Reviews

iClassic Review: iPod Classic Emulator for iPhone OS

While it’s true the iPod which is bundled on the iPhone and iPod Touch is pretty slick, sometimes you just have to break it down “old scho0l.” Check out my video demo of “iClassic” for jailbroken iPhones, which emulates the iPod Classic in every which way right on your iPhone. It’s just amazing.


iAssociate Lite for iPhone/Touch App Review

I have begun to like playing puzzle games, especially word games.   Maybe I am getting old, but games that require thought have become more fun for me.  I have reviewed many different types of puzzle games, including several word games but iAchieve has turned out to be not only fun and addictive but very unique.  One of my Sophomore students showed me iAchieve Lite and told me I must try it because she thought I would love it.  She was correct!  I was instantly addicted.


First Impressions of the Barnes & Noble nook

All day I have been perking up at the sound of trucks on the street, each time hoping it would be the UPS truck delivering my much-anticipated Christmas present from my wonderful husband–the brand new Barnes & Noble nook eBook reader. My husband pre-ordered my nook on the very first day, so I knew I would get it before December 9.  I did a little dance of joy yesterday to learn that he had gotten the tracking number for the shipment and that the nook was winging its way to me overnight!


Review: Blue Microphone’s Mikey iPod Microphone

I have tried at least 2 different iPod recording solutions since the invention of the dock connector.  The first one was the Belkin Tune Talk.  I loved it and it allowed me to record a podcast away from my computer.  Well it met an untimely demise in a toilet.  Yeah it got flushed accidently.  That’s all I will say about that.   The next one was the Griffin iTalk Pro.  Griffin no longer makes this, but I loved using it as well.  However, a great new challenger has come to challenge Belkin for iPod/iPhone recording microphone superiority.  It is from…


PC Game Review: Risen

A recent trend in games has been altering the naming structure to try to either dissociate with older games or mask how many games have preceded the release. Recent examples include the indeterminate ‘Wolfenstein’, the third Red Faction game being called Guerrilla, and the removal of he ‘Call of Duty’ from much of the ‘Modern Warfare 2’ advertising. Now we have Risen. Risen is the fourth entry by developer Pyranha Bytes in the classic Gothic game franchise that … what? Huh? Really … are you sure? Hmmm … well apparently Risen is NOT part of the Gothic series. I just…


The Netbook Gamer: Star Wars: Mysteries of the Sith (1998, FPS)

While in theory this could be game could have been called Star Wars Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith expansion, fortunately it was just called Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith and is easily abbreviated as MotS. It was released in early 1998, a mere four months after the release of a game still marked as one of the best first-person shooters of all time, and despite getting lower reviews than that game it remains a fan favorite and a standout release for an expansion pack. Yes, and since it was released more than ten…


iBend iPhone/iPod touch Stand Review

When Larry posted news about the iBend’s release, he hit the nail on the head with regard to the iPhone accessory’s main draw. As he put it “not everything in life has to be fancy”. He was right and no one could say the iBend is fancy. A few months after its initial release however, the iBend did get a bit fancier with the release of their new Artists Series. These added some artistic flair to the accessory and $1 to the $4.99 price of the “iBend Classic”. We got our hands on one of the iBend Artist Series stands;…


Questia iPhone App Review

When I first downloaded and played with Questia, I thought, “I don’t get it.” I understood that it offered access to loads of academic humanities texts, and had a free public domain section, but what was the value in it? You could hit up your university library if you needed to do research, and public domain books are available in loads of places. Then I had the chance to talk with Tim Harris, CEO of Questia, and that’s where I learned the true value of this application. “We are a research library, for people who want to access as much…


NFL Quarterback Challenge for iPhone OS Review

As a youngster I can remember watching various NFL quarterbacks compete in challenge events during the off season.  Often times the events took place in Hawaii or some other tropical paradise and I had dreams of being my favorite signal caller competing in the various challenge events. The NFL and ProAppSports recently announced the immediate availability of NFL Quarterback Challenge game for the iPhone OS.  The game allows you to test your QB skills and accuracy as you navigate the QB of your favorite NFL team through a series of challenges just like those old TV specials.  NFL Quarterback Challenge…


iFarm for iPhone/Touch App Review

Attention Farmville and FarmTown fans!  Many of us spend way too much time on Facebook.  If much of that time is spent on one of these farm simulation games, do I have an app for you!  This summer I did fall into the Farm Town trap and spent (wasted) a lot of time harvesting and planting crops in hopes to buy more stuff and a larger piece of land.  Yes, there is no point, but for some reason it is extremely addicting.  So, how about taking this addicting waste of time mobile!?! iFarm will give you the chance!


The Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone Review

Laws are continuously evolving to deal with technology and the potential hazards of using it while driving. As a consequence, it is now considered unsafe in many states – or it has been made illegal – to drive without some kind of hands-free solution when using a mobile phone. Many people are wearing headsets, but there is another option if you aren’t yet ready to embrace your inner Borg – a Bluetooth speaker system for your automobile. Say hello to the Motorola T215 Bluetooth Car Kit Speakerphone; let’s take a look at the hardware, and then I’ll tell you how…


Universal iPhone/iPod Cradle from USBFever Review

iPhone and iPod docks are great.  They keep your device upright while charging and syncing which allows you to easily access them.  They look cleaner on your desk and there’s no fussing with cables or connector plugs that might become damaged from overuse. But docks are not without flaws.  Many docks are device specific.  One that you purchase for your iPhone may not fit your iPod Classic and so forth.  Another problem is cases.  Most of us carry our devices protected in some sort of case.  Often these cases prevent the device from fitting properly on the dock which means…


Sennheiser MM400 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones – Review

The other day I was having lunch with a good friend. He enjoys his gadgets as much as the rest of us and was excited to tell me about this latest acquisition. He had purchased a pair of Sennheiser MM400 Bluetooth stereo headphones and couldn’t stop raving about them. At a cost of over $260 they were bit on the pricey side but he kept talking about them so positively that I finally said I would need to go check them out. “Hold on a minute” he said and he ran out to the car. He brought them back into…


PowerPak Wall Charger and Battery Combo – Review

Larry talks a lot about the importance of device convergence. As we are packing for vacation, I am overwhelmed by the number of different chargers and cords I need to bring with me; he is more correct than I realized. In order to have the music and reading material I want during my five days in the sun. For example – to make sure my iPhone is fully usable, I’ll need the charge/sync cord, the wall adapter and my Mophie Juice Pack Air. Add to that the accessories I’ll need for my Kindle, my camera and my Bluetooth headphones, and suddenly…


Amber Alert GPS Keeps an Eye on Your Child’s Location

Amber Alert GPS is a tiny matchbox sized GPS device used to track the movement of your child. According to the manufacturer you slip the GPS into your child’s backpack (or other article that stays with them) and can then track their location for up to 24 hours. There’s also several  interesting features like speed, temperature and remote audio monitoring that are offered as well. For the last few weeks I’ve been putting this to the test and using it to track my kids. Here’s what I found. The normal pricing for this Amber Alert GPS is $279 though I…


Skooba Netbook Messenger – Review

Yesterday  Larry posted that Skooba is having a big 25% off sale for the next few days. The Skooba bag on the left in the advertisement is a new item from Skooba designed especially for netbooks. The Netbook Messenger is just the right size for carrying a netbook and a few assorted accessories during a day of running around. I’ve been using one for the last two weeks. Let’s take a look…


Moshi Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock – Review

I reviewed the Moshi Voice Controlled Alarm Clock a few weeks back and was rather impressed. It really works and makes setting the time or the alarm as easy as speaking. Love it! Well, turns out the company also has a travel alarm clock that uses the same voice technology. Here is a look.


PowerCurl Keeps MacBook Cords Organized- Review

When this item arrived for review I thought to myself “dump dumb dumb”. I tried it and then thought… “I wish I had thought of that.” Seriously, if you use a Mac this is something that is worth a look past Judie’s initial post announcing that they were being made. So let’s take one…


The Leonard Maltin Movie Guide iPhone App Review

If you like movies, this is one app you definitely need to check out. It is easy to use, chock full of movie info and will make it easier than ever to find movies by your favorite director or actor. Is it worth the $1.99 price? Judie and I decided to give it a try and see …


YUBZ Magnum Review: Hands Free Calling and Audio Via Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology is often underused in my eyes.  For a long time there was no use beyond sending ring tones and talking over a wireless ear piece.  As of late, this technology has found greater utilization allowing for wireless syncing in vehicles and even multi-player gaming.  Using Bluetooth to listen to music has become a great option while on the go or for wireless listening. The YUBZ Magnum takes several of these technologies and combines them in one attractive device.  I was hesitant before testing the unit since crossover devices often do not successfully execute both tasks.  Here’s how I…


ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Cooler Review

If you have a desktop replacement laptop, you will know that they definitely get very hot.  So hot that they have even been known to induce burns when they come in contact with skin.  So hot that even Apple recommends not to use your MacBook on your lap. Laptop coolers have been on the market for quite a while to  help with this, however most of them want you to use a USB port for power and reducing your battery life.  The new ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Cooler is designed to take the heat away from your laptop and keep it away…