What do we like this week? Well, there are the simple things, like a gummy, sugary treat. And the practical, like a lightweight solution to locking up your valuables for a quick errand. We've even got something for the lover of tech toys. Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got that covered, too. With Mother's Day right around the corner, read on if you're still looking for last-second gift ideas.
HP Mini 1103 Netbook – Once I finally took the plunge on my first Netbook, it didn't take me long to become hooked on the tiny, efficient machines.
For most of us, computers are a way to check email and surf the Web. My HP Mini became my go-to computer, allowing me to leave my Macbook at my desk and keep me from being glued to my desktop while at the office.
When HP asked me to test-drive one of their latest models, the Mini 315, I jumped at the chance. I was eager to see how far Netbooks have advanced in the 18 months since I first made the switch.
I couldn't have been more impressed.
The differences were subtle – a slightly slimmer design, a little lighter, too – but what really stood out was, of all things, the keyboard. The keys were slightly smaller than my Mini 110, but were spaced out better, like on my Macbook. If you've used a Netbook, you will understand the difference; even the best typist can struggle with the more compact keyboard.
Under the hood, the single-core 1.66GHz Atom N455 processor won't wow anybody looking to do heavy-duty computing but for basic tasks, like email, browsing or word processing, there was more than enough power. I would, however, suggest an upgrade to two gigabytes of RAM.
Around the edges, you'll find the usual: three USB 2.0 ports, and SD card slot, VGA connection and an ethernet jack. The Mini also has Bluetooth support and worked quite well, surprisingly, with my Apple Magic Mouse.
If you're looking to replace your laptop but don't need all the bells and whistles and want a little more portability, I think you'll be quite pleased with a Netbook and especially, the Mini 1103. (For more on the Mini 1103, check out a full review at our sister site, gearintheheadlights.com.) – Andrew Wagner
Grab Guard – Admit it, when you're at a cafe or restaurant or other public place, you've thought twice about leaving your valuables unattended at the table. Maybe you've made that split-second decision at an airport or somewhere else. Maybe you've made the wrong choice, too. Grab Guard makes unobtrusive-looking, lightweight locks that aren't meant to protect your bike overnight in the alley but they'll do just fine in the kind of situations described above, when someone could just, well, grab and run. The locks sell for $20 and you can set your own combination to release the cable and it fits in the palm of your hand. It comes in a wide range of colors and is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to protect your purse or backpack, or even your laptop if you can find a place to attach it. Find out more at grabguard.com. – Bobby Tanzilo
Haribo gummy raspberries – Why I'm smitten with and not bothered by a candy that looks and sorta tastes like a real raspberry, I'll never know. I mean, seriously, why not just eat an actual raspberry? But all second-guessing aside, I adore these German candies – which are basically red and black gumdrop-type sweets coated in crunchy non-pareils and I easily could devour an entire bag in one sitting. But best of all, they aren't sticky enough to mess with any of my brand new dental work. Get 'em at World Market. -- Molly Snyder
CLIF Builder's bars – It's very difficult to pick out the good bars in the energy/power bar section at the local grocery or sports store. There are just so many varieties. I like many of them, but lately CLIF Builder's "The Entirely Natural Protein Bars" are getting my money. 20 grams of whole protein and really good flavors. Vanilla almond is my current favorite. Try one. – Jeff Sherman
"Twelfth Night" at the Waukesha Civic Theatre – Some people might be intimidated by Shakespeare's work, but there's nothing stuffy about this gender-bending comedy. The main character, Viola, is shipwrecked on unfriendly shores and forced to pose as a man to survive. To make things even crazier, she finds herself pining for a man who is in love with another woman - who, in turn, has fallen for Viola, thinking she is a man. I had the privilege of working with director Robb Smith both on stage and behind the scenes back in my high school days, and let me assure you, the Bard's in good hands. Check out the show through May 22. – Renee Lorenz
