Reviews | Gear Diary

M-Edge Executive Jacket for iPad Review

M-Edge has a wide variety of case options out for the iPad. We’ve had the chance to review a few of them already, but their Executive Jacket might be the most sophisticated of the bunch. The book style case is available in 2 synthetic leather colors and 6 authentic leather colors; it features a four-point harness for mounting your iPad inside the case. Whether you’re in a board room, office, meeting or just off to school this case seeks to be your go-to, offering the protection you need with the style you want. I was sent a Black version of…

Music Diary, Reviews

Jeff Beck – Emotion & Commotion Review

Just over a month ago I wrote about the special launch-day deal Amazon.com was having on the MP3 version of Jeff Beck’s new Emotion & Commotion CD. Over the last six weeks I’ve kept the CD on my iPod in heavy rotation. Needless to say I have found something to like in the first studio release in seven years from the 65-year old legendary guitarist. At the same time, this is also my least favorite Jeff Beck release since his early 90’s rockabilly outing Crazy Legs. Let me give a bit of background and then dig into a song-by-song review….

Reviews

Sena Walletbook for iPhone 3GS Review

The other day I reviewed the Sena Folio for iPad. It has quickly become my favorite, and most-used, iPad case. I love the refined look, the flawless leather of it and the way it protects my iPad so thoroughly. Sena offers a wide range of options for the iPad. In fact, they have cases for pretty much every popular device. That includes the iPhone 3GS. And while the next gen iPhone is likely on the way 3GS owners are only a year into their contract. That means there is no time like the present to wrap your precious iPhone in…

Game Diary, Reviews

Bloons TD Lite for iPhone/Touch App Review

Working at a school allows me to see many different fads and phenomena. Sometimes it is a certain clothing style, a catch phrase, a certain style of purse or shoes etc… This year the craze seems to be a certain flash game. The game is available on an educational website that is actually not blocked by the filter at our school. There is a huge number of games to play but one has become the default for almost everyone. Bloons Tower Defense is not only played by the students in spare moments in the computer lab, but the coaching staff…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Despite Early Issues, 2010 Toyota Prius Best Yet

(All photos courtesy Toyota) Toyota Prius is the ubiquitous hybrid. And yes, I did have to look that word up. The 2010 model is the third generation Prius to hit U.S. soil and this new midsize model bring better fuel economy, enhanced performance and modern styling to the platform. It is roomier, quieter and equipped with all of the latest technology including offering a moonroof complete with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. “The Prius has evolved with our customers over the past 10 years and is…

eBooks, Reviews

Simply Audiobooks Review

Audiobooks are expensive. If you’re an audiobook addict, you could easily find yourself blowing some major cash trying to keep up with books on your commute. Sure, there’s the library, but then you run the risk of late fees. And services like Audible.com are pricey, and may not be compatible with your chosen phone or mp3 player. Enter Simply Audiobooks. Essentially, it’s a Netflix-style service for audiobooks. You can check out several books at a time and keep as many as you want queued up. Is it the perfect solution for audiobook fans? Read on and find out! When you…

Reviews

SportBoard for iPad Review

As a coach, it is exciting seeing possibilities new technologies are bringing to the profession. In the past I have reviewed a few iPhone apps that have performed a task, but were definitely limited in their abilities. After the iPad was announced, there was even a discussion about using the iPad to coach basketball on my favorite basketball forum Texas Basketball Coaches or TBC. Even non-tech savvy coaches instantly saw the possibilities of the new device. SportBoard for the iPad allows coaches to use the device to draw basketball plays just like you would on a dry erase clipboard. Draw…

Reviews

Fabrix Cases Magic Sleeve for iPad Review

I’ve been enjoying using my iPad in its naked form. Truth be told I do have it wrapped safely in a full body Clear Coat protectant skin but it’s as close to naked as I’m willing to go. That being said pouch style cases seem to work best for me. I definitely need something to protect the iPad when I’m carrying it around but want something that allows me to keep the device as sleek as possible when I’m using it. Zippered pouches are nice but they require some work when I need the device. The Fabrix Magic Sleeve is…

Game Diary, Reviews

Borderlands: PC/XBOX360/PS3 Game Review

Late last October Gearbox software launched a game called Borderlands. I played it quite a bit at launch, and since then there have been a few DLC add-ons and other attempts by the developers to keep the game fresh in the minds of the typically short-attention-span target audience for this sort of game. As I was revisiting the games of 2009 I thought it would be worthwhile to give this one another go. The Hype: A sci-fi/action RPG from acclaimed developer Gearbox, Borderlands combines the best in first-person action gaming with elements of a traditional role-playing game (RPG). The excitement…

Reviews

Gowalla vs. Foursquare: Which One Is Right For You?

I got hooked on Foursquare, the social networking iPhone OS application that allows you to “check-in” at the places you visit, by Judie back at CES. Judie, Dan and I had a fun time battling for mayorships of various locations in Las Vegas. I’ve been a frequent user of the app. since then too. But a worthy competitor to Foursquare has emerged, so worthy in fact that I find myself using Gowalla more. Both Gowalla and Foursquare are iPhone OS applications that operate on the same basic principal. Using your device’s built in GPS the applications locate you and show…

Reviews

Sound ID 510 Bluetooth Headset and EarPrint iPhone App- Available June 6, but We Already Have a Review

I previously reviewed Sound ID’s last two headsets, the Sound ID 300 and the Sound ID 400. Both headsets were among the most comfortable and best sounding Bluetooth headsets I have used and both packed some nice features into rather small device. Well this morning Sound ID announced their next generation Bluetooth headset, and it is rather impressive. The headset packs in A2DP Technology, advanced noise reduction, multi-point technology and… get this… an iPhone app that works with the headset. The new headset, the Sound ID 510 will be available in black from AT&T (available in the store and online)…

Reviews

M-Edge Latitude Jacket for Apple iPad – iPad Case Review

My in-laws are currently in China touring for the next two weeks. For gear they took a point and shoot camera my mother-in-law’s new Kindle (well new to her thanks to judie) and… an iPad. Now this may not sound like a big deal to you but trust me… it is. You see, my father-in-law doesn’t even check his own email messages. Elana does. and when I got my iPad my father-in-law rolled his eyes and gave me a look that said, “Yet another Apple product Dan? You know there is a twelve-step program for that.” I proceeded to tell…

Reviews

Review: M-Edge Leisure Jacket For iPad

Finding the iPad case that is right for me has proven to be a difficult task. There are so many options and styles, finding the perfect option is truly an exercise in trial and error. I thought I would give the iPad Leisure Jacket by M-Edge a try since it is compact and provides a lot of protection from the environment. The product has left me with mixed results. Kind of an interesting idea that does not work. Features * The Leisure Jacket provides superior protection against sand, dirt, and moisture by utilizing a read-through, clear vinyl cover. * Protective…

Reviews

Gear Diary Deal or Dud #4: Original Space Bag

I’m back with another episode of Gear Diary’s Deal or Dud? This month I take a look at the Original Space Bag. Several years ago these bags were all the rage. You loaded them full of your most bulkiest sweaters, blankets and other items that you used seasonally, sucked all the air out to compress and them and then stored them neatly under your bed. In my continuing quest to create more closet space in my own home I snatched up a new version of the space bag. The Original Space Bag promises to triple your closet space. The one…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Bimmer not a bummer, just different drummer: BMW 335i coupe

Stop the presses. An automotive journalist has been discovered that does not love, love, love the BMW 3-series. What is this heresy? Refusing to drink the Kool-Aid? Next they will be telling us this global warming scare is not all it is cracked up to be and that American automakers will be profitable despite all of the new fuel economy standards around the bend. I was really looking forward to my week in this BMW 335i coupe. I figured all I would have to do is drive it a few days and I would be able to regurgitate every word…

Reviews

Sena Folio for Apple iPad Review

My search for the perfect iPad case came to an abrupt halt last week when I realized that, more than with any other device i have used, the “right” case for the iPad is going to depend on how you use the device and what you are doing with it at that moment. For example, if I am watching a movie on the iPad I want a case with an integrated stand. If I am on the go with it I want a case with built in screen protection while if I am leaving it on the coffee table I…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2010 MAZDA3 and MAZDASPEED3 leave you grinning

As I look at the new front fascia for the 2010 model year MAZDA3 I wonder if designers found a little inspiration from CGI artists working on the latest Alice in Wonderland movie. Perhaps the two parties share a favorite pub and the latter left some napkin sketches lying around as carelessly as an Apple employee? Grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire Cat, the new MAZDA3s still embody that all familiar “zoom-zoom” marketing philosophy while offering value, quality and a truly nice driving experience for the segment. Love it or hate it though, Mazda says the new bold…

Reviews

Flickpad: Fun Way To View Facebook Photos on iPad

Flickpad from Shacked Software is a really fun way to view photos from your Facebook friends on the iPad. The application takes full advantage of the iPad’s multitouch features to allow you to quickly browse through pictures from your friends in a way that’s extremely intuitive and actually a ton of fun. Once you load the app, and after you’ve entered your Facebook account information (only required once) it will show you all your unseen pictures from your Facebook contacts. By default the app loads all new pictures from the day you first launch it but you can move the…

Reviews

2nd Opinion for iPhone/Touch App Review

I am not going to lie…many of the apps on my iPhone are used primarily for entertainment and wasting some spare time. Most of these time wasters are games, but every now and then a non-game entertainment app is discovered. 2nd Opinion is not considered a game, but can be just as addicting. If you like crowdsourcing or answering random questions, this will be quite entertaining. 2nd Opinion is a collection of user asked yes/no questions. The questions can be any subject and can include a photo. As more users download the app, the number of questions rises quickly so…

Reviews

Navigon 6300 Sat Nav Review

Navigon’s latest entry into the increasingly crowded sat-nav market looks to be a cracker with a 4.3” display, Bluetooth hands-free phone and a sleek design that makes it easy to hide away when not in use. In my two week test of the Navigon 6300, it really impressed! Out of the box you get everything you need to get up and running in the car. A very secure windshield mount is fully adjustable to achieve the best viewing angle, no matter what car you are mounting it in, and the power adaptor has a sufficiently long cord should your lighter…

Reviews

Speck Fitted For iPad – iPad Case Review

One of the things I have come to understand and appreciate is that there is no “right” case for the iPad. There are a variety of cases available for it to be sure but none of them is “the right case”. Rather, with the iPad perhaps more than with any other device, the appropriate case depends upon how you’re using the device at a particular moment. Let me explain what I mean. If you are going to be using the device on the go and will be throwing it into a briefcase it makes sense to have a case that is…