Have you stumbled across your laptop power cord while it was lying on the floor, jerking your computer off the desk? I have, and although no damage was done to my laptop, it did loosen my power connector inside the computer. If you are one of those unlucky ones who did some damage, chances are you spent between $100 and $200 for getting the power connector fixed. Ouch.

Bob from JerkStopper, introduced me to a nifty little gadget that will save you time and money - a laptop power cord safety latch. It’s a simple plastic Cable Retention Device with a dummy USB connector which docks on your laptop. The rear of JerkStopper is where you thread the power cord and lock it into place.

The JerkStopper has three dummy configurations: USB, RJ45 and RJ11. For $9.99 you can purchase a set of three which is a wise investment for any laptop user.

Bob has a good product here, and ideally I would like to see the dummy USB port as a working interface extension port, but the logistics of creating a quality JerkStopper and live USB access seems difficult.

Here are some warning signs you might need a laptop power cord safety latch or JerkStopper:

• The power LED and/or battery charge LED flicker when you wiggle the power cord and/or the AC adapter tip on the back or your laptop.
• Laptop suffers from spontaneous and/or instantaneous power-downs for no apparent reason.
• Laptop only runs when you keep the power cord and plug in a certain direction.. Movement of the AC power adapter plug causes power “glitches” or outages.
• Strange “clicking” noises coming from the area near the power plug. Laptop switches from AC power to battery power intermittently.
• Laptop refuses to start or charge a properly inserted battery. Laptop appears to be “dead” when you plug AC adapter.
• Laptop suddenly shuts off without any warning. Sparks come out of the back of your laptop.
• Laptop will not charge the battery and/or Laptop only runs on battery power

You can get the power cord safety latch at JerkStopper.com.

It’s a well known fact if you belly-up to a Starbucks or any other major coffee chain you’ll have wi-fi access.  However, many other hot spots are available which you just don’t know about.  This is where a wi-fi detector comes in handy.

I know a wi-fi detector would have been handy during the hField wi-fi extender review.  As I was driving through my business complex looking for signal, I found it oddly ridiculous to have my laptop booted up on the front seat of my car.

The USB Fever wi-fi detector is a simple, cheep gadget where a click of a button can detect wireless hot spots.  With 4 LED lights to communicate signal strength, you can spot the best signal (more…)

Having a couple good games in your U3 drive is always a plus when looking to kill some time. The U3 MyPool 8 Ball fits the bill. With on-line features it’s easy to play against family and friends for a real-life [not really] experience.

The U3 8 Ball software includes the ever popular 9 Ball as well. So do yourself a favor [if you are still a fan of the U3] and download MyPool - if that isn’t your style than try the addictive Drops or the fast paced and addictive ZACK.

Just last week I talked about the USB Fever 62-in-1 card reader thinking that was just about everything one would need.  Today iMono announces an 80-in-1 card reader.  It’s very likely either card reader will satisfy your every need, and I’ve still found a way for you to buy both [not that you would].

The USB Fever card reader is a 5.25 inch bay system making it ideal for a standard component on build out for numerous machines whereas the iMono 80-in-1 card reader is an external device making it an excellent sidekick for your laptop.

I didn’t take the time to count out all 80 devices - which begs the questions:  Does anyone audit this stuff?

In case you are asking, (more…)

The 2GB DataTraveler USB Flash drive is ideal for home office, small business, schools and promotions. It is affordable and puts mobile storage in nearly anyone’s hands. Now you can store, carry and transfer files quickly in a 2GB drive for only $1.95.  Here’s the deal:

This offer is only good while supplies last, so act fast!  List price is $35 and on sale for $11.95.  With Google Checkout (new customers) you save an additional $10.00.  Driving the price down to $1.95 for 2GBs of data.  Nice.

Grab the GetUSB Dealz now.  [Buy.com]

Silex Technology rolled out their isochronous data transfer support for the SX-2000WG+ product today, making it possible to steam any type of data (or video and audio) from a USB device over a wireless network.  Here is a nice diagram to help get the point across.

This might be the perfect tool for any parent to monitor their kids webcam activity as the SX-2000WG+ can stream audio and video from any USB webcam over a standard 802.11b/g network.

What Silex has been able to do with the wireless USB server is breakdown the barrier of accessing USB devices from remote computers.

“With the addition of isochronous support, users can now share virtually any kind of USB device over a wireless or wired network. No other company can match our capabilities and compatibility in this market.” says Keith Sugarwara, GM.

The wireless USB server will be available for $150.  Mac and PC compatible.  Turning your USB gadgets into groupies couldn’t be easier.

IK Multimedia is shipping their new USB stomp box, the StompIO for a plug-n-play floor contoller and audio interface for guitars. I’m a bit familiar with embedded designs and especially those related to USB, so the reports of the StompIO being delayed wasn’t a surprise.

None the less, the USB stomp box is a unique product which provides the musician with a host of benefits such as replicating numerous amps, mics, stomps, cabinets and rack effects on the fly.

So here’s the deal, the stomp box is the first of it’s kind with high quality effects in a compact floor control design. You can operate every aspect of the software without connecting a monitor and keyboard. Connecting the box [via USB] to a host computer (Mac & PC compatible) , the StompIO is a powerful tool for recording making it an excellent [portable] solution for the touring and gigging guitarist. The StompIO is the only software-based guitar amp and FX that can truly be used live.  Since you need a computer for processing the effects, IK Multimedia sells a nice add-on computer to run the StompIO while on stage.

The IK stomp system comes with five pre-loaded software packages. They are:

• AmpliTube 2
• Ampeg® SVX
• AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™
• AmpliTube Metal
• AmpliTube X-GEAR

The grubby details include StompIO having 51 stomps, 26 amps, 33 cabinets, 11 mics and 23 rack effects.

The IK Multimedia StompIO will set you back $1,050 and is available now. IK Multimedia webpage.