Here's something very handy that arrived in the PC World bunker just in time for the holidays. The Powerstick is a portable charging device that houses its own lithium ion battery and can be recharged via any USB port.

We've had plenty of those mobile chargers that take an AA battery across our desks, but the Powerstick goes one better with its rechargeable battery. Coincidentally, my Blackberry Pearl was red-lining just as the Powerstick arrived so I put it straight to work. It very nearly juiced the Pearl all the way to full, missing by just smidgin. Still, plenty of power to make any calls or texts until I could next reach a charger.
A bundle of swappable charging leads are provided for all types of phones and iPods and the mini USB and micro USB leads could no doubt be put to use on other devices like digital cameras.
The Powerstick itself charges quickly via the USB port concealed beneath its end cap. At $79 and with a claimed ability to retain a charge for up to six months, the Powerstick could be just what you need in your glovebox or bag this summer.
Check it out at powerstick.com

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

If you want to use that iPhone for navigation in your car you're gonna need a car kit because just like your private parts in public, your navigation device needs to be "touched infrequently".

Key features of the car kit are securing mounting in portrait or landscape mode with a simple twist and lock motion, enhanced GPS performance thanks to a built-in receiver and a built-in speaker and microphone for voice navigation and handsfree calling. The dock even charges your iPhone on the go.

The car kit has an RRP of $200 and is available from Harvery Norman, JB Hi-fi and Dick Smith.
The TomTom app for iPhone (v 1.2), including map of New Zealand, is available for $120 from the Apple App Store.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 )

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) has joined with Google Maps to enable users to access public transport information and directions using Google Transit, a feature of Google Maps.

ARTA’s General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says, ”This is another step in ARTA’s drive to make planning public transport journeys easier and more accessible for our customers. People searching for directions in Auckland on Google Maps will now have the extra option to view public transit options. Initially, the service will extend to the comprehensive network of bus services throughout the Auckland region, however in the coming months train and ferry information will also be added to the service.

”The service provides a link through to the MAXX website (maxx.co.nz) where people can find out more details about fares and schedules.„

Mr Lambert said the way the system would work was that in areas where transit data was available, public transit directions would appear as an addition to driving directions. Bus stops (and shortly train station and ferry icons) would appear on Google Maps at http://maps.google.co.nz, offering people more choice in respect of their transport options.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

Vodafone has launched a mobile broadband hotspot device called MiFi, providing customers with the opportunity to carry a Wi-Fi hotspot with them on the go.

The $499 device weighs less than 100 grams and allows up to five people to simultaneously connect to the internet using Vodafone's 3G network.

MiFi incorporates a battery that Vodafone claims will last for up to four hours of continuous use and has a built-in MicroSD card that allows connected users to share up to 16GB of files.

Vodafone's GM of Products Pricing and Internet Kursten Shalfoon said MiFi would provide users with greater mobility.

"Whether you want to work collaboratively on a project or just need to have multiple devices connecting together while you're out and about, the MiFi gives you the best of Vodafone's 3G broadband connection and combines it with all the benefits of Wi-Fi to deliver a great product."

Vodafone is offering customers who buy the MiFi with a 1GB data plan a discounted purchase price of $299.

Posted by James Heffield at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

For business travellers looking to avoid visits to the physio, Dell has released the Vostro V13. A fully-fledged ultra-portable notebook, the V13 boasts a 13.3-inch screen and weighs just 1.59kgs.

An ultra-low voltage Core 2 processor does the thinking and there is 4GB of DDR3 RAM pre-loaded. Windows 7 is the default operating system.
Bluetooth and 802.11g/n connectivity are provided along with an integrated webcam and micrphone for VoIP calling.
Full data encrypted hard drives are an option and the Dell DataSafe online backup is available to help recover important files if theft or a major malfunction interrupts your day.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 )

Navman has added AA Live Traffic to its latest range of in-car GPS navigation units.

AA Live Traffic broadcasts real-time traffic information and sends alerts directly to the GPS unit notifying of incidents on a proposed route as well as suggesting an alternative to bypass the problem. The alerts include a description of the incident, location of the affected area, expected delay, and expected time of arrival.

However, AA Live Traffic is currently only available in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. And you've actually got to cough up an extra $149 to get the service on all but the top-of-the-line MX500XT model ($649). Other units include the MY30 ($299), the MY50 ($399) and the MY55 ($499)

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

Following on from the BlackBerry-like E71, Nokia has released the E72. Preloaded with Nokia Messaging for email and IM, the E72 is all business.

Nokia Messaging requires users to simply type in their work email address and password and the set-up wizard does the rest. Email is pushed direct to the handset.

Nokia Messaging also provides access to Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Nokia’s own Ovi Mail. IM can be set up from the home screen and provides access to Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk and Ovi Chat.

Elsewhere, the E72 offers the latest version of Nokia’s Ovi Maps with A-GPS navigation and a five megapixel camera.

The office capabilities on the Nokia E72 have also been updated with a new version of Quickoffice, which delivers Microsoft Office 2007 compatibility as well as free version upgrades when new features become available.

The Nokia E72 will be available in Zodium black from Vodafone. Local pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 )