Reviews | Gear Diary

iKlip Stand for iPad by IK Multimedia Hands-On Review

The iKlip Stand is the next in the line of high-quality iPad stands for musical applications. The original was a microphone stand attachment for iPad and iPhone, and the iKlip Studio provides a portable stand for the iPad. The new iKlip Stand is a robust desk stand that is the best of all worlds, just use caution when assembling! Description Here are some of the features: •iKlip Stand for iPad: Desktop riser stand for iPad 2 & iPad 3rd and 4th Generation •iKlip Stand for iPad mini: Desktop riser stand for the iPad mini •Sturdy, robust thermoplastic with metal reinforced…

Reviews

Jabra Stone 3 Review- Talk In Style and Comfort

The Jabra Stone 3 maintains the Stone line’s iconic design while adding in 2013 technology. NFC Near Field Technology joins dual microphone technology and Bluetooth 3.0 to create a headset that looks great and works even better. The headset gets 2 hours. The Stone adds another 8. When the Jabra Stone was first released I was taken with its unusual design. The rigid headset wrapped around your ear and all but disappeared while the stone served as a cradle/case and a recharger. This was key since the actual headset got far less runtime per charge than most other headsets. Fast…

Reviews

Jabra Classic Bluetooth Headset Review- Simple, Clear Conversations for Less

If you are in the market for a simple, inexpensive Bluetooth headset you’ll want to check out the Jabra Classic Bluetooth Headset. If you are looking for a way to have handsfree conversations but don’t want to spend a lot, or are prone to losing your headset, this no frills accessory may be for you. $39 Check it out.

Reviews

Zetta Z12 Camcorder Review- Somebody’s Watching Me…

The Zetta Intelligent Security Z12 Camcorder is a small, relatively inexpensive, simple to use spy camera. There’s no WiFi onboard which means you have to pull the microSD card to review the video. Still, it is relatively inexpensive to keep an eye on things at home, in the car and on the go. Check it out. In the Box: Zetta Z12 Camcorder Mini USB Wall Adapter Mini USB Car Charger Mini USB Cable 4GB MicroSD Card Suction Cup Car Mount The Zetta website describes the Z12 as a “Car Security Cam, Dash Cam, Home Surveillance, Shop and Booth Security, Meeting…

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Get Your Fantasy Draftboard On TV With PrimeTime Draft

Most of you know that football is my life and how I make a living. It just so happens that one of my favorite hobbies is playing fantasy football. One of my leagues just drafted its 9th season and one problem is seeing the draft board. For just $20, PrimeTime Draft turns your HDTV into a live draft board. PrimeTime Draft is a Mac/Windows application which can turn a computer screen or television into a live draft board. With PrimeTime Draft there is no need for giant poster style boards that require someone to physically find the players’ names and…

Reviews

MyTVChoice Review – How to Watch Live TV Without Commercials

Are you a sports fan who can’t stand sitting through annoying TV commercials? Or are you afraid of your children seeing some of the more explicit commercials airing these days? MyTVChoice monitors the live broadcast and automatically switches to a “safe” channel whenever your preferred program goes to commercial. The MyTVChoice service costs $9.99 per month. Hardware MyTVChoice comes with a free gateway device, which is powered by an AC adapter plugged into the wall. You’ll want the gateway to have a clear line of sight to your cable box since it is what will eventually change the channel automatically for…

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booq Viper Courier Laptop Bag Review- Slim, Stylish MacBook Protection

Booq describes their Viper courier as “somewhere in between a MacBook sleeve and a slim bag”. Yes, with this laptop bag you can’t carry much more than you would were you using a simple sleeve- and that’s the point. Slip in a laptop, a charging brick, a few key accessories and you are on your way. The booq Viper courier is a minimalist laptop case that is “purpose-built” to protect an Apple laptop. Available in both 13” and 15” models, the Viper courier is part of booq’s Fibre Collection. That means it has a unique look you won’t find elsewhere…

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Cambridge Audio Minx Go Bluetooth Speaker Review

As sleek as it is simple, the Minx Go from Cambridge Audio doesn’t try too hard and, as a result, is hard to beat. A five speaker array delivers huge, clean sound. Priced at just $149, this Bluetooth speaker offers up to 18 hours of audio per charge and doubles as a mobile charger. Get it. The Minx Go is a small speaker that impressed me right out of the gate. It combines a simple design with huge sound that really surprised me. Measuring in at just 9.3″ x 4.8″ x 2.4″, the speaker weighs in at 2.4lbs. The three…

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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…

Game Diary, Reviews

Brave Tribe is a Cute, Fun, and Engaging Strategy Farming SIM for iOS

Simulation games often sacrifice story and character for game mechanics, and those that do have a story are often too simplistic to be enjoyable for long. But as the games coming to iOS continue to mature, so do their stories and gameplay; and Brave Tribe is a great example of a casual game with fun story and gameplay.

Reviews

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…

Music Diary, Reviews

PJ Rasmussen ‘Adventures in Flight’ CD Review

PJ Rasmussen makes it clear from the very first notes that he is an up-and-coming force on the electric guitar. His Kickstarter-funded album ‘Adventures in Flight’ sought to create music for TV and Film in the jazz genre, also accessible by general audiences. But while the music is solid and Rasmussen shines, the overall impact is uninspired. Musical Genre: Jazz Where to buy: iTunes Artist: PJ Rasmussen Description: A debut album is a daunting experience for any artist regardless of age. But guitarist/composer PJ Rasmussen’s first CD – Adventures in Flight on Third Freedom Music – shows a young man…

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Odoyo Power + EX For iPhone 5 Review

My biggest problem with my mobile life is batteries. I seem to spend a large portion of my day figuring out ways to charge while on the go. My days have improved with the Odoyo Power + Shell EX For iPhone 5. At $99.99, the battery case promises to keep your phone charged all day long. The Power + Shell EX is a rechargeable battery case with kickstand for the iPhone 5. The 2200 mAh battery provides a full charge for the iPhone while the case provides protection. A kickstand is included tucked nicely away on the back of the…

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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….

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HP Pocket Playlist Review – Gives You 32GB of Stylish Wireless Storage on the Go!

With each passing year, flash storage is cheaper and more plentiful, but the options for using storage have become fewer. Apple has few options for storage expansion, and fewer Ultrabooks, tablets and smartphones allow expansion. But the HP Pocket Playlist offers 32GB of wireless storage for use even when you are offline, and does it in a stylish $99 package. Description: •Engineered to entertain: Hey, parents! The HP Pocket Playlist puts you in control of managing your mobile entertainment. No matter where you go— car, train, restaurant, mall— your kids sit still, not fight and stay happy watching their own…

Reviews

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…

Music Diary, Reviews

Keith McMillen QuNeo 3D Pad Controller Hands-On Video Review

This week I wrote about the QuNeo pad controller from Keith McMillen Instruments;. Here’s the QuNeo in action. As I noted in my review, it offers a level of expression and control not found in most pad controllers even more expensive ones! Check out my hands on review using the QuNeo, an iPad 2 and the Korg iMS-20.

Music Diary, Reviews

Craig Hartley – Books on Tape Vol. 1 CD Review

Innovating in a crowded space is never easy, but there is always room for a talented artist to create an impression even within an established genre. That is exactly what Craig Hartley does with his ‘Books on Tape Vol. 1’ piano trio recording. Great compositions, improvisation and playing; my favorite piano trio yet this year. Musical Genre: Jazz Where to buy: iTunes Artist: Craig Hartley Description: From the artist: This album represents an interpretation of some of my musical and life experiences translated into song. included in the liner notes are brief descriptions of my thoughts and inspirations for each…

Music Diary, Reviews

Keith McMillen QuNeo 3D Pad Controller Review

Being a Kickstarter darling has its ups and downs. QuNeo earned more than 10 times its funding goal of $15,000 then struggled through manufacturing problems, partner changes, and delays before finally launching. The end result shows that being patient and steadfast paid off with a product that is iPad compatible, high quality, affordable, and totally musical! Description QuNeo is the next generation of pad controller. As small as an iPad and more powerful than any other MIDI controller you’ve ever played, QuNeo makes beats, launches clips, remixes and reinvents your musical world. 44 pads, sliders, rotaries & switches Pressure, velocity…

Reviews

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…

Reviews

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,…