UNIVERSAL BATTERY PROVIDES POWER FOR MOST PORTABLES
Backing up has become a way of life these days. We backup the
contents of our computer's hard drives (you DO back it up, don't
you?), a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) gives us backup power in
case of a power loss, we archive our digital photos to CD and DVD,
and we might even print out an important document just in case the
word processor goes on the blink. But when it comes to backup power
for a notebook computer, too many of us still rely on having an AC
power source available if we need it. But of course, none will be
around when your battery begins to die. Having a backup battery
makes a lot of sense for the person on the go. Trouble is that many
companies have different make and model portable computers for use
and you might not know what kind of unit you'll be using on any
given day. If you find yourself playing notebook roulette, the
answer might lie in a new battery that works on most any notebook
computer.
 APC
now offers their Universal Notebook Battery (UPB80). Weighing in at
less than 28 ounces, the battery is slightly over a half inch thick,
10 inches long and 6.5 inches wide. The battery's dimensions let it
easily fit into most notebook carrying case. When fully charged, the
Lithium Polymer battery can provide up to 8 continuous hours of
operation depending on the notebook model and applications running.
A power level button and LED capacity indicators let you monitor the
status of the remaining battery power.
 A
rotary selector switch on the upper left corner lets you control how
much voltage the battery will discharge. The power ranges from 15 to
24 volts. Also built into the battery is an input/output power port
that lets you conveniently recharge the Universal Notebook Battery
via your computer's charging adapter. Also included are a number of
different power plugs and jacks that insure that the battery will be
compatible with the widest possible variety of notebooks on the
market today. To see if your particular computers are compatible
with the Universal Notebook Battery, check out APC¹s mobile
computing selector for a complete capability list on their website
(http://www.apc.com).
Designed to integrate with APC's Universal Power Adapters and
TravelPower Cases, the Universal Notebook Battery incorporates
several thermal management features. APC claims that this allows the
battery to be one of the only external notebook batteries designed
to operate inside notebook cases.
The UPB80 sells for $249.99.
www.apc.com
Pop, pop, pop and pop some more.
I'm convinced that whomever invented bubble wrap had a cruel
streak somewhere deep down inside. After all, didn't the inventor
realize that anyone who gets their hands on this wonderful stuff
just HAS to pop all of those little plastic balloons that give
bubble wrap it's protective attributes? Just grab a roll and you'll
see what I mean. You just can't help but sit there and pop them so
that you can feel and listen to that wonderful little popping sound
they make. Well there may be some relief for your addiction online.
A website called Virtual Bubble Wrap lets you pop those little
plastic spheres of joy to your hearts content. Just go on over there
and you'll see a fresh sheet of bubble wrap appear on your screen.
All you have to do to pop a bubble is mouse over one and press the
mouse button. You'll instantly be rewarded with a satisfying and
realistic popping sound as you see it deflate. Mouse over to another
one, click and it pops too. As with the real thing, the bubbles vary
somewhat in size and their pop sounds different as well.
As you pop, the website keeps count of your popping score showing
how many you popped and how many are left. Click "Fresh Sheet' and
you can begin again. Selecting "Maniac Mode" bypasses the need to
click the mouse. Just move the cursor over a bubble and it pops.
Moving the mouse quickly produces a most satisfying multi-popping
sound. Plus a timer keeps track of how long it takes you to pop the
whole sheet just in case you're feeling a bit competitive in your
popping. This is mindless fun at its finest.
www.virtual-bubblewrap.com |
