Twelve South BackPack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was reluctant to spend this much on what is, when all said and done, a bracket. However, when I opened the pack I was pleasantly surprised. For a start, it's actually quite large and would, as claimed somewhere or other, easily take a Mac mini. It's also very solid and well-made - not even a suggestion of flimsiness. I use it to hold (conceal) my hard drive and this it does elegantly and efficiently. It doesn't look like there's a competitor out there and this is obviously aimed at the niche (5%) Mac-user market, so I guess one would expect to pay a premium, but I don't think it's even close to being a rip-off. In fact, I'm going to get a second one, for my daughter's computer.

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Product Description:
Add-on shelf for iMac and Apple Cinema Displays. BackPack is the perfect place to park portable hard drives, card readers or other USB peripheral you want to hide, but need easy access to every now and then. Set your USB hub on the shelf and tie your cables to it for a super tidy workspace. BackPack is also a handy home to stash your iPhone or iPod while charging and syncing. Because it's height adjustable, there's room for more than one BackPack in your life. Hang one low for hard drives and add a second one for hubs and gear (or a Transformer). If the back of your iMac faces the room, a BackPack or two is a completely fun, new way to personalize both your iMac and your workspace. The BackPack rests on the back of the desk stand on flat-screen iMacs and Apple Cinema Displays using gravity and two simple, adjustable clips. This allows you to position the sporty shelves at the perfect height without a screw ever touching your iMac. Because the BackPack uses gravity to stay in place, it will not leave any scratches or marks on your machine. Not only is this accessory a stylish space saver, it has some key protective benefits for your gear. This cool, ventilated shelf is the perfect way to get your hard drive or other Mac accessories elevated for better ventilation and the heat relief most electronic devices crave.

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Griffin A-Frame Tabletop Stand for iPad Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been looking at various iPad stands for a while now - it seems you can either get a case+stand combo or a plain stand - I just wanted the stand as I don't need another case. Most of the cases are pretty "iffy" looking - Some are transparent plastics that you "lock" into place, some are non-adjustable aluminum, some are ones I wouldn't dare put the iPad in as they just seem like they would scratch the iPad like crazy.

The A-Frame is the nicest I've seen, and seems to be the most versatile. It holds the iPad in Landscape or Portrait mode AND allows you to plug in your USB cable (the bottom of the A-Frame doesn't block access to the USB port).

The A-Frame is a very solid metal - about 1/3rd inch thick - with rubber coatings on the base, where the iPad sits and in the back (where the top of the iPad rests). This is great as they hold the iPad in place, protect it and keep the feet from sliding (even while typing or clicking on the iPad, it stays very still).

The A-Frame folds up, but is still pretty thick (and about the size of the iPad). I wanted this for home use as well as use on-the-go, and the size of it makes it a bit odd to carry around (you also don't want to put the ipad and stand together in a bag as I can easily see the stand scratching it. The edges are somewhat sharp - apparently they were recalled (according to the apple stores) because of this (I don't think anyone would really have a problem with it though - it's not THAT sharp). The weight is the bigger issue - it feels about the same weight as the iPad.

This is for use on a solid-surface only. If you want to use it on something like a bed, it won't work.

Also note that it only has 2 positions - standing up (like the picture) or collapsed (which is nice as it angles the ipad to make it a bit easier for typing). Unfortunately you can't use any positions besides these two (so if you need a certain angle.. you can't do it)

Overall, a great stand. Why not 5 stars?

* The GRIFFIN logo - is this really needed in big bold letters on the front? I know they want to brand the stand, but it really detracts from the sleek look of it.
* The weight/size - about the same as an iPad.
* Unable to do "custom" angles.

Like it so much that I have 2 of them!

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Product Description:
A-Frame for iPad

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Toshiba PA1390U-1NKP Slim USB Numeric Keypad with 2-Port USB Hub Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here's a quick version of my thoughts:It has extra keys that make the plus and zero keys the size of most other keys instead of their typical double size, the keys are harder to press than your typical laptop keys, and there's a disconcerting warning about lead.However, it's thin, looks nice and simple, has keys that feel more like those on a standard keyboard, and, most importantly, is a keypad!I like it a lot, and it's worlds better than any way of entering numbers on a numpadless laptop keyboard.And now, the gory details:

All the usual keys are there, but the designer seemed to think it would be a good idea to stick in two extra keys, cutting two others down to standard size in the process.If you get used to using the new backspace key instead of flipping your hand over to the main keyboard for all your error correction needs, I think it could be quite helpful.However, it takes over the minus key's usual spot, forcing it down to where the top half of the plus key should be.This took me a bit of getting used to, but if you're used to Mac keyboards, you'll be right at home.The other new key has only two purposes:to enter three zeros with a single keystroke, and to replace the right half of the normal zero/insert key.I don't think either purpose is very good, but hey.

Next up is that lead warning that another reviewer mentioned.It was a bit disconcerting, but I'm lazily hoping it's a warning along the lines of cancerous things in California and nut-free candy made in factories that use peanuts.But if you're concerned about this sort of thing, it's probably better to save yourself the trouble and do without.

As far as the general look and feel are concerned, I really like this thing.The tops of the keys only sit about 2cm above the surface the pad's sitting on, yet they depress about as far as a full-sized keyboard's would.If you've gotten into laptop keyboard mode, they feel like they require a lot of extra effort to press, but they feel pretty good otherwise.The only real oddity with the key pressing is that the numlock key doesn't toggle unless you let go of it within half a second.I have no idea what purpose that could serve, but there you go.The whole thing feels solidly built, and it doesn't have bulky protrusions and LCD screens all over the place.The two USB ports up top (which are great for my 3-port laptop) hold on very well to the devices you feed them.I usually have a wireless mouse receiver hooked up to one, and I've had no problems after attaching a bluetooth receiver or a printer to the remaining port.Other reviewers have had power-related problems, though, so if you have really hungry devices, plug them directly into your computer instead, if you can.Finally, it is a corded device, and the cord is about two and a half feet long.Plenty long unless you intend to use it as a remote control or want to use it with a desktop computer that's not on your desktop.I usually plug it into the left side of my laptop with the cord running around the back, and there's lots of slack left in it.

That's all I can think of.If you need a keypad and want something thin and clean-looking, this should do the trick.

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Product Description:
The Toshiba PA1390U-1NKP is a slim USB numeric keypad that is ideal forspreadsheets, accounting or financial applications with your computer.It has all the functionality of a standard keypad plus two USB 1.1 portsto use additional devices simultaneously. With 19 low profile keys in aconvenient layout, it is comfortable and easy to use. Take it anywhereyou go thanks to plug-and-play technology and a slim design. Toshibaoffers a one year limited warranty. System requirements are one USB portand a PC running Windows 98 or later or a Macintosh with OS 8.6 orlater.

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