April 2013

Pelican ProGear Vault Series iPhone 5 Case Review

When you make the decision to go for a rugged iPhone case, the choice usually comes with a few trade-offs.  In order to protect your case from drops, water, or other unfriendly conditions, bulky cases are usually needed.  Typical trade-offs with these rugged cases include things like diminished physical button functionality or a less sensitive touchscreen due to the install of a protective layer.  As you might expect, the best rugged iPhone cases make their owners accept the least amount of trade-offs; the Pelican ProGear Vault Series CE1180 makes a few too many trade-offs. I’ll first explain that I’m more…


Leap Motion Makes the Right Move, Even Though it Means a Delay

The piece of tech I’ve been most excited about is something I have not often discussed, since all we’ve had thus far are a few promo videos of the actual product. The Leap Motion controller promises to transform the way we interact with our computers. It has the potential to truly allow us to interact with our hands moving in the air rather than with a stylus, keyboard or by voice. Just take a look at this promotional video of the device in action and you’ll see what I mean. I took one look at the video and joined the…


The Right and Wrong Way to Do Post-Disaster Fundraising

Much has been written about all of the amazing people who stepped up after the Boston Marathon bombings, as well as companies in the area that opened their doors for stranded runners and other impacted individuals. We have since seen both good and bad examples of those who claim to want to help. The obvious bad example was the fake Twitter account looking for retweets claiming a donation would be made for each one, and the many fake charities looking to funnel off some of the generosity that has sprung up. One of the best things that happened was the…


Kensington KeyCover Hard Shell iPad Keyboard Review – the Keyboard that Changed It All

Walk into a classroom, and you’ll see how much has changed in the last ten years.  Classrooms are outfitted with SmartBoards (interactive projectors that connect to your computer), basic projectors, laptop carts, and now, individual tablets for each student.  I work in a high school that values technology, and one of our initiatives for the 2013-2014 school year is to introduce a one-to-one technology plan.  Our technology team has decided on using the iPads.  I received my assigned iPad back in November.  Truthfully, I have yet to find a good use for it in the classroom; I’ll save that discussion…


Rokform Rokshield v3 and v3 Suction Mount for iPhone 5 Review

Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to review the Rokform Rokshield v3 for iPhone 5 (read the review). The case itself offers nice protection, but that wasn’t what stood out for me. No, what stood out when I reviewed the case at the time was the numerous possibilities a case like this afforded any iPhone user. Why is that so? Simple, the Rokform Rokshield v3 for iPhone 5 is more a system than it is a case. The Rokform Rokshield v3 for iPhone 5 is a hard case, but it also ships with a rubber bumper that wraps around it…


Youda Survivor 2 HD for iPad Game Review

When Youda Survivor hit the iPad back in late 2011, it was amongst a stream of PC ports that all played extremely well on the tablet such as Civilization Revolution, Jack of All Tribes and Tiny Token Empires. Since then bigger games such as Grand Theft Auto III, Max Payne and Baldur’s Gate have impressed on the tablet. So how does the sequel to Youda Survivor fit in? Let’s take a look! Type of app: Time Management Strategy Adventure game Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad (iPhone version here); available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Youdagames / G5 Entertainment Description: Youda…


Re-Timer Offers Portable Light Therapy for the Sleep Deprived

During the waning months of my career at Borders, I worked two weeks of overnights during a store remodel. Actually working in the middle of the night wasn’t the hard part, what was tough was going to bed when it was broad daylight and waking up as the sun was setting. I bought a sleep mask, which helped, and I had very considerate roommates who tiptoed around and kept it quiet near my room. In any case, the experience left me with a lot of respect for the people who work third shift and other odd hours. There are many…


Sony’s Cyber-shot HX50V: A 30x Optical Zoom in a Small and Light Camera

When the smartphone market exploded the point and shoot camera market went into a nosedive. That's not a surprise since, for many of us, our iPhones or Galaxy 3 does a perfectly good job of letting us grab shots on the go. In addition, thanks to powerful applications and ubiquitous connectivity we are now able to play with our pictures on the go and then share them… In seconds. Still, there is a market for cameras that are small and powerful and sit somewhere between a smartphone camera and a big, bulky DSLR. Songs been doing some nice things in…


2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is All That

OMG has been waiting for a moment like this – the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 – a car that absolutely epitomizes the philosophy of “shut up and drive.” Oh-My-Gawd! I find difficulty in accurately describing my first experience behind the wheel of the latest Shelby model Mustang save to say that this car is definitely not for everyone and there should probably be required background checks for those wishing to purchase one. It is a beast. It is mean and nasty. It has the most power ever in a Mustang (or any factory V-8). Heck, it’s got launch control! (And…


Next Xbox Console Annoucement Date Set

“A New Generation Revealed. Be part of this historic online event, featuring a live stream, video, images, updates and more.” Microsoft released this accompanying statement today as they announced the time for the reveal on the next generation Xbox console. The announcement date is May 21, 2013 at 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). That would be 1 p.m. EST. Spike TV will televise the announcement at this time while it also streams live on Xbox Live and Xbox.com.


LEGO City Undercover Review for Nintendo WiiU

LEGO City Undercover lets “LEGOmaniacs” enjoy their own open world video game exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U. The Hype A Metropolis to Explore The world of LEGO® City playsets comes to life like never before in LEGO® City Undercover—filled to the brim with people on the streets and vehicles on every road. Make your way through busy downtown, head out to the beach, or to the airport—it’s a truly massive place, filled with over a dozen distinct areas. Over 100 Vehicles to Commandeer Every vehicle you see on the street can be commandeered, and used to chase down criminals,…


Amazon Is Looking for Feedback on Their New Television Pilots

Looking for an idea of what to watch this week? Amazon is following in Netflix’s footsteps and gearing up to launch their own original content, but they’ve crowd-sourced their choices. They have twelve original pilots, from kid-friendly to decidedly adult. You can offer Amazon feedback on what you liked best, which they will use in their determinations of which gets greenlit. We watched two tonight — Alpha Dogs and Onion News Network, and I have to say that we were impressed with the quality of both shows! Alpha Dogs was the better show by far. The concept was a bit…


The Legend of Holy Archer for iOS Review

iPhone and iPad apps for anyone on a budget. Nothing over $.99! As an avid bow hunter, I always look for opportunities to do anything dealing with archery. There are few games for iOS that involve shooting a bow, so when I find one, it is always downloaded. I recently came across a new game called The Legend of Holy Archer. Since the game if free, I could not pass it up. Let’s take a quick look. In the fantasy world of this old kingdom a dark hole appeared allowing horrible devils to attack. Being the holy archer, you are the only one…



STM Cable Wrap Review – Cords Kept Organized and Ready to Go!

If there is one lament I have heard my wife utter again and again in our technology filled house throughout the years, it is not about how everyone is on their devices too much … it is ‘those cords’! And while things have improved with wireless mice, headsets, smaller chargers, micro-USB for many devices and so on, there are still too many cords required; as a gamer I even need to have a corded mouse and headphones … and then there is my GPS watch and cable. When I travel I dump all of these things in my garment bag…


Hublot and Monster Announce Inspiration Hublot, a Luxury Headphones Collaboration

As if the Monster Inspiration headphones I reviewed last fall (and still use regularly) weren’t already something special, the new collaboration between Hublot and Monster promises to blow them out of the water. Hublot, the luxury watchmaker, has teamed with Monster to “combine the very best in high fidelity audio with the finest watchmaking craftsmanship and materials” to create Inspiration Hublot — a luxury noise cancelling headphone that offers an “unprecedented music listening and lifestyle experience.” The new Inspiration Hublot over-ear headphones will have a brushed aluminum finish, a premium rubber headband, a leather headband, and carbon fiber earcups with leather…


Harman Kardon Reveals New AirPlay Networked Receivers

I’m currently evaluating the Harman Kardon NC noise canceling headphones. I am, once again, impressed by the quality, finish and audio of the company’s products. Now Harman Kardon has released two new audio/video received that offer AirPlay and network connectivity. Both the Harman Kardon AVR 2700 and AVR 3700 feature Apple AirPlay and 4K video scaling, as well as a sleek, modern design. In addition, both receivers are powered by the “acclaimed Harman Kardon high-current, ultra-wide bandwidth amplifier design for top sonic performance”. Each receiver is equipped with eight HDMI inputs and have easy-to-use on-screen menus for simple setup and…


How Do You Kill a Samsung Galaxy S III?

  We’ve all done it., killed a phone at one time or another.  I’ve had one die in the toilet, I almost lost my G1 in a glass of tea, and I broke my first PDA by dropping it on the floor at church.  My friend from church lost his in unique way; that picture above is his Galaxy S III after it was chopped up by a bush hog lawn mower.  It’s a good thing he had insurance! Come on, fess up!  What is the worst thing that you have ever done to your phone?  Has it changed what…


The Invisiplug 6 Outlet Power Strip Hides an Otherwise Ugly Necessity

I dislike the way the typical power strip will stick out like from under or behind my furnishings like a sore thumb. Even worse, I dislike the way power strips look when lying in plain site on top of an area rug. Because most power strips are a stark ugly white or boring beige, unless they are camouflaged by matching carpet, kept completely hidden, or their owner just becomes immune to noticing them anymore, they can be a bit of an eyesore. Maybe they don’t bother you that much, but if you agree with me, I might have found a…


AnyList for iPhone Grocery List Manager Review

I am always on the lookout for a good app to make grocery shopping go more smoothly. Ideally, I’d prefer that we get all our groceries in one day of running around, since it eliminates that “Oh crap we forgot ____” mad rush to the store mid-recipe. I’ve used to-do apps, as well as simple list apps, but over the weekend I stumbled on an app that has two features which make it hands down my new favorite. What’s so great about AnyList? Read on for the highlights! One, and the quest that led to finding AnyList, was that you…


Organize, Share and Enjoy Your Dropbox Photos in New Ways

Dropbox is one of the most important productivity tools I use these days. Having my files, documents and images in Dropbox means I can have access to any and all of my files no matter where I am and no matter what device I happen to be using on any particular day. That’s the reason I keep almost all my active documents in my Dropbox account. Side note: I also have a huge folder in Dropbox entitled “Not Kept Local”. It has all the files, movies and pictures I want to safeguard but don’t need on a daily basis. That…