Reviews

StarTech Standalone IDE/SATA Hard Drive Duplicator Review

Reviews

StarTech Standalone IDE/SATA Hard Drive Duplicator Review

As a Systems Administrator I spend of a lot of time building and distributing workstation images. After the initial build is completed and tested the worst part of it all (for me at least) is the distribution to all the machines that need it. There has been cases where I had a few hundred machines, and then sometimes it’s as little as 12-15. Either way, my favorite methods of imaging machines are the ones that are the most hands off. I’ve been through my share of software solutions that work very well, but the worst part is all the setup…

Speck GeoMetric iPhone 4 Case Review

Reviews

Speck GeoMetric iPhone 4 Case Review

The Speck GeoMetric case for the iPhone is the first case I’ve come across with a textured, dimensional pattern which offers a very unique feel in your hand. Made from the ever-popular TPU (themorplastic polyurethane) the case soft and flexible but stays form fitting just enough the hug the lines of the iPhone perfectly. The GeoMetric is currently available in one color, what Speck calls “DeathRock Black.” Someday I’ll have to ask Speck who comes up with the interesting names they choose for their colors. Speck doesn’t include a screen shield with the GeoMetric. If you desire screen protection their…

Sena Sarach Ultraslim for iPhone 4 Review

Reviews

Sena Sarach Ultraslim for iPhone 4 Review

Yesterday we took a look at Sena’s Argyle for iPhone 4. Today we’ll take a look at another of their pouch-style cases- the Sena Serach Ultraslim for iPhone 4. If you use your iPhone with just a Clear-Coat type film on it (or nothing at all) this might be just the right protection for those times you toss your iPhone in a pocket or briefcase. It is slim, good looking and highly protective of the delicate device. Let’s take a look. From Sena- The Sarach UltraSlim case is a part of the unique Sarach Designer Series by Sena. It is…

Honda Accord Crosstour and Acura ZDX crosswhatevers

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Honda Accord Crosstour and Acura ZDX crosswhatevers

“But, what are they?” As if to corner the market on producing the most polarizing vehicles for the 2010 model year, Honda and its luxury division Acura have each released a new vehicle that almost forces consumers to scratch their heads faster than the heartbreak of psoriasis. No definitive term has surfaced yet to identify the niche segment the new Accord Crosstour from Honda and ZDX from Acura occupy yet automotive history has seen similar units before. When I first gazed my attention to these marriages of sedan and crossover utility vehicle I was served with an image circa 1981-82…

D2u Transcriber iPhone App Review

Reviews

D2u Transcriber iPhone App Review

I’m rather keen on apps and applications that take my speech and convert it to text for me. I love the time-saving, the convenience and the fact that I don’t have to put more stress on my hands when I am writing a lot. Most recently I have been testing d2u. d2u is an iPhone app combined with a professional transcription service. While in a different league than Dragon Dictation and Vlingo due to its price per minute, it is also in a differently league due to the remarkable accuracy. To review the app and service I have been using…

Android Device Review: the AT&T HTC Aria Mobile Phone

Reviews

Android Device Review: the AT&T HTC Aria Mobile Phone

With all of the current buzz over Android phones with ~4″ screens like the Incredible, Xperia X10, Galaxy, Desire, and EVO 4G, it’s easy to forget that sometimes less can be more; sometimes less is actually more desirable. Take the HTC Aria for instance. Measuring a diminutive 4.1″ long x 2.3″ wide x 0.46″ thick and weighing 3.8 ounces with battery installed, the Aria is the perfect size to tuck into a smaller pocket or the smallest of evening bags. Its matte black plastic backside is covered in that wonderfully grippy material which rejects fingerprints and offers a bit a traction…

RoadID Wrist Sport Band Review

Reviews

RoadID Wrist Sport Band Review

About a week ago, my fiancee came home, walked the dog, and headed out for a bike ride. After she was riding for about an hour, she started to, for lack of a better word, “bonk”. It was hotter than she thought, she didn’t bring a snack, and she was almost out of water. Luckily she was able to call me to pick her up at the trailhead, but the incident worried me. What if she hadn’t stopped herself and started walking, or the heat snuck up on her more and she’d passed out? The next day, I went online…

iPad Case Review- ZAGG LEATHERskin

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iPad Case Review- ZAGG LEATHERskin

The other day Larry pointed out that, without my even thinking about it, I have a tendency to pull my iPad out of its case whenever I am using it in one place for an extended period. That makes it all the more important for me to make sure I have some permanent protection for the back of the device. Up until now that protection has come in the form of a Clear-Coat skin that I’ve had on the back, the screen, and the sides of the device since I first got it. It does a great job of protecting…

OpenAppMkt for iPhone App Review

Reviews

OpenAppMkt for iPhone App Review

Remember back in the day when the iPhone did not have an App Store?  I actually joined the iPhone party in the modern era with thousands of native apps to choose from.  In those early days, the only way to utilize the phone beyond the provided Apple apps was through Web Apps.  Because of the thousands of app possibilities, I have not previously had much of an experience with these types of apps.  Actually, I never even knew how to find Web Apps for my phone.  Well it seems that developing Web Apps for IOS 4 can bring some pretty…

PDair Aluminum Metal Case for Apple iPad Review

Reviews

PDair Aluminum Metal Case for Apple iPad Review

Dan: iPad cases come in all types of materials. Ya got yer leather cases, ya got yer plastic cases, ya got yer cases made from cloth, and ya’ve got yer cases made from leatherette (aka plastic that kinda sorta looks like leather). But this is the first case we have checked out that’s made from… metal. Yup, this PDair case is made from shiny aluminum so you know it going to offer some serious protection. Judie: I’ve been a fan of metal cases all the way back to my first Rhinoskin Ti Slider when I was rocking a Palm III series; I even…

Charge Your Mobile Devices with the Power of the Sun

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Charge Your Mobile Devices with the Power of the Sun

External batteries are great, but they’re only as good as the mAhs they possess; once you deplete them, until you find yourself near a charging source they become useless. The Monaco Mobile Power Solar Charger from Wireless Ground takes care of that problem by harnessing the power of the sun to recharge itself. You can use the battery to recharge you device and then recharge the battery on to go so it’s ready to be used again. In addition to the battery itself you’ll also get some tips to charge with. The Monaco comes with a USB out cable which…

PSP Game Review: Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip!

Game Diary, Reviews

PSP Game Review: Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip!

It was with some surprise that I realized that while I was greatly enjoying what I consider the best PSP game since 2008, Persona 3 Portable, I had actually been spending more time playing Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip! What is it about this game that seems to refuse to let me stop playing? Read on and find out! The Hype: The ear-deafening cheers from the crowd have died down, as you bounce the ball in preparation of your serve for championship point. You toss the ball into the air and strike it with the sweet spot of the…

iPhone & iPad App Review: Card Shark Takes a Bite out of Boredom

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iPhone & iPad App Review: Card Shark Takes a Bite out of Boredom

Feeling a bit bored? Try a daily dose of Card Shark! This card game app works on both the iPad and iPhone size devices. Out of all of the solitaire type card games I have tried, this one is by far the best I have come across in quite a long while. Part of its attraction is the fact that Card Shark offers 48 versions of card games and the developer is adding more on a regular basis. Some of the versions as shown in the below screenshot are FreeCell, GoFish, BlackJack, and my Favorite TriPeaks. There are many card…

SGP Skin Guard Review

Reviews

SGP Skin Guard Review

Many of us like to keep our iPhones as sleek as possible.  I personally prefer to use my iPhone 4 naked.  But I also know that it’s just not practical to do so.  I want to keep my iPhone looking as new as possible not only because I enjoy looking at “minty-fresh” gadgets but I also realize that in under a year Apple will be most likely be coming out with the next generation iPhone and I’ll most likely be selling this one to finance the new.  The better condition a phone is in the more money it fetches in…

PC/XBOX360 Game Review - Dragon Age: Origins Leliana's Song DLC

Game Diary, Reviews

PC/XBOX360 Game Review – Dragon Age: Origins Leliana’s Song DLC

Last month I reviewed the Darkspawn Chronicles DLC, saying that even at “$5 in Microsoft Points … it has questionable value.” I found it “a single-minded module that lasts about an hour, adds a single new item to the main game, and offers little replayability” … and was really just an average add-on in general. Now I am back after playing through the new DLC Leliana’s Song (announced here). So how did they do THIS time? Read on and find out! The Hype: Assume the role of Leliana, a young bard involved in a criminal ring that deals in political…

Mac Utility "Jumpcut" Review: Remembers All Your Clipboard Items

Reviews

Mac Utility “Jumpcut” Review: Remembers All Your Clipboard Items

I rely on my iMac’s “clipboard” a ton.  Between Twitter, the Internet, e-mail etc. it seems I’m constantly copying and pasting links and other information between one client to another.  Often times I copy more than one item too and that means I have to go back and forth between the applications to retrieve and re-copy each time.  An even larger problem occurs when I want to paste something I copied earlier in the day but have already copied something else thus over-writing the item I want. A nice little free utility I stumbled across the other day called Jumpcut…

OtterBox Defender Review: The Best Protection Money Can Buy

Reviews

OtterBox Defender Review: The Best Protection Money Can Buy

There won’t be any leaving you in suspense during this review. I’m just going to come right out and say. I love the OtterBox Defender for the iPhone 4. I’ve been a diehard Defender user for sometime now. Almost all the firefighters in my company use Defenders on their devices, mostly Blackberries or iPhones) and the Defender for the 3Gs was my personal case of choice as well. If your tough on your iPhone there is simply no better choice for protection your precious device than the Defender. OtterBox didn’t waste any time getting the Defender for the 4 to…

X Games 16 Mobile App for iPhone/Touch Review

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X Games 16 Mobile App for iPhone/Touch Review

It is no secret that I am a sports nut.  It is how I make a living and sports have been a daily part of my life for many years.  Most of these sports are the usual, football, basketball, baseball/softball.  I played these sports, I coach these sports and I am a fan of these sports.  One thing people do not know about me is that I was a skater in the mid to late 80s.  My buddy had a 12 foot half-pipe and we skated everyday.  In fact, I made the varsity baseball team as a freshman and my…

ECOWRIST Review: Wearable Art That Helps The Planet

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ECOWRIST Review: Wearable Art That Helps The Planet

Every year I take one of my daughters on a weekend trip to NYC.  This past weekend on our annual excursion we stumbled across ECOWRIST at a street fair in the Soho section of Manhattan.  ECOWRIST was founded by husband and wife team David Gandy and MarQuerite Hamden in 2008 and the pair hand-makes watches from recycling, the use of natural materials, and minimal wastes to ensure as little effect on the environment as possible. From the ECOWRIST web site……….. The primary components of the watches are bamboo, tagua nuts, acheera seeds, coconut, wood, cow’s leather and canaflecha (reed in…

EFO's Solar Toys are Fun and Educational

Reviews

EFO’s Solar Toys are Fun and Educational

Solar power has been a promise since I was my son’s age.  In the future. we were all supposed to have roofs covered in solar cells and not having to use ugly power lines to power our lives.  We were barely able to get to the point of powering calculators.  Fast forward 20 years and while there have been advances, we still don’t drive solar cars and we still have to have power lines run to our homes.  Thankfully, there are more things run by solar cells than back when I was 11 and some of them are fun too….