Gizmos Gadgets: March 26, 2007

A HELPING ARM: computer keyboard cable

BRIDGING THE GAP: Sometimes a product aimed at consumers is just what a solution provider needs. The MediaGate MG-350HD is a small-form-factor digital media adapter, equipped with both wired and wireless NICs, that allows video, music and still images to be streamed to a TV in a room that has no computer. About the size of a cigar box, the MG-350HD has room for an internal hard drive, but it will work without a hard drive so it doesn't actually come with one. Without an internal hard drive, users can simply view content on their TV that's stored on a computer or other storage device. The unit connects to a TV using its component, composite, S-video and DVI outputs; it also has stereo and digital S/PDIF audio outputs. Files are pulled into the device through its wired and wireless NICs or its USB port, which allow content to be played directly off USB flash drives. If a hard drive is installed, content can be stored internally, eliminating the need for connection to other devices. A remote control is included with the unit. The price: $250.

READ MY MEMORY: Solid-state memory cards are everywhere these days. They're used in digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, mobile computers and other devices. These cards are essentially today's floppy disks, and people expect to be able to pop these cards into any computer they have. That's why resellers should keep Trendnet's TMR-61U2 USB 2.0 All-in-1 Memory Card Reader/Writer on hand. The TMR-61U2 can read and write to six types of cards including MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash Card, IBM Micro Drive, Smart Media Card, Secure Digital Card and Memory Stick. The unit measures 4.3 x 2.9 x one-half-inch, and it weighs only 3 ounces. The USB device has a four-slot design that allows the simultaneous use of up to four different types of memory cards and easy transferring of files between the different types of cards. The TMR-61U2 supports cards that are 8 Mbytes and larger with transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. It has an attached 3-inch USB cable and it comes with an extension cable. The Price: $18.

PROXIMITY LOCKDOWN: Some users want to lock down their computers when they walk away from them, but it can be a hassle. Systems can be locked down manually, but that's not a safe bet. If set to lock down automatically after a set period of time, it can still take several minutes to shut down after a user walks away and the user then has to re-enter a password after any period of inactivity. Tripp Lite has a neat solution with its Wireless USB Proximity Lock, which consists of two parts: one part plugs into a computer's USB port and the other is kept in the user's pocket or worn around his neck. After the device is properly configured it will automatically lock the computer when the user wanders more than 10 feet away, and the computer automatically resumes normal operation when the user comes within range. During the setup process a password is set up to unlock the system in case the proximity lock is lost or broken. It is compatible with Windows 98SE, 2000, ME and XP. It is priced at $60.