Keyspan USB PDA Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $39.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Looking for a way to connect your PDA to the USB port on a Macintosh or Windows 98 PC? The Keyspan USB PDA adapter is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable way to make this connection. The adapter plugs into any USB port on your Mac or PC. It provides one DB-9 serial port for connection to the Palm organizer, Sharp Wizard, Windows CE PDA, or Pocket PC. ... Read more

Features

• Weighs only 2 ounces
• Connects your PDA to the USB port of your Macintosh or Windows 98 PC
• Provides a DB-9 serial port for connection to the Palm organizer, Sharp Wizard, or Pocket PC
• Supports data rates up to 57.6 Kbps
• Simple installation

Reviews (2)

Works flawlessly with OS X.
No problems;works great... excellent driver work.

Gets the job done
I was looking for something to permit my USB-only Powerbook G3 to be able to work well with serial devices.I have a GPS and Cybiko that need a serial interface to function.

Better virtual PC support would be nice. Keyspan used to make a dual mini-din 8 adapter specifically for the Mac. Has anyone had experience with that? ... Read more

Asin: B00004T2LK
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Pocket PC (PCs)    3. Casio    4. Handheld (Hand Held)    5. Hewlett-Packard (Hewlett, Packard, HP)    6. Compaq   

Microsoft B75-00001 IntelliMouse Explorer
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $74.95
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Features

• Designed exclusively for right-handed use
• IntelliEye optical technology
• Works on hundreds of surfaces and doesn't require a mouse pad
• 5 programmable buttons
• IntelliMouse wheel for faster scrolling

Reviews (262)

who is johnny5dm?
I wish i could find "johnny5dm"s article on taking apart the mouse. I am having major problems with mine. the left button acts like i am constantly double clicking and the scrool wheel wont roll upwards. I do like the look and feel and he buttons are situated in nice places, but for 60 bucks (which was what i paid for it at the time) I wish it would have lasted me longer than a few years. I have ordered a new mouse to replace this one, but would still love to take it apart and work on it. SO, if anyone knows where "johnny5dm"s article is, i would greatly appreaciate it

Slipshod Manufacturing!
I own two Intellimouse Explorer USB 3.0 mice.The first one I bought about 4 years ago.It lasted me under constant use (24/7 for 4 years) until about 3 days ago (I take extraordinarily good care of my computer equipment, though).This mouse has 5 buttons and a scrollwheel (the scrollwheel doubles as a middle mouse button).The two buttons on the side are generally only used (and are most _useful_) as back and forward buttons in a web browser.

If you purchase this product, here is what happens when the mouse starts going on the blink - you will get an advance warning when the back/forward buttons suddenly stop working (requiring a reboot to "fix") and then randomly the mouse fails.The OS refuses to power it back up until either the system is rebooted or the USB slot is switched.At first, you may think your system has been "hacked" somehow, but starting device manager (using the keyboard only) will show that there is a problem with the "Human Interface Device".

Now onto the slipshod manufacturing:When I bought my second mouse (6 months ago), I had to send it back TWO times to finally get a good, not-dead-on-arrival mouse.I managed to get an identical mouse to the first one the third time.I noticed something interesting about the third mouse - the side grey area matched the darker color of my first mouse.The other two mice had side-panels that were lighter in color.This could indicate a manufacturing change (IMO, for the worse).All three were identical _looking_ except for the color difference.However, the _feel_ of the lighter grey mice was VERY different - the side buttons were difficult to impossible to push to get them to click and yet they were "loosely connected" like my two good mice (that the best I can describe the feeling).Both of the lighter grey mice had installation problems and one worked for only a bit while the other didn't work at all.I believe the third one came from better manufacturing and may have been made about the same time my first mouse was (I guess it was never sold).I love this mouse - it is the only mouse I've ever felt _mostly_ comfortable holding...all others just cramp my hand.Someone here said it was too big, well this one still cramps my hand where my ring finger touches the top of my pinky finger - I'd love a mouse where I could evenly space my fingers across the entire surface.This mouse comes close to what I want in a mouse.However, with the recent degradation in quality of Microsoft hardware and my own personal experience, I'm beginning to look around for alternatives.I'm more than willing to spend $75 ($100 is pushing it) for a good mouse that fits _me_, but it has to last 20 years.

Mediocre Mouse
I loved this mouse for about 3 months.And then it died.It's comfortable, attractive, responsive, and I loved the forward and back buttons.It was also my first mouse with a scroll wheel/button...nice.The optical aspect...wow.But these days that's nothing special (was gifted this in '00 but didn't use it much until '04).

I have two reservations, but they are important ones.First, it seems MS would be able to make a mouse that works flawlessly with its own OS.However, often the mouse would stop responding and I'd have to unplug and replug it, and restart my computer when that didn't work.The red power light would stay on and the activity light also responded, but it wasn't communicating.

Second, the thing doesn't work any more.I believe it's a weakness where the wire connects to the mouse body that caused it.I temporarily, insufficiently fixed it with electrical tape holding it in position, but that lasted about 2 weeks.I was certainly not rough enough with it over 3 months to warrant this; it's simply shoddy parts, design, or craftsmanship.

I won't say avoid this mouse at all costs.It's possible I got a dud.It's a great mouse except for the aforementioned problems.Still, I'm probably going with a Logitech cordless optical next time. ... Read more

Asin: B00002JXBI
Sales Rank: 25141
Subjects:  1. B7500001, B, 7500001, PS 2    2. Mouse (Mice)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    4. IntelliEye, Intelli Eye    5. Computer Input Device (Devices)    6. Wheel Mouse (Mice) (Wheelmouse, Wheelmice, Wheel)    7. Universal Serial Bus, Macintosh   

D-Link DSB-H4 USB 4-Port Hub
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $21.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The DSB-H4 is designed to provide quick and easy access to the four Type A downstream ports for connecting peripherals with USB support, other USB hubs, and devices. A single Type B upstream port is provided for connecting to the host computer or another USB hub. Configured directly by the operating system, the DSB-H4 operates seamlessly with both Microsoft's Open HCI and Intel's Universal HCI. ... Read more

Features

• Connect up to 4 USB peripherals or devices to a USB-ready PC or iMac
• Provides an out-of-the-box industry-standard bus
• Seamless connections
• Low and high speeds supported with data buffering
• Diagnostic LEDs provide the user with power state and port status

Reviews (92)

works poorly with iMac
The hub worked for a couple weeks I think, but have had numerous problems, enough to render it useless to me. It won't recognize my keyboard anymore (note: it used to)so I have to plug it directly. I also get that caps lock thing going on. It never recognized the DLink Wireless adapter, same manufacturer! Go figure! I have to plug it directly in the desktop. The HP Photosmart printer still works, though. Is this just a Dlink hub issue or DLink products in general because I have the wireless adapter and a wireless router.

Not all USB products are compatible with this hub
While this hub installed easily and works without much interaction, I've found that there are many USB products that will only work when plugged directly into the computer (and fail completely when plugged into this hub). Some examples are the Microsft wireless optical mouse (which is the whole reason I bought this hub), my HP writable DVD drive and an M-Audio audio interface.

I'm not sure if this is the fault of D-Link or the other manufacturers, but there are enough products that will not work with it that I wonder about the compatibility of this hub.

Works great!
I have had this for awhile and have not had any problems.I have a camera and some other things plugged into it.It is nice not having to worry about running out of USB connections. ... Read more

Asin: B000023VUL
Subjects:  1. Network Hubs    2. Universal Serial Bus (USB)    3. Networking (Network)    4. Hub (Hubs)    5. USB Hub (Hubs)   

PalmOne m105 Handheld
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Palm handhelds have succeeded because they're small and lightweight but hold a surprisingly large amount of personal data. The Palm m105 handheld expands on those essential features by offering an organizer that's smaller and lighter (4.4 ounces) than most others while remaining packed with 8 MB of memory, so it can do much more than just store your calendar or addresses. The m105 is also one of the most comfortable Palm devices we've held--its distinctive curved bottom rests comfortably in the palm.

Like other Palm devices, the m105 includes an infrared port for beaming data to other handhelds, and it features a high-contrast screen with optional backlighting for low-light situations. At 2 inches square, the screen is slightly smaller than those on most Palm organizers. We noticed the difference since we've been using Palm handhelds for some time, but the m105 retains the same 160-by-160-pixel resolution, so this probably won't be a distraction for most users.

However, unlike other Palm handhelds, the m100 series includes two special applications. The Clock displays the date and time if you simply push the top scroll button on the front, even when the device is off. (It can also be viewed through a window in the cover.) And with the Note Pad, we could write notes or draw pictures directly on the screen without having to write in Graffiti, Palm's character-recognition language.

With more memory, the m105 can now hold more software--and Palm has provided a range of possibilities on the accompanying CD-ROM. Palm's Mobile Internet Kit, normally sold separately, is a software collection that allows the m105 to communicate via infrared link with a GSM cellular phone (such as the Nokia 8290). The kit includes MultiMail Pro software for managing e-mail, programs for SMS text messaging and WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsing, and software for accessing Web Clipping data over the Palm.net network (the same service used for the wireless Palm VIIx). Also included on the CD-ROM is the AvantGo Web browser and a client for connecting to AOL.

The Palm m105 includes a HotSync cradle (the m100 handheld shipped with just a cable) for synchronizing data between the handheld and a desktop or laptop computer. Macintosh owners (like ourselves) or anyone wishing to use a USB port on a Windows system will need to purchase the USB serial adapter, though the Mac version of the Palm Desktop software is included in the box.

We were disappointed to find that the Windows version of Palm Desktop included on the CD-ROM is one generation behind the latest release. However, you can download Palm Desktop 4.0 for free from Palm's Web site, making this only a one-time nuisance. Additionally, the m105 is not flash upgradable, so you won't be able to update to a newer version of the operating system later on (the m105 comes with Palm OS 3.5).

With the addition of more memory and Internet access software, plus its comfortable, lightweight design, the Palm m105 is an entry-level handheld that doesn't feel like the new kid on the block. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Smaller and lighter than most handhelds, fitting comfortably in hand
• 8 MB memory stores more data
• Includes Palm Mobile Internet Kit and other software for online access

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen
• Operating system not upgradable
• Doesn't ship with latest Palm Desktop software for Windows

... Read more

Features

• 8 MB memory--stores thousands of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
• Includes HotSync serial cradle to back up data to your PC or Macintosh
• Comes with e-mail and Mobile Internet Kit software and desktop software for both PC and Mac
• Link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only)
• Customizable with optional snap-on faceplates

Reviews (114)

Support or lack of
The M 105 does what it was designed to do, howerver the apparent lack of interest by the Palm people when trying to sort a problem sours the experience.

This unit uses a 3.3 volt cell as a power backup when batteries are being changed and once it is flat there appears to be no replacement available. When approached the Palm people in Australia couldn't have been less interested in providing access to a new cell or offering a solution. I have carried out extensive searches with all the battery suppliers I know of and none make a cell of the required specifications.

So to conclude, it is a good product providing you don't want any backup in the way of spares.

Palm M105, a wonderful planner for someone short of cash
When I bought the palm m105 I was surprised at how much memory was installed despite the immensely low price. I immediately started loading programs onto it and was, overall, pleased. If you are someone short of cash and in need of a planner this is your ticket.

An excellent PDA!
This was my first PDA ever. In fact, I still use it! The price is very affordable and worth way over the price! The size is compact and you can put it anywhere. Buy a case holder with this item and use it as a wallet! The instuctions (manual) explains everything accurately...and the techology is very simple!

If you look at some other reviews you will notice :

1) One person said that they lost their info
and
2) Someone said that when they restarted all they kept getting was touch the screen

Anwser to 1) : You needed to use the cradle...and transfer all of the info from the pda into the computer. When you need to change your batteries, change them and then Snyc (all of the info from the comp will go back onto the pda.) All of your info should be completely restored.

Anwser to 2): You had to touch the screen with your stylus exactly in the given circles. If you clicked anywhere else, it will keep going and going.

I have not had any problem's with my m105 and I have had it for 4 years. In fact, I was (and still am) so in love with it, when my first one got stolen, I bought a new one!

I would definetly recommend this item for someone or as a gift

Recap :

Affordable
Compact
Easy to Use
and a great gift! ... Read more

Asin: B000059MSI
Subjects:  1. m100    2. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    3. Palm Connected    4. Handheld (Hand Held)