Reviews

Review: BlueAnt T1 Rugged Bluetooth Headset

As our world grows more mobile, the importance of being able to go hands free and pay attention to what we are doing also grows. Not only is texting or emailing and driving dangerous, but we are discovering that driving and using a handset for any use can be disastrous. With this said, the market if flooded with hands free devices from headphones to bluetooth solutions. I have attempted to use some of the bottom tiered products with limited success. When someone calls, I still tend to pick up my phone to see who is calling and I also have…


Power Support Air Jacket for iPhone 4 Review

I have a new favorite case for my iPhone 4. Actually, I have two new favorite cases for my iPhone . And no, neither of them are the Hello Kitty iPhone cases that are depicted above. (Those cases are of the same design as my “new faves” and we will be giving them away so read on.) My new favorite iPhone cases come from Power Support. Judie met the folks from Power Support while she was in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress and was impressed by their story and their products. Upon her return she reached out to them and…


Review: TuneLink Auto Direct Connect Audio Solution for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Every now and then you come across a device or an accessory that does exactly what you want it to do or solves a problem you have been looking to solve. That is the case with the TuneLink Auto. I have been looking for something like this for quite a while without much success. The TuneLink auto not only does what I was hoping, but goes a good many steps further. I was about to buy one when the company was kind enough to put a review sample in the mail. Let’s take a look at this awesome new gadget…


iDisplay Review: Gives You Second Monitor Capability on Your iPad (and iPhone)

All images courtesy of Shape Services A couple of months ago, Shape Services–the makers of IM+ and IM+ Pro for the iPad and iPhone (which I will also be reviewing)–let me test out their iDisplay program.  The idea behind iDisplay is simple:  why not turn your iPad or iPhone into a second monitor?  How did it work out in practice?  Read on. I tested this app with my  Lenovo T-61, which has an Intel Core Duo 2 Ghz/777 Mhz, with 2Gb of RAM, running Windows XP SP 3.  Being a work laptop, it also has considerable security software running, which…


Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Fights for Respect

Rodney Dangerfield based an entire stand-up career on it, singer Aretha Franklin had a big hit with it and the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe demands it: Respect. Two things might help them out here. First, get your marketing department to begin plastering every new action film with the car and second, spin a performance division off from the main corporate umbrella and give it a brand name consumers can easily pronounce. Sure, I had read the glossy newsrack reviews pitting the new Korean coupe against the latest Detroit had to offer but did not really take them seriously until I…


SCOTTEVEST SeV XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket Review

This jacket came as a gift from some friends and I have been dying for it to get a bit warmer so I could start wearing it. It did and I have. So what do I think of the SCOTTEVEST XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket? Check out this video look to find out. X-Ray View of the XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket Here’s what the SeV site has to say about the XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket- Some things get better with age, like great wines and meticulously-maintained classic cars. In honor of SCOTTEVEST’s 10th…


A Quick Look at the HTC Verizon 4G LTE ThunderBolt

Later today you’ll be able to buy the HTC ThunderBolt from Verizon for $299 with a two-year contract; yesterday I received a review unit, and I have spent much of the day (and evening) getting acquainted with it. The 4.3″ WVGA screen is beautiful, and it’s immediately reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite devices, the HTC HD2. You’ll likely hear quite a few comparisons to the HD2 as I work my way through this post and the resulting review, because more than any device since its introduction, the ThunderBolt feels like the HD2’s worthy successor. The ThunderBolt is hefty!…


Big Cat Coffee’s Purr-fect Pack Review

We’ve covered Keurig with at least 3 different device reviews.  I loved it and Wayne was pleased enough to dump his drip coffee maker.  Judie didn’t have the same luck with the Mini.  We know that Keurig machines are pretty popular and those who have the higher end Keurigs seem to have a better experience. But the devices are only part of the equation.  What about a source for the K-Cups?  The problem is my local grocery store only carries a small fraction of the available coffees and no tea and very rarely will they have Hot Chocolate.  Bed, Bath…


Tycoon Windows 7 Tablet Review

It’s been quite some time since I last mentioned Tangent’s Tycoon Tablet.   Part of the challenge with also getting to often evaluate technology during my ‘day job’ is that I’m often not the only one who needs to work with it during any given time.  After it got the once over by a few of my colleagues, I (finally) got it back and can now give you my full review.   So how does this Windows 7 Professional tablet stack up to the competition?   While I don’t believe you’ll be rushing to exchange your shiny new iPad 2 for the Tycoon, I was…


Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart: More Than Just an Evo-Lite

Mitsubishi, specifically Mitsubishi Motors in North America, always seems to be a car company struggling for recognition and respect. Over the past few decades they have been quietly supplying OEM engines and automotive components for many domestic vehicles but without much fanfare. A few years ago, with the help of a popular movie with the 20-something crowd, the automaker began to see brand recognition begin to take off. And thanks to the fast and furious attention they gained through the box office, Mitsubishi began making a new name for themselves.


NXE ActiveSleeve Review

I have an ongoing issue when I run. I carry my Droid both because it tracks my runs for me but also because I am an early morning runner and feel better having my phone with me. The problem, as you may know, is that the Droid is not a small phone. It’s uncomfortable to carry in my hand and you don’t want to know how uncomfortable it is to run with a Droid bouncing around in your pants pocket. Let’s just say it leads to some odd-looking bruises on your leg. In any case, I’m always on the hunt…


Review- Power Support Sleeve: Designed for the iPad 1, Works Great with the iPad 2!

When Judie was in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress she met the folks behind the Apple accessory company Power Support. (Theirs is a great, inspirational story and we look forward to sharing it with you soon.) The company was kind enough to forward a number of their products so that I might take a closer look. Among the items they sent was their Black Sleeve for the iPad 1. They describe the leather sleeve this way- Constructed with premium quality leather, this sleeve protects while complimenting the amazing aesthetics of the iPad. The sleeve’s soft inner lining prevents scratching while using…


Mac Game Review: Avadon: The Black Fortress

Since its beginnings in 1994, Spiderweb Software has focused on bringing classic story-rich role-playing experiences to gamers. The earliest Exile games were rudimentary and seem quaint now, but the Avernum and Geneforge series have offered gamers comparable experiences to the best so-called ‘AAA’ games for a lower price. Of course, the focus is on story and character and combat system over graphics and sweeping soundtracks, so it is subjective to what you are looking for out of a game. I had written an article for a defunct site years ago about why Avernum IV was better than Oblivion in all…


CarTunes for iPhone/Touch Review

We all hear the dangers of texting while driving and how our devices create dangers during travel. These dangers are real and hopefully everyone is taking steps to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel and leave their devices alone. Using my Mogo Talk and voice recognition applications has helped me pay attention to the road, but one area always poses a problem. Using an iPhone or iPod Touch to listen to audio while driving can also take your attention. Changing tracks or play lists can be just as dangerous as sending a text message. With…



iPad Accessory Review: Powis iCase

We are huge fans of companies that take the time to thoughtfully design beautiful, elegant and functional device accessories. We’re even bigger fans, however, of those companies who take the time to thoughtfully designed beautiful, elegant and functional device accessories and then are open to going back and further refining their product even after it is out on the market; that is exactly what happened with the Powis iCase for the first-generation iPad. Judie received one of the early samples of this incredibly functional case at the end of 2010. She began the review and then was notified by the…


11″ MacBook Air Accessory Review: Waterfield’s MacBook Air Wallet

My wife Elana is not a gadget person, not in the least. She would prefer to read a physical magazine or book and spends as little time working on a computer as she can. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not averse to technology but she doesn’t get excited by it the way some *cough cough* do. That noted, she has now had her 11″ MacBook Air for about 2 1/2 months, and she continues to gush about it. She loves it and describes it as “the best computer she has ever used”. The 11″ MBA is an amazing computer, and…


iPod Touch 4th Generation Accessory Review: Infinity Carbon Texalium Silver Case

Judie recently reviewed the Infinity Carbon 2×2 Carbon Fiber Twill Case. She loves it. The review started with this: We spend a fair amount of time reviewing accessories here on Gear Diary because all of us enjoy using products that enhance our gear experience. When I buy a new smart phone or tablet, the first thing I generally do is order an anti-glare screen protector for it … and immediately afterward I start looking at cases. The screen protector serves two purposes: much as wide tape placed across a window will help strengthen it during hurricane, I’ve learned through experience…


iPhone Headset and Case Review: Mogo Talk XD2 for iPhone 4

Just after CES we reviewed the Mogo Talk XD for iPhone 4. The Mogo Talk HD is an iPhone case plus Bluetooth headset in one. When I had first seen the product released I thought it was a bit silly, but after trying one for myself I was sold. The case is decent enough and the convenience of always having a good, comfortable BlueTooth headset around is fantastic. Well ID8Mobile, the company behind the product, has now released the Mogo Talk HD2 for iPhone 4 and we’ve got a quick look at one. . What’s in the Box: MoGo Talk…


iPhone Lens Review: 12x Zoom, Macro, Fish Eye Lenses From USB Fever

I am a firm believer in the idea that the best camera is the one you have in hand. With that said, I love my DSLR but often find myself taking more images with my iPhone 4. I have always been intrigued, with companies who offer add-on lenses for the phone. USB Fever recently gave me an opportunity to check out one of their lens kits. With all of the editing applications available, being able to use detachable lenses along with those solutions opens iPhone photography wide open. Let’s take a look at the lenses followed by some sample images….


Review: Audio Transmitter Cable for iPhone/iPad/iPod

Both of our vehicles are a bit older and don’t come with the newest audio gadgets. When I travel, I usually plug into the aux jack of either my wife’s or my stereo to listen to my geek podcasts. Of course, while we drive, I use the opportunity to charge my iPhone. So, basically, I have a car charger plugged into the iPhone port in the bottom of the phone and an audio cord plugged into the headphone jack. The audio is great and the phone stays charged but there is a few problems with this set up. First, to…