keep your notebook computer cool

On a Tech Tuesday segment, Andy presented the Cooler Master NotePal X1: a notebook computer support that you place the computer on, and then place the Notepal on your lap. The video is at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm, and the article is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=10143417.

More information on the Notepal X! can be found at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2866. Cooler Master has five versions of the Notepal model (the NotePal, NotePal D1, NotePal Infinite, NotePal W1, and the NotePal X1).

Google Notebook to become stagnant

Soon, Google Notebook will no longer be improved...

"Starting next week, we plan to stop active development on Google Notebook. This means we'll no longer be adding features or offer Notebook for new users....we'll continue to maintain service...users who have already signed up will continue to have access to their data via the web interface at http://www.google.com/notebook."

You can export notebooks to Google Docs, which I recommend you do...now (just to be safe).

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If you can afford it, take a look at Microsoft OneNote.

I've been using Evernote ever since it was in beta, and am prepared to recommend it. After it is installed on a computer, a portable version can be installed to a USB drive. It syncs to a web interface, and can also be accessed via mobile devices. [New update, January 23:] Evernote has developed a Google Notebook import tool...

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Zoho Notebook is attempting to allow Google Notebooks to be imported...

To export your Google Notebook as Atom via Google Notebook's interface:
Step 1: Click Manage notebooks on the left hand side.
Step 2: Click export on which notebook you want to export.
Step 3: Click Atom...you will be prompted to save a file. Save that file to your disk.

To import/upload your notebooks from Google Notebook into Zoho Notebook:
Step 4: click Browse or Choose file button provided to select the saved file.
Step 5: Click Import.

notebook/laptop cooling

In an attempt to take care, and extend the life, of my notebook computers...I ALWAYS use coolers and/or a lapdesk. (A lapdesk is a tray that sits on your lap, and a notebook computer is placed on it. Strong, sturdy ones are best.)

There are many manufacturers of these types of units...shop around. Here are a couple I feel that are worth noting...

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Targus seems to have the widest selection of them.

The Targus Chill Mat for Mac has "optimally positioned dual fans deliver a cool-down right where the most heat is generated...two quietly powerful fans direct targeted cooling to Mac notebook hotspots..." (I found it's also available at Walmart.)

The Targus Notebook Chill Mat has an on/off switch.

Since power from USB ports can vary, I prefer units like the Targus Notebook Chill Hub (AWE01US). It includes an AC adapter to power the USB 2.0 ports.

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You can adjust the height of Belkin's Laptop Cooling Lounge.

The Laptop Cooling Hub can accomodate 17-inch laptops. I found it to cost $49.99 from Belkin, $22.99 from Costco, and $19.98 from Walmart.

What I consider to be better than nothing, is Belkin's Laptop CoolStrip: it lifts your laptop so more air can circulate under it.

computers used by us

During one of our radio shows, from the Ustream chatroom...

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pcnovice91 : what kind of laptop is everyone using slick ?

slick : for the moment, I'm using an Alienware Area 51 M9750
pcnovice91 : how is it slick ?

Large 17-inch screen...lots of room for me to rest my hands when I type (like a Macbook Pro)...large touchpad (like a Macbook Pro)...great for using as a desktop replacement.

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wladj : I am using a HP Pavillion 9000

Logitech extends the Notebook

One of the greatest features of laptop computers is that you can just about take them everywhere. The downside to all this mobility can actually be the lack of it as well. Notebooks in most cases tie you to them. Want to send an email? You would be in front of the notebook to type it out.

The Hip Twist will be a condition we will no doubt hear about in another 10 years that will rival carpal tunnel. Hip Twist, my own definition, is achieved by the twist of the body to type on that other keyboard on the laptop, separate from your work system.

Logitech has a solution that not only looks good but also is easy on the pocketbooks! The Alto Cordless is a system that allows the user to place the notebook computer on a stand which features a USB 2.0 hub with three ports. The ease of the unit is to flip open and snap together. After that is done, easily connect the notebook (up to 15.4) running XP or Vista with an available USB port. The Cordless keyboard runs off 2 AAA batteries and has many of the features found in Logitech Keyboards. The full size keyboard includes many buttons for customizing and easily selecting functions for multimedia, internet and applications. While the unit could be carried in a notebook bag, it's more for the desktop fixture and with the wireless keyboard can be used without having to twist the body to type.

I saw this unit at Costco for under $60 and the MSRP is $99 More Info can be found at http://www.logitech.com/