The on-lap 1301 can be used with MacBooks or laptops and we even set it up with their trademark green stands as an on desk monitor.

Design

The GeChic On-lap monitor’s strongest selling point is its clever design. The display has four suction pads that stick it securely to the back of the laptop, before its screen swings out to extend your screen. The additional screen can also be folded back to be used as a screen for presentations.

The On-lap monitor’s 13.3-inch screen has 1,366 x 768 resolution and comes with a USB cable to take power from the laptop. It comes with both HDMI and D-SUB cables that can be connected to the display source.

It’s worth noting that it will add around 860 g to the notebook’s weight and thicken it by 14 mm, so it isn’t a good idea to attach it permanently when you’re on the move.

Setup

As mentioned before you attach the GeChic On-Lap with four suction cups which by all accounts are very sturdy (not in a climbing up windows kind of way but you get the picture). You plugin the HDMI cable or VGA and you’re up and running without the need for drivers, you may have to switch dual displays on when using Windows but this is hardly a chore.

Windows or applications can then be dragged onto the external monitor so you can view two things at the same time.

Performance

Being an add-on, one should not expect much from the On-lap when it comes to image quality. It does not perform as well as the dedicated macbook screen, so if you’re working with photos and depend on the screen to make the best possible image quality, you may use your laptop’s main screen. It is, however, a perfect screen for office work, web browsing and general applications not dependent on HD visuals.

Conclusion

The GeChic On-lap monitor is an easy way to add more space to your screen, making work easier. The benefits of having a separate screen whilst working or surfing the web is untold, especially in today’s multitasking heavy environment. This sweet device is available for £121 too, a snip for people that need dual screens or a luxury for those who just love gadgets.

Gallery

GeChic On-lap monitor review is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to the French site Blogeee.net, the company told its partners about its plans to quit the netbook business next year, and will start focusing on ultraportable 11.6- and 12-inch models and ultrabooks instead.

“Following the introduction of our new strategy in 2012, we stop the product range in 10.1 inch Netbook in Q1 2012 for the benefit of Ultraportables products (11.6 and 12 inches) and ultrabooks to be launched in 2012,” Samsung wrote in an email sent to its partners that was reported by the French site.

While netbooks have been built to be an inexpensive line of ultraportable PCs, these systems were never used as normal PCs. Netbooks turned out to be too slow for more demanding applications and were turned down users, mostly professional and multimedia-savvy users.

One of the netbook’s benefits is its size, which is more portable than others. But with the introduction of the MacBook Air and ultrabooks by rival companies like ASUS and Acer, they became the more attractive option.

It is not surprising that Samsung wants to discontinue its netbook line, as tablets like its Galaxy Tabs offer basic computing functionality. Even though netbooks will still sell in some markets at a certain price-point, its popularity will continue to decrease.

via: Geeky Gadgets

Samsung looking to stop netbook production next year is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes in two versions: an entry-level model that has an Intel Core i5 processor, and a faster model that is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor. Both models have received speed upgrades and larger hard drives. The faster 13-inch model runs at 2.8 GHz and boasts a 750 GB hard drive, while the entry-level model runs at 2.4 GHz and has a 500 GB disk space.

The MacBook Pro 15-inch model has two configurations, both having quad-core Intel Core i7 processors, with increased speed (2.2 GHz and 2.5 GHz). Its GPU has also been upgraded with new cards from AMD. The cheaper 15-inch model boasts an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512 MB of dedicated memory, while the more expensive model has an AMD Radeon HD 6770M, with 1 GB of RAM.

The 17-incher also received upgrades in graphics hardware and processor. It now has a new quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and the AMD Radeon 6770M GPU, an upgrade from the AMD Radeon 6750M from the old model.

The new MacBook Pros can now be seen at Apple’s online store, where they are listed as “In Stock.”

via: Venture Beat

Apple quietly upgrades MacBook Pros is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The survey tells how the smartphone-use explosion may have contributed to this problem, with 44 percent of the country who use smartphones a day, spending between 30 to 12 minutes for non-call related tasks, such as surfing the web, using apps, social networking and texting.

Another factor that is linked to smartphone use is the increased use of micro-blogging websites such as Twitter. Over the past year, the service has seen a massive 182 percent increase in mobile users, with the average tweets sent per day coming in at 140 million.

The use of laptops was also revealed to be a major culprit, with 58 percent of consumers in the country use laptops daily, and 27 percent of those say that they suffer from neck and back pain due to laptop use for more than two hours. The adoption of tablet PCs also appears to be another reason, with 18 percent of tablet users use it for more than 2 hours a day.

“There is no doubt that technology plays a significant role in our daily lives, however the knock on effect is that we now carry more gadgets around with us and spend more of our time peering into small screens,” said Tim Hutchful of the British Chiropractic Association. “It is important that we recognize the potential impact on our bodies and learn to lessen the impact on pressure points with some simple steps. It is particularly important now more than ever with 36% of the nation currently suffering from back or neck pain, up from 32 percent in 2010.”

The British Chiropractic Association devised some tips so you can still use your gadgets without hurting your bodies. These are:

• When sitting in front of your PC or laptop, sit in chairs that provide full support for your spine and make sure your shoulders, hips and knees face the same direction.
• Your seat should be adjusted so that your feet are flat on the ground, and knees bent, but with a slope from your hips to your knees. You should end up with your hips higher than your knees and your eyes level with the top of the computer screen. You may need to put the screen on a stand, book or ream of paper to bring it to the right height.
• The head is a heavy weight and sitting with it forward of your body puts unnecessary strain on your neck and back so always sit with your head directly over your body.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 40 minutes, less if possible. When you do take a break, walk around and stretch a little.
• If you carry a laptop use a rucksack design laptop case, carry it on both shoulders and adjust the straps so that the bag is held close to your back.
• Try out new gadgets before you buy them to make sure they’re comfortable to use, and spend time setting them up in a way that works well for you.
• Don’t carry so many items in your bag all the time, only pack what you need each day and avoid ‘doubling up’ on your tech i.e. camera and smartphone if at all possible.
• If using your mobile, smartphone, laptop or tablet whilst sitting down, including on your commute, take the time to break position on a regular basis and stretch your arms, shrug your shoulders and move your fingers around as this helps to keep the muscles more relaxed.
• Avoid surfing and texting whilst walking as your lack of concentration is likely to cause some kind of problem!

The BCA has also devised the Straighten Up UK, a three-minute exercise routine that can be done to improve posture and straighten the spine. For more information, you can visit the British Chiropractic Association website at www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.

New study shows how incorrect use of gadgets affects us is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to a report by Apple news site AppleInsider, its sources said that Apple is now planning to release the upgraded MacBook Pro laptops as early as the end of September. It was shown in MacRumors’ buyer’s guide that it has been more than 200 days since the MacBook Pro had a refresh and it seems that a late-September release isn’t off base since Apple usually has an average of 215 days between updates.

Apple last updated its line of MacBook Pro laptops in February, adding Thunderbolt and bringing in Intel Sandy Bridge CPUs. Other changes include the jump to FaceTime HD cameras and the inclusion of AMD graphics processing units.

AppleInsider said that an update can mean that the laptop may run on Intel’s latest line of Core i7 quad-core chips, which run at 2.4 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 2.7 GHz. This is compared to the 2.0 GHz, 2.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz in the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models.

While Ivy Bridge chips were originally expected to be included in the update, it has been pushed back to March or April next year. This slight speed increase should keep the laptops competitive with other PC hardware until the next update.

via: AppleInsider

Apple may launch a MacBook Pro refresh this year is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

However, there are a number of ways to get a larger screen for your laptop. People use an HDMI monitor or external DisplayPort, while some use portable USB monitors. Another option, the SpaceBook, was announced recently by a company called gScreen. The SpaceBook laptop is the world’s first dual display notebook.

Each of the notebook’s 17-inch screens has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and they are placed beside each other on the notebook. Both LED glass screens slide out from the center of the device and are available in matte or glossy finish. The laptop enables its users to get 50 percent more work done than on a normal 17-inch notebook.

The SpaceBook weighs in at about ten lbs., about three lbs. heavier than a normal 17-inch notebook. It was designed by Gordon Alan Stewart and it is touted to be the perfect desktop replacement solution.

“When I run across something that’s truly groundbreaking, something totally unique and never seen before, I get excited. Like really, really excited,” said Microsoft’s Ben Rudolph when he reviewed the SpaceBook. “The SpaceBook is unlike any laptop before it. Rather than have a single display, it has two that slide out from the center to create and amazing panorama display. Both panels are 17-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) glass, available in either a glossy or matte finish. It’s a really amazing design that’s really functional; the panels slide open and closed very easily.”

The gScreen SpaceBook runs on Windows 7 Professional operating system and is equipped with a quad-core Intel i7 processor. It has 8 GB DDR1333 of RAM, 500 GB of hard disk space and has a Super DVD ODD.

The gScreen SpaceBook notebook will start shipping in November and will have a price tag of around £1170.

via: ZDNet

gScreen SpaceBook dual-screen laptop coming soon is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

About three weeks ago, photos of the notebook showed up in an eBay listing by North Carolina-resident Carl Frega, who purchased the device from a Craigslist user for its parts. Upon opening the machine up, he saw that it was unlike what Apple has ever released.

The notebook has a SIM card slot and he spotted an antenna on the lid, suggesting the Cupertino-based tech giant was working on a 3G-capable laptop around the time when the first iPhones were shipped.

The eBay post has been pulled down at Apple’s request, citing infringement on trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights. Frega said that he was contacted by the company, requesting him to give them the notebook back.

Frega said that he originally bought the laptop from a Craigslist user for spare parts for his computer repair business. “I’d make extra money by buying broken CRT monitors and other things at North Carolina State University and NC government surplus sales and then repair and resell them from my dorm room,” he told CNET.

Apple did not indicate whether the company will compensate Frega for the amount he paid for the notebook.

via: Gizmodo

Apple wants its 3G-capable MacBook Pro back is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The 15.6-inch 3D LG Xnote A530 laptop features a Full HD (1080p) 3D LCD screen that uses LG’s Film Patterned Retarder tech to recreate 3D images using passive glasses. The company claims that using passive 3D glasses results in a brighter image than conventional shutter glasses. The laptop includes pair of 3D glasses and a pair of clip-on 3D lenses for people who already wear glasses.

The notebook is powered by Intel’s second generation Core i7 processors, up to 8 GB of RAM and has an Nvidia GeForce GT 555M graphics processing unit with 1 GB or 2 GB dedicated memory. It also packs a 750 GB hard disk drive backed by a 4 GB solid state drive, and has two webcams, enabling users to capture 3D or 2D videos and photos.

The 3D A530 also boasts a DVD or Blu-Ray combo drive, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection, Gigabit Ethernet, SRS Wide 3D sound system, a fingerprint reader, USB 3.0 port, 7-in-1 card reader, HDMI out and a 6-cell battery.

“With 3D becoming ever more popular, the logical next step is to let users make their own 3D content and watch it on a top-quality 3D screen. And that’s just what our new A530 does,” said LG.

The LG Xnote A530 3D laptops will be available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) this month and will be released worldwide afterwards.

via: Akihabara News

LG unveils its first 3D laptop, the Xnote A530 is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The Zagora protective sleeve is made from heavy duty natural basketweave hemp that is harvested in rural China, where the material grows very quickly and plentifully. Hemp is naturally grown, easy on the soil and is one of nature’s strongest natural fibers. It uses no pesticides so you know that it won’t harm the environment.

The ColcaSac Zagora will give your MacBook Air excellent scratch and damage protection, thanks to its thick inner lining that also grips your device and keep it secure (it’s fairly tight). Also, the velcro closure, which is thinner and quieter than conventional velcro, prevents your device from slipping out, enabling you to easily remove your notebook whenever needed. The sleeve also has a front pocket that can be used to keep your MacBook Air’s charger in place, ensuring that it stays there comfortably until you wish to use it. The only minor problem with this is the UK power adapter, it fits in at a squeeze.

The ColcaSac Zagora 13-inch MacBook Air sleeve comes in two colors: black and white. The Zagora sleeve is available for $40 (around £25).

Our hunt for the best Macbook Air case will continue, the Colcasac is a decent contender and an ideal case for people who slip their Air into another bag. It’s also less conspicuous than other 13″ laptop cases on the market. You’ll love the quirky use of denim and the ultra soft white interior (just make sure you keep your hands and Air clean).

ColcaSac Zagora MacBook sleeve: made from natural materials is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The poster said that the 3G hardware is picked up by the operating system, however, inserting a SIM card into the slot produces no results. “It is entirely possible it can be made to work by someone with more software and driver experience than myself but I can make no guarantees,” said the seller.

The device, known as a 2007 Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, has a number of unique features that indicates that the device is indeed a prototype. It has a red circuit board, rather than the blue ones that Apple devices have, and the EMC number is listed as “XXXX.”

The seller said he obtained the device from a former Apple employee via Craigslist. The said employee used the machine for “software development work,” and was allowed by the company to keep it when he left.

The 3G MacBook Pro is powered by a dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 Ghz processor, it has 2 GB of RAM and has an Nvidia GeForce 8600m GPU. The notebook was not working when the seller obtained it, but after replacing the battery, hard drive, MagSafe adapter and RAM, it worked an is in “surprisingly good condition.”

Does the discovery of this prototype mean that Apple is working on a new MacBook that has 3G connectivity?

via: Wired

Seller posts a MacBook Pro with 3G on eBay is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos