New Products for Mobile Workers -- September 2006

Ready for Anything
Samsung’s Q1-SSD Ultra Mobile PC fits the capabilities of a Windows XP Tablet operating system and an Intel CPU into a popular new form factor. At 1.7 pounds and 9 inches by 5 inches, the Q1-SSD offers users 40 GB of space, plus access to VoIP and Internet access at 54 Mbps. Navigation comes easy with an external keyboard and mouse, or via the 7-inch, 800 by 480 resolution touchscreen. The fun lasts for 3.5 hours on a standard battery, or 10 hours with the power bank. Price: $1,099. www.samsung.com

Bridging the Gap
Atcom’s USB Gateway, the AU-600, brings the advantages of Skype to old-school PSTN (public-switched telephone network) desktop phones. Just plug it into your phone jack and PC and place and receive Skype calls or access Skype voicemail via a mobile phone, even while on the road. Calls can also be switched between PSTN and Skype. Additionally, Skype calls can be forwarded to a mobile phone or another specified number whenever you venture outside the office. Price: $55. www.atcom.cn

Against the Wind
There’s more to the Jabra JX10 Bluetooth Headset than just simple good looks. The JX10 offers up to six hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby, Bluetooth capabilities, a one-touch button for easy pairing and Digital Signal Processing technology, which improves audio quality in windy or noisy environments by automatically adjusting volume levels. Measuring less than 1.5 inches in length, and weighing in at just 10 grams, the JX10 promises a comfortable fit all day long. Price: $179. www.jabra.com

Instant Rugged
Keep your notebook safe from the daily bumps, bruises and double lattes of the road with the Mobilis Permanent Protective Shell. During travel and in use the notebook stays encased in a customized, weatherproof shell tailor-made for your device. The carbon and aluminium outer layer protects your notebook from damage by diffusing shock waves at the moment of impact. Should your device somehow still get damaged, Mobilis will reimburse you up to $400. Price: Approximately $160. www.mobilis-direct.com

Destination Known
Lost? LG’s VX8300 phone comes with a Qualcomm MSM6500 GPS chip inside, which teamed with Verizon Wireless’ new VZ Navigator service can help guide you to your destination with turn-by-turn directions (both indoors and out). Measuring 3.58 by 1.93 by 0.92 inches and weighing in at 3.88 ounces, the lightweight LG VX8300 also features a Bluetooth radio, high-speed EV-DO connectivity, 28 MB of internal memory and a Mobile Web 2.0 client for accessing email and Internet. Price: $69.99 with rebate; additional $10/month for VZ Navigator service. www.lge.com

Speed Demon
Concerned that your mobile PC won’t get along with your hard drive? With OWC’s new Mercury Quad Interface Mercury Elite-AL Pro, worry no more. The external hard drive, which has storage capacities ranging from 250 GB to 750 GB, provides four interface options (USB, FireWire 400, FireWire 800 and eSATA) and is compatible with Mac, PC or Linux. A high-speed Oxford 924 chipset provides data transfer speeds of up to 80 Mbps, and the device is easily transferable from one system to another. Price: Starts at $199. www.macsales.com