June 2013 | Gear Diary

NuGuard GripStand Review – Simple yet Effective

When Dan assigned me another iPad stand to review, my first thought was, “Oh great, another stand. How can this one be any better than all the others?” The stand seemed overly simplistic, and I wondered how effective and useful it could truly be. When I got home and tested out the case, I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, the simplicity of Newer Technology’s NuGuard GripStand is one of its major strengths. Unlike some other cases on the market, the GripStand focuses less on appearances and more on its functionality, which I’ve come to appreciate. In order to remove the…

Reviews

Serenity Plex Media Server Client for Android and GoogleTV Review

Since getting the Roku box, one thing I have loved about it was that I could use the Plex Media Server to stream my personal content at home to my TV. Plex Media Server is a media streaming server available for Linux, Windows, and Mac; it is also supported on select Network Attached Storage(NAS) boxes like those available from Qnap, Synology, ReadyNAS, ASUSTOR and unRAID. Plex is an awesome piece of software that works wonderfully in conjunction with the Roku, however I am not always in front of my TV. While Plex does have a web server built in that you…

Editorials

Rural Internet at Its Best

After three to four months of iffy WiMax Internet service from West Central Net, a local wireless internet provider, we are down to no Internet service most days. WCN has sent multiple service techs out here over the past few months, and even after swapping out our equipment, nothing has helped. The tech that came in on the 20th walked out the door with the internet still down, after saying that he couldn’t do anything for us. This was also after telling Kev that he didn’t even use West Central Net’s service at his home, because he had great DSL…

How to Do It Yourself!

How To Replace an iPhone 4S Battery

Carly was having huge battery issues with her iPhone 4S. It would run down in a matter of hours and, as a result, it was pretty much useless. That’s when she went out and picked up her Nokia Lumia 928. (Read her first impressions.) I asked Carly what she planned to do with the almost-non-functional iPhone now that she had a new super phone. That’s when it took up residence in my home. I put iOS 7.0 Beta on it, and while I have been rather impressed by the upcoming iOS update, I have found the same battery life issues…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Cobra iRadar ATOM Radar Detector Review- A Small Package With Big Protection

Last October I reviewed the Cobra iRadar iOS 200 radar detector. This system is a combination of an iRadar application and accompanying hardware. It is an interesting solution in that the radar detector itself works quite well on its own but becomes far more powerful when paired with and connected to a mobile device. It obviously impressed me since I continue to use it on a daily basis. (You can read the full review here.) Now the company has come out with the next generation of the hardware/app combination. The iRadar ATOM radar detector is smaller and more powerful. Let’s…

Gear Bits

Evernote Turns Five- When Did You Subscribe?

Evernote is five years old and its growth sees no time of slowing any time soon. The company’s iOS app was one of my most important productivity apps early on. And, since then, Evernote’s various apps have become increasingly powerful. (I love capturing handwritten pages with the new Page Camera!) The other day they sent out emails to all Evernote subscribers thanking them for their support and indicating what number subscriber each was. Here’s the text of Mike’s email and his number. Yes, there are 65 million Evernote users and Mike is below 100,000. Not bad! Judie, however has been using…

Game Diary, News

‘The Shadow Sun’ iOS RPG Hits Beta, Will Release This Summer

I have previously written about the upcoming epic action-RPG from Ossian Studios ‘The Shadow Sun’. Ossian developed the best ‘Premium Module’ for the original Neverwinter Nights, one that introduced the concept of a personal citadel amongst other things. They also produced the only ‘Adventure Pack’ for Neverwinter Nights 2, and are now seeking to produce the first original true-RPG experience for the iPad that will appeal to hardcore gamers and more casual players alike. ‘The Shadow Sun’ has been delayed for some time to focus on the iPad experience and other details, but Ossian has now announced that the game…

Vehicles & Gear

Ford’s 2014 Product Preview

Design is still the leading factor when purchasing a new vehicle according to Ford Motor Company. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker opened its 2014 product preview for journalists with a “talk show” format presentation in which Ford president of the Americas Joe Hinrichs and global product development group vice president Raj Nair answered prepared questions about Ford’s present and future. Hinrichs explained Ford’s recent gains in market share are driven by their product and they are committed to continuing aggressive introduction of new products throughout the showroom. Perhaps testimony to that is with a corresponding introduction of an all-new sport truck…

Health and Fitness

AMA Calls Obesity a ‘Disease’, What Do You Think?

Last week there was a big stir as the American Medical Association (AMA) made a change in their definition of obesity. While obesity was previously defined as a “major public health problem,” it is now recognized as a disease. The AMA is the largest group of physicians in the U.S. and, while their vote isn’t legally binding, they are a highly influential body that can influence medical standards and insurance policy. In other words, what they have to say matters. But for most of us, the decision of a group of doctors to reclassify something as a disease doesn’t change…

Game Diary

Massively Multiplayer RPG Murim Wars Shutting Down July 1st!

Last December I wrote about the promising online RPG Murim Wars, an innovative game that sought to push boundaries by bringing the online gaming experience across PC, iOS and Android. After it launched I played a bit, but the game was really not in a style that captured my interest. This must have been true for many others as well. The game is getting shut down on July 1st and the process has already begun- when I went to install the game it showed up as ‘not available in your country’ already! Here is what the notice says: With a…

News

USB Fever Introduces Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard For iPad

I am approaching one year since my MacBook Pro took ill and departed. Rarely was there a day that laptop was not seen with me at work, on trips or even while hunting. Due to economic challenges I was not able to replace the computer so I moved to using an iPad as my primary mobile device. I have found that almost everything I need to do can be accomplished on my iPad. I have also discovered that the use of a Bluetooth keyboard is a must. I currently use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard that I keep in my gear…

Gear Bits

The Greatest Use for a Smartphone Camera for New Parents

Sarah and I are adjusting to being new parents, and it is definitely a major change. From the sleepless nights to the diaper duty, we are making a few rookie mistakes and having a good time trying our best. Luckily, our son seems to grasp that we’re all winging it a bit, and we’re hoping to get some sleep sometime in 2014. In the meantime, we’ve come up with a use for our smartphone cameras that make our lives infinitely easier, and it’s not just playing paparazzi every time our baby does something remotely cute. See, often our son prefers…

Gear Bits, News

Tired of Waiting on Hold? Try Get Human’s Call-Back Feature to Have Them Call You Back!

GetHuman.com has always been a favorite website of mine for getting in touch with organizations with annoying telephone menu systems or extremely long hold times. Earlier today, I was trying to contact United Airlines regarding my upcoming honeymoon to Hawaii and was told that I would have to wait 45 minutes for the next available agent. After hanging up the phone in frustration, I decided to check out Get Human and see if there was an alternate number I could call. Unfortunately, there were no alternate numbers to reach an operator faster, however, I noticed for the first time a…

Game Diary

Summer 2013 Console/Computer Game Guide

The kids are out of school and summer time is in full swing. Look for these great console and computer game offerings when you need a break from the heat. You can keep that summer feeling on your down time with The Sims 3 Island Paradise on PC/Mac (also in limited edition with extra content). Construct and manage a five-star resort hotel; explore the endless ocean, and/or build and sail your own houseboat in this extensive expansion pack (requires The Sims 3). Other PC releases include Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded (PC/Mac) and Machines at War 3 (PC/Mac), the sequel to…

Reviews

Etymotic ETY•Plugs HD Review- Protect Your Precious Ears

The other day Judie reviewed the VitaSound Personal Audio Enhancer PAE-300. This great little gadget is perfect for the person coping with some degree of hearing loss. Even Judie was surprised by how well it works and the fact that her daughter Sarah, the actual hands-on reviewer, is using it constantly. (Read the review.) It is fantastic that technology can help those with hearing loss. Better still however is taking steps to not have hearing issues in the first place. Sure, as Judie pointed out in the review, some hearing loss is genetic but there is a growing epidemic of…

News

iLuv Gets You Connected with a Host of New Cables

Cables aren’t all that exciting but they are an important part of any mobile life. iLuv recently announced a new line of cables that will help make sure your myriad devices stay charged and in sync. As the company release notes, they offer “an abundance of new power and cable accessories, complete with more Lightning products and colorful options suitable for all users”. Let’s run down the new products. The iAD1517 Wall Charger w/ Lightning Connector This Lightning wall charger: Quickly charges iPhone, iPod and iPad Has an integrated Lightning cable for new iPhone 5, iPod and iPad models Offers…

George Benson - Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole

Music Diary, Reviews

A Trio of Terrific Tribute Albums!

I recently reviewed Al Di Meola’s ‘All Your Life’ album, which is a tribute to his lifelong love of the music of The Beatles. Tribute albums have been made since the dawn of recorded music, but have been especially popular since Hal Willner introduced the current formats in 1981. It has become a cliche for older rock and pop singers to put out their version of the ‘Great American Songbook’ at this point, and while tributes are often heartfelt, theme albums like that are usually a more cynical ‘cheap to make, easy to sell’ affair. So when a group of…

News

The New HTC 8XT Windows Phone Rocks HTC BoomSound

The HTC 8X is a terrific Windows Phone. I have one in hand and it looks and feels great. The just-announced HTC 8XT takes things up a notch or two and is coming this summer. The HTC 8XT is one of the first Windows Phone 8 smartphones to be available on the Sprint network and it is the very first to feature dual front-facing stereo speakers. The phone sports great sound thanks to HTC BoomSound, has an advanced camera that incorporates all of HTC’s camera expertise and it has HTC’s now-iconic design. HTC BoomSound is a big deal. As the…

Reviews

Sir Lancelot’s Armor Holy Grail Screen Protector Review

Screen protectors. They aren’t the most exciting of smartphone accessories. They are, however, rather important if you want to keep your smartphone’s screen pristine. The Holy Grail of screen protectors? One that is easy to install, nearly invisible when in place and uber-protective. After all, replacing an iPhone 5’s screen can cost well over $200. That’s where Sir Lancelot’s Armor Holy Grail Screen Protector comes in. This screen protector, which started as a Kickstarter project, is made of bullet proof glass. Is this a screen protector worthy of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table? Read on to…

Health and Fitness

Losing Weight is HARD!!! – The Monday Mile

Losing weight is HARD, and has been a lifelong struggle for me. When I look in the mirror, I do not see the same person that others see. While body image and ‘yo yo’ weight loss struggles have been stereotypically associated with women, the reality is that men also struggle with their weight and are often unhappy with their appearance. There were a few instances this past week where I was reminded of how quickly people make broad generalized assumptions about you based on your appearance. Specifically, if you are currently thin, there are many people who have no issue…

News

Stuffbak Reminds Me What Life Was Like in 2006

This morning I woke up to an email from Stuffbak. If you’ve never heard of them, they were a company that was quite popular in the Palm/Windows Mobile dominant mid-2000’s, and their pitch was fairly simple: they’d send you a label with an 800 number and serial number to stick on your valuable electronics. This way if they were lost or misplaced, a good samaritan could call the number, Stuffbak would arrange shipping to return the item to the owner, and the finder received a $20 reward from Stuffbak (and the owner could increase that at their discretion). It was…