Reviews

Hands-On with the Realms of Arkania Remake – Just Say ‘Nein’!

Every now and then a game comes along that is so special that you just have to pre-order it, to offer up money to make sure it happens … and then when it arrives it is such a bug-filled and unfinished mess that it is hard to even contemplate how someone ‘released’ it. Such is the case with Realms of Arkania – not the original game, which is an absolute classic released by Sir-Tech in 1993 (translated from German). I am talking about the just-released remake. Here is the description: A legend reborn as Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny…

Reviews

Logitech Z600 Bluetooth Speakers Review- Multiple-Personalities Never Sounded So Good

Logitech’s new Z600 Bluetooth Speakers are proof the company can not only put out excellent sounding speakers but they can put out excellent sounding speakers that look great AND come in at a surprisingly reasonable price. The speakers, which are available for preorder, have an MSRP of $149.99 and have impressed me more than I expected they would. Let’s take a look at them on video and then dig a little more deeply into some of the specifics. It should be clear from the video that I am really impressed with the speakers. And when I take into consideration the…

Reviews

Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW Review- Perfect Size, Great Price

Over the past year we’ve reviewed a number of different camera bags from Lowepro. We’ve looked at everything from small sling bags to large backpacks and I have been consistently impressed by the design, build quality and price point of each. When I was heading to CES 2013 I knew I needed a large pack that would allow me to carry my 15″ MacBook Pro along with my Canon T3i and numerous accessories. I went on the hunt for the right bag and ended up with the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250AW. It’s a phenomenal bag but is a little…

Game Diary, Reviews

Alchemy Mysteries: Prague Legends HD for iPad Review

Sometimes a title tells you all you need to know about a game – in the case of G5’s Alchemy Mysteries: Prague Legends, we know it is a casual game because of G5, that it is a mystery involving alchemy, that it looks back into history and that it takes place in Prague. We quickly also learn that the game centers around an orphan named Eva who returns to Prague to claim an inheritance and hopefully learn more about her past and her real family. But just after entering the house strange and mysterious things occur! Let’s take a look!…

Reviews

STM Cable Wrap Review Redux- Like a Protective Burrito for Your Cables and Accessories

These days it isn’t that we just carry our phones, tablets and laptops but we also carry the small cables and accessories that help us get the most from our electronics. And while you can just throw all those cables and adapters into your gear bag, keeping the safe and organized can help save precious time and frustration. After all, Murphy’s Law says the adapter you need will be the one at the very bottom of your bag. That’s where the STM’s Cable Wrap comes in. The simple, nylon accessory makes it easy to organize your cables and small adapters…

Game Diary, Reviews

Droidscape: Basilica Brings Fun Tactical Escapism to iPhone and iPad

Imagine a futuristic world of a new Dark Age where the only hope for humanity is locked away in a massive labyrinth of a space station called the Basilica. In order to free him you need to help a robot named Bishop 7 navigate the space station. It is a puzzle game with a bunch of twists – read on to find out what I thought! Type of app: Sci-Fi Action Puzzle game Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad; available in the iTunes App Store Developer: Kyttaro Games Description: -Sleek, versatile slider controls! – Or play with HeadTwister, our experimental head-tracking technology!…

Reviews

Crumpler Noose Camera Wrist Strap Video Review

One of the things I discovered when I began using the Sony NEX-6 instead of the Canon T3i was that while a neck strap was great with the larger Canon camera, it didn’t work nearly as well with the smaller CSC. At the same time, while I didn’t want to use a neck strap, I also wanted the security of using something with it. After all, the last thing I want to do is drop such a pricey piece of kit. I quickly went in search of a good wrist strap to use with it, and that’s when I stumbled…

Reviews

Skooba Design Skooba Satchel V.3 Mini Review – A Small Bag That Means Business

When I moved to using my 15” MacBook Pro with retina display as my only computer last year, I found I needed a properly sized bag in which to carry it. My initial plan was to only carry an iPad, but that quickly disappeared as I found myself increasingly in need of a full computer and all of its power. I went on a hunt, and I found a number of terrific options. They have served me well for the last year or so, but now that I am back using two different laptops; my 15″ computer is my desktop…

Reviews

Orb Audio Review – Powerful Audio with a Unique Style

Mike reviewed the Orb Audio Mini-T stereo system back in December of 2011. You can read his review here, but all you really need to know is that when the time came to return the loaner unit, Mike was none-too happy. Yup, he really liked the system. The unit Mike reviewed consisted of two single Orb speakers, an Orb Super Eight subwoofer and the company’s Mini-T amplifier. The company sent me the same arrangements for a second-look Gear Diary review. The only significant change was the inclusion of the updated — and significantly more refined-looking — Mini-T. Was I equally…

Reviews

Tweekaboo Virtual Family Diary Review – a Baby Book for the Digital Age

Sarah and I can probably repeat the story of the 24 hours leading up to our son’s birth by heart. We told the story to family and friends, and whenever our newborn got fussy we told it to him. After a few days, Sarah turned to me and pointed out that we should probably write it down somewhere since we will eventually forget all the details. Luckily for us, we had the opportunity to test Tweekaboo, an app that acts as a virtual baby book, letting us add pictures and stories and share them with family and each other. Is…

Game Diary, Reviews

NCAA Football 14 on PlayStation 3 Review – Physics Driven Animation and Ultimate Team Mode

NCAA Football 14 represents a quality college football game standard that improves again with new Ultimate team mode, faster loading times, expanded customization, and a new graphics/physics engine. The Hype NCAA Football 14 unlocks the unpredictability and innovation of the college game. The new physics-driven animation system and a completely re-engineered spread and read option game influence the outcome of every moment allowing you to stay true to the game. The Reality One to four players can enjoy the off-line game modes while players can also tackle the two versus two online modes. Players get expanded control and customizable realism…

Game Diary, Reviews

Dreamscapes: The Sandman Collector’s Edition HD Is a Massive, Gorgeous Adventure Game for iOS

Similar to how console game developers offer DLC as a high profit way to give gamers more of a game they love, ‘collector’s editions’ of casual games offer a way to go beyond the core game for just a couple of extra dollars. When these games are ported to iOS devices, we often get the added content included for free with the full-game purchase. And best of all are times like this when a game offers added gameplay that is compelling, engaging, and worth the time. The game is Dreamscapes, and it is one of the best casual games of…

Reviews

USB Fever Aluminum iPad Keyboard Review – High Quality at a Great Price

When my MacBook Pro died, I was not able to replace it, and so I decided to use my iPad as my only mobile work device. Mastering my workflow has taken some adjustment, but it seems to be getting better with time. One issue I had to resolve was data entry. While I have become competent with the on-screen iPad keyboard, there are times when a true keyboard is just the best way to go. The only negative to an added keyboard is transportation; my gear bag now needs another spot for a second device. We recently brought news of…

Reviews

Plantronics BackBeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds Review – Sweat-Proof and Ready for Action!

It was just about a year ago that we reviewed Plantronic’s BackBeat Go wireless headphones. The BackBeat Go were, and are (I still have and use them on occasion) impressive. Looking not much larger than standard wired earbuds, these wireless headphones were a feat of engineering that packed Bluetooth technology and a battery large enough to let you listen to music, watch a movie, or talk on the phone for up to four and a half hours per charge. They even had an inline microphone and controls that allowed you to take calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume on the…

Reviews

Logitech Harmony Smart Remote Universal Remote System Review

When I first had the opportunity to check out the Samsung GALAXY Note 8.1 tablet, I didn’t expect to think much of the inclusion of an IR blaster that allows the tablet to function as a smart remote for your tv and media system. Much to my surprise, I liked having the option to use the tablet to control my various entertainment systems. After all who needs to juggle multiple remotes when one device can replace them all? The Griffin Beacon (read about it) sought to do just that by turning your iPhone into a remote using an iOS app…

Reviews

Trident Aegis Case for the Nokia Lumia 928 Review – Bubble Wrap for Your Mobile Phone

I am loving my new Lumia 928. Windows Phone is slick, and I am enjoying the phone just as much as I did the day I bought it. However, the operating system isn’t the only thing that’s slick — the polycarbonate casing is very slippery, and I am very accident prone. Luckily for me, Trident cases released their Aegis line for the 928, and I quickly jumped on the case as a way to give my Lumia some solid protection against my personal chaotic field. Is it a good balance of protection and style? Does it make an already…

Sao Paulo Underground - Beija Flors Velho E Sujo

Music Diary, Reviews

São Paulo Underground Brings Their Funky Jazz Beats to ‘Beija Flors Velho E Sujo’

When I first heard of Ray Mazurek it was as an up and coming hard bop trumpet player back in the 90s. Then I discovered his album Synthesthesia and later the sublime Sound Is. So when the folks at Cuneiform asked if I had an interest in checking out the latest released by his São Paulo Underground, I jumped at the opportunity! Description: In its latest incarnation, SPU is a power trio and a post-modern orchestra rolled into one, marked by glistening sonic textures, seductive eletronica beats, unabashedly beautiful melodies, an expansive improvisational palette and fiercely gleeful interplay. A potent…

Editorials, Reviews

Over-the-Ear Headphone Shootout – A GearFest Video

Last week Judie and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with a few pair of the over-the-ear headphones I have reviewed over the past year. With prices ranging from just $149.99 all the way up to $379.95, these headphones cover a good deal of ground. Moreover, one pair offer active noise cancellation while another can be used in either wired or wireless modes. In other words, these headphones don’t all sit nicely in a single product category. At the same time, if you are in the market for new headphones then you are likely going to purchase…

Dave Liebman & Michael Stephans - Lineage

Music Diary, Reviews

Jazz Legends Dave Liebman and Michael Stephans Explore Their Rock History on ‘Lineage’

Dave Liebman & Michael Stephans – Lineage The legacy of Miles Davis continues to loom large over the music world – Kenny Garrett has been prominant as a solo artist as well as with Pat Metheny’s Unity Band, and veterans like Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Jack Dejohnette, Keith Jarrett and and others are still major players. Then there is reedman Dave Liebman, arguably the last featured saxophone player before Garrett, as Miles moved away from the sax and towards the guitar for most of the 70s and through the late-80s. Dave Liebman has made major contributions to jazz through the…

Reviews

Lowepro DryZone Duffle 20L Review – For the Adventure Photographer in You

A regular old camera bag is fine for regular old photography, but what if you are headed out on an adventure? What if you are taking your camera and gear somewhere where there is water, ice and other environmental hazards just waiting to claim your camera’s last shot? That’s where Lowepro’s new DryZone line of camera bags comes in. The DryZone line consists of the DryZone Backpack 40L, The DryZone Duffle 20L and the DryZone 200. And while the Backpack 40L and Duffle 20L are IPX6-rated the Backpack 40L ups the game and offers an IPX7 rating making it “the world’s…

Reviews

TRÜ-FIT HD Anti-Glare Screen Protector Review – Stress Dissipation at Its Best

While Gorilla Glass is amazingly strong and scratch-resistent, it is not impervious – and for the price we pay for smartphones, it makes sense to protect them as much as possible. Screen protectors have been around since the earliest touch-screen devices in the early 90s, and while they are not the necessity they were back then, having something to protect your precious screen from damage is still a good idea. The folks at TRÜ have a new solution – the TRÜ-FIT. Description TRÜ FIT delivers a stress-free screen protector application in just a few easy steps. This elegantly designed package…

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