protectors

Unlike classic keyboards where characters were small decals stuck on generic keys, many modern keyboards, such as those in Apple's laptops, have keys built for the specific characters. The keys are made of translucent plastic with a black coating so the character can be illuminated with a backlight.

This approach to keys offers great advantage in low-light situations, but it also can be a bit of a burden if the key begins to wear out. While the keys ought to last, after extensive use you may look down to see some of the characters fading away.

When key wear … Read more

For anyone who's actually trying to save money (what a concept, right?), today is going to be a tough one. I've got five -- count 'em, five -- deals, each one better than the last.

As always, these are available while supplies last -- and supplies don't always last long. They're in stock as of this morning, and the prices are accurate as of this morning. That is all.

1. Acer ultrabook So I'm thinking about a new laptop. The one I'm using now is OK, but has a smaller screen (11.6 inches) … Read more

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This week on Crave, we're back from CES with a look at some of the wackier stuff we spotted at the show. Then, Canadian astronaut Christopher Hadfield gives us a highly important grooming lesson on the safest way to clip our nails in outer space, and the Hal 9000 computer replica from ThinkGeek refuses to cooperate. … Read more

Through rigorous torture testing, we've learned that not all phones are equipped to stand up against trials of everyday life. OK, so, the Nokia Lumia 900 can take a hammering (literally), but even Gorilla Glass-donning phones are prone to unsavory hairline scratches.

For many people, these scratches are a-OK, but if you plan to sell or trade in your phone in the future, keeping it in tip-top shape is key to getting a good deal.

But screen protectors serve purposes beyond scratch-control -- some act as privacy screens, while other attempt to reduce glare. From buying to applying, follow … Read more

The much-rumored iPad Mini may not be here yet, but screen accessories are already popping up.

Known for its mobile device cases and similar products, Zagg is selling a $24.99 screen protector for Apple's allegedly upcoming tiny tablet. Noting that the screen protector is "coming soon," Zagg touts it as a "precision pre-cut invisibleShield" that provides "the toughest, most durable protection you will find."

To back up its claim, Zagg offers a lifetime guarantee on the product, promising to replace it for free should it wear or scratch. Zagg also kicks in … Read more

Of course you use antivirus software and maybe a firewall, too, but keeping your PC safe only starts there. One of the simplest yet smartest things you can do is disable Autorun in Windows. It's a convenience that runs programs automatically; for example, Autorun starts playing a CD as soon as you close the tray. It's even more convenient for the viruses and other malware that use autorun.exe to do everything from infiltrating your system to destroying it. One of the simplest ways to disable Autorun completely or selectively is with AutoRun Disable by Endpoint Protector. This … Read more

The new iPad's glass screen is tough and scratch-resistant, but a lot of people still choose to buy a screen protector to be safe and potentially help cut down on glare.

The truth is, I don't know how necessary screen protectors really are, and many don't help with glare quite as much as they promise. "Film" protectors can be a challenge for many people to install and "bubble-free" protectors can reduce the crispness of the new iPad's Retina Display.… Read more

Many of us are spending more time than ever before sitting at our computers, and this seemingly innocuous setting can be rife with danger. Eyestrain, repetitive motion injuries, and even blood clots can be the consequences of spending long uninterrupted periods sitting, typing, and mousing. EyeProtectorPro is a highly customizable program that can remind you to take a break from your screen at regular intervals. We think it's a great idea for anyone whose work involves a lot of computer time.

EyeProtectorPro has a simple setup wizard that helped us configure its options quickly. First, we entered the amount … Read more

The MacDefender developers are continuing to uphold their criminal attempts to steal Mac users' information by changing the name of their scam software yet again. So far they have been using the naming scheme of the word "Mac" followed by a security-related word such as Defender, Security, or Protector. The latest name to be used for this software is MacShield, and as with the other names appears to be a drop-in change to the same interface used in the other malware. Unfortunately, beside being confusing to users, this naming scheme is adversely affecting legitimate Mac developers who have … Read more