Just Chargin' Around!
by Gary Woods

As somebody who has carried a laptop around for years I'm always looking for ways to keep the power flowing without breaking my back. One of the heaviest devices in my laptop bag is what's called the "power brick." These things have cost me a ton in chiropractic treatments over the years.

To replace the "brick" I found a slim and trim AC adaptor from Belkin www.belkin.com called the Power Stack. For $119.99 direct, you get a handy cord wrapped device with a powered USB port. To make sure you get the Power Stack with the right adaptor for your device they've got a very cool page on their website where you can put in the make and model of you laptop and up pops what you need. I think I've got a whole new spring in my step already.

If you find yourself without something to plug your Power Stack into there's the APC Universal Notebook Battery www.apc.com. There are two models, the UPB70 which is $179 direct and the new UPB90 $249 direction which gives you up to 6 hours of extra time. The great thing about the new UPB90 is that it autosenses and sets the correct output voltage, so you don't have to worry about finding the right level and setting it correctly ... or having the setting change by accident.

Finally, if there's a trip abroad in your future check out the Kensington Travel Plug Adapter with USB Charger for $29.99 direct us.kensington.com. With this little goody no matter where you are you should have the right juice flowing into your stuff.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910