Hasta La Ideas

Connect your laptop and clean up your desktop with the vertical docking system

As one of the more useful designs in Apple-specific accessories we’ve seen of late, Henge Docks offers a smart and sleek way to connect your Mac laptop to a desktop monitor or TV. The standup dock secures multiple cords and cables in place to make connecting to external devices more efficient while enabling air circulation and space efficiency. The docking system is available for all recent Mac laptop models and works out-of-the-box with only a few minutes of set-up required.

The product of long time friends, Henge Docks grew from ideation to production nearly entirely inhouse on the back and bill of the company’s three founders—a product designer, lawyer and physics teacher. To keep the concept focused and design driven without hindering the laptop’s own performance, Henge Docks endured extensive testing and prototyping in the years since the concept was hatched—with the final product having been just recently released.

Henge Docks are available in nine specific models to match your Mac, even if it’s four years old. Each docking system comes with multiple specially designed cords for proper alignment and sells directly from Henge Docks online for between $60 to $75 depending on model.

Hardcase experts debut their ultra-durable case to keep tech safe in the most extreme conditions

As faster, prettier, more delicate gadgets arrive everyday, the impulse to protect them has become almost obsessive. Innumerable designs, styles, functions and colors of cases for all kinds of devices sell everywhere from street corners to gas stations. The average pink rubber bumper might look pretty, but most cases do little to truly protect against anything but a short fall. Pelican, the industry leader in high-grade protective cases, has responded to the surge in tablet and netbook sales with a new case designed specifically for mobile computing devices.

The water-tight and crush-resistant 1075 HardBack shields an iPad, netbook or any other thin device up to 10 inches. The case, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks, features the classic elements of Pelican’s nearly indestructible cases including a pressure equalization valve to keep moisture out, and plush foam lining that prevents electronics from sliding around. Depending on how you organize the interior foam, there can be space for external keyboards, chargers and other device accessories. This case is a must-have for anyone who loves tech and has a lifestyle where falling overboard or other similar dangers is a real possibility.

The 1075 HardBack is available from Pelican for $70 and the iPad-specific i1075 is coming soon.

Also on Cool Hunting: Eight Exciting iPad Cases, Ipad 2 Cases

While Steven Alan lays claim to the ultimate travel bag, globetrotters looking for the ideal briefcase would be hard pressed to beat this Belgian company’s first offering. Focused squarely on frequent-flier-mile-collectors, the TravelTeq smartly designed their Trash briefcase to combat the nuisances of airports in a handsome package.

Individually handmade in Italy with Florentine Vachette leather, the Trash comes with water-resistant nylon lining in a trio of primarily colors, as well as in a stealthy, jet-black Panther model.

Eight different compartments account for everything from the now-requisite padded laptop sleeve to a mobile phone holder and external pocket for easily presenting your ticket. They’ve even included a pen slot that doubles as a cigar holder for unwinding post flight. And the bag’s other side has a branded external band meant for linking with rolling suitcase handles—which we’re sure will pair well with the trolley case TravelTeq promises to unveil later this month.

The bag is currently sells exclusively from the TravelTeq online store for about $540.

Upcycling scraps and remnant fabrics, LooptWorks makes neoprene-lined computer sleeves that protect both laptops and the earth. By sourcing materials thrown out in excess from industrial countries such as Malaysia, India and China, the Portland,OR-based brand creates new products without tapping any new materials and eliminating superfluous waste.

Boasting handy zippered pockets and bold colorways, the functional sleeves add a pop look to normally drab office accessories. They sell online from LooptWorks and other sustainably-minded retailers for $30.