Archive for the ‘Computers’ Category
As much as I’ve enjoyed reading Mitchell’s “My Daily Kit” column, after a while, I started getting a bit jealous; after all, I have a daily kit as well and I thought it might be fun to share my go-to gadgets. So where did I start? With one of my staples–and probably the staple of everyone out there that carries a laptop with them with any frequency: A portable mouse. As you might imagine, there is a lot of product to choose from in this segment, but we wanted to share a product that comes from a company that you might not associate with wireless mice–Verbatim. Mostly known for their digital storage solutions, Verbatim is expanding their product line…and their Wireless Mini Travel Mouse was one of the new products we were anxious to try. What did we think of it? Well, since it’s now a part of my daily kit, I think you can guess the answer…
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Obviously Brilliant
Ok, I admit it. Getting the chance to test the latest ultra-fast and powerful dual-core and 4G phones is fun. Putting the latest incredibly capable tablets through their paces is just plain cool. And I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed the chance to review all the amazing games and hot new gadgets that pass through our doors each week here at YourTechReport.com. But if you want to know what products really make me smile – which products I have the hardest time returning at the end of the test period – I think my answer will surprise you. Why? Because, while I love all the high-end, cooler-than-cool stuff that we usually report on, the truth is, the gear that really grabs my attention are the simple, utilitarian products that we all need and use–but almost never think about (unless, of course, something goes wrong). Put plainly, I think that turning the unremarkable into the extraordinary is the very definition of cool. +Continue Reading
So first off, let me say this: Whoever had the idea to make a rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard the size of a slim video game controller should definitely be given a medal–or at least be widely praised by his or her peers. Originally designed for AHX Global’s itablet, the Thumb Keyboard will work with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device. With most mobile devices having only “virtual” keyboards, having a small rechargeable keyboard that fits in your bag is incredibly helpfully–however, this is a PORTABLE keyboard. It’s made to be taken from your bag and used to type on your laptop, iPad, or even iPhone, or placed on a table in a coffee shop or food court to do some quick emailing or web browsing. If you’re planning on purchasing this as you main keyboard for your work desktop, stop reading this right now–there are plenty of great options, but the Thumb Keyboard isn’t one of them. However, if you’re scrolling back and forth with your joystick on your PS3 trying to write a hate message to the noob who just pwned you in Call Of Duty, then I highly advise that you read on, and learn about the wonders of the Thumb Keyboard. +Continue Reading
Yes, there are bug fixes and of course, there are improvements to stability and in security; but make no mistake–this latest upgrate to Snow Leopard is all about getting your Mac ready for OS X Lion. With Apple’s next major OS release only weeks away, this is the last update we should see before Lion releases is July. For those who would like to learn more about OS X version 10.6.8, click here for Apple’s official support page; for everyone else, happy downloading!
Way back in January, we told you about the Meteor Mic that Samson revealed at CES this year. This stylish, portable USB microphone made quite an impression, with its stylish retro looks and foldable legs–so naturally, we were curious to hear how it sounded; after all, all the chrome plating in the world can’t make up for poor audio quality. Well, the folks at Samson were kind enough to send us a Meteor Mic of our very own to see if it had what it takes to become a part of my daily kit–and in case the title of the article hasn’t already given it away, the Meteor Mic passed our tests with flying colors. But why just write a review, when I can record a review and let you hear what it sounds like for yourself? So, withut further delay, I present our first audio review…of the Samson Meteor Mic. (Make sure to check out the photos after the break!)
Listen to the Meteor Mic Review!
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“We’re going to move the digital hub, the center of your digital life, into the cloud.”
That’s how Apple CEO Steve Jobs began his introduction of Apple’s new cloud service offering, dubbed iCloud. Steve continues to explain: “iCloud stores your content in the cloud and wirelessly pushes it to all your devices. It automatically uploads it, stores it, and pushes it to all your devices.” What exactly does iCloud do?
It pushes your contacts to the cloud wirelessly syncing them with all of your other devices, and does the same for calendars; plus, it allows you to share them with other users.- The AppStore now shows you all purchased apps whether they are installed on the current device or not. Tap one button, and the app is downloaded to the current device. The same for iBooks–touch the cloud button, and its downloaded locally.
- Your entire device, content and all, will be backed up. Get a new device? Simply enter your Apple ID and password and there’s your content. Purchased music, apps & books, camera roll (photos & videos), device settings and App data.
- Documents created with Pages are also stored in the cloud, available across your devices. The same for Numbers and Keynote. This works across all iOS devices, Macs and PC’s too.
Check the full release after the jump. +Continue Reading
Apple CEO Steve Jobs took the stage moments ago in San Francisco to kick of WWDC in style. The keynote began with the introduction of Mac OS X Lion and highlighted only 10 of the 250 new features in the new OS. The OS adds features like new multi-touch gestures alongside full screen apps (including iPhoto, Safari, iMovie) plus the all new Mission Control which was announced a couple months back. This brings together the features of Spaces and Expose in a launchpad application launcher that gives you access to everything you’re doing in one place. A new “Resume” and “Autosave” feature automatically stores different versions of your documents ideal for crashes or just pickingup where you left off. Sharing work on a document? No problem, AirDrop allows you to drag and drop files to your peers on the same WiFi network and instantly be notified when received. Finally a new version of Mail was unveiled that includes enhanced search functions, conversation view and other tools that simplify the process of just getting your mail!
In addition to these 10 features others include over 3,000 new API’s for developers, Windows Migration assistance, built-in FaceTime, plus Lion Server Add-On which is just a purchase from the Mac App Store. Lion will be available as a 4GB download from the Mac App Store, no reboots and can be used on all authorized Macs. The price? $29.99 available in July.
Who would have thought that I would be sitting here today writing a full blown review on a computer mouse? I must correct myself, though: this isn’t just any computer mouse. This is the Mionix NAOS 500 Gaming mouse that is worlds beyond “just a regular mouse.” I first laid eyes on this mouse at a private showing at CES 2011. I never really thought that a mouse could be that much different than any other “off the shelf” model, but boy, was I wrong.
When the NAOS 5000 arrived at my doorstep, I was extremely eager to get going with this new pointing device. You see, my old Microsoft Laser mouse was having so many problems because of surrounding wireless signals that It was time to go back to the golden years of cables so that I could have something reliable controlling my day to day computing. To be honest, I haven’t thought of a wireless mouse since. +Continue Reading
Ah, the computer case.
Yet another often overlooked piece of equipment.
For some it’s purely an expression of themselves (like painting flames on your car), for others it’s a purely practical little box, solely for holding all of your computer’s guts.
Some people couldn’t care less about their case, others obsess over its every detail.
If you’re going to build your own desktop computer though, your case should be as carefully considered as any other piece of gear you’ll be purchasing… +Continue Reading
After our review of the amazing Booq Mamba Catch, we received some great emails; while many of the emails were about the bag itself, there were also several emails that asked me what I fill my gadget bag with on a daily basis. Rather than answer those emails individually, I had an idea: Why not create a new feature that covers the gadget essentials? And so, “My Daily Kit” was born. This feature is pretty much what the title implies–reviewing the gear that I tend to keep on me when I’m out and about. To that end, I couldn’t think of a better place to start than the Moshi Cardette Ultra; so read on, and find out why the Cardette Ultra is part USB hub, part media card reader…and 100% indispensable.
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What if you had a job where you never got to put down your iPad? These days it seems more and more people do. From nurses and shipping clerks to architects and teachers, the iPad has become indispensable; and with so many business apps being made available, it looks like even more folks will have them in the future. Here’s something to make life a little easier for you: The HandStand iPad holder and stand. It fits on your hand like a boxer’s training pad and spins 360° without having to leave your grip. If you do a lot of invoicing or require signatures on your iPad, this is the perfect holder for you. Check off everything you need to, flip it over and have your customer sign, and it never has to leave your hand; pull up your patient’s chart or draft new blueprints on site, all while you are walking around. It’s remarkably convenient and like I said, you never have to put it down.
The HandStand I have in these photos here is for the first generation iPad, but a version for the iPad 2 is also available. When I first received the HandStand, I wasn’t really sure what to do with it; after all, I’m not really a business guy and honestly I used it more for showing off cool YouTube videos to my friends or playing “Plants vs Zombies” or “Angry Birds” on the bus across town. It’s also very handy (pun intended, so sue me) for reading books too. Again, you can flip it from full page to landscape with just a twist. Oh, and it’s great for catching up on the latest reviews on YTR while you’re riding the subway, and proved to be a great way to meet people at my local bar. (Carrying a HandStand is much easier than having to borrow your friend’s dog or baby–if you get my drift))
For those times when you do have to put your iPad down, the HandStand also provides nice solid protection on the back and sides; not quite as much as a traditional case, but more than just a bumper. If I had a one complaint, it would be that it doesn’t really allow your iPad to lie flat, but that’s really incidental to what it DOES do. Because, l
et’s face it–if you’re using a HandStand for your iPad, you’re probably not planning on putting it down much.
With all that said, I do think that the HandStand’s greatest utility will be for business users. The grip is comfortable, it doesn’t weigh too much, and the fact that you can change from portrait to landscape with just a little flip is very convenient for so many applications–be prepared to see a lot of these in action in the very near future.
The HandStand for iPad and iPad 2 both retail for $49.95.
Road warriors rejoice! How many times have you been stuck in a hotel without anything to watch? Well, here’s your salvation: the Scosche sneakPEEK II switchable component and composite audio/video cable. Simply put, it hooks your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch directly into a television, letting you watch all of your digital media on a much larger screen, in either standard, or high definition. Most hotels have WiFi these days, but let’s face it–the movie and TV selection can be pretty weak. Why not just go on Nextflix and watch what you want? The sneakPEEK II let’s you do exactly that; anything you can watch on your iPhone or iPad you can now watch on the big screen. +Continue Reading
App of the Week: Radiant Defense
Review: The HTC One X on AT&T
Review: Swann’s iFly Micro Lightning RC Helicopter
