2011

Orb’s Mod1 PLUS Home Theater Speaker System: Big on Style and Sound

Here’s some exciting audio news: Speakers Do Not Have to be Square! Shocked? I’m sure you are but after years of being limited to boring square speakers it is now possible to get big sound from your home audio system without having to sacrifice style. Orb’s Mod1 PLUS Home Theater Speaker System is leading the charge by bringing aesthetic interest AND great sound to your den or theater room. Sure, Orb’s system doesn’t come cheap, but as the company explains, We know some of you are trying like crazy to keep your system under $1,000. The problem with that plan…

Gear Bits

Maybe They’re Sponsored by Nintendo?

Here’s a head-scratcher. At a time when child obesity is climbing, and the big push is to get kids active, one homeowner’s association apparently wants kids inside glued to a PlayStation. They’re proposing banning children from playing outside without adult supervision (which, okay, I guess it’s a safety thing?), but even worse, they’re banning “skateboarding, playing games like tag, or using loud toys.” Each violation could run families $100 a pop. What is wrong with this homeowner’s association??? Granted, the article is light on details, but this just sounds ridiculous. What constitutes “loud toys”? When my brother and I were…

News & Features

Epsilon, Emails, and Hackers

My guess is that, like me, you’ve received many soothing-but-scary emails over the last few days from Target, TiVo, Best Buy, maybe even your bank. They explain how, oops, someone might have accidentally tapped into their database and found your email, but don’t worry! Just maybe think twice before clicking on any email links until you make sure it’s from the company you trusted to not leak your email in the first place. It’s a headache, but not a huge problem all by itself. Except, of course, the sheer number of companies impacted. Because everyone was using the same company,…

Reviews

System 76 Gazelle Professional Ubuntu Laptop Review

Even though I work in a technology field, not often do I get a chance to look at brand new technology right after it comes out. It is even rarer that companies choose to ship laptops with only Linux on them. Companies like Zareason and System 76 are making it easier and easier to get a system that runs Linux 100 percent with every single piece of the hardware working from day one. When System 76 offered to send a loaner of their brand new Gazelle Professional based on Intel’s new Sandy Bridge chipset, well I jumped at the chance!…

News & Features

Random Cool Stuff: What is a Photocopier?

Have you ever watched Judge Judy where she gets exasperated and eventually says ‘you’re an idiot!’, or heard about some legal proceedings and wondered how they could belabor the minutia to such an extreme extent? Well, today we have the best of both worlds! From the Wall Street Journal we hear about a court case where Here is an excerpt from the WSJ post, and as they note, what is at issue is whether the office had a copy machine at the time in question.: Plaintiffs’ lawyer: During your tenure in the computer department at the Recorder’s office, has the…

Gear Bits, Music Diary

Music Diary Deal: Stream Paul Simon’s New Album for Free!

Simon and Garfunkel seem to have been lost to a forgotten era, with their beautiful songs being relegated to easy listening and oldies stations rather that getting the renown they deserve. The same is true for Paul Simon’s later work, with even the brilliant Graceland seeming lost to the specters of the 80’s. He is hoping that his new work, “So Beautiful or So What” will make him more relevant to a younger audience – and I hope the same thing as well. Well, for those of us who know their talent, and for a younger crowd looking for inspiration…

Gear Bits

I Just Got the Black Phosphor Appear, and I Love It!

Last month I reviewed the new Phosphor Appear watch in the women’s red with a Swarovski crystal embedded dial, and I thought it was a little bit too blingy for every day. Since I mentioned that I was going to order the men’s black with a plain black bezel, I thought I would post a picture so you could see the difference. It’s still a bright and attention-getting watch, but it is not quite as blinding now. I think it is perfect! =) The Phosphor Appeal starts at $199, and you can find them on the Phosphor Site.

Music Diary

Music Diary Songs of Note: The 90?s Kinda Rocked, Didn’t They?

This weekend my family was busy with a variety of stuff in our kitchen, which is a very large room including a separate island and our eating area and is generally abuzz with activities related to food, homework, computer use or who knows what else! We have a decent set of computer speakers on one counter that we generally hook our into our iPods. So I had my iPod Touch hooked up, and wanted to find something for all of us to listen to … so I pulled up the MOG streaming music app, searched Pearl Jam and then checked…

Editorials, Game Diary

Angry Birds ‘Success’ – Popularity at No Price?

We just learned that the latest entry in the bird launching franchise – Angry Birds Rio – has been downloaded 10 million times in the first 10 days. We also recently heard that the franchise as a whole has passed 100 million downloads, and a month ago that the Android version has netted 30 million downloads. These massive download figures have caused some to make various statements about it being the most popular video game ever, etc. In contrast, between 2005 and 2010 Tetris *sold* more than 100 million cell phone copies. While the difference in time scales is notable,…

Editorials

Tablets the Answer to Smartphone Distraction in Classrooms and Meetings? Could Be!

There is an interesting article that appeared in yesterday’s Financial Times. The article makes the point that smartphones are a tremendous distraction when used in meetings and classrooms. The cure? Tablets like the iPad and Motorola Xoom. Before you dismiss it hear the author out. The article picks up off of an MP delivering a speech in the House of Commons using his iPod. (As someone who uses the iPad for services, weddings and funerals this isn’t all that newsworthy for me but, then again, I’m far from the norm.) Shortly thereafter the Speaker of the House said that he…

Music Diary

Music Diary Notes: Amazing Pat Metheny Guitar Workshop Opportunity

You know that commercial about ‘when once in a lifetime meant once in a lifetime’? Well, I just got an email about an event that is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity! As noted in the picture above, jazz guitar legend is going to be teaching a 5-day intensive workshop in Norwich, CT this August and bringing along his trio-mates Christian McBride (bass) and Antonio Sanchez (drums). Here are some details about the workshop : The National Guitar Workshop is proud to announce this exclusive workshop with world- renowned jazz musician Pat Metheny. This special event is a rare…

eBooks

JK Rowling to Finally Declare “Uncle” (er…”Kindle”)?

Good news for Harry Potter fans! There’s a rumor that JK Rowling may have finally been persuaded that the vast army of Kindles, NOOKs, and iPads should also be sprinkled with some wizarding magic, and the Harry Potter series may actually come to ebook form! According to The Scotsman: The Edinburgh-based writer has an estimated £620m fortune following record-breaking sales of the Harry Potter books and the success of the film franchise, and publishing experts say the e-book rights could be another major money-spinner for her. Liz Thomson, editor of book industry website BookBrunch, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if…

Reviews

Review: Seagate GoFlex Slim Performance Drive

Judie’s and my first meeting at CES 2011 was with Seagate. (We posted about it here.) Toward the end of the visit we came upon a hard drive that was as stylish as it was function. At the time all we were allowed to write about it was this: Concept drive – We also saw a drive that is not yet named but will be out late spring (pictured above). The concept drive is super thin and will be $99.99 for 320. Black for PC. Silver for Mac. Also has premium backup for data security. This is an image of…

Reviews

Review: PadTab iPad Mounting System

When the iPad 2 was released I went to put my original iPad 64GB + 3G on eBay. I was immediately presented with an option to sell it directly and, in the process, pay no shipping or fees. I loved the idea of not having to hassle with an auction and the possibility of being scammed so I accepted the offer. The transaction went through and I was sans iPad 1. My iPad 2 came and I love it. I still had some great accessories for the original iPad though and after a few days, realized I missed using them….

Reviews

Desktop PC Review: Hewlett Packard HP Compaq 6000 Pro All-in-One

Recently I have reviewed the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Elitebook 8440w Mobile Workstation and the Elitebook 2540p, laptops with powerful Core i7 processors, solid graphics systems, a business focus, and a price tag higher than what a typical family would want to pay. So when I had the opportunity to look at an all-in-one system with a list price just over $1000, I was thrilled to get the opportunity – but a little concerned about what I might think about the lower-priced system. The Hype: Capable. Integrated. Designed with enterprise class performance, manageability, and stability in an integrated form. Get a desktop…

News & Features

NewerTech Helps You Tear Apart Your iPhone Properly

I’m not really one of those guys who likes to take apart my electronics to change, alter, or fix things. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things around my house on which I like to work, but electronics, no. So, I’m somewhat in awe of the folks who are willing to do such things. And if you’re inclined to mess around with the internals of your iPhone 4, then you may want to consider NewerTech’s new kit for dissassmbling your iPhone without marring it. The NewerTech 7 pc. Toolkit for iPhone 4 includes the following tools for easy…

Gear Bits

Borders Gets Snarky

Apparently, this closing Borders is really, really, bitter about the whole bankruptcy thing. We’ve spent plenty of time rehashing why everything went so wrong for Borders, but this store did nail one thing we all secretly miss when retailers disappear.

Reviews

Review: Future Sonics Atrio Universal Fit Professional Earphones

I listen to a tremendous amount of music these days. Whether I am working in my home study, in the car, running or at the office there is often music playing. Sometimes it comes through speakers but oftentimes I listen through earphones. Over the past few years I have had a chance to check out some impressive options in this regard. I did a review of the Denon AH-D1100 over the ear headphones. I almost bought the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones that Thomas reviewed but realized I tend to prefer in-ear options like the awesome JHAudio…

Reviews

Q-SIM Dual SIM Adaptor for iPhone4 Review

So how often have you wanted to use two SIMs with your iPhone 4? Perhaps you have a work line and a personal line? Perhaps you’re an international traveller and its much cheaper to use a local SIM where you are going. Then let’s add the idea that you don’t want to carry two phones and you really really like using your iPhone 4. Well now there is an answer… Mobile Fun has been distributing the Dual SIM adaptor for iPhone 4 for some time now and we at Gear Diary have an opportunity to show you what its like…..

Reviews

Review: Everki Flight Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Backpack

As the amount of gear I carry increases, the ability to carry it with comfort and style becomes more important. I have recently reviewed several products from Everki including the Camber Netbook Case, Beacon Backpack, Track Messenger, and the Agile Slim Laptop bag. I have loved the design and quality of Everki products, so I was excited to have a chance to review the new Flight Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Backpack. Not only is carrying all of your mobile gear important, but also being able to travel easily, especially when catching a flight. Let’s take a look. The Flight is the…

Reviews

Olympus LS-7 Linear PCM Recorder Review

I am unique in how I started blogging. I started audio blogging or podcasting far before I started writing gadget reviews and posts here on Gear Diary. So, the first thing I always seem to look at when doing gadget reviews is a way to capture audio no matter where I go. My first mobile recorder of sorts was a Belkin Tune Talk, which is an adapter that plugged in to the bottom of an iPod, followed by the Griffin iTalk Pro and the Blue Mikey. All of these had issues. First, there is battery life. The hard drive on…

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