer, or it’s in transit with other items (if you’re say moving?). When utilizing computers from your local library, it can be handy to have an account with Dropbox.com to stash all your files in without the hassle of a flash drive or other plug in storage device. It can hold everything from music to photos to files or important documents you might have scanned in.

Are you constantly on the go? What helps you out the most when working away from home? Share a link to your favorite product in the comments below!

(Images: Flickr member MikeCogh licensed for use by Creative Commons)

By Sarah Rae Trover”

1. Know the “safe range” for temperatures.
Most laptops are good to go in temperatures of 50° to 95° Fahrenheit or 10° to 35° Celsius. Anything warmer than this is asking for trouble. Laptop batteries are notoriouslynot heat-friendly (even just a few exposures can make your battery life suffer) and the components of your delicate hard drive might expand—sometimes causing permanent damage and hard drive failure.

2. Give your laptop a chance to adjust.
Don’t walk and work with your laptop open. If you’re moving from the cool A/C to sweltering heat, or from outside to indoors, shut your laptop down. Let it adjust to the new temperature before starting it up again. Condensation can build up inside your machine just like on your glasses.

3. Know how to keep your laptop safe in a hot car.
Treat your machine like a baby and don’t ever leave it in a warm car—not even in the trunk. The temperatures in your car on a warm day are almost always going to reach outside the laptop safe range. If you must leave your laptop in a car, make sure it’s been turned off completely.

4. Stay out of direct sun, if you can.
Yes, heat usually comes with lots of direct sunlight. We’ve heard all the urban legends about your laptop’s screen becoming damaged from sun exposure, but we can’t find anything to support it. Either way, it’s better to be safe (and cool!) than sorry. But if you have to work in direct sun, make it easy on your eyes. Go for a dorky-looking laptop hood or attach an anti-glare screen cover.

5. Beware of high humidity.
Before you plan a mobile office day, check the weather reports for humidity. Anything above 80 percent should make you cautious, although your device may have its own humidity specifications. Really humid weather can escalate that condensation effect we mentioned before, shorting out your circuits. But even if it doesn’t do damage, excess moisture in and around your machine can trigger the built-in water damage sensor, sometimes voiding your warranty.

6. Back it up.
Always a good idea, you should back up your data if you anticipate wanting to work outdoors. We’ll say it again: Heat can do permanent damage to your hard drive. Use an external drive like this one.

7. Be ready for sudden storms.
Depending on your geography, you might be privy to random summer showers. It’s one thing to get caught without an umbrella on your coffee run, but it’s quite another to have all of your expensive equipment with you. Bring an umbrella and keep your water-proof cases and sleeves very nearby.

8. Use a heat-dissipating laptop stand.
You know how warm your laptop can get in your lap on the sofa, so be careful of where you set it outdoors. At the very least, use a laptop pad or stand. But for an A+ effort, grab a self-cooling stand, like this one from Belkin.

9. Wrap it up safely.
The same advice you use in the bedroom will help you stay safe outdoors. To protect against sudden storms and help temper the effect of moving from cool to warm air, make sure your laptop cases and sleeves are rated for “moisture, shock and scratch protection.

Via About.com

(Images: Entrepreneurs-Journey.com)”

Our friend spent over $2,000 on a new iMac. Of course it was top of the line, so the price was justified and his argument was certainly reasonable. The way he looked at the large purchase was this: if he got the absolute top of the line, each maxed out component adds extra years onto the life of the machine. There will be no reason for him to need a new computer for at least 5 or more years. There won’t be any extra little upgrades he’ll have to do here and there, because those have already been taken care of.

So, we got to thinking — do most people practice this method? Obviously having the funds available is extremely helpful in this situation, and not everyone does. Do you save your money until you are ready for the go-for-the-gusto purchase, or do you buy low and keep upgrading every few years? We know people that have kept their computers for over 10 years, but that required regular upgrades. When all of those upgrades are added up, we imagine the two different approaches equal out. So, how far are you willing to go? Are you a go big or go home, or an upgrade over time purchaser?

By Kristen Lubbe”

A – Here’s a short roundup of potential options:

THE “FEEL GOOD” OPTION: There’s are number of software options out there, but one should avoid ones like PadLock, which causes a piercing alarm to go off whenever your iPad/iPhone is disconnected from your Macbook. The only problem is that it doesn’t address the whole scenario if the thief ends up grabbing both devices, making the software pretty much useless. While some form of protection is good, it’s best to have more than just a single security precaution, even if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

THE SLIGHTLY BETTER SOFTWARE OPTION: Of course, there’s Apple’s Find my iPhone/iPad service is probably the only reason we’d use their MobileMe’s at all given the number of free options out there that provide similar cloud syncing features of the service. TUAW has a good write-up on how to set it up. (PS: A paid subscription is required for MobileMe service) The downside is that it’s only used to track down items after it’s stolen instead of prevention of the device getting stolen in the first place.

THE SLOWER, MORE SECURE OPTION: If you’re looking for the best secure option, having a security lock is probably your best bet. Even if the thing isn’t even properly locked, the impression of added security will deter most thieves.

OR… JUST ASK: For the most part, customers are just friendly folk enjoying their time there as well, doing work just like the rest of us. If you’re just going to disappear for a few minutes, just ask a neighbor next to you to watch your stuff if they look like they’re going to be there for a while. Chances are, others will notice the friendly gesture and will be wary of shady individuals if they try to do anything sneaky!

Got a gadget security tip for coffee shops, airports, and other public spaces? Let us know below!

By Anthony”

Image via Europe a la Carte.

Aside from the slick touch UI, we’re definitely loving the ability to hook the tablet itself up and project it onto an HDTV via a dock. It was one of my #1 requests for the iPad, but I guess we’re just going to have to wait a little bit longer for Apple to catch up with the needs of consumers.

If teasers are your thing, be sure to check out the 30 second HP Slate trailer. If the quick editing and cinematic orchestra doesn’t sell it for you, the features might certainly will.
Let us know what you think! Does HP have a solid winner on their hands?

[Via Engadget]

By Anthony.”

In conjunction with the unveiled keyboard hidden within, the concept specs include a 6.5″ 16:9 capacitive touchscreen display for pinch and zoom use, LED backlighting and a front panel camera. Is this the form factor netbooks need to help cross from niche to fully mainstream? We’re not sure, as this design adds a bit of engineering and structural complexity, and as is often the case, simple is better (more affordable and less likely to break).
[via Yanko Design]
By Gregory Han.”

HP has partnered with designer Tord Boontje to create a lovely little laptop that’s environmentally friendly and beautifully designed – two things we treasure at Herman Miller. It is Tord’s first foray into the world of technology and he’s taken his signature floral cutout design and embedded it into the laptop’s exterior and interior. HP has managed to create a  10.1″ mercury-free LED screen and they printed the user guide using environmentally friendly soy inks. Certainly a step in the right direction. For all the info on this beauty go to HP’s site (make sure you’ve got your sound on – you’ll feel like you’re in the woods!)