Reviews

Bento 4 for iPad Lets You Cut the Cord and Become a DataBase Power-User

News & Features, Reviews July 6, 2012

Bento 4 for iPad Lets You Cut the Cord and Become a DataBase Power-User

The next generation of iPad is here, and it has nothing to do with the hardware or the OS. No, the next generation of the iPad is coming into view, thanks to the apps that run on it. Not only are they becoming more powerful but, at the same time, they are increasingly reducing their reliance on “host” desktops and laptops. This process of “cutting the cord” is moving iPads out of the realm of  add-on device that supports and extends your computer into one that stands on its own. A great example of this is Bento 4. Bento for…

iLuv FitActive Sports Headphones

Reviews July 5, 2012

iLuv FitActive Sports Headphones

If you read the site you might recall that I’m married to a woman who doesn’t like headphones and earbuds. Yes, Elana finds earbuds to be quite uncomfortable and, if used for too long, downright painful. There is one exception – well until now just one exception – that is YurBuds. I learned about YurBuds at CES 2011 and while the headphones look kind of funny they are incredibly comfortable – even for Elana. In fact, she tried them on when I got home and then just kept using them. You see, not only are they comfortable but they stay…

WINGStand for Apple iPad and Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Crowdfunding, Reviews July 5, 2012

WINGStand for Apple iPad and Bluetooth Keyboard Review

I have tried, reviewed, and stopped using so many keyboards and keyboard cases designed to work with the iPad that, quite frankly, I’ve lost count. Each time however I have returned to using the on-screen keyboard or dictating- as I am right now. It’s not that the different keyboards didn’t work – quite the contrary – in fact, some of them were rather good. It is simply the fact that I’ve been spoiled and none of those keyboards were as good as the keyboard on my MacBook Pro or iMac. In other words, in my experience even the best external iPad…

GoFurther with Ford Trend Conference 2012, My Experience

Events, Reviews, Vehicles & Gear July 3, 2012

GoFurther with Ford Trend Conference 2012, My Experience

Last week I had the opportunity to be among 250 guests brought to Dearborn, Michigan by Ford; we spent 2 1/2 days seeing what they’re up to, learning a bit about their philosophy and, of course, checking out some of their latest vehicles. Usually, when attending such a junket, you’d expect to find one or two really good nuggets, a few sessions that were quite good, and a few duds. You’d also expect to have a few logistical glitches along the way. Having now had a bit of time to digest everything that we saw and did over those days,…

Secret Agent Splat's Mission Review for iOS

Reviews July 3, 2012

Secret Agent Splat’s Mission Review for iOS

Suppose you were an anthropomorphized Felis catus whose father specialized in making toy ducks. Suppose as a cat you had a pet mouse named Seymour. Suppose you discovered one day that someone has absconded with your ducks. Why then you’d transform into Secret Agent Splat and proceed to investigate with help from your pet! Based on the popular children’s book Splat the Cat, Secret Agent Splat’s Mission is a set of mini-games where children can help the eponymous feline (and his rodent sidekick Seymour) hunt down and retrieve Splat’s missing toy ducks and receive a special agent rating. All 48…

iLuv iMM377 MobiAir Bluetooth Stereo Speaker Dock for Smartphones review

Reviews July 2, 2012

iLuv iMM377 MobiAir Bluetooth Stereo Speaker Dock for Smartphones review

I would be hard-pressed to recommend purchasing a dock that includes an iPhone or iPod adapter right now. The reason is quite simple. The next generation of the iPhone is only four months away and all indications point toward it having a new dock connector to replace the ubiquitous 30 pin connection. With such a significant change on the way it makes no sense for someone to purchase a dock that will, at a minimum, require the purchase and use of an adapter come the fall. Instead, I would encourage anyone looking for speakers to use with their mobile device…

IPEVO Typi Folio Keyboard/Case for new iPad and iPad 2 review

Reviews July 1, 2012

IPEVO Typi Folio Keyboard/Case for new iPad and iPad 2 review

We’ve reviewed numerous different iPad cases since the tablet was first released. Many of them have included a keyboard and, as a result, not only protected the iPad but also helped turn it into an even better productivity tool. The challenge with each of the combo cases has been the fact that both the keyboard AND the case have to be decent if the combination is going to work well. If one or the other is subpar the entire package falls short. Time and again that has been the issue when we have reviewed keyboard cases. Sometimes the keyboard is…

SMS Audio Street by 50 Wired Headphones review

Reviews June 30, 2012

SMS Audio Street by 50 Wired Headphones review

Last week we posted a review of the a-JAYs ONE+ headphones. (Read it.) They sport a flat, tangle free cable, a selection of different ear cups, an in-line microphone and audio controller and, the most unusual package I have seen in a pair of headphones. At under $70 they were definitely a step up from something like Apple’s standard earbuds but they were far from my favorites as they included as many negatives as they did positives. One of those issues was the complete lack of a carrying case. That, however, was nothing compared to the static introduced when the…

Nyko Speaker Stand for PlayStation Vita Review

Game Diary, Reviews June 29, 2012

Nyko Speaker Stand for PlayStation Vita Review

The Nyko Speaker Stand makes handy peripheral for PlayStation Vita users for great gaming sound plus several other activities including listening music, watching movies, making Skype calls, or even using iPods and similar devices while they rest their hands from marathon gaming sessions.

G-Form X-Protect Case For iPhone Review

Reviews June 29, 2012

G-Form X-Protect Case For iPhone Review

iPhone protection has become such a priority for many owners. It seems like every friend who tells me they are finally getting the iPhone always asks, “what case should I get” in their next breath. Protecting an expensive device that is with you virtually every waking moment is important not only because of the price, but also for fear of begin without the phone. There are many options on the market with varying levels of protection and style. I like a case that brings style along with protection, but without making the phone the size of a shoe box. The…

SRSLab's New Audio Essentials Let's Your Mac Pump Up the Volume and Quality

Reviews June 29, 2012

SRSLab’s New Audio Essentials Let’s Your Mac Pump Up the Volume and Quality

When Apple first announced the new MacBook Pro with retina display they stressed that it was the best notebook they have ever built AND it had the best speakers they have ever put into a Mac notebook. After almost two weeks I can confidently say that this is absolutely the best computer I have ever used. At the same time, if these are the best speakers they have ever put into a Mac it says a lot for just how bad things were previously but says little about the audio coming from the MBPr. To be fair, it isn’t just…

Braven 600 Takes on the JawBone JamBox, and...

Reviews, Travel June 28, 2012

Braven 600 Takes on the JawBone JamBox, and…

Back in December we did a post and video comparing the Spar Zephyr 300 and the JawBone JamBox. (Read the post.) The Spar speaker promised excellent audio and the ability to double as an external charger. Unfortunately it didn’t deliver on the audio front. I returned it and let the company know why. They were gracious about it, refunded my purchase immediately and then shared their own disappointment with how the speaker turned out. I went bcd to using my JamBox. They stopped shipping. Fast forward and a few weeks ago Spar rebranded as BRAVEN and released not one but…

Sneaker iPhone Case Review

Reviews June 28, 2012

Sneaker iPhone Case Review

There are so many options when it comes to phone cases. A quick google search for iPhone 4 case will bring literally thousands of links to styles and colors of cases. With everyone walking around with the same phones, the case is what separates people and shows their style and individuality. With that said, there is a fine line between cases that are all style and cases that are all protection. I think it is important to bring the two together and get some style while effectively protecting the phone. Musubo has designed many cases that fit these requirements, and…

Waterfield Cozmo Lets Your Gear "Go First Class" Review

Reviews, Travel June 26, 2012

Waterfield Cozmo Lets Your Gear “Go First Class” Review

So you got one of the new MacBook Pro with retina displays and love it. But there is a problem. Thanks to its thinner design and lighter weight the 15″ notebook is far more portable than its predecessor but you aren’t quite sure what you should use to carry it. Waterfield SFBags has some great options. In fact, they have a new section on the site that gather’s the best options for carrying the MBPr in one place. You can check it out here. They all look great, and I’m thinking about picking up one of the new, larger-size Travel…

The WhaleTail Tablet Vacuum Dock and Handle Review

Reviews June 25, 2012

The WhaleTail Tablet Vacuum Dock and Handle Review

I do a lot of news items here at GD — just keeping you folks abreast of new offerings, deals, and the like.  Every once in a while an item pops up that makes me think, “Yeah, okay, I’ve gotta give that a try.”  Such an item was the Octa WhaleTail tablet stand/holder.  I mean, it just looked cool, and I have been in search of a decent “holder” for my iPad ever since I got it.  Not just to hold it up on a table, but also to hold it up, ya know, in front of my face.  This…

a-JAYS ONE+ Headphones Review

Reviews June 25, 2012

a-JAYS ONE+ Headphones Review

In recent years we have seen an increasing number of headphones that use tangle-free, flat cords. They really do help you avoid having to deal with the tangled mess that is wired headphones. Plus, they look and feel neat. That’s why I was excited to review the a-JAYS One+ headset when it was offered to me. After all, not everyone can afford $150 for in-ear headphones, and that’s what I’ve been reviewing lately. At $59.99, the a-JAYS ONE+ look like a bargain. I was even more excited when I saw the box. It is unusually done in oval-shaped plastic., and…

ReAuthored for New iPad; from Dead Tree Book to iPad Case

Reviews June 24, 2012

ReAuthored for New iPad; from Dead Tree Book to iPad Case

We’ve seen a lot of cases for the iPad (and there are many more to come). Some follow a familiar theme, while others are more unique. The case we are looking at in this review is one of those “more unique” ones. It comes from a company called ReAuthored, and it gives new life to old books even as it protects the “book-killer” that is the iPad. The iPad cases they offer are approximately 11″ high, 8.5″ wide and .5″ deep. They weigh about a pound. Why are the dimensions and weight just “approximate”? Simple. ReAuthored cases are made from…