The new Crux 360 ipad carry case has struck another blow to the netbook market in the run up to Christmas.

The product’s main selling point is that it solves the tablet’s keyboard problem, without sacrificing its portability. When closed, the case appears just like any other tablet case, but on opening it reveals a nifty little keyboard attachment built into one half of the case.

With the iPad slotted into the upper part of the case the device becomes a standalone netbook, using Bluetooth technology to connect the two devices. The lower part of the case can also be pushed back, past the horizontal, to form a stand for watching movies.

Apple will be hoping that this product will be just enough to sway those people who are interested in tablet devices but are unimpressed with their lack of a keyboard.

The Crux 360 is currently unavailable in Britain but the buzz created by its release means it, or something similar, is certain to surface on our shores in the near future.

Until then, the only way to get hold of the $149 piece of kit is by spending a great deal more importing it into the UK.

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Toshiba has announced that its new mini-NB520 Netbook will come equipped with some mighty Harmon Kardon speakers.

The Toshiba mini-NB520’s stereo speakers will be capable of producing a whopping two watts of power each – this might not sound like much, but this is a Netbook we’re talking about.

Harman Kardon has revealed that it had to extensively modify its existing laptop speakers to fit them onto such a tiny device, and that these are the smallest speakers it has ever manufactured for a laptop.

Toshiba also announced that the NB520 would come with a Dolby Advanced Audio Feature, enhancing the Netbook’s sound further and ensuring the NB520 cannot be beaten in the audio department.

As well as mind-blowing audio the NB520 will be kitted out with an Atom N550 processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, a 250 GB hard drive, a battery with eights of full-usage life and a 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 mm LED-backlit display. The unit will weigh a miniscule 1.32kg.

The NB520 will not be alone when it hits our shelves, as Toshiba have also announced that its sister model – the NB500 – will be released at the same time. The NB500 will have all the same specifications as the NB520 except the Harmon Kardon speakers, although this saved power does buy you two more hours of battery life than its louder counterpart.

Toshiba’s new Netbooks – catering for audiophiles as well as those who enjoy the quieter side of life – will be available in January 2011. Prices are yet to be confirmed.

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Enter the innovative CartDesk Baggage Tote. It looks like small luggage but this whole thing turns into a very convenient computer desk on which you can set up your laptop!

Sounds Awesome? Sounds Awkward? Sounds Awful?

In fact it’s all of the above

Computer accessories exist to make our lives easier, regardless of whether or not you’re tech-savvy, this is something that you’d aspire too. Recent figures shows that consumers aren’t buying as many laptops, but they are buying more accessories.

So into this world steps the CartDesk Baggage Tote, a convoluted name for a convoluted product. Some of you may recognise the name, that’s because CartDesk won the award for the most innovative product of 2006 at the annual Travel Good Association convention which is sponsored by American Airlines.

The premise for the convertible bag/table is that you are outside the confines of your home or office and you need to get some work done. Surely, it’s hard to get into work-mode if you are in a busy area and you can’t find a decent spot to work on. What’s even harder is finding the perfect place to set your laptop on.

In theory, this is one computer accessory to beat all computer accessories with its unique design and utmost functionality. It adjusts to any surface and best of all, it serves more than just your laptop. Since it’s very sturdy, you can also use it for your other activities like writing on a notepad, reading a book, drinking your cup of coffee, eating your meals and a lot more.

Just imagine business lunches taking place in airport lounges with everyone huddled around their bags. It’s the future, i’m sure I spotted a similar scene in Logan’s Run.

This functionality can be yours for £80.

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