Reviews

PC Tune UP Review: Turn That Tortoise Back into a Hare in Four Easy Steps

Reviews

PC Tune UP Review: Turn That Tortoise Back into a Hare in Four Easy Steps

I have a laptop that I use for most of my software testing and review writing.  It is about a year and half old, and lately I have been noticing an interesting phenomenon.  When I bought it, about 18 months ago, it was blazing fast.  Even after I loaded Vista, I was still impressed by how fast it ran.  Over time, however, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in speed.  In short, my hare has become a tortoise.  And I don’t care what they say about racing, in computers, slow and steady gets tossed out the window.  As you can imagine,…

The Vertu Ascent and the Vertu Constellation: A Pictorial

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The Vertu Ascent and the Vertu Constellation: A Pictorial

Some time ago, I wrote a semi-mocking post about a just announced Vertu phone which was encrusted with gemstones and that had a price tag in the $100,000 neighborhood; not only was this phone priced way out of my galaxy, it was priced out of my universe. In that post’s comments, Drew came in and mentioned that he had owned a few Vertus, and that they were in fact actually excellent phones – despite their astronomical price tag. He also said that it wasn’t necessary to get them encrusted in stones, and that there were some which were (relatively) reasonably…

Celio's REDFLY - The Ultimate Smartphone Extension Review Part 2

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Celio’s REDFLY – The Ultimate Smartphone Extension Review Part 2

In part one of my review of Celio’s REDFLY, I covered the REDFLY’s physical attributes. For part two I will cover the functionality of the device. First, it is important to remember that the REDFLY will only work with Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6 Professional (PocketPC) and Standard (Smartphone) devices and currently only a small subset of the total number of devices available. For a complete list of what devices are supported visit . Having said that, I did test the REDFLY with a number of devices including several that were not on the Celio website. All of them worked…

The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece Review

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The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece Review

Ever since Kerry introduced me to the wonderfully descriptive and perfect term “ear roach”, used to describe those obnoxious Bluetooth headsets that so many people wear, I have been hard-pressed to think of them as anything but. However, the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece I am writing about today is one earpiece that does not deserve my usual mockery. This earpiece is elegant, light, and dare I say pretty? It is one of the few headsets that looks like jewelry for your ear. But can it handle calls comfortably and with clarity? Read on to see…

Review: Myvu Crystal 701 Personal Media Viewer

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Review: Myvu Crystal 701 Personal Media Viewer

Even though the screen is small, I enjoy watching video on my iPhone and iPod Touch. No, it will never match the experience of watching a movie on a 50 inch hi-definition LCD, but it is more than merely functional- it is a pleasant experience. I’ve had my eye on Myvu’s various offerings for some time, watching carefully as each new one was released. I have wondered if they really worked.  And, assuming they did work, wondered whether the experience of watching video through Myvu would be that much better than viewing on my iPhone. So, when the opportunity to…

Review: Wicked Lasers Executive Series

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Review: Wicked Lasers Executive Series

Sure we’ve all seen laser pointers; they are a favorite for playing tricks on people, playing with your pets at home and even for pointing out details during a presentation.  However, not all laser pointers are created as equals, and I am here to say that Wicked Lasers have NO parallel in the laser pointer arena.  Wicked Lasers are huge step above any laser pointer I have ever seen; in fact, what they create are not just laser pointers, but a tool that can be used in various situations. I was sent the 95mW version of the Executive Series direct…

Review- Cygnett's GroovePowerPack and GrooveSafari: Complete Accessory Pack for iPod

Reviews

Review- Cygnett’s GroovePowerPack and GrooveSafari: Complete Accessory Pack for iPod

The number of Apple-branded media devices in my house has grown significantly over the past year. With the number of devices now floating around my abode it is always helpful to have an array of available connectivity, charging and docking options. (This became even more important when upgrading the devices to the new 2.0 firmware since it significantly downgraded their battery life.) Problem is, those accessories can add up quickly. Enter Cygnett’s GroovePowerPack and GrooveSafari. The GroovePowerPack has every connectivity option you might want for your iPod or iPod Touch. It includes- Each piece of the GroovePack is simply styled…

Sakar Crayola Digital Camera Review

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Sakar Crayola Digital Camera Review

You know you have a good product on your hands when the next morning, my kids jump out of bed and ask to play with it before they even get dressed.  Well, that is exactly what I saw with the Crayola Digital Camera from Sakar. My boys (6 and 3) love to imitate what they see me doing.  And one thing I do a lot around our house is take digital pictures.  As a result, they are always begging to let them see my camera.  Which is no big deal when you have a cheap $100 camera, but I am…

The Jetart NP8800 miniStand Notebook Cooler Review

Reviews

The Jetart NP8800 miniStand Notebook Cooler Review

We’ve covered quite a few laptop coolers and stands here on Gear Diary, and a fair share of them have been from Jetart. The one I am reviewing today is their latest NP8800 miniStand, which is certainly one of the smallest and most totable fan-cooled stands I have ever tried… Made to work with 7″ to 15.4″ laptops, the miniStand features a single USB driven fan which is housed in its red and black plastic body. Measuring approximately 8.6″ long (when closed) x 3.5″ wide x 0.75″ thick, and weighing 4.6 ounces, the miniStand is small enough to easily tuck…

The OrionGadgets Mobile Power Accessories Review

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The OrionGadgets Mobile Power Accessories Review

People who are on-the-go will always appreciate portable syncing and charging solutions, which is why I was pleased to recently open a box from OrionGadgets that contained just that, along with a bonus. Inside I found a Retractable MultiCharge USB Sync & Charge Travel Kit and a 3.5mm Audio Extension AUX Cable (Male to Male). Let’s take a look at them… Retractable MultiCharge USB Sync & Charge Travel Kit The travel kit is composed of the OrionGadgets USB Sync & Charge Cable and a Multicharge AC and Car Adapter. The first item in the kit is the sync & charge…

2009 Mazda6 is Zoom-zoom evolved

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2009 Mazda6 is Zoom-zoom evolved

Despite building a very good midsize sedan, Mazda knew it needed to undertake a significant model makeover in order to keep up with the “Joneses” of the CD-segment, namely Accord and Camry. With the new 2009 Mazda6 it has done that and more. Their mantra? Zoom-zoom evolution. From the beginning Mazda knew it had three key areas to improve on before it would be ready to release a new model: Quality, power and size. These were areas where midsize buyers had been rejecting the current Mazda6 in favor of the competition. And Mazda is so proud of its accomplishments in…

Nokia 6220 Classic Review

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Nokia 6220 Classic Review

Nokia’s latest model for the mid-range market looks to be a cut-priced N95. While it misses out on the larger screen and WiFi radio, it holds onto the 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss camera, HSDPA radio and built-in GPS, at around half the price of the N95. The recommened retail for the 6220 is $689, but as is often the way with these things it will likely be cheaper in-store. I’ve been using one as my main phone for the last week, and I am very impressed…almost. Unlike the N95 the 6220c is a regular candy-bar phone, no funny business there….

The Cricket Laptop Stand Review

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The Cricket Laptop Stand Review

If you use a laptop as your main machine, chances are that you catch yourself slumping in front of it more than you would care to admit. The key to ergonomic bliss is to lift the laptop so that the monitor is across from your line of sight, not under it, and to attach an external keyboard. While a larger stand (perhaps one with extra USB ports and other attachables makes great sense at home, a simple laptop riser and portable keyboard are necessary to replicate the experience on the road. For times like that, the Cricket Laptop Stand might…

The Echo Mirrored Screen Protector from Proporta-Paris Hilton's Must-Have iPhone Accessory

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The Echo Mirrored Screen Protector from Proporta-Paris Hilton’s Must-Have iPhone Accessory

My girlfriend and I eat a lot of spinach. [ed. note-this is my official entry into the 2008 “Most Unexpected Opening Sentence in a Tech Review” competition.] We joined a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, last year and receive a bushel of whatever is fresh off the farm every week from spring until fall. A side effect of this is the fact that until the succulent peppers and tomatoes start to ripen in July we often find ourselves buried under mountains of greens-chard, kale, collards, spinach and the like. We’ve learned to blanch them, sautée them, bake them and eat…

AOC Rivio 2230Fm 22" LCD Review

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AOC Rivio 2230Fm 22″ LCD Review

There is no shortage of widescreen LCDs available these days. 19″ Widescreens have become the norm, and 22″ Widescreens are not much more. Manufacturers need to do something to differenciate themselves from the others, be it with available connections, built-in card readers and USB hubs, contrast ratios, viewing angles, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. AOC have decided to do something a little bit different. Their latest model, the 22″ 2230Fm, makes it possible to do away with the PC altogether, and brings new meaning to “Digital Photoframe”. It is a good looking screen, something I can’t say for the AOC screens I…

Review: Stereo Bluetooth Headset from USB Fever

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Review: Stereo Bluetooth Headset from USB Fever

USB Fever also sent me a Bluetooth headset.  Is it as good as my Insignia headset?  How does it stand up to the Jaybird?  We’ll find out! The USB Fever Stereo headset is a simple affair; it wraps around the back of your head like a lot of Bluetooth headsets do.  Initially, I had to struggle to get these on.  It’s a bit weird, as the cable which connects the two buds is springy: it kept springing out of my hand all of the time when I tried to put them on.  The upside is once they are on, this…

Jaybird JB-200 Bluetooth Headphones and Adapters

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Jaybird JB-200 Bluetooth Headphones and Adapters

Bluetooth stereo headphones are really starting to proliferate.  Not all headsets are created equal, that much is certain.  While I do like my standby headphones, the Insignia Bluetooth headphones, sometimes I wish I had a lighter set for when I am working out; this set fits the bill nicely. Jaybird sent me the JB-200 headset with adapters for the iPod and for standard stereo headphone jacks.  The JB-200’s come with a nice dock.  To charge the headphones, you plug the USB cable into the USB charger; I have also tried a standard USB port and the Ted Baker charging kit,…

One+ Months Later With the i-mate Ultimate 8502 and 6150

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One+ Months Later With the i-mate Ultimate 8502 and 6150

Travel at the end of June kept me from posting my follow-up user experience with both the i-mate Ultimate 8502 and Ultimate 6150; now that things have calmed down it is past time to write about a subject which, to put it bluntly, I have been dreading… the i-mate 8502 the i-mate 6150 Don’t get me wrong; all of the warning signs were present nearly from the beginning: First of all, i-mate was a company who promised a line-up of devices which looked truly impressive in pictures and print. But then delay after delay occurred; several of the more exciting…

Agent18 FlowerVest for iPod Touch Review

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Agent18 FlowerVest for iPod Touch Review

As part of her transition to the iPhone after years as a devout Treo user, my wife has been using an iPod Touch for the last month. At first she was using a hard-shelled case I had “laying around” to protect it. That changed last week when I received a box from our friends at Agent18 containing two of their new FlowerVest cases for the iPod Touch. “Hmmmm,” I thought to myself upon opening the box, “a flowered case… how am I going to review that?” “Nice cases,” said my better half, “I’d love to use one of those.” So…