Mobile technology and (big) desk equipment | March 31, 2009

From a huge notebook to a sleek new handset, we have your gadget desires covered

By Peter Wolchack

	Biggest. Notebook. Ever Lenovo W700 Dual Screen Okay, it’s actually a portable workstation, and it’s not really the biggest ever: the luggable portable computers from the 1980s were bigger. But the W700ds will have you hearing Comic Book Guy say “Biggest. Notebook. Ever.” The W700ds is not for everyone, but for those who need performance—photographers, AutoCAD designers, etc.—it is an amazing machine. It has a bright 17-inch screen and a secondary 10.6-inch screen that slides out from the right side, adding about 40 per cent more space. You can work on a spreadsheet, and run YouTube videos on the side. The W700ds offers a built-in colour calibrator, a digitizer and a high-end processor, supports up to 8GB of RAM, and it weighs more than 11 pounds and measures 2.2 by 16.1 by 12.2 inches. And it starts at $4,100 (at press time). So it’s not a mass-market product but, if you want the ultimate portable computer, this is probably it. Lenovo www.lenovo.com/ca
	Voice-activated dialling, on your visor Parrot Minikit Chic Handsfree legislation is marching across the country, with Ontario’s proposed Bill 118, Countering Distracted Driving, being the latest initiative. From Parrot comes a Bluetooth-powered visor clip-on speakerphone that looks good, is nice and loud and, best of all, downloads contacts from your cellphone and supports voice dialling. Tell it “Angela Kahnert” and soon you’ll be talking to Angela. The Minikit can also double as an office speakerphone. It sells for $145. Parrot www.parrotshopping.com
	Improve your laptop Logitech Alto Connect Everyone is buying laptops now, and many of them are staring down at their screens, placing stress on their necks. To solve that you need a notebook stand. Logitech has built a useful one by adding four powered USB hubs, including one in the front, convenient for plugging in a camera or portable storage device. The Connect retails for $80. Your neck and back will thank you. Logitech www.logitech.com
	Windows Mobile updated Sony Ericsson Xperia X1a The X1a runs Windows Mobile 6, not the most modern nor exciting mobile operating system out there. Having said that, there are two good reasons to take a look at the X1a. The first is the hot arc-slider design. The three-inch screen slides up and out to reveal a full keyboard. Throw in a sleek metal body and the X1a looks great. Secondly, Sony Ericsson has done its best to cover up Windows Mobile with an interface based on Panels, task- or application-specific components that can be configured, added or deleted to match the user’s preference. The X1a will be available in the Spring for $699, without a contract. Sony Ericsson www.sonyericsson.com/cws
	First Android in Canada HTC G1 The G1 isn’t officially available in Canada yet but PureMobile will sell you one for about $500. And while the phone itself—with its QWERTY keyboard, 3G connection, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth—is pretty cool, you want this phone if only to take Google’s Android operating system for a spin. Google created the open and customizable operating system and then gave it away to any manufacturer who wants it. HTC jumped first, and for Canadian early adopters and mobile hipsters nothing is cooler right now than carrying a G1. PureMobile www.puremobile.ca
	Everything about the iPhone rocks. Well, not the battery Mophie Juice Pack and Incase Power Slider Love your iPhone, wish the battery lasted longer. Sound familiar? If so, check out one of these slide-in, add-on batteries.. Both the Juice Pack and the Power Slider work well, both more than double the battery life of your iPhone and both cost about US$100. The Power Slider is a little bulkier, but also offers all-around protection; the Juice Pack is smaller. Choose based on the look you prefer. Mophie www.mophie.com PureMobile www.puremobile.ca
	Easy backup, any drive Storage Appliance Clickfree Transformer Cable $60 turns any external hard drive you happen to have lying around into an automatic backup device. The Clickfree cable plugs into a computer and then into the hard drive. Once done, pressing the cable’s button kicks off a backup process that automatically copies personal content, including photos, e-mail, movies, documents, etc. Storage Appliance www.clickfree.com
	When Wi-Fi doesn't reach Belkin Powerline AV+ Wi-Fi is great, except when walls or distance interfere with the signal, or when you need more speed than wireless delivers. Enter Powerline networking, which uses electrical wires to transmit Internet signals. Plug one adapter into your router and then into an outlet; plug the other adapter into the room that holds your laptop, Tivo or Wii. That second adapter links up to three devices to your high-speed Internet connection. A kit with two adapters costs $180. Belkin www.belkin.com

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