Handy Tool Guide

A review of the Futura Laptop stand has been posted over at Notebook Review. ‘It has several ventilation slots to help reduce the heat put out by the laptop. There are multiple rubber grips to keep the laptop secure on the Futura and to keep the Futura secure wherever it’s placed. It also has a secure latch to keep it folded when you want to travel with it. As a desktop stand it works nicely from an ergonomics viewpoint. I did feel more comfortable typing when my laptop was raised and my screen was at eye level. To make sure the Futura will fit most situations there are five adjustable levels and the LapWorks website has an ergonomically correct laptop-using posture poster that you can print out for guidance.’

Read: Futura Laptop Desk Review – Notebook Review

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sluggo-Ox Corporation has introduced the new Sluggo-Ox Ground Rod Driving Tool which provides the user with a larger striking surface than any other ground rod driving tool. 'Sluggo-Ox(TM) is a one piece tool that will provide its users with a larger striking surface than any other ground rod driving tool. It is made of 3" hot rolled, heat treated, hardened steel and provides 80% more striking surface. Weighing only 7 lb, it has 3 1/2" deep bore and accepts 5/8" or ¾" ground rod, rebar, or other metal implements. It is unique in that it is a one piece stand alone tool; users do not need any other implements to work with Sluggo-Ox.'

Read: Ground Rod Driving Tool features one-piece design. - Thomas Net

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Pocket-lint have published a review of the Asus MyPal A696 GPS/PDA. ‘The ASUS MyPal A696 has chosen the GPS route to differentiation. It's easy to set up, just insert the supplied 512Mb SD card and the software installs automatically, adding the maps that you need. ASUS have opted to couple the SiRF Star III GPS engine to the well proven Destinator 6 satellite navigation software. You get all the usual in-car satnav enabled PDA extras such as the car charger and gooseneck mount, and that anti-glare screen is effective when driving at stopping the sun wiping out your map just when you need it most.’

Read: Asus MyPal A696 GPS receiver Review – Pocket-Lint

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Bilsom's new eye-catching bright green earmuff comes with a new input jack that allows users to connect to MP3 players and other portable audio devices. The Radio Hi-Visibility is the only AM/FM radio earmuff that incorporates an exclusive reflective headband that glows when exposed to light, providing increased visibility and safety on the job. 'Radio Hi-Visibility earmuffs are an excellent solution for hearing protection, worker motivation, and visibility. Bright green earcups contrast noticeably against dark settings, especially in low lighting situations and inclement weather. Radio Hi-Visibility's exclusive reflective headband glows when exposed to light, increasing overall visibility and safety on the job.' .

Read: Bilsom's New Radio Hi-Visibility Earmuff Improves Worker Safety and Motivation - Thpmas Net

Posted by HTG Admin at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the budget-priced Lexmark x3550 Printer. ‘The x3550 is the most affordable printer here, and it shows. Our photos were pixelated with a bluish overcast-not at all worth the wait (it was the slowest, too). Even large, smooth surfaces, such as skin, looked grainy. And definitely don't expect the x3550 to do justice to details. Some patches of grass in our outdoor shot were as three-dimensional as a square of AstroTurf.’

Read: Lexmark x3550 – Laptop Mag

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jerry Jackson writing over at Notebook Review has posted a review of the Targus Corporate Traveler Case which is designed to fit your notebook PC. ‘The new Targus Corporate Traveler line of notebook briefcases is Targus’ attempt to bring affordable yet rugged notebook cases to the market. Available in both “Ulrta-Lite” and standard versions, the Corporate Traveler cases are bound to become popular among business professionals looking for a good third-party notebook case … that won’t break a department’s budget.’

Read: Targus Corporate Traveler Case Review – Notebook Review

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IT Reviews have published a review of the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU cooler. 'First and foremost, there's the price tag. Quality CPU coolers - and this is designed for LGA775 processors, which covers Intel's Core 2 and Pentium 4 products - shouldn't cost the earth, but even so, the £15 we paid to pick the Freezer 7 Pro up proved to be a very keen price. For that, you get a professionally packaged product, lined with thermal grease and ready to use. Secondly, there's the relatively quiet noise level by which it goes about its work. Thanks to the large blades on the fan itself, they don't need to spin at breakneck speeds to achieve effective cooling, with fan speeds adjusting between 300 and 2,500rpm. As a result, the noise output is suitably pulled back and it's barely audible for the most part.'

Read: Arctic Cooling - Freezer 7 Pro review - IT Reviews

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The new POP ProSet 2500 rivet tool from Emhart Teknologies measures 11.42 in.L x 10.20 in.H and features lightweight polymer handle, 2-finger, low-activation force trigger, and directional air exhaust to keep air away from tool user. 'The ProSet® 2500 rivet tool is the latest member of the POP® power rivet tool family and continues Emhart Teknologies' ongoing effort to provide high performance lightweight, easy to maintain fastening installation tools. The 2500 weighs in at only 2.65 lbs. (1.20kg) and 2.89 pounds (1.31kg) with the Mandrel Collection System (MCS), yet can set any rivet from 3 to 6 size. It is only 11.42 inches (290mm) long and 10.20" (259mm) high; but with a stroke of .71 inches (18mm), it can set long rivets in one pull of the trigger. Air consumption is minimal, requiring only .076 cu. ft. (2.15 cu. liters) per rivet set.' .

Read: Rivet Tool features ergonomic design. - Thomas Net

Posted by HTG Admin at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PC Authority have published a review of the FSP Blue Storm II AX500-A, Thermaltake Tough Power 700W W010RB and the Enermax Galaxy EGA1000EWL power supplies for personal computers. ‘Modern PC components require plenty of power, and the trend is being exacerbated by multicore CPUs, dual graphics cards and DirectX 10 GPUs. Despite this, the humble power supply is often overlooked and seen as a commodity, of which any one will do. But, buying a poorly designed power supply can make your PC unstable, and you risk damaging your components by installing one. Like most products, you can’t tell whether you’re buying a good power supply simply by checking the label. Manufacturers often list the wattage in an extremely confusing manner, adding up the wattage over the primary rails (3.3V, 5V and 12V) and publishing the sum as the total power output.’

Read: Power supplies – PC Authoriity

Posted by HTG Admin at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Press Release

Syracuse, NY, July 10, 2007 — Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S), a leading manufacturer of electrical wiring devices and home systems, introduces a valuable accessory to complement the award-winning P&S PlugTail™ product line. The new tool, a P&S PlugTail Tester, allows contractors to correct poor connections or miswires before installing P&S PlugTail devices.

The Tester allows contractors to quickly and easily identify circuit connections through easy-to-see indication lights. Its sturdy construction allows for long-term dependability and helps prevent callbacks by ensuring proper wiring – at both rough-in and trim-out. Unlike similar devices, the P&S PlugTail Tester provides the added ability to test already installed P&S PlugTail Connectors.

“The P&S PlugTail product line is revolutionizing the installation process for commercial wiring devices, and the Tester makes this process even easier,” said Scott Bausch, Commercial Product Manager at P&S. “The Tester is poised to save contractors time and money, ensuring their work is done right the first time.”

The Tester works with 15- and 20-amp Receptacles and P&S PlugTail Connectors.

P&S PlugTail is a patent approved product by Pass & Seymour Legrand.

For more information about the P&S PlugTail Tester or any P&S PlugTail products, contact your P&S representative or visit www.passandseymour.com.

Pass & Seymour/Legrand is a leading provider of electrical wiring devices, accessories and home systems in North America. Call 1-800-611-7277 or visit www.passandseymour.com for more information.

About Legend

Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com) is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With a presence in more than 60 countries, Legrand employs over 33,000 people. Its catalogues list more than 130,000 products with sales totaling over $3.7 billion. Legrand is developing and reinforcing its technological leadership by constantly increasing the added value of its offerings.

Posted by HTG Admin at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PC Perspective have published a review of the "Silent Edition" Thermalright SI-128 SE CPU Cooler which is designed for use with a 120mm fan. 'The Thermalright SI-128 SE CPU cooler uses four 8mm copper heat pipes to transport heat from the heatsink base up into a large array of aluminum fins. These heat pipes are larger in diameter than the heat pipes used in the majority of HSF applications, which results in larger surface area for potentially better heat transfer. A heat pipe is a highly efficient conductor of heat. A properly constructed heat pipe has a very low thermal resistance, which is roughly independent of its length (unlike ordinary metal rods whose thermal resistance increases with length). Heat pipes are commonly used to efficiently transport heat from one location to another.'

Read: Thermalright SI-128 SE CPU Cooler Review - PC Perspective

Posted by HTG Admin at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Personal Computer World have published a review of the Smoothwall Smoothguard 1000-UTM network security appliance which provides the full set of standard network security functions, including perimeter firewall, VPN, intrusion detection, web and email security and internal firewall. 'The hardware on which the new Smoothguard 1000-UTM appliance is based is amazingly well specified, with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor plus 1GB of DDR2 memory and a 60GB Sata hard disk to hold both the OS and the Smoothwall software. You also get seven Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be variously used to connect to local subnets or the internet and to set up demilitarised zones (DMZ) for public-facing servers. VLan support is another built-in option along with load balancing and failover support across the ports, with automatic failover to a standby appliance also available if required.'

Read: Review: Smoothwall Smoothguard 1000-UTM - Personal Computer World

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new DeWALT 36V cut-off tool is suited for maintenance and repair operations and features a 2-position side handle, 6,500 rpm for fast cutting speed and a Jam-pot, low profile gear case which provides precise gear alignment for a smoother, quieter transmission while allowing access to tight spaces. 'DeWALT engineered the DC415KL with a 36V battery, providing professional users with increased levels of power and runtime, while maintaining a similar weight to corded and cordless cut-off tools. Ideal for maintenance and repair operations, and wherever users require corded metal cutting performance without a cord. This cut-off tool has the ability to cut door hardware and locks, old anchors, tile, electrical cable and rusted fasteners. The DC415KL can also be used to finish ornamental and handrail welds, and prepare for several applications such as rail cable repair, remote cutting and welding, and mounting tabs.'

Read: DEWalt Unveils New 36V Cut-Off Tool- Providing Professional Users with the Power of Corded without the Cord - Thomas Net

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Digital Reviews Network have published a review of the Qstarz BT-Q1000 Double 32 Bluetooth GPS Travel Recorder. 'The switch on the side of the BT-Q1000 reveals it can be set to NAV mode for both navigation and logging or to just a logging mode. Of course it’s fun to transfer all the accumulated way points to Google Earth to see where you have been but there are some interesting applications with this capability as well. Ever had a speeding ticket and you absolutely know that you were travelling within the speed limit? How do you prove your innocence? This Travel Recorder plots your itinerary in the greatest detail, complete with speeds, times, heights.'

Read: Qstarz BT-Q1000 Double 32 Bluetooth GPS Travel Recorder Review - Digital Reviews Network

Posted by HTG Admin at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hitachi Power Tools has introduced the new CR13VBY Reciprocating Saw which is powered by a 12 A motor and features variable speed dial and trigger. 'Pick up the CR13VBY and it appears to be a conventional reciprocating saw. But, pull the trigger and there is nothing conventional about it. Hitachi's patented UVP technology incorporates a counterweight mechanism that reduces full-load tri-axial vibration by over 65% significantly reducing vibration transfer to the user. The 12Amp motor provides aggressive power thanks to 1370 Watts, resulting in a faster cutting speed and higher efficiency on the job. The CR13VBY is also equipped with a variable speed dial and trigger. This allows the user to adjust the cutting speed optimally for the working conditions and material for less waste and more control.'

Read: Hitachi Introduces a Low Vibration Reciprocating Saw Featuring User Vibration Protection (UVP) Technology - Thomas Net

Posted by HTG Admin at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Press Release

LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL. - June 2007 - Klein Tools introduces nine new versions of its popular 5002 Series' multi-pocket canvas tool bags. The new tool bags are now available in 16", 18" and 20" in the following colors: blue (Cat. Nos. 5002-BLU-16, 5002-BLU-18 and 5002-BLU-20), orange (Cat. Nos. 5002-ORG-16, 5002-ORG-18 and 5002-ORG-20) and yellow (Cat. Nos. 5002-YEL-16, 5002-YEL-18 and 5002-YEL-20).

Klein's new colored canvas tool bags feature multiple pocket configurations, so users can separate, store and organize tools. The 16" bag has 8 pockets, the 18" bag has 10 pockets and the 20" bag has 14 pockets. Also, the different color bags can be given to different workers to increase organization and efficiency.

Constructed of highly durable, No. 8 colored canvas, Klein 5002 Series tool bags are designed to withstand everyday use and abuse on the jobsite. The vinyl-reinforced bottom extends up the sides of the tool bag for extra support and moisture resistance and non-scratch studs on the base protect against wear.

These new brightly colored tool bags were inspired by Klein Tools' colorful canvas zip bag assortment (Cat. No. 5140), that help workers better organize small parts and tools. Klein Tools' original 5002 series bags in natural canvas are still available in 16", 18" and 20".

"The bright colors and the multi-pocket design of Klein's new canvas tool bags help workers protect their tools and keep them organized," said Chris Niklas, product manager, Klein Tools.

This year marks Klein Tools' 150th anniversary. In 1857, Klein Tools' founder and blacksmith Mathias Klein forged the first-known U.S.-made pliers in Chicago. Since then, Klein Tools has grown to be the leading manufacturer of a variety of hand tools and occupational protective equipment. For more information on Klein Tools' 5002 series tool bags, please contact: Klein Tools, P.O. Box 1418, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-1418. Phone: (800) 553-4676. Fax: (847) 478-0625. E-mail: marketing@kleintools.com. www.kleintools.com.

Contacts:

Public Relations:
Rosemarie Ascherl
USA
Phone: 440-234-1812

General Information:
Abby Ceppos
USA
Phone: 847-821-5500

Posted by HTG Admin at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A review of the LapWorks Aluminum Desktop Stand has been posted over at CNET. 'A laptop stand may not be the most obvious computing accessory on your must-have list, but having the right stand can make your laptop much more usable, especially in office situations. Take a look at your desktop PC's keyboard. It probably has two tiny legs in the back, lifting the back of the keyboard and creating an ergonomically friendly angle for typing. Now look at your laptop--the keyboard just lies flat. Try working like this for an extended period of time, and wrist and arm pain may result.'

Read: LapWorks Aluminum Desktop Stand - CNET

Posted by HTG Admin at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reg Harware have published a review of the Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500 navigation system. ‘The GPS-500 is a standalone satnav unit and it comes pre-loaded out of the box with everything you need, so there's no messing around hooking it up to a PC to load maps before you get going. In addition to UK maps, you'll also find other European countries covered too. Countries included are: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

p> It's a neatly designed unit measuring 11.8 x 7.5 x 2cm, with few buttons or controls and a large 4in touch-sensitive widescreen display for input instead. At the top of the unit you'll find a power switch, SD card slot and GPS antenna. Down the right are a volume control, headphone socket and USB port, which also doubles for power. Over on the left hand side you'll find a hold switch and a connector for the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) aerial. There's also a socket on the back for connecting an external GPS antenna.’

Read: Harman Kardon Guide+Play GPS-500 – Reg Hardware

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PB Swiss Tools have introduced has introduced their new Precision Bits which feature color coding for different types, variations, and sizes of bits to facilitate their easy identification. 'The correct Precision Bit® at a glance. No more frustration and wasted time. Thanks to the color coding, you have the right bit at hand in a short time. There is an almost unlimited number of types and variations of bits. The color coding of the various types of bit means that you can easily distinguish between, for example, Phillips and Pozidriv bits at a glance. Also, being able to tell the difference between the sizes by the color rings means an additional reduction of the daily workload! The colored nanotech coating is an attractive protection against rust. Examinations and tests show that hard metal or diamond coatings quickly wear off and loose their function.'

Read: New and Unique at PB Swiss Tools: Color Coding According to Type of Screw and Size - Thomas Net

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A review of the Premium Leather Flip Style Case and the Premium Leather Open Face Case for the Palm Treo 680 smartphone, has been posted over at Brighthand, ‘Both cases are made of really soft leather, and I must say, I love the smell of leather. They have a big button on the back to hold on the belt clip which, unfortunately, is not removable. This means an additional bump in your pants if you decide to use the case without the clip. Speaking of the clip, in all the situations was in while using it, it never came loose once. It offers a very solid clip which you can attach to your belt, and the button of the case slides down and clicks into position (view image). Getting the case back out is also pretty easy.’

Read: Prima Treo Leather Cases Review - Brighthand

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CNET have published a review of the Sony BWU-100A Blu-ray burner . 'The Sony BWU-100A offers every possible optical-media support except for HD DVD, of course. Its sleek, transparent-black faceplate would make it an attractive part of your living room media center's PC. Unfortunately, Blu-ray drives are still very expensive--this one costs $700. Though Blu-ray burner prices have and will continue to fall, they haven't fallen far enough for the average consumer. Keep in mind, too, that as prices fall, read and write speeds will continue to ramp up. The BWU-100A is a bit slower with its non-HD tasks when compared to a non-HD burner, but given all that this drive can do, we think it's not a bad trade-off. If you have the $700 to burn, the BWU-100A is a good choice.'

Read: Sony BWU-100A Blu-ray burner - CNET

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A review of the Slinglink Turbo One-Port mains network adapter has been posted over at Computeractive. ‘You plug each Slinglink Turbo box – the device is another oddly angular little box, like the Slingbox – directly into a mains socket (the Getting Started slip warns against using multi-way power blocks or surge suppressors) and connect a cable from the PC or router to the box’s network socket. That’s it: you should then have a network connection, with no extra cabling. The device is compatible with the Homeplug standard, which means it will work with other Homeplug devices such as those from Devolo and Netgear.’

Read: Review: Slinglink Turbo One-Port mains network adapter - Computeractive

Posted by HTG Admin at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Press Release

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — June 2007 — Metabo has announced that its new P’7911 multihammer, which was developed in conjunction with the Porsche Design Group, is now available in North America. The Porsche Design P’7911 combines all the essential functions of a drill with the power of a pneumatic hammer and drills into concrete, stone, wood and steel, with just one switch for convenient alternating between any of the tool’s five different functions.

The tool’s unique housing, made of genuine carbon fiber and aluminium, provides great rigidity and strength. With the handle mounted on top of the housing, the P’7911 is easy to operate because the forces acting are almost perfectly balanced, both in the patented “on top” handle position and when drilling above shoulder height. In addition, the hammer lies directly under the operator’s hand, ensuring a stable center of gravity. The tool, therefore, feels lighter than comparable power tools.

Because of the multihammer’s extraordinary design, its perfect balance reduces pivoting at the drill tip. Moreover, the tool’s flat base surface enables the hammer to stand up, so that it is always ready for use.

The new 705-watt, 6-amp multihammer offers 133 inch lbs. of torque, 2.0 joules per blow and, using hammer bits, has a drilling capacity of 3/4” in concrete. Also, it is equipped with Metabo’s quick-change chuck system, electronic speed stabilization and a high-performance pneumatic impact mechanism.

For more information, please contact Terry Tuerk, Metabo Corporation, 1231 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. Tel: 800/ 638-2264; Fax: 800/ 638-2261; Email: ttuerk@metabousa.com ; Web: www.metabousa.com .

For high-resolution application and product photos, please visit: www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/metabo_porsche.html .

More product information is also available at: www.metabo-p7911.com READER SERVICE INQUIRIES:

Please send all reader service inquiries to Terry Tuerk, Metabo, 1231 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA 19380.

ABOUT METABO: Metabo, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, has international headquarters in Nurtingen, Germany and U.S. headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The company has focused its product development on technological advancements in electronic circuitry and mechanical design, which has resulted in hig