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Targus announces screen protector for iPad with Clear View technology
It's not surprising that many of the big names in Apple device protection accessories are getting into the iPad market, even with the release of the device still about six weeks away. Targus, a longtime provider of cases and mice for Apple's laptops, announced this morning that they'll soon be selling the Targus Screen Protector for iPad. Targus has been selling fingerprint-resistant screen protectors for the iPhone and iPod touch devices for about a month, and will use the same trademarked Clear View technology for the iPad Screen Protector. The material used for the Screen Protector is covered with microscopic textures that dissipate fingerprint oils and reduce smudging on the screen, as well as reduce glare and provide a scratch-proof surface. The adhesive makes the film easy to apply without leaving bubbles, and reduces peeling that plagues other screen treatments. The Targus Screen Protector for the Apple iPad will be available in April. No price has been announced for the product at this time.
CES Watch: More tales from the iLounge
Another day at CES 2010, another round of new iPhone, iPod, and Mac-related accessories. We're putting them all together in one post -- it's like you're on the show floor, without the terrible AT&T reception. iLive is introducing a whole slew of new speakers and micro speaker systems. Case-Mate has some cases with charging features, including a pretty slick-looking induction charger panel. iWave's also got four new collections of cases, speakers, and headphones to introduce at the convention. The Cignias NAO Symphony is a nice looking speaker dock with a strange feature: the ability to control the dock with a second iPhone or iPod touch. You can also stream music to it over WiFi or Bluetooth, and the unit will run you a hefty $299. The Phubby will keep your iPhone attached to your wrist, but that looks pretty bad for circulation. Toktumi showed off an app that will supposedly add a second phone number to your iPhone. Engadget went hands-on with the L5 remote dongle that we talked about the other day. SRS is releasing a new iWow adapter -- it's supposed to make music, movies, and TV sound better on your iPhone. And finally, Targus is showing off fingerprint blockers to keep the prints off of your devices. As you can tell, the iLounge pavilion at the show is packed with all kinds of things that connect to your iPhone -- if anyone ever wanted to overpay for an accessory, it's probably there. We'll keep an eye on any other Mac-related releases during the show for you throughout the weekend.
Targus dishes 'fingerprint-resistant' screen protectors, diminutive chargers
It's a battle we've all fought for years. Touchscreen-based phones and PMPs look just delightful on the shelf, but they get downright ugly once your greasy paws start mucking things up. Targus is hoping to remedy said quandary here at CES, with the company introducing a new line of patent-pending screen protectors that are supposedly "fingerprinter resistant." We're told that this Clear View technology will allow clear protectors to safeguard PMPs, smartphones, e-readers and laptops, all while shunning those unsightly smudges and smears from fingers. The model for phones should be making its way out to retail here soon for $9.99, with most of the popular models (iPhone 3GS, BlackBerry Storm / Curve / Bold / Pearl, T-Mobile G1, etc.) covered, though we're guessing it'll be awhile for those other devices to get treated. In related news, the firm also announced its smallest and lightest laptop (AC and DC) chargers, though they'll happily charge other devices thanks to the interchangeable tip system. Hop on past the break for all the details on models and prices. %Gallery-81268%
Targus debuts ACP51USZ laptop docking station with video
Well, it's not quite as seamless as something like Zemno's $500 DeskBook Pro docking station, but Targus' new ACP51USZ model is a good deal cheaper, and will likely get the job done just fine for most folks (with a few exceptions). That includes giving you a reasonable four USB 2.0 ports (two suitable for charging devices), a single DVI port for your monitor, an Ethernet port, and a pair of 3.5mm audio jacks for speakers, headphones, or a microphone -- all of which connect to your laptop with a single USB cable. Unfortunately, this one won't work (or at least be fully functional) with Mac or Linux, but it is compatible with Windows 7, XP and Vista, and it's available right now for $159.99.
Targus kicks out a slew of Mac-focused accessories
Targus is making a big deal about how it's launching its first-ever line of Mac accessories, but we're not seeing much here that's particularly platform-dependent -- just a lot of gray and white plastic. The $70 Bluetooth Laser Mouse, $50 Wireless Mouse, and $80 Bluetooth Presenter all feature an interesting touch-sensitive scroll nub that switches to cursor control on the presenter and offers four-way scrolling on the mice. There's also a $50 USB file-transfer cable that offers direct file transfers between PCs and Macs, a $30 four-port compact USB hub with wraparound cable, MacBook and MacBook Pro privacy screens that range from $50 to $80, and a $50 dual-fan cooling pad with a slight ergonomic tilt. All this should be available now -- PC owners, you'll just have to find something else to do with your useless, useless money.
Targus introduces checkpoint-friendly Zip-Thru laptop case
As we surmised earlier this month with the formal introduction of Mobile Edge's trio of TSA-approved laptop bags, the flood of competitors are now rushing out. One of the first out of the gate is Targus, delivering its Zip-Thru 15.4-inch Corporate Traveler Laptop Case. Just the first in the outfit's sure-to-be-long line of checkpoint-friendly bags, this one measures in at 16.93- x 6.5- x 13.98-inches, weighs 3.74-pounds, is constructed from durable black ballistic 1680 denier nylon and can -- of course -- slip under those airport scanning machines with your precious machine still tucked inside. Unfortunately, it won't be available for summertime travel (look for it to land in October), but you can go ahead and budget in $99.99 well before Q3 gets sticky.[Via CrunchGear]
Skooba and Targus bags to get your laptop through security, leave room for nothing else
Responding to travelers' woes about the laptop-out-of-the-bag shuffle at airport security stations, the TSA solicited bag manufacturers for "checkpoint-friendly" designs. Skooba and Targus are responding with their own line of bags to meet those requirements. What requirements, you ask? In order for a bag to be TSA-friendly, it must be small, have no straps or zippers, and leave no room for chargers, pens, or other detritus that could interfere with the X-ray image. Is it just us, or does that mean we'll be carrying another bag with us anyway? Nonetheless, the Skooba Skreener pictured here -- which doesn't seem to meet those requirements -- is available now for $119.95.Update: Good looking out, readers -- the pictured bag isn't the forthcoming TSA-friendly bag from Skooba![Via Gearlog]
Targus unveils NXT-based Portable Speaker Book
We've seen some far-out portable speakers, but Targus is keeping it simple with the upcoming Portable Speaker Book. The folding speakers feature NXT flat-panel Balanced Radiator drivers, and can be powered by either four AAs or USB power. We've no word on pricing, but we wouldn't expect to break the bank when these hit the UK sometime this summer.[Via Randomly Accessed]
Targus's new Stow-N-Go mice and HeatDefense cooling pad for power laptoping
Targus just launched three new travel mice and an interesting laptop cooling pad here at CES. The three new Stow-N-Go mice (updating the older model pictured here) all feature a tilting scroll wheel and switchable 1600/1200/800 DPI settings, and you've got your choice between (retractable) wired optical and laser models or a $40 wireless laser version, all of which should hit in March. The new $30 HeatDefense cooling pad, available in April, is made of a "crystalline compound" that "melts into a gel-like substance" to absorb heat as your machine heats up. We're not sure if that's a particularly wonderful idea, but we're definitely intrigued enough to go and check it out on the show floor later on today.
Microsoft talks third-party Zune accessories
You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.
The Lockdown: an interview with Al Giazzon of Targus
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on.On Friday, September 22, 2006, I interviewed Al Giazzon, the U.S. marketing manager for Targus. We talked about the company's philosophy regarding the security of their products and specifically about the Engadget report on the Defcon CL armored cable lock and the iPod mobile security lock.The interview lasted for one hour and is available here to listen to in its entirety [WMA]. For those of you that would like to review the critical points that were touched upon during our conversation, I have summarized them for a bit quicker of a read. Regarding their view of security and of their products:"We are not in the business of providing [a high] level of security against a well thought out, planned theft. We're really about providing a level of security for an affordable amount to protect against that more opportunistic theft. And for all of our corporate accounts that we sell these products to, they know that anyone who really wants it is gonna take it. And if it's the case where [the laptop is] that valuable, they take other precautions as well."
Targus iPod Lock sacrifices real security for aesthetics
Security expert Marc Weber Tobias has a column over at Engadget called The Lockdown. His most recent column is all about the Targus iPod Lock, which you may recall us mentioning here a few months ago. Turns out that the Targus mobile security lock is not only toothless, but could cause significant damage to your iPod's dock connector if you're not really careful. But wait - as far as Targus is concerned, the iPod damage potential is a feature, not a bug. Marc's analysis - complete with pictures and video demonstration - along with Targus' own responses to his evaluation is well worth the read. The bottom line, however, can be summarized with this statement: "...the key phrase is 'a modicum of security.' For those readers that are not familiar with this term, the definition for modicum includes small amount, little, bit, scrap, or ounce. This would be an accurate definition of the protection afforded by this product."What's worse is that Targus doesn't seem to actually care that their $30 product isn't such a great investment and is counting specifically on the average consumer being gullible enough to think this lock will genuinely protect them from the casual thief. Sad. Very sad.If any TUAW readers have used the Targus iPod lock, let us know what you think.
The Lockdown: The Targus iPod Lock, or, a modicum of security
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes a new column, The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on. Targus is offering what they call a "mobile security lock" that they claim is a perfect "solution" for the millions of iPod owners who are hoping to keep their music players secure from theft. After evaluating the device from three different perspectives, I was not quite sure exactly what the "solution" was that they were describing, so I requested an interview with their Director of United States Marketing, Al Giazzon. Targus agreed, in part to respond to the Lockdown analysis of the Defcon CL Armored computer lock. I offered them a chance to talk about their philosophy on both of these products and to comment specifically on what I had described as Defcon CL design deficiencies. They also reviewed my video prior to the interview. The interview will come shortly, but in this article, I will analyze their latest product offering, the Targus iPod Lock, and summarize what I thought were key points of the interview regarding this product. I think you will find the discussion quite interesting and may shed some light on how Targus defines "security" in the context of protecting computers and small handheld devices, but for now we should discuss and expose the security in this product as well.The Mobile Security Lock for the iPodThis is a small (2.75-ounce) device that consists of a docking connector that is secured with a three-digit combination lock. It is connected to a retractable 2.5-foot wire that terminates in a lightweight carrying case. Functionally, the idea is that the dock will be inserted into the iPod connector and the cable extended and wrapped around something that is immobile. Two release buttons, one on each side of the locking mechanism, must be simultaneously depressed in order to retract the two metal pins that project into the base of the internal iPod connector. Once the combination wheels are spun and locked, the side buttons cannot be depressed, thus making it impossible to easily withdraw the dock. The design is similar to a notebook lock; the iPod is tied to something that cannot be carried away.
The Lockdown: Your new Targus Defcon CL lock, hacked by beer
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes a new column, The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on. If you thought that this hefty looking lock was secure? Think again. Marc Weber Tobias and Matt Fiddler demonstrate how the Targus Defcon CL security device can be defeated in seconds with a piece of metal from a beer can, or with a paper clip. Its Targus time!A security analysis of this new product was prompted by a recent call from a technology reporter at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. This was the same journalist that wrote a detailed story about laptop locks in September 2004 that followed our security alert regarding the Defcon, wherein we described the simple method to decode its combination and quickly open it.Based upon the Targus press release and verbiage on the product packaging that extolled the Defcon CL Armor as having "more cut resistance and greater protection against cable cutters than other leading security cables," an associate and I decided to revisit the security of the new design and see if Targus has learned anything about the design of security products in the last two years. Evidently not! We sought to determine the new lock's resistance to both covert and forced methods of entry. As a result, an updated security alert and technical analysis has been posted on www.security.org and Engadget, together with a video that demonstrates how easy this lock can be compromised. Based upon our findings, I think it is fair to say that the latest Targus lock is on the cutting edge -- literally.
Targus lock for iPods
Targus, the people who make your laptop safe while you're walking around, have just announced a security lock for Dock connector equipped iPods. No long will you have to fear for your iPod's safety when you get up to get that Mocha Decaf at Starbucks. You can just chain that sucker to the table and you're good to go.This galvanized steel security cable will cost you $29.99, when it is available.[via iLounge]