Articles by Dan Cohen

Save Money with Republic Wireless’ Motorola DEFY XT

This post brought to you by Republic Wireless. All opinions are 100% mine. A few months ago we, reviewed Republic Wireless’ Motorola DEFY XT Smartphone. At just $199, the phone is inexpensive. At just $19 a month — about 60 cents a for unlimited data, talk and text the service is amazingly cost-effective. It is an inexpensive way to get all the smartphone goodness you could want. Check it out. Here’s a little factoid that’s worth keeping in mind: the average American’s monthly cellphone bill is more than their grocery or  health insurance expense. That’s. Just. Crazy. Republic Wireless decided to…


Genius Packer 22″ Carry-On Review- Not Just for Mensa Members

All carry-on luggage was not created equal. That’s the message Genius Pack wants you to get when looking at their Genius Packer 22” carry-on. This is a bag for the serious traveler who needs good organization and doesn’t have time for hunting around to find what is in the bag. Normally $298 is currently available for $198. Get it. At first glance the Genius Packer doesn’t look all that unusual. A black 22″ carry-on with wheels, the back looks like something you could pick up at pretty much any department store. The bag measures 22″ x 14″ x 9.5″ and…


V-MODA CoilPro for Crossfade M-100 Review

We reviewed the awesome V-MODA Crossfade M-100 headphones the other day. (Check it out here.) I was impressed and am looking forward to Judie’s “Second-Look” Review. We then reviewed the V-MODA BoomPro cable and microphone. (Read the review.) It is a terrific add-on. Now here’s the V-MODA CoilPro Extended cable. It too is worth considering. Get it. The CoilPro is exactly what you might think it is. This is a coiled cable accessory that gives you additional freedom of movement and more. It is worth noting that the Crossfade M-100 headphones already ship with two cables and a 1/4″ adapter but, unlike the…


ODOYO Power Shell EX Giveaway

We’ve got a great Windows Phone giveaway running through this week’s newsletter. If you didn’t see it you can check it out here. In addition we’re going to give away a brand new ODOYO Power Shell EX Battery Case for the iPhone 5. Check out Travis’ review here and then make sure to enter to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway


Limited Edition Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Features Tippsy the Elephant

If you are in the market for a speaker that takes sound seriously while looking playful and fun check out the limited edition Ultimate Ears UE BOOM featuring Tippsy the Elephant. The whimsical character by artist Jason Maloney looks at home on the speaker that offers 360-degree sound and runs for 15 hours per charge. Just $229.99 at Apple.com.


TwelveSouth GhostStand Lifts MacBooks to New Levels

TwelveSouth’s new GhostStand will raise your MacBook to new heights thanks to the stand’s transparent, ultra-modern design. Your MacBook will appear to be floating six inches above your desk or table while soft silicone rails on the stand’s top keep the computer from slipping. It works with any MacBook and has an MSRP of just $34.99. Get one.


Swipe Up for Control, Swipe Down for Search in iOS 7

When iOS 7 ships next month, it will include quick access to key controls, search and information. You’ll be able to swipe up to Access Control Center, and swipe down from the top to access the Notification Center. But if you place a finger anywhere on the Home Screen and pull down, you’ll start a Spotlight search. The first two will be familiar. The last may cause confusion.   Control Center Control Center will be accessed by an upward swipe from the bottom of the screen. That will reveal a translucent overlay covering about 2/3 of the screen; it will…


The NEX-5T Joins the Sony NEX Family of Interchangeable Lens Cameras

The brand new Sony NEX-5T is the newest member of the NEX family. It offers WiFi and now brings NFC connectivity for easy pairing with any NFC-enabled mobile device. Packed with features, it has a large, high-resolution 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor similar in size to the sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. Here’s a first look. The NEX-5T will look immediately familiar to any of us who have used Sony’s NEX line of interchangeable lens cameras. It is, in other words, an update to the NEX-5 line and will ship with the same compact SELP1650 motorized…


Features You Will Love or Hate in iOS 7

Although there has been no official announcement, Apple will likely release iOS 7, the next generation of their mobile operating system, next month. It is the biggest overhaul to the OS since its introduction, and while visual differences will draw most of the attention the changes that are less apparent are the ones people will truly love… Or hate. I’ve been using beta versions of iOS 7.0 since it was first available a few months ago. I’ve used it on my iPod touch, an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 and mostly like what I have seen. My biggest concern…


Starting the School Year with Flash and Theme Music

Nick Selby, a Georgia Tech sophomore, welcomed entering freshmen with style, humor and theme music. (Among the best lines… “Just like Frodo was a creature of Hobbit, Georgia Tech students are creatures of habit”.) And I bet he WILL build the Iron Man Suit! Check out the short version here on The Awesomer. The full speech is here.


Redverz Gear’s Series II Expedition Tent Includes a Garage

I’m not big into camping, but Redverz Gear’s Series II Expedition Tent could change all that. Its design shelters riders, bikes, and assorted other gear under a single roof. Made from expedition-grade ripstop nylon, the sleeping bag’s double wall design eliminate’s condensation. The bay can be used for cooking, hanging, storage or even as a dressing room. $449. Get it. via WERD


iLuv Mo’Beats Bluetooth Speaker Review – Mo’Music for Less Money

There’s a lot to like about the iLuv Mo’Beats HD Bluetooth Speaker. It boasts Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, works as a desk and a battery-powered on-the-go speaker, packs SRS WOW audio technology and has a hidden universal tablet and smartphone stand hidden in the top. Best of all it has a price under $100. We’ve been looking at a huge number of Bluetooth speakers in recent months, and the flow of wirelessly connected audio devices doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. The latest unit we’ve had the chance to check out is the iLuv Mo’Beats Bluetooth Speaker….


V-MODA BoomPro Microphone Review – You Can Definitely Hear Me Now!

The V-MODA BoomPro microphone cable for the V-MODA Crossfade series of headphones adds a boom microphone to the already-awesome Crossfade M-100 headphones. Sure the M-100s ship with a cable that has a microphone but this microphone makes a world of difference. At just $30 it is a terrific add-on to an already amazing pair of headphones. Get it. It seems a bit odd to be writing a review for what is essentially an accessory for an accessory, but when the first accessory is the V-MODA Crossfade M-11 headphones (read our review), and the second accessory makes them even better, the latter item deserves…


Logitech’s Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 Now in White

Logitech’s K400 keyboard is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup of the computing world. It combines a comfortable keyboard that includes media hot keys with a 3.5” multi-touch touchpad and 33 ft, long-range wireless connectivity allowing you to control your laptop or PC-connected TV from the comfort of your couch. You can even store it vertically to save space. Check it out.


Epson XP-410 Multi-Function Printer Review – Small But Does It All

If you need a small multi-function printer that has a tiny footprint and a budget price, then you will want to check out the Epson XP-410. Good quality prints, WiFi, and printing from iPhones, iPads, and Android devices — thanks to integration with AirPrint and Google Cloud Print — are just the beginning. And it is priced under $100.  It may be an increasingly paperless world, but there are still times when you need to print or scan a document. Epson offers a terrific range of multi-function printers at a wide range of prices. My current go-to printer is the…


Get the Book “Notes to a Software Team Leader” for Free

There’s no better price than free, and that’s how much you’ll currently pay for the book “Notes to a Software Team Leader”. Targeted to anyone with a leadership role in the software business, this book is normally $25. If people look to you for technical guidance, then this book may help makes it easier for you to help. Get it here.


Save on the Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine

Nothing’s better than a cup of fresh espresso to start your day. And if you are on the go there’s no reason to compromise. Handpresso’s Wild Hybrid lets you enjoy fresh espresso anywhere. Combine hot water with Handpresso’s ESE pods or your own ground coffee and let the Wild Hybrid do the rest. Normally $129.99, get it here for $109.00.


Plantronics Gaming Throws Down with Their New RIG Headset

Plantronics has a message to gamers: “If you’re into your games AND your mobile devices, we’ve got the headset for you!” The RIG headset and mixer audio system let you play interactive video games, take calls, and listen to music from your smartphone or tablet. It’s the first member of the RIG family of gaming devices, and it is coming this fall for $129.


Nixon Luxe Heritage Watch Collection Arrives This October

Smartwatches may be all the rage and news that an Android Smartwatch is on the way will only add to the hype. Still, a gorgeous timepiece made from leather and chrome will always have its place. Nixon’s Luxe Heritage Collection fits the bill and arrives just in time for Halloween. Priced from $125-$900, you can Check them out here. via The Awesomer


ECOROX Waterproof Speaker Review – Use It On or In the Water

Like the elusive Loch ness monster, the search for a Bluetooth speaker that is fully waterproof and actually sounds decent has endured, but an actual sighting has long-eluded those seeking to capture it in the flesh. Finally however ECOXGEAR’s ECOROX waterproof speaker has reared its head. It is waterproof and it sounds good.  ECOXGEAR describes their ECOROX speaker as “a unique portable audio system combining Bluetooth, Lithium Ion Battery and Waterproof Technologies”. It has an MSRP of just under $130 and, thanks to its rugged design, looks the part of a speaker built for the outdoors. The ECOROX is shock resistant,…


JOBY Goes Small With the GPod Mini Magnetic and MPod Mini Stand

I’ve long been a fan of JOBY’s various flexible tripod offerings. Their GorillaPods are a mainstay in my gear bag. Now JOBY has announced their new JOBY GPod Mini Magnetic and JOBY MPod Mini Stand. The GPod works with cameras. The MPod works with smartphones. Each weighs less than two ounces. Shipping soon you can learn more here.