Compiled by CIARA O'BRIEN
H2O Audio Amphibx Fit Armband €55
There are probably few instances you can think of where you’d risk getting your music player, phone or other portable electronic device wet. But the H2O Audio Amphibx Fit Armband allows you to take your iPod or smartphone for a quick dip. It’s waterproof – naturally – with a headphone connector that will also keep out moisture.
Of course, you’ll need waterproof headphones to go with it, or else you’ll find your musical entertainment is cut short. You can still use the touchscreen too, which is handy.
And if swimming with your iPhone isn’t your cup of tea, it’s worth noting that the case is sweatproof. So it’s perfect for running with your iPod Touch too.
h2oaudio.com
Vaio Z Series
The Vaio certainly has slimmed down. The latest Z series weighs just over a kilo and is only 16.65mm thick. Designed to be stylish yet powerful, it includes the Vaio Display Premium screen, which has a resolution of 1600x900, up to 256GB of solid state storage and a HD web camera.
It comes with Quick Boot, which is designed to get you working faster by loading up to 50 per cent quicker than other notebooks using Windows 7, and you can get a second battery as an optional extra to boost the battery life to up to 14 hours.
The mouse is a buttonless touchpad. And if that’s not enough for you, the Power Media Dock expansion module allows you to boost graphics power, connecting up to three external monitors, via an optical cable.
sony.com
TwelveSouth BookArc $49.99
TwelveSouth’s BookArc has been designed to work with the latest unibody MacBook Pro, providing a stylish yet sturdy stand to keep your laptop secure. It’s made from heavy gauge steel, and has been designed to be steady on its feet.
But why do you need it? It’s ideal if you use your MacBook with a second display to work. The stand allows you to work with the MacBook closed, using only the external display, and it’s a space-saver on your desktop. There’s built-in cable management too, so you won’t lose your power, USB and monitor cables when you unplug the device. If you have an older MacBook Pro, there are silicon inserts that will allow the Book Arc to fit your model.
twelvesouth.com
Blog: irishtimes.com/ blogs/minibyte
