Articles by Dan Cohen

PowerSkin Battery Case for iPhone 5

We’ve looked at a few battery cases for the iPhone 5 in the past few weeks and today we’re putting the PowerSkin Battery Case for iPhone 5 to the test. The very fact that so many battery cases are available for the iPhone 5 is a good indication of the ongoing issue created by battery technology not keeping pace with the power and screens on today’s smartphones. Yes, for any of us who make serious use of our smartphones an external battery or battery case is a must. So lets jump in and take a look at the PowerSkin Battery Case…

Reviews

Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 5 Review

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve looked at a number of different solutions for keeping your iPhone 5 up and running; we’ve looked at the PoP’n Charge battery, the mophie juice pack helium, and, most recently, reviewed the PowerSkin Battery Case for iPhone 5. This time out we are going to take a look at another battery case from mophie and then, in the next few days, offer a side-by-side compare and contrast of these different solutions. The mophie juice pack air for iPhone 5 is a familiar case to anyone who has used any of mophie’s juice pack battery cases. The formfitting mophie juice…

Reviews

Beyzacases Aston Martin iPhone Sleeves Review

Gorgeous. That’s the word Judie and I seem to always use when describing Beyzacases products. And why do we use the word “gorgeous”? Simple… they are. Beyzacases uses only the finest leather for their products and then painstakingly design and craft their wares. The result are some of the finest leather accessories on the market. The Beyzacases Aston Martin iPhone Sleeves are no exception. In fact, they are not only gorgeous but they are exceptionally functional as well. We walked away from our time at the booth during CES with two Beyzacases Aston Martin iPhone Sleeves for review. Review them…

News & Features

Blackberry Z10 Cases from Case-Mate First Look

BlackBerry’s Hail Mary pass — aka the Blackberry 10 Z10 smartphone — is close to release. I was impressed with the sample I was given at the official release event, and am looking forward to hearing what Judie, who currently has her hands on our Z10, thinks about the phone. The BB Z10 feels solid enough, but I suspect that as with the iPhone, owners are quickly going to want to protect the Z10’s large touchscreen in a case. Case-Mate was quick to announce some Blackberry Z10 Cases, and they sent two along so we could give them a try. If you are…

News & Features

A Bevy of Cases for the Samsung GALAXY S4 Announced

One way to predict whether or not a new device is going to be a hit is to look at how many cases and other assorted accessories are announced in the hours following the launch. For example, each time a new iDevice is announced Judie and I get dozens of emails with each company making sure we know they have something to add style and protection to the device. If such a barometer is accurate the Samsung GALAXY S4 that was announced Thursday evening is going to be a huge hit. Yes, in the day and a half since we…

Reviews

Just Mobile Slide Stand for iPad and iPad mini Video Review

Whenever I am on the computer, my iPad is always within reach. More than that though, the iPad is open and, most of the time, on. You see, when I am on my computer, my iPad serves as a secondary screen allowing me to keep track of things that would otherwise clutter my computer desktop while I work. Having a good stand is key to making this work, and one thing that makes a stand qualify as “good” is it having the ability to offer various viewing angles. That’s why the Just Mobile Slide Stand for iPad and iPad mini…

Reviews

Just Mobile Gum Max Duo Video Review

External batteries are a necessity when using a smartphone, and it stands to reason that the bigger the battery the more time you can spend away from a plug. When we went to CES 2013 in January, Judie, Carly and I brought multiple external batteries. For the first CES ever, we didn’t run out of fuel or go running for a plug half way through the day. Among my battery “arsenal” were a few of Just Mobile’s Gum series of backup batteries. I loved the look, feel and build of them, but I didn’t love only being able to charge one…

Crowdfunding, Events

Samsung GALAXY S4 Live Event

Some of Dan’s live photos:

Reviews

Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones Review

I offered a first look at the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones last week. We now have a firm price and shipping date- they will be available starting March 25th and will cost $249- so I wanted to offer up a more complete look at these rather pricey headphones. I covered a good bit of the initial ground in my ‘First Look’ post (read it) so I’ll try not to be redundant. As I noted, the headphones are being positioned, in part, as wireless headphones designed for use in the real world. As such Jabra tested them to make sure the…

Reviews

MonCarbone Black Diamond Smartt Mate Carbon Fiber iPad Shell Review

Judie and I met with MonCarbone during CES 2013. We’ve always liked their wares and were impressed by their current offerings. Not only are they making luxurious cases for iPhones and iPads but they have expanded their lineup to include luggage and speakers made from carbon fiber. The bags are nice but I think their iPhone and iPad cases are still the standout products. Judie reviewed one of the new cases for the iPhone 5 back in February. The iPhone case is nice but the MonCarbone Black Diamond Smartt Mate Carbon Fiber iPad Shell… now that is an amazing carbon fiber case! The MonCarbone…

Events, News & Features

We’ll Be Covering the Samsung GALAXY S4 Reveal Live This Evening

Despite what Apple might want you to believe Android has matured into an impressive mobile operating system and Samsung is on a roll. Over the past few weeks I’ve had a chance to spend some serious time with the Samsung GALAXY Note 2 and the Samsung GAXAXY Note 10.1 with Verizon 4G (that review is coming soon). I have to admit I’m impressed by what the current version of Android offers when paired with Samsung’s hardware. No, I’m still not a fan of the plastic bodies Samsung is opting to use but the actual experience of using their devices is…

Reviews

BeyzaCases Sarach Series for iPad Mini Review

We loved meeting Ali Yildirim and his team from BeyzaCases during CES 2013. We love their gorgeous leather case and appreciate their advertising on Gear Diary. Their new offerings are the epitome of luxury and make using your various electronic devices even more pleasurable. You can read all about our time with Ali and his team here. We walked away from our time at the BeyzaCases booth with a number of their current products. One of the more unusual is the BeyzaCases Sarach Series for iPad Mini. Available in black, tan, brown and camel. Priced at more than $150 the…

News & Features

Twelve South BookArc for iPad Now Works with iPad mini

The other day we were leaving the house and Elana said, “Aren’t you missing something?” “No, what?” I replied. “You mean you aren’t bringing your iPad mini with you?” It made me laugh but she is actually right. In the months since I got the iPad mini it is my most carried and used device, surpassing even my MacBook Pro with retina display and my iPhone 5. When I’m out it is the device I am most prone to grab if I am doing anything more than checking email on my iPhone. And if I am at home my iPad…

Reviews

Discovery Trekking’s Ultra-Fast Drying Towels

“Gear” comes in all different shapes and sizes and we do our best to cover as wide a range as possible here on Gear Diary. That’s why, in this review, we will be looking at… towels. Yes, this is a review of towels but, as you might expect, these aren’t just any towels. No, these are special Ultra-Fast Drying Towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters. These Ultra-Fast Drying Towels come in different sizes and colors and their ability to all but vacuum water from wet skin surprised me- in a good way. (The claim in the previous sentence- mine not the…

Reviews

Zagg LEATHERskin for the Apple iPad Mini

I ordered a Zagg LEATHERskin for iPad mini last week. (It looked interesting and Zagg was offering a good deal on some headphones with any order I made that day. And… yes… we will be giving the headphones I got away in the near future!) If I look at the way Judie, Mike and I each protect our iPad minis I see three very different approaches. Judie doesn’t mind adding some weight and bulk to her iPad mini so long at the case she uses screams quality. That’s why she is happily using the Orbino miniPadova she purchased a few…

News & Features

Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Backpack Now Available

Before CES 2013 I reviewed the Pelican ProGear S100 Elite Backpack. It is a serious backpack for people who need serious protection for their laptop, tablet and assorted gear in the go. Now the company has released their Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera backpack. The Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Backpack features the same basic design as the ProGear S130 Sport Elite but offers the addition of a protective divider pack for cameras in addition to the built-in watertight and crushproof case for laptops. If you bring your photographic lab with you on the go this backpack may…

Reviews

Eton FRX3 Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Alert Radio Lets You Be Prepared

When Superstorm Sandy hit last fall we, like so many in our region, were left without power. For Elana and me that meant no heat, no light and no water. (Yes, we live in New Jersey and have well rather than communal water.) The outage also meant we had no way to recharge batteries. Thankfully I had anticipated this happening and prepared by charging all of my various external batteries. I do, however, wish I had had the Eton FRX3 Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Alert Radio. The Eton FRX3 Hand Turbine AM/FM/Weather Alert Radio is an all-purpose, rechargeable weather alert radio…

Reviews

Braven 570 Charges Your Smartphone and Ears On the Go

We met with Braven at CES 2013 (check out the post) and had a chance to see their new speakers. We watched as the Braven BRV-1 went for a swim and checked out the budget-priced Braven 570. Now we’ve got out hands on the Braven 570 for a hands-on review. Before we jump in though take a look at the BRV-1. If you’ve used one of Braven’s speakers or checked out our head-to-head match between the Braven 600 and the JawBone JamBox (read the post) you are already familiar with the design of the Braven 570. It is a rectangular…

Reviews

Spigen SGP Home Buttons for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Add Bling to Your Phablet

Some smartphone accessories have a clear purpose and reason for existing. The purpose of other accessories is… less obvious. Case in point- the Spigen SGP Home Buttons for Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The Note 2 has a Home button and it works just fine on its own. Why then would one spend $10 to buy three different metal buttons to place over the stock Home button? Well, if you have a Verizon branded Samsung GALAXY Note 2 there is ugly and stupid Verizon branding right on the button. The Spigen SGP Home Buttons for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 cover the…

Reviews

Speck CandyShell for Samsung GALAXY Note 2 Provides Tasty Protection

So you’ve entered the land of phablets and bought yourself a Samsung GALAXY Note 2. You love carrying one device that serves as both (a freakin’ huge) smartphone and a (tiny tiny) tablet and you take it everywhere you go. That’s great but a device getting that much use and abuse needs t be protected. Fortunately Speck has you and your Note 2 covered with their Speck CandyShell for Samsung GALAXY Note 2. It is a great way to add color while keeping your Note 2 safe and secure. The Speck CandyShell for Samsung GALAXY Note 2 comes in two…

Events, News & Features

Audience earSmart Sets New Voice Quality Standard

I find myself using my smartphone less and less for voice calls and more and more for other types of electronic communication. I’m not nearly as bad as Judie, however, who rarely gets on the phone for actual calls. Still, there are times when we do need to use our smartphones as phones and having the best possible audio quality is important. While attending Mobile World Congress Judie saw the Audience earSmart ES325 Advanced Voice Processor. She was impressed. The earSmart is the first Advanced Voice Processor that has innovations such as the ability to have simultaneous three-microphone processing, optimization…

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