June 2014


Nerf Super Soaker Lineup Review: Ready! Set! Soak!

Here in South Texas, we are in full-blown heat mode. The temps and humidity can bring you down in the summer, unless you find a way to beat the heat. One way to cool off is a good old-fashioned water fight; the 2014 Nerf Super Soakers promise to provide the perfect way to win the battle. 


Go Further with Ford 2014, Part Two: The Sessions

The 2014 Go Further with Ford Trend Conference featured discussion sessions and panels consisting of forward thinking and creative individuals, many of whom are not involved in the automotive industry. That is one thing that has perplexed me about this conference is, if Ford’s primary objective is building and selling cars, why bother going to such lengths?


TravelTeq Mirjam Leather Shopper Laptop Bag Review

It’s easy to find structured, businesslike leather laptop bags, but when you want something a bit more casual and feminine — yet still made of leather and stylish — options become limited. That’s why it was love at first site when I found TravelTeq Mirjam Leather Shopper, a handmade brown leather laptop bag that can double as an everyday tote.


The Pong Case for iPhone 5/5s: a Great, Lightweight Case with a Big Bonus

The Pong Case for iPhone 5/5s is billed as an iPhone case that will perform three main functions beyond protecting your phone. First, it is said to improve your phone’s outbound signal; second, it increases your cell reception range; and third, it protects you from potentially harmful cellular radiation. This thin, sleek, and attractive case retails for $59.99.




MacBook Pro + iMac + Henge Docks Vertical Docking Station = Awesome

The title of this review post — MacBook Pro + iMac + Henge Docks Vertical Docking Station = Awesome — says it all. Henge Dock’s newest MacBook Pro dock is not only a thing of beauty, but it also helps turn your MacBook Pro into the best desktop ever. Available in metal or plastic, it’s a great addition to your work desk.


Yes, Matt Lauer, You Can Be GM’s CEO and Be a Mother, Too!

Hypothetical situation: You have the CEO of a major company on your morning news show for an interview. This CEO has been under the microscope for good news (positive sales numbers) and bad news (product issues). So what’s tops on your list of questions? How to fix the products? Why are sales strong? Are they a good parent? Wait, what?!


The 128GB SanDisk MicroSDXC Is a Tiny Powerhouse

One thing that most Android phones get right, and that Apple (and many Windows Phones) still hasn’t, is the ability to add extended memory. The largest amount of memory any mobile phone can be purchased with is 64GB. Thanks to the 128GB SanDisk MicroSDXC I recently received and added to my Sony Xperia Z2, I now have 130.57GB. WHOA!


IK Multimedia launches iKlip Xpand and iKlip Xpand Mini

I reviewed the iKlip Stand for iPad and iPad Mini last year, and found them to be excellent solutions for the music studio. But then something happened – the iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina arrived and neither fit into the original stands. Oh well, that is just the way it works with accessories, right? Not anymore with iKlip Xpand!


The HP Pavilion X360 Does Backflips #Intel2in1

Last fall Judie reviewed the Lenovo Yoga. As a laptop that could also work in a variety of modes that took advantage of its touchscreen, it was impressive. I tried it out in December, and was also impressed, but at $1000+, it was pricey. The HP Pavilion X360 offers much of the same functionality at a far lower price.


The Death of AEREO, and Why I Am Perplexed

AEREO was effectively killed this morning, and with it we the consumers lost out big time. The thing is, I’m rather confused about why there is such an issue with a service I’ve been using for the past few months and absolutely loving. Here’s why I’m perplexed, and why the ruling makes absolutely no sense to me.


Sony Style Cover Stand SCR10 Xperia Z2 Case Review

This is our third Sony Xperia Z2 Case Review, and it’s the case I am using daily. The Sony Style Cover Stand SCR10 Xperia Z2 is the case that comes directly from Sony. Well, to be accurate, from Sony via an importer. The case cost me a little bit less than $30; here’s why am I such a fan.


Simple.TV Adds Windows 8.1 and Plex Support

If you’re looking to cut cable, Simple.TV should be on your shopping list. Combined with an over the air antenna, you get a DVR that supports iOS, Android, and Roku without having to sell your soul to the cable company. Now Simple.TV is adding support for Windows 8.1 and Plex, this is great timing considering Aereo’s loss today!


You Too Can “Sport” the New JBL Synchros Reflect Sport Headphones

In addition to the new JBL headphones we posted on earlier today, the company also introduces two new headphones targeted at those who are a bit more athletic. The JBL Synchros Reflect and Synchros Reflect BT In-Ear Sport Headphones comes in striking colors, are $59.95 and $99.95 respectively, and they promise great sound while you work out.


JBL Synchros E-Series Headphones Bring on the Bass

JBL just announced their new Synchros E-Series Lifestyle Headphones. The headphones, there are both in-ear and around-the-ear, “combine JBL engineering with innovative features sure to complement every lifestyle and every way of listening.” With prices from $39.95 for the JBL Synchros E10 all the way up to $149.95 for the E50BT, there is something for every taste and budget.


V.ALRT Personal Emergency Alert Device Review

Those, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercials aren’t the least bit amusing if you or a loved one deals with old age or physical disabilities. My father, for example, is a stroke survivor, and anything that makes his life easier and/or safer is a good thing. That’s where the V.ALRT Personal Emergency Alert Device comes in.


The Best Feature of the HTC One M8 Is Boomsound

I really love my HTC One M8, but hands down its best feature is the “Boomsound” speakers. Tonight I was playing Pandora on the deck for our son, and Sarah could hear the music across the backyard so clearly she thought I was using Bluetooth speakers! Not many phones can claim that kind of speaker power, especially outdoors!  



Amazon Fire Smartphone? Nope. Not A Prayer

On Wednesday June 18, Amazon announced their first ever smartphone – the Amazon Fire.  While this Fire OS based device (an Android derivative) may be the only phone with Dynamic Perspective (a screen that shifts as you tilt the device) , Firefly technology (Google revamped for Amazon) and Mayday (live help at the push of a button) .