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By Sarah, June 30, 2009 8:32 pm

Continuing on its path to being awesome, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative announced today that it will be extending its MacBook notebook program to high school students.

Photo: Flickr user pinkyia

Since 2002, the state’s education board has been working with Apple to provide notebooks to middle school students. This expansion will give high school students in grades 7-12 the same benefit.

Maine is currently the only state to feature such a program; the Maine Department of Education has already ordered more than 64,000 MacBooks for students and faculty, with an additional 7,000 that will be ordered in the coming weeks.

Maine Education Commissioner Sue Gendron said,

“We have seen incredible success, with our middle schools showing increased student engagement and achievement with (Maine Learning Technology Initiative) in place, and we want to bring this same opportunity to our high schools.” Gendron continued, “this is not just about technology–it’s about using the technology to support education.”

This is fantastic. I wish this had been available when I was in high school. This is especially useful now that technology is being integrated at a rapid pace into the high school curriculum, and more and more students are learning their trade prior to college (which some are skipping altogether). For students who are eager to learn about digital media, design, film, music, and more creative fields, getting experience on an Apple is the only way to go.

In addition to the hardware, Apple also plans to provide the state with educational software, professional development, repair and replacement, and tech support. Students will not only become more familiar with technology in general, but will do research, write and edit, conduct online simulations, and take online tutorials.

So you get a free computer, but it still belongs to the school. Students are able to use the MacBooks at home and at school, but they must be returned at the end of the school year.

Guess those un-internet savvy teens better watch their browsing history and delete all those racy Photo Booth pics before handing it over at the end of the term! … or not. Scandalous!

via CNET

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By Sarah, June 7, 2009 9:27 pm

When the economy is down and half of your time is spent worrying about how you’re going to get by financially, there is only one thing to do: oogle things you can’t afford.

Hellolulu just launched a new line of laptop bags and accessories that are both eye-pleasing and functionally sound. And no, they aren’t THAT expensive (trust me, I’ve seen worse.) The line features everything from laptop sleeves to messenger bags, in every color imaginable, ranging in price from $38-120.

Do you hear that? It’s me, squealing. I’ll take one of each, thank YOU!

via geeksugar

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By Sarah, August 20, 2008 9:05 pm

Now HERE’S a list worth writing about. There is quite obviously a wide variety of laptop bags to choose from these days, and although designers and manufacturers are finally getting a clue about what looks good and what is just plain tacky, there are still a plethora of hideous bags out there.

Today I’m here to share with you the creme de la creme of laptop bags that are less-than-beautiful (and that’s being nice).

First up, we have the always trendy yet 99% of the time disappointing Juicy Couture. It wouldn’t be Juicy if it weren’t made of velour and completely plastered with their logo, so that is to be expected. Its looks are an obvious reason for inclusion on this list. Another reason to turn your nose up at this one is the price tag – $95. Really? It looks like it might be worth the change in the bottom of my purse.

Next, the Urban Swirl Laptop Bag. I think I just popped a blood vessel in my eye from looking at this. It’s a psychedelic mess and that’s all I have to say about that. Oh wait – I have something else to say. The “handle”… is this a lunch pail circa 1930? Ok, now I’m really done.

Leather patchwork is never a good idea, especially when the colors chosen are reminiscent of something my grandmother would make a quilt out of. Combine that with the super-thin straps and Latico’s laptop bag is a fool’s paradise, all for the price of $121.

We’ve already made it clear that leather patchwork = bad idea, and the colors aren’t as ugly (however, do not be fooled my friends – beige is definitely NOT in this season), but the price tag of the Car Seat Laptop Bag is twice as silly – $264. NEXT!

Dear God, shield your eyes! This water-color-gone-bad travesty is the Anuschka Laptop Organizer. Not only does it cost you $400, but it’s now cost me my lunch. Ick.

Well, I hope I have satisfied your need for a good laugh this evening. I’ve certainly had my fill of ugliness to last me through Labor Day. To vote for the ugliest of the bunch, head over to GeekSugar.

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By Sarah, July 31, 2008 1:00 am

If you actually met me in person you would shake your head and give me a disapproving look. Why is this? Because I blog about all these fabulous tech gadgets and accompanying accessories yet own very few of my own. The laptop bag I use is just pathetic, really. I could go out and buy your run-of-the-mill bag, but… knowing that all these fabulous bags exist, I just can’t settle for less than I know I deserve. And what do I deserve?

Well, I think I’ve found it. Firstly, I love Marc Jacobs. L-O-V-E. Were it not for him being gay, I might consider proposing marriage. At least to his clothes. It is a well known fact that Mr. Jacobs designs a mean handbag, I much prefer them to the more popular Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton or Prada handbags. Truthfully I think most of them are fugly.

Getting the point here, feast your eyes upon this bad boy (or girl).

The Sloane Laptop Bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs is simple enough to not be tacky (as so many laptop bags these days are… Trust. Me.), but stylish and well-crafted enough to be worth the $290 price tag, which is a fraction of the cost of a regular Marc Jacobs handbag.

The only downside to this bag is that I really don’t like buying leather, seeing as I am vegan and all. But the metallic trim and trademark logo lining are just plain sexy. Also, I have no clue the size of this bag. Will it fit my MacBook Pro? Or just my MacBook? The world may never know.

via Geeksugar

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By Sarah, January 31, 2008 3:28 pm

“Prada Laptop Bag.” The very words excite me and make my heart beat just a little bit faster. This surely won’t be your run of the mill laptop bag, this will be a high-quality, gorgeous, haute couture accessory for carrying your ever valuable notebook. It is PRADA for goodness sake!

And then I get a glance at it… and it’s patent leather. And faded, silver to black.

Worst of all is the accompanying price tag – a bank-breaking $1,116! Although the design is far less than I would have expected from Prada, the price tag is right on point. It’s got a 52″ shoulder strap, is 12″ wide x11″ tall and 2″ deep, with a lightly padded interior. This product is obviously all about the name brand here. It’s available from discount designer website Bluefly.com.

But, I suppose we have seen worse (might I remind you of THIS monstrosity).

via GeekSugar

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By Sarah, February 23, 2007 4:55 pm

This Monaco Notebook Case by Mobile Edge is one of the most elegant, sophisticated, and untacky notebook bags I’ve ever seen.

You can hardly even tell it’s made for computers.  Designed to fit 15.4" laptops, with a dedicated padded computer compartment (complete with strap so your notebook stays nice and snug) and separate sections for files, papers, and accessories, this pink lined bag is an absolute must.  It even comes with a removable matching makeup bag, and detachable cell phone pouch.  Revolutionary "Wireless Security Shield"  prevents damage from hackers and viruses.   

Each bag comes in either pink or white stitching and retail for about $100.