Handy Tool Guide

Computeractive have published a review of the Canon Selphy CP-750 photo printer. ‘In this printer, as with similar ones from Canon, you clip the paper cassette, which is packaged separately to the main unit, onto the front of the printer before starting. It's then a matter of loading the dye-sublimation film cassette in at the side and using the 6cm fixed screen to select the images to be printed. The CP-750 prints a 15x10cm photo in around 70 seconds, which is quick compared with most small-format ink-jet printers. The printer can take most of the popular memory card formats, with the exception of SmartMedia, although this format is getting increasingly long in the tooth and it's rare to find it even on older cameras.’

Read: Review: Canon Selphy CP-750 photo printer - Computeractive

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A review of the Dyson DC16 Root 6 Animal vacuum cleaner has been posted over at Pocket Lint. ‘The handheld device, which looks more like a prop from a Sci-Fi movie that something you use to clean your house or car with promises a good amount of suck for your buck. Surprisingly lightweight the design is futuristic and manly enough to be happy to be seen with on your drive, and those worried that it will be a lovely mauve colour like previous models will be pleased to see its grey and bronze. In practice on the boot of a couple of cars (our neighbours where very happy with the offer of a free valet) and the suck, it has to be said, is good.’

Read: Dyson DC16 Root 6 Animal vacuum cleaner Review – Pocket Lint

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Metabo Corporation has introduced the new Model FSR200 palm-sized orbital sander which is suitable for sanding and fine finishing of painted and unfinished wood surfaces. 'The FSR200 orbital finishing sander features 11,000 orbits per minute at an orbit size of 1/16". Using heavy grit sanding discs, the tool offers the power to remove wood and paint; however, when equipped with a fine sanding paper, it is perfect for wood finishing. The sander's 1/4 sheet hook and loop pad accepts Metabo's wide assortment of pre-punched hook and loop sanding paper. A punch is also included for use of regular sandpaper, and its quick-change feature enables the sandpaper to be easily changed.'

Read: New Metabo Palm-Sized Orbital Sander - Thomas Net

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A review of the Tomtom NavGo 720 GPS navigation device has been posted over at PC World. 'The TomTom Go 720 is ready to navigate right out of the box, as the diminutive unit has maps for all 50 states and Canada built in. The Go 720 isn't much taller or wider than its 4.3-inch screen: It measures about 4.5 by 1.0 by 3.25 inches (width by depth by height), and it weighs just under a half pound. You can choose to navigate to a specific address, zip code, or intersection; to a business or another point of interest (TomTom says that the included database offers millions of entries); or to a recent destination or one that you've designated as a favorite. You also can select your destination simply by tapping a spot on the map.'

Read: TomTom Go 720 - PC World

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Digital Reviews Network have published a review of the USB Universal portable charger from USBfever.com 'The battery pack is about the size of a recent generation iPod and generally maintains a similar minimalistic but functional design, with few exterior markings. It is not as pretty as an iPod, but it feels fairly solid in the hand and for the price, the finish is quite acceptable. On the bottom of the unit is a standard USB port as well as a small circular DC in port. The USB port is protected from the elements by a rubber dust cover whilst the DC in receives no such protection. Four LEDs located on the front of the device light up green when the silver TEST button (located on the device’s side) is pressed, indicating how much charge the battery has left.'

Read: USBfever USB Universal Portable Charger Reviewed - Digital Reviews Network

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A review of the Wi-Ex zBoost YX300 personal cell phone signal booster has been posted over at CNET. ‘Setting up the YX300 is so easy that the instructions are small enough to fit on the back of the package. It only has three parts: the zBoost base unit, the power cord, and the antenna. The unobtrusive base is white with a green stripe. It's completely devoid of any buttons or switches and the only indicator light is a tiny LED that glows red when the power is on. It's also relatively small at 5.0 by 3.8 by 1.18 inches, and with its lightweight, but sturdy, plastic shell it weighs only 7.36 ounces. Two suction cups on the back of the YX300's base allow you to secure it firmly to a flat surface, even a window. But before that, you'll have to use your phone to find a location in your home or office that gets a measurable signal. At least one bar will work, but ideally you should find the best signal you can. Keep in mind that the YX300 needs to receive a cellular signal in order to boost it (it doesn't create signals on its own), so if you can't get a signal anywhere in a building then this product is not for you.’

Read: Wi-Ex zBoost YX300 cell phone signal extender - CNET

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Press Release

STI announces an excellent way to protect outdoor pole mount lights against both vandalism and accidental damage. The new Outdoor Light Damage Stopper® (STI-9796) assures continued operation of the important devices.

One of the newest members of the STI Wire Guard Team, this Stopper was created in response to multiple requests from STI customers. It consists of a tough, 9-gauge steel wire coated with corrosion resistant white polyester, which offers excellent protection against vandalism and damage. It's recommended for areas where abuse is severe or it is imperative outdoor pole mount lights continue to operate.

The guard protects Lithonia Lighting TDB 175MV 120 PKG. Installation is fast and simple with the screws and anchors provided. STI guarantees the Stopper for a lifetime against breakage in normal use.

For more information on STI Outdoor Light Damage Stopper (STI-9796), or the entire Stopper® Line, call 800-888-4784, fax 248-673-1246, email info@sti-usa.com or visit www.sti-usa.com. STI's address is: 2306 Airport Road, Waterford, MI 48327-1209.

Posted by HTG Admin at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Popular Mechanics have tested the Coleman 5.4V Cordless FlashCell screwdriver in a review of the tool which is capable of a recharge in ninety seconds. ‘According to Team Products International, the company behind the FlashCell, it runs for about half as long as an equivalent tool, such as Skil's lithium-ion-powered 3.6V iXO cordless screwdriver. Specifically, that means around 22 screws per charge, compared to 37 for the iXO. The company also estimates that the capacitor can handle over 500,000 full-charge cycles. And since there's no memory effect, you don't even have to wait the full 90 seconds before getting back to work. You can snap it into place (a satisfying, spring-loaded operation, by the way—reminiscent of old Fisher-Price toys), then watch the gloriously analog needle in the power gauge swing upward for, say, 45 seconds.’

Read: Coleman's FlashCell: Yes, a Cordless Screwdriver That Really Charges in 90 Seconds – Popular Mechanics

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A review of the Burton White Collection Backpack has been posted over at TabletPCReview. 'The White Collection backpack comes in three colors: a brilliant white, “Rock Salt,” “Black,” and “Roasted Brown.” I opted for the white color. Upon opening the side pockets, I found a satiny zebra pattern on the inside, which appeared on the inside of every pocket. I anticipate that within a week, my slightly-shiny backpack will look scuffed, as every white backpack eventually does. I was impressed that instead of using plain black zippers, Burton used white to match the rest of the pack. The first criteria for deciding which backpack to buy for myself was whether it could successfully hide a laptop without looking like it was carrying a laptop. This pack passes with flying colors. It looks like a skater backpack.'

Read: Burton White Collection Backpack Review - TabletPCReview

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A review of the lightweight Binatone Carrera X350 GPS device has been posted over at Personal Computer World. 'Binatone has recently branched out into the GPS market with its Carrera X350, a rather basic, yet portable, navigation aide. The sat nav aims at the entry level market, so we were not expecting many additional features, although we were a little surprised not to see Bluetooth pairing, considering the manufacturer's history in the telephone market. A sturdy and manoeuvrable windscreen mount is supplied in the box along with the token cigarette lighter charger. On the unit itself you'll find a power switch, headphone jack port and TMC connection, and a spare SD card slot for loading additional maps.

Read: Review: Binatone Carrera X350 sat nav - Personal Computer World

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The Ridge Tool Company has added the new RIGID RC-1625 Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter to its’s product offering. 'The cutter's advanced blade profile combined with the ratcheting mechanism work together to reduce the amount of hand force needed to cut through hard plastic material. A quick-change blade pin enables users to change blades by hand in a matter of seconds, saving valuable time. The quick-change pin also assures users that there will be no lost clips or screws during a blade change.'

Read: RIDGID® Expands Line of Plastic Tubing Cutters with RIDGID RC-1625 Ratcheting Plastic Cutter - Thomas Net

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Xuron Corporation has introduced the new Xuron 9100F Micro-Shear® Flush Cutter which features the patented bypass cutting technology which produces a clean, square cut. 'The Xuron 9100F Micro-Shear® Flush Cutter with Lead Retainer produces a clean, square cut and prevents flying leads which can injure users and end up inside equipment where they can cause short circuits. Made from alloy steel with the cutting edges hardened to Rc 56-58, this flush cutter requires less force than conventional compression-style cutters.'

Read: Flush Wire Cutter Lead Retainer Prevents Flying Leads - Thomas Net

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Chris Carnabatu writing over at TabletPCReview has posted a review of the Kensington MicroSaver DS Notebook Lock. ‘Built from three layers of tempered steel, this six-foot cable of sheer strength will have the sharpest cutting tools crying for mercy. The cable itself is coated with a plastic layer, which adds to the overall durability. In the event that you do not need to utilize all six-feet of cable, the MicroSaver DS Notebook Lock comes with an orange rubber tie to secure the remaining unused portion (as shown in the picture above). Beneath the plastic finish are three layers of steel as mentioned above: the core is constructed from carbon-tempered steel; the layer around the core is composed of aircraft- grade steel; and the outermost layer before the plastic covering is a steel braided sheath. This dynamic combination allows for a design that displays unmatched durability and strength.’

Read: Kensington MicroSaver DS Notebook Lock Review – TabletPCReview

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A review of the Buffalo Wireless-N Nfiniti Router and Notebook Adaptor wireless network kit has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The main difference between routers from different manufacturers tends to lie in how easy they are to use, which of course is vitally important to home and small business users who may not have very much experience of setting up such a network. We were intrigued, then, by Buffalo’s new Wireless-N Nfiniti router (which is £86) and separate notebook adaptor (which costs £55, but you can also buy USB network adapters for desktop computers for the same price). These both boast a feature called AOSS - AirStation One-Touch Secure System. Somewhat confusingly, the ‘AirStation’ bit refers to an older range of Buffalo routers, but it’s the one-touch bit we were really interested in, as Buffalo claims that this allows users to create a wireless network with the press of a single button.'

Read: Review: Buffalo Wireless-N Nfiniti Router and Notebook Adaptor - Computeractive

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Cooper Power Tools has introduced the new Cleco D Series pulse tools which provide optimal power during fastening applications. 'The Cleco D Series line utilizes an industry-first adjustable pulse chamber and the lowest number of parts in the pulse unit to provide longer operating life and simplified maintenance. When initial maintenance is needed, service technicians can now perform maintenance in approximately two minutes - 10 times faster than competitive systems.'

Read: Cooper Power Tools' Pulse Tool Technology Provides Industry-First Solution to Improve Productivity - Thomas Net

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Personal Computer World have reviewed the Ipdrum IP Voicelink device which converts conversation from Skype on your computer to GSM signals and forwards the calls to your mobile. ‘The IP Voicelink is a compact unit that has a pop-out Sim carrier at one end, while the other is home to a USB cable and headset socket. On one side is a stubby GSM aerial. You simply pop a Sim card in, hook it up to your PC, and you can make calls to the associated mobile number and then onwards, via Skype. Or you can have Skype calls forwarded to another mobile. All this, of course, hinges on having free or low-cost calls between the two mobile numbers.’

Read: Review: Ipdrum IP Voicelink Skype mobile gateway

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The Register Hardware have published a review of the Icron WiRanger Wi-Fi connected USB hub. 'The whole point of wireless is the freedom to connect to something from anywhere within an area rather than from a single, specific place. Icron's WiRanger wireless USB hub system stumbles at the first hurdle. Yes, its two units - the hub and the box that connects to your computer - link wirelessly, but both need mains-power feeds. Good for desktops, then, but not for a laptop-friendly experience. The first of the two WiRanger boxes - dubbed the Lex, for Local EXtender - is a small, metal unit with activity LEDs on the front and, round the back, an antenna, a printer-style USB port and the power connector.'

Read: Icron WiRanger Wi-Fi connected USB hub - Register Hardware

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NC-Power Adhesives Ltd has introduced the new TEC 810(TM) stick gun which features an illuminated on off switch and thermostat that adjusts device temperature for dispensing various types of hot melt and low melt adhesives 'The TEC 810(TM)'s compact ergonomic design and full hand lever trigger allows for better adhesive flow control. The TEC 810(TM) is ready to use with little wait time, heating up to 380 F in only three minutes. The model also features an illuminated on/off switch and an easy to change thermostat that adjusts the gun's temperature for dispensing various types of hot melt and low melt adhesives.'

Read: Power Adhesives Introduces the TEC 810 Ease of Squeeze Hot Melt Glue Applicator - Thomas Net

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PC Magazine have published a review of the Magellan Maestro 4050 GPS navigation device. 'The Maestro 4050 shares its predecessor's sleek shape and 4.3-inch nonreflective screen. It comes preloaded with NavTeq maps for all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It also includes 4.5 million points of interest (POIs) and TourBook travel information. And it retains many of the features that I especially liked on the 4040, such as SayWhere text-to-speech, which announces full street names and route numbers, QuickSpell data entry, and support for multisegment itineraries. The Maestro 4050's mounting bracket integrates the traffic receiver and antenna. You can connect the power cable (which plugs into your car's lighter jack), external audio, a microphone, and an external antenna to the mounting bracket, too—the 4050 picks up power and data through contacts (little gold-plated connectors) located on the bottom.'

Read: Magellan Maestro 4050 - PC Mag

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A review of the CallPod Chargepod charging device has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'The ChargePod is a customizable system designed to charge up to six devices at one time. The folks at CallPod have done a good job of engineering a charging system for the tech-carrying road warrior. I travel quite extensively for work and regularly forget a power cord or two. The ChargePod system not only allows you to reduce cable clutter, but puts all your charging needs in a small, lightweight, organized package. The ChargePod base station allows you to connect up to six device specific adapters at one time to a central hub. The central hub is powered by a usb power cable.'

Read: CallPod ChargePod Multidevice Charging System - The Gadgeteer

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Press Release

Chicago, IL (August 22, 2007)—Tripp Lite, a world-leading manufacturer of power protection equipment, has introduced a new twist to its surge suppressor line with the addition of two new innovative products: the SWIVEL6 and HTSWIVEL6.

The SWIVEL6 and HTSWIVEL6 feature six revolutionary rotatable outlets that swivel for more flexibility, making it easier to connect and organize electronic equipment. Additionally, the HTSWIVEL6, designed for home theater enthusiasts, offers coaxial and telephone/modem surge suppression to protect audio/video components from damaging surges and line noise.

"Greater flexibility was our rallying cry on these two products,” said Karenann Brow, Tripp Lite Senior Product Manager. “We were looking for a new way to make power protection more versatile. Direct plug-in and swiveling outlets add convenience by offering easier plug connection and removal.”

Both the SWIVEL6 and HTSWIVEL6 include diagnostic LEDs that alert users to potential wiring or protection faults, helping prevent potentially costly damage. They carry a 1200-joule surge rating and offer up to $50,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance for connected equipment.

For more information on Tripp Lite’s new SWIVEL6 and HTSWIVEL6 Surge Suppressors and to view the entire surge suppressor line, go to: http://www.tripplite.com/products/suppressors/suppressors-model-series.cfm

About Tripp Lite

Enhanced service and industry-exclusive products have been Tripp Lite trademarks for more than 80 years. Tripp Lite's innovations include the world's first UPS system designed specifically for personal computers, and the world's most trusted premium surge suppressor—the Isobar®—with more than 15 million in use. Tripp Lite maintains the highest level of ready-to-ship inventory in the industry with more than 1,000 different products, including UPS systems, surge suppressors, inverters, KVM switches, cables and connectivity products, power strips and PDUs, notebook accessories, rack systems, network management accessories and more. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Tripp Lite maintains a global presence with fully staffed offices worldwide. Additional information, including a list of Tripp Lite's sales offices and authorized reseller partners, can be found by visiting Tripp Lite's Web site: www.tripplite.com.

Posted by HTG Admin at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The automotive website Auto Express have published a review of nine first aid kits in the attempt to determine the most suitable to carry in your vehicle. 'Before we tackled the contents, we looked for a case tough enough to survive in a car boot and that could open to provide a work surface to prepare bandages on. It should also be in the standard green with a white cross, so it’s easily recognised by others. Inside, we wanted to see gloves – preferably vinyl or nitrile – sterile wipes rather than cotton wool and antiseptic cream, as these are easy for amateurs to use. A selection of quality dressings and bandages was also essential. Scissors needed to work well and we wanted good instructions for those without first aid training.'

Read: First-aid kits - Auto Express

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A review of the Logitech Alto Cordless Keyboard and Notebook Stand has been posted over at 14U News. ‘The new Logitech Alto Cordless differs in design somewhat from the original Alto, most notably due to the cordless keyboard that the new Alto uses. The notebook stand portion of the Logitech Alto Cordless is designed differently as well, but overall the two versions of the Alto are similar.The notebook stand portion of the Alto Cordless has a raised lip in the front that keeps your notebook from sliding off. There is only one position to lock the notebook riser into which raises the screen of the notebook to a comfortable level. Under the part of the notebook holder that actually supports the notebook is the USB cable that connects the USB hub and wireless receiver to your PC.’

Read: Logitech Alto Cordless Keyboard and Notebook Stand Review – 14U News

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