Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

Our laptop goes practically everywhere we do—traveling on business trips, being jostled about by commuters in the city subways, and occasionally finding its way into the bathroom when reading materials are scarce.  But more often than not, our laptop rests on top of our bed as we type late into the night (in a manner that would be considered anything but ergonomic).  The A-Stand by AIAIAI (available at Charles & Marie for $55) is the perfect antidote for those of you (like us) that find themselves hunching over their laptop just a bit too much.  Made of PVC tubing coated with a special soft-touch rubber, the A-Stand allows you to use a separate full-sized keyboard while propping up your screen to be more in-line with your natural line of sight (editor’s note: using a desk would also be a good start).  Available in both a brilliant yellow and a minimalist white, the A-Stand provides a unique dose of style that most laptop stands couldn’t even begin to match.

Computer Accessories, Gear

With every new device or latest iteration of an existing product line that comes out of the wonder emporium known as Apple, we find ourselves (long-standing PC guys) ecstatically resigned to joining the ever surging number of Macophiles everywhere.  Leveraging the innovative Multi-Touch technology found on iPhone, Apple Magic Mouse (available at Apple for $69) is yet another reason to make the permanent switch to the other side.  With the entire top area of Magic Mouse powered by Multi-Touch technology, you’re able to scroll and swipe through pages as well as zoom in on items on your screen, all with the slightest brush of your fingers.  Magic Mouse uses laser tracking to provide incredibly precise and responsive movement, while its Bluetooth capabilities ensure a reliable wireless experience from up to 33 feet away.  And whether you’re a righty or a lefty, a scroller but not a swiper, you can personalize Magic Mouse using system preferences to have it work just the way you like it.  And these days, that’s kind of what it’s all about, isn’t it? Related Item: Elecom M-SN1UL Scope Node Laser Sensor Mouse

Computer Accessories, Gear, Office

Jedi or Sith.  Light or dark.  Regardless of which side of the Force speaks to you, the MIMOBOT Star Wars USB Flash Drive (available at Mimoco starting from $25) is the perfect data storage device for the most ardent of Star Wars fans.  With a memory capacity ranging from 1GB to 8GBs, the MIMOBOT Star Wars Flash Drive is both PC/Mac compatible and for the true fanboys, it also comes preloaded with software that plays samples of the characters’ movie sayings whenever inserting or removing the USB drive.

Related Item:
Hacoa Monaca Wood USB

Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Office

Last time we checked, the calendar said the year was 2009, but inexplicably, some of us still tolerate webcam performance where picture and audio quality suggests we’re in a different millennium altogether.  The Blue Microphones Eyeball (available at Blue Microphones for $100) is an innovative and incomparably designed webcam with Super HD-quality video and audio capabilities that combine cutting-edge proprietary audio technology with a design aesthetic in a class by itself (the condenser capsule is a throwback design element we simply love).  The Eyeball is compatible with both PC and Mac and doesn’t require any drivers to install.  Instead, just connect it to your computer’s USB port and either use the integrated stand for flat surfaces or the custom-designed monitor adapter for placement on top of any desktop or laptop monitor.  There’s a retractable camera lens in the event you require more privacy and the Eyeball will even turn itself off when not in use.

Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Office

It seems more and more these days, being environmentally conscious doesn’t require any sacrifices in the design department and the Dell Studio Hybrid Desktop Computer (available at Dell starting at $499) is no exception.  The Studio Hybrid is Dell’s most environmentally friendly computer, featuring an ultra compact design 80% smaller than standard desktops.  The Studio Hybrid meets Energy Star 4.0 standards while using 70% less power than most desktops as well as having packaging made from 95% recyclable materials.  And with its Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Processors and features including an optional digital/analog TV tuner, slot-load DVD, HDMI, and optional Blu-ray, the Studio Hybrid’s performance and efficiency demonstrate this desktop has a lot more to offer than just a sleek exterior.  That said, you can choose from an array of interchangeable colors or premium sleeves (editor’s choice: bamboo) and customize this smart little desktop to be your very own.

Computer, Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Going green, Loft, Office

The Elecom M-SN1UL Scope Node Laser Sensor Mouse (available at AudioCubes for $90) distinguishes itself from other mice by moving the position of the optical sensor from the middle of the mouse to just in between where your thumb and index finger are when placed on the mouse.  With a 1600dpi resolution, the optical sensor is more precise and the overall effect is similar to holding a pen, with the mouse’s optical sensor aligned with where the tip of the pen would be in hand.  The mouse comes in three colors (editor’s choice: black) and is only available from select Japanese online retailers.

Computer Accessories, Gear, Office

Moixa USBCELL AA Batteries (available at USBCELL for $18) are an environmentally friendly alternative to regular alkaline batteries, billions of which are thrown away into landfills each year.  The NiMH AA batteries can be reused hundreds of times after a simple charge by plugging them into any available USB port without the use of cables or adaptors.  We’ll be keeping a close eye on the USBCELL line as future products will include AAA, 9V and cell phone batteries as well.

Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Office

The fine line between PC and TV just got a little more blurred with the beta launch of Hulu Desktop.  Available for PC and Mac, Hulu Desktop runs directly on your desktop without the use a web browser or account setup (although you can personalize the desktop by linking it to your Hulu account).  Simply download and start scanning through Hulu’s lineup of TV shows and movies in alphabetical order, by network or studio, or by Hulu Channel.  You can also navigate through the desktop using both Apple and Windows Media Center remotes.  Either way, it just got a little easier for you to take that next important devolutionary step towards ultimate slacker status.

Computer Accessories, Gear, Software, TV/Film

Verizon Wireless’ newly released MiFi 2200 (available at Verizon Wireless for $99 with a two year contract) is a 3G/WiFi router that turns any unsuspecting pocket or table surface into a high-speed internet hotspot, sans wires or USB ports.  Connect up to five WiFi enabled devices to the MiFi 2200 at a time and get broadband internet virtually anywhere.

Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Office, Wireless

While better known for their wooden keyboard, Hacoa’s product line also includes the Monaca Wood USB (available at Gizmine for $90), a 1GB USB drive that blends the technological and the tactile in one stylish computer accessory.  The USB drive comes in three shades of natural wood grain (editor’s choice: dark brown) and also has small lanyard holes for your keychain.

Computer Accessories, Electronics, Gear, Office