One of the biggest hassles of the VCR and Cassette era was cueing - having to rewind and fast-forward the media.

When CD’s and DVD’s first emerged on the bleeding edge, many of us praised their practical benefits: the durability of the media and the high storage capability.

But privately, most of us were just as grateful for something we could only say was an improvement in time and lowered aggravation - that little convenience of cueing by aim and click. “Be Kind, Rewind” went the way of Dodo bird, with a sigh of universal relief.

With this new breed of accessories, there is much written about the quantifiable advantages of Bluetooth (and much of it by me). A homogenous standard is easier to support and drives down costs. It puts technology in the hands of more people. It is a platform that is killing cable spaghetti with a machete.

These are good, strong points to be made.

But MoGo is pushing the envelope a little farther by evolving their products beyond the practical. Their next generation Bluetooth accessories also represent features that address some major consumer frustrations.

For one? Their new headset stores in the phone. No more hunting for the thing is the pocket of yesterday’s pants.

And for another? Like their new mouse (that charges in the laptop), the new headset will charge from the phone. One less cord to plug in.

And that’s just cool.

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All this buzz, all this fodder, all this hullabaloo, what you are really probably wondering is, HOW CAN I GET ONE?! No worries friends, the MoGo Mouse can be purchased in a wide variety of locations online, so you can kind of pick your poison, or pleasure, as it were for where to buy from!

Here are a few sites I know for sure are selling the little beauties:

• Gateway
• Tiger Direct
• Mobile Planet
• PDS
• Global Computer
• PC Connection
• PC Mall

If you’re one of our international lovers, head here to look up where you can buy the product in your country. Get one, get one now!

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We’re not the only ones who think the new MoGo Headset is cool!  Check out the coverage on Engadget, PocketPC Mag, Experience Mobility, Blog The Tech, Blog Network, Textually.org.

Okay this is all well and good, but check out this little commercial the MoGo folks sent us:

Yeah, very cool.  Can you imagine being able to carry your headset clipped to your phone?  No more looking for your headset or its charger (I lost my headset somewhere and I really needed it yesterday).  You know for me being able to Skype with it, then leave the house and just pair it up with my Berry will be so awesome.  Okay, it might start getting strange if I never take it off.

Maybe the MoGo skull implanted headset is coming?  Maybe with the optional direct eye interface for display right into your optic nerve?  Okay, that’s getting a little too Borg isn’t it.  Maybe someday.

Update: John Biggs of CrunchGear has had a look too and likes it.

mogo MoGo Headset Bluetooth Gadgets

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You’ve heard about MoGo Mouse, the Bluetooth-powered cordless mouse that charges in your laptop’s PC Card slot, but have you seen it in action?

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You know when you’re walking around downtown, or on a subway, or in the grocery store and the person next to you starts talking to you, but when you respond you find out they really weren’t talking to you at all, but to someone on their headset? Yeah, I’ve always wanted to be one of those people, only cooler than those people. That day, my friends, is here.

Makers of the MoGo Mouse just released the world’s thinnest, ultra-light Bluetooth headset, and man oh man is it cool. My favorite part about the whole thing, in true MoGo Mouse fashion, you can charge it by clipping it to a cell phone, or, yes, sliding it into your laptop. Get this, you can now talk, gossip, jabber, yak and spill all those beans for up to 6 hours of talk time on a single charge. People of the world, prepare to look like you’re talking to yourself all over the city!

The ability to stay mobile is paramount in the world today and in that quest to be mobile, what good is it if all the “mobile” products you’re carrying are heavy, require tons of cables and power strips and adapters to work, and actually make you dread being that Road Warrior you know you want to be? No good friends, no good at all. This new product is so cool, it even won an award.  Veteran industry observer Andrew Seybold, presented Newton Peripherals with his “Most Imaginative Product” award last night and even went on to say, “The Headset is unique in both design and concept.  It will store conveniently on the back of a cell phone, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. Newton Peripherals’ approach to simplifying the use and storage of phone headsets is novel, and deserving of recognition.”  Here is the official press release of this sweet new product…live it, love it: (more…)

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Once you’ve converted to Bluetooth technology, you can get rid of about 80% of the cords cluttering your laptop bag, desk, or - if you’re like me - the workspace formerly known as the dining room table.

In addition to the iconic earbud headset and the Mogo mouse, you can: print, network, type, surf, and get directions all via Bluetooth-based devices (see Palm and Amazon for some of the possibilities).

Converting to Bluetooth can be as simple as buying a ‘Bluetooth enabled’ computer or phone. Devices - like the headset, keyboard, or mouse - currently have a range of about 30 feet (10 meters).

One cool thing about Bluetooth operating via radio waves - the devices don’t have to be in sight of each other. Anyone who has ever pretzeled themselves trying to get the TV remote to work can appreciate the freedom of being able to walk away from a cell phone you’ve plugged into the charger. (Be advised though, most Bluetooth headset users have locked their cell phones in their cars at one point or another and walked away - only to have to run back when they realize what they’ve done.)

Fast as corded? It should feel that way - newer devices have connection speeds of up to 12Mbps.

Otherwise, you should remember on your buying spree that you can have up to 7 devices hooked up to your host (like the PC or phone). That’s what they call in Bluetooth-speak a piconet. But you can expand that limitation by purchasing a scatternet bridge that will augment your capability with another piconet.

What cords remain? Your monitor, and power.

For now.

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This blog isn’t just about MoGo products, it’s also for those of us who do the mobile work thing. Travel a lot? Conference junkie? Your basic road warrior? Yep, us too. We love our gadgets and our laptops, but you know it’s a love-hate thing sometimes too isn’t it? Culled from our great minds, here are our top 10 things you should carry in your gear bag (besides the laptop) in no particular order…

1. A really good laptop bag. Okay you might think this is a no brainer, but a lot of people skimp on this road warrior essential. What kind of bag is right for you depends on you. Some folks like the ones on wheels. Others something more like a traditional briefcase. Me, I’m a messenger bag kind of guy. Regardless of what you choose it must have: good padding, pockets, pockets, pockets, comfortable and strong straps, room for other “stuff”, and a little extra space for last minute things.
2. Portable surge protector. While you try to work off battery, you do have to plug in sometime. The problem can be that the places you plug in might not have the best power around. I use the BC Ferries a lot and there are warnings about power surges about all outlets. I used to carry a little one outlet job that worked well, when I remembered it. Now I have a surge protector that straps onto the power brick of my laptop power cable and connects right to it. I don’t forget it because it’s always there, always on.
3. Outlet expander. Yes, you can carry a power strip to cover 2 & 3, but sometimes I like to just toss in a little three outlet expander into my bag (especially when I head to a conference). There is nothing better to win friends and influence people by not just using an outlet, but sharing too.
4. Cable Clamps. This is a brand name. These are like handcuffs for cables (no key). For me these are essential for keeping the cord insanity to a dull roar. The are simple, so simple. Just open, bundle your cord, and close. They are made of a durable hard plastic, come in three sizes, and can be used and reused.
5. Laptop lock. I didn’t invest in one of these for a while, but I’m glad I did. You know these babies, they have a hardened steel cable with a loop on one end and a lock on the other. Loop around some immovable object and put the lock into the slot on your laptop. I went for the combo lock version. I just didn’t want another key to have to keep track of.
6. Extra cables. I could bulk this list up naming each one, but I’ll save the fluff. I carry a USB cable that works with my Blackberry and my Digicam and an extendable Ethernet cable with coupler. That’s pretty much all I need, but I also have at the ready to toss into my bag (if I’m feeling rather McGyver-ish) phone cable with coupler and a retractable USB printer cable. Really what you’re going for is having the cables you need to connect and charge devices. Is longer better? For USB, I don’t think so, Ethernet, yeah.
7. Rechargeable batteries. I carry a few extras in my bag for my camera and anything else that needs them (like MP3 player). One tip is to secure them with a rubber band so they don’t bump into each other and discharge in your bag. The charger? If I’m going to a conference, yes. Day to day, no.
8. WiFi detector. I have a really simple one that just gives a presence (with strength) or absence indication. While it might not be giving you a ton of information, it does tell me if it’s worth turning your machine on.
9. Ear-bud headphones and small mic. Okay the mic might be optional for some, but I have one to do Skype calls and maybe to record a podcast on the road. The headphones are, however, essential. In a cafe or something having your sound on is rude, but you might still like to hear if your e-mail bings or listen to some tunes (to drown out everyone else).
10. Travel mouse. Yeah you’ve been waiting for this one haven’t you? Yes a travel mouse is important. Look trackpads are great, but for long-term use, they suck. I tried a travel mouse that ran on a couple AAA batteries and used RF to send signal. You know I don’t use it anymore. Why? I can’t get it to work. Okay that and it sucks batteries dry fast and was way too small. The MoGo Mouse uses Bluetooth to communicate, charges in your laptop, and is human-sized. And I can’t freakin’ wait to get mine!

Other stuff? I never leave home without my Blackberry. I have Gtalk, Gmail, and Google Maps on that baby (and yes an unlimited data plan). If your phone can take Google Maps, get it. The time you use it to find your way will be worth any data charges (I got lost in Toronto and used my Berry to find my way back to the hotel). I’m sure you can suggest some more stuff here.

I’m probably forgetting something so what’s in your core kit?

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Like many old road warriors, my laptop’s critical function is when it is actually mobile.

It is its ability to get through security. To be slipped from its pouch and back. To bounce on my shoulder to my gate. And to function, meaningfully, while I am sitting and waiting for my delayed flight.

This is the moment that tests - the battery life, the signal from the wireless card,  and the mouse that I manipulate (usually using a magazine as a mousepad).

And this, famously, is where the travel mouse usually fails.

The wireless mouse’s batteries die at the wrong times. How many times I’ve watched another passenger picking up and slapping down their mouse, trying to magically make it start working again.

The little wired mouse doesn’t fare much better. It tangles in the bag, its size isn’t large enough to fit comfortably under the palm, and the wire makes using it a level too complicated for the tight-fit stressful environment of the airport bar.

Which is why  I’m really anticipating the arrival of my MoGo.

I leave for a 5-state, 2-country trip in a couple of weeks and I’m eager to work without breaking my wrist on the touchpad. Since the MoGo recharges in the PC-slot, I won’t have to worry about batteries. And since it’s wireless, I won’t have to snag an in-flight magazine for a pad for a tiny trackball.

The package should arrive today, and I can’t wait.

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First impressions…hmm, where to begin. I’m in love. How about that? I finally have my hands on my very own, shiny, new MoGo Mouse BT. Talk about the most impressive marriage between convenience, innovation, design and just plain “cool factor.” Heck, it even Smells like new technology, and all you out there know exactly what I’m talking about.

Linking it to my laptop took about 9 seconds, and the ability to use a REAL mouse is beyond helpful. It slides well, and when I was done (before the snazzy photo shoot, that is) I let it quietly slip back into the PC Card Slot to recharge and hide from the world. Check out the Tech Porn above.

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I hate ‘cable spaghetti’. Call it a pet peeve.

The closer we get to a wireless universe, the happier I become.

So it almost goes with out saying that Bluetooth had me at ‘Hello’. (Actually, it was at ‘Hello 2.0′ in 2004.)

But like many early adopters working in the IT industry, my experiences with new technology were not always smooth. Or sauve.

The first night, for example, my heart jolted several times when I saw something that reminded me of an emergency vehicle out of the corner of my eye. I would start to deccelerate and pull to the side, turning to see what was coming up and discovering… nothing.

It was about the 4th or 5th time it happened that I realized it was the reflection in the window of that thing in my ear blinking a blue light.

Of course, the experiences weren’t always comical. Core challenges with poor reception, security issues, and short battery life plagued the earliest Bluetooth devices.

Fast forward to 2007, Bluetooth technology has matured. The second release is now the accepted wireless protocol its creators envisioned almost 9 years ago.

And it’s what makes MoGo’s new wireless compact mouse possible.

Speaking from experience, the way to get the most enjoyment and practical use out of a new technology is to learn a little about it.

Looking for a Bluetooth primer? Wikipedia has an excellent basic article.

Want to learn more about Bluetooth devices and what’s on the drawing board? Bluetooth.com is an eas-to-read site at the bleeding edge.

And just for fun: at InfoWorld, CTO Chad Dickerson wrote how he strapped on a cape and saved a family’s vacation back in 2004 with one of the earliest Bluetooth wireless cards.

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