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Gadgets: Travel keyboard, extra iPhone power and perfect-fit 'buds
[January 21, 2009]

Gadgets: Travel keyboard, extra iPhone power and perfect-fit 'buds


Jan 21, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) --
Working with a laptop computer offers the convenience of a desktop unit - especially while traveling - but many people don't like the feel of the keyboards.

Atek's Onboard Travel Keyboard is a perfect travel accessory for laptop users who want the feel of a desktop keyboard on the road because user can maintain fast and accurate productivity on a portable.

The unit is built in a travel-friendly form, eliminating the need to fold or compact it when not in use. The full-sized keyboard, including a standard numeric area, simply plugs into any USB port on a computer with Windows or Mac operating systems.



When not in use, the 3-foot USB cord winds around the outside and is stored in a built-in nesting area. For extra comfort, users can inflate the palm rest and use the keyboards cover to tilt it.

Atek built the keyboard to resemble a standard 104-key desktop keyboard by eliminating very few keys. Eliminated are: print screen, scroll lock, pause break, right side control key and right side Windows key.


Measuring 14 }-inches wide and weighing a little over a pound, it's small enough to fit in many of today's laptop bags. A protective cover stores and slides on and off to prevent damage and a one-year limited warranty is included.

Details: www.atek.com, $29.95
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Tekkeon recently unveiled the myPower for iPhone battery to double the battery life for Apple's new iPhone 3G. The unit serves as both a case and the extended battery.

The battery part is a rechargeable, safe lithium polymer battery that can recharge from a computer or USB power source. Once the phone is connected to the unit, it automatically powers up.

What's great about this battery is that it is housed and stored in a nice looking leather case that snaps shut to securely carry the phone. The extra battery is built into the case and the whole package blends together to give the appearance of a standard iPhone case. When connected, the phone lives its normal life allowing users to use the phone, play games, music or videos - and maintaining access to all the units' buttons and functions.

When connected, users can directly hook it up to a computer for syncing and charging both the extra battery and the phone. A USB cable is included along with a myGuard screen protector. A very handy battery level indicator is built into the outside of the case (bottom right) to alert users of a needed charge.

"With the growing number of apps available for iPhone, power has become an increasingly important issue for iPhone users who want to increase their power capacity without adding bulk to their iPhone," says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon, Inc. in a recent press release. "Our new myPower for iPhone acts like an espresso shot for the iPhone, giving it a boost of power for up to five additional hours of talk time, or internet usage."

Details: www.tekkeon.com, $69.95
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To say the market is saturated with headphones is an understatement, but finding a pair of in-ear style with both good sound and comfortable fit can be a challenge.

The Klipsch Custom 1 headphones meet that challenge. They have incredibly clear sound and fit.
Klipsch has several models in its Custom Series and all feature a patent-pending Contour Ear Gel technology for natural fit in your ears. They also have a flexible ear wire to rap around each ear to prevent them from falling off while in use.

The 50-inch cable attached to the headphones is made with a woven black cloth and contains a PVC Wireguard jacket to protect the wires. It connects to a gold plated 3.5mm plug.

Included are five ear gels to find the perfect size and fit; additional sizes can be ordered. Klipsch recommends trying on several different sizes to ensure the one you select fits best. The gels have an indicator line, which matches up on the earphone itself for an easy connection. Once you find the right size it locks into place but can still be rotated to adjust the fit.

As far as sound goes, these produce amazing clarity. They don't have a lot of bass, so if that's what you looking for, look elsewhere. I tried them out of a few different portable media players and each produced the same clarity, almost making the cheaper players worth the money with these headphones!

A vinyl carrying case is included along with something I've never seen with headphones - an earwax cleaning pick (for the headphones).

Details: www.klipsch.com, $129.99
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Contact Gregg Ellman at [email protected].
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(c) 2009, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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