Reviews

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte Review

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte Review

When I asked Nokia if I could review their 8800 Arte handset, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Some dumb phone that just looked a bit pretty, form and no function, a celebrity only famous for being rich? I’m certainly not the target of a phone like this. I like my mobile devices to be able to do everything. Surf the web, get emails, keep my calendar, mind my address book, and keep everything in sync with everything else. These are things that typically flumix a Series 40 phone. I was all set to be disappointed with the 8800…

Nikon Coolpix S600 Review: It's Not About the Megapixels

Nikon Coolpix S600 Review: It’s Not About the Megapixels

I think every family must have a hobby which all (or at least most) members of the family enjoy. Such common interests are what tie them together (and gives you something to talk about at family picnics). For my family, growing up, that common interest was photography. We all played around with both video and still photos, but the true love was probably still photos. Back then, we used to devise intricate plans for turning the basement into a darkroom (we never did). Of course, that love of photography has carried me into the digital world, where I am happy…

The KICKER iKICK iK500 Stereo System Review

The KICKER iKICK iK500 Stereo System Review

Back in the late 80s, when every spare dime I had went into car stereo components, I bought my first KICKER product. It was a subwoofer speaker box which fit perfectly into the space behind the seats in my silver Alfa Romeo. Never mind that it took up valuable cargo space; I still had a trunk, and I got a free back-massage every time I turned on my stereo. When I sold that car, I was able to unplug a few wires and easily remove my rear speaker system; that box was eventually transferred into several more vehicles before I…

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is based on the iconic FJ40 that was sold here in the U.S. between 1960 and 1983. Designer Jin Kim took on the daunting task of creating an exciting vehicle poised between RAV4 and 4Runner that appealed to a younger, more active consumer. Kim’s approach is described as “industrial modern” meaning a tool-like combination of ruggedness and functionality with an honest look and modern surfaces.

The Maximo Products iMetal iPhone Headsets Review

The Maximo Products iMetal iPhone Headsets Review

As anyone who owns an iPhone can tell you, a slight problem becomes apparent when you want to replace the stock stereo headset, namely that the iPhone’s headphone jack is deeply recessed, and the average 3.5mm plug simply can’t fit inside without trimming the rubber shielding the plug. When you are considering dropping some serious coin on a headset, the idea of butchering it simply doesn’t appeal; that’s when a model made specifically for the iPhone is the only “right” choice.

Lexus LS 600h L – Luxury hybrid or hybrid luxury?

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Lexus LS 600h L – Luxury hybrid or hybrid luxury?

All I can say about the new 2008 LS 600h L luxury hybrid sedan from Lexus is, “Wow!” But, I still have to fill the rest of this review so I will elaborate a bit.

Review: Smart for Life Weight Loss Cookies

Review: Smart for Life Weight Loss Cookies

For those who don’t know, a year and a half ago I weighed a lot more than I do now. It was at that time when I went in for my regular physical at my doctor’s office, and it was at that time when I was told I would have to start taking medicine to keep my blood pressure down. This was nothing serious, but it scared me. I was 36 and I had High Blood Pressure. I was bound and determined to make a real life change: I decided to not let food rule my life anymore. So I…

Review: Hyundai PC / Notebook Angled Mini high-powered Microphone from USB Fever

Review: Hyundai PC / Notebook Angled Mini high-powered Microphone from USB Fever

Are you sick and tired of people complaining that they can’t hear you during Skype phone calls? Have people been telling you that you sound like you’re in a tin can? If so, then maybe this little microphone is for you.

The Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Case Review

The Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Case Review

During Jerry’s and my meeting with Kensington during CES, I had ample opportunity to admire their new Contour Balance line. As described on their site: With lightweight microfiber materials, sleek organization, Contour features to minimize strain, concealed pockets and DropShield® notebook padding for protection, these cases doesn’t compromise form for function and style. One of my wistful complaints at the time was that a bag was not available to fit my 17″ Toshiba. While there still isn’t a bag large enough for “value-sized” laptops, it no longer matters quite so much to me since I now own a 15″ MacBook…

Review: USB 4-Port Hub with Thermometer and Clock

Review: USB 4-Port Hub with Thermometer and Clock

Are you the type of person who always asks what time it is? Do you have a clock on your desk even though you have a clock staring you right in the face every time you look at your computer? Do you always wonder why your office is so darn cold? Do you need a USB hub? Well if all of these apply, then the USB Fever USB 4-Port Hub with Thermometer and Clock is for you!

Toshiba R500 Review

Toshiba R500 Review

[Sorry about the delay on this, I’ve been a bit swamped recently] I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the chance to try out two excellent ultraportable notebooks recently, the MacBook Air and the Fujitsu P8010. Shortly after the P8010 went back, the mailman knocked on the door with year another ultraportable, this time the Toshiba R500. The model I was sent included the 64GB SSD drive, just like the MacBook Air. I’m not sold on these priced-like-gold hard drives, they just seem too expensive for what they are at the moment, but to each his own! The first thing…

Dash Express GPS Review: Three Words- Bulky, Buggy, Beta

Dash Express GPS Review: Three Words- Bulky, Buggy, Beta

The Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator exploded overnight onto many online blogs – prompting blogger Jason Calacanis to proclaim it “Best Product of 2008“. In case you missed the hoopla around this release, the Dash Express is your typical automative GPS guidance system with two innovative features. First, it includes a WIFI and GPRS cellular transmitter for moving data onto and off your device (think updates and real time exchange of traffic flow). Second, it talks to Yahoo Local Search for real time searches (when in a data coverage area). It’s marketed exclusively through Amazon for 9 and…

Pre-Wrap: Versatile and Fun Headbands For The Female Athlete In Your Life

Pre-Wrap: Versatile and Fun Headbands For The Female Athlete In Your Life

Until about a week ago I’d never heard of Pre-Wrap. When I asked my hairdresser earlier in the week whether she’d heard of it, she nodded her head and promptly produced a small bottle of liquid used prior to coloring hair. Wrong! Pre-wrap is not a liquid, it’s a foam underwrap used primarily by athletes before putting on athletic tape. But someone discovered another great use for it. Creating hair tie backs for female athletes (and non-athletes). Because it’s sold in rolls of varying colors, you can stock up (like I did) and always have a color ready for any…

Apiotek Combo Express Card Adaptor Review

Apiotek Combo Express Card Adaptor Review

So, I guess it has been a while since I tried to work with any of the video I shot with my Sony camcorder. A few weeks ago, I decided to capture and edit some video from my son’s school concert. After about a half hour of fruitless searching, I realized a critical fact. My Toshiba Satellite laptop does not have an IEEE1394 Firewire port. Of course, this is a critical feature if you want to work with video. Without a Firewire port, there is no way to connect the camcorder to your computer. Now, I know I have done…

Logitech Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound System Review

Logitech Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound System Review

When I first saw these speakers I thought that they looked great, and the fact that they came with a remote was a bonus. Let’s see if they stand up to my standards in regards to audio quality and compatibility with my favorite OS, Linux. In the package was a sub woofer with two satellite speakers, as well as a Windows Media Center compatible IR remote control.

The Skooba Design DIY Skooba Skin Review

The Skooba Design DIY Skooba Skin Review

Every now and then I like to step away from the computer and do my creating in an organic manner; one of my favorite means of artistic expression is embroidery, which I have been terribly lax about doing lately. I was sent a Skooba Design DIY Skooba Skin last year, and after wasting half a moment considering whether I should attempt to draw (or rather, paint) something amazing to fill its off-white surface, I knew that it was again time to bust out my needles and threads…

E-TEN X800 Windows Mobile Device Review

E-TEN X800 Windows Mobile Device Review

One of the things that I like the best about this job is the chance to look at and use some of the latest, greatest gadgets on the market today. I like writing for Gear Diary the best because of the diverse amount of products we get to look at. Recently, as many of you know, I’ve had the opportunity to take a look at a couple of new devices from E-TEN. The E-TEN X800 is the top of the line model of the X series devices. Let’s take a quick look and see how the X800 stacks up. Please…

The Crumpler Limited Leather Daily: Special Delivery From England

Last month Alison wrote asking about laptop bags which could also hold a DSLR with accessories for her upcoming trip, and one of the first things I said in my reply was that most of the ones I had seen were a bit drab, especially considering how much I know she loves color. See, that’s the thing about Alison – she and I will ooh and ahh over purses and laptop bags together, but invariably I will find myself contemplating the brown ones, whereas she will be drawn to the purple or aqua ones; that girl loves color! So back…

M2 Media Converter Review: Play Your Videos The Way They Were Intended to Be Seen...on Any Device.

M2 Media Converter Review: Play Your Videos The Way They Were Intended to Be Seen…on Any Device.

One of the problems I have always found with gadgets and technology is that the more useful they get, the less useable they become. What does that mean, exactly? Well, the best way to explain this is by looking at an example, such as digital video. I know an awful lot of people (many of whom read Gear Diary) who like to watch videos on the media players or iPods. The problem here is that digital video is not a particularly useable medium. In fact, it can be downright difficult, with dozens of different formats available. It always seems like…

Evolve Showerhead Review - Save Time, Water and Energy

Evolve Showerhead Review – Save Time, Water and Energy

How often does this happen? You start the shower so that it can warm up and then you’re distracted by other things. Maybe the kids call you from another room, you start folding clothes, reading an article in the newspaper. Suddenly 5, 10 or 15 minutes can suddenly pass and the entire time you’re wasting hot water. Evolve Showerheads has a solution. And it’s not the typical reduced flow showerhead. What they’ve done is add a temperature flow valve that auto-senses when the shower reaches 95 degrees. Then it slows the water to a trickle – saving otherwise wasted hot…

The Plantronics MS200 Aviation Headset Review

The Plantronics MS200 Aviation Headset Review

I am on a search for an alternative to the vice-grip like David Clark headsets that the company gives us to use on our planes. The Dave Clarks have one thing going for them; they shut out noise from the outside very well. The price for this though, is they can get downright hot and painful after a couple of hours. The Plantronics MS200 is my first try at something lighter.

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