10 Gifts for MacBook-Packin' Road Warriors
Posted 12/09/2009 at 9:12am
| by Susie Ochs
Hit the road, Mac. Whether your road-warrior gifteee travels for work,
for fun, or just roams around the city using coffeeshops as their
office, we recommend bags and travel-ready accessories that are sure to
brighten their holiday season.
Able Planet True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones (NC300)
For less than half the price of Bose QuietComfort, the True Fidelity delivers active noise cancellation (perfect for blocking the noisy drone of an airplane, train, or bus) and a light, comfy fit. The inline control lets you adjust the volume easily, and Able Planet also includes a carrying case, 1/4-inch adapter, AAA battery, and airplane adapter. Oh, and the cable is detachable so if you ever break it, you can replace it for $9.95. The True Fidelity (model NC300, in black or white) retails for $129.99.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000
If you're hitting the road but plan to spread out at your destination and really get some work done, Microsoft's latest Bluetooth keyboard is svelte enough to fit in your laptop bag, but comfortable enough to type on all day. There's no Command key, so just use the Keyboard System Preference to set the Modifier Keys up the way you like them. The keyboard also includes a separate numeric keypad, which is a hundred times more convenient than trying to use the numpad keys on a MacBook. The 6000 retails for $89.95.

Targus Bluetooth Comfort Laser Mouse
This wireless beauty can go for up to 6 months on one set of batteries, and an indicator will give you advanced warning when the batteries are about to die. It's small enough to fit in almost any laptop bag, but still comfortable in your hand. We like the Bluetooth convenience, but Targus sells quality wired mice suitable for travel too, starting at $19.99. The Bluetooth Comfort Laser Mouse retails for $39.99.

Verizon Wireless MiFi
When you need to get online and you can't find an open Wi-Fi hotspot, the MiFi lets you go ahead and create your own. It connects to Verizon's 3G network, and creates a miniature hotspot for up to six computers or other devices. Using it is dead-simple -- you can even leave it in your pocket or bag -- and we got respectable download speeds on Verizon's network in the Bay Area, but your mileage may vary, of course. It retails for $99.99 with a two-year contract ($49.99 after online discount), or $269.99 for month-to-month access. Monthly plans start at $39.99, and day passes at $15.

Quirky PowerCurl
You can go wireless with your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and your MiFi wireless hotspot, but here in 2009 you simply can't charge your MacBook without wires -- in fact, you need a big old power brick. But you can keep your brick and its wires neat and tangle-free with the PowerCurl. It clips on to Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter bricks (45W, 60W, and 85W), and wraps both cords right around, with a handy clip for keeping it from uncurling. Your power brick is also elevated enough for improved air circulation. Retails for $14.99, a product of the Quirky community.

iSkin ProTouch Vibes
If you've got any messy Mac users on your shopping list -- maybe a Cheeto enthusiast -- the iSkin ProTouch Keyboard Protector will make their Mac almost as happy as them. The ProTouch Classic ($24.99) comes in basic clear/white, the ProTouch FX ($29.99) works with the LED backlighting on the MacBook Pro models, and the ProTouch Vibes ($34.99, pictured) brings funky style and enlarged key characters. All three models provide protection against crumbs and spills, have a microbial finish, and can be cleaned with soap and water.

RadTech ACpower USB charger
Your MacBook only has two USB ports, so save those for the important things and outsource your USB gadget-charging to the ACpower. This tiny device provides AC-to-USB power for two devices. Just bring your own cables. It retails for $14.95. Simple, portable, handy -- a great stocking stuffer.

PacSafe InfoSafe
If your road warrior ever has to leave his or her MacBook Pro unattended, the PacSafe Info safe offers anti-theft features like full eXomesh (steel mesh) slashproof protection, a three-digit combination lock, and a locking cable. With a rugged nylon exterior, slightly padded interior and simple handle, it fits a 15.4-inch laptop. There isn't a lot of extra room inside but it's really meant to be carried inside another laptop bag. Check out all the particulars at PacSafe.com, where the InfoSafe retails for $74.99.

Timbuk2 Blogger 2.0 Messenger
The holidays are a time to splurge, as well as a time to travel, and so we're stoked that Timbuk2 made a TSA-compliant checkpoint-friendly version of the Blogger vertical messenger bag. It's got famous Timbuk2 toughness and durability, and it can hold up to a 15-inch laptop. The Blogger 2.0 retails for $100. Perfect for the stylish, rugged road warrior on your list.

Crumpler, The High Net Worth Individual
For giftees of the more female persuasion, we recommend a fly bag that doesn't scream "OMG There is a Laptop Up in Here!!!" Crumpler makes some awesome choices, but we're partial to the limited-edition High Net Worth Individual, because that is how we roll. This zippered totebag is big enough for a 15-inch laptop, but there is no padded laptop sleeve, so just pack your 'Book in a separate sleeve (Crumpler has a few), and slide it on in there. The extra pockets are big enough for your power brick and other accessories, and you'll be able to fit some file folders and maybe a sweater too. The embroidered logo on the front is in a sparkly thread (gold or silver), and the inside is lined with a fun shopping-cart graphic. This is the bag Susie carries every day, and she's never without her 15-inch MacBook Pro.