For the next week, we’ll be running a series of “stocking stuffers,” under-US $100 holiday ideas for Mac users. And for even more gift ideas, check out MacCentral’s holiday gift guide on Apple’s Web site.
Today we’ll look at some gift goodies for road warriors. In fact, the stocking stuffer suggestion most recommended by MacCentral readers was the CoolPad by Road Tools.
The CoolPad is a small, portable platform for PowerBooks and iBooks that provides the ability to tilt the keyboard, pivot the PowerBook 360 degrees, and dissipate heat by natural convection. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, with prices ranging from US$19.95 to $39.95. You can get them at the Road Tools Web site.
Similar to the CoolPad is the LapBottom, which is designed to offer a comfortable and ergonomic way to use your laptop. The $25 item has a padded underside that grips your lap. Its top combines raised ridges and non-slip “feet” to provide air flow under your laptop while holding it in place. The self adhesive “feet” let you choose a variety of “tilts” or choose more or less air space under your laptop. The LapBottom is made of lightweight materials and compresses to under an inch thick.
Another much-praised item was the Kensington FlyLight. This small, portable light is powered through the USB port in your laptop and can illuminate the keyboard, papers and other items, as needed.
The bulb uses less than 90 seconds per hour of battery charge and has a flexible neck so you can position it any way you’d like. The $19.95 FlyLight is now available in a platinum color.
iPod owners may want to check out the irock, a small transmitter with a mini jack that you can plug into any music device for playing songs through an automobile stereo. It’s $29, smaller than a mini-mouse, and can be found at CompUSA, among other places.