Reviews | Gear Diary

Adobe Premiere Elements 4 Review

[Note: This is the second of two articles relating to to the Adobe PhotoShop Elements 6/Premiere Elements 4 Bundle. Click here to see my review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6]. My video camera, a Sony Handycam, is slightly over six years old. I bought it in anticipation of the birth of my first son. Oh did I have plans for that camera. I would take videos, capture them on my computer, edit them, and make amazing home movies of my new baby which I could share with friends and family. Oh the plans. Unfortunately, my plans did not account for…

Reviews

The Beyza Cases MacBook Air Thinvelope Leather Case Review

Back in April, when I first posted about the Beyza Cases MacBook Air Thinvelope Leather Case, I made the comment that if they created “this same style case, but with white stitching for the MacBook Pro 15, then I [would] have to put my order in immediately.” My contact Ali wrote to say that although they weren’t planning on making the Thinvelope for the MBP, the tan one did come in the color combination I wanted, and he would be sending it “ASAP, with your name. Maybe you’ll get a MacBook Air.” Not very likely, I thought at the time;…

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The MWg Zinc II Unboxed and Discussed

It was almost a year ago that Clinton posted his review of the O2 Zinc, and since then a lot has changed. As I mentioned in my MWg Mobius posting, O2 was purchased by eXpansys, and as part of the purchase eXpansys acquired everything and has now rebranded the company as MWg. Today I’m going to share my early thoughts regarding the MWg Zinc II which I was given at the Mobius event; the second part of this review will come in a few weeks and will cover the software and overall user experience. But first, the unboxing… Anyone who…

Reviews

Reviewed: Skullcandy Link Hydro Pack

For the past two weeks I’ve been testing a new backpack from Skull Candy. This pack is perfect for anyone who is on the go because it integrates a hydration system and the ability to play your mp3 player (iPod/iPhone supported) through stereo speakers located on the pack straps! How did it all work? Read on. One part of this backpack that I REALLY love is the integrated speaker system. Imagine heading on a hike/bike or walk and not having to worry about wearing headphones that might block out the sounds of your surroundings. I do a lot of hiking…

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Vamoose! Tobacco Odor Eliminator Review

I was twittering one night and Judie mentioned that she had this product to test. Only problem is that the product claims to remove cigarette and tobacco odors and she doesn’t know any smokers. Lucky girl. Much to my eternal shame, I told her that my beautiful, intelligent teenage daughter has decided she is a smoker. The really great part is that the wretched child thought it was a secret even though everything she owned absolutely reeked of cigarette odors. At first she tried to tell me it was from hanging around friends that smoked. She thinks I am stupid….

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NewTech Accessories for the iPhone Review

If you like saving money, or in the case of Apple iPhone replacement accessories hate paying full retail prices, there’s a company that will keep some change in your pocket. Newer Technology has been around since the 1980’s selling Macintosh memory products. Today they have a line of five accessory products for the iPhone and iPod. • Bass Response Earbuds – with noise reduction and sound quality enhancer. • Hands-Free Mic & Earbud – provides hands-free communication while driving. • iPhone Mic Extender Cable – mic extender for hands-free use. • iPhone Headphone Jack Adapter – links to headphone connectors….

Reviews

HTC Shift Review Part 3: The Finale

About a week ago I sent the Shift review unit back, so I figured it’s time to tie up my thoughts on this controversial device. Prior to receiving the Shift, I read several reviews of the device, and they all seemed to sing the same tune: it was too slow and too expensive. In my experience only one of these was the case. In the current market, with competition from low-cost ultra-portables like the ASUS Eee and the HP Mini Note 2133, the Shift is too expensive. Sure it has features that the other two don’t have, like a convertible…

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Flamingo Music Wired Earphones Review” They Only Look out of This World

Some of you may know that I am sort of the headphones and headset guy around here. I have reviewed quite a number of both consumer based, as well as, higher end headphones, earphones, headsets, and pretty much anything else that can pump audio and music directly into your brain. We’ve looked at in-the-ear, out-of-the-ear, over-the-ear, even around-the-ear. Frankly, I thought I had seen it all…the good, the bad, and even some of the ugly. Then I came across the Flamingo Music Earphones, a new wired music solution which, frankly, stopped me in my tracks. Their EarClick system, which allows…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

HHR+SS=One hot little Chevy

Another SS model from Chevy? What’s so special about this one? Given the vehicles with the SS badge slapped on the fender in recent years, our less-than-overwhelming enthusiasm is deserved. And the lack of fanfare over the release of the SS edition HHR should be punishable by law (and just might be in some states).

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LapLogic Aerogel Extreme – Keepin’ It Cool

If you have a laptop built in the last couple of years, then odds are good that you’ve experienced the heat, maybe even the burn, of having the laptop sit on your lap. Many of the newest laptops get extremely hot, even with internal fans trying to keep the heat down. LapLogic is offering a cooling solution called the Laplogic Aerogel Extreme that is made with Aerogel (from a company called Aspen) that promises to offer you a more pleasant, cooler, computing experience.

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Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte Review

When I asked Nokia if I could review their 8800 Arte handset, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Some dumb phone that just looked a bit pretty, form and no function, a celebrity only famous for being rich? I’m certainly not the target of a phone like this. I like my mobile devices to be able to do everything. Surf the web, get emails, keep my calendar, mind my address book, and keep everything in sync with everything else. These are things that typically flumix a Series 40 phone. I was all set to be disappointed with the 8800…

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Nikon Coolpix S600 Review: It’s Not About the Megapixels

I think every family must have a hobby which all (or at least most) members of the family enjoy. Such common interests are what tie them together (and gives you something to talk about at family picnics). For my family, growing up, that common interest was photography. We all played around with both video and still photos, but the true love was probably still photos. Back then, we used to devise intricate plans for turning the basement into a darkroom (we never did). Of course, that love of photography has carried me into the digital world, where I am happy…

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The KICKER iKICK iK500 Stereo System Review

Back in the late 80s, when every spare dime I had went into car stereo components, I bought my first KICKER product. It was a subwoofer speaker box which fit perfectly into the space behind the seats in my silver Alfa Romeo. Never mind that it took up valuable cargo space; I still had a trunk, and I got a free back-massage every time I turned on my stereo. When I sold that car, I was able to unplug a few wires and easily remove my rear speaker system; that box was eventually transferred into several more vehicles before I…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is based on the iconic FJ40 that was sold here in the U.S. between 1960 and 1983. Designer Jin Kim took on the daunting task of creating an exciting vehicle poised between RAV4 and 4Runner that appealed to a younger, more active consumer. Kim’s approach is described as “industrial modern” meaning a tool-like combination of ruggedness and functionality with an honest look and modern surfaces.

Reviews

The Maximo Products iMetal iPhone Headsets Review

As anyone who owns an iPhone can tell you, a slight problem becomes apparent when you want to replace the stock stereo headset, namely that the iPhone’s headphone jack is deeply recessed, and the average 3.5mm plug simply can’t fit inside without trimming the rubber shielding the plug. When you are considering dropping some serious coin on a headset, the idea of butchering it simply doesn’t appeal; that’s when a model made specifically for the iPhone is the only “right” choice.

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Lexus LS 600h L – Luxury hybrid or hybrid luxury?

All I can say about the new 2008 LS 600h L luxury hybrid sedan from Lexus is, “Wow!” But, I still have to fill the rest of this review so I will elaborate a bit.

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Review: Smart for Life Weight Loss Cookies

For those who don’t know, a year and a half ago I weighed a lot more than I do now. It was at that time when I went in for my regular physical at my doctor’s office, and it was at that time when I was told I would have to start taking medicine to keep my blood pressure down. This was nothing serious, but it scared me. I was 36 and I had High Blood Pressure. I was bound and determined to make a real life change: I decided to not let food rule my life anymore. So I…

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Review: Hyundai PC / Notebook Angled Mini high-powered Microphone from USB Fever

Are you sick and tired of people complaining that they can’t hear you during Skype phone calls? Have people been telling you that you sound like you’re in a tin can? If so, then maybe this little microphone is for you.

Reviews

The Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Case Review

During Jerry’s and my meeting with Kensington during CES, I had ample opportunity to admire their new Contour Balance line. As described on their site: With lightweight microfiber materials, sleek organization, Contour features to minimize strain, concealed pockets and DropShield® notebook padding for protection, these cases doesn’t compromise form for function and style. One of my wistful complaints at the time was that a bag was not available to fit my 17″ Toshiba. While there still isn’t a bag large enough for “value-sized” laptops, it no longer matters quite so much to me since I now own a 15″ MacBook…

Reviews

Review: USB 4-Port Hub with Thermometer and Clock

Are you the type of person who always asks what time it is? Do you have a clock on your desk even though you have a clock staring you right in the face every time you look at your computer? Do you always wonder why your office is so darn cold? Do you need a USB hub? Well if all of these apply, then the USB Fever USB 4-Port Hub with Thermometer and Clock is for you!

Reviews

Toshiba R500 Review

[Sorry about the delay on this, I’ve been a bit swamped recently] I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the chance to try out two excellent ultraportable notebooks recently, the MacBook Air and the Fujitsu P8010. Shortly after the P8010 went back, the mailman knocked on the door with year another ultraportable, this time the Toshiba R500. The model I was sent included the 64GB SSD drive, just like the MacBook Air. I’m not sold on these priced-like-gold hard drives, they just seem too expensive for what they are at the moment, but to each his own! The first thing…