Smartphones & Gear

Gear Review: VTech LS6245 DECT 6.0 Touch-Sensitive Bluetooth Cordless Phone System

A home telephone is just a home telephone right? Of course not. That hasn’t been the case for years. While we used to rent our telephones from “Ma Bell” and could have our phone in any color and style so long as we liked black rotary phones we now have a wide range of options with regard to both look and functionality. Most recently many people have even gone so far as to get rid of their home phone entirely and rely only on their cell phone. We happen to have two lines coming into our house but both use…


SCOTTEVEST SeV Travel Boxers Review

I know this is going to come as a shock to those of who you frequent the site but… I love SCOTTEVEST clothing. I wear one of their jackets pretty much every day, I love my SeV hoodie and, recently, I got some of their Q-Zip and performance t-shirts which I pretty much live in when I’m not in a suit. So it should be no huge surprise that I was intrigued when they pulled the curtain back on their latest product- the SeV Travel Boxers. Well, I’m not a boxer kinda guy (yeah, yeah… TMI…) but these just might change…


Gear Review- MOBiLE CLOTH High Tech Split Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Touchscreens are awesome but they are also fingerprint magnets. As the above image shows, try as I might, I can’t seem to keep my screen pristine. And that’s just the aesthetic issue. Recent studies have shown that touchscreens tend to collect lots and lots of germs. That’s especially problematic now that it is flu season. Seriously… it is gross to think about what is squirming around on this screen. Yuck! That’s why I was intrigued when we received an e-mail from a new company, MOBiLE CLOTH. They wrote to tell us about their product which is specially designed to remove…


Cervantes Mobile Releases Portable Bluetooth keyboard for iPhone, iPad and Android devices

Cervantes Mobile has released a new portable bluetooth keyboard designed specifically for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The Jorno keyboard… …folds down to a compact size to easily fit in your pocket or bag, and includes a detachable cradle to hold your device in either portrait or landscape orientation. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair the keyboard to your mobile device and position the keyboard anywhere you like. The keyboard is also rigid when unfolded, allowing placement in your lap. With the Jorno Bluetooth Keyboard, you can write emails, take notes and enjoy an efficient, portable way to type…


Don’t Believe Me? Bing It!

It’s not like you could possibly miss it, but if you were watching  last night’s Hawaii Five-0 episode, then you likely saw the scene where … oh heck, just watch! Chin Ho Kelly challenges Kono Kalakaua to perform the search while they are looking at a sculpture, when she reaches into her bag and pulls out the LG Optimus 7 — the first time I have seen one in the wild, even if only on TV. Larry has pointed out Apple’s movie and television product placements, and it looks like Microsoft is taking a page from their book; the one…


Gear Must-Have: Gadget Genie Moisture Removal System

Judie knows gadgets. She’s been blogging for years and has tried out hundred and hundreds of different items and accessories. Many of them get “ooos and ahhs” from her, but rarely have I seen a product draw such immediate enthusiasm as this one. No, this product received an “OMG Great Idea!!! I need some to keep on hand!!” What product caught her eye in such a big way? Is it a phone? Nope. Is it a tablet? Nope. Is it a new computer? Nope. So what is it? It is a bag. And no, it is not one of her…


Android Device Review: U.S. Cellular’s HTC Desire

all photos by Kevin Mitchell reviewed the HTC Desire back in April, an Android 2.1 device which at the time was only available in the UK, Europe and Asia, but that’s since changed. US Cellular, a CDMA carrier, has released their branded US version. While in many ways it is basically the same device as the one Mitchell had, there are some differences worth noting. But first, we’ll start with the similarities. Some of the other phones we’ve seen released as both GSM and CDMA carrier branded versions can appear to be completely different model phones when placed side by…


HeyTell Review

Remember years ago when Nextel’s Direct Connect phones were all the rage?  They aren’t used widely today, but back then the familiar beep of the walky-talky feature was something heard often.  Thanks to a tip from a YouTube friend I’ve been using a new iOS application called “HeyTell” which mirrors the Nextel Direct Connect function. HeyTell turns your iOS device into a walky-talky.  You record short (limited to 30-seconds) voice notes and they are transmitted to another user and played on his/her iOS device.  The application utilizes push notifications to alert users when new messages have arrived so once you send the…


ADT PULSE Interactive Security System Review

When the new ADT PULSE system became available in my area I immediate jumped at the chance to have it installed in my home.  PULSE not only allows for the ability to arm and disarm one’s home security system from anywhere in the world, it does much more.  The new ADT PULSE system is all about home automation.  It includes lighting, temperature control, video, and more. As a kid this sort of thing seemed like something that would exist in the far, far future, maybe not even in my lifetime.  But it turns out that future isn’t far off at…


All New Powermat Wireless Charging System for the iPhone 4 Review

Powermat was first to bring wireless charging to the iPhone.  I was admittedly not a huge fan of their first generation design for the iPhone 3G/3Gs.  The large back plate just didn’t look good.  Dan had a chance to review the first generation system just about a year ago and came to a similar conclusion. The company is readying their iPhone 4 second generation release and I had a chance to preview it.  Boy how things have changed.  The new iPhone 4 Powermat is a world away from its predecessor.  Small, sleek and thin, the new version is a site to see….


Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Commercials: Folks At Home … Is It Me?

Yesterday Microsoft launched Windows Phone 7, the ground-up reboot of the failed Windows Mobile platform. By all accounts the hardware and software look solid and intriguing, with reports of great performance and an interface built around a quick look at lots of information rather than being largely app-centric like iOS and Android. Of course, only time will tell how it will all shake out. In the mean time, Microsoft has released two advertising spots for the new phone OS, one called ‘Really?’ and the other ‘Season of the Witch’. Each of the ads is focused around the tag line: It’s…


Windows Phone 7: Too Little Too Late? Or Just In the Nick of Time?

Francis: Monday’s press conference marked the official announcement of Microsoft’s highly anticipated Windows Phone 7. Microsoft has officially been tooting their own horn in the past months about their new phone OS and hardware, claiming that this is the new vision of Microsoft Mobile devices. Judie: The dust is finally starting to settle, and now we’ve had a chance to digest the information which came … as well as a chance to formulate some questions. Make no mistake about it, Microsoft needed a new vision for their mobile devices. The company, which for a time enjoyed their position as a…


6X Telescope with Crystal Case for iPhone 4 Review

The addition of zoom functionality to the iPhone’s camera was welcomed when it was finally released. Although it’s now possible to zoom in on your subject when shooting pictures with the iPhone’s camera the distance you can close is somewhat limited. This 6X telescope with case for the iPhone 4 from USBfever.com solves that problem big time. With a 6 times zoom you’ll be able to shoot subjects that you can barely see with your naked eye.  It’s literally like sticking a pair of binoculars on the end of your iPhone. Inside the box you’ll find the case, lens, cleaning…


The All In One Nest Case for iPod Touch & iPhone Review

There are plenty of solutions out there for propping your iPhone or iPod Touch up when it comes time to watch a video. Or how about when you want to use your iPhone or iPod as your bed side alarm clock? Yep, plenty of things for that too. However, most of these come in the form of a stand and that makes for one more item which you’ve got to store in your gear bag or tote around in your pocket. The Nest Case solves this problem by incorporating a stand, which allows for your iDevice to be displayed in…


eHolster Front Pocket Wallet iPhone Case Review

Since winning a recent bout with back pain, I’ve begun, at the recommendation of my chiropractor, carrying my wallet in my front pants pocket. It lives on the right side of my trousers, while my iPhone lives on the left. That presents a problem when it comes time to place my keys somewhere. I don’t want to put my keys in the same pocket as my iPhone for fear that they will scratch it, and there isn’t much room left in the pocket where my wallet is stored. The result? I often times carry my keys on my belt or…


Speck Fitted iPhone 4 Case Review

Speck has been making quality accessories for the Apple iPhone since the first generation device was released. Admittedly I was not a huge fan of the 3G version of the Fitted case. However, that all changed when Speck retooled the Fitted for their 3GS release. Speck was kind enough to send me the iPhone 4 version of the Fitted and I’ve had some time over the last few weeks to put the case through its paces. Does the new Fitted retain the same fit and quality that the 3GS version did? Read on to find out. The Fitted case comes…


iGo Charge Anywhere Review

No matter how long you think your mobile devices can maintain a full day’s charge, you’re going to be put to the test.   It’s always  going to be a race to find an outlet or to boot up your computer  as your phone’s battery starts to fade out completely.   It’s happened to me plenty of times.   When I’m at a conference.   When I’m at a meeting.   When I’m rushing to catch a flight.   No time is a good time, either.   When that battery does go, you’re in a lonely world.   No email, no calls, no texts, no twitter or Facebook…


T-Mobile G2 Review: Is it better than the Nexus One?

The T-Mobile G2 is the first true successor to the phone that started it all, the T-Mobile G1, over two years ago. I have been carrying two Android devices (a Google Nexus One, and a T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide) because there has not been a single Android device that met my needs. Does the T-Mobile G2, with its increased storage capacity, support for the faster HSPA+ network, with its innovative keyboard design and stock Android experience meet my needs? Read on to find out.


Speck Pixel Skin HD iPhone 4 Case Review

When the iPhone 4 first launched many of the case manufacturers had cases for the new device at the ready. How this process of creating cases for a device that technically doesn’t exist yet works I have no idea but my guess is Apple forwards certain companies the specs of their upcoming device to go off. While this does mean companies are able to have cases ready on launch day it doesn’t always allow them to properly test them. The iPhone 4 is the first iPhone to have a built in flash. The LED flash, located on the back of…


Sprint SERO Plans Adding Support for Newer Phones

Before the advent of “Simply Everything” there was an even cheaper way to get Sprint service. All you needed was the email address of a Sprint employee, and you’d qualify for a special plan called “Sprint Employee Referral Offer” or SERO. Basically, it was deeply discounted service, and the people lucky enough to sign up have enjoyed ridiculously cheap wireless for the last few years. In an attempt to drive people off SERO and onto the more lucrative “Simply Everything” plans, Sprint stopped allowing SERO customers to upgrade to new phones. Basically, name a hot phone on Sprint, and SERO…


Thinksound ts02+ mic Review: Going Green Sounds Even Better Now

Last February I had the chance to review Thinksound’s first two offerings. The “Rain” and the “Thunder” were the company’s first entries into the earbud market. Thinksound is a company that takes environmental impact seriously. Everything they use in the construction of their products, from the packaging made from recycled materials to the PVC free cable, is all about leaving as small a eco-footprint as possible. And before you ask, the answer is no. Going green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Thinksound makes a pleasant sounding, good looking headphone now with the addition of a microphone. The ts02+…