Reviews

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Movie Review

Director and Sir Peter Jackson returns again for the beginning epic adventure in The Hobbit film trilogy – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which leads into The Lord of the Rings film trilogy – one of the best, most complete film series in history winning 17 Academy Awards. Set in Middle-earth, Jackson uses camera shots full of depth and detail, especially when filming the elf characters, which compensates for their small sizes. Enhanced special effects and film speeds (a photo-realistic 48 frames per second) get high commendations for accurate details in the special effects such as realistically constructed creatures and…

Reviews

Kanex DoubleUp Dual USB Charger Review

Two years ago, I left for CES carrying my iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy Tab. I thought I was packing efficiently because instead of bringing each device’s USB wall charger, I brought a single wall charger that had dual USB ports. So of course it was on that trip, when I needed my gear the most, that I found out that just because a charger plugs into the wall and has two USB ports, it won’t necessarily be powerful enough to charge even one of your devices — especially when one of them is a tablet. To add insult to…

Reviews

Spigen SGP iPad Mini Hardbook Case Review

My iPad mini goes pretty much everywhere with me these days. And while it is true that I had my 9.7″ iPad with me much of the time previously, thanks to its smaller size and reduced weight I don’t think I have left the iPad mini behind a single time since it arrived. Yeah, I like it that much. That, however, means the iPad mini is seeing a lot of use. And THAT means it is more important than ever to keep my tablet well-protected. Thusfar I’ve been using the Bodyguardz Sentinel as my go-to case. (Read the review.) It…

Reviews

iLuv ReF Deep Base On-Ear Headphones Review

Billy Crystal famously said “It’s better to look good than to feel good”, and it was a terrific SNL bit that still makes me smile. Of course the statement is simply wrong. Looks are important, but they are secondary to feeling and functioning well. As my grandmother famously NEVER said, “So long as you have your health, everything will be fine.” (She never said it because she was far too negative a person to have made such a positive comment. That, however is an entirely different story.) This also applies to such items as headphones, which have now become fashion statements…

Reviews

Just Mobile HeadStand Review

So you’ve got a pair of big, beautiful, great sounding headphones like the SMS STREET by 50 DJ over-the-ear headphones I reviewed last month. Sure, you could store them in the included football-shaped case,heretofore referred to as the “fbcase”, but that quickly becomes pain if you use them on a regular basis. I mean, do you really want to have to unzip the “fbcase”, remove the headphones and attach the cord each and every time you want to listen to music without disturbing the other people in the house? And that doesn’t take into account having to disconnect the cord,…

Reviews

Belkin Charge + Sync Dock with Audio Port for iPhone 5 Review

Belkin was quick from the gate in offering accessories for the iPhone 5. As you know, the iPhone 5 didn’t just get a longer screen, but it also got a new dock connector and a relocated 3.5 mm headphone jack. As a result, accessories designed to work with the dock connector of the iPhone in its earlier iterations no longer functioned unless you added an adapter. Belkin quickly released a number of cables, and now they have released a dock for the iPhone 5 and the iPod touch. The company was kind enough to send one for review, so let’s…

Events, Reviews

PowerStick+ Backup Battery with 4GB of storage and Gear Diary Branding Review

CES is coming up quickly, and we’re making lists of the gear we’ll be bringing. When PowerStick reached out and told us about some of their upcoming products, we knew we wanted to spend some time with them in Las Vegas. And when they offered to brand a couple of their PowerStick+ backup batteries with the Gear Diary logo … well, that was an offer we couldn’t refuse. After all, the PowerStick+ packs in a 2300mAh battery AND 4, 8 or 16GB of storage into a small package that easily slips into a pocket or gear bag. Let’s take a look….

Reviews, Travel

Phiaton PS 300 NC Premium Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

I’m into a period of time that will see me on planes rather frequently, and while I’ve tried various noise canceling headphones over the years, I’ve never found a pair I loved to use. For example, I was impressed with the Sennhauser MM 450s when I reviewed them, but when I bought a pair on sale a few months ago I found myself disappointed with the buzz created by the noise cancellation system. It wasn’t bad, but it was noticeable, and I just couldn’t see myself using them longterm. Most recently I had purchased a pair of inexpensive Sony in-ear…

Reviews

RHA MA450i Noise Isolating Aluminium Earphones with Remote and Microphone Review

Back in August, we took a look at $35 MA350 Noise Isolating Aluminium Earphones. I liked them, but I didn’t LOVE them. My conclusion read, What I Like: Good build-quality; Decent sounding; Fabric cord; Surprisingly low price for what they offer What Needs Improvement: Lacks in-line microphone and controls Recently the company was kind enough to send a pair of their RHA 450i Noise isolating aluminium earphones. Why are these different? Simple, they bring everything I liked about the MA350 and added in a remote and microphone. Even better, they managed to keep the price below $50. Let’s take a…

Reviews

Just Mobile AluRack for Apple iMac and ThunderBolt Displays Review

If you use a MacBook and either an iMac or a ThunderBolt Display, Just Mobile’s AluRack will help you keep things neat and tidy while letting you be more productive than ever. We recently looked at the company’s AluBase. It holds your MacBook in a vertical position on your desk and lets you connect it to your big, beautiful iMac or display whenever you want your notebook to work as a desktop. If, however, you don’t want to take up the extra desk space with the AluBase and MacBook, then the AluRack is exactly what you have been looking for. Let’s…

Reviews

Bodyguardz Sentinel and Armor Carbon Fiber Protection for iPad mini Review, Part 2 of 2

In part one of this two-part review, we looked at the Bodyguardz Armor for iPad mini. It is my skin of choice because it lets me protect my iPad mini from scratches without adding bulk or weight to the smaller, slimmer iPad. The problem with the Armor is that it only protects the iPad from scratches; it doesn’t add any bump or drop protection and, other than the included BodyGuardz ScreenGuardz screen protector, the screen remains vulnerable. Fact is, if you use your iPad a lot you are going to need a case. My case of choice at the moment?…

Reviews

Sena Lusio Case for Samsung Galaxy S III Review

As I mentioned in my review, the Samsung Galaxy SIII is a sleek and slim device and it would be a shame to wrap it up in a bulky case. Well, apparently the folks at Sena feel the same way, since the new Lusio is a thin leather case for the Galaxy SIII that offers stylish protection. Let’s look in more detail! The Hype: The Lusio stands out from the rest. This custom hand-sewn two-tone saddle-stitched design offers a personalized hand stitched look. •Hand-sewn two-tone saddle-stitched design •Soft velvet lining with light protective layer •Easy device access •Slim back credit…

Game Diary, Reviews

Hitman Absolution Video Game Review on PlayStation 3

The Hitman action-assassin game series continues with this extended experience featuring elements of a successful hired assassin – stealth, strategy, and anonymity, so players need patience, practice, and considerable improvisation abilities. The Hype Contracts Mode-Create your own custom hits by choosing the level, targets, weapons and the rules of assassination in an innovative new online mode where created contracts can be shared and the money that you earn will unlock weapons, upgrades and disguises Freedom of Choice – Stalk from the shadows or rush in guns blazing thanks to fully-evolved game mechanics and a sophisticated AI-System that responds realistically to…

Game Diary, Reviews

SiNG Party Video Game Review on Nintendo Wii U

SiNG Party is a unique music performance game available exclusively on the Wii U with downloadable content and Miiverse features. This party game contains a well-varied song base (50 total) that keeps this music party rocking with elements of dance, duets, and karaoke. The colorful, clear-cut presentation and interface that works with a wide range of USB microphones though the game comes available with one if needed. The Hype Get the party started with SiNG Party, a new, interactive musical performance game that will get you and your guests singing and dancing well into the night. With dozens of popular…

Reviews, Travel

Lensbaby Spark Lets You Take Fun Pics on the Go

Want to use you camera to take fun pictures on the go? The Lensbaby Spark may be just what you need. The Lensbaby Spark is one of the more unusual camera accessories I have used since I began covering camera accessories. The lens runs $80 and is available for both Canon and Nikon mounts. For your $80, you get a “selective-focus” “tilt-shift” lens that shoots at f/5.6 with a fixed focal length of 50mm. If you are not quite sure what that means, you are not alone. And while, in most cases, I might take the attitude of “if you…

Reviews, Travel

Lifeproof is Your iOS Device’s Best Travel Companion

While Elana, Judie, Kevin and I have been down here in Aruba this week both my iPhone 5 and my 4th generation iPod touch have been well-protected in Lifeproof cases. The cases do a great job of protecting your device from bumps, bruises and… water. And while I didn’t want to dump my iPhone 5 in the Caribbean, I did take my touch with me when we went snorkeling. Not only did it work well, but it worked well enough that I am completely and totally impressed and, next time, I WILL trust my iPhone to the Lifeproof case. From…

News & Features, Reviews

Mophie Juice Pack for Samsung Galaxy SIII Hands-On Review

If there is one constant in life, it is that portable electronics don’t ever have enough battery life. With each new product we get new features that beg for more power, so regardless of what the manufacturers do to extend battery life … our usage always seems to keep up! Enter Mophie, a company that has had great success making iPhone battery cases for several years. Now they are branching out with their first non-iPhone case, for the hot-selling Samsung Galaxy SIII. Mophie sent me one to check out – let’s take a look! The Hype: Get the most out…

Reviews

Accell DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort to DVI-D Dual-Link Adapter Review

The older I get the more changes happen to laptops over the years. It seems like the 15 pin VGA port has been around forever. That’s why I was surprised that my current laptop does not have a standard VGA port. This makes it difficult for this laptop to work with many projectors in my workplace. That’s why I jumped at a chance to check out this adapter when they offered a loaner unit. Some of the key features of this adapter are: Convert to a Mini DisplayPort Connector Using the Enclosed Adapter Up to 10.8Gbps Throughput Over 4 Lanes (330MHz total…

Reviews

Fisheye + Wide Angle (+Macro) + 2X + 9X + 12X Telephoto Lens Combo for iPhone 5

In June of 2011 I reviewed the multi-lens combo kit from USBFever.com for the iPhone4. Then I said that while the kit will not replace your D-SLR and a case full of lenses it is very useful and perfect for the consummate iPhoneographer. I just finished testing the new iPhone5 combo lens kit and I reaffirm those findings with additional good news. In my previous review I recommended throwing away the 8x lens once you receive your kit. Seems someone was listening as that piece has now been replaced with a 9x telephoto lens attachment that is on par with…

Reviews

Bodyguardz Sentinel and Armor Carbon Fiber Protection for iPad mini Part 1 of 2

I love my iPad mini and I’m honestly a bit surprised. Sure, I was looking forward to having a smaller, lighter iPad option but I really expected the mini to be something that augmented my 9.7″ iPad. Instead, it has effectively replaced it for everything except watching videos. I love reading on it. I find it more than fast enough for productivity. And, quite honestly, when I’m using it I really don’t sense it being substantially smaller. It isn’t and that’s the key. It is thinner and lighter but the screen isn’t THAT much smaller. (Oh, and yes, I do miss…

Reviews, Yum Log

Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale Taste Test

Hello again! Kevin here with another Beer Diary taste. Last night I was drinking Balashi, Aruba’s national beer but before we left on vacation I picked out and drank a popular and widely available (including our regular grocery in San Angelo, TX) brew from Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado to share. Did I mention The Great American Brew Festival that took place in Denver last October? We were there and it was awesome. Oskar’s was there too. Let’s have a look: The Brewery: Oskar Blues Brewery Lyons Colorado The Beer: Dale’s Pale Ale Color: Reddish orange Head: Excellent head retention with good…

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