Dan Cohen | Gear Diary

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

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…

News & Features

AUTUM Releases Turncoat, an iPad Sleeve with a Difference

AUTUM is one of those small boutique accessory companies that are a hidden gem. When we came across their iPad sleeves we knew this was an outfit we wanted to get to know better. The artistry they bring to each of their products is obvious and their commitment to quality is outstanding. We reviewed their impressive StraightJacket, leather sleeves for the iPad and both the 11″ and 13″ MacBook Air. We were impressed, and I continue to use and enjoy the sleeves. Then we brought word of their most unusual couch, the Heretic. It was to die for — literally,…

Reviews

Work Gear Review: Parker 51

Every now and then a product comes along that is, to use a word, magical. The new item does something new and, in doing so, promises to “change everything”. That’s the case with the brand new Parker 51. The Parker 51 is not like anything you have seen before. It promises to solve many of the issues that have a long plagued those of us who use a traditional fountain pen. It employs brand new technology and is a taste of the future, NOW. At least that is what Parker is telling us. Does it live up to the hype?…

Gear Bits, News & Features

Exclusive: Fire Goes Mobile! This is Hot!

Fire! It cooks our food and warms our caves. Fire! It keeps the predators away and let’s us see when the flaming ball of light goes away for a time. Fire! It can be hard to start and, once going, an ever-present job to keep stoked. Fire! We don’t want to live without it but living with it can be a pain. Until now! Yes, for the first time starting a fire is as simple as rubbing one magic stick on a piece of black paper. It is magical. It is revolutionary. It is the most important advance since flint….

Gear Bits, News & Features

First Look: I-Mate JAM Pocket PC

I have seen the future of mobile phones and it comes from… Dubai!?!? Yes, this phone comes from the up-and-comer I-mate, a company that is set to take the mobile world by storm and promises to be on top for decades to come. When I first took the Jam out of the box I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking at. Is it a big phone or is it a small computer? Well, in actuality it is both. The i-mate™ JAM is the smallest Windows Pocket PC available. It includes GPRS for Internet or remote office access, and features…

Reviews

Review: DYMO LabelManager PnP

Labels. We get them when we are young. Sometimes we earn them. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes they are flattering. Often they are not. Labels. Once they are there, they are difficult to shake. Oh, wait, this isn’t about that kind of label is it? No, this is about those labels that you print up and then attach to items you want easily identified. For example if you are sorting the various cables that go with the various gadgets you have collected over the years labels help you know what is inside each box without even opening it. Or if you have…

Editorials, News & Features

Adventures in Customer Service- Apple and Spilled Crystal Light Edition

I thought of a number of different titles for this post. One was: “No Use Crying Over Spilled Lemonaide”. Another was “MacBook Airs and Crystal Light Do Not Mix”. Another was “Apple, I’m Sorry for all the Nasty Things I Have Said and Thought” Then there was “I’m an Idiot” Eventually I settled on simply using “Adventures in Customer Service- Apple and Spilled Crystal Light Edition”. Here’s my story. I did not have a good morning. I woke up not feeling particularly great and immediately had a number of phone calls with people who are in the midst of challenging…

News & Features

iPad Accessory News: Joule Chroma iPad Stand for iPad and iPad 2

Of all the stands for the original iPad, Element Case’s Joule stands out as the simplest but most aesthetically pleasing iPad stand we reviewed. Here’s what I had to say about the original version: So what do I think of the Joule? I love it. It is beautifully made and remarkably useful. It is simple yet functional. When the iPad is not inside its low profile means it won’t take up much space AND it looks good. The three angles provided by the various cuts in the back let you have your iPad at the perfect angle for whatever use you…

Gear Bits

Flashback to Grad School, or “I Wrote My Thesis with That?”

Kayla’s rant about iPads and her description of college tech was striking to me. She ASSUMED (accurately) that anyone going to college these days has a computer. Yup, access to a computer isn’t a luxury for students these days, it is a necessity. (As she then goes on to point out, iPads, on the other hand, are luxuries.) It got me thinking about my own college days. When I was working on my undergraduate degree we had a room in each dorm with four or five computers. For the most part they were used for math and science calculations rather…

Reviews

iPad Accessory Review: XtremeMac Tuffwrap Shine for iPad 2

I’m loving my iPad 2. Thanks to its thinner design and slightly lighter weight I find even easier to use than its predecessor. And the speed, well the speed is amazing. My biggest frustration with the iPad 2 is that the protective back shells I have for the original iPad don’t work due to the slight change in shape and size. That means my iPad 2 spent its first week with nothing protecting the back. I did finally get DODOcase BOOKback but that doesn’t protect the sides of the iPad. That’s where the new Tuffwrap Shine for iPad 2 from…

Editorials

Gear Diary on Campus: Kayla on … iPads

We are pleased to introduce Kayla. Kayla is a college student. Kayla is wicked smart. Kayla has strong opinions. And this is Kayla’s take on iPads.

Reviews

iPad Accessory Video Review: Waterfield’s iPad Travel Express

The other day we brought word that Waterfield had just released their latest iPad accessory, the Travel Express. The Travel Express is larger than the company’s iPad sleeves (reviewed here) but smaller than their iPad Wallet (reviewed here). It looked great and the company was kind enough to send one over so we might take a closer look. Once again they have designed a case that looks great and is super function. Here’s a closer look. From Waterfield: Ticket to Ride. The Travel Express is your all-in-one mobile office solution. Store and protect your iPad, iPad 2, or iPad 2…

News & Features

iOS 5.0 Release Pushed Back to Fall? Just Proves Apple Still “Thinks Different”

The blogosphere was buzzing yesterday when word came that Apple might hold off on releasing iOS 5.0 until the fall. What does this mean? Why would Apple break such a long tradition that goes all the way to… January 9, 2007. Okay so maybe it is not such a long-standing tradition, but you know what they say: “Do it once it is innovative; Do it twice and it is redundant; Do it a third time and it is a tradition.” By now an annual hardware and OS update is a TRADITION. Why would Apple mess with tradition? But it is…

Reviews

Android Device Review: Motorola Atrix, Laptop Dock and Media Dock

It was my last day at CES 2011 and we had already had quite a full morning. I was exhausted, but Francis just kept pushing. “I want to go see Motorola. I want to go see Motorola.” And he kept whining, “I want to go see what Motorola is offering and I want to go now.” He wore me down. So I acquiesced. Okay, so perhaps that’s not exactly how it happened. In actuality it went something like this: Francis – “Hey Dan, what do you say we go check out Motorola?” Me – “Sure.” And, thanks to Francis, we…

Gear Bits

‘Easy Calendar’ iPhone App Makes Adding Appointments Easy

I have a confession to make-I rarely make my own appointments. No, whenever I schedule something new for myself I usually mess things up and end up double-booking or, worse, not properly saving the date and then not showing up at all. My strategy to avoid this? My awesome, amazing assistant. I know it sounds lame but by working through her I rarely, if ever, mess up my schedule. There are, however, times when I do need to add my own appointment and, when that happens, I curse my iPhone. Seriously, why is it so hard to make new appointments…

News & Features

iPad App Update: Evernote App Update Brings Snapshot Notes to iPad 2

I have to say that I’m finding more use for the cameras on the iPad 2 than I expected. More than anything I’m glad to now have the same functionality across all my iOS devices. That means I don’t have to think about which device I want to use for which task. If I can do something on my iPhone I can do it on my iPod touch. If I can do it on my iPod touch I can now do it on my iPad. And, thanks to an update to Evernote’s iOS app that is more true than ever….

Reviews

Review: Warpia StreamHD Streams Video from Your PC to the Big(ger) Screen

The modern computer is an amazing thing. It is a work device, a communication device, a jukebox, and a video machine. I don’t know about you, but I probably watch just as many shows through either iTunes or Hulu or Netflix as I do on my HDTV these days. Yes, a huge amount of video entertainment comes through our computers now. The real challenge is getting that video, and the accompanying audio, seamlessly pushed over to a large television for enjoyment. Apple is making a huge play in this area with their AirPlay technology, but that requires you to use…

Reviews

iPad 2 Case Review: DODOcase BOOKback for iPad 2

I’m really loving the iPad 2. The reduced thickness combined with the small drop in weight makes a huge difference when carrying and using it. I’m also liking the leather SmartCover I got along with the iPad. It really is remarkable how one little accessory can make such a huge difference in the use-ability of a device. At the same time, however, I don’t like the way Apple’s ingenious cover leaves the back of the iPad exposed. After all, I enjoy using devices that are in pristine condition, not to mention there’s a lower resale value when gadgets show wear….

Gear Bits

Sampling the YouTube Way

Here’s an amazing example of what you can do it you scour YouTube, have some decent video editing skills and a lot of time. This video was made entirely of YouTube videos that Ophir Kutiel, aka ‘Kutiman’, found on the net. He took a little of this and a little of that and, in the end, created what you see below — a FrankenVideo. It is pretty amazing and worth a couple of minutes. Via TechCrunch

News & Features

Going Bananas for Banana TV

Apple’s AirPlay is getting a lot of use in our home these days. I have a number of Airport Express units around the house and each is attached to a set of speakers. With them I can now start music playing anywhere I want from any iOS device by simply starting the music and selecting that room’s AirPort Express from the AirPlay menu. It is simple, it is quick and it makes great use of our WiFi network. That’s why I jumped at the chance to buy the new program, Banana TV. What is Banana TV, and why am I…

Articles by Dan Cohen