Android Gear

Take Your Tablet on the Go with the Skooba Design iPad/Tablet Courier V.3

  Look at the Skooba Design website, and you’ll see an assortment of high-quality east-west bags — meaning they are wider than they are high, and they hold laptops in landscape orientation. The north-south Skooba Design iPad/Tablet Courier V.3 is a departure from tradition, and it’s an impressive addition to the Skooba lineup; we’ve been using one and we’re impressed.




Can You Blog from a Nexus 7 with a Bluetooth Keyboard?

I recently purchased a new case with a bluetooth keyboard for my Nexus 7. After a while, I really started to like using the keyboard.  There will be a full review of the case coming but I wondered: Could I use it to write posts here on Gear Diary? The answer is yes!  However, it does have some quirks.


Need Storage? The SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive May Be for You!

My iPhone-shopping brother-in-law wrote, “I think I know the answer, but is 32GB enough capacity for normal users? I do not have tremendous amounts of data and generally don’t store much in the way of videos.” iPhone storage capacity is a potential issue, but it is one that’s easily resolved thanks to the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive.



Want the Maserati of Tablet Stands? Check Out the FLOTE m2!

One of Elana’s most oft-used phrases is, “You get what you pay for.” In the case of the pricey FLOTE m2 Floor Stand tablet stand that is indeed true. What you’ll pay for is the best tablet stand I have ever used, and I suspect that will remain true for quite some time.  


Our Visit With Element Case- A CES 2014 Booth Tour

Judie and I have long been fans of Element Case and their various offerings. After our visit with them during CES 2014, that is more true than ever. Their cases are gorgeous, their offerings are expanding, and their philosophy permeates every aspect of their brand. Here are some images and videos from our time at the booth.


Parrot MiniDrone Takes Flight at CES 2014

During CES 2014 Parrot introduced the MiniDrone. The small, less-expensive app-powered drone makes an immediate impression and looks like a ton of fun! Connect it to a smartphone or a tablet with Bluetooth Smart and watch it take flight. I asked the “pilot” to use Judie as a landing zone for the MiniDrone. They were happy to comply.  


UBOOLY Makes Smart Devices Fun and Educational

UBOOLY is the “Smart Toy That Makes Your Smart Device Come to Life”. That’s the company tag line, and it’s also true. We dropped by the booth during CES 2014 and got the scoop. We are looking forward to hearing what Carly’s son Wyatt thinks. Check out our video look at the CES UBOOLY booth!


Leef Introduces Bridge 3.0, the First 3.0 USB for Android File Sharing

While much of our communications has become wireless, sometimes we still need to move files from one place to another – and it is often a pain! Those drivers didn’t install correctly, you forgot the cable, or whatever. And you are stuck trying to use SOMETHING to get your files from your phone to your PC. Enter Bridge 3.0!


Scosche Launches superCUBE at CES 2014? – Smallest 12W USB Wall Charger

Over the last few years I have loved the moves to smaller and smaller chargign blocks for devices, which seems to be reversing as new ‘fast charge’ devices like iPad Air and Kindle Fire HDX require more power, meaning bigger blocks. So it was a welcome announcement that Scosche Launches superCUBE at CES 2014 – Smallest 12W USB Wall Charger. “Many of our customers have both Lighting and micro USB powered devices and become frustrated with how long a dedicated charger can take to power their other mobile devices,” said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President Scosche Industries. “superCUBE allows our…


Seido Rolls out New Cases at CES

It wouldn’t be CES without case manufacturers announcing new accessories for the smartphone and tablet market, and the folks at Seido are no exception. Seido has been churning out quality cases for years, going back to ye olde Palm OS days, and they are ready to protect your Galaxy Note 3, iPad, and iPhone with style!


Scosche Announces magicMOUNT System for Car Home And Office

Almost everyone carries around a smart device of one kind or another. It is great that these devices have become such wonderful tools in our lives, but how often do you need a place to set them? Scosche has announced a system of magnetic magicMOUNT device mounts for the car, home or office. Full press release after the break. LAS VEGAS – January 07, 2014 –Scosche is excited to unveil the magicMOUNT system of cradle free magnetic mounts for car, home or office.  User’s simply apply the magicPLATE directly to their device and hover it over one of Scosche’s new magicMOUNTs to…




PowerBinder Solar Charging Binder Review

It seems like today, most everyone spends at least some part of their day searching for a place to charge. The mobile gadget lifestyle is great, unless you are plagued with dead batteries. The PowerBinder strives to alleviate the daily plug search with solar panels and an internal battery. It comes in at $149 and can charge a phone 2.5 times.


Sony Xperia Z Ultra review: Big Phone or Tiny Tablet?

Sony is really pushing the boundaries with the Xperia Z Ultra. Combining the latest hardware and a 6.44-inch 1080p display into a svelte package, it sets itself apart from the competition. But can it walk the line between phone and tablet? After spending a few weeks with it, I’ve found the answer.


Keep Your Devices Charged and Ready to Go with Bluelounge’s Sanctuary4

It is a “first world problem” but a problem nonetheless. As mobile gear multiplies, the need to charge them in a convenient manner becomes increasingly important. Bluelounge’s Sanctuary4 promises to keep up to four devices charge while conveniently keeping things organized and accessible. At $99.95 it might appear a bit pricey, but the convenience and functionality are sure to impress.


The Best Alarm Dock for Android Is the Hale Dreamer

Hale Devices, Joe Born’s newest venture, successfully kick-started the Hale Dreamer via Kickstarter. The Hale Dreamer is an extension of the work that Joe and his team did on the Digital Innovations Speaker Dock. Thanks to the work on that dock, Joe and his team have put together the best alarm dock available for Andrioid devices.


TYLT TUNZ Bluetooth Speaker Tunes In To NFC Audio

Is there room for yet another small, portable Bluetooth speaker in an ever-more-crowded market? I sure hope so. The TYLT TUNZ is small but surprisingly powerful, easily customized and some features that make it a great option if you are looking to take your music on the go while charging your mobile device at the same time.