Handset works with smartphones
— -- This weekly roundup takes a look at the practical and sometimes quirky aspects of tech products.
Handset works with smartphones
Smartphones aren't particularly smart when it comes to comfy design, especially when you're gabbing for an extended period of time. One solution is the Good Call iG1, a Bluetooth handset from GoFusion. Designed to mimic the look and feel of a sleek cordless handset, the device works with Bluetooth-enabled phones, including the iPhone. When a call comes in, pick up the headset, press the talk button and start talking, just like you would with a landline handset. Have an iPhone? You can dock and charge your phone in a slot on the handset's base. It costs about $80.
Virtuoso works on paper, screens
Paper or tablet? You can write on both with the Virtuoso Signature Stylus and Pen. The dual-purpose instrument from Kensington switches roles with a simple twist. As a stylus, its responsive touch tip encourages smooth tablet writing. As a ball-point-pen, it provides precise writing on paper. Available in silver or black, the stylus-and-pen combo costs about $30.
Tablet picks up the pace
Acer moves to the fast lane with the debut of the Iconia A510 tablet. Equipped with a 1.3 GHz Tegra 3.0 quad core processor, the tablet has been engineered to process graphic-rich multimedia at an entertaining pace. Preloaded with the Polaris Office 3.5, the tablet can handle a variety of documents, including Microsoft Office files. It also has an app that allows you to print those documents wirelessly and a battery that can deliver about 13 hours of power. Priced at $450, the Acer Iconia A510-10k32u model includes the Android 4.0 operating system, a 32-GB hard drive, 1 GB of memory, a 10.1-inch multi-touch display, a micro USB port, a micro HDMI port, a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1-megapixel front-facing camera. Other versions are available.
Case provides puffy support
Your iPad will have a comfy resting spot on the CampFire sleeping bag case from X-Doria. Designed to keep your iPad in place, it has a beanbag-like cushion that lets you position the tablet for optimal viewing. When you've finished working (or playing) on your iPad, pull on the drawstring and it'll reverse itself into a protective case. Better yet, the case provides access to all ports. It costs about $60.
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