Reviews

Music Diary, Reviews September 28, 2013

The Sachal Studios Orchestra – ‘Jazz and All That: In Memory of Dave Brubeck’ CD Review

Tribute albums always make me cringe, because I have heard way too many that either feel indulgent or like a cash-in. But more and more I am hearing tributes that are smart and thoughtful and pay real tribute to great artists. ‘Jazz and All That’ is such a tribute, going far beyond just being a Dave Brubeck tribute album. Musical Genre: Jazz Where to buy: iTunes or Amazon. Artist: The Sachal Studios Orchestra Description: From the artist: Sachal Jazz Ensemble, master musicians from Pakistan who incorporate ancient instruments, such as sitar, sarod, tabla, and dholak into the sounds and rhythms…

Reviews September 27, 2013

Lowepro Urban Reporter 250 Camera Messenger – For the Street-Smart Photographer

When Lowepro told me they had a brand new line of camera bags on the way, I was excited. The new line — the Lowepro Urban Reporter Camera Messenger Bags — consist of the Urban Reporter 150, 250, and 350. Priced from $119.99 to $159.99, they are a great option for someone looking to carry their gear in style. The first thing you notice when you pick up an Urban Reporter is the fact that it doesn’t look like a traditional camera bag. That’s pretty much the idea, since this is a bag you’ll be carrying with you on the…

Game Diary, Reviews September 27, 2013

Grand Theft Auto V Review on PlayStation 3

Grand Theft Auto V continues improvement in open world environments where crime is king and characters expand with a three main character scenario that allows character to switch among them. Rockstar Games expands existing gameplay into show-stopping events with more role-playing opportunities as main and supporting characters cross paths while players can take main routes or choose tangents any time. The Hype Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the…

Game Diary, Reviews September 27, 2013

Avadon 2 Reminds Me of Bop-It 2; Do It The Same … but BETTER!

While my full review will have to wait for the release in November, I have been playing the preview of Avadon 2 from Spiderweb Software on the Mac, and now that the window has opened to release public preview impressions … I can tell you I am impressed. Everything good about Avadon remains good, and everything lacking is better. Type of app: Turn-Based Role Playing Game (RPG) Platforms: Mac & PC, with iPad version coming later. Developer: Spiderweb Software Overview: As a Hand of Avadon, the Black Fortress, you once held unlimited power. Your word was law. Your homeland was…

Reviews September 26, 2013

Travel in Style with the Oberon Design Waxed Canvas and Leather Everyday Tote

Have you been looking for a tote that could work as a purse but also function as a stylish gear bag? If so, the Oberon Design Everyday Tote may be perfect! I received mine just before our vacation, and it soon became a favorite. At $195, it is not inexpensive, but it is well made and should last for years. The Everyday Tote is composed of bench crafted waxed canvas and leather; it measures approximately 12” tall x 17.5” wide x 6.5” deep, and it weighs 1.75 pounds empty. The majority of the bag is waxed canvas, which I have learned…

Game Diary, Reviews September 26, 2013

Everlove: Rose Brings Romance and Choices to iOS and Android

Have you played a good book lately? Huh?!? Well, Silicon Sisters Interactive wants you to curl up with Everlove: Rose, an interactive story where the dialogue choices you make impact your relationships and can change the game outcome as well! It is a very well done game, and while aimed at girls and young women, I found it fun, too! Type of app: Interactive Novel Adventure Game Platform/where to buy: iPad / iPhone, Kindle Fire, and Android. Developer: Silicon Sisters Interactive Description: “Everlove: Rose brings romance to life. Games have that power,” says Brenda Bailey Gershkovitch, Silicon Sisters’ CEO and…

Reviews September 26, 2013

Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Review – Big Sound All Around

The Ultimate Ears UE Boom wants to be the ultimate portable Bluetooth Speaker. With 15 hours of battery life, great 360º sound, a water and stain resistant acoustic skin, NFC connectivity, and the ability to link two UE BOOM speakers to create a stereo pair, at $199.99 it is definitely in the running. Get one. We’ve seen a number of portable Bluetooth speakers shaped like a cylinder. Among them are the impressive JBL Flip and the Scosche Boom Bottle, and both of those speakers stand out in terms of build and audio quality. While pricier than either of these options, the…

Reviews September 25, 2013

Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Tablet Review – Small, Organized, and Ready for Business

The other day we took a look at Think Tank Photo’s new My 2nd Brain 13 laptop bag. Designed to carry a 13″ MacBook air or MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPhone and assorted accessories, it is a small but impressive bag. The company also offers a smaller, $74.75 version for those who just carry an iPad. Check it out. Think Tank Photo explains the My 2nd Brain Tablet this way: This slim, soft case fits an iPad + iPhone® in individual padded pockets. Additional dedicated pockets provide easy access to power adapters and memory cards, down to the tiniest…

Reviews September 24, 2013

Mind Shift Gear Lens Switch Case Review –

If you need more storage and flexibility for your camera bag/backpack check out the Lens Switch Case from Mind Shift Gear. This lightweight case offers added flexibility and helps keep an extra lens, flash or microphone handy. Just $42.50, it is designed for the rotation180° pro backpack, but I see it being useful in many different situations. Check it out. Here’s a look at the Lens Shift Case on video. Mind Shift Gear describes the Lens Shift Case in this way: The Switch Case is a lightweight and versatile unpadded modular lens/accessory pouch that can be carried on the belt…

Reviews September 23, 2013

Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain 13 Review- Made Especially for Apple Devices!

Think Tank Photo makes awesome camera bags. We’ve reviewed many of them, and you can see all our video reviews here. Now they have rolled out a new line of bags for Apple devices. They come in a range of sizes including a My 2nd Brain 13 that will fit a 13″ MacBook, an iPad, an iPhone, and assorted accessories. See them! Think Tank Photo’s new My 2nd Brain 13 is a slim, soft case that is just 2.4 inches thick. It is specifically designed to hold a 13″ MacBook Pro or MacBook air, an iPad, an iPhone, and additional…

Reviews September 23, 2013

The Peace App Brings Serenity to Your iOS Device

In my kids’ doctor’s office, they have one section of the waiting room that has relaxing music, peaceful images on a flat panel TV, filtered air, and a small waterfall. Depending on my day to that point, I find the area either relaxing or snoozy. That is one element of ‘The Peace App’, and it’s for a good cause. Type of app: Simulation game Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Minerva Endeavors, inc Description: The Island: Castaway 2 has loads of content, including: – A huge, colorful island to explore – Over 300 intriguing quests…

Reviews September 23, 2013

Apple iPhone 5s Review: Speed, Shades, and Scanners

The iPhone 5s is here, and thanks to the ever increasing amount of prerelease leaks, it arrives with even less surprises than past generations. Sharing the same chassis and design as the iPhone 5, the 5s focuses on improving performance, while introducing the completely revamped iOS 7 and new features like True Tone flash, slow motion video capture and TouchID. Front and centre is the 4-inch “Retina” display, with a 1136×640 resolution at 326dpi under a Gorilla Glass cover with an oleophobic coating. Despite not pushing the competition on size, pixel density or outright resolution, it is still a fantastic…

Reviews September 22, 2013

Droid MAXX by Motorola Phone Review – Maximum Advantages/Options

The Droid MAXX by Motorola lives up to its name with maximum screen size and considerable battery life. The MAXX (Android from Verizon) officially released this past August; it features a nice rounded design protected with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber material, and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass for the 5-inch HD multi-touch screen which also vibrates with user interaction. The MAXX’s style is sleek and durable. The striations on the outer case and chin accentuate the large panel screen. The dimensions are 5.41 (H) x 2.80 (W) x 0.33 (D) inches (137.5 x 71.2 x 8.5 mm), and users can really feel the weight is 5.89…

Game Diary, Reviews September 22, 2013

Project X Zone Review for Nintendo 3DS

Project X Zone combines popular fighting game franchises from Capcom, SEGA, and Namco Bandai into an Nintendo 3DS exclusive game with frantic action, unique character dialogue and special interactions. The Hype When a rift in time and space suddenly appears, a doorway to various universes is opened allowing both heroes and villains from different worlds to cross paths. Players will be able to take control of a huge selection of paired heroes including favorites such as Jin and Xiaoyu (Tekken), Toma and Cyrille (Shining Force EXA), or X and Zero (Mega Man X) to discover the cause of the rift and…

Reviews September 22, 2013

Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker Review – Stream Music & News While You Shower

Is it time to replace your leaky old showerhead and bring your bathroom into the 21st century? Then you should check out the Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker. This clever design includes a removable Bluetooth speaker that magnetically inserts into the middle of a 2.5 gpm showerhead with 60 nozzles; its style will look great in any bathroom’s decor. When I was offered the chance to review the Kohler Moxie, there were two things that immediately went through my mind: the first was that I needed to replace the leaking showerhead in our master bathroom anyway, and the second…

Reviews September 20, 2013

SmartWallit Review – Time to Upgrade Your Billfold

SmartWallit is a new gadget that helps you keep track of not only your spending, but also the location of your wallet. This intelligent accessory has many functions, including a spending log, loss prevention, and a way to find your lost phone or wallet. You can order the SmartWallit from Amazon for $60 plus shipping. I was very excited to get my hands on this neat little device and stick it in my wallet. Unfortunately, the SmartWallit was a little bigger than I thought it would be. Like 90% of the guys I know, I stick my wallet in my…

Music Diary, Reviews September 20, 2013

WiFi2Hifi 2 Brings New Capabilities to Remote Music Player App – But Is It Enough?

I thought I had done a review of the original WiFi2HiFi, but I’d actually just complained about the ordeal getting the copy I’d won in a website giveaway. But the app itself was good enough that when the new version was announced I was interested in trying it. My experience was not very good, with unexplained lost connections and dropouts. Type of app: Wireless audio app Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Clever & Son AG Description: Using the WiFi2HiFi application any iOS device in reach can tune in to the music you’re listening to on…

Reviews September 19, 2013

Griffin PowerDock 5 Review – an Efficient Charging Station + Storage for Five Devices

Anyone who owns a smartphone and tablet knows that charging can become a juggling act between cables and plugs. Multiply those devices by a couple of owners, and suddenly a better storage and charging solution becomes a necessity; that’s where the Griffin PowerDock 5 Charging Station comes in. It efficiently stores, charges, and organizes up to five of different devices.

Game Diary, Reviews September 19, 2013

Arcane Legends Brings Action-RPG Hack’n’Slash Excellence to iOS and Android!

While the PC world is full of free-to-play action-RPG games with plenty of loot and quests and things to kill. But getting a solid entry for your iOS or Android device is harder: Spacetime Studios pioneered with ‘Pocket Legends’, then a year ago introduced ‘Arcane Legends’. The ‘Realm of Shadows’ expansion recently launched, and the game is an absolute blast! Type of app: Multiplayer Online Fantasy Role-Playing Game Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play for Android. Developer: Spacetime Studios Description: Arcane Legends has loads of content, including: + Free to play forever…

Reviews September 16, 2013

V-MODA Remix In-Ear Headphones Remote Review – Great Sound, Awesome Comfort

I absolutely raved about the V-MODA M-100 over-the-ear headphones we reviewed last month. They have become my go-to headphones when I don’t need noise cancellation. Now I’ve had the chance to use the V-MODA Remix Remote in-ear headphones. These $79 headphones are comfortable and sound great; the remote and microphone make them great all-around headphones. Check them out. V-MODA did a great job bringing their audio prowess to in-ear headphones. The V-MODA Remix Remote offer huge sound in a small package. As the product page explains, Don’t just hear the music, feel it. With the Remix Remote, you get unparalleled…

Reviews September 15, 2013

Everki Atlas Checkpoint Friendly Backpack Review – a Wearable Mobile Office

Traveling for business is a common occurrence in today’s world. That travel requires lugging a computer and other devices which makes checking baggage difficult. Everki has become the default for designing stylish gear bags with tons of functionality that are checkpoint friendly while traveling. The Atlas, at $169.99, is one of the newest offerings to the Everki lineup. The Atlas backpack joins an already awesome line of checkpoint friendly gear bag options. Airport checkpoints can often ruin a trip before it has started, so a bag option to alleviate this problem can be important. The laptop compartment opens up 180…

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