USB

Atlona Technologies on Wednesday kicked off a new promotion celebrating the release of its AT-AiR3 1080p wireless USB to HDMI converter. Atlona is giving away an AT-AiR3 to 10 lucky winners, in addition to a 50-inch HDTV for the first place winner, a 42-inch HDTV for second place, and a 32-inch HDTV for third place. Visit www.atlona.com/Promotion-from-Atlona to enter.

At next weeks' 2011 International CES, Atlona will unveil the AT-AiR3. Answering the call for a full 1080p wireless signal, this device allows users to connect any USB-enabled computer or laptop wirelessly to an HDTV or projector via a VGA or HDMI port. Capable of transmitting a signal up to 30 feet, the AT-AiR3 is perfect for viewing streaming media content from Hulu, YouTube, and other popular sites, as well as computer-based learning programs such as RosettaStone or Lynda online training, and more. Read more

This certainly puts a new spin on rechargeable batteries. USBCELL AA batteries recharge through the USB port of your computer. So now you can recharge the batteries using any powered USB port, at home, on the go, or in the office. They are available now for $17.99.

Main features:

• Can be used just like a normal battery and can be recharged anywhere simply by plugging into a USB port
• Made with NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) to last for an extensive time period and ensure optimum performance
• Charges 90% in just 5 hours and even charging for just 1 hour provides 50% battery life
• Can be reused hundreds of times before replacement
• Eliminates the hassle of separate charge adapters and cables
• Significantly reduces the amount of battery waste harmful to the environment
• Side indicator lights show when battery is charging, 90% charged, and fully charged

Have you used up all of the video ports on your computer but want to add a new display? Gefen just released its USB to DVI HD. This small adapter comes with one USB input and one DVI output. Any USB port on the computer can be used to connect a digital display using the DVI, VGA or HDMI format.

This enables laptops and computers with limited display ports to handle multiple displays without a dedicated DVI port. It supports resolutions up to 1920x1200, 1080p and 2k.

You have the option to select an extended desktop or have the USB-connected display mirror the main display's content. Multiple adapters can also be connected to the same computer system, including six USB to DVI HDs for a PC and four USB to DVI HDs for a Mac.

The Gefen USB to DVI HD comes with one USB cable, one DVI to VGA Adapter and one DVI to HDMI Adapter. It is available now for $149.

Perfect for Verizon customers who travel the world, the new AD3700 Mobile Broadband USB modem gives you access to high-speed networks in more than 175 destinations including Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)/General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA)/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) wireless platforms.

To use, Verizon customers simply activate the global feature on their Verizon Wireless account and the AD3700 automatically detects the local network and connects to the fastest Internet speed available.

The USB modem is priced at $79.99 (after a $50.00 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a Mobile Broadband plan) and will be available in Verizon stores and www.verizonwireless.com on August 14.

Monster's new Outlets To Go USB Worldwide is a portable adaptor solution for international travelers. This new device solves the problem of how to charge your laptop and other electronic devices when traveling internationally. It even has additional outlets so you can charge your iPhone, MP3 player etc. at the same time.

The Outlets To Go USB Worldwide has a universal adaptor that lets you plug into any international outlet and charge your electronics.* It features a dual-side design and three ultra-wide spaced outlets for charging of several devices at once. Also, the USB port lets you charge any USB accessory, such as smart phones and MP3 players. The product can easily fit into your laptop case thanks to Monster's FlatWrap cord management feature.

The Monster Outlets To Go USB Worldwide is available in black with an MSRP of $39.99.

* When traveling in countries with varying voltage standards, the Outlets To Go USB Worldwide should always be used with dual voltage personal electronics.

My Production Manager was in my office this week, and we were discussing the missed nuances of technology from yesteryear. What he missed most was his music from the turntable. Not just the music quality was missed but the sound produced between songs on his vinyl records. Sure, he has an MP3 player and several classic albums. What he wants to hear is the “intermission noise” between songs. I searched for a sound bite with no success. If you have some old vinyl and you want to convert to digital then the ION LP 2 CD has an MSRP of $399 and can deliver rendered files for your MP3 player. This is a great in depth review from Everything USB.

For more info and products check out ION Audio: www.ionaudio.com/lp2cd

As technology improves, it is interesting to note that differing products move in opposite directions. Televisions and monitors get wider but thinner. Cars get faster but quieter. iPods get smaller and thinner despite more vibrant colors and extra memory. Laptops and their accessories keep getting smaller and more powerful, giving the consumer more power at his fingertips…errr…kneecaps.

Hawking Technologies, certainly a part of this ever-evolving technological world, has released their first Hi-Gain™ compact "Dongle" Wireless-N USB Adapter for extended wireless range. This wireless adapter fits right into a laptop’s USB port and makes use of 802.11n technology to find the strongest, clearest signal possible. With upgradable antennas, you’ll never have to settle for one that isn’t ideal for your situation. With security encryption and HWUN3 compatibility, the extender can boost your wireless connection up to 600%.

The easy to use drive is available now for between sixty and eighty dollars ($60-$80).

At CES 2009, Dell unveiled a new thumb-sized USB digital TV tuner that lets owners of an Inspiron Mini watch broadcast TV on their computer. Starting at $50, the Dell USB Digital TV tuner will receive live and free over-the-air local digital and HD TV broadcasts (where available). It works with the Dell customized version of Ubuntu Linux (8.04), Windows XP and Windows Vista Basic.

Dell says they will offer region-specific versions, designed to receive local broadcast standards. The tuner will be available later this quarter. Europe gets it first, then North America, Asia-Pacific and China.