Reviews | Gear Diary

Kogan Agora Smart TV HDMI Dongle Review

The Smart TV age is among us, and while many new TVs are being equipped with “smart” features, it doesn’t help you if you already have an excellent HDTV in your living room. This is where devices like the Kogan Agora Smart TV Dongle step in. Featuring an HDMI connector on one end, a USB on the other, microSD and USB port on the side, the dongle is meant to bring your TV up to speed with streaming media and web surfing on the big screen. Included in the box is the Smart TV dongle, a short HDMI extension, IR…

Reviews

Chrome Niko Camera Pack Takes Your Gear on the Go

I received a review sample of the Chrome Niko Camera Pack backpack a few weeks ago, andI’ve been using it on and off since them. I loved the fact that the backpack came with a handwritten note that encouraged me to “be hard on the bag”. Always one to take direction well (okay not really) I have been doing just that. How has the bag done? Let’s just say I’m impressed by everything this backpack has to offer right down to the durability. Yes, it is one tough pack, and Chrome’s “365 To Life warranty” reflects that fact. (You can…

Reviews

Mapi Cases Soli for iPad mini Delivers Classy Protection

We’ve looked at a few of Mapi Cases’ offerings in the past weeks. I reviewed the Mapi Case Perga for iPad mini. (Read the review.) Carly reviewed the company’s Orion for iPhone 4S. (Read the review.) And, most recently, Carly reviewed the Mapi Cases Sia Leather iPad Sleeve. (Read the review.) Each case received high marks from us. This time out we are taking a look at the Mapi Cases Sol for iPad mini. Will the company go four for four with this latest case? Read on to find out. Gorgeous leather, classic styling and the luxury that is only…

Reviews

Orbino miniPadova Review; a Most Exquisite Leather iPad mini Case

I wasn’t sure if the iPad mini was going to be able to replace my 3rd generation iPad, so I initially held off on any major accessory purchases. But within only a few days of owning one, I realized that because of the mini’s smaller size and lighter weight, I was carrying it with me everywhere. That wasn’t something I could have said about the iPads I’d previously owned, and that’s when I knew it was time to seriously think about accessories and how to best equip my mini. As I began my hunt, it seemed obvious that I should…

Reviews

Shot Note Pad and App Helps Save Your Notes and Memories

If you take notes with a pen and paper and incorporate those notes into your digital life, the Shot Note Pad and iOS app may be just the thing. Each Shot Note Pad looks like a standard writing tablet, but when used in conjunction with the free app the pads make it easy to capture your notes, drawings and diagrams in digital form. I’ve been trying the Shot Note Pad and app out for a few weeks, and I think they are a decent way to merge traditional and digital workflows. Let’s take a look. The Shot Note Pad looks like any inexpensive standard paper,…

Reviews

Graft Concept Leverage i5 for iPhone 5

I recently received the Graft Concept Leverage i5 for iPhone 5 that I had preordered some time ago. I waited patiently for the case to arrive and, now that it has, I can honestly say it was worth the wait. The Graft Concept Leverage i5 for iPhone 5 is easy to put on and remove from the iPhone, offers decent protection and, thanks to the unusual methods of securing the case on the phone, it is unique. It is not, however, without its shortcomings. Lets take a closer look on video and then discuss my one area of concern. As…

Health and Fitness, Reviews

Merrell Bare Access 2 Review

I sing the praises of minimalist shoes every chance I get. They’re great at strengthening your legs and feet, but it can be harder on your body at first and requires some adjustment. Merrell recognizes this, and their M-Connect line isn’t just for super minimal shoes. The Merrell Bare Access 2 shoes give you the qualities of a minimalist shoe, but it has a slightly thicker sole to make it easier on your feet in the transition. Does it walk that line between just enough shoe and too much shoe? Read on to find out! In many ways, this shoe…

Reviews

Toast Wooden iPhone Cover Review

It’s easy to find a case that makes your iPhone stick out in a crowd. There are colors and styles for all tastes. But what if you like a more minimal look to your phone? How do you make it stand out without resorting to adding bulk? Adding skins to the iPhone is one way to do it, but if you want your iPhone to look truly unique, then you need something more special. I saw Toast’s gorgeous display of wooden etched back covers for the iPhone and iPad at CES, and when the opportunity came I jumped on the…

Reviews

StarTech Cables Review – Sync and Charge Intelligently

Smartphones gobble power, and because of that, it’s nearly impossible to get through a longer than usual day without sneaking in a top-off somewhere. Carrying around the same cable that you use to charge your phone at home is possible, but the chances of it getting lost or damaged grow exponentially depending upon the number of places in which it is being used. Why take the chance of losing the cable that came with your smartphone, when for a reasonable amount you can pick a spare cable that adds even more flexibility and functionality to your device? That seems to…

Reviews

Targus iNotebook Productivity Tablet Review

We saw the Targus iNotebook at CES last month. It is an intriguing device, and Targus was kind enough to send an iNotebook for review. Before we get into the review though, let me step back and give a bit of history. As I have previously noted here on the site, my best experience with Windows came in the form of using a Windows Tablet PC. It was a terrific productivity tool that allowed me to use one computer for both typing and capturing hand written notes. I also did some voice recognition on it, but that tended to have…

Game Diary, Reviews

Neverwinter Nights 2 Mysteries of Westgate – a Retro Romp Review

Type of app: RPG adventure pack Platform/where to buy: PC; available at GoG.com Developer: Ossian Studios (full game published by Atari) Just over a year ago I looked at the Mac App Store release of Neverwinter Nights 2, which included only the core game without expansions. And while we still don’t have the expansions for the Mac, recently fans of the game got an unexpected treat – a DRM-free release of NWN2 Complete on GoG.com! Included in this is the single official third-party ‘adventure pack’ for the game, Neverwinter Nights 2 ‘Mysteries of Westgate’ from Ossian Studios. To celebrate the…

Music Diary, Reviews

iLectric Piano Review – Get Classic Electric Keyboards

It doesn’t take an astute listener to realize that ‘retro is in’. At the recent NAMM show, we saw names such as Korg, Moog and Prophet right out of the late 70s, and all of them were producing analog synths. But before the synth became the keyboard mainstay, loads of classic recordings were made with funky Fender Rhodes and swirling Wurlitzer electric pianos. Now IK Multimedia allows you to get classic electric keyboards with iLectric. Let’s take a look! Type of app: Audio app Platform/where to buy: iPad; available in the App Store Developer: IK Multimedia Description: iLectric Piano offers…

Health and Fitness, Reviews

Merrell Proterra Sport Low Profile Hiking Sneaker Review

The Merrell Proterra Sport is a unique shoe. It’s part of the M-Connect line of minimalist footwear from Merrell, but if you were to line up most of the shoes in a row with the Proterra, it would look like a game of “one of these things is not like the other.” Until you put it on, it doesn’t look much like a minimalist shoe. But when you start moving, you realize the beefy look on the outside is hiding a low profile hiking sneaker designed to give you a minimal feel while still protecting your feet. How does it work? Read…

Reviews

Sena Vettra for iPad mini Review – Gorgeous Protection

The Sena Vettra for iPad mini arrived at my house the other day. The case, which is currently on the Sena website as a pre-order item that will ship mid-March 2013, is $69.95. (While on pre-order it is just $59.95.) I pulled out the Sena Vettra for iPad mini and the following exchange took place. Elana: Oh. Wow. Nice. Whose case is that? Me: Sena Elana: Of course it is. I think that is the nicest iPad mini case you have gotten. No, let me correct that. I think that is the nicest iPad case I have seen. Period. Me:…

Reviews

A Good Day to Die Hard Film Review

Twenty-five years after the original 1988 Die Hard film, this series continually delivers great action and excitement featuring its famous “Yippee Kay Hay” hero who’s at the wrong place at the wrong time. References including Ronald Reagan and cowboys are meant to pay homage to the film series, but only remind audiences how the plot needs more tension and genuine exhilaration plus a high level actor like Alan Rickman to play the main antagonist. Even one of Die Hard’s dialogue lines “Shoot the glass” extends into an action moment familiar to diehard fans of the film series. Since this A…

Reviews

Sena Creativo for iPhone 5 Review

Pouch-style cases are a terrific way to protect your iPhone, and the Sena Creativo for iPhone 5 lets you do that while still allowing you to access the iPhone’s unlock slider. The Creativo was one of my favorite iPhone 4S cases; the Sena Creativo for iPhone 5 maintains the same terrific design, but is larger to accommodate the new, longer screen of the iPhone 5. Protection on the Go: The iPhone slides into the Sena Creativo for iPhone 5 with relative ease. It isn’t a tight fit but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is loose either. Over time…

Reviews

Wilson Electronics Sleek 4G Signal Booster Keeps the Conversation Going- Review

During Super-Storm Sandy, Wilson’s Sleek Signal Booster came in remarkably handy. That’s why I was so excited to review their brand new Wilson Electronics Sleek 4G Signal Booster and Home Accessory Kit. Before we take a closer look, let me share my story about Sandy. Super-Storm Sandy and the Wilson Electronics Sleek 4G Signal Booster I was in Cuba when Sandy ripped through and wreaked havoc. We were lucky to be on the other side of the island. As a result we got wind, rain — I saw palm trees doubled over — but that was it. We were able to return…

Health and Fitness, Reviews

Merrell Road Glove 2 M-Connect Minimalist Shoes Review

I had the opportunity to check out Merrell’s M-Connect line of minimalist shoes recently. They were kind enough to send me three pairs of their shoes to get to know the line, and while all three are part of the M-Connect lineup, each has its own unique styles and benefits. Of the three, the Merrell Road Glove 2 is the most minimal choice. How does it stack up? Read on for the full review to find out! There isn’t much to the Road Glove 2. The upper material is quite thin, and the sole is quite flexible. It does take a…

Reviews

Sena Ultra Thin Access Pro for 5th Generation iPod touch Review

The 5th Generation iPod touch is the most iPhone-esque iPod touch yet, and the Sena Ultra Thin Access Pro is a great way to protect it. The new iPod touch is thinner than ever, but it offers specs that are more inline with the iPhone than ever before. Like the iPhone 5 the new iPod touch has a larger screen. And like the iPhone 5 the touch has a good quality front camera for Facetime. And like the iPhone 5 the new iPod touch offers access to Siri. The new touch also has a 5MP camera with flash. That actually…

Music Diary, Reviews

Fleetwood Mac Rumours 35th Anniversary Edition Review

When it comes to the iconic albums of the 1970s, people think of names like Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Kraftwerk, and more. But in the late 70s, there was one album that was everywhere to the point that it seemed like a greatest hits collection: the legendary Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. With estimated sales of more than 40 million copies, Rumours is on the top 10 all-time best-selling album list … but unlike many other top-selling 70s albums, it is still a great collection of songs. For the 35th anniversary, the band has released a few new versions including remastered…

Reviews

Mapi Cases Sia Leather iPad Sleeve Review

We have covered a few Mapi cases here at Gear Diary, and every time we’ve been impressed with their quality leather, craftsmanship, and style. Mapi offered me the chance to review their Mapi Cases Sia Leather iPad Sleeve, a leather sleeve with carry handles for the full size iPad. Is this a compact but professional way to transport your iPad? Read on for my full review to find out! The Mapi Cases Sia Leather iPad Sleeve (pronounced See-ah) is incredibly well made. I don’t often gush about style, but this sleeve is absolutely beautiful. There’s a very small MAPI logo on the front flap,…