Altec Lansing Orbit USB Stereo speakers deliver audio on the go

by Scott Carmichael on

If you don’t want to settle for the speakers in your laptop, but do want something that is easy to pack, then a new speaker product from Altec Lansing may be just what you need. The Orbit USB Stereo builds off the success of their Orbit MP3 speaker (my first ever review on Gadling) but moves up from a single speaker to stereo speakers.

The design is pretty slick – the speakers attach to each other, and the USB and audio cord stores inside the rear end of each speaker.

Sound from the Orbit USB Stereo is actually quite impressive — and certainly much better than you’d expect from something this compact. Because the speakers use a generic USB audio system, you don’t need any drivers either, simply plug them in and you are good to go.

While they are noticeably larger than a pair of headphones, once combined, the package really isn’t that big – and I had no problem finding a spot for them in my laptop backpack. Since they are USB powered, you don’t need to carry a power adapter or batteries.

The new Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 Stereo is available (and in stock) today for just $49.95.

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New Scosche freeKEY Bluetooth keyboard can survive spilled drinks

by Scott Carmichael on

Looking to do more than play Angry Birds during your next trip? The new Scosche freeKEY Bluetooth keyboard is designed with productivity in mind. The flexible and waterproof keyboard connects to any device with support for Bluetooth input devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Motorola Xoom. The keyboard retails for $59.99 and comes with a retractable USB charger cord.

So, next time you are working on a presentation, and the flight attendant spills Diet Coke all over your tray table, just hope it doesn’t hit your tablet computer because your keyboard can simply be washed clean.

You’ll find the new freeKEY at Scosche.com where it is in stock and ready to ship.

Handstand iPad case secures your device unlike anything else

by Scott Carmichael on

If you like iPad accessories, then the number of available cases for your device will never let you down. Some cases are designed just to make your iPad look better, but others (like the one in this brief review) are made to protect and help make it easier to use your device on the road.

The Handstand case fits snugly around your iPad — so far, nothing overly different from other cases on the market. Where the Handstand excels is a neat rotating hand grip on the back of the case. Simply slip your hand through the elastic strap, and you can hold your iPad with just one hand and rotate it in any angle you want. The rotating rear also doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad on a flat surface and angle it up a couple of degrees for watching movies. The whole construction feels very solid, and even when you shake your arms around, your iPad won’t budge.

The case is available for the original iPad right away ($49.95), and will be ready for the iPad 2 towards the beginning of March ($39.95). Cases for the the original are available in black and white, and iPad 2 Handstand cases come in black, white and pink. You’ll find the (pre) purchase links at thehandstand.com.

Scosche SwitchBACK Surge g4 iPhone case adds battery power, app and kickstand

by Scott Carmichael on

Accessory maker Scosche just unveiled their newest iPhone 4 case — the SwitchBACK Surge g4. The case features a whole bunch of handy features. The most important feature is a beefy 1800mAh battery pack, capable of boosting your phone back to near-full state.

A handy kickstand means you can sit back and watch some movies and its MicroUSB port allows for charging and syncing, without the need for the Apple dock cable. The rear of the case features an interchangeable back in silver or black.

As a first on any iPhone battery case, the SwitchBACK Surge g4 lets you know its charging status through LED lights and a free app. The app tells you the exact charge level, and how much talk/music time you have remaining.

The case fits the AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4 and retails for $79.99. It is available right now through Scosche.com.

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Urbanears Bagis headphones: snaps together to prevent tangles

by Scott Carmichael on

With so many new headphones hitting the market each week, it takes some decent innovation to get any attention. Thankfully, Swedish headphone maker Urbanears understands a thing or two about making smart headphones, and they used those skills to develop their latest addition: the Bagis.

The headphones themselves grab your attention immediately because of their colors; the Bagis lineup is available in 18 different colors – and unlike most other headphones, the color in the Bagis is found on the entire product – from plug to cord to bud to earpiece and remote.

When not in use, you simply snap the two earpieces together, greatly reducing the change of nasty tangles. An all fabric cord also helps reduce “cord noise”. Audio is fantastic — especially since the Bagis only cost $30. You’ll find the entire color lineup and links to purchase options at Urbanears.com.