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Need a quick stocking stuffer for the Mac addict on your holiday gift list? We just reviewed a pair of new mice from accessory maker Targus that are specifically being pitched for use with MacBooks, iMacs, and other Apple computers.

A healthy side industry has popped up for accessories that share Apple's basic design cues, and the $69 Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac and $49 Wireless Mouse for Mac both have an all-white body (even though the latest MacBooks are aluminum) that seems appropriately Mac-like.

Both have one unique interesting feature--a small, dime-size, round, optical sensor that sits between the two mouse buttons in place of a traditional scroll wheel. Targus calls the concept "four-way touch scroll," and its functionality is similar to that of a trackball.

And don't worry if you're a dedicated PC user. Packaging aside, these are standard mice that will work with any Windows laptop as well.

Read the full review of the Targus Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac.

Read the full review of the Targus Wireless Mouse for Mac.

Perhaps best known for its broad line of laptop bags, Targus also manufactures laptop accessories to carry in the bags--travel mice, presentation remotes, and the like. Tuesday morning, the company announced six new mobile accessories, all specifically designed to coordinate with Apple MacBooks.

The lineup includes two travel mice: the $50 Wireless Mouse for Mac uses a USB microreceiver that tucks inside the mouse for transit, while the $70 Bluetooth Laser Mouse for Mac keeps your USB ports free for other peripherals. Inspired by the iPod Touch, the company has outfitted both mice with a 4-way touch scroll that lets you move up/down and left/right with the tip of a finger. Two additional buttons can be programmed with your most-used functions or apps.

The $80 Bluetooth Presenter for Mac, meanwhile, is compatible with both Keynote and PowerPoint and includes a laser pointer. The device is designed with tactile cues for the primary presentation controls--such as previous slide, next slide, and laser pointer--to prevent accidental button presses; secondary functions, such as blank screen and slide show, are recessed. There are also volume controls, plus two programmable buttons to give you quick access to your favorite applications or functions.

And I think the $50 Chill Mat for Mac will be a welcome accessory, given the MacBook's reputation for running hot. With two USB-powered fans and a soft mesh bottom that allows for optimal air flow, the Chill Mat promises to help your Mac stay cool on your lap and prevent heat damage when used on other work surfaces.

Other products in today's announcement include a four-port USB Hub ($30), a USB file-share cable ($50), and privacy screens in three sizes (up to $80 for the 17-inch version). All the Targus Mac accessories announced Tuesday are available immediately at the company's site and from resellers.

Few tasks in life approach the horror that is modern commercial air travel. Arguably the most dreaded aspect of which is the infamous security checkpoint, where one's person and belongings are poured over, with a curiously particular attention paid to shoes, liquids, and naturally, laptops. There are two certainties to life on the checkpoint line: a TSA employee will repeatedly implore people on the line to remove their laptops for a solo trip down the X-ray machine conveyor belt; and that you'll inevitably get stuck behind some guy who forgot to take his laptop out, thereby holding up the entire grim procession as he fumbles with his bag.

The Targus Zip-Thru laptop bag

Frequent travelers cheered when, several months ago, the TSA announced a series of guidelines for building a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag, one which could zip through the X-ray machine with a laptop inside. The sticking point, apparently, was that people always had a lot of junk sitting in the same pocket as their laptops, and the screeners needed an especially clear view.

The first two TSA-approved bags we've looked at are the Targus Zip-Thru and the CODi Phantom CT3. TSA-approved is a bit of an overstatement--the bags follow publicly available TSA guidelines, which call for either a single-item sleeve case, a butterfly-style bag, or a tri-fold bag--all of which must provide for a distinct laptop compartment, with no additional pockets, and no room for anything other than your laptop. The TSA itself does not certify or otherwise approve the final products.

The CODi Phantom CT3 laptop bag

Both the Targus and CODi bags are butterfly-style, with a laptop-only half and a second compartment for your AC adapter, keys, iPods, papers, etc. The Targus bag splits in two with a zipper, while the CODI has two plastic clips and a patch of Velcro.

Both were reasonably functional, corporate-style laptop bags--not for the fashion-conscious, to be sure. But at $255, the CODi bag was more than twice as expensive as the essentially similar Targus model. And therein lies the basic problem: no matter how closely a bag maker follows the published guidelines, the agents at the security checkpoint are under no obligation to let your laptop pass through in even one of these bags. In fact, we suspect many TSA employees aren't aware of the new bag designs (remember the problems they had earlier this year with the SSD hard drive in the MacBook Air), and are just as likely as not to make you remove your laptop anyway, defeating the purpose of having a special laptop bag in the first place.

(Credit: Amazon)

As some people insist on turning their cars into vehicular workstations, we can expect to see more peripherals to help make their offices more efficient behind the wheel. One under-utilized spot is the cupholder--and that's where this next item comes in.

The "Targus 100W Cupholder Style Auto Power Inverter" fits snugly in the space that alternately holds your coffee and powers your gadgets with 100 to 150 watts through its 120-volt AC plug, according to Uncrate. Additional convenience comes in the form of USB and PPS ports for mobile phones and other handheld devices.

The only downside is that you'll have to hold your beverage if your car has only one cupholder. But you didn't need those extra calories from that caramel macchiato anyway.

(Credit: I4U News)

Targus isn't a name that immediately comes to mind in any discussion of portable speakers, but it's certainly a brand associated with all forms of portable computing. That's why its new "Speaker Book" makes sense--and it even resembles a tiny laptop, if you have a good imagination.

Searching for well designed portable speakers has become something of an obsession for us, for unknown reasons we're afraid to explore. It was particularly disappointing, therefore, to find out from I4U News that this sleek folding mini-system is available only in the U.K., especially because it uses a standard 3.5-millimeter cable and can be powered by any USB port or AAA batteries. Alas, once again we're stuck with the Dumbo look.

The Racing Stripe line

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Gone are the days when one had to live with boring black, over-the-shoulder laptop bags that came with the portable. Targus has just announced a new range of notebook bags that include backpacks, slipcases, and fashion statements.

Slipcases
Slipcases are particularly popular with students who can use them in conjunction with their favorite bags while not compromising on protection. There are two ranges available: The Apple Slip Case which fits the MacBook and MacBook Pro range as well as the CityLite Slip Case for notebooks ranging from 12.1- to 15.4-inch screens. The 17-inch Apple Slip case goes for $37, while the CityLite models (which come in black, green, or gray) range from $24 to $32.

The Revolution Messenger bag

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Backpacks and messenger bags
If you need to carry a load of books along with your portable, backpacks are the way to go. A properly design pack will not only evenly distribute the load between both shoulders, but should also help keep the spine in a natural curve. Targus has three lines of backpacks: The Revolution for those with rugged lifestyles; the Voyager for the urban traveler; and the Wanderer for those who need additional storage space. For protection against rain, Targus has integrated a PVC rain cover inside a hidden pocket across all models. The Revolution holds up to 14.1-inch models and costs $79 while the 15.4-inch Voyager goes for $105 (the 17-inch version retails at $118). The 13.1-inch and 15.4-inch Wanderer models are priced at $79 and $86, respectively.

Among messenger bags, the $59 Targus Revolution can hold a 14.1-inch laptop with ease.

An interesting compromise is the $59 Pulse Convertible case which can switch between backpack and messenger bag modes.

Of particular note is Targus' new Racing Stripes Range. Like the Pulse, the $59 Racing Stripe 2-in-1 Convertible Case changes carrying methods with ease, while the $46 messenger model fits 13.3-inch notebooks. The backpack unit goes for $79) and a model which includes a camera tray for a SLR shooter adds $6.58 to the price.

Business traveler
There are two new models which cater to the business traveler who frequently embarks on day trips. The Corporate Traveler Vertical Roller does not need to be checked in and can fit inside overhead luggage compartments. The Ultra-Lite Corporate Traveler is a conventional over-the-shoulder design and one of the lightest available, thanks to its use of military-grade ballistic nylon. The Corporate Traveler Vertical Roller ranges from $178 to $264), while the Ultra-lite Corporate Traveler retails at $197.

Ladies range
The Milan, Paris and Deluxe Tote models look just like any stylish female handbag in the market. One would hardly suspect that a notebook resides within. For a more sporty look, the Prague Ladies Backpack comes in a fun blue shade. Do note that the Targus Ladies Range caters to only 14.1-inch notebooks and below.

Jump over to our photo gallery for a look at the new Targus lineup.

(Source: Crave Asia)

The EcoSmart Convertible Messenger/Backpack

(Credit: Targus)

Targus has just announced a new set of laptop carrying cases that are both green--as in the color green--and green, as in environmentally friendly.

The company press release notes, "Targus' new EcoSmart series of messenger bags, backpacks, and top loading laptop carrying cases are made of PVC-free material, which makes the production of EcoSmart cases less harmful to the ecosystem. In addition to the removal of PVC material, plastics used on the cases are recyclable and all metal hardware is nickel-free."

The EcoSmart Sling

(Credit: Targus)

Targus' new line of EcoSmart cases will be come in four styles: Convertible Messenger/Backpack (pictured), Sling (pictured), Messenger, and a Top Loading case. No word yet on pricing, but the release says the bags will be available for the holidays and that, "All of the cases include a padded notebook sleeve with scratch resistant, quilted lining; a security strap; and a detailed workstation with a key hook, pen loops, accessory pockets, and plenty of storage options. The cases fit 15.4-inch laptop computers and include specially designed pockets for a water bottle and MP3 player. The backpack includes a tuck-away shoulder strap as well as a removable shoulder strap. The Top Loading case also includes a removable shoulder strap."

Personally, I wish Targus would make a case that you could either eat or smoke after you were finished with it. But I guess this is a step in the right direction.

It dawned on me yesterday that luggage reps have to carry around all their luggage samples in an even larger piece of luggage. When representatives from Targus came to meet with Jasmine and I yesterday to show off their new (and extremely well-designed) line of Apple MacBook bags, they had to roll them up to our office in this absurdly corpulent roller bag.

While their new MacBook-friendly line of Radius bags will soon be available on Amazon, this Targus-emblazoned megabag is made exclusively for marketing reps--and is not sold anywhere. Luckily for us, it's not cost-effective for them to ship back, so they let us keep it. After making an ass out of myself by sitting in it attempting to ride it like a bathtub racer, Jasmine had to one-up me by crawling completely inside the thing. I bet Tony Soprano has one of these.

Don't worry, we gave her a Zune and a PSP to keep her entertained during the flight. She'll be fine.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks)