The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hirise for imac can organize workspace
Backpack alarm scares away laptop thieves. Monster DNA headphones deliver incredible sound.
You would think you had it all after purchasing an Apple iMac, but the Twelve South HiRise for iMac is a nice accessory to add to the somewhat allinclusive computer.
It’s made with what seems to be an identical match as far as appearance with its extruded aluminum and stamped steel finish. Once the match is in place, it looks like part of the computer.
The installation is easy, just slide the shelf in the position you want and put the base of the iMac on top of it.
The shelf adjusts a few inches up and down with six internal positions, which causes the computer’s screen to go up and down, so just find the height that works best for you.
A magnetically secured faceplate flips open to reveal two shelves, which can be used to store cables or other small accessories. Small hard drives also can be stored inside and the drives cables feed out the back of the HiRise to plug into the computer’s ports.
While I tested it out with a 27inch iMac, it’s designed to work with any size iMac, or any Apple Display with an L-shaped base.
A company representative also mentioned another HiRise, this one for MacBook, is being introducedsoon.
Details: twelvesouth.com, $79.99
iSafe backpack
The iSafe backpack joins the crowded retail world of ‘i’ products but it’s almost in a class by itself when it comes to security with the Urban Crew backpack line designed for teens.
A concealed audible alarm is built into each bag that also includes an undetectable activation pin built in to the shoulder strap of the backpack.
Once it’s activated, the alarm yields a noise with flashing lights, to draw attention to the potential theft while the backpack is sitting by itself or on your back.
One model, the iSafe Guardian School Backpack ($49.99) is designed for ages 8 and above. It’s a top loading, lightweight bag with easy access to the main compartment.
The guardian weighs just 1.7 pounds with its alarm system and batteries (two 9V alkaline) and is available in black, blue, green and pink.
The Urban Crew Campus Laptop Backpack ($89.99) is designed for ages 14 and up, with seven zippered compartments along with an audio player pocket, computer sleeve and padded shoulder straps.
It weighs just 3 pounds with the alarm and batteries. Available in five color combinations including black, green, pink, purple, and red.
Details: www.isafebags.com
Monster DNA headphones
Headphones from Monster always seem to set a standard for innovation in looks and sound.
The new Monster DNA headphones combine their sound with branding from Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands including MTV and VH1.
After Monster came out with the Beats years ago, many companies saw them as a trendsetter and they were copied over and over.
As for the new DNAs, they look a little different from most any other headphones on the market with a futuristic design.
Their great sound, along with the comfort of the triangleshaped padded ear cups, makes them a definite candidate to be copied yet again.
After turning up the music, the sound is nothing short of the high expectations from a company such as Monster, and I expect the same from V-Moda after I get a chance to try out their M-100 headphones later this year.
The headphones I tried were a teal/white combination but choices of designs, patterns and two-tone colors are way too extensive to list here; just check out the Monster site.
The cord included with the headphones is Apple friendly to answer calls and control iPhones, iPads and selected iPods. A travel pouch also is included.
Details: www.monsterproducts.com, $229.95 Q: I love sauerkraut on hot dogs and recently heard about a sauerkraut flavored with jalapenos. I would be so happy to find this. I’m having a hard time since no one I ask has heard of it, and they certainly don’t carry this sauerkraut. You would make this reader very happy if you could find it for me. Thank you. — Jerry Wilson, Alpharetta A: Jerry, not only did I find one flavored sauerkraut, but I found four. Farmhouse Culture Raw Organic Kraut is available in smoked jalapeno, horseradishleek, classic caraway and garlic dill pickle. A 15-ounce jar costs $6.99 at Harry’s Whole Foods, 1180 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 770-664-6300. Q: A while back, my mother found a hand cream she just loves. Unfortunately, she doesn’t remember where she bought it. It’s Camille Beckman Mango Beach glycerine hand therapy. She would like the larger size, not the purse size. I cannot find this at all. — Lorraine Marc, Atlanta A: Lorraine, Camille Beckman comes in several fragrances, and I found Mango Beach hand therapy in the larger 6-ounce tube for $12.49 at Briarcliff Pharmacy, 2724 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, 404-728-0092.