Logitech Squeezebox Boom Review

Back when Judie was a fixture The Gadgeteer, she and I would occasionally write dually reviews. This was a term we coined that basically consisted of a review where we would chat back and forth about the product in question. Today we’re going to revive that fun format, with a review of the Squeezebox Boom Network Music Player from Logitech. My comments will be in regular Black text, while Judie’s will be in Blue italics. I have a bit of experience with the Squeezebox as I had the opportunity to review the previous two versions of this device. The first…

Reviews

SimCity for the iPhone: The World in your Hands

There was a time when the release of SimCity, from Electronic Arts, always seemed to signal that a given platform had arrived. I remember when it came to the PC (DOS), then it came to the PC again (Windows), and on Macintosh, and many different console gaming systems. These days it’s popped up on Nintendo DS (basically a flavor of SC 2000), and Windows Mobile (also based on SC 2000). Now it comes to the iPhone. Is it any good on the iPhone? Read on…

Reviews

HTC Touch HD = Stands for Hot Damn!!

Only a few days ago Judie posted her first impressions of HTC’s hottest new devices, the Touch HD, and I am lucky enough to be able to follow that up with my own! For several weeks I have had my cursor hovering over a Touch HD in Hong Kong on eBay, but I wanted to try it out before I committed over $1000 to purchasing one. At last, the Touch HD was released here in Australia, and HTC’s local PR agency received their review units! Having gotten my name on the list some time ago, I was set to receive…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

In a field already so overcrowded it can make ones head spin just trying to keep up, what’s one more model to further challenge for consumer dollars in the crossover utility vehicle segment? Volkswagen of America recently launched its all-new and highly anticipated compact sport utility vehicle Tiguan. Staying true to Volkswagen’s autobahn heritage, the Tiguan is truly the “GTI of compact sport utility vehicles.”

Reviews

Mili Power Pack Review

My biggest complaint about the iPhone 3G is its battery life. Sure, the lack of being able to run 3rd part apps in the background stinks and the crippled Bluetooth unnecessarily limits the device, but the battery life is a CONSTANT struggle since I use my iPhone so much during the day. Thankfully there are a host of options available for juicing up the device on the go. This week I’ve been using one of the newest- the Mili Power Pack from PhoneSuit – and I’m more than a bit impressed. Let’s take a look-

News

Donkey dispenses cigarettes in a way that will make you want to quit

This Donkey Cigarette Dispenser must be seen to be believed. Holding about 25 cigarettes this charming guy holds a surprise dispenser for the smoking aficionado. Press down on the Donkey’s ears and out comes a cigarette. Watch the video to see from where the smokes will appear. This just could be the ultimate “stop smoking now” tool. Donkey Cigarette Dispenser – $7.95

Reviews

Nokia N85 Walk-Around and First Impressions

This has got to be one of the most agonizing weeks I have ever spent with any two devices. Why? Because I have had to struggle over which PDA phone I would carry each day – and which would get left behind. Such has been the daily dilemma while acquainting myself with both the HTC Touch HD and the Nokia N85. I know; you don’t feel a bit sorry for me, and it’s okay because I wouldn’t either…

Reviews

iVoice R1 Carkit – Review

I recently had the opportunity to review the iVoice’s Baby-ai bluetooth headset. I had not heard of the company previously but was certainly glad to have had the opportunity to see their products in action! I was quite impressed with the diminutive headset. I was taken by its small size and high quality audio. Incorporating the latest technology, it was one Bluetooth headset that actually lived up to its hype. At the same time, I had the opportunity to review their R1 car kit, as well. I was similarly impressed, which isn’t a surprise since it incorporates much of the…

Reviews

New Twhirl beta turbocharges Twitter – becomes must have Twitter client

If you’re not into the whole Twitter scene – stop reading now. If you’ve tried Twitter and just didn’t get it (which some days I don’t either) – an update to a popular software program called Twhirl was just released that may win you back. This incredible upgrade (beta) to the Adobe Air based Twhirl application now uses Ping.fm (built in) to update ALL of your social network sites in one tweet. It also finds all occurrences of your Twitter @name in a message – not just those at the beginning of a message. But that’s not what I’m most…

Gear Bits

Use PayPal’s free disposable credit card number to manage recurring charges

UPDATE: This post was written in 2009; at some point in 2010-2011, PayPal stopped offering this service. =( One of my pet peeves is online sites that require payment with a credit card along with a “good until canceled” order to keep charging my card until I notify them to stop. As anyone who has ever dealt with some online sites can attest, the ordeal to STOP a recurring charge can be 100 times more difficult than the two clicks it took to start.

Reviews

HTC Touch HD Walk-Around and First Impressions

I’ve had a few days to become acquainted with the HTC Touch HD, so this seemed like as good a time as any to take a walk-around the device and talk about some of its features.

Reviews

TP Link TL-WR941N Wireless N Router Review

Draft N routers have been around for a while. In fact, right before Thomas from USBfever e-mailed us about this router, I had already purchased a Netgear version. When this one came out, I decided to check it out to see how well it would work here in the US.

Reviews

ProClip for the T-Mobile G1 Review

One thing ProClip is known for is solid in-vehicle mounting systems, and now they have a m0unting system for the T-Mobile G1 or HTC Dream.

Reviews

Spb Traveler 2.0 Review

Editors Note: This review appears both here on Gear Diary and on Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! As I have stated many times throughout my reviews here and at Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!, I travel quite a bit for my “day job”. Just so everyone is clear: American Airlines Executive Platinum isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It means that you have had a lot of time on airplanes. But I digress…. Understanding this, anytime I am able to find a tool that makes travel easier I’m automatically going to be interested. Once such tool has been Spb Traveler. Traveler…

Reviews

Hammer Storage Morespace Portable Drive Review

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to review the Hammer Storage Morespace external hard drive. That was an incredible drive, with just an amazing amount of storage. My one complaint about that fantastic drive, however, was the size of the drive. I mean, really, it takes up a sizeable chunk of my desk. So, you can imagine my excitement when Hammer Storage recently announced the new Morespace Portable Drive. All of the storage at a fraction of the space.

How to Do It Yourself!

OSX and Windows 7 – Dual Booting the Wind

Not being the type that can leave well enough alone, I installed Windows 7 to my Wind as planned on 1/18/09. Windows 7 is interesting. I’m still exploring… However, after I installed 7, I really wanted to see if I could put OSX back on. Having the dual boot is really cool; and the dual boot with Windows 7..? Oh yeah. I’d be the king of my local Geekdom. I had to try… The following is not sanctioned by Gear Diary, and is an advanced piece of hackery. However, once you master dual booting XP and OSX, I found this…

Reviews

iPod Touch OtterBox Impact Case Review

This year Santa was good to the Schulz household. He delivered a couple of iPod Touch devices that my twin 9 year olds use for practicing speling (courtesy WordsWorth), drilling on their math facts and sending email to their family. The one accessory that I knew we needed right away to protect these expensive devices was a case. I’m using an OtterBox Impact on my iPhone and I like it so much that I ordered one for my daughter Lauren’s Touch. When I asked her how she liked it, she had this to say: My case is very protective. What…

How to Do It Yourself!

Update on Windows 7: Blowin’ in the Breeze, Part 4

This is just a short note, kids to let you know where I am with my Wind after this weekend’s article. I’ve completely blown the box, so XP is OFF the Wind. I took a couple of hours and put Windows 7 on it, and find it very interesting. I’m not completely sold on it yet, as its very Vista like, and I’ve really just got Vista Ultimate working the way I want it to on my MBP. However, I’m playing with it; and yes, there is indeed a great deal to like about Win7 that you’re going to hear…

How to Do It Yourself!

Dual Booting the MSI Wind: How To

Over the past few months, I’ve seen a lot of people talk about netbook computers and how hackable they are. Sites like JKontheRun, The Gadgeteer, and even Gear Diary have all posted articles on hacking this particular netbook. While none of these sites recommends hacking ANY device, it does go a long way to showing everyone just how versatile this device truly, truly is. Honestly, I wasn’t really interested in any kind of netbook computer until Dan posted his article on the creation of a “hackintosh,” or non-Apple PC running OSX. Before then, I really didn’t seen any real value…

Vehicles & Gear

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

I never really took notice of the benchmark status of Highlander until recent new model introduction events held by competitor automakers. More and more I heard the name “Highlander” included in their marketing and technical presentations when reciting segment target data.

Reviews

Boxwave T-Mobile G1 Case Review Roundup

Boxwave sent me three cases for me to try with my T-Mobile G1. First up is the Boxwave Armor Case. I was sent the black version, which is made of anodized aluminum and has a protective Plexiglas window over the screen. There are openings for all functions of the phone, allowing you to use the phone while it’s in the case; this makes it convenient when making or taking calls.

January 2009