10 Useful Gadgets for Mobile Computing
If you’re a web worker, mobile computing is either a necessity of the job or something you choose to do to get away from the monotonous confines of your office work station. Along with your laptop and (most probably) your iPhone/Blackberry/[insert handheld here], there are a plethora of useful devices that you can tag along with you to enhance your computing experience. Here’s a round-up of 10 cool gadgets that can supplement your remote workspace.
1. LapStrap
If you’d like to keep things minimal and leave your big, bulky, heavy laptop case behind, LapStrap is an excellent solution. It’s a simple shoulder strap that attaches to your laptop. The LapStrap also solves the awkward moments in airport lines where you struggle to juggle between your other carry-on luggage and taking out your laptop from its conventional case.
2.WiFi Finder Plus
Searching for a WiFi connection can sometimes be a pain in the behind, but Kensington’s WiFi Finder Plus is an ultra-small (key chain size) solution for all your hotspot-seeking woes. It saves you the hassle of turning on your laptop or PDA just to check if there’s a connection nearby that you can access. They throw in a built-in flashlight… just for the heck of it.
3. USB Port Blocker
Data theft and introduction of viruses is a prime concern for mobile workers. The USB Port Blocker prevents data thieves from plugging in USB devices to grab your precious data or injecting malware when you’re not looking. So, if you must leave your computer unattended for a brief period of time (or if you’re the type that gets so absorbed with work that you don’t notice your surroundings), this is a nifty device to help you physically block points of entry into your laptop.
4. Solio Solar Charger
Charge up your gear and help the environment at the same time, who can say "no" to that? The Solio Solar Charger is a multi-compatible device charger that uses stored solar energy to charge up your other gizmos. It works with the iPhone, iPod, and most other portable handhelds. A fully charged Solio can charge two standard cell phones, and can charge as fast as any wall chargers (according to the maker).
5. LinkStation Mini™
The LinkStation Mini – made by Buffalo Technology – is the world’s smallest network-attached server. It allows you to store music, video, photos, documents, and any type of file in a centralized location. It’s easy connect to using the Web Access feature which doesn’t require any desktop application to use (just a web browser).
6. IronKey
The IronKey is a super secure USB flash drive that will keep your data safe should it get stolen. It has an onboard Cryptochip that encrypts data within the IronKey. It has a ton of other features such as giving the user the ability to surf the web privately with its Secure Session Service (and it has Firefox pre-installed so you can run it off the IronKey). It’s also waterproof and very durable to wear-and-tear.
7. DiskGO™ USB Watch Drive
Wear your geek-ness proudly on your wrist with the DiskGO USB watch drive developed by by Edge Tech Corp. It comes in two capacities: 256MB and 1GB. The design’s water resistant and also comes with password protection software. You can choose between the classic style and the steel dress style to suit the occasion, and the threads you’re wearing. It’s also an excellent conversation piece!
8. Samsung Ultra Slim Mouse
Some people don’t like the built-in touch pad that’s found on most laptops. If you’d like a scroll wheel instead, but don’t want to carry a bulky mouse, check out the Samsung UM10 Ultra Slim Mouse. It’s only 8 millimeters thick so it’s built for ultimate portability. It has left click, right click, back, forward, and scrolling controlled by one button, allowing the mouse to maintain a very simple but elegant design.
9. Canon Compact iP100 Mobile Printer
Does your work rely on printing documents? Maybe you just want to print out a full-color photo of yourself to give to the person you met in the coffee shop as reminder of you. Regardless of the situation, the iP100 Mobile Printer is not only extremely portable with its small size, but can also print in hi-res, being the first mobile printer to offer 9600×2400 dpi resolution. It can also print speedily; a full-color 4′x6′ photo takes 50 seconds.
10. RFID Security Mobile Disk
Carrying a portable mass storage device is a potential security risk. If it gets stolen or accidentally left somewhere, it can be accessed if it has no sort of encryption or locking device. Adding an extra layer of protection to your data is made easy with the STYSEN E08 RFID Security Mobile Disk. It works by locking your hard drive which you can then unlock using an RFID key.
There you have it, a list of 10 nifty gadgets to help you manage a mobile workspace. Did I miss something worthy of mention? If so, drop a comment to your favorite gadget in the comment section.
36 Comments
mohan
May 9th, 2008
good information..
Metroid48
May 9th, 2008
Wow, that’s a neat list. I can really see using #8 though; it’s such a portable mouse! I’ve always hated having to bring a full-fledged mouse around.
lee farrell
May 10th, 2008
I like this
Jason
May 10th, 2008
Wow! number nine will print a 4′x6′ photo in 50 seconds. 4 foot by 6 foot. Simply incredible.
Jesse
May 10th, 2008
Pretty neat gadgets though the endless USB gadgets do get old :P I do like the last one. Though this isn’t mobile computing I think it’s awesome: http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/ LED Keyboard. Probably already heard of it.
Brad
May 10th, 2008
WifFi finders are great, I used one when looking for the house I’m renting. There are more than a dozen unsecure networks on six providers available from my driveway.
The device you forgot were the flash drives with the built in thumbprint reader
MicronXD
May 10th, 2008
nice list *diggs*
own the lapstrap n ironkey myself
sybillinux
May 10th, 2008
at my eyes, there is nothing you can’t do other ways without giving a buck
for example cosnider buffalo: with a 20 euro hosting plan you can publish an unlimited size of materials, and sucure them with https and authenticated access (given to people you trust) (i do that)
afrodream 'n' beaded sandals
May 10th, 2008
nice gadgets, i wish u gv as a link to where we can really buy them
liam
May 10th, 2008
Wow, that WiFi Finder is a great idea, and it’s reasonably priced. Great list, some useful stuff here.
Michi
May 10th, 2008
Nice tools. I want the USB Watch Drive.
dhyarga
May 10th, 2008
nice gadget..
IFF1749
May 10th, 2008
The smallest and most portable printer in the world is Pentax Pocketjet 3 its about 8 times smaller than previously mentioned printer and is truly portable and maintenance free.
http://www.pentaxtech.com
Vijay
May 11th, 2008
Cooool Gadgets. Wi fi finder reduces lot of burden of starting up laptop n checking n shutting down.
lisa
May 12th, 2008
Lapstrap seems like a good option especially if you interested in using it while on the go…saves you from carrying the heavy bag
Mark H
May 12th, 2008
A PDA with WiFi (with GPS and WiFi POIs on a map) is more useful than the WiFi finder. Here in the UK I don’t come across that many unsecured hotspots apart from the ones that charge $10/hour.
Nelly Yusupova
May 12th, 2008
I would add a broadband wireless card to the list. I use one from Verizon and found it invaluable in my travels. It works great and I get a signal where ever I have a cell phone signal. Knowing I can get online any time I need to is a great feeling.
Nelly Yusupova
http://www.webgrrls.com
Marianna
May 13th, 2008
Nice article
Great Gadgets!!
Boneman
May 13th, 2008
I want one of those portable printers that can print 4′ x 6′, in 50 seconds yet. That should give HP plotters some serious competition. ;)
Fubiz
May 14th, 2008
Excellent selection of gadgets!!
Derek
May 21st, 2008
The MoGo mouse should be included in your list. The newest version connects via Bluetooth and has an integrated presenter built into it. Check them out at http://www.newtonperipherals.com/mogo_mouseX54pro.html
sampat
May 22nd, 2008
Excellent selection of gadgets!!
mrunal c
May 22nd, 2008
Wow!! this are some amazing and useful gadgets here…
Abdul
May 25th, 2008
I espeicaly like the Solio Solar Charger
very handy
mrbowie
May 30th, 2008
I think that printer is supposed to print 4 inch by 6 inch photos, not 4 feet by 6 feet. Someone put ‘ instead of “.
cherry
September 9th, 2008
cool, nice job , keep it up,these things are useful.
eino
September 9th, 2008
how to do in web developer??
Phaoloo
June 21st, 2009
Awesome gadgets.
Darapaneni
June 24th, 2009
Its very good to know the latest technology changes made with the gadgets ……
CryoSilver
September 8th, 2009
I love my portable printer; great for printing invoices on the fly or for on-site service.
David Hood
December 14th, 2009
Like the list of gadgets but similarly minded last year asked Mum & Dad for a solio charger for Christmas (as pictured in black) for my mobile (palm treo) and mp3 player (creative zen). Didn’t work for either and was hopeful would work for my recently purchase iPhone 3Gs – no luck. Such a waste of money.
ramesh kumar
February 20th, 2010
this is very nice information. i included this as new things in my seminar mobile computing.
K.S.Udayashanker
August 23rd, 2010
Excellent information
Murugesh
August 25th, 2010
Really cool stuffs …
jpreddy
May 21st, 2011
Great information. Awesome and Very useful to enjoy life with best gadgets. I love it. Keep it up!
gopi
June 18th, 2011
all this are future beyond
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