Apple iPhone Gear

Here’s an Original Use for the BenQ GP2

While visiting with Texas Instruments DLP PICO, we discovered that they had a familiar product — the BenQ GP2 — set up to do something we thought was pretty mind-blowing … So you set an iPhone in the BenQ’s cradle, and then you can use another iPhone or an iPod touch (connected by WiFi) as a gaming remote control, with the action being displayed on the wall for everyone to see. That’s a pretty cool and offbeat use for what might otherwise seem like a very straightforward piece of equipment. What do you think? =) BenQ GP2

Events

DLP Pico Engine Powers a Smartphone Projector: From the CES Floor

Here’s another implementation of TI’s DLP PICO chip… This smartphone is also a projector. This “embedded Pico smartphone” is not yet on the market but it may very well be the direction the market is going. (This post and many more being brought to you from CES-stay tuned to Gear Diary for more great coverage all week!)

Events, News

Velocomp Introduces iBike Powerhouse for iPhone/iPod Touch

Since I am one of Gear Diary’s cooking and kitchen gadget reviewers and also write about food for a few other publications, it’s all I can do to keep myself anywhere near fighting weight. One of my favorite exercise regimens as part of the battle of the bulge is cycling, both on the road and in the gym. So that’s why I was excited to see the latest announcement from Velocomp that they have developed an iOS-based cycling computer that interfaces with iPhones and iPods. I usually ride with my iPhone anyway, for safety on the road and for entertainment…

Events, News

Case-Mate Phantom for iPhone 4S: Just What Carly Was Looking For?

And the first bit of swag from CES 2011 goes to… Carly. Let me explain. The other day Carly was asking for recommendations for iPhone cases to protect both Sarah and her new iPhones when they go on vacation next month. Yes, our own Carly Z is all grown up and has a real smartphone now. (That was a totally gratuitous iOS-fanboy comment… I apologize but I’m on CES sleep deprivation already. That’s my explanation and I’nm sticking to it.) 🙂 Carly got a lot of excellent suggestions that included OtterBox cases (the classics when it comes to tough protection)…

Events, News, Travel

GearDiaryGo Tip: Don’t Travel Without TripIt

We’ve mentioned this numerous times in the past but it’s worth reiterating, TripIt is probably one of the best travel companions you can have. The service and accompanying smartphone and tablet applications make it easy to arrange your trip, track your plans, and get notified when there are changes. And if you are traveling with a group that is coming from various locations you can link one itinerary with another so you can see where they are and what their plans will be. Ever since Judie introduced me to it two years ago I’ve been a huge fan. In fact,…

Reviews

LifeProof Proof Case for iPhone 4S Review

I’ve had good luck with my iPhones since the very start. While I have had to have almost every one replaced at some point it has never been the result of physical damage. Yeah, I know, now that I wrote that my iPhone will get crushed within the next week. Still, since my iPhone comes with me everywhere, it makes sense to think about really protecting it. There are a lot of heavy-duty cases available for the iPhone already but most of them are pretty bulky. Take, for example, the Case-Mate Tank we reviewed ($41 through our NGD affiliate store)or…

Reviews

Chivel iPhone 4S Clear and Black Bumper Review

My iPhone 4S has mostly lived in a Speck Fitted case since it was purchased. While I like it, I am always on the lookout for other options. Ideally, I wanted something that would offer some protection and grip, but still showcase the industrial style of the 4S. While bopping around Amazon one day, I came across a listing for a clear bumper with a silicon trim by a company called Chivel. It was only $2.99, so it seemed like the perfect way to try out a more minimal bumper style case. Is this an amazing price for a great case…

Reviews

Speck MightyVault for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S Video Review

klutz (klts) n. Slang 1. A clumsy person. [Yiddish klots, from Middle High German kloz, block, lump, from Old High German.] Are you a klutz? Have you dropped your iPhone more than once? Do you need more iPhone-protection than the average person? If you answered any or all of these questions affirmatively you may need Speck’s new MightVault case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. At under $50 the MightVault provides a great deal of protection while still offering a distinctly Speck-style appearance. Here’s a closer look. From Speck: Are you that tough on your phone? Well, MightyVault is…

Reviews

Sena Sarach LeatherSkin for iPhone 4S Video Review

Over the past few days we’ve looked at a number of Sena cases for the iPhone 4S. We began with the most “complicated”, the Hampton Wallet. Next we looked at another case-wallet combination but this one, the WalletSlim, was a bit simpler. This third video review brings us the least complicated case yet but don’t let that fool you, the Sena Sarach LeatherSkin may be simple but it is a beautiful case that stands out from the crowd of “me too” iPhone cases. Here’s a look… From Sena: The Sarach LeatherSkin case is a part of the unique Sarach Designer…

Reviews

Sena WalletSlim for iPhone 4S Video Review

The other day we reviewed Sena’s gorgeous Hampton Wallet for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The case completely protects the iPhone and doubles as a highly functional wallet with three card slots and an additional space behind them for stowing receipts or a few dollars. In day-to-day use, however, the case can be a tiny bit cumbersome since it requires you to unsnap the cover to access the screen. It also can be challenging to use the iPhone with one hand. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome case. It IS but it might not be the right case…

Reviews

Tekkeon TekCharge MP1580 review

We’ve seen and reviewed a lot of different external backup batteries for mobile devices. Many of them will be coming to CES next month in the hopes that, for once, we won’t be scrambling to recharge our gear. One of the batteries that will be coming along is the Tekkeon TekCharge MP1580 but calling it an external battery is actually not quite accurate. No, the MP1580 can be thought of as a rechargeable battery charger that can double as an external battery. That means it serves a double function when you are on the go. Priced at under $25 it…

Reviews

Speck FabShell for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S Video Review

We’ve recently taken a look at a number of Speck’s offerings for the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S but I saved my personal favorite for last. The Speck FabShell is a low profile case that protects the back, sides, top and bottom of the iPhone but leaves the screen fully accessible The addition of fabric not only on the back but on the sides and bottom makes it a case that looks… and feels unique. Let’s check out this new style from Speck. Speck on the FabShell: Custom patterns, extra protection and a super-slim fit are what make this…

Reviews

Eskuché 33i and Control-i Headphones Review

Back in November we brought a pair of on-ear headphones to your attention that look great, sound good and don’t break the bank. At under $70 for each pair eskuché’s 33i and Control-i headphones are worth considering if you’ve been looking for a pair of on-ear headphones that include an in-line mic. We’ve had both of them here for the past few weeks and have used them to listen to a variety of music. In this lightening review we will take a quick look at both, give you some of the upsides and some of the potential downsides and then…

Reviews

Speck CandyShell Flip for iPhone 4/4S Video Review

If you dock your iPhone you have discovered the challenge of finding the right case, one that provides enough protection but also fits into the charge/sync dock or speaker dock you use. Speck took a decidedly different approach to solving this issue with their CandyShell Flip by making it possible to protect your iPhone in a thick, shock absorbing CandyShell case AND charge/sync/dock without having to ever remove the case. It is a simple but effective design and may be the ideal case for you. Let’s take a look… From Speck: Dock your iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 without removing…

Reviews

Gear VS Gear: The JawBone JamBox Faces Off Against the Spar Zephyr 300

The JawBone JamBox is one impressive device. It is a Bluetooth speaker, a speakerphone and one of the best gadgets of 2011! At $199 it isn’t inexpensive but it is a quality device that is well worth the money. Spar’s Zephyr line of speakers looks to step into the fray with the JamBox and one up it by including a backup battery that can charge your device on the go. They even got Wired to run a piece entitled “Like a JamBox, Only More Generous” despite the author never having heard one. So how do the Zephyr’s (which cost between…

Reviews

Speck CandyShell View for iPhone 4/4S Video Review

I had two different students come in to see me the other day. Both had brand new iPhones. Both iPhones were in the same style of case although in different colors. Yes, both students had opted to buy Speck’s CandyShell case to protect their new iPhone. The CandyShell line has been a huge hit for Speck and, as a result, the company is continuing to expand the line. They sent a few different samples over and we will be taking some video looks at them. First up, the Speck CandyShell View for iPhone 4/4S. From Speck: This clever twist on our…

Reviews

Speck CandyShell Card for iPhone 4/4S Video Review

The other day we reviewed Sena’s gorgeous Hampton Wallet for iPhone 4/4S. It is a luxurious leather case that doubles as a wallet and is a pleasure to hold and to use. Yesterday, however, I found myself a tiny bit frustrated by having to open the cover each time I wanted to access my phone. I also found that, when using the case, one handed iPhone manipulation is impossible. I still love the case but it did make me wonder what the same approach would be like if it did not have the cover. Let me introduce you to Speck’s…

Reviews

Sena Hampton Wallet for iPhone 4/4S Review

I left my house yesterday and headed into the office. I was in the car. My iPhone was in the car. My wallet, however, was on the kitchen table. Oops. Yes, I NEVER leave home without my iPhone but, time and again, I seem to forget my wallet. That is a bit of a problem but one that is easily solved by using a wallet that is also an iPhone case. We’ve looked at a few previously, but many had a fatal flaw in that they lacked a camera cutout. In addition, we’ve also previously debated the question of whether…

News

Griffin and Third Man Records Put a Spin on Your iPhone 4S with a Case Custom Cut from a 7” Vinyl Record

My hometown of Nashville, TN is full of stars, and not just the country music kind. It’s a little-known secret that lots of actors and musicians from other genres choose to live in the area because, in general, we Nashvillagers pretty much leave them alone when we see them out in public. Nicole Kidman shops all the time at my local Whole Foods and can dine in peace at the food bar with no fear of autograph hounds. Peter Frampton has become a gentleman farmer in a Nashville suburb, and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit moved here from Columbus, OH to escape…

News

Rebecca Minkoff’s Offbeat Fashionista iPhone Accessories, Knuckles and Zipped Up

If most of the iPhone 4 and 4S cases you’ve seen have been too boring, then you might enjoy the “Knuckles” case by Rebecca Minkoff ($58). You certainly wouldn’t have to worry about dropping your phone when it’s in this silicone case, and the added benefit (?) is that when you hold the case a certain way, no one will mess with you. An offbeat case deserves an offbeat headset, so while you’re at it — take a look at “Zipped Up”, the new wired headset also by Rebecca Minkoff ($48). Both of thee items (and a few other gems) may be…

Editorials

Where’s my “Made for Android?”

My eldest son had a birthday recently, receiving numerous presents. This in and of itself is not unusual, but there was an aspect to one of those presents that triggered a revelation of sorts for me. Before I delve into that, let me preface it with a disclaimer: I currently own no Apple products. Zip. Nada. Zero. In the realm of cell phones, I’m partial to Android. I love the customizability of it, the screen widgets, and how I can choose to integrate it with my PCs. My son, not yet a cell phone user, owns an iPod. Consequently, towards…

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