Reviews | Gear Diary

The Sabrent Display Adapter Saves the Day Review

A bittersweet air fills the room as I type these characters into this document. The item I am reviewing is also the latest Gear Diary will give away in partnership with the sponsoring company. But for an A/V geek like myself, I will say goodbye to it with a tear in my eye. Sabrent, – tagline “Connecting Differently” – sent me its latest USB external video/graphics adapter, the USB-DH88, for review and giveaway. I first came across an e-mail sent us by the company’s PR firm touting Sabrent’s solutions to A/V presentation problems. This got my attention because recently I…

Reviews

Review: CrashPlan+ Online Data Backup and Storage

With the recent earthquake, tsunami and issues with the nuclear plants in Japan, the one thing we should all seriously take a look at is a way to back up all that digital media we have accumulated since switching our precious memories to a digital form. There are some parents that never have taken a picture of their children without a digital camera. That means no shoe boxes full of pictures to burn or get wet. Instead, you need to worry about your system and when, not if, your system decides to have hard disk failure or some other problem that causes…

Game Diary, Reviews

Angry Birds Rio for iPhone/Touch

I did a strange thing this morning. My alarm is set for 5am but I actually woke up 10 minutes early. I grabbed my phone from the charger next to my bed and searched the appstore for the new Angry Birds Rio game. Most would think I am nuts for doing such a thing, but if you are a fan of the Angry Birds games, you understand my excitement. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I hurried to my office to play through some of the levels before it was time to wake up the family and get ready for…

Reviews

iPhone 4 Accessory Review: The Element Case Vapor Pro Limited Edition

We were pretty harsh when we reviewed Element Case’s Vapor for the iPhone 4; although all three of us absolutely loved the case’s form factor, we were appalled by the way that it slayed our iPhones’ signals. I even went so far as to scientifically test and verify the Vapor’s negative impact on the iPhone’s cellular antenna reception while attending an event at ETS-Lindgren. Fortunately the folks at Element Case were able to handle a bit of constructive criticism. and they reached out to us when their newest case, the Vapor Pro Limited Edition was available. Would the Vapor Pro…

Reviews

The Phosphor Appear Watch Review

I have two watches that I wear; my everyday watch is a stainless and gold ladies Rolex Datejust (that I would greatly love to trade in for the midsize version), and the other is a gold David Yurman that I wear on dressier occasions. I’ve seen plenty of other watches that have caught my eye for whatever reason, but it has been years since I saw a watch — any watch — that actually turned my head; that’s exactly what the Phosphor Watches’ Appear did. This is a much bigger and definitely flashier style watch than my others, but it…

Reviews

Review: Warpia StreamHD Streams Video from Your PC to the Big(ger) Screen

The modern computer is an amazing thing. It is a work device, a communication device, a jukebox, and a video machine. I don’t know about you, but I probably watch just as many shows through either iTunes or Hulu or Netflix as I do on my HDTV these days. Yes, a huge amount of video entertainment comes through our computers now. The real challenge is getting that video, and the accompanying audio, seamlessly pushed over to a large television for enjoyment. Apple is making a huge play in this area with their AirPlay technology, but that requires you to use…

Reviews

iPad 2 Case Review: DODOcase BOOKback for iPad 2

I’m really loving the iPad 2. The reduced thickness combined with the small drop in weight makes a huge difference when carrying and using it. I’m also liking the leather SmartCover I got along with the iPad. It really is remarkable how one little accessory can make such a huge difference in the use-ability of a device. At the same time, however, I don’t like the way Apple’s ingenious cover leaves the back of the iPad exposed. After all, I enjoy using devices that are in pristine condition, not to mention there’s a lower resale value when gadgets show wear….

Reviews

Review: BlueAnt T1 Rugged Bluetooth Headset

As our world grows more mobile, the importance of being able to go hands free and pay attention to what we are doing also grows. Not only is texting or emailing and driving dangerous, but we are discovering that driving and using a handset for any use can be disastrous. With this said, the market if flooded with hands free devices from headphones to bluetooth solutions. I have attempted to use some of the bottom tiered products with limited success. When someone calls, I still tend to pick up my phone to see who is calling and I also have…

Reviews

Power Support Air Jacket for iPhone 4 Review

I have a new favorite case for my iPhone 4. Actually, I have two new favorite cases for my iPhone . And no, neither of them are the Hello Kitty iPhone cases that are depicted above. (Those cases are of the same design as my “new faves” and we will be giving them away so read on.) My new favorite iPhone cases come from Power Support. Judie met the folks from Power Support while she was in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress and was impressed by their story and their products. Upon her return she reached out to them and…

Reviews

Review: TuneLink Auto Direct Connect Audio Solution for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Every now and then you come across a device or an accessory that does exactly what you want it to do or solves a problem you have been looking to solve. That is the case with the TuneLink Auto. I have been looking for something like this for quite a while without much success. The TuneLink auto not only does what I was hoping, but goes a good many steps further. I was about to buy one when the company was kind enough to put a review sample in the mail. Let’s take a look at this awesome new gadget…

Reviews

iDisplay Review: Gives You Second Monitor Capability on Your iPad (and iPhone)

All images courtesy of Shape Services A couple of months ago, Shape Services–the makers of IM+ and IM+ Pro for the iPad and iPhone (which I will also be reviewing)–let me test out their iDisplay program. The idea behind iDisplay is simple: why not turn your iPad or iPhone into a second monitor? How did it work out in practice? Read on. I tested this app with my Lenovo T-61, which has an Intel Core Duo 2 Ghz/777 Mhz, with 2Gb of RAM, running Windows XP SP 3. Being a work laptop, it also has considerable security software running, which…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Fights for Respect

Rodney Dangerfield based an entire stand-up career on it, singer Aretha Franklin had a big hit with it and the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe demands it: Respect. Two things might help them out here. First, get your marketing department to begin plastering every new action film with the car and second, spin a performance division off from the main corporate umbrella and give it a brand name consumers can easily pronounce. Sure, I had read the glossy newsrack reviews pitting the new Korean coupe against the latest Detroit had to offer but did not really take them seriously until I…

Reviews

SCOTTEVEST SeV XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket Review

This jacket came as a gift from some friends and I have been dying for it to get a bit warmer so I could start wearing it. It did and I have. So what do I think of the SCOTTEVEST XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket? Check out this video look to find out. X-Ray View of the XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket Here’s what the SeV site has to say about the XAE – 10th Anniversary Edition Leather Jacket- Some things get better with age, like great wines and meticulously-maintained classic cars. In honor of SCOTTEVEST’s 10th…

Reviews

A Quick Look at the HTC Verizon 4G LTE ThunderBolt

Later today you’ll be able to buy the HTC ThunderBolt from Verizon for $299 with a two-year contract; yesterday I received a review unit, and I have spent much of the day (and evening) getting acquainted with it. The 4.3″ WVGA screen is beautiful, and it’s immediately reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite devices, the HTC HD2. You’ll likely hear quite a few comparisons to the HD2 as I work my way through this post and the resulting review, because more than any device since its introduction, the ThunderBolt feels like the HD2’s worthy successor. The ThunderBolt is hefty!…

Reviews, Yum Log

Big Cat Coffee’s Purr-fect Pack Review

We’ve covered Keurig with at least 3 different device reviews. I loved it and Wayne was pleased enough to dump his drip coffee maker. Judie didn’t have the same luck with the Mini. We know that Keurig machines are pretty popular and those who have the higher end Keurigs seem to have a better experience. But the devices are only part of the equation. What about a source for the K-Cups? The problem is my local grocery store only carries a small fraction of the available coffees and no tea and very rarely will they have Hot Chocolate. Bed, Bath…

Reviews

Tycoon Windows 7 Tablet Review

It’s been quite some time since I last mentioned Tangent’s Tycoon Tablet. Part of the challenge with also getting to often evaluate technology during my ‘day job’ is that I’m often not the only one who needs to work with it during any given time. After it got the once over by a few of my colleagues, I (finally) got it back and can now give you my full review. So how does this Windows 7 Professional tablet stack up to the competition? While I don’t believe you’ll be rushing to exchange your shiny new iPad 2 for the Tycoon, I was…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart: More Than Just an Evo-Lite

Mitsubishi, specifically Mitsubishi Motors in North America, always seems to be a car company struggling for recognition and respect. Over the past few decades they have been quietly supplying OEM engines and automotive components for many domestic vehicles but without much fanfare. A few years ago, with the help of a popular movie with the 20-something crowd, the automaker began to see brand recognition begin to take off. And thanks to the fast and furious attention they gained through the box office, Mitsubishi began making a new name for themselves.

Reviews

NXE ActiveSleeve Review

I have an ongoing issue when I run. I carry my Droid both because it tracks my runs for me but also because I am an early morning runner and feel better having my phone with me. The problem, as you may know, is that the Droid is not a small phone. It’s uncomfortable to carry in my hand and you don’t want to know how uncomfortable it is to run with a Droid bouncing around in your pants pocket. Let’s just say it leads to some odd-looking bruises on your leg. In any case, I’m always on the hunt…

Reviews

Review- Power Support Sleeve: Designed for the iPad 1, Works Great with the iPad 2!

When Judie was in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress she met the folks behind the Apple accessory company Power Support. (Theirs is a great, inspirational story and we look forward to sharing it with you soon.) The company was kind enough to forward a number of their products so that I might take a closer look. Among the items they sent was their Black Sleeve for the iPad 1. They describe the leather sleeve this way- Constructed with premium quality leather, this sleeve protects while complimenting the amazing aesthetics of the iPad. The sleeve’s soft inner lining prevents scratching while using…

Game Diary, Reviews

Mac Game Review: Avadon: The Black Fortress

Since its beginnings in 1994, Spiderweb Software has focused on bringing classic story-rich role-playing experiences to gamers. The earliest Exile games were rudimentary and seem quaint now, but the Avernum and Geneforge series have offered gamers comparable experiences to the best so-called ‘AAA’ games for a lower price. Of course, the focus is on story and character and combat system over graphics and sweeping soundtracks, so it is subjective to what you are looking for out of a game. I had written an article for a defunct site years ago about why Avernum IV was better than Oblivion in all…

Music Diary, Reviews

CarTunes for iPhone/Touch Review

We all hear the dangers of texting while driving and how our devices create dangers during travel. These dangers are real and hopefully everyone is taking steps to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel and leave their devices alone. Using my Mogo Talk and voice recognition applications has helped me pay attention to the road, but one area always poses a problem. Using an iPhone or iPod Touch to listen to audio while driving can also take your attention. Changing tracks or play lists can be just as dangerous as sending a text message. With…