A few years ago when I first got my iBook G4, there was a common problem that the keyboard would actually come in the contact with the screen when  you closed the lid.  This would of course expose the screen to oils, dirt, etc, that accumulate on the keyboard from regular use.  The solution I found was to use a ScreenSavrz from Radtech.  I just purchased a new HP notebook last week, and one of the first things I did was to order one for this computer as well.  The ScreenSavrz are designed to lay in between the keyboard and screen to provide protection for the LCD screen.

They are made with a soft fabric called Optex and has the look and feel of a micro-fiber cloth.  Not only can you use it protecting the screen, it’s also great for cleaning and maintaining it also.  Just wet a small portion of the fabric, wipe, and then wipe with the dry side and it does a tremendous job of making the screen look brand new.  I have had one for several years, and as long as you hand wash it every once and a while, it will stay like new for years.

They come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit most notebooks, the one you see here is for a 17″ widescreen.  Radtech also offers customized logos, which you can get more information about that on their website.  If you have a laptop computer and want an effective way to protect and clean the screen, then I highly recommend this product.

Radtech ScreenSavrz

Tags: radtech, screensavrz, laptop, lcd, screens

ObjectBar 2.1 was released just the other day and this update brings a number of improvements including Vista fixes and support for Vista 64-bit.  ObjectBar has been widely popular for years among the Mac emulation crowd who would use themes made for ObjectBar to replicate the finder menu on Windows XP.

ObjectBar allows users to create their own custom desktop environments and interfaces like docks, launch bars, start menus, etc.  Hundreds of themes are already availalbe to download and use, and it’s very customizable to allow users to create their own themes.

For more information, and downloads visit the ObjectBar website.

Tags: objectbar, stardock, themes

One of my biggest gripes about Windows Vista has nothing to do with hardware incompatibilities or driver issues, but with its lack of a family pricing plan. Now I know Microsoft had a “family discount” plan where users who purchased Vista Ultimate could purchase two more copies of Home Premium for $50 each, but this discount didn’t last too long and was a poor attempt at enticing users to purchase additional licenses.

Now I don’t have any figures to back this up, but I would bet most households have more than one PC and I would also imagine the majority of those are Windows based machines. In my house alone I have three Windows machines, and only my main PC runs Vista Ultimate. I would like to upgrade the other two machines, especially with the parental control features in Vista, but financially it’s just not worth the extra expense.

I didn’t want to bring Apple into this, but I have to say it has the right idea when it comes to pricing. Right now you can pick up a single license of OS X for $129, but you can also purchase a five pack of licenses for $199 so you can easily upgrade your entire household. How many people like myself, who has multiple PCs, would jump at a chance to get a family pack of Windows licenses for a reasonable price? Quite a few, I would bet.

Vista is already out in the wild, but with the next version of Windows already on the minds of some users, I would encourage Microsoft to take a hard look at family pricing and the benefits it would bring.

Tags: microsoft, vista

Today, the highly anticipated WindowBlinds 6 was released. WindowBlinds is a utility that allows users to easily and safely change the Windows user interface including the start menu, title bars, taskbar, and more. WindowBlinds 6 adds full support for Windows Vista including sidebar skinning.

Other features include adjustable transparency levels, advanced animation support, user customization of fonts and theme colors, and much more. Users who purchased WindowBlinds after February 1, 2007 will receive the update for free.

For more information and downloads visit www.windowblinds.net.

Tags: windowblinds, stardock, vista, xp