New experiments using Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle extend the range of quantum cryptography, an advanced method of communicating in unbreakable code.

QC systems send information in the form of a specially prepared stream of photons representing 0s and 1s. If anyone tries to eavesdrop, he unintentionallly alters the photons being transmitted, and the rightful recipient is able to detect the tampering. As a final layer of security, the beam of photons doesn’t encode the actual secret message, it just contains an encryption key. So if part of the key is intercepted, the sender and recipient detect the altered photons and discard that part of the key. Once they’ve transmitted enough photons, the shared key is used to encrypt the message, which can be sent over public communication lines. But the photon key has to arrive reliably at its destination.

Quantum key encryption is one promising method of securing communication, especially if it can be transmitted by satellites. Scientists at an Italian observatory this year succeeded in firing lasers at the mirror-covered Ajisai Japanese satellite, proving that a sequence of photons can travel great distances through space. The laser pulsed photons at the satellite at 17,000 times per second; a fraction bounced back to a telescope at the observatory. On Earth, the longest successful quantum encryption link has been just under 100 miles because the photons scatter as they travel through the air. To reach the satellite, the photons only had to travel through 5 miles of atmosphere during their 1000-mile journey, allowing the sequence to arrive in order.

There have been several recent breakthroughs in quantum cryptography. In August, a team of researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) took the stage at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas for a demonstration of its quantum cryptography system at the notorious Black Hat information security conference. Using a laser to send the encryption key across the room, they streamed perfectly secure live video at 300,000 bits per second—as good as YouTube. “That’s about two orders of magnitude faster than any other system for quantum key distribution,” says NIST engineer Alan Mink. At the same conference, researchers from the University of Singapore demonstrated a system using pairs of “entangled” photons. Entanglement is a mind-bending feature of quantum mechanics that can allow the physical properties of two particles to be intimately linked even if they’re separated by a great distance. This provides an ideal way for a third party—a satellite, for instance—to distribute a perfectly secure key to two parties who wish to exchange a message, no matter where they’re located. [PopularMechanics]

The OQO model e2 is a pocket size, full featured PC with a sliding 5 inch (127mm) WVGA LCD screen. Ergonomically designed for usability on the go, the model e2 features an integrated backlit thumb keyboard, track stick, and capacitive TouchScrollers™.

For wireless connectivity, the model e2 comes standard with WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 technology. With the built-in 3G mobile broadband (HSDPA) option, wirelessly connect your OQO model e2 to the internet from virtually anywhere, even without a WiFi hotspot!

From surfing the Internet to running Microsoft Office, the model e2 delivers the performance you need for a truly mobile lifestyle. Inside, the model e2 features a 1.5GHz, or 1.6GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor and integrated graphics chipset together with OQO’s patented subprocessor technology on a palm-sized motherboard designed for optimal performance per watt operation. With storage drive capacities of up to a 120GB HDD, you can store all your office and multimedia files on the model e2. The model e2 is available with 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM operating at 533MHz for quick system responsiveness.

Encased in a magnesium alloy chassis, the model e2 is a standalone, handheld computer with shock mounted hard drive or optional solid state drive. At the office, the model e2 functions as a desktop PC. The optional OQO docking station allows quick and easy connection to a full size display, keyboard, mouse, and wired Ethernet. The model e2 is designed to deliver the total computing performance necessary to achieve personal and professional productivity, anytime and anywhere.

OQO has engineered 9 antennas into the magnesium alloy chassis of the model e2 to accommodate wireless technologies: WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband. With HSDPA mobile broadband technology, enjoy fast data speeds and wide area coverage for Internet browsing, email access and corporate intranet access on the go. Standard on all model e2 configurations is tri-mode WiFi (802.11a/b/g) with diversity antenna selection for improved performance. For personal area network connectivity, the model e2 can be paired with other devices such as keyboard, mouse, headset, and stereo headphones via Bluetooth. To manage all your wireless connections, access OQO’s Wireless Dashboard software using the function radio shortcut on the OQO model e2 keyboard.

With its robust processing power, Microsoft® Windows® operating system, application compatibility, memory and storage capacity, and unparalleled connectivity options - is everything you need to meet your total productivity requirements. [OQO via Expansys]

Kensington, ShareCentral 5 an easy solution for sharing USB devices.

Now you can share USB devices between two computers without all that plugging and unplugging. Simply push a button and the ShareCentral automatically makes the swap.

Features:
* Easily share access to USB devices between two computers-LED lights indicate which computer has access.
* Gain instant access to your USB devices by plugging one USB cable into your computer.
* Simply press a button to switch individual USB devices from one computer to another.
* Easy to set up and easy to use with no network required.
* Both computers have direct access to the printer thanks to Automatic Printer Sharing.
* Eliminates cable clutter and is wall mountable.
* Plug-n-play.

Specifications:
* No software required for basic features.
* Automatic Printer Sharing supported with included software and for computer running Windows XP or Windows VISTA.
* Five USB ports.
* Led indicator light.

Dimensions:
Weight 2.6 lbs.
Weight includes packaging and all contents. 3.25″L X 1.25″H.

Warranty:
ShareCentral™ 5 is backed by the Kensington 2-Year warranty. [Kensington]