So these might not be for everyone, but Iogear announced a 2-port USB 2.0 printer switch and a 4-port USB “Net ShareStation.” The printer switch allows you to plug in one Mac and one PC into a single printer and it automatically detects which one is sending print jobs. The Net ShareStation allows you to hook up four different doodads via USB and share that amongst your fellow co-workers or home inhabitants. If you plug it into your wireless router than it puts everything over the network wirelessly. Did you get that last part? Wirelessly.

So the printer switch works with both PCs and Macs, but the NSS only seems to work with PCs according to the press release. The former goes for $40 while the latter will retail for $100. Both will be available this month.

Here’s a quick glance at IOGEAR’s Wireless USB-to-VGA kit. It’s got an MSRP of $229 but the rep said it can be found in retail stores like Best Buy for closer to $199.

It consists of an ultra wideband (UWB) USB adapter that plugs into your computer and a VGA receiver that mounts behind your TV. Video quality looked great and the kit is capable of tossing around resolutions up to 720p.

There’s also an audio kit coming out at the end of February that’ll run for $129 on its own and will also be bundled with the above kit for $349. IOGEAR played a movie trailer for us and the bass sounded deep and rich while the highs thankfully didn’t succumb to the tinny sound you’d find in most wireless speaker solutions.

Wireless USB to VGA Kit [IOGEAR.com]

The IOGEAR Powerline Stereo Audio System connects your iPod or other audio input device to speakers in a different room through the magic of electricity, avoiding all the cancer enducing radio waves that pollute our air. The base station has an iPod dock, with several brackets included in the box to ensure your specific iPod model fits snugly, as well RCA jacks and a 3.5 mm input jack. The audio signal is sent through your home electrical wiring to the remote unit, which plugs directly into the outlet and connects to your powered speakers by RCA jacks.

When might you use something like this? If you want to hear music in one or two specific rooms without blasting your stereo to full volume, or when hosting a party and you want to make sure that everyone enjoys that special playlist you created.

Setup is extremely easy: simply plug everything in and select a “channel” to be used by both the base station and the remote unit. Included in the box are a pair each of RCA cables and RCA-to-3.5mm Y-cables, so you should be able to connect most any standard power speaker set you have lying around.

If you have a new enough iPod, you can use the base station — or use the supplied remote control — to control your music playback. If you connect a non-iPod audio source, the bundled remote control won’t do you much good.

I found the audio quality to be completely undiminished from its journey through the electrical system. I was somewhat dismayed, though, at the delay between making changes on my audio source and when that change made its way to the speakers: it was an appreciable couple of seconds between when I lowered the volume on the input and when the speakers actually got quieter.

Bottom Line

A decent way to get your music around without paying an arm and a leg, namely about $250.  Also good for folks averse to running speaker wire.

Normally about $80 to $100, Office Max has the IOGEAR Mobile Digital Scribe for $60 until October 18th. The device captures your writing from just about any normal paper surface (up to Letter or A4 size) and then digitizes it to be archived on your computer. You can also hook the Mobile Digital Scribe directly up to your computer and record your handwriting in real time. Seems like a great gadget for note-taking students or anyone who has a “real” job with meetings and whatnot.

[via dealnews]

IOGEAR is betting all you collegians are going to need a bong-proof-keyboard so they’ve come out with their own spill-resistant keyboard that has a drainage hole, hot keys, thin design and a detachable rubber-coated wrist rest. Packaged with said keyboard is an 800dpi optical mouse that has back and forward buttons. Yay! This combo is only $30.

The Bluetooth Tilt Wheel Laser mouse, however, adds a bit more oomph allowing you to change sensitivity between 400-, 800- 1200- and 1600dpi with no drivers! The Tilt connects over Bluetooth (duh) and comes with an extra rechargeable battery. Along with a beefier feature set comes a bigger price tag at $70.

Damn, if you squint your eyes you just may be able to see the Iogear DVI Net ShareStation. It’s a small box you put onto your home network that then lets up to six different computers share the same monitor. (You plug the monitor into the box, then the box into the network.) It supports resolutions up to 1600×1200, so you’re not sacrificing too much screen real estate by sharing with your amigos.

If you’re so inclined, you can add an additional monitor to the whole setup by plugging one into the USB port.

It debuts at the CEDIA trade show (lots of home entertainment goodies) next week. Maybe by then we won’t need the Hubble to see it.

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ — CEDIA — With IOGEAR’s DVI Net
ShareStation, multiple users on a network can now share information, such
as work presentations or signage displays, using one monitor. The product
will be on display at the CEDIA EXPO, September 3-6, 2008 at booth # 468.

Users simply connect the DVI Net ShareStation to the desired monitor
with the included DVI / VGA adapter, and plug the device into an Ethernet
network to establish communication with other computers on the network.
Reducing cable clutter and eliminating short distance limitation, the
product allows digital signage professionals to share displays from a
central location without installing expensive wiring. The device is a
cost-effective solution for expanding networking video while maintaining
high-quality resolutions (up to 1600 x 1200). Installers can use this
device to outfit a small office or home to allow up to six users on a
network to access one monitor for viewing work documents or family video.
Users can also add an external display to their system by connecting the
product to a USB port.

IOGEAR is also announcing the availability of its Powerline Stereo
Audio System, a cost-effective solution to stream music through the
household via powerlines. The product consists of a docking station, which
can play CDs, cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, and a receiver to place
anywhere throughout the home. By connecting the receiver to an
independently-powered speaker, individuals can distribute lossless audio to
any desired location in the house or even to an outside patio, up to 990
feet, to entertain guests.

“At IOGEAR, we recognize the need for innovative tools that simplify
work spaces and enrich new-age homes at a low cost,” said Miranda Su,
executive vice president at IOGEAR. “Our DVI Net ShareStation and Powerline
Stereo Audio System are great additions to our product family and further
our commitment to excellence for consumer-friendly digital solutions.”

The products are available immediately from all major catalog and
online resellers, as well as select retail outlets. The DVI Net
ShareStation ($199.95 MSRP) comes with IOGEAR’s three-year warranty.
Consumers can pick up the Powerline Stereo Audio System for $379.95 with a
standard three-year warranty. These products and more innovative A/V
solutions from IOGEAR will be on display at the CEDIA EXPO 2008 at booth #
468.

IOGEAR may win today’s award for “most innovative products announced on a single day” first with their USB Laptop KVM and now this, Wireless USB to VGA kit. The latter of those two happens to be exactly what it sounds like, as it allows users to wirelessly extend a VGA signal up to 30-feet. So far only Windows XP and Vista users need apply, but for those that do, IOGEAR makes it sound as easy as plug-n-play. The wireless signal is encrypted with AES 128-bit security and transmits a respectable UXGA or WSXGA+ signal. Those salivating for this wireless solution can pick one up next month for $229.

via wireless-iogear-vga (PDF)

I’m a huge KVM fan. I followed them all through high school and was really upset when the broke up. Not a lot of people could do proto-punk-reggae like those guys and even 311 don’t hold a candle to their work. That said, this is another kind of KVM. It’s essentially a USB cable that you connect to two computers. The host computer can then bring up the guest computer’s desktop and you can drag and drop files back and forth.

When would you use this thing? If you had a PC at home and wanted to connect a laptop, for example, or if you wanted to run multiple PCs at once. It is a true Keyboard-Video-Mouse switch simply because you use the host’s keyboard to control the guest.

The $129.95 device is available now and even has a midpoint USB slot for adding external storage or a printer.

IOGEAR Introduces Industry-First KVM Switch Enabling
Control of a Second Computer with a Laptop
Allows users to conveniently transfer files between machines

Irvine, CA – August 25, 2008 – Consumers can now easily access another computer
using their laptop with IOGEAR’s USB Laptop KVM Switch. The product is the first KVM
switch that enables a laptop to replace the traditional keyboard, mouse and monitor on
a second computer. The product is on display at RetailVision, August 25-28, 2008, at
booth #603.

For on-the-go users, the USB Laptop KVM Switch provides file transfers and convenient
switching between a desktop or a secondary laptop. The product simply connects two
computers via USB 2.0 ports and enables individuals to manage both computers with
the laptop. The product also comes with built-in file transfer utility software that lets
consumers drag and drop files or create backup copies between machines.

In addition, the USB Laptop KVM Switch contains an integrated USB 2.0 port to connect
devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, digital cameras, speakers,
MP3 players and Webcams, which users can access directly from the laptop. Using a
laptop as the console eliminates energy- and space-consuming desktop keyboards,
monitors and mice. The USB Laptop KVM Switch also features desktop scaling that
modifies the desktop computer’s resolution to be compatible with a laptop screen.

“Our USB Laptop KVM Switch provides laptop users a simple space- and device-saving
solution compared with traditional KVM switches. It also makes file sharing easy,
sparing users from having to set up a network,” said Miranda Su, executive vice
president at IOGEAR. “We strive to develop innovative technologies that address
growing consumer needs. The laptop is the preferred device for mobile computing and

we make it easier for road warriors to bridge the gap between their on-the-go, home and
work lives.”

The USB Laptop KVM Switch is compatible with Windows® 2000, XP and Vista
operating systems. The product is available immediately for $129.95 MSRP from all
major catalog and online resellers, as well as select retail outlets.

For further information on IOGEAR and its connectivity solutions, please visit
www.iogear.com. To subscribe to an RSS feed of IOGEAR press releases, please go to
http://lewiswire.com/us/index.php?client=15 and click on ‘Subscribe to RSS’.

About IOGEAR
IOGEAR, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, CA, offers innovative technology solutions that are fun, stylish and
help people enjoy daily life. A consumer electronics leader, the company provides a range of KVM
(Keyboard, Video, Mouse) and KVMP (Peripheral), Connectivity, Networking, A/V Digital Home, Mobility
and Desktop solutions.

IOGEAR’s products decrease office clutter and energy consumption, reduce electronic waste, enable
computer sharing at home and in the office as well as enhance mobility and efficiency when on-the-go. As
one of the only true manufacturers in the industry, the company offers high-quality solutions backed by
the service and support that consumers demand. Additionally, IOGEAR’s Customer Advocacy Team is
available any time day or night at 1-866-946-4327, providing assistance and welcoming feedback
regardless of time and location.

IOGEAR is an environmentally-conscious organization that emphasizes conserving natural resources to
employees and customers through its GREEN initiative. The company has a dedicated timeline and list of
goals to achieve before the close of the decade to ensure its products are as eco-friendly as possible and
its packaging utilizes 100% recyclable and biodegradable materials.

Unfortunately for me, I’m kind of a last-generation guy, so I’d need spots for component, composite, and DVI, but for those of you with lots of HDMI-compatible devices, this seems like a no-brainer. It costs $90 and should be available now. Kind of expensive but honey, you deserve it. [via Blast]

Looking to share USB devices across your home network? Got $80? Then pick up the IOGEAR USB Net ShareStation. The product’s website says, “Users may not achieve optimum audio/video streaming performance when connecting to the USB Net ShareStation through a wireless Ethernet router,” but I loaded up a 1080p WMV file and streamed it via wireless just fine. You can hook up external drives, a 4-port USB hub, a webcam, a printer, or just about any other USB device.

IOGEAR USB Net ShareStation [IOGEAR.com]

In the spirit of summertime travel, IOGEAR has given us three GearJuice Mobile Pocket Power systems to give away. Each kit consists of a lightweight and rechargeable battery pack capable of recharging small devices like MP3 players and cell phones. The kits come with seven interchangeable power tips to charge devices that use Sony Ericsson, Samsung, USB, mini-USB, and Nokia ports.

To win, simply leave a comment at the end of this post with a short, quick story about the worst time one of your gadgets ran out of power. Stuck in the middle of nowhere with car trouble and a dead phone? Hired to take photos at a wedding when your camera’s battery ran dry? Grab a non-working flashlight before being chased through the woods? That kind of stuff.

We’ll pick the three best ones this Friday and ship the GearJuice kits out to the winning storytellers. Good luck and have fun.

UPDATE: The contest is over. Here are the winners. Congrats!

Dan

depends on how much you stretch the term gadget.

My first car used to like to play tricks on me. I would drive around doing what ever it is that kids do. and every now and then then engine just wouldn’t turn over. 3 of the 5 times it happened a friend was with me. We decided to pass time by hitting a tennis ball in the parking lot. After 10 minutes of playing I went back and tried the car, it started right up.

A while later it did it again, we played “tennis”, and the car started.

The 3rd time we hit the ball once, went back and the car started.

So if your car won’t start try tennis.

Jeff Spitters

Went camping a few years back – must have eaten a funny sausage cooked on the campfire cause I woke up at mid-night with a meatball emergency. Grabbed the flash-light to make a run for it…the thing ran out of juice along the way, got completely lost in the dark. Tripped in the dark and knocked my ass on a boulder. I did get to hit a Laundra-Land the next day…which is nice.

Ralph

I was on hold with Microsoft in India for 2+ hours. The guy came on and my battery wend dead.

IOGEAR’s ShareStation costs $80 and allows you to share USB devices. Smart, huh? You can share just about any USB-based device across multiple computers that are connected to the same network.

IOGEAR cautions that “Users may not achieve optimum audio/video streaming performance when connecting to the USB Net ShareStation through a wireless Ethernet router,” if you were to share, say, a USB hard drive, but it looks like most other devices that don’t require lightning-quick reflexes should do just fine — printers, scanners, and whatnot. You can plug the device into a 4-port USB 2.0 hub, too, and do a little four-way sharing. Very nice.

Press Release from PRNewswire.com,

IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation Enables USB Device Sharing Across a Network

Allows access to hard drives, flash drives, printers, speakers or Webcam as if they were directly connected to the users’ computer

IRVINE, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Small office and home users now have a simple, cost-effective solution to share USB devices, such as external hard drives, flash drives, printers, speakers and Webcams, across a network with IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation.

Workers can use the product to access external hard drives to save files that are readily accessible to other employees on the network. They can print, scan or fax from any connected computer, as the USB Net ShareStation supports Mutli-Function Printer sharing. Connecting the product to a wireless router also allows users to wirelessly share USB devices, while reducing cable clutter.

IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation lets audio enthusiasts access USB speakers connected to the network and stream audio throughout the home or office. The product provides high throughput rates, ensuring that the sound transfers in optimal quality. Individuals can also use the device to access a connected Webcam as a low-cost surveillance solution if they want to monitor activity in an alternative room.

“With multiple users in a home or small office, individuals need a simple, cost-effective way to share USB devices if they can’t access them directly,” said Miranda Su, executive vice president at IOGEAR. “Our USB Net ShareStation lets consumers access any flash drive, hard drive, printer, speaker or Webcam on their network, greatly increasing productivity as they can work off of USB tools as if they were connected directly to their computer.”

The product can support up to four USB devices simultaneously by connecting an AC-powered 4-port USB 2.0 Hub. It complies with all USB 2.0 specifications and is compatible with Windows(R) 2000, XP and Vista operating systems. IOGEAR’s USB Net ShareStation is priced at $79.95 (MSRP) and available immediately from all major catalog and online resellers, as well as select retail outlets. It comes with IOGEAR’s standard three-year warranty.

If you’re not fortunate enough to have a dual-monitor workstation, Iogear’s got something you should check out in the USB 2.0 External DVI Video Card. It’s what it sounds like, a USB device that adds a second video card and second monitor support to your PC via USB.

It’s very much like the VGA version launched last year, but with with DVI. No word on the exact specs, but we know it can support up to at least 1280×1024 at 24 bit color, is bus powered, and works with all KVMs.

I’m not quite sure what to make of this so I’ll see if I can’t get my hands on a review unit to take it for a spin. The IOGEAR Portable Media Player is 3.2-inches wide by 5.25-inches long by .75-inches thick and contains a 120GB hard drive.

You hook the device up to your computer via USB, dump videos and photos onto it, and then hook it up to your TV via composite or component cables. No HDMI, though, which is kind of an odd choice considering that IOGEAR says that it “enhances standard definition video playback viewing up to 720p resolution on an HDTV” and is pushing this as a portable device. There’s nothing all that portable about the five different connectors that come along with component cables.

The Portable Media Player can handle full DVD menus, DVD folders, DiVX, Xvid, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP3, WAV, and JPEG formats. WMV support is non-existent. It doesn’t appear to support Mac, either. Just Windows 2000/XP/Vista, according to IOGEAR.

So we have a “portable” solution that consists of a device that needs to be plugged in and uses has a bunch of cables running into the TV. I could see a market for this at maybe $99 but IOGEAR has priced it at $349, which doesn’t make much sense to me. For that price, it should maybe have some sort of built-in networking so you could stream and/or download content from your computer. Maybe a web-browser too. As it stands, it’s basically just an external hard drive with media playback capabilities.

Bloops! The EPA has fined IOGEAR $208,000 for claiming their mice controlled germs. Their crime? “Unsubstantiated public health claims regarding unregistered products, and their ability to control germs and pathogens.” So that’s why I got all those cold sores!

IOGEAR Fined $208,000 By EPA For Germ-Free Mice Claims

IOGEAR’s Digital Scribe may look like an ordinary pen, but it isn’t. Duh. It converts all your doodles and notes into digital text via an ultrasonic transmitter plugged into a USB port, which does its thing with the OCR software on your PC. People who still take handwritten notes will want to pick one of these up. It’s available now for $99.95.

Product Page

Having a two computer setup can be nice, but all those cords can become a problem quickly. Ease the tension by picking up IOGEAR’s new MiniView Micro PS/2 KVM switch. It allows for two computers to share an LCD with DVI output and a max resolution of 1600×1200, as well as USB or PS/2 keyboards and mice. The MiniView also has an audio switch so you can listen to tunes from one PC while goofing off on the other.

Due to its small form factor and extra features, the MiniView doesn’t come cheap. You’ll have to empty $160 from your bank account to go home with this one. Might just be a better idea to buy another monitor and a second video card.

Product Page

IOGEAR rolls ultra-compact KVM switch for DVI, audio [Electronista]

If your A/V receiver is becoming a tad too crowded because of all the HDMI cables and you hate switching back and forth from your next-gen DVD player to your game console then check out IOGear’s 4-port HDMI Switch. As you’d expect you can connect up to four devices to the Switch, which relays everything to your 1080p TV. The Switch is HDCP compliant and uses IOGear’s patented HDAS technology that immediately locks in and transfers any active A/V content for your visual and auditory pleasure. Pick up the Switch now for $189.95.

Press Release

The IOGEAR Personal Security Mouse with Nano Technology (also known by its far catchier name, the GMEFP1W6) lets you login to a computer or Web site or anything else password protected with a single finger swipe. You can also use it to encrypt files, folders or the entire hard drive. And it lets you store up to five identities, so multiple users can set up profiles on a single computer.

And, well, it’s a mouse, too. With antimicrobial protection. It’s priced at $89.95 (MSRP) and is available immediately from all major catalog and online resellers, as well as selected retail outlets. It includes an installation CD and is compatible with Windows 2000, XP and above. It also comes with IOGEAR’s standard three-year warranty.
]]> http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/06/25/iogear-mouse-protects-your-passwords-you-from-cooties/feed/ 2 http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/02/07/apple-vs-the-world-playing-dress-up-with-your-apple/ http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/02/07/apple-vs-the-world-playing-dress-up-with-your-apple/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:00:20 +0000 Josh Goldman http://crunchgear.com/2007/02/07/apple-vs-the-world-playing-dress-up-with-your-apple/

Matias USB 2.0 Keyboard:

Input devices seemed a natural place to start our roundup and Matias makes a few of the best keyboards designed for use with Apple computers. While adding USB ports to a keyboard certainly doesn’t make this special, the USB 2.0 Keyboard adds a full-power pass through from your desktop or laptop to a port on the top of the keyboard.

Simply plug the $30 Matias into two available USB ports on your system and you’re ready to go. Like Apple’s own corded keyboard, there are two USB ports on the back of the Matias model as well. However, they can only be used for devices that require low or no power. The port on top, though, can be used for anything you would normally plug directly into your Apple: flash drives, media cards, Web cam, graphics tablet, etc.

Razer Pro|Click V1.6:

Many Mac users might not be familiar with Razer. The company specializes in high-precision gaming mice, which explains the blue LEDs lighting up the non-slip side rails and scroll wheel on the $60 Pro|Click. But digital design pros need precise movement, too, so the Pro|Click incorporates many of the technologies found in Razer’s gaming products.

Along with Teflon feet for smooth movement, high-performance sensors and on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment, it features seven independently programmable buttons.

Altec Lansing FX6021:

At $250, the Altec Lansing FX6021’s aren’t a bargain, but the sound you get out of them is well worth the price of admission.

The three-speaker setup (two satellites, one powered subwoofer) is finished in matte aluminum to match your Apple products. Each of the wall-mountable sats contains three pairs of 1-inch neodymium micro drivers with each pair powered by discrete amplifiers, so they never struggle to handle your music at high volumes. A 6.5-inch ported subwoofer supplies deep, satisfying bass.

Volume, treble and bass controls are always in reach with the included remote or the unit’s desktop control pod. It also has auxiliary and headphone jacks.

Elgato EyeTV Hybrid:

Windows people have several options when it comes to getting TV piped through their computers. Mac users basically have one: Elgato. Thankfully, their solutions are top notch, including the newly released EyeTV Hybrid.

The little USB dongle packs a TV tuner to handle display standard-definition and HDTV in 720p and 1080i on Macs with Core Duo processors. The bundled software features an electronic program guide letting you set up timed recordings and you can export those immediately to use on your iPod. There’s a port built into the side of the stick as well to let you run most game consoles through your Mac.

ecamm network iMage USB webcam:

Ever since Apple discontinued the iSight towards the end of last year, it’s been slim pickings if you want a fully Mac OS X-compatible Web cam. One of the top choices is the iMage ($60), the first driverless Web cam for Mac.

It can capture 640×480-resolution video at 15 frames per second for use with major instant-messaging clients including iChat AV, Skype, AIM and Yahoo! IM. Its magnetic base can be used to attach to your monitor, it can clip to your laptop’s display, a threaded hole will let you mount it on a tripod or holes on the back let you screw it to a wall.

IOGear USB 2.0 Hub and Card Reader:
The Windows world has long had the option to get a multi-format media-card reader built into its desktops and laptops. Apple still hasn’t blemished its systems with so much as an integrated single-format Compact Flash or Secure Digital card reader, despite the propensity of its users to be digital photographers. Until the day it starts building them in, I recommend the IOGear USB 2.0 Hub and Card Reader.

Along with six high-speed USB 2.0 ports, the stylish, compact $50 unit gives you a 12-in-4 card reader/writer. It’s powered, too, so the USB ports can be used to run, charge and sync anything you plug into them just like connecting directly to your computer.

Western Digital My Book Pro Edition:

There are plenty of Mac-compatible external hard drives available, but the My Book is designed to fit in your Mac-centric universe. The drive has three interfaces—FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0—and runs silently because its completely fanless. And as its name implies, it looks like a book, letting it blend into your office environment.

For around $330 you get 500GB of storage space and as you fill it up, a brilliant blue ring of light circles the power button giving you a visual gauge of the remaining space. (A second ring acts as an activity light.)

Don’t like that option or want something more than just a external hard drive? Check out the Mirra M Series 500GB Personal Server that provides automatic backup, file synchronization and free Web services and file access.

NETGEAR RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N Router:

If for some reason you’re not keen on buying Apple’s new Airport Extreme that supports the better range and faster throughput of the Draft-N wireless specs, head over to NETGEAR.

It’s RangeMax NEXT router has easy-to-setup security features, all the advanced MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology you’d expect from a modern wireless router and it works with OS X.

However, and this is the big disappointment, the company’s PC card, USB and PCI card NEXT adapters to use with the router only carry out-of-the-box support for Windows. Boo. But, if you have a newer Intel-based notebook or desktop from Apple, you’ll be able to take advantage of the power of this sexy box.

QuickerTek iQuicky USB Transceiver:

For those of you that don’t have newer Draft-N wireless equipment (me included), check out the iQuicky ($225). Via a simple USB connection it boosts your wireless power from a stock 50 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts. This increases your range, letting you better connect to more distant wireless networks. In turn, this improves your network connection speeds.

Apple vs. The World is a collection of features by the CrunchGear team about the present and future of Apple Inc.