Jeff Campbell
11-03-2010, 07:19 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://bullettrain.com/index.html' target='_blank'>http://bullettrain.com/index.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1288744088.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p>Normally, "Quick Looks" are used to give you, the reader, a snapshot of a particular product. In this case, however, I wanted to give you a look at a new company called <a href="http://bullettrain.com/index.html" target="_blank">BulletTrain</a>, that has come out with a couple of innovative products. One is for the Apple Keyboard and Magic Trackpad, called <a href="http://bullettrain.com/express.html" target="_blank">BulletTrain Express</a> (pictured above), and the other is called the <a href="http://bullettrain.com/magic-stand.html" target="_blank">MagicStand for iPad</a>. Both products are made from aluminum, have the same appearance as the Apple aluminum finish, and both retail for $99.00 USD. </p><p><MORE /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1288752422.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: The Bullettrain Express Deconstructed.</em></p><p>You may recall a story that we posted <a href="http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f385/tray-your-keyboard-trackpad-remote-100239.html" target="_blank">a few months ago</a> about a wooden tray that held your Magic Trackpad, Apple Keyboard and Remote in one compact package. That tray would be perfect, in my opinion, in someone's home theater or living room. Sitting on a desk? Not so much because of the ergonomics of using it. The <a href="http://bullettrain.com/express.html" target="_blank">Bulletttrain Express</a>, on the other hand, would be at home anywhere. It appears they have really nailed the ergonomics with this, and while it doesn't have a spot for the Apple Remote, I still think this is a product that is more versatile and ergonomically designed for more than just occasional usage.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1288751839.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p><em>Figure 2: The Bullettrain Express Constructed and Compared to the MacBook Pro Layout.</em></p><p>As you can see from figure 2, the set up is very similar to the MacBook Pro, and as such the ergonomics work out the same as well. It really appears to be a nice combination of using the platform to combine the keyboard and the Magic Trackpad into a functional entity. I can also see myself using this from the couch if I had a Mac Mini set up as my home theater, especially with all the streaming options available now online, or with my iMac at my desk. </p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1288759605.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p><em>Figure 3: The Magic Stand for iPad.</em></p><p>The other product BulletTrain offers is a stand for the iPad called, appropriately enough, <a href="http://bullettrain.com/magic-stand.html" target="_blank">MagicStand for iPad</a>. This ingenious little stand works very well as a stand in landscape or portrait mode, to hang your iPad from the wall or even to put your iPad at the perfect angle to type. The stand attaches to the back of the iPad (as you can see in figure 4) and is compact enough that it doesn't protrude very far from the back of the iPad. It is also the same aluminum material so it blends in with the back of the iPad. </p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1288760340.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p><em>Figure 4: The MagicStand attached to the back of the iPad.</em></p><p>To get the full effect of this stand and all of it's uses, you really need to visit the <a href="http://bullettrain.com/magic-stand.html" target="_blank">product page for the MagicStand</a>, which has a variety of photos, as well as a video on how it is used. There is also a <a href="http://bullettrain.com/express.html" target="_blank">page set up for the BulletTrain Express</a>. I must say that I'm impressed by both products, and I can't wait to get the review units for some hands-on time. If these two products are any indication about the direction BulletTrain is heading, I'm excited about the future!</p><p><em>Jeff Campbell is a fan of all things Apple, an X-boxer (the 360 kind) and geek. He works as a floor supervisor in a 911 center in the Portland, OR area, and lives in a small town just north of Mt. Hood with his daughter, two dogs, a snake and a tarantula. Oh, and a three legged cat named "Tres."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>