A JUMP ON THE SEASON
I usually wait until it's closer to the holidays before I begin to write about cool technology items that make terrific gifts. But I have to begin earlier this year because there are so many great new products out there. If I wait too long, I may not be able to squeeze them all in. So here goes.
 Let's start out with what's new in computer mice. Let's face it, the action can get pretty tense when playing some of those newer computer games and it's important to remain cool at all times. So for those times when all that action makes your palms sweat, enter in Nyko's Air Flo Mouse. This really cool mouse is in fact really cool as it's outer surface is covered with tiny air hole vents. Inside the mouse is a variable speed fan that pumps out continuous waves of cool air directly to your hand. You don't have to worry about mouse performance here either. The Air Flo Mouse features a high-resolution optical sensor that keeps your tracking smooth, The dual button, scroll wheel mouse is ergonomically shaped to be used with either hand, features rubber grips of optimum comfort and is compatible with all USB computers including PC and Mac. $39.99.
 If all that gaming tension comes from a gaming console rather than your computer, don't sweat it. Nyko makes compatible game controllers for them as well. The AirFlo EX for Xbox ($34.99), Air Flo Ex for PlayStation2 ($29.99) and AirFlo for GameCube ($24.99) all have the functionality of their standard controller counterparts plus built in fans that emit a cooling jet of air directly to your hands. And if you can't stand the heat from being tethered to your screen, Nyko has a wireless version for the PlayStation2 ($59.99). If you are looking for a game controller for your PC, fear not as Nyko has got you covered there too with the AirFlo PC for Personal Computers ($29.99). The iType2 Controller ($49.99) features an entire keyboard positioned at its center making it ideal for online Internet computer gaming. All of these controllers have the blast of built-in air.
Also from Nyko is their Wireless Net Extender. Just connect your PlayStation2, Xbox or PC to the tiny three inch cube devices and you are ready for a proprietary wireless connection to the Internet. Unlike Wi-Fi or 802.11x devices, there is no speed degradation with added nodes, the protocol is designed specifically for gaming, and it is immune to microwave and cordless telephone interference according to Nyko. No software is required. Just plug them in and you have a secure encrypted connection with a 100 foot range. One unit attaches to your game console or PC and the other to whatever dialup or broadband method you use to connect to the Internet. Each pair has its own unique coding so you may use several within the same household. $129.99
www.nyko.com
Another mouse.
For the person struggling with the trackpad on their portable computer, make a gift of Logitech's Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks. $39.95. . The attractive little rodent sports a silver and black motif that matches its little rectangular transceiver that plugs into any available USB port. Powered by two AA batteries, the cordless optical mouse provides the smooth and accurate tracking you've come to expect in an optical device. It also comes with a handy little zippered case that stores both the mouse and transceiver. Works with both PC and Macs, and comes with Logitech's software control panel that gives the mouse added abilities.
www.Logitech.com
Remotely controlled PC
 If you'd like to control your computer without having to get up off the sofa, have I got a remote control for you. The PC remote from StreamZap lets you control many of your PC's functions such as playing mp3s, listening to Internet radio, and watching DVDs and TV. The PC Remote lets you assign its buttons to specific macro functions as well as control mouse movement. The device comes with the remote control and an infrared receiver. Use the included software to set things up and you may never have to leave your couch again! Requires Windows. $39.95.
www.streamzap.com |
