Reviews

Build-A-Lot 3 HD for iPad Review

Type of app: Time Management Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version, here); available in the App Store Developer: HipSoft / G5 Entertainment Description: Get ready to pack your bags and head to Europe! You have a wonderful opportunity to take your real estate empire overseas. Travel through England, Spain and Switzerland while restoring rundown houses, beautifying neighborhoods with new landmarks and helping the locals improve their towns. Develop your business skills by making money from renting out and investing in properties. Construct classic English cottages, elegant Swiss chalets and magnificent Spanish haciendas. Act wisely to get the job done on time…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Cobra iRadar Smart Detection System Review

The iPhone is the great disruptor of personal electronics. It has crushed the stand-alone camcorder, taken a huge bite out of the point-and-shoot camera market and made buying an after-market automotive video entertainment system a ridiculous waste of money. And, issues with Apple maps aside, thanks to the iPhone there is less reason to buy a stand alone GPS unit. The list goes on and on. Yes, the iPhone (and other smartphones) turned many once must-have products into “why have” items of yesteryear. There are, however, some rare occasions when the iPhone not only doesn’t disrupt the need for a…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Admiral for a Day as we Test the Flagship 2013 Lexus LS Lineup

On July 30, Lexus introduced its latest LS flagship to the world in a unique “Lexus Laws of Attraction” unveiling exhibit in San Francisco. More recently, we got to spend time behind the wheel of the 2013 models including the new F Sport edition during a regional press event in Tucson, Arizona. Prior to driving we were given a bit of history on the Lexus brand and the LS specifically. Lexus began as an idea in the mind of the head of Toyota Motor Company in 1983 and by 1989 the first Lexus LS was delivered to the world. Since…

Game Diary, Reviews

Defense Zone 2 HD for Android Review

Type of app: Tower Defense Strategy Game Platform/where to buy: Android (phone & tablet); available in the Google Play Store Developer: Artem Kotov Description: The creators of Defense Zone, a popular Tower Defense game with beautiful graphics and finely balanced levels, today announced the release of Defense Zone 2 HD. The new version offers even more detailed and impressive visuals, three more weapons and 13 levels of absorbing gameplay. Defense Zone was originally developed as a better alternative to traditional Tower Defense games with unbalanced difficulty settings and confused interface. Highly appreciated by Tower Defense fans, Defense Zone required strategic thinking,…

Reviews

BoxWave Type Runner Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Using my iPad as my primary option is still fairly new for me. We all know that the iPad is an amazing user experience for numerous tasks, but while it is easy to use and I can actually type pretty well on it, there are times that using the onscreen keyboard are not optimal. When I am completing work tasks or especially Gear Diary posts (which is not often enough during football season), it is much faster and less tiring to type on a physical keyboard. The only problem with this need is having to carry a full-size keyboard while…

Reviews

Magnetyze System for iPhone 4S Review

We’ve looked at a number of charging systems that don’t require you to actually plug your device in. The best known example of this is the Powermat system. It worked as promised, but while I liked the cool tech I never got used to having the bulky and somewhat ugly cases on my devices. That’s why I was curious, but skeptical, when Magnetyze reached out and invited us to check out their entry into the wireless charging market. What I discovered was a product that is truly a huge step forward in both technology and aesthetics. Oh, and it uses…

Reviews

Zillow.com iPhone App Review

Type of app: Real estate search Platform/where to buy: iOS, Android Developer: Zillow Description: #1 Real Estate App on iTunes and “Best Real Estate App” by O’Reilly Media Major features: The app lets you search by address or town, and you can filter by price, number of bedrooms, for sale and for rent, etc. In addition, you can look up the transaction history of properties, find out how long they’ve been listed on the market, and even get a “zestimate” of what Zillow thinks the property is worth based on similar homes in the area.Ease of use/Overall performance: Theoretically this app…

Reviews

Aranez Book Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case Review

For me, one of the classic PDA case designs is the so-called ‘book’ cover. I had one for the HP200LX (and another one later for the Psion Revo) that was more like a pouch, than ones for the HP iPAQ 4355 and Dell Axim X51v that actually allowed you to use the device in the case and had slots for cards on the left side. It is this ability to carry more than just the device that always attracted me. Now I have had the chance to try the Aranez Book case for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Let’s see how…

Game Diary, Reviews

XCOM Enemy Unknown Video First Look Review!

Type of app: Strategy Platform/where to buy: PC; available at Steam Developer: Firaxis / 2K Games Description: XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. Major features: As I noted in my video review of Borderlands 2 here, sometimes the best way to get a feel for a game is to simply show it on video. So I have taken the opportunity to review the opening levels…

Reviews

Aranez Flip Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case Review

One of the first things of concern with a high-end smartphone is protecting it from the inevitable bumps and bangs and falls. You can go to your local ‘Five Below’ and find racks of cheap coverage that will protect your phone … but what if you want something that actually looks good? Well, for the Samsung Galaxy S III, Aranez has you covered with a leather cover worthy of your new phone. Let’s take a look! The Hype: The Aranez Flip Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case is a luxurious cover for your Samsung Galaxy S3. Made from sumptuous premium cow…

News & Features, Reviews

Samsung Galaxy S III from U.S. Cellular Review and Video Hands-On

When it comes to the world of smartphones, there is Apple and Samsung and everyone else. As noted in the past, Samsung and Apple combined for more than 100% of all profits during the last quarter! Whereas Samsung used to be famous for pushing out numerous mid-line phones with different design schemes, over the past couple of years they have focused on delivering top-end devices that offer compelling features – and have essentially become the flagship Android brand. Late this summer Samsung launched their latest flagship, the Galaxy S III. The folks at US Cellular were kind enough to send…

Reviews

ThinkTank Photo Street Walker HardDrive Backpack Review

photos by Kevin Stanford We have already looked at a number of offerings from Think Tank Photo. We reviewed the ThinkTank Retrospective 7 Camera Bag. (Read the review.) We also reviewed the ThinkTank Photo StreetWalker Camera Backpack that has now taken up residence with Judie. (Read the review.) And finally we reviewed the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 35 V2.0. (Read the review.) As I was finishing this initial series of reviews I commented that I wish I had something that would carry all my gear AND my 15″ MacBook Pro Retina. A short time later the ThinkTank Photo Street Walker…

Reviews

FS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with F-1 Foldable Mounting Plate Review

We reviewed the Carry Speed DS-Slim Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead back in September. (Read the review.) I was impressed with the system. It was a HUGE improvement over the strap Canon included with my T3i. Still, I didn’t love the fact that, like so many other camera straps that attach to the bottom of a DSLR, it took over the tripod mount. That meant the connector needed to be removed whenever I wanted to mount the camera on a tripod, and while that wasn’t a deal-breaker it was an annoyance. Thankfully there was an easy solution….

Game Diary, Gear Bits, Reviews

Avernum 6 HD for iPad Review and Hands-On Video

Type of app: Role Playing Game (RPG) Platform/where to buy: iPad (no iPhone version); available in the App Store Developer: Spiderweb Games Description: Avernum 6 is an epic, indie fantasy role-playing adventure. It is optimized for the iPad and features an enormous world, a fascinating story, and 30+ hours of gameplay. Travel into the strange subterranean land of Avernum, full of dungeons, labyrinths, and constant warfare. A set of disasters threatens to destroy your homeland in a spasm of famine and warfare. Only you can help your people to get to safety before everything falls apart. As you wander the…

Reviews

iEraser Screen Cleaner Review

Nearly every device most of us use today involve some type of touch screen. Phones, tablets, GPS units…you name it and we are smudging the screens. In fact, laptops and desktop monitors somehow seem to get greasy after just a couple of days use. There is not a day that passes that a smudged up screen is not annoying me. Anyone who is a parent of young children like myself know that anytime a kid gets near one of the screens it seems to get grungy. Our devices seem to be magnets for fingerprints and smudges. I recently had the…

Game Diary, Reviews

Whisper of Fear The Cursed Doll HD for iPad Review

Whisper of Fear: The Cursed Doll is a Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) game. It is available for the iPhone and iPad, and you can get it in the Apple App store. The Developer isVogat / G5 Entertainment. Major features: By now you should know the drill – story-based intro, followed up with puzzles, finding items on location screens, and full-blown hidden object scenes. Whisper of Fear meets the ‘standard framework’ of a hidden object game, to be sure. But where it is distinctive is in the depth and connectedness of the game. Most games have areas you are ‘checking off’,…

Reviews

id America Cushi Dot Soft Foam Pad for iPhone 5 Review

all photos by Kevin Stanford What if I told you that you could stick a piece of 3D foam on the back of your iPhone, and that by doing so you could both protect your phone and make it a little bit more fun? Would you be interested? I was. Id America makes protective 3D skins for the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 called Cushi; they are available with colorful stripes, polka-dots, or an assortment of retro, cartoonish, and other graphic designs. I was sent one of the “Original” collection, a design appropriately called, Owl. I happen to like owls,…

Health and Fitness, Outdoors, Reviews

iBike POWERHOUSE Complete Cycling Fitness Plan

Through the years, I’ve reviewed several devices for iPhones and iPods that purport to be sturdy protective mounts for bicycle usage. Keeping in mind that there are inherent dangers in listening to music while you’re cycling, especially if you have to worry about dangling headphone wires, it’s important to make sure that safety is your first concern. The iBike POWERHOUSE ensures both the safety of your iPhone and your body with its well-designed mount for the 3 and 4 series iPhones. (No luck for you early iPhone 5 adopters yet.) Add in a software solution for exercise and cycling technique…

Reviews

Incipio feather SHINE for iPhone 5 Review

My favorite case is “no case”. Unfortunately, “no case” also means “no protection” and with a phone whose unlocked cost approaches $1000, that’s not an option. That’s why I’ve always been a fan of Incipio’s feather cases. They don’t offer a great deal of drop protection but they do help keep scratches at bay. Incipio offers the traditional feather for the iPhone 5 but they also have the feather SHINE for iPhone 5. Here’s a look… From Incipio: feather SHINE – The feather® Shine for iPhone 5 remains sleek while providing full access to your media functions. The feather® Shine…

Reviews, Yum Log

KeyShark Takes a Bite Out of That Bottle

The other day I received a KeyShark from the folks at Cranky Monkee for a review here at Gear Diary. The timing was perfect, as it arrived just before for my annual U of I football tailgate. So, what is a KeyShark you ask? And what does it have to do with football tailgating? Well, I’m glad you asked. A KeyShark is a lightweight, but strong, bottle opener that is designed to fit on your keychain. I have to say, though, that when it first arrived I was a little skeptical. It’s pretty darn small and pretty darn lightweight. It was…

Game Diary, Reviews

Zaxxon Escape for iOS/Android Review

Type of app: Action Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad or Android Developer: SegaDescription: It’s been thirty years since gamers first took on the evil robot Zaxxon, and Zaxxon Escape continues the story of what happened after his defeat. Players must escape a crumbling asteroid base by shooting, swiping, and tilting their spaceship through an ever-changing maze of corridors, guided only by their reflexes and handy powerups like auto-pilot and tractor beams. Find out if you have what it takes to survive the total destruction of Zaxxon. Major features: I was a huge fan of Zaxxon back in the early 80s (it…

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