Add some clever extras to extend your PC’s functionality, longevity
Some good news for those travelling with aging PCs: rather than laying out the cash for a whole new laptop, you can spice up your existing machine with a few good accessories.
Computer add-ons – including webcams, ergonomic mice, snap-in modems, Bluetooth headsets and wireless printers -- add some longevity and functionality to your laptop. Following are a few recommendations.
Not mousing around
Perfect for laptop users, the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 ($49.99; http://www.microsoft.ca/) is a small, but comfortable, optical mouse that features a thumb-sized receiver that, when plugged into an available Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on the computer, enables wireless control. This feature isn’t necessarily unique, but its clever power-saving function is – simply snap the USB receiver underneath the mouse to turn off its battery (included). This design should also reduce the odds of losing the receiver. Other features of this wireless notebook mouse include Windows and Mac support, rubber-lined sides for a better grip and a body designed for both right- and left-handed users.
Listen up
It’s no wonder why more and more Canadians are talking with friends, family or clients via the Net – it’s free, sounds great and it doesn’t matter where you (or they) are in the world. So the next time you’re gabbing on Skype, Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger, throw on a wireless Bluetooth device, such as Logitech’s Cordless Headset ($139.95; http://www.logitech.com/), so you can keep chatting while continuing to type away on the keyboard from up to 30 feet away. Volume and mute buttons are located on the headset. It’s also perfect for trash-talking during heated multiplayer games and of course, works with your Bluetooth cell phone, too. The crystal clear and comfortable headset can be paired with a PC that has integrated Bluetooth or via the snap-in USB Bluetooth hub that's included.
Look ma, no wires
At just $99, the Lexmark Z1420 wireless six-colour printer is the most affordable Wi-Fi-ready (802.11g) inkjet printer on the market. Simply type in some info on your laptop when prompted, such as your wireless network security key, and you can print from wherever you may be within the wireless network. Any other wireless PC or PDA in the "hotspot" can also beam photos and text to the Z1420. This affordable printer delivers speeds up to 24 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 18 ppm colour, and can print borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches (glossy or matted photo paper recommended). It works with both Macs and Windows PCs.
Smile, you’re online
Why type an email or instant message when you can be seeing and talking to your friends in cyberspace? The Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 ($89.99; http://www.microsoft.ca/) is a top-of-the-line consumer Webcam (Web camera), designed specifically for laptops or flat-panel LCD screens. Offering high-definition 2.0 megapixel video (1600 x 1190 pixels) and 7.8 megapixel photos (3200 x 2380 pixels), this tiny Webcam – a little bigger than a lipstick – features a built-in, high-quality microphone; pan, zoom and tilt capabilities; and a one-touch call button integrated with the free Windows Live Messenger service. The LifeCam NX-6000 requires a Windows XP or Vista machine.
Stay connected
Wi-Fi is great, but what if you can’t find a wireless hotspot in a café, airport lounge or hotel? The good news is you can log online via your laptop anywhere you can get a cell phone signal – even in the back of a cab or a park bench. And so it’s no surprise wireless modems are growing in popularity – especially among mobile executives. Sierra Wireless (http://www.sierrawireless.com/) offers wireless modems as either PC Cards or USB dongles. Either snaps into the laptop and grants you access to your cell carrier. Prices start at $49.99 after rebate and three-year commitment with Rogers Wireless (Sierra Wireless AirCard 860); Telus Mobility plans start at $99.99 on a 3-year contract (for either the Sierra Wireless Air Card 595 or the 595U USB).
Some good news for those travelling with aging PCs: rather than laying out the cash for a whole new laptop, you can spice up your existing machine with a few good accessories.
Computer add-ons – including webcams, ergonomic mice, snap-in modems, Bluetooth headsets and wireless printers -- add some longevity and functionality to your laptop. Following are a few recommendations.
Not mousing around
Perfect for laptop users, the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 ($49.99; http://www.microsoft.ca/) is a small, but comfortable, optical mouse that features a thumb-sized receiver that, when plugged into an available Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on the computer, enables wireless control. This feature isn’t necessarily unique, but its clever power-saving function is – simply snap the USB receiver underneath the mouse to turn off its battery (included). This design should also reduce the odds of losing the receiver. Other features of this wireless notebook mouse include Windows and Mac support, rubber-lined sides for a better grip and a body designed for both right- and left-handed users.
Listen up
It’s no wonder why more and more Canadians are talking with friends, family or clients via the Net – it’s free, sounds great and it doesn’t matter where you (or they) are in the world. So the next time you’re gabbing on Skype, Windows Live Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger, throw on a wireless Bluetooth device, such as Logitech’s Cordless Headset ($139.95; http://www.logitech.com/), so you can keep chatting while continuing to type away on the keyboard from up to 30 feet away. Volume and mute buttons are located on the headset. It’s also perfect for trash-talking during heated multiplayer games and of course, works with your Bluetooth cell phone, too. The crystal clear and comfortable headset can be paired with a PC that has integrated Bluetooth or via the snap-in USB Bluetooth hub that's included.
Look ma, no wires
At just $99, the Lexmark Z1420 wireless six-colour printer is the most affordable Wi-Fi-ready (802.11g) inkjet printer on the market. Simply type in some info on your laptop when prompted, such as your wireless network security key, and you can print from wherever you may be within the wireless network. Any other wireless PC or PDA in the "hotspot" can also beam photos and text to the Z1420. This affordable printer delivers speeds up to 24 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 18 ppm colour, and can print borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches (glossy or matted photo paper recommended). It works with both Macs and Windows PCs.
Smile, you’re online
Why type an email or instant message when you can be seeing and talking to your friends in cyberspace? The Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 ($89.99; http://www.microsoft.ca/) is a top-of-the-line consumer Webcam (Web camera), designed specifically for laptops or flat-panel LCD screens. Offering high-definition 2.0 megapixel video (1600 x 1190 pixels) and 7.8 megapixel photos (3200 x 2380 pixels), this tiny Webcam – a little bigger than a lipstick – features a built-in, high-quality microphone; pan, zoom and tilt capabilities; and a one-touch call button integrated with the free Windows Live Messenger service. The LifeCam NX-6000 requires a Windows XP or Vista machine.
Stay connected
Wi-Fi is great, but what if you can’t find a wireless hotspot in a café, airport lounge or hotel? The good news is you can log online via your laptop anywhere you can get a cell phone signal – even in the back of a cab or a park bench. And so it’s no surprise wireless modems are growing in popularity – especially among mobile executives. Sierra Wireless (http://www.sierrawireless.com/) offers wireless modems as either PC Cards or USB dongles. Either snaps into the laptop and grants you access to your cell carrier. Prices start at $49.99 after rebate and three-year commitment with Rogers Wireless (Sierra Wireless AirCard 860); Telus Mobility plans start at $99.99 on a 3-year contract (for either the Sierra Wireless Air Card 595 or the 595U USB).
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