Specifications

AFTER HOURS
136
PC MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 16, 2003 www.pcmag.com
Quirky, Not QWERTY
The innovative Keybowl orbiTouch keyless
keyboard transforms the sometimes painful act
of typing into a comfortable exercise. Using your
palms to make short, synchronized movements
of two orbs, you can comfortably type sentences
and move the mouse pointer without relying on
your fingers. The orbs fit nicely into your hands,
and the movements feel natural. Adjusting to the
new typing technique isn’t easy, but those with
typing-related injuries could benefit from the
design. Just be prepared to shell out some serious
bucks.—Robyn Peterson
$695 list. Keybowl Inc., www
.orbitouch.com.
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A True Laptop Case
Your search for the perfect laptop backpack may be over. The Higher Ground Gear
Laptrap has a wonderful slim-line design, with plenty of storage compartments
but not the bulk of other bags. The details make all the difference—reinforced
stress points, comfortable handles, a breathable backpack harness, and an
attractive duo-color design. We also love the two riser pads for cooler laptop
operation: These along with the two side pockets and the nonslip surface let the
open backpack transform your lap into a comfortable mobile desk.—Cynthia Rhett
$59.95 direct; single shoulder strap, $9.95; backpack strap, $14.95; Laptrap with both straps,
$79.95. Shaun Jackson Design, www.highergroundgear.com.
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Cat and Mouse
The term computer mouse takes on a whole new meaning with
the Panic Mouse, a stationary microchip-controlled cat toy
that randomly twirls a tasseled wand, in an attempt to
convince your kitties that it’s a tasty dancing rodent.
We unleashed the device on two cats with very different
temperaments. One turned up her nose and demanded to be
petted instead. Another went crazy for the gadget, leaping up
into the air to bat it around for about two weeks.
Then he realized the Panic
Mouse’s flaw: It doesn’t
skitter across the floor. Now
maybe if we covered a Room-
ba with fur....—Sascha Segan
$29.95 direct. Panic Mouse Inc.,
www.panicmouseinc.com.
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The Information Orb
All you need is a power outlet to receive visual alerts on the
second-generation Ambient Orb. It glows in various shades of
yellow, red, and green that change frequently to display the status
of major stock market indices, regional weather forecasts, and
more. New channels can track such things as public-
opinion polls and local pollen levels, and the Devel-
oper Channel lets you map your choice of info.
The new Orb is also half the price of
the original and has an internal receiver.
—Marge Brown
$150 street; premium account (more channels),
6.95 a month or $52 a year. Ambient Devices, www
.ambientdevices.com.
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