Reviews

Game Diary, Reviews October 25, 2012

Pilot Brothers HD for iPad Review

Type of app: Puzzle Adventure game Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version here); available in the App Store Developer: 1C Wireless / G5 Entertainment Description: A provincial Russian town has been shaken in disbelief: their prized, rare, striped elephant, Baldakhin, disappeared from the zoo in the dead of night. The main suspect is its notorious former owner, Karbofoss. Two well-known detectives, the Pilot Brothers, set up a new investigation, pursuing the rogue through 15 comic-style locations to find the missing elephant. Sensible Brother Chief and his not-so-bright assistant, Brother Colleague, solve tricky puzzles and play their parts with precise timing…

Reviews October 24, 2012

Lowepro Passport Sling Camera Bag, a Video Review

Another of Lowepro’s more unusual camera bags is the Passport Sling. The Passport Sling doesn’t look like a camera bag… but it is. Here’s a video look followed by some additional details. From Lowepro: We designed the modern Passport Sling to be a bit unconventional and REALLY useful. It offers freedom for your every move, protection for your camera, plus lots of personal space. Unzip the front to reveal an expansion compartment that gives you about 30% more storage room. Remove the camera box and turn the sling into a full day bag. Both the sling and camera box fold…

Reviews October 24, 2012

JOBY GripTight Mount & Micro Stand, Video Review

Every now and then an accessory comes along that ends up being far more impressive than expected. That is the case with the new JOBY GripTight Mount and Micro Stand. This small mount and tripod fold up to make a compact unit that can easily be carried on your key ring, but once opened up provides a great deal of useful flexibility if you use your smartphone for taking pictures or holding video chats. From JOBY: In yet another breakthrough in mobile photography, JOBY introduces the GripTight Mount & Micro Stand, a dynamic duo featuring the world’s only pocket-sized tripod…

Reviews October 23, 2012

Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker Review

Last week I offered a first look and video of the Libratone Zipp. The airplay speaker fuses European aesthetics with Cupertinian technology. The round speaker works fine at home, but it also runs on battery power so you can take it on the go. Libratone, who already offered two different speakers designed for home use has now made a speaker that is ready to, as they put it, “Leave the House”. From Libratone: Share your music anywhere, anytime! Libratone Zipp is an easy-to-use, wireless sound system wrapped in changeable Italian wool. Stream your favourite tunes with PlayDirect™ and AirPlay technology, directly…

Reviews October 23, 2012

xPrintServer Home Edition Review

At long last, I have my entire staff using iPads. In addition, after months of planning we have finally set up our school’s iPads for use with the interactive Bar Mitzvah training program I have created. More and more I expect we will see the staff and school iPad being used for a host of different purposes. One of my colleagues did, however, raise a question the other day. “How,” she asked, “do we print from these things if we need to?” It is an EXCELLENT question and, as luck would have it, I had just received a review sample…

Game Diary, Reviews October 23, 2012

Dishonored for PlayStation 3 Video Game Review

This engrossing first-person shooter game Dishonored, published by Bethesda Softworks and developed by Arkane Studios, has great originality, a stellar voice character cast, and various ways to victory including several non-lethal options. The Hype Improvise and Innovate: Approach each assassination with your own style of play Use shadow and sound to your advantage to make your way silently through levels unseen by foes, or attack enemies head-on as they respond to your aggressiveness. Action with Meaning: The world of Dishonored reacts to how you play. Move like a ghost and resist corruption, or show no mercy and leave a path…

Reviews, Travel October 21, 2012

Lowepro Urban Photo Sling 250 Camera Bag Video Review

Lowepro’s Urban Photo Sling 150 was one of the first camera bags I reviewed over the summer. I liked it and have found myself turning to it as one of my “goto” camera bags ever since. (You can read the full review here.) My biggest issue with the bag was its size. The Urban Photo Sling 150 is great when you need to carry a camera and just a bit more, but if you’re on a trip it is a bit too small. That’s where the Lowepro Urban Photo Sling 250 comes in. It offers the same design and features…

Reviews October 20, 2012

Pivothead Durango Video Recording Eyewear Review

Every now and then a product comes along that really surprises us … in a good way. Actually, truth be told, this happens more than one might expect. And when it does, we want to make sure we say it loudly. Case in point, Pivothead Durango Video Recording Eyewear. They are comfortable sunglasses that protect your eyes AND record HD video along with high-quality audio. They may sound like a gimmick, but they aren’t. They are, in fact, pretty awesome. I LOVE THEM!! Here’s a video look followed by some of the specifics. Here’s a rundown of the features they offer. Sure,…

Reviews October 19, 2012

Spigen SGP GLAStR Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 5

I had a GLASt screen protector on my iPhone 4S (read the review), I have a GLASt screen protector on my iPad 3 (read the review), and now, thanks to Spigen SGP, I have a GLAStR screen protector on my iPhone 5. The GLASt series offers true screen protection by placing a layer of tempered glass on top of the actual screen. The amazing thing is that once it has fully adhered, you can’t really tell it is there. I HAD put a pre-order version on my phone (read the post), but the company was not happy with the fit. They…

News & Features, Reviews, Yum Log October 19, 2012

Dasani Drops Water Enhancer Review

In what surprisingly became a rather hotly debated topic here recently, we discussed the importance of staying hydrated. As was noted, water is the more important than food in terms of survival. But for too many, their liquid water intake is through sugary and caffeine-loaded soda and coffee and energy drinks. The best way to get your liquid water is … from water. For me I am happy with plain water, and have a 30-oz TupperWare cup at my desk all day to offset the heat/AC vent blowing dry air about six feet away from me. But for many, the…

Health and Fitness, Reviews October 18, 2012

Garmin ForeRunner 10 GPS Watch Hands-On Review

I usually like to lead my reviews with an intro, give the company providing a product the chance to say something, and then dig in … but not this time, because the Garmin ForeRunner 10 is simply that easy to recommend. In fact, here are the only people I would NOT recommend getting the Garmin ForeRunner 10: You run races of more than 50 miles distance or 5 hours duration. You don’t like to sync/charge your GPS watch within 50-60 miles or 5-6 hours of use (or 7 ‘events’). You need to use a heart-rate monitor or other ANT+ wireless…

Game Diary, Reviews October 18, 2012

Build-A-Lot 3 HD for iPad Review

Type of app: Time Management Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version, here); available in the App Store Developer: HipSoft / G5 Entertainment Description: Get ready to pack your bags and head to Europe! You have a wonderful opportunity to take your real estate empire overseas. Travel through England, Spain and Switzerland while restoring rundown houses, beautifying neighborhoods with new landmarks and helping the locals improve their towns. Develop your business skills by making money from renting out and investing in properties. Construct classic English cottages, elegant Swiss chalets and magnificent Spanish haciendas. Act wisely to get the job done on time…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear October 17, 2012

Cobra iRadar Smart Detection System Review

The iPhone is the great disruptor of personal electronics. It has crushed the stand-alone camcorder, taken a huge bite out of the point-and-shoot camera market and made buying an after-market automotive video entertainment system a ridiculous waste of money. And, issues with Apple maps aside, thanks to the iPhone there is less reason to buy a stand alone GPS unit. The list goes on and on. Yes, the iPhone (and other smartphones) turned many once must-have products into “why have” items of yesteryear. There are, however, some rare occasions when the iPhone not only doesn’t disrupt the need for a…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear October 17, 2012

Admiral for a Day as we Test the Flagship 2013 Lexus LS Lineup

On July 30, Lexus introduced its latest LS flagship to the world in a unique “Lexus Laws of Attraction” unveiling exhibit in San Francisco. More recently, we got to spend time behind the wheel of the 2013 models including the new F Sport edition during a regional press event in Tucson, Arizona. Prior to driving we were given a bit of history on the Lexus brand and the LS specifically. Lexus began as an idea in the mind of the head of Toyota Motor Company in 1983 and by 1989 the first Lexus LS was delivered to the world. Since…

Game Diary, Reviews October 17, 2012

Defense Zone 2 HD for Android Review

Type of app: Tower Defense Strategy Game Platform/where to buy: Android (phone & tablet); available in the Google Play Store Developer: Artem Kotov Description: The creators of Defense Zone, a popular Tower Defense game with beautiful graphics and finely balanced levels, today announced the release of Defense Zone 2 HD. The new version offers even more detailed and impressive visuals, three more weapons and 13 levels of absorbing gameplay. Defense Zone was originally developed as a better alternative to traditional Tower Defense games with unbalanced difficulty settings and confused interface. Highly appreciated by Tower Defense fans, Defense Zone required strategic thinking,…

Reviews October 17, 2012

BoxWave Type Runner Bluetooth Keyboard Review

Using my iPad as my primary option is still fairly new for me. We all know that the iPad is an amazing user experience for numerous tasks, but while it is easy to use and I can actually type pretty well on it, there are times that using the onscreen keyboard are not optimal. When I am completing work tasks or especially Gear Diary posts (which is not often enough during football season), it is much faster and less tiring to type on a physical keyboard. The only problem with this need is having to carry a full-size keyboard while…

Reviews October 16, 2012

Magnetyze System for iPhone 4S Review

We’ve looked at a number of charging systems that don’t require you to actually plug your device in. The best known example of this is the Powermat system. It worked as promised, but while I liked the cool tech I never got used to having the bulky and somewhat ugly cases on my devices. That’s why I was curious, but skeptical, when Magnetyze reached out and invited us to check out their entry into the wireless charging market. What I discovered was a product that is truly a huge step forward in both technology and aesthetics. Oh, and it uses…

Reviews October 15, 2012

Zillow.com iPhone App Review

Type of app: Real estate search Platform/where to buy: iOS, Android Developer: Zillow Description: #1 Real Estate App on iTunes and “Best Real Estate App” by O’Reilly Media Major features: The app lets you search by address or town, and you can filter by price, number of bedrooms, for sale and for rent, etc. In addition, you can look up the transaction history of properties, find out how long they’ve been listed on the market, and even get a “zestimate” of what Zillow thinks the property is worth based on similar homes in the area.Ease of use/Overall performance: Theoretically this app…

Reviews October 15, 2012

Aranez Book Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case Review

For me, one of the classic PDA case designs is the so-called ‘book’ cover. I had one for the HP200LX (and another one later for the Psion Revo) that was more like a pouch, than ones for the HP iPAQ 4355 and Dell Axim X51v that actually allowed you to use the device in the case and had slots for cards on the left side. It is this ability to carry more than just the device that always attracted me. Now I have had the chance to try the Aranez Book case for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Let’s see how…

Game Diary, Reviews October 13, 2012

XCOM Enemy Unknown Video First Look Review!

Type of app: Strategy Platform/where to buy: PC; available at Steam Developer: Firaxis / 2K Games Description: XCOM: Enemy Unknown will place you in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, you will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics. Major features: As I noted in my video review of Borderlands 2 here, sometimes the best way to get a feel for a game is to simply show it on video. So I have taken the opportunity to review the opening levels…

Reviews October 13, 2012

Aranez Flip Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case Review

One of the first things of concern with a high-end smartphone is protecting it from the inevitable bumps and bangs and falls. You can go to your local ‘Five Below’ and find racks of cheap coverage that will protect your phone … but what if you want something that actually looks good? Well, for the Samsung Galaxy S III, Aranez has you covered with a leather cover worthy of your new phone. Let’s take a look! The Hype: The Aranez Flip Samsung Galaxy S3 Leather Case is a luxurious cover for your Samsung Galaxy S3. Made from sumptuous premium cow…

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