Oh! Gizmo

By Luke Anderson

When I take my laptop somewhere, I usually just toss it in my backpack (it’s meant to tote around laptops). It isn’t particularly stylish, but it gets the job done. If you’re looking for something that stands out a little more than the average laptop case, this one might be for you.

I can bet that if you walk around with one of these, you aren’t going to run into many people with the same one. Of course you’re probably going to get a lot of strange looks, since it is rather strange. I can’t say it is something I’d ever be caught dead using, but I’m sure that someone out there will just love it. There’s not much to tell about it that a picture can’t say. We do know that it’s made from vinyl and will be available at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair this weekend. No word on pricing.

[ 25togo ] VIA [ Doobybrain ]

By Luke Anderson

When I take my laptop out somewhere, I have a backpack which it slips into. The backpack also conveniently carries a variety of other gadgets including my camera and extra lenses, which can be rather bulky and heavy. Most of the time I like to have all of these things on me, however, sometimes I just need my laptop, and something smaller to carry it would be nice.

If you’re really worried about the extra bulk, and need only the bare essentials, this neoprene laptop backpack from BUILT might be a perfect fit. There’s really only room for your notebook, the power cord and a couple of accessories. You can find them in two sizes and three different colors for $80 each.

[ BuiltNY ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Andrew Liszewski

There was a lot of excitement when Asus announced the EEE. It promised all of the functionality of a real PC (running Linux or Windows) with a form factor that was smaller than any other laptop on the market. While there were trade-offs when it came to screen real estate and memory, the relatively cheap price made it an instant hit when it was finally available. However, since the Asus EEE was the first to usher in a new wave of ultra-compact laptops, there were next to no accessories available for it when it hit the market. Thankfully though, with a flood of other ultra-compact laptops on the way, we’re starting to see more and more third-party accessories become available.

A few weeks ago WaterField Designs announced a version of their SleeveCase for the upcoming HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, but since I’ve already chosen the Asus camp I decided to take a look at a version of the case designed for the EEE instead. You can find my complete review of the WaterField Designs EEE SleeveCase after the jump.

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By Andrew Liszewski

For some people the Summer means long hours spent in a pool, lake or other equally refreshing body of water. But if you wanted to enjoy your music at the same time, it usually means settling for a splash proof radio sitting at the water’s edge. Lame! Instead, you might want to consider this waterproof case that will allow you to take your iPod Shuffle underwater with you. The case will protect the Shuffle to depths of about 10 feet, while still allowing you to push the volume and playback controls, even if you’re wearing a glove.

The H20Audio waterproof case also includes an armband which will keep your hands free for swimming or fighting off sharks, and there’s even a belt accessory if you wanted to go that route instead. The case is available from iPodWorld for about $60, but to ensure it remains completely watertight you need to use it with a set of headphones attached. And since it’s designed to be used underwater, you’ll also need to make sure those headphones are waterproof too, which will add to the cost.

[ H2OAudio Waterproof Case for iPod Shuffle 2G ] VIA [ The Gadgeteer ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Altoids seem to be just as popular for their curiously strong flavor as they are for the metal tins they come in. I’ve seen everything from headphone amps to battery backups to even actual iPods crammed into those tins, so it seems almost logical that someone would make one specifically designed for that purpose. Case Logic, who produces cases for nearly every piece of electronics on the market, is now selling a Traditional Tin metal case for the current generation iPod Nano and 80GB/160GB iPod Classic.

The tins are custom fitted for either iPod, and are lined with a silicon insert to cushion the MP3 player while the metal case protects it from wear and tear. There are holes cut in the top and bottom giving you access to the iPod’s ports and controls, and the lid slides up and down so you can see the screen and access the scroll wheel. The cases run $30 each and are available in either black, pink, eggplant purple or silver depending on which version you buy.

[ Case Logic Traditional Tin Case iPod Nano & iPod Classic ] VIA [ iLounge ]

By Luke Anderson

Have you ever wondered how you could transform your iPod from a beautiful and sleek piece of hardware into something hideous that no one else will want to touch? It’s rather easy, just make it look like a piece of meat.

I’m sure there are some other disgusting cases out there, but this one takes the cake (beefcake?).  This case will set you back nearly $100. Really, there’s just no way to even justify that cost.

[ GeekStuff4U ] VIA [ Pocket Lint ]

By Luke Anderson

I’ve seen and used a variety of  different laptop cases in the past, however, this has to be the most simplistic style that I’ve ever seen. The LapStrap is exactly what it sounds like. It’s simply a strap for your laptop. No bulky canvas coverings here, just a strap that rests along the inside of the hinge.

I don’t think I would really want to risk damage to my laptop with something like this, however, I’m sure that there are those who would enjoy something this simple. You can pick one up for just $25. Or you can probably make one yourself for next to nothing.

[ LapStrap ] VIA [ Crave ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Today, WaterField Designs announced a new version of their SleeveCase laptop bag designed for the new HP 2133 Mini-Note PC. The sleeve features a ballistic nylon outer shell with a neoprene padded interior, and are designed to provide an added level of protection for your new toy, while still allowing it to be easily carried in a larger bag. If you’d like to know more, I recommend checking out my review of the larger SleeveCase designed for full size laptops. While this version is a bit smaller, the design and construction will be quite similar.

The Mini-Note SleeveCase will actually ship later this month, but it’s currrently available for pre-order on the WaterField Designs website. The sleeve itself will set you back $38, but there’s optional accessories like a front flap or carrying strap that will add to the cost.

[ WaterField Designs HP Mini-Note SleeveCase ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I’ve seen these types of crystal clear plastic cases available for everything from iPods to phones to PSPs before, but this is definitely the first one I’ve seen made for an actual laptop. Of course given the fact that the Asus EEE is pretty much the smallest model on the market, it makes a bit more sense. Made from scratch resistant and shatterproof polycarbonate plastic (the same material used to make protective eyewear) the EEE Crystal Case will protect it from the bumps, scratches and dings of day-to-day use.

The case is completely clear and has cutouts for all of the EEE’s ports, buttons and controls. It even adds a latch to keep the laptop securely closed, which is something it lacks by default. (Though it’s never accidentally popped open for me.) There’s also a double hinge on the case which allows the screen on the EEE to be opened as wide as it’s designed to. It might be a tad overkill, but if you’re tired of using the included neoprene sleeve this will allow you to just slip the EEE in your bag without having to worry about it.

You can get it directly from Proporta for just $19.95.

[ Proporta Asus EEE Crystal Case ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Nothing makes you look like you’re ready for business than carrying an attache case. Even if you only use it to hold your lunch, people will still think you’re on your way to some important meeting with a bunch of corporate bigwigs. So imagine what carrying a carbon fiber version would do for your image? The G3 Carbon Attache from Nikola not only has a sleek design, but the carbon fiber outer finish will make you look like an international spy en-route to an assassination.

The G3 can also be customized with different feature options but the top of the line model will set you back about $3,600. It’s not cheap, but it’s not ridiculously expensive either. However if you want to look like you’re important but are on a tight budget, here’s some free advice. Just get a cheap attache case and a pair of handcuffs. If you walk around with an attache that’s handcuffed to your wrist people will think you’re important enough to carry launch codes, mountains of diamonds or even the results of the Oscar voting.

[ G3 Carbon Fiber Attache Case ] VIA [ Born Rich ]