Hasta La Gadget!

We’re pretty big fans of the HyperMac external batteries here at Engadget, as they’ve saved us on numerous occasions from becoming mindlessly bored on coast-to-coast flights by keeping our laptops humming for a few more hours. Unfortunately, the integrated USB port — while handy — isn’t up for handling Apple’s new iPad, which requires a 10 watt USB adapter to even charge. We tested our lab iPad on our existing 222Wh HyperMac, and sure enough, the screen you’re peering at above is what we saw (read: “Not Charging”) — though it does seem to power the device as to not drain what’s left of the battery while connected. In order to remedy said quandary, the folks at Sanho have announced a new line of HyperMac batteries that support iPad charging, but unfortunately for you existing users, every available upgrade path involves shelling out more cash for a new pack. The revamped devices will be available in four different capacities: 60Wh ($169), 100Wh ($269), 150Wh ($369) and 222Wh ($469), able to extend the iPad 25Wh rated internal battery by 2 to 9 times, giving a total run-time of between 34 to 99 hours. Sanho claims these will be rechargeable up to 1,000 times and will include a one-year warranty, so if you’re interested, you can place your pre-order now and await a shipment notification in around a fortnight.

Continue reading HyperMac external battery packs refreshed with iPad charging support

HyperMac external battery packs refreshed with iPad charging support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look, there’s no arguing that Apple charges a boatload for its first-party adapters, and this isn’t the first time that one of those overpriced dongles has caused an uproar (Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter, anyone?). But when the company trots out an iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter and promises to enable users to “see their videos and slideshows on the big screen,” it should probably make a few clarifications. Instead, more than a handful of consumers are revolting over on Apple’s own webstore, noting that any video laced in any type of DRM (iTunes flicks and Netflix streams included) won’t output at all. Contrary to popular belief, this adapter doesn’t actually mirror the iPad’s display, which is fairly absurd in our eyes — teachers are even stating that Apple’s own Pages and Keynote apps won’t output via the dongle, making this effectively worthless for blowing up presentations for all to see. We (sort of) get the DRM thing, but not including support in your own presentation app? Unacceptable. A tipster has noted that Apple informed him that “it’s up to the app makers to enable the video out function,” so we suppose all that’s needed to solve a lot of controversy is for some switch to be flipped in some direction. Any other hang-ups with this thing that the world should know about? Drop ’em in comments below.

[Thanks, Tony]

Update: A few tipsters have noted that Keynote does in fact work here. Here’s a growing list of what does and doesn’t work with the adapter.

Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter not accomplishing the simplest of tasks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still weeping over the fact that your iPad won’t charge on that 2002 Latitude your company refuses to replace? Take heart, young buck. Scosche understands your frustrations, and it’s out to make coping somewhat easier with the Revive II dual-USB chargers. With one for the car and one for the home, you’ll most likely never, ever be in a location where your iPad can’t be juiced. In case you haven’t guessed, one of the USB ports on each charger is of the high-power variety, while the other will happily charge your iPhone, iPod or nearly any other USB-infused gadget that’s smaller than a 9.7-inch tablet PC. Both of ’em are up for pre-order now through the company’s website, though the $24.99 (car) and $29.99 (home) price tags do feel a touch steep.

Scosche intros Revive II charger with iPad-optimized USB power port originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, we know you haven’t exactly been champing at the bit to make use of Windows 7’s Device Stage, but that might just be because you haven’t had an opportunity, as manufacturers have to proactively register their hardware to let you make use of the streamlined device management service. Thankfully for mobile broadband users, Sierra Wireless has just volunteered. Starting today, all Sierra Wireless AirCards will automatically integrate with Windows 7 to allow you one-touch access to connectivity, support and firmware updates — with the tradeoff that it also provides carriers a branded spot on your computer that “can be remotely updated to support marketing campaigns.” We’re not terribly worried about Verizon and kin selling us new phones, to be sure, but we’re always a wee bit cautious of providing another back door into our road warrior lives.

Sierra Wireless pledges undying affection, support for Windows 7 Device Stage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Push-up bars for the Wii Balance Board? Now that sounds like a fantastic idea — just the thing broad-shouldered individuals need to play Wii Fit without backstrain. Too bad this particular set of bars isn’t worth the plastic it’s printed from. The latest and greatest from the minds in the chintzy plastic peripheral industry, the $25 CTA Digital Wii Push Up Bar is held in place by only your weight and a few foam strips without reinforcement of any kind, meaning it could detach itself with any significant exertion. The only good that comes out of all this is an embarrassing video demonstration after the break, which features a pair of smiling humans pretending to have fun with the contraption. QVC, eat your heart out.

Continue reading Wii Fit push up bars make sense, but this one isn’t worth dollars

Wii Fit push up bars make sense, but this one isn’t worth dollars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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