June 2010

Hard Candy iPad Squish Skin – Review

I got a nice surprise in the mail recently. Hard Candy sent me their new iPad case- the Squish Skin- for review. I don’t usually use like silicone skin but I wanted to give it a shot… let’s take a look. From Hard Candy- More protective than bubble wrap and way more fun, the Squish Skin delivers noticeably outstanding and unique protection for your iPad. The snug, form-fitting silicone stays feather light but resists impacts by utilizing air-filled chambers just below the surface of the case. Leave the Squish Skin on at all times for an extremely functional and protective…

Editorials

Dear Apple and Nuance, You’ve Been Dating Long Enough… Time To Get Hitched

I’ve never had much luck as a matchmaker. In fact I am perfectly horrible at it. Still, this is one time when I am pretty sure that a marriage ought to take place. That’s right, I think it is time for Apple and Nuance to start getting serious about one another. Sure, Nuance now owns MacSpeech Dictate and Scribe which run on OS X. And yes, Nuance’s Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search work beautifully on the iPhone and iPad. But that’s just dating. I want to see them take the next step. And what is that next step? I want…

News

Android and the iPhone 4 Announcement (NSFW)

Well, it was only a matter of time after Steve Jobs made his infamous “If you want porn, buy an Android phone” comment…but there’s officially a youtube parody of the iPhone 4 announcement, which features dancing robots singing that the Android phone is for porn (like the Avenue Q song “The Internet is for Porn”.) It’s not suitable for work, but it is quite funny! And for your viewing pleasure, the Avenue Q song “The Internet is for Porn”: Via AndroidCentral

Reviews

Electric Pocket’s BookLover for iPhone Review

I know I’ve said it here before, but I’ll say it again: I like lists. I’m a sucker for any promising program that allows me to make more lists, and while I like programs that allow me to create lists for a wide range of needs (Things or ListPro, for example), specialized list programs are great, too, because they can incorporate features that true enthusiasts want but are specific to the list topic. BookLover from Electric Pocket – makers of BugMe! – is just such a specialized list. BookLover, as may not surprise you given the title, is a program…

Reviews

The OtterBox Nokia N900 Commuter Series Case Review

When phones with sliding top halves first appeared, they presented unique challenges for accessory manufacturers. I can just imagine that some of them must have been scratching their heads — wondering how they were going to protect both halves of these devices, yet allow the keyboards to remain functional. After years of watching some of the more offbeat solutions come and go — like clear plastic covering the keyboard and odd straps holding the leather bits in place — many case-makers seem to have settled for offering pouches that will hold the phones when they aren’t being used, but many…

Game Diary, Reviews

Dragon Age: Origins The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC: PC/XBOX360 Game Review

I have already detailed my feelings about the epic role-playing game Dragon Age: Origins, stating in my review that “not only do I love nearly every aspect of the game, I also love how after finishing it a couple of times I am thoroughly enjoying a new play-through as I contemplate my actions and consequences from the prior runs.” After such praise, it is a pretty easy guess that I am a lock to get any and all new content for the game. There have already been several add-ons released, from the initial Return to Ostagar DLC to the much…

Reviews

Fbook Photos for iPad Review

A couple of weeks ago I told you about the iPad application Flickpad which offers a unique way to view your and your friend’s Facebook photos. fbook Photos is another alternative for viewing pictures from your Facebook contacts. In order for fbook Photos to connect with your Facebook account you’ll be asked to give it access. As long as you keep the “keep me logged in” box checked this only happens the first time you launch the application. If you uncheck it you’ll be asked to log in each time. Once the application logs you in you’ll be presented with…

Game Diary, Reviews

Half-Life 2 (FPS, 2010): Mac Game Review

If you ask any long-time Mac Gamer about the ‘ones that got away’, there are two games they will instantly cite: Marathon developer Bungie’s ‘Halo’, and Valve’s Half Life. Halo got a mediocre release for Mac & PC ages ago (and the even MORE mediocre Halo 2 came along later as an attempted Vista Trojan Horse), but the Half-Life franchise has eluded a Mac release … until now! We still await the release of the original, but for now Mac gamers can rejoice and enjoy the classic Half-Life 2! The Hype: By taking the suspense, challenge and visceral charge of…

eBooks, Editorials

Are eBooks Hitting a Critical Mass?

I recently read the book “Too Big to Fail“. In it, there’s a discussion of the treasury department’s “Break the Glass” plan. Essentially, they had a few analysts put together a “what if the whole world melted down at once” thought experiment, so they could be prepared for the very worst case scenario. As it turns out, they used that paper as a very loose blueprint for many of the actions taken in the latter half of 2008. I sincerely hope the publishing industry has a similar plan in place because it’s looking like they might need it. “The Girl…

Reviews

Feuerwear Scott Laptop Bag Review: Each Has a Story to Tell

Feur is the German word for “fire.” Being a firefighter I’m sure it’s not surprising that I often visit various firefighting related blogs & web sites. During a recent visit to one I stumbled upon a link the Feuerwear web site. Feuerwear is a German company who takes out of service fire hose and turns it into bags, wallets and belts. Since the hose they use to make their products was actually used in the field, each item they produce takes on its own individual look. Fire hose often gets dragged through the elements and exposed to extreme heat and…

Game Diary, Reviews

Avernum VI (2009 RPG): The Netbook Gamer

Something interesting about the games from Spiderweb Software: I have been fortunate enough to be on the beta-test teams for the last few iterations of both the Mac and PC releases of the Geneforge and Avernum games. This means having access to the code early, getting loads of play time in before release … and yet in all cases I find myself writing reviews months later. I attribute that to the difference between playing to test for issues, and playing as a gamer figuring out what I do or don’t like about the overall experience. So here I am in…

Editorials, Vehicles & Gear

LeaseTrader.com app picks leads to ‘Wheels of Summer’

From the good folks at LeaseTrader.com came an e-mail announcing their picks for the top car leasing apps for smartphones. While I personally have not explored the depths of the auto lease, I know it is a choice many consumers have made. Not to kill their thunder, I got to wondering that with summer upon us, and folks turning their attention to vacations, what about those of us just looking for a temporary detour from the reality of the daily drive. You know, a very VERY short-term lease.

Game Diary, Reviews

Portal (FPP, 2010) Mac Game Review

[GlaDOS voice] Hello and again welcome to the Aperture Science Computer-Aided Enrichment Center. We hope your brief detention in the relaxation vault has been a pleasant one. Your specimen has been processed and we are now ready to begin the test proper. Before we start, however, keep in mind that although fun and learning are the primary goals of the enrichment center activities, serious injuries may occur. For your own safety, and the safety of others, please refrain from … [/GlaDOS voice] The Hype: Portal is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories,…

eBooks, Editorials

MyPadMedia: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth!

Judie purchased access to myPadMedia yesterday. After a few minutes of exploring the site, one thing became very clear: I owe myPadMedia a huge apology. See, several weeks ago I mistakenly called myPadMedia a “scam”. This implied they were engaged in a business that doesn’t deliver books legally; as it turns out, that’s technically not true. If you purchase the $49.95 membership, you will have access to legal content, but the delivery process has basically been stolen from another site. So clearly I was mistaken, and as it turns out I was just one word off. myPadMedia isn’t a scam…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Volvo C70 Rocks the ‘Wow’ Factor

All photos courtesy Volvo A Volvo with “wow” factor and, dare I say it, sex appeal? One does not normally associate the three-letter expression of excitement and surprise with a Volvo vehicle but the C70 hardtop convertible coupe is changing all that. Re-introduced a few years back and refreshed last year, the latest C70 is built on a smaller platform than its predecessor, sharing the global Ford/Mazda/Volvo small car underpinnings found in the Mazda3, European Focus and Volvo S40 and V50. This is my favorite compact platform and I enjoy the smooth, sporty driving experience it offers. This same experience…

Reviews

RadTech Aero for iPad Review

RadTech‘s newest offering for the iPad is the Aero Case. Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (which is just a fancy way of saying that stiffer silicone feeling material we’re all used to iPhone cases), the Aero comes in two color options, Bronze and Clear. RadTech describes the case as “a form-fitting and light-weight protective Apple iPad case. Colorful, rugged, stylish and durable for long-lasting protection of your iPad’s elegant finish. Skin-tight, zero-flex polyurethane material enhances your grip when carrying and handling, and provides excellent impact protection from bumps and drops. Made from washable and autoclavable thermoplastic polyurethane for years of tight-fitting…

Reviews

Battizer Review: Charges your Batteries and Helps Save the Planet

If you’re like me and never replace your batteries until it’s too late, then this product might be for you. If you have kids, lots of remotes, RC cars or anything that takes AAA and AA batteries, then the Battizer could prove to be a great investment. My home theater remotes, thermostat batteries, and Wii controllers are the items which to die at the most inconvenient times., so instead of saving money by going to the Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s and buying a bulk pack of AAs, I usually run to the convenience store and spend $6 on a…

News

Today is National Running Day! Here’s Some Gear Worth A Look

Today is National Running Day! It is a perfect day to check out the Couch-to-5K Running Plan Larry turned a bunch of us onto a few weeks back… …or grab one of the numerous C25K iPhone apps currently available in the App Store. There are a number of them. It is also a great day to check out some good accessories to go along for the ride run. Here are two examples… If you are using an iPod Nano during your run instead of an iPhone or touch (the C25K apps require OS iPhone) take a look at the iSkin…

Game Diary, Reviews

Glass Tower 2 for iPhone/Touch App Review

Many puzzle games involve items or shapes falling from the top of the screen that must be eliminated in some way. Basically they are a take on Tetris which I loved to play back in my early high school days. Every now and then one of these games is actually unique and fun. I came across Glass Tower 2 on a random search of the app store and it turned out to be a great game. The game is free, but very limited with only 10 levels that may not be repeated. Extra level packs are available for $.99 and…

eBooks, Editorials

MyPadMedia’s Secret Exposed!

After a recent escalation of the tensions between myPadMedia and Gear Diary, Judie bought access to find out what the real story is behind this company. We will have a full report later today, but here’s the biggest bombshell: MyPadMedia is selling you access to the free eBook site Feedbooks. Yes, you read that right! But you can access myPadMedia’s “catalog” of ebooks for free, and without paying their ridiculous $49.95 fee, by heading to Feedbooks.com, a wonderful free website of self-published and public domain works. Even better? Feedbooks didn’t authorize this! This morning we had a very enlightening email…

Reviews

CableJive dockXtender Review

Last summer I reviewed the CableJive Dock Extender cable. This 30-pin male to female cable allowed iPhone and iPod Touch users who use a case to dock their devices without removing their case to do so. Many dock accessories (clock radios, charge and sync docks, speakers) do not accommodate the iPhone or iPod Touch while it’s in a case. However, there was one problem with that version of the Dock Extender. The connector plug was too large to fit inside some cases, perhaps most importantly the super-popular OtterBox Defender. Well, fast forward to today. CableJive has corrected the short coming…

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