INTERVIEW: Logitech Concerned About Effects Of Greek Euro Exit

Logitech International SA (LOGI) is monitoring the situation in Greece and possible knock-on effects should it leave the euro zone, the president of the computer accessories company said Friday."The biggest problem if Greece leaves the euro is what happens to the banks as a result and how it affects liquidity," told Dow Jones Newswires Bracken Darrell."The good news is our direct exposure to Greece is relatively limited and we don't need to make a contingency plan. But we need to keep an eye on the situation and where the cash is sitting and in what banks. Everybody is doing that now."Logitech, the world's biggest maker of computer mice, is monitoring the situation in other southern European countries, but isn't changing its banking arrangements yet, Darrell said.
However, it is keeping a close eye on payments from clients in southern Europe. "We think we are in pretty good shape, but we will keep monitoring the situation," Darrell said.He was speaking a day after Logitech said it would cut its Swiss workforce by 16% as part of a restructuring program aimed at reducing annual costs by $80 million. Up to 45 out of a total of 279 jobs will go at the company's sites in Morges and Lausanne under the cost-saving program, which was announced in April.Vizomax TV Screen Protector Review.No more job losses are planned in Switzerland, Darrell said, although further cuts are planned for other locations, without specifying where those are.Despite the fears about the euro's future, Darrell said he thought Logitech could do still do well with new products being launched. "The good news is that we have probably good markets, even in tough economic times. People still need technology, whether that's mice, keyboards and cameras," he said.
Moving beyond the iPad fold-out compartment, there's another padded full-sized zippered pocket, perfect for carrying another iPad or a MacBook Air. Even the sling strap is chock-full of useful features -- there's a zippered pocket for an iPhone, six elastic bands for either routing a cable from an iPad to earphones or to clip things to, a loop for hanging the bag from a coat hook, and two key hooks.You might think that all of this capability would come with a big weight penalty, but the bag weighs in at just a hair under two pounds. The back of the Somersault is covered with a perforated material to keep your back cool even in muggy conditions. And if that mugginess turns into a torrential downpour, you'll be happy to know that the case is water resistant.

Array of travel gadgets springs from tight airport security

Frequent business traveler Joe Harvey says passing through airport security can be a breeze — if you have the right accessories.His backpack allows his laptop to be screened at checkpoints without his having to take it out."I simply unfold it," says Harvey, a software consultant who lives in Lafayette, La. "My backpack holds everything I need to travel with. Nobody ever has to wait for me to disrobe … or empty my pockets. Ever."If you're looking for a nice gift for the business traveler in your life, you've got plenty to choose from. A cottage industry has sprung up for products that help frazzled fliers deal with the myriad rules and fees that come with air travel.
There are checkpoint-friendly laptop cases and ultra-light carry-on bags that help avoid checked luggage fees. There are digital scales to make sure you don't get penalized for overweight luggage, and even solid shampoo bars that get you around restrictions on liquids."These new categories have literally mushroomed because they're removing all the pain points associated with travel," says Lopo Rego, an associate professor of marketing at Indiana University.Escalating airport security following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, led to a dizzying array of new do's and don'ts when flying. Laptops have to be removed from bags.
After al-Qaeda operative Richard Reid tried to light an explosive in his shoe on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001, fliers had to start walking barefoot through checkpoints. In 2006, passengers could not carry on more than 3 ounces of liquids following the discovery of an unsuccessful plan to detonate liquid explosives on planes from London to the USA.The security requirements and the advent of airline fees to check bags or get a pillow have amounted to a "perfect storm," for businesses offering ways for fliers to save money and aggravation, Rego says.The Transportation Security Administration doesn't endorse products, according to Kawika Riley, a TSA spokeswoman. But the agency does recognize certain items, such as luggage locks and laptop bags, that meet certain criteria.
Bags and miniature-size beauty products are two of the main products targeted to fliers. But there are other items billed as coming to a traveler's rescue.The Container Store chain, for instance, began selling a digital scale after airlines imposed a 50-pound limit on luggage, with high penalties if it's overweight.And when pillows and blankets began being offered for a price — if at all — on airlines, the company introduced a pillow and blanket pack.

Vizomax TV Screen Protector Review

Many TV screens are being accidentally damaged every single day. Since, in most cases repair does not make economical sense those TV's are being replaced rather than repaired. Provided that manufacturer warranties do not cover damages to the fragile TV screen we are focused on finding the best screen protector that can prevent damage to large screen televisions.We tested a TV screen protector marketed under the Vizomax brand name. This test review includes main points that customers are interested in. We also compare Vizomax with other TV screen protectors that we have tested and reviewed recently. The overall impression form the TV screen protector is that it is well-built and will provide screen protection not only from small flying objects but also from hard hits by different heavy objects like a baseball or a heavy toy.
One of the tests that we conduct consists of throwing a standard TV remote control with a full force at a TV protected with a TV screen protector. Vizomax performed extremely well and we saw the remote bouncing off the protector surface and on the third and final trial breaking apart on impact. We make the conclusion that a HDTV screen covered with a TV screen protector of this kind will be virtually impossible to break.Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.The protector can protect the screen from children, pets, gaming equipment etc.The TV protector is very well made and when attached on an HDTV looks like a part of the TV. We tested the product on a 46 inch LED Samsung and the looks of the valuable electronics was not affected. In fact, the new LED TV had some similarly looking edges made from transparent plastic that visually fit nicely with the protector.
Essential part of the screen protector design is its ability to keep the screen cool. Screen overheating can cause substantial damage to a flat-screen TV and is not addressed in the design of other TV screen protectors on the market.We consider screen ventilation the main advantage of Vizomax over competitive products and cannot stress enough the importance of screen ventilation and the fact that screen overheating could ruin any HDTV. Screens that run under excess temperature can suffer structural damage and will eventually be damaged to the extend where normal operation will be impossible. The air flow that cools the screen rises vertically in front of the screen and reduces the viewing surface temperature. The main difference between Vizomax and the conventional type protectors is that product ability to maintain and even accelerate the airflow that runs in front of the screen.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The flagship of Lenovo's new lineup of ThinkPad laptops is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook. We recently got a closer look at the system at a Lenovo preview event in New York, although with limited hands-on access. Lenovo claims the X1 Carbon is the world's lightest 14-inch ultrabook, at 3 pounds, with a carbon-fiber roll cage (similar to the cagelike construction on other ThinkPads) that keeps the weight down without sacrificing durability.If the X1 name sounds familiar, it's because we reviewed the original ThinkPad X1 laptop almost exactly one year ago. That system was, at the time, the thinnest ThinkPad ever made, and pitched as a business-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air (which is especially notable because this was before the introduction of ultrabooks).
The original X1 was a perfectly adequate, but not exactly inspiring, thin laptop, and we said it was "a bit too thick to be a true competitor to a MacBook Air or Samsung Series 9." This new version is different enough that it may deserve a new name, rather than being saddled with the same one as last year's model.While the design is familiar, the X1 Carbon is much thinner than the original X1, and the front tapers to a sharp edge. The keyboard retains the modified island-style keys used in the first X1, a look that comes from Lenovo's consumer line and that is slowly making its way into ThinkPad models as well. It's also backlit, which is a feature every travel-oriented laptop should have.
In its in-person debut, mostly in the hands of a Lenovo exec, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon presented itself well, but didn't break much new ground. The system will include third-generation Intel Core i-series processors, as any newly announced laptop would, as well as familiar Lenovo features such as Intel vPro support and a rapid-charge battery that hits 80 percent in 30 minutes.The X1 Carbon also includes mobile broadband, something conspicuously absent from most other ultrabooks, and the display has a higher 1,600x900-pixel resolution, which we'd expect from a premium-priced ultrabook.In our brief in-person experience, the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon seems like a sensible evolution of the original X1, and we look forward to checking it out in more detail soon. Lenovo says the system will be available sometime this summer, and while there's no price yet, we expect it'll be a premium-priced laptop, selling for more than $1,000. 

Keyboard Covers for the Latest iPad Turn Your Tablet Into a Productivity Tool

Currently, the iPad is best known as a consumer device, designed more for the enjoyment of content rather than the creation of it. But there's no denying its growing popularity for all kinds of applications, including content creation and other business needs. For extended sessions, however, no app can replace the comfort and speed of typing on a physical keyboard.[If you're looking to add a physical keyboard to your Android tablet, check out our reviews of Bluetooth keyboards and keyboards that physically attach.]
Keyboard cases have always been popular accessories, but with the increased thickness of the new iPad, many cases designed for the iPad 2 are a little too tight for comfort, or don't fit at all. Fortunately, a large number of folio-style cases and cover-only keyboards fit the new iPad just fine. Some companies have also tweaked their existing keyboards to accommodate the slight increase in thickness.When you're looking for a new keyboard case to match your freshly minted iPad, you'll want to consider the following:
Do you need all-around protection? Folio and clamshell cases cover the entire iPad, front and back, protecting it completely in your bag or on the table. Cover-style keyboards such as the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG leave the back exposed, and cover the screen only during transport.Accessories to enhance the usage and improve performance of your tablet.How often do you want to use the iPad without the keyboard? One of the main reasons for using a tablet with a separate keyboard is the flexibility and portability this arrangement affords as compared with using a standard small laptop. You have a keyboard for when you need it, but you can opt to separate the two and use the tablet alone when that's all you require. Some cases allow you to remove the iPad easily, while others, like the ClamCase, are more-permanent attachments.
A neat compromise is a case such as the Belkin YourType Folio and Keyboard, which has a removable keyboard. This design allows you to carry your iPad in just the slim protective folio, adding the bulk of the keyboard to the case when the situation demands it.How much bulk are you willing to deal with? You can't avoid picking up some extra bulk when you strap a keyboard onto your iPad, but some cases are slimmer than others. Of course, what you give up in added bulk, you gain in added protection.If you don't mind leaving the iPad's back exposed, check out the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover or the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG. For a case with the flexibility of a slim folio plus a removable keyboard, check out the Belkin YourType or the ZAGGfolio. If you need more protection and don't mind extra bulk, take a look at the Kensington KeyFolio or the ClamCase.

Cellebrite Adds Buy Back Program Integration to Growing Portfolio of In-Store Services

Cellebrite has expanded the in-store, point-of-sale services it provides to the North American mobile retail industry by offering a phone buy back program integration for its Cellebrite Touch tablet.Cellebrite USA, the leading provider of mobile forensic and mobile data transfer solutions for the retail industry, today at CTIA Wireless(R) 2012 announced the addition of buy back program integration into its flagship Touch Tablet. With the Cellebrite Touch recognized as the ubiquitous platform for mobile retailers looking to offer customers value-added in-store services, the trade-in program is another step forward in providing customers with the ultimate in-store experience. Clover Wireless, a global provider of private label trade-in, buy-back and repair services offering vertically integrated customizable solutions for carriers, retailers and OEMs , is the inaugural partner for the Buy Back program.
Unlike traditional trade-in programs which require a customer to either go online to price and then mail in their device, or rely on retail sales representatives to manually look up the value of a phone, they can now automatically determine the value of a device at the POS. Retailers simply connect a customer's device to the Cellebrite Touch to prompt a search for the current buy back value of the device. Interfaced seamlessly to databases that house the latest pricing information on previously owned mobile phones, customers are then offered an in-store credit for the trade-in value of their device. As a trade-in offer typically covers 40-60 percent of the cost of a new device, consumers have a convenient way to immediately fund an upgraded mobile experience. And, with the average user spending 125% of their trade-in value in-store, retailers also benefit from an additional tool to increase revenue from the sale of new devices and device accessories.
"With increased adoption and demand for the latest and greatest device on the market, trade-in programs are becoming increasingly instrumental in helping retailers retain existing subscribers and drive revenue from new handset sales," said Jim Grady, CEO of Cellebrite USA. "With access to Clover Wireless' Trade-In program right there on our Touch device, retailers can immediately increase the return on investment for these initiatives, while also enhancing the overall in-store experience for the customer." With more than 100 million unused cell phones in the U.S., buy back or trade in programs are a major contributor to Clover Wireless' recycling effort that prevents thousands of tons of wireless equipment from entering the waste stream. As such, mobile retailers can also encourage savvy customers to check their trade-in value and contribute to the recycling of old phones by using the Cellebrite Touch in-store.

Accessories to enhance the usage and improve performance of your tablet

The tablet has undoubtedly arrived. Even if people are wondering whether the handy device qualifies as luxury or necessity, millions across the world are toting it and many more are queuing up to lay their hands on one.However, your expenses don't stop at buying a tablet. To get the most out of your device, you need some accessories too. Here are a few that you may want to buy.No matter what the manufacturer tells you about scratch-proof Gorilla glass or oleophobic coating, which keep the scratches and dust at bay, if you plan to use your tablet outdoors, we recommend using a screen protector. This is a thin, adhesive strip of plastic that covers the display, keeping it free of dust and scratches.
There are a variety of options, ranging from those that come with an anti-glare element to those that can be removed and reattached easily. Just make sure you get one placed properly on your tablet without resulting in any air bubbles.iPad Accessories for the Serious Professional.Invest in a branded screen protector, such as one from Capdase or Gecko, because unbranded protectors not only lose their sheen fast, but often come with a poor quality adhesive that leaves a residue on your tablet when removed.Though some tablets come with their own physical keyboards (like the Asus Transformer Prime), for most people, the only option to type on their tablets is the onscreen keyboard.This is not bad if you only have to type a few words occasionally, but if you regularly write long e-mails and notes or actually want to type out entire articles and reports on a tablet, you need something more substantial. Our suggestion is to invest in a keyboard.
A number of these have been designed for tablets, though some are made for specific models like the Galaxy Tab or iPad. Ensure that the keys are spaced out right and the keyboard comes either with its own battery or does not drain too much from the tablet.A good choice is the Apple wireless keyboard, which is made of aluminium and plastic, has comfortably large keys and connects easily over Bluetooth to iPads as well as Android tablets running Honeycomb.While you can draw on a tablet using your finger, nothing can match the convenience of a stylus to sketch or take notes. In many cases, using one to write is easier than doing so through the onscreen keyboard, especially when you are standing and holding the tablet with one hand.
So, if you need to sketch and scribble often, get yourself a stylus. Remember, in most cases, you will get a snub-nosed stylus rather than a sharp one, as very few capacitive screens support the latter (the Lenovo ThinkPad and the Samsung Galaxy Note are exceptions, but their styluses will not work with other tablets).Whenever possible, go for sturdy styluses with tip replacement options. The Wacom Bamboo Stylus, which is shaped like a pen and comes with a handy clip, works with both Android tablets and iPad, and combines solidity with sensitivity.

iPad Accessories for the Serious Professional

That laptop died on you one time too many. It became too slow, with too many viruses. The battery deteriorated to the point where it lasted only two hours. It took four minutes to boot up from cold. You always had to sit down in order to use it. In other words, you had enough. It was time for a change.You are now a serious professional who is serious in making the iPad your next laptop -- your main productivity tool, where you type documents.
Now you need tools to go along with your iPad. This review includes two of the critical hardware ingredients: The most rugged case money can buy and the leading portable keyboard.Let's start with the rugged case. This is the Pelican i1075, which has a list price of $79.99, although Amazon(AMZN) will sell it to you for $52.25. The Pelican i1075 case protects your iPad and a small handful of accessories from a fall as well as from being dropped three feet into the ocean. It is excellent for that rafting trip down the Grand Canyon, where the bag will hit rocks and be submerged by water from time to time. Specifically, the Pelican case fits the Apple BlueTooth keyboard inside, which the Apple(AAPL) store will sell you for $69. This is an excellent keyboard. However, unless you are carrying it in a bag such as this Pelican i1075, it is not nicely portable. You don't want to be walking up and down the street with this keyboard in your hand, jammed up against the iPad itself.
But what if you also need a keyboard when you're on "light duty" -- such as simply walking to the cafe on a weekend and you want to use it there for an hour or so?That's where the Zagg Flex keyboard enters the picture. It also has a list price of $79.99, although again Amazon sells it for less -- $56.99 in this case. The Zagg Flex is smaller than the Apple keyboard, and it's more plasticky and the keyboard feeling is not nearly as good. But it's good enough for "light duty" when you are not in a professional mood, perhaps.
The stand even holds a large high-resolution smartphone such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. This has the particular virtue of not being tied to any particular kind of tablet. Let's say you have an iPad 1, then upgrade to an iPad 2 and a 3 and so forth. Perhaps you have all of them. Perhaps you also have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. This Zagg Flex fits them all. Hence the name "Flex."That would be a waste and bureaucratic nightmare. It even works with a high-resolution large-screen smartphone such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, on which I actually managed to author an article.