Notebooks & Accessories

News: Microsoft's First Mouse for Notebooks

Microsoft's new Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse ($45) is the company's first designed especially for mobile professionals. The mouse includes a small receiver that plugs into a USB port and snaps into the bottom of the mouse for storage. Storing the receiver turns off the power to save battery life, according to Microsoft.

Read "Microsoft's New Mice Get Touchy" for more about new keyboards and mice.

News: Write a Note to Self

Due for a public beta release in October, EverNote is a new application that lets you type quick notes that can contain images, selected Web page contents, Microsoft Office documents, and more. Notes are displayed in a scrolling, chronological list--along the lines of a Weblog, says PC World's Harry McCracken. The program includes Google-style full-text searching, too.

On a Tablet PC, EverNote lets you use handwriting and digital ink as well as typed notes. Initially, EverNote will be available in versions for Windows XP and Pocket PC and Microsoft Smartphone-based handheld devices. A Palm version is planned for release soon after, and Mac OS, Linux, and Symbian versions are in the works. The multiple versions will talk to each other, so you can, for example, view notes you took on your PC on a PDA. A basic version of the final product will be available at no charge, while a fee-based edition will include advanced features.

News: Height-Adjustable Notebook Stand

When used with an external keyboard and pointing device, Ambir Technology's new Xbrand 360 Height Adjustable Laptop Cradle ($120) makes typing on a notebook much more ergonomic, the company says. The cradle raises the notebook's display to an eye-level viewing height, helping to promote the proper user posture, according to Ambir. The Xbrand works with most notebook models.