Dan Cohen | Gear Diary

Bracketron iRoom iDock Keycard, the First Motorized, In-Wall iPad Mount for Residential and Commercial Spaces

This is a pretty cool way to bring the iPad into public spaces and add tremendous functionality to it. The iRoom iDock is the world’s first powered, motorized in-wall iPad mounting solution. Intended for commercial and residential use, the $1499 accessory (yes, the accessory is more than the device it accessorizes) looks to offer a great deal. A 2012 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award winner, this in-wall iPad solution is ideal for docking and control in private homes, hotels, yachts, restaurants, hospitals, boardrooms, retailers and more. As Christian Johnson, Vice President of Marketing at Bracketron observed, We have developed…

News & Features

Welcome to Disqus 2012!

If you have been commenting on the site in recent weeks you will have noticed that we use Disqus to power our comments section. We really like the platform. It allows ease of commenting, simply comment moderation for us (we are committed to keeping the trolls out) and, it just streamlines the entire process for everyone. Well, the company behind Disqus just rolled out Disqus 2012. You can get a sense of what is new with Disqus by watching this “awesome new video showing off the new Disqus”. The new Disqus is more social, streamlines the process of commenting, and…

News & Features

Satechi WTR-A Wireless Timer Remote Control Shutter Now Available

I got so busy over the last day that I have not been able to take the time I need to begin learning how to use the new DSLR that arrived yesterday. That does not, however, mean that I have not been on the prowl for the best accessories to outfit the camera. That’s why Satechi’s new WTR-A Wireless Timer Remote Control Shutter caught my eye. The new timer remote is compatible with most of the advanced Canon cameras, including the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III. (No, it does not work with the camera I bought but there is…

News & Features, Travel

Something New from Skooba Design; Looks Great, Sneaky Too!

I like to check out the websites and social pages of some of the companies we follow regularly, to see if there is something new and not yet announced that might be worth reviewing. Once in a while I come across a quiet “soft launch,” which was the case this afternoon. I went over to Skooba Design’s Facebook page and, lo and behold, they are pre-launching a new, and as yet unannounced, bag — The Laptop Weekender V.3 Duffel. It looks awesome! If you read the site you know I love my Skooba V3 Tablet Messenger. It is a great bag…

Crowdfunding, Gear Bits, Reviews

iLID MK-1 iPhone case/Stand/Wallet Combination Video Look

The iLID began life as a Kickstarter Project. (Here’s the page.) I got in on it later, so I ordered one retail (I ended up with two, so be on the lookout for a giveaway). Here’s what the website has to say about it. The World’s Thinnest iPhone Wallet! The iLID iPhone 4 Wallet Case is the thinnest Wallet iPhone (Patent Pending) in the world. Its ultra-thin 17mm profile means you’ll never be weighed down by an iPhone Wallet again. MSRP: $39.95 What I Like: Light; Not as thick as I expected; Let’s you go out with just your phone; The…

Gear Bits

Why It May Not Be “Business As Usual” at WWDC This Year

There have been some significant changes at Apple since Steve Jobs died and Tim Cook took over the company. The first major change was that Apple introduced a charitable matching program for Apple employees. Say what you want about Steve Jobs, he was not known for his public philanthropy. Cook changed that. Here’s another indication that the company culture is changing, albeit in small ways. I received this email from Apple today. It asks for my thoughts on the Apple Store. Why is this such a significant change? Under Steve Jobs, Apple TOLD consumers what they wanted– not the other…

News & Features

Apple’s WWDC News As It Comes In From the Keynote Talk

12:50 EST: We’ll be following the news as it rolls in from the WWDC Keynote. Join us for a conversation in the comments below… So the question of the hours as we are five minutes out… why ONE announcement are you most hoping for? And we are off- Tim Cook is up on stage… no, wait, Siri is doing the intro. (Cute…) “I am excited about the new Samsung, not the phone, the refrigerator.” ( hahaha eh) Now Cook is on stage. 23rd WWDC, sold out in under 2 hours. App Store: 400 million accounts (equals 400 million examples of…

News & Features

iPhoning Cyclists, Take a Look at the Wahoo Fitness Blue SC

Here’s a great little gadget if you are a biker AND an iPhone-user. The Wahoo Blue SC from Wahoo Fitness is a speed and cadence sensor for iPhone. The $59.99 gizmo wirelessly connects to your iPhone (or iPad) using Bluetooth 4.0 technology and pairs with cycling apps such as Cyclemeter and Strava. From there, cyclists can monitor critical cycling data from their iOS device. As the release explains Wahoo Fitness’ Blue SC bike speed & cadence completely transforms your iPhone into the ultimate cycling computer. Coupled with the Wahoo Blue SC, the iPhone can provide cyclist with all their critical…

Editorials

Upping My Photographic Game, Part 1

I recently decided that after years of writing for various websites and, as a result, taking tons of pictures, it was past time for me to do something about my photographic skills. I’ve been shopping for gear that would really make a difference but not break the bank, and I wanted to invite you along for the journey – especially since my new camera and lenses arrive tomorrow. Before we get into that, let’s take a quick look back at my “photographic history”. When digital photography first became popular I picked up a simple, inexpensive point and shoot. Over…

News & Features

Join the Conversation During and After Apple’s WWDC Tomorrow

Apple’s WWDC 2012 kicks off tomorrow, and the keynote begins at 1pm EST. While we wish we were there, we’re going to do the next best thing — follow a number of the feeds simultaneously, and offer you the highlights on the day’s doings with a touch of colorful commentary and a full team conversation in the comments section. Of course, the rumors are flying but, as always, until the news is actually announced, it is nothing but rumor. One rumor that does seem likely to come true is that iOS 6 won’t support the original iPad. The rumor certainly…

Reviews

SPIGEN SGP GLAS.t Screen Protector for iPad, Review

We recently reviewed SPIGEN SGP’s GLAS.t screen protector for the iPhone 4S. (Read the review.) The review sample was my second GLAS.t for iPhone because, quite frankly, I messed up the install on the first. Thankfully, the second one went better and, while still not perfect, the screen protector is good enough that I continue to use it. Honestly, at this point, I would not consider using a different screen protector. The company has now released a version of the GLAS.t for the new iPad. At $69.99 it is pricey (!!!) which leaves open the question, “Is it worth the…

News & Features

Sena’s New Magnia Zip for iPad Gets Down to Business

Here’s another example of Sena Cases finding a new, stylish way to not only carry and protect your new iPad but to also make it an even better productivity tool. The Magia Zip is an iPad case that secures your iPad within a zippered leather case. It does more than that, however, which is a good thing because, as powerful as the iPad is, sometimes you need your case to do more. Here’s what Sena has to say about the new case: Put your essentials and just zip and go with the Magia Zip – a slim and convenient clamshell…

Reviews

Case-Mate RPET 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC CASE for iPhone 4 / 4S

We recently brought word that Case-Mate was releasing a new line of cases for the iPhone 4S that are made completely from recycled plastic. What is key here is the fact that they don’t just use SOME recycled plastic but the cases are made from 100% recycled materials. That’s a good thing. Let’s take a look at the review sample they sent over. From Case-Mate: One bottle, one case. Do your part with the eco-friendly rPET Barely There case. Molded from 100% recycled material, the translucent, glossy finish showcases more of your iPhone. Its ultra-lightweight, minimalist design delivers a stylish…

News & Features

Can You Hear Me Now? Dragon ID Lets You Log In by Voice

For years Nuance, makers of Dragon Dictation, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and, although unconfirmed, the force behind Siri, has been collecting data on how we speak, what is different from one voice to the next etc. Data collection is a big deal but, unlike Google collecting data so they can better target ads and generate revenue off you, Nuance has been collecting data in order to advance their voice-recognition technology. (Of course they want to advance their voice recognition technology in order to generate income but that middle step is an important one.) In recent weeks we have seen Nuance begin to…

News & Features

Twelve South SurfacePad for Air Brings Luxury to the MacBook Air

We’re huge fans of TwelveSouth and love watching their relatively small portfolio slowly grow as new products are added. That only seems to happen a few times each year so. Well, this is one of those times and, while the new product is not something you NEED, and is not something that is completely NEW, it is something that those of us who use a 13″ MacBook air will want to consider. The Twelve South SurfacePad is a razor thin layer of premium Napa leather that cushions and protects the wrist rest area of your MacBook Air, while giving your…

Reviews

DRACOdesign CLEAVE CRYSTAL Bumper for iPhone 4/4S review

So you love the look of those fancy aluminum-frame designed iPhone cases but don’t love the added weight or the impact they can have on the iPhone’s signal strength. Well good news… DRACOdesign’s CLEAVE CRYSTAL Bumper for iPhone 4/4S offers the same great style in a plastic case that is light and has zero (ZERO!) impact on your phone’s signal. Let’s take a look. From DRACOdesign: This crystal edition iphone4/4S bumper, CLEAVE, is an extension of DRACO IV. By using polycarbonate as base material, the bumper is hard on the surface to prevent from scratch with elasticity around the frame…

Reviews

Sena Lugano Snap-On Case for Apple iPhone 4S/4 Review

Sena makes great cases. We love them. Their leather is gorgeous and the build-quality is always terrific. What is also great about them is that they are continually coming out with new designs and trying to rethink how they approach something as simple as an iPhone case. Case in point (sorry, bad pun), the Sena Lugano Snap-On Case for Apple iPhone 4S/4. It is a simple, low-profile case, a design that is quite familiar, but because this is from Sena it has the added luxury of… leather. Let’s take a look. From Sena: Lugano is the SENA’s Snap-On Case for…

News & Features

iPad-mini? iPod touch HD? iPhablet? A Gear Chat

The new… iPod Phablet I blame Francis. After all, he got the ball rolling when he asked the team: Apple 5″ device, how likely are we thinking? I still have my bets on a smaller iPad, but not sure about 5″. Carly jumped in with: Unless they bump the iPod touch to 5in to differentiate it. Chris then said: I could see them doing that to the iPod touch possible, but not the iPhone. I (Dan) then commented: That’s the post I was roughing out- the case for the iPod…

News & Features

Nokia and Warner Bros. Bring Fun Lumia-Movie Mashup

I love the cool product mashups that have been increasingly common these days. Just as chocolate and peanut butter go together to make a delicious peanut butter cup, so too can two other seemingly different products combine to do something neat. For example, Nokia and Warner Bros. have teamed up for an exclusive partnership that brings the awesome Nokia Lumia smartphones together with The Dark Knight Rises. That partnership kicks off today (in the US) with the launch of The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) mobile app. It is exclusive to Nokia Lumia devices. The app lets fans access film trailers,…

Crowdfunding, News & Features

On the Way! Elevation Docks Begin to Ship, Kickstart This!

The Elevation Dock is one of the Kickstarter projects I have been most excited to see actually ship. I love my iPhone but hate the way most docks make it a challenge to put your iPhone in or remove it. After all, the 30-pin connector is the most vulnerable part of the iPhone other than the screen (and I would argue it is in first place). The Elevation Dock solves that problem with a metal dock that looks great and promises to be easy on the iPhone when yopu dock and undock. (Read the Kickstart This! post here.) Well the…

News & Features

Tabula Project Seeks to Bring Affordable, Teacher-driven Tablet Computing to School

Tablets are finding their way into more and more settings and among the most powerful is education. I know I have been setting the stage for us to use iPads in a variety of creative ways come the fall in everything from pre-school to bar-mitzvah to High School. One thing that gets overlooked in too many places these days is the fact that the iPad (or any other tablet but let’s stick with the one that makes up more than two out of three tablets sold) is simply a tool. It is not a replacement for good content and great…

Articles by Dan Cohen