iPhone alert mail; U-Cover

In brief: Cingular sets up iPhone alert mail, MacNN reviews the U-Cover Keyboard Protector, Aspyr launches a page for The Sims Life Stories, and Delkin prepares an ultra-fast CompactFlash reader. Though the iPhone is already expected to be released sometime in June, a new service from Cingular will let customers know the exact date as soon as possible. An e-mail will be sent to any interested party when the company is ready to announce an official date. Users concerned about spam and privacy should consult Cingular's policy, which does appear to protect subscribers.

U-Cover Keyboard Protector

MacNN contributor Onwah Tsang has reviewed the U-Cover Keyboard Protector by Uniea. The product is made of silicone similar to that in many iPod skins, and guards a MacBook against potential messes such as dust, crumbs and spills. It is also said to make key presses substantially quieter. The U-Cover comes in pink, blue and translucent shades, and is shipping for $20.

The Sims Life Stories page goes live

Aspyr Media has launched the official website for The Sims Life Stories for Mac, which is expected to ship in late March: "The Sims Life Stories introduces an all-new Story Mode with two stories that follow the lives of Riley Harlow and Vincent Moore, two very different characters who have reached similar crossroads in their love lives. A comic romantic plot centered around engaging characters guides players through twelve chapters of this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience."

According to the company, players can take their Sims through unique and entertaining storylines filled with romance, intrigue and dramatic twists--in an environment where players can enjoy classic open-ended Sims gameplay.

Delkin debuts new media card adapters

Delkin has released new card adapters aimed at frequent photographers, including its CardBus and ExpressCard 54 adapters designed for the new Ultra DMA CompactFlash standard. The devices transfer data at 40MB per second and 33MB per second, respectively. Expected to ship in April for $60, the CardBus adapter supports PowerBooks using Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later.

The company also revealed that it has begun shipping the ExpressCard 34 6-in-1 adapter for smaller card formats, including regular SD cards the newer SDHC format, Memmory Stick and Memory Stick Pros, MMC, and xD. The adapter works in any ExpressCard slot and works with both MacBook Pros and ExpressCard-equipped Windows notebooks. It too sells for $60.

by MacNN Staff