kerstinne25
14th May '07 Mon, 21:44
Top 10 Washable Tech Products
05.14.07
By Jennifer L. DeLeo
Why fret about that germ-ridden computer mouse and keyboard? Invest in these tech items: They're 100-percent washable.
The office is a place where you work, hold meetings, eat lunch, and, in general, spend a good part of your day. When you spend day after day with the same group of people, odds are you're all sharing your cooties. (And, of course, there's always that one guy or gal that won't stay home when they're sick!) But did you realize that your keyboard, mouse, and desk can harbor thousands of germs, too? In fact, it's been said that four hundred times more bacteria are found on a desk than on most toilet seats! While you can't prevent coffee spills, crumbs, or co-workers touching your computer, you can opt to keep things a bit cleaner and invest in products that are 100-percent washable.
So before you start panicking at the idea of all the microorganisms lurking in your work space, educate yourself with these peripherals and accessories that you can wash along with your dirty dishes.
Here are a couple of the products you'll find in today's Top 10 Washable Tech Products slideshow:
1. Adesso AKB-230W Flexible USB Keyboard
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175198,00.jpg
Let's face it: your keyboard has taken enough abuse with all of the stains, crumbs, and bacteria that have built up over the years. Rather than throwing it out and buying a new one, you need a keyboard that you can simply clean in the sink. Adesso's newest washable keyboard, the AKB-230W Flexible USB ($34.99), can withstand water, dust, and dirt. It's even disaster proof, after the company ripped, pulled, yanked, and ran it over with a car. Measuring 17.5 by 5.0 by 0.5 inches, it has 109 keys and connects to a USB port. Best of all, the keyboard's flexible surface lets you roll it up when you're done.
2. iSkin ProTouch
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175197,00.jpg
A laptop's keyboard is even harder to clean, and turning it upside down to remove unidentifiable particles just isn't going to cut it. Designed for MacBook and MacBook Pro, the iSkin ProTouch ($24.99) is a flexible, durable high-grade silicone that fits over your keyboard to protect against spills, sand, hairs, and the like. It can be left on at all times, and conforms to the contours of each key. When it's in need of a good washing, just remove the cover and wash it with warm water and a mild soap.
3. Unotron M30 Washable Optical Mouse
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175196,00.jpg
Your computer mouse is one of the most germ-ridden items in your office (or at home). But if you own a washable mouse, you wouldn't have to wonder what's creeping on the surface. The Unotron M30 SteriMax Washable 3 Button Optical Mouse utilizes the company's patented SpillSeal technology that can be sterilized with many detergents and rinsed with water. Compatible with Windows systems, this USB-powered mouse comes in black or grey and sells for $69.99.
4. Ratpadz GS
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175195,00.jpg
Your mouse may need a good cleaning, but don't forget about your mousepad! The Ratpadz GS ($14.99) is a lightweight mousepad made of a hard plastic that delivers better mouse precision when using an optical mouse. Its edges are rolled, so as to provide comfort to your wrist and arm, and nine "feet" on the bottom of the pad hold it in place on your desk. In order to ensure accurate mouse tracking, use warm water with soap to keep it dirt-free or a glass cleaner to keep it sparkling.
5. Verizon G'zOne
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175199,00.jpg
When you chat away on your cell phones, you may not realize that you're getting your sweat and natural hand oils on it too. But with Verizon's G'zOne ($299.99), you can take it for a dip in the sink and in the pool! It features a 2.2-inch 320-by-240 screen and a 2MP camera, and you can make calls up to six feet of water. Although it lacks Bluetooth and a music player, an easy sell is its ability to work as a laptop modem.
6. Emano Tec MedTab
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175201,00.jpg
Those who work in the medical field know that germs are everywhere. That's why Emano Tec developed the MedTab ($4,995): a washable pocket-sized tablet for the healthcare industry. With it, doctors can have instant access to medical records wherever they are. It's packed with Bluetooth, 802.11/g Wi-Fi, an Intel 624MHz processor, and voice recognition. It's extremely portable-weighing in at just 12 ounces--and is completely washable.
7. Braun 8995 360 Complete Men's Shaver
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175204,00.jpg
Using that tiny brush that comes with your electric razor can't completely clean the hair out. The only sure fire way is to wash your razor. With the new Braun 8995 360 Complete Men's Shaver, it does the washing for you using its Clean & Renew System. Just press the button, and it will automatically clean, lubricate, and dry the shaver head. Plus, its Power-Comb technology "lifts problem hairs that lie flat to the skin to avoid missed hairs in hard to shave areas." The internal LCD screen provides you with charge/battery status, shaving habits, and when you need to clean the head. Get this auto-cleaning shaver for $149.99 at Amazon.com.
8. Unotron SAC2 Smartcard Reader
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175202,00.jpg
When you lend your smart card reader to co-workers, who knows what's living on their hands? With the SAC2 Smartcard Reader ($24.99) from Unotron, you can upload your photos without spreading microbes. Compatible with all memory cards, just plug it into your PC's USB 2.0 port.
9. Voltaic Daypack
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175200,00.jpg
Planning a hiking and camping trip, but don't know how you're going to power your cell phone or digital camera? Voltaic's Daypack ($239) is a simple, solar solution. This backpack includes a 3.6-volts Li-Ion battery pack with three voltage settings to store solar power. The three solar panels are tough and can generate up to four watts of power. Even more, the panels are waterproof, which means you can easily rid of dirt and dust.
10. Pentax Optio W30
[img]http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175203,00.jpg[img]
It's never a good thing when you drop your camera. But when you drop it in dirt, or worse--mud--how can you remove the grime without damaging the camera further? With the Pentax Optio W30 ($299.95), you can clean the lens and camera body under running cold water thanks to its waterproof casing. Even more, you can take it underwater up to nine feet. It features a 2.5-inch screen, 7.1 MP, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and face-recognition mode.
05.14.07
By Jennifer L. DeLeo
Why fret about that germ-ridden computer mouse and keyboard? Invest in these tech items: They're 100-percent washable.
The office is a place where you work, hold meetings, eat lunch, and, in general, spend a good part of your day. When you spend day after day with the same group of people, odds are you're all sharing your cooties. (And, of course, there's always that one guy or gal that won't stay home when they're sick!) But did you realize that your keyboard, mouse, and desk can harbor thousands of germs, too? In fact, it's been said that four hundred times more bacteria are found on a desk than on most toilet seats! While you can't prevent coffee spills, crumbs, or co-workers touching your computer, you can opt to keep things a bit cleaner and invest in products that are 100-percent washable.
So before you start panicking at the idea of all the microorganisms lurking in your work space, educate yourself with these peripherals and accessories that you can wash along with your dirty dishes.
Here are a couple of the products you'll find in today's Top 10 Washable Tech Products slideshow:
1. Adesso AKB-230W Flexible USB Keyboard
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175198,00.jpg
Let's face it: your keyboard has taken enough abuse with all of the stains, crumbs, and bacteria that have built up over the years. Rather than throwing it out and buying a new one, you need a keyboard that you can simply clean in the sink. Adesso's newest washable keyboard, the AKB-230W Flexible USB ($34.99), can withstand water, dust, and dirt. It's even disaster proof, after the company ripped, pulled, yanked, and ran it over with a car. Measuring 17.5 by 5.0 by 0.5 inches, it has 109 keys and connects to a USB port. Best of all, the keyboard's flexible surface lets you roll it up when you're done.
2. iSkin ProTouch
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175197,00.jpg
A laptop's keyboard is even harder to clean, and turning it upside down to remove unidentifiable particles just isn't going to cut it. Designed for MacBook and MacBook Pro, the iSkin ProTouch ($24.99) is a flexible, durable high-grade silicone that fits over your keyboard to protect against spills, sand, hairs, and the like. It can be left on at all times, and conforms to the contours of each key. When it's in need of a good washing, just remove the cover and wash it with warm water and a mild soap.
3. Unotron M30 Washable Optical Mouse
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175196,00.jpg
Your computer mouse is one of the most germ-ridden items in your office (or at home). But if you own a washable mouse, you wouldn't have to wonder what's creeping on the surface. The Unotron M30 SteriMax Washable 3 Button Optical Mouse utilizes the company's patented SpillSeal technology that can be sterilized with many detergents and rinsed with water. Compatible with Windows systems, this USB-powered mouse comes in black or grey and sells for $69.99.
4. Ratpadz GS
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175195,00.jpg
Your mouse may need a good cleaning, but don't forget about your mousepad! The Ratpadz GS ($14.99) is a lightweight mousepad made of a hard plastic that delivers better mouse precision when using an optical mouse. Its edges are rolled, so as to provide comfort to your wrist and arm, and nine "feet" on the bottom of the pad hold it in place on your desk. In order to ensure accurate mouse tracking, use warm water with soap to keep it dirt-free or a glass cleaner to keep it sparkling.
5. Verizon G'zOne
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175199,00.jpg
When you chat away on your cell phones, you may not realize that you're getting your sweat and natural hand oils on it too. But with Verizon's G'zOne ($299.99), you can take it for a dip in the sink and in the pool! It features a 2.2-inch 320-by-240 screen and a 2MP camera, and you can make calls up to six feet of water. Although it lacks Bluetooth and a music player, an easy sell is its ability to work as a laptop modem.
6. Emano Tec MedTab
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175201,00.jpg
Those who work in the medical field know that germs are everywhere. That's why Emano Tec developed the MedTab ($4,995): a washable pocket-sized tablet for the healthcare industry. With it, doctors can have instant access to medical records wherever they are. It's packed with Bluetooth, 802.11/g Wi-Fi, an Intel 624MHz processor, and voice recognition. It's extremely portable-weighing in at just 12 ounces--and is completely washable.
7. Braun 8995 360 Complete Men's Shaver
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175204,00.jpg
Using that tiny brush that comes with your electric razor can't completely clean the hair out. The only sure fire way is to wash your razor. With the new Braun 8995 360 Complete Men's Shaver, it does the washing for you using its Clean & Renew System. Just press the button, and it will automatically clean, lubricate, and dry the shaver head. Plus, its Power-Comb technology "lifts problem hairs that lie flat to the skin to avoid missed hairs in hard to shave areas." The internal LCD screen provides you with charge/battery status, shaving habits, and when you need to clean the head. Get this auto-cleaning shaver for $149.99 at Amazon.com.
8. Unotron SAC2 Smartcard Reader
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175202,00.jpg
When you lend your smart card reader to co-workers, who knows what's living on their hands? With the SAC2 Smartcard Reader ($24.99) from Unotron, you can upload your photos without spreading microbes. Compatible with all memory cards, just plug it into your PC's USB 2.0 port.
9. Voltaic Daypack
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175200,00.jpg
Planning a hiking and camping trip, but don't know how you're going to power your cell phone or digital camera? Voltaic's Daypack ($239) is a simple, solar solution. This backpack includes a 3.6-volts Li-Ion battery pack with three voltage settings to store solar power. The three solar panels are tough and can generate up to four watts of power. Even more, the panels are waterproof, which means you can easily rid of dirt and dust.
10. Pentax Optio W30
[img]http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,i=175203,00.jpg[img]
It's never a good thing when you drop your camera. But when you drop it in dirt, or worse--mud--how can you remove the grime without damaging the camera further? With the Pentax Optio W30 ($299.95), you can clean the lens and camera body under running cold water thanks to its waterproof casing. Even more, you can take it underwater up to nine feet. It features a 2.5-inch screen, 7.1 MP, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and face-recognition mode.