Reviews

Ultimate Ears UE BOOM Review – Big Sound All Around

The Ultimate Ears UE Boom wants to be the ultimate portable Bluetooth Speaker. With 15 hours of battery life, great 360º sound, a water and stain resistant acoustic skin, NFC connectivity, and the ability to link two UE BOOM speakers to create a stereo pair, at $199.99 it is definitely in the running. Get one. We’ve seen a number of portable Bluetooth speakers shaped like a cylinder. Among them are the impressive JBL Flip and the Scosche Boom Bottle, and both of those speakers stand out in terms of build and audio quality. While pricier than either of these options, the…


Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Tablet Review – Small, Organized, and Ready for Business

The other day we took a look at Think Tank Photo’s new My 2nd Brain 13 laptop bag. Designed to carry a 13″ MacBook air or MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPhone and assorted accessories, it is a small but impressive bag. The company also offers a smaller, $74.75 version for those who just carry an iPad. Check it out. Think Tank Photo explains the My 2nd Brain Tablet this way: This slim, soft case fits an iPad + iPhone® in individual padded pockets. Additional dedicated pockets provide easy access to power adapters and memory cards, down to the tiniest…


Mind Shift Gear Lens Switch Case Review –

If you need more storage and flexibility for your camera bag/backpack check out the Lens Switch Case from Mind Shift Gear. This lightweight case offers added flexibility and helps keep an extra lens, flash or microphone handy. Just $42.50, it is designed for the rotation180° pro backpack, but I see it being useful in many different situations. Check it out. Here’s a look at the Lens Shift Case on video. Mind Shift Gear describes the Lens Shift Case in this way: The Switch Case is a lightweight and versatile unpadded modular lens/accessory pouch that can be carried on the belt…


Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain 13 Review- Made Especially for Apple Devices!

Think Tank Photo makes awesome camera bags. We’ve reviewed many of them, and you can see all our video reviews here. Now they have rolled out a new line of bags for Apple devices. They come in a range of sizes including a My 2nd Brain 13 that will fit a 13″ MacBook, an iPad, an iPhone, and assorted accessories. See them! Think Tank Photo’s new My 2nd Brain 13 is a slim, soft case that is just 2.4 inches thick. It is specifically designed to hold a 13″ MacBook Pro or MacBook air, an iPad, an iPhone, and additional…


The Peace App Brings Serenity to Your iOS Device

In my kids’ doctor’s office, they have one section of the waiting room that has relaxing music, peaceful images on a flat panel TV, filtered air, and a small waterfall. Depending on my day to that point, I find the area either relaxing or snoozy. That is one element of ‘The Peace App’, and it’s for a good cause. Type of app: Simulation game Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Minerva Endeavors, inc Description: The Island: Castaway 2 has loads of content, including: – A huge, colorful island to explore – Over 300 intriguing quests…


Apple iPhone 5s Review: Speed, Shades, and Scanners

The iPhone 5s is here, and thanks to the ever increasing amount of prerelease leaks, it arrives with even less surprises than past generations. Sharing the same chassis and design as the iPhone 5, the 5s focuses on improving performance, while introducing the completely revamped iOS 7 and new features like True Tone flash, slow motion video capture and TouchID. Front and centre is the 4-inch “Retina” display, with a 1136×640 resolution at 326dpi under a Gorilla Glass cover with an oleophobic coating. Despite not pushing the competition on size, pixel density or outright resolution, it is still a fantastic…


Droid MAXX by Motorola Phone Review – Maximum Advantages/Options

The Droid MAXX by Motorola lives up to its name with maximum screen size and considerable battery life. The MAXX (Android from Verizon) officially released this past August; it features a nice rounded design protected with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber material, and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass for the 5-inch HD multi-touch screen which also vibrates with user interaction. The MAXX’s style is sleek and durable. The striations on the outer case and chin accentuate the large panel screen. The dimensions are 5.41 (H) x 2.80 (W) x 0.33 (D) inches (137.5 x 71.2 x 8.5 mm), and users can really feel the weight is 5.89…


Project X Zone Review for Nintendo 3DS

Project X Zone combines popular fighting game franchises from Capcom, SEGA, and Namco Bandai into an Nintendo 3DS exclusive game with frantic action, unique character dialogue and special interactions. The Hype When a rift in time and space suddenly appears, a doorway to various universes is opened allowing both heroes and villains from different worlds to cross paths. Players will be able to take control of a huge selection of paired heroes including favorites such as Jin and Xiaoyu (Tekken), Toma and Cyrille (Shining Force EXA), or X and Zero (Mega Man X) to discover the cause of the rift and…


Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker Review – Stream Music & News While You Shower

Is it time to replace your leaky old showerhead and bring your bathroom into the 21st century? Then you should check out the Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker. This clever design includes a removable Bluetooth speaker that magnetically inserts into the middle of a 2.5 gpm showerhead with 60 nozzles; its style will look great in any bathroom’s decor. When I was offered the chance to review the Kohler Moxie, there were two things that immediately went through my mind: the first was that I needed to replace the leaking showerhead in our master bathroom anyway, and the second…


SmartWallit Review – Time to Upgrade Your Billfold

SmartWallit is a new gadget that helps you keep track of not only your spending, but also the location of your wallet.  This intelligent accessory has many functions, including a spending log, loss prevention, and a way to find your lost phone or wallet.  You can order the SmartWallit from Amazon for $60 plus shipping. I was very excited to get my hands on this neat little device and stick it in my wallet.  Unfortunately, the SmartWallit was a little bigger than I thought it would be.  Like 90% of the guys I know, I stick my wallet in my…


WiFi2Hifi 2 Brings New Capabilities to Remote Music Player App – But Is It Enough?

I thought I had done a review of the original WiFi2HiFi, but I’d actually just complained about the ordeal getting the copy I’d won in a website giveaway. But the app itself was good enough that when the new version was announced I was interested in trying it. My experience was not very good, with unexplained lost connections and dropouts. Type of app: Wireless audio app Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Clever & Son AG Description: Using the WiFi2HiFi application any iOS device in reach can tune in to the music you’re listening to on…



Arcane Legends Brings Action-RPG Hack’n’Slash Excellence to iOS and Android!

While the PC world is full of free-to-play action-RPG games with plenty of loot and quests and things to kill. But getting a solid entry for your iOS or Android device is harder: Spacetime Studios pioneered with ‘Pocket Legends’, then a year ago introduced ‘Arcane Legends’. The ‘Realm of Shadows’ expansion recently launched, and the game is an absolute blast! Type of app: Multiplayer Online Fantasy Role-Playing Game Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play for Android. Developer: Spacetime Studios Description: Arcane Legends has loads of content, including: + Free to play forever…


V-MODA Remix In-Ear Headphones Remote Review – Great Sound, Awesome Comfort

I absolutely raved about the V-MODA M-100 over-the-ear headphones we reviewed last month. They have become my go-to headphones when I don’t need noise cancellation. Now I’ve had the chance to use the V-MODA Remix Remote in-ear headphones. These $79 headphones are comfortable and sound great; the remote and microphone make them great all-around headphones. Check them out. V-MODA did a great job bringing their audio prowess to in-ear headphones. The V-MODA Remix Remote offer huge sound in a small package. As the product page explains, Don’t just hear the music, feel it. With the Remix Remote, you get unparalleled…


Everki Atlas Checkpoint Friendly Backpack Review – a Wearable Mobile Office

Traveling for business is a common occurrence in today’s world. That travel requires lugging a computer and other devices which makes checking baggage difficult. Everki has become the default for designing stylish gear bags with tons of functionality that are checkpoint friendly while traveling. The Atlas, at $169.99, is one of the newest offerings to the Everki lineup. The Atlas backpack joins an already awesome line of checkpoint friendly gear bag options. Airport checkpoints can often ruin a trip before it has started, so a bag option to alleviate this problem can be important. The laptop compartment opens up 180…


Exploring the World of Gothic II Gold – a Retro Romp Review

I was surprised I never did a netbook gamer review of Gothic II Gold. Why surprised? Because it is in my ‘Top 5’ games, and I have played yearly since 2003. It is a huge, open-world, story-based fantasy RPG full of Orcs, Goblins, Mages, dragons and an intriguing plot. The game remains amazing to play and one of my favorites. Type of app: Role-playing (RPG) game Platform/where to buy: PC; available in the GoG.com Store Developer: Piranha Bytes Description: What’s cool about it: – Includes Gothic II and the expansion pack Night of the Raven – A great variety of…


The Island: Castaway 2 HD for iPad Review

The Island: Castaway was a surprisingly fun blend of strategy and simulation, and the sequel takes you back to the island before the original castaways landed. You need to uncover a mystery as you learn loads of skills and recipes. It is better and more fun than the original, providing hours of fun and tons of new things to do! Type of app: Simulation game Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version available here; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Awem / G5 Entertainment Description: The Island: Castaway 2 has loads of content, including: – A huge, colorful island to…


Disney Infinity Review on PlayStation 3 – Imaginative and Addictive Fun

Disney Infinity synergizes action figures and video games in fun, creative ways with limitless options, future expansions/collaborations, and creative gameplay. The game expands interactivity by “syncing” physical pieces with the video game.  The Hype Introducing Disney Infinity, a unique toy based video game where a spark of imagination unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar characters in their respective worlds like never before. Game features include: extreme game customization and character mingling in ‘Toy Box’ mode, the inclusion of everything needed for initial play including the base peripheral and three initial character figures, multiple virtual…


Rechargeable BlueFlame Slingshot Bluetooth Speaker Review – It Goes Anywhere!

BlueFlame has quite the repertoire of stylish accessories for you mobile needs. One such clever device is their Slingshot wireless, water-resistant speaker. At about $119, this speaker system packs a lot of sound in a small package and can fit into other BlueFlame Slings. Simply pop the speaker unit proper out of one Sling and slip into another. The BlueFlame Slingshot is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker that permits users to stream audio from a mobile device of choice while also permitting the reception of cell phone calls with its built-in microphone. Boasting increased bass response and improved sound quality…


Twelve South GhostStand Review – a Hauntingly Awesome MacBook Accessory

If you are in the market for a laptop stand and don’t want something that is simply utilitarian, then the Twelve South GhostStand may be just the thing for you. Made from clear lucite, the GhostStand makes it look as if your laptop is floating. Best of all, the GhostStand is just $34.99. Get one! Like all Twelve South products the GhostStand comes in a heavy gift box-looking package. The box includes tips on various ways you can reuse the box. I’m not sure if people actually make use of these tips, but it is good to see a company…


Mary Halvorson Septet ‘Illusionary Sea’ – Same Great Music, Larger Setting

When you name an artist as one of your favorite emerging guitarists and composers, and remarking each release has improved upon the last, it sets a high standard for any new release. And while ‘Illusionary Sea’ doesn’t topple ‘Bending Bridges’ as my favorite, it’s a solid album with excellent compositions and great musicianship, and a great addition to her catalog. Musical Genre: Jazz Where to buy: Firehouse 12 Records Artist: Mary Halvorson Septet Description: From the artist: At the end of 2011, Mary Halvorson had finished writing two albums’ worth of quintet music and decided she was ready for a…