back to school

The Gadget Zone

Well, school is almost upon us, and it is time to look for back-to-school tech. Here are a few ideas that will make academic life easier to handle.

By James Careless –

A computer router is an effective way to share files and Internet access between computers, game consoles, smartphones, Internet radios, and other Internet-enabled devices. The Cisco Linksys E4200 Router comes with four Ethernet ports that can support data speeds up to 1 Gbps, and Wireless-N connections in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. This means that if one band is busy, your wireless device can connect using the other. If you have 80211n devices, you will get wireless data rates up to 300 Mbps. But don’t worry: The E4200 is backwards compatible with all WiFi devcices (80211a/b/g). (Note: You will need a modem between this router and your Internet connection to get to the Web). More at www.cisco.com.

Tired of your smudged, sticky monitor screen? Then consider getting a Toddy Smart Cloth. On one side, the Toddy has an effective cleaning surface. The other is faced with whatever stylish design you choose from their vast selection. The Toddy is designed to do the job while staying healthy: It has an antimicrobial coating that protects the cloth against the microorganisms that contribute to mold, mildew and other general ick. The Toddy Smart Cloth is available at www.toddygear.com.

Can you ever get enough Star Trek Gear? If not, then go to www.ThinkGeek.com. There, you will find authentic replicas of the Original Series’ tricorder – with working lights, sounds and voice clips from Mr. Spock – and a phaser that has many sound settings, including the all-important self-destruct. You can also get a Star Trek pizza cutter in the shape of the U.S.S. Enterprise, insignia pins, Star Trek plush toys, retro posters, ‘uniform’ clothing (including creepers for babies and bathrobes), Spock bust cookie jar, and the breakout zombie novel, ‘Night of the Living Trekkies’! Actually, there’s even more than this, but I only have so much space.