Articles by Dan Cohen

SwannSmart Remote Camera Gives You Piece of Mind

We spend summers and many vacation breaks up in Pennsylvania. Much of the year, however, the house is unoccupied. And while we have neighbors who keep an eye on it for us, there’s nothing like seeing for ourselves that everything is okay. The SwannSmart camera should let us do that and a whole lot more. Best of all, set up is simple and quick. As the company explains, the SwannSmart harnesses the power of the cloud to free you from the constraints of a traditional IP camera. There’s no complicated network set up required and your video feeds can be…


Flipside STRATA Wallet Review

I’ve been a fan of Flipside Wallet’s products since I first saw, and later reviewed, the Flipside 2X Wallet. (Read the post.) Sure, the Flipside Wallet 2X looks a bit unusual, but I really like it. I like the fact that it keeps my wallet organized; I like the fact that my credit cards are shielded from crooks who might use RFID-readers to steal my information; and I like the fact that the rigid design means I can’t keep adding more and more stuff to my wallet. Yes, until I got the Flipside Wallet 2X, I suffered from “wallet-overstuff”, but…


JustMobile AluBase Upright MacBook Stand for MacBook Review

Sometimes simplicity is best. That the case with JustMobile’s AluBase and AluRack stands for the MacBook family of notebooks. Each holds your MacBook in an uncomplicated manner and allows you to connect it to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse thereby using your notebook as a desktop computer. Let’s take a look at the AluBase. From Just Mobile: AluBase is the vertical stand for Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Crafted from a single piece of high-grade aluminium, the AluBase™ ships with soft plastic inserts to hold MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro Retina and Macbook Air firmly upright. Conceived by the award-winning…


T-Mobile Nokia Lumia 810 with Windows Phone 8 Review

Welcome to this review of the new Nokia Lumia 810 running Windows Phone 8; now leave. Well, leave and come back after reading Judie’s extensive review of the HTC 8X Windows Phone 8. Why? First off, it is an excellent review. Second, in that review Judie spends a good deal of time talking about Windows Phone 8. The Lumia 810 is also one of the first phones running the new Windows Operating System, so covering the OS details would be a bit redundant. Instead, in this post we’ll be looking specifically at the Nokia Lumia 810’s hardware and the overall…


Sena UltraSlim Access for iPhone 5 Video Review

We’ve been taking a loot at some of the iPhone 5 protection offerings from Sena Cases. This time out we’re taking a look at the simplest case they make — the Sena UltraSlim Access for iPhone 5. This may be the simplest case available for the iPhone 5. Don’t let that fool you, though. This case might be simple, but as pouch-style cases go, it stands out thanks to its classy look and feel. From Sena: The UltraSlim Access is the thinnest leather case ever designed for any mobile device. It is perfect for those who prefer zero bulk. Light zero…


Element Case Sector 5 Case for iPhone 5 Review

We are fans of Element Case’s various offerings. The company puts out iPhone “protection systems” that keep your phone safe while also giving it a style that is immediately identifiable as something coming from the originator of the CNC-machined iPhone case. Their latest creation, the Sector 5, is probably their best ever. At $139.95 the Element Case Sector 5 for iPhone 5 isn’t cheap. Still, the Sector 5 is a complete protection kit that offers Element Case’s signature style. Before we go on camera with the Sector 5, let’s see what the company has to say about their latest creation….


Sena Wallet Slim for iPhone 5 Review

Yesterday we took a look at the Hampton Wallet from Sena Cases. It is a gorgeous leather case that protects your iPhone while letting you carry up to three different cards. While I love the way it looks and feels I found that, unfortunately, I became a bit tired of constantly having to unsnap the case and fold back the cover to access the screen. That’s where the Sena Wallet Slim steps in. It too offers a three card wallet. It too protects the iPhone. Unlike the Hampton Wallet, though, this case doesn’t have a cover. That means less protection…


Phiaton MODERNA MS 200 Earphones Review

Back in July I put the Phiaton PS 20 BT Bluetooth Stereo Headset head to head with the Jabra Clipper Bluetooth Stereo Headset. (Read the pos, here.) I preferred the Phiaton PS 20 BTs to Jabra’s offering, and I have continued to use them on a fairly frequent basis since doing the review. Among the things that stood out at the time was the unusual design of the earbuds — they are angled in a manner that surprised me. On first appearance, the design looked awkward; I expected them to be uncomfortable, but I was wrong! The earbuds went into my…


Skooba Photo:Tablet Traveler V.3, Video Review

We reviewed Skooba Design’s Skooba Tablet Messenger V3 and their Skooba Design Laptop Weekender V.3 . Both are well designed and well constructed ways to carry and protect your gear on the go. Now Skooba has added yet another item to their growing V.3 line. This time out we are taking a look at the new Skooba Photo:Tablet Traveler V.3. The bag has an MSRP of just under $100. and it is great if you want to carry and protect your DSLR, tablet and a few additional accessories. The bag is constructed from a Micro Ballistic Nylon exterior, while the…


Sena Cases Hampton Wallet for iPhone 5 Video Review

One of our Newsletter Underwriters, Sena, has rolled out a new series of cases for the iPhone 5. Some styles are similar to those available for the iPhone 4S but updated for the new design of the iPhone 5. Others are brand new. All of them will impress anyone who wants to protect their iPhone in gorgeous leather. The company sent a selection of cases to us for review, and we’ll be taking a look at them in the coming days. First up, the Sena Cases Hampton Wallet for iPhone 5. This case, at just under $60, is perfect for…


NYNE NB-200 Bluetooth Speaker Review; Provides Music on the Go

In an increasingly crowded market, a Bluetooth speaker needs something special if it is going to stand out. The JawBone JamBox stands out by having largely set the stage for this line of small speakers. The Braven 600 stands out because it also serves as an external battery to recharge your phone on the go. The Jabra SoleMate stands out with its huge sound and ruggedized design, and the JBL FLIP draws attention thanks to its low price and excellent sound-quality. How does the NYNE NB-200 Bluetooth speaker carve out its space? Read on to find out. From NYNE: NB-200…


Livescribe Sky Smartpen Review: One New Feature Makes a World of Difference

It has been a while since I have written about my Livescribe smartpen, but that doesn’t mean I rely on it any less. In fact, my experience has actually the opposite. My Livescribe smartpen is so much a part of my workflow that I simply take it for granted. If you aren’t familiar with the Livescribe smartpen system, let me offer a simple description. The Livescribe smartpen is a large pen with a traditional ink cartridge in its tip; it that takes writing to an entirely new level, thanks to the inclusion of a small camera sensor that also sits in…


JBL FLIP Portable Wireless Loudspeaker Review

The last year or two has seen a huge proliferation in the number of small battery-powered Bluetooth speakers. We’ve reviewed the Jabra SoleMate, took a look at the popular JawBone JamBox a shootout between the Braven 600 and the JamBox and, most recently, reviewed the SuperTooth Disco 2. When the JBL FLIP arrived for review it looked to be yet another in this long and growing line of portable speakers. At just $99 how good could it be? The answer might surprise you. From JBL: The JBL Flip with Bluetooth® capability is an ideal wireless stereo system for smartphones and…


Waterfield Slip Case for iPad mini Review

My last few Kindles have been stored and carried in a Waterfield Slip Case for Amazon Kindle. It is simple protection that does exactly what I need and no more. (Read the review.) Now Waterfield has released a Slip Case that is perfectly sized for the new iPad mini. In fact it is perfectly sized twice; once for the iPad on its own and the other for the iPad when you are using a Smart Cover. Both are simple, protective and, if the well-loved but “looks brand new” Kindle Slip Case is any indication, will last and last. Here’s a…


Gumdrop Case Drop Tech Series Case for the iPad Mini Review

We haven’t seen nearly as many cases for the iPad mini ship yet. Sure, we’ve already been looking at some great sleeves for the newest member of the iPad family, but when it comes to actual fitted cases we haven’t yet seen that many. One of the first cases to arrive for review was the Gumdrop Case Drop Tech Series Case for the iPad Mini. The case promises to add shock and drop protection to the iPad for under $60. Does that make it the best case for the small but potentially delicate tablet? Let’s take a look! From Gumdrop:…


Waterfield SFBags Outback iPad Sleeve Review

My 9.7″ iPad spends most of its time at home, since the arrival of the iPad mini. Still, one can never have too many stylish ways to protect the best tablet around. Waterfield SFBags has some great options and one of the most interesting is their Outback iPad Sleeve. The original Outback fits the iPad 3 and 4. A new smaller size fits the iPad mini. Waterfield sent one for the 9.7″ iPad. Let’s take a look. From Waterfield: Old World Charm meets New World Protection. The vintage look of time-worn, waxed canvas plus the high-grade protection of neoprene, give the…


Waterfield SFBags iPad Suede Jacket Review

My iPad mini goes everywhere with me these days. Sometimes, I want it as protected as possible. (I’m looking forward to seeing more cases rolled out in the coming weeks.) At other times I want to protect my iPad while keeping it as thin and light as possible. That’s where the Waterfield SFBags iPad Suede Jacket comes in. We’ve looked at other Suede Jackets such as those designed for the 11″ and 13″ MacBook air. I have always been impressed with the scratch protection the product line offers without adding any additional weight or bulk. (Read the MBA review.) Let’s…


Spigen SGP Illuzion Faux Leather Case for iPhone 5 Review

Spigen SGP makes the GLAS.t screen protector I have on my iPhone 5. I love it. They also make some great cases. For example, the UltraThin air I am using comes from them. They also make the larger, more protective lluzion Faux Leather Case. That is the case I put on my in-laws iPhone when they received them last week. Here’s a look. From SGP: iPhone 5 Illuzion is a premium synthetic leather wallet case with card slots inside. The cover has a speaker and earpiece cutout to allow users to talk on the phone even when the case is closed….


iLuv’s Stylish ReF Line of Headphones Make Clear, Music Is Fashion

Headphones are fashion and are now music to your eyes, just as they are music to your ears. Recognizing this fact, iLuv has just introduced their ReF line of premium headphones. As Brian Kim, Global Product Marketing Manager of iLuv’s Premium Headphone Division notes Headphones are quickly becoming a part of the language of fashion, and we at iLuv recognize that consumers are searching for quality headphones that also feature a stylish design. That is why we are introducing Fashionology®, a combination of fashion and technology. Headphones traditionally appealed to a small group of audiophiles and technology enthusiasts, but that…


Skooba Cable Stable Rollup Kit Review

Back in June, I did a video post on how I created a Skooba Design “Go Pack”. I took one of the company’s Cable Stables and strategically loaded it with all the cables and accessories I need with me on the go. It continues to serve me well but, believe it on not, it can be a bit too large on days when I’m traveling super-light. This is especially so now that my iPad mini is my “go-everywhere” tablet. That’s why I was pleased to get one of Skooba Design’s first Cable Stable Rollup Kits. The Rollup Kit is small,…


Waterfield’s New Indy Is Just the Right Size for the iPad mini

Judie reviewed the Waterfield Indy bag for the iPad when it was first released. (Read the review.) I then stole it from her and, ever since, it has been my favorite bag when I want to travel light. I like how thin and light it is and, with Raiders being my all time favorite movie, it kinda sorta appeals to me in a geeky way. (Come one, admit it, the opening scene with the big rolling ball is only outdone by the Nazi’s face melting.) I love the Indy, but now that’s am carrying the iPad mini as my daily…