Category Archives: Electronics

DinoTwin T1 Premium Sport Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones

  By admin | June 18, 2013 - 4:28 pm | , ,
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DinoTwin T1 Premium Sport Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones – Black/Red

This is my first set of DinoTwin T1 Premium Sport Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones – Black/Red. I am impressed. Pairing was very easy. I use it with both my Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ tablet and also my iPhone 4S. The connection is good, the sound is clear and full. I don’t have to recharge it often.

Fit is perfect. I don’t have trouble with it falling out. There are smaller and larger ear pieces included, in case they don’t fit.

Control is typical of earphones. There are three buttons that do everything. The basic functions are intuitive, but things like muting the mic, voice dial, etc., require the owner’s manual.

I don’t make many calls with the earphones, anyway. Sound quality is fine on the earphone side, but the caller on the other end is forced to listen to a garbled voice. My son says it’s “fuzzy.” It doesn’t cut in and out like a speakerphone. It’s just difficult to make out the words.

For music, these earphones beat the wired variety any day. I love being free of wires. I can set my phone down and walk away from it. What a great idea.

This product was provided for review by ProA Marketing.

  By admin | June 17, 2013 - 12:35 am | , ,
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Toy Story 3

If your kids are asking for both the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS version of Toy Story 3, rest assured that though the themes are the same, the games are different enough to feel that they are completely different games.

I feel the Wii version is more difficult than the DS version, as does my nine year-old son. My six year-old daughter was able to complete the DS Story Mode twice in a day, whereas my nine year-old decided after two full days of play that the Story Mode in the Wii game was too difficult. He got bored and gave up. I’m sure if he gave it another two days, he’d have finished the game, but he hasn’t revisited it since. He was on level 5 of 8. He did prefer the Toy Box Mode and spent much of his time there.

Two player mode is only available in Story Mode.

STORY MODE

In this mode, the players are sometimes able to play with two players. I say sometimes, because in the first scene, it was not possible. When two players play together, the screen is split. This was, at first, a turn off for me, but then I saw the advantage of it when I played with my daughter, who did not want to be where I was.

The players are usually able to get hints and even learn exactly what to do, but that help is not always available or clear. It took me quite awhile to figure out I needed to shoot the crystals to explode the floating masses of land to use as leap pads to the opposite cliff. (My son was not there to help me.)

Story Mode consists mostly of completing scenes from the movie or somewhat related to the movie, like trying to get out of Andy’s room or navigating through a video game with Buzz Lightyear.

TOY BOX MODE

In Toy Box Mode, a single player only game, players go around town completing missions — little tasks like finding cloth or digging for gold. From there, the players earn gold and customize their experience. This would be so fun as a two player game. It’s too bad that option is not available.

SUMMARY

This game would be more exciting if two players can play together then entire game. It’s more difficult than the DS version. However, it looks like it can be completed quickly by anyone determined enough to try. Unfortunately, it was not thrilling enough to hold the attention of my nine year-old for more than two days, and he can stay with a good game indefinitely.

I personally like the Wii version better than the DS version because it is more challenging, but there are some scenes that are frustrating enough for me that I’d prefer my son complete them for me before I continue playing. (For instance, I’m no good at blasting the evil characters in the level 3 part of the Story Mode.)

My son’s rating for the Wii version? He says the Toy Box Mode is awesome but the Story Mode is okay. That averages out to four stars. He says if he had to choose between the DS version and the Wii version, he’d choose the Wii version.

My daughter says she prefers the DS version because it’s easier.

As an aside, be aware that both the Wiimote and nunchucks are necessary to play.

This product was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.

Yubi Power YP250ABLU 2500mAh Ultra Compact Lipstick Size Portable Power Bank Backup External Battery Charger

  By admin | June 17, 2013 - 12:09 am | , ,
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Yubi Power YP250ABLU 2500mAh Ultra Compact Lipstick Size Portable Power Bank Backup External Battery Charger – [Stylish and Tiny 3.70 x 0.86 x 0.86 inch Dimensions] (Blue)

This Yubi Power External Battery Charger is perfect for someone who needs a charger without a lot of bulk. 2500 mAh is enough to charge my iPhone one full charge.

It comes with a pouch and a short micro USB cord. I used my own 30-pin charging cord for the iPhone. Any phone that charges with a USB port can be charged with this power bank.

The only problem is the power bank does get hot. Most power banks warm up when they charge a device, but this one is uncomfortably so. I wouldn’t say burn, but I feel like taking it out of my purse to let it cool off. It seems like many smaller power banks are like this, but I especially noted it with the Yubi Power. Leaving it on the counter to charge my phone works for me.

Otherwise, the power bank is fine. I carry it around in my purse sans pouch. It’s so small and lightweight, I don’t even know it’s there.

This product was provided for review by Stanley Global.

Grace Digital GDI-EGRX601 ECOXGEAR – ECOROX

  By admin | June 14, 2013 - 10:42 pm | , ,
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Grace Digital GDI-EGRX601 ECOXGEAR - ECOROX Rugged and Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Retail Packaging – Black

I tested the ECOROX on my iPhone and Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ tablet. It puts out a lot of sound for something that’s only 5 inches long. At maximum volume, I could hear it loud and clear from the other rooms in the house. The connection is good, I like the bass, there’s no static, and it’s not tinny. I could actually use it for a party.

It could be used anywhere, really. Like its larger cousin, the ECOXGEAR ECOXBT, it looks like it could survive being run over by a truck — perfect for the rugged outdoors. It even comes with a carabiner, to hang on a hook or backpack.

The ECOXGEAR can also be mounted, but you’ll have to provide your own mount. It can fit on all of my tripods. When I want it to look cute next to the hot tub, I put it on a mini tripod and adjust. It will work on any mount that will hold a standard camera.

The speaker is waterproof, meaning it can fall into the water and survive. It’s not meant to play submerged (not good at all, don’t try). Actually, the speaker floats. I put it in the pool and the hot tub and I can vouch that it still plays after those ordeals. I even use it in the shower, where it works perfectly.

Lastly, there is a phone function. When calls come in through my phone, I can answer it. I tested it with my son, both from the speaker end and the phone end. The sound through the speaker is good. It picks up everything. The problem is the other end, where it’s touch and go. The sound is sometimes good, sometimes difficult to hear.

I like the ECOROX because it’s small and portable and packs a punch with the sound. It’s the best Bluetooth speaker of its size that I’ve ever owned.

This product was provided for review by Grace Digital.

Logitech Wireless Headset H760

  By admin | June 11, 2013 - 5:35 pm | ,
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This review was originally posted September 26, 2010.

Logitech Wireless Headset H760 With Behind-the-head Design (981-000265)

I use this Logitech Wireless Headset with my Rosetta Stone software. Voice recognition with this headset is excellent. I haven’t had any problems.

I am not an audiophile and I don’t normally use this for music, but I think the sound is wonderful. The stereo has depth and richness, a surround sound quality. That’s just a bonus for me. During Rosetta Stone, I don’t hear any static or interference. It’s crisp and clear.

I like the onboard controls. It’s very intuitive, easy to feel. I can control volume and move to the next track or previous track. I mostly use the volume control and it works very well with my Vista system.

The mic boom swings out of the way when I don’t need it. When I do that, the mic automatically turns off. I hear a beep to let me know when I’ve swung it far enough to turn it on or off.

Charging is through the USB port. A charging cord is included.

My only problem with the headset is comfort. It must grip my ears more than the standard headsets to keep from falling off. That makes it slightly more uncomfortable. The size is adjustable, but even at its largest size, it grips my ears. Also, I like to lean my head back on the chair and it protrudes far enough back to interfere with that. I really think it is a nice headset, but the behind-the-head design may just not be for me.

UPDATE: So far, battery life has been good. I only have to charge it every other day or so. The mic stopped muting when I lift the boom. Logitech support will take it back, but I am debating whether I should send it back or not. I use this every day and don’t want to be without it. They promise to send me a new one the minute I have this scanned into the UPS system, but that’s still a few days without my headset. It may not be my first choice in a headset, but it’s the only one I have and I need it. Still a nice headset. Would like an over the head design better.

UPDATE #2: About five months after the initial review. Not only is the mic mute feature not working, but the plastic on the back of the headset cracked and fell off. I have no idea why. At least it still works. I have finally decided to take up Logitech up on its offer to replace my headset. They have been very quick and courteous so far. I normally have good experiences with Logitach products and I’m hoping this is a fluke.

UPDATE #3: I’m on my second headset and it has also developed a crack in the back, just like my old one. It must be a flaw in the design. The headsets are not very durable I’m hoping Logitech will replace it with a different model.

UPDATE #4: I’m disappointed. My headset cracked completely and I’m unable to use it. Logitech seems to have given up. They haven’t offered to replace it or answered any emails. It’s still under warranty. I’d like something different, though. This model has serious problems.

UPDATE #5: They sent me one more headset. I’m hoping it’s the last one.

Also, I just got kicked out of Rosetta Stone today. They said the cordless headset causes too much echo for the other students and the coach. I’m not sure if that’s true. At any rate, I’m banned from using this headset during their studio sessions.

OPSO iPowerJuice

  By admin | June 10, 2013 - 1:40 pm | , ,
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Apple Authorized Brand OPSO iPowerJuice 5200mAh High Capacity Portable Charger Station External Battery Pack Backup Battery Power Bank Charger with MFi(Made for iDevices) Certification for iPhone 4 iPhone 4s The New iPad iPad 2 iPod touch iPod nano;Samsung Galaxy S4 S3 S2 Galaxy Note 2;Nokia Lumia 920 900 N9;Sony Xperia Z;Motorola Razr;Blackberry Z10;Smart Phones Android Phones, Including a USB to Micro USB/Dock 2 in 1 Data Cable

A lot of power banks stand out for their power, the number of adapters, the extras like LED lights and onboard USB cable. The OPSO iPowerJuice stands out for its simplicity. While it lacks all the bells and whistles, it’s beautiful. It looks like it’s made for my iPhone 4S. In fact, it comes with a short micro USB cable and an iPhone 30 pin adapter.

The OPSO is small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse. I was charging my iPhone in my pocket at work as I was walking around. My coworker saw it and she wants one.

Yes, I did recommend it to her. This power bank has enough juice to charge my 4S twice, which is pretty good for its size. I’ve also charged my Kindle 3G with it. The only improvement I’d like to see is replacing the 1 amp port with a 2 amp one. I sometimes want more speed.

Packaging is attractive enough to give as a gift for the gadget geek on the go. Nice.

This product was provided for review by AIBOCN.

Gen 4 Piece Stylus Pen Set Multi Color for Nintendo DS Lite

  By admin | June 7, 2013 - 10:08 pm | , ,
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Gen 4 Piece Stylus Pen Set Multi Color for Nintendo DS Lite

I’m so glad to find this set of Gen 4 Piece Stylus Pens. My kids keep losing theirs and these were perfect. They are inexpensive, they snap into their DS Lites and hold there just like the original styli. I’ve tried them, and they feel comfortable in the hand. Now, I don’t have to worry about my kids scratching their screens tapping with other pointy objects. So far, so good!

Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 720p HD Webcam

  By admin | May 31, 2013 - 8:07 pm | ,
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Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 720p HD Webcam

I am currently using LifeCam for Skyping my mother. She’s borrowing my Creative Labs Live! Cam Video IM Ultra 1.3MP Webcam, which I love. LifeCam is a good webcam, but it just doesn’t compare.

OUT OF THE BOX

I would normally just stick this webcam in the USB port and start using it, but it came with a cardboard tag over the USB plug instructing me to install the CD first, which was a pain, but I did. It was easy to do.

I quickly tried to mount the LifeCam onto my monitor. It didn’t mount well at first, when I tried to do it as instructed on the instruction manual (bend foot into a wide U shape). I then tried it in an L shape and pressed the bottom bend of the L to the back of my monitor so that the weight of the foot is holding my webcam down. That works better.

On the table, it’s great. Bend the foot into a C shape. The rubber food provides weight and traction to keep it in one spot.

The head of the webcam does not freely swivel like my Live! Cam. That is a drawback, in my opinion. It is not easy for me to balance the webcam on my monitor in any other manner than what I have described, which means I have very limited angles when it is mounted on my monitor.

SOFTWARE

The LifeCam software gives us the ability to do video and sound capture and save it to a file. There are special effects that can add a mask or change our heads to alien shapes. Only one effect is possible at a time.

Also included are controls for the LifeCam. When True Color is activated (it is by default), it will constantly readjust the focus, lighting and color. I find that highly annoying, since this causes a lot of flickering and blurring as the webcam adjusts. I turn it off and then go into “properties” to TURN OFF ALL THE AUTO ADJUST FEATURES. That gives me a more stable image.

VIDEO QUALITY

Once I’ve got True Color turned off and the properties manually set as I like (saturation, white balance, etc.), the webcam image is great. I don’t have any problems with it. My number one tip for this product: **TURN OFF AUTO FOCUS**.

SOUND

When I test sound on Skype, it works well. It’s also good when I use the audio capture feature of the software.

Sound quality when Skyping is a problem, though. I’m not sure why, as my mom cannot seem to verbalize the problem. In comparison, my mom only uses the mic that comes with her Live! Cam and her computer speakers and we can hear her just fine.

When I switch gears and Skype with just the LifeCam and a headset, she can hear me well.

PROS:
+ foot has weight and grip for desktop use
+ picture quality is good

CONS:
- head doesn’t swivel freely
- mic may not work well for Skype

SUMMARY

This webcam isn’t bad, it’s just not great. Given the choice between LifeCam and Live! Cam, I would choose the latter.

Live! Cam has a better monitor mount and the head swivels to just about any angle. It doesn’t sit on the desk as well, but I don’t use it on my desk. And lastly, Live! Cam seems to have a better mic for Skyping. We have no problems hearing my mom when she’s using it.

This product was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.

Q-See QC448-840-5 8-Channel Surveillance System

  By admin | May 29, 2013 - 4:42 pm | , ,
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Q-See QC448-840-5 8-Channel Surveillance System with 500 GB Hard Drive and 8 Weatherproof Color CCD Cameras, Black

Wow. I have never had an entire surveillance camera system before. Considering all the horror stories from other systems, I was a little wary of setting up the electronics – port forwarding and all that. Have no fear. I had it up and running within a few hours.

Getting the cameras to work was no problem. Just plug everything in. You’ll need supply your own cable to the TV or monitor.

It was the networking part that was a little frustrating. If you have AT&T DSL, beware. My gateway wouldn’t let me do the UPnP thing. That’s really not the fault of Q-See.

Instructions on the two poster size sheets of quickstart pages were clear. I ran into some glitches. My fault for typing 3777 instead of 37777. No wonder it wouldn’t work.

The software for my PC made adding the cameras automatic. I suggest doing that instead of going through the browser. I couldn’t connect straight through the browsers.

Kindle Fire has three apps that are variations of Q-See. I picked Q-See QC View HD. That was perfect for my needs.

The images are clear whether I see them on my TV, remotely through my monitor or on my Kindle Fire. Night vision is excellent. I am amazed at the details I could see, even across my courtyard in the dark.

The biggest drawback I see to the system is the wiring. That’s where I think a wireless system might be better, although I heard clarity suffers. Eight cameras means eight wires, eight holes through the walls; and we have to attempt to make them all reach within 50 feet of the DVR, which needs ethernet access to the modem.

The good thing about the wires is they come directly out the back of the camera. That way, they can go through the wall behind the camera. No way can a thief just cut it.

We only have to set it up once. After the wiring and port forwarding are done, just sit back and relax. It’s a thing of beauty.

This product was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.

Aerb® 4G Waterproof MP3 Music Player

  By admin | May 23, 2013 - 10:23 pm | , ,
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Aerb® 4G Waterproof MP3 Music Player With Mono OLED Screen Display Support FM Radio / Pedometer for Swimming & other Sports (IPX-8 Standard)–Green

The Aerb® 4G Waterproof MP3 Music Player not only plays mp3 music, it’s also a radio, pedometer, and swim fitness device in one. It features a monochrome OLED screen, much brighter than a standard monochrome LED screen, and it’s waterproof. Even the earphones are waterproof. Listening to music in the hot tub was a pleasure.

There are only four buttons on the mp3 player. Each button serves multiple purposes, so it takes a little learning to figure out how to navigate the screen. It’s not always intuitive, so I had to refer back to the little manual. Even then, I had to experiment. Eventually, I understood most of the functions. It’s not too hard, but I do find it somewhat clumsy to operate.

The earphones go over the ears, so they hang tight. I like how they fit, and there’s no cord thump – that annoying sound of the cord bumping around.

RADIO

It only has FM, but that’s what most people listen to, right? We can preset the channels, which I did. My kids only listen to one channel, so it was easy. It comes in nice and clear, no static.

MP3 PLAYER

Getting music from my PC to my Aerb player is as easy as plugging it in to my USB port, then drag and drop (or copy and paste). To control volume, we have to press and hold, something I had to get used to. A short press to the volume button won’t cut it.

PEDOMETER

The one function I was most interested in was the pedometer. I have another pedometer I use all the time. I compared them by wearing one on each hip. By the end of the day, they were a couple hundred steps off.

To check the accuracy, I wore them both and walked 100 steps. My other pedometer counted 101 steps and 2 kcal. Aerb counted 102 steps and 2 kcal.

In case you’re wondering, yes, I can listen to music while using the pedometer.

SWIM FITNESS

I have no interest in swimming laps around the pool. If I did swim, this mp3 player has a stopwatch, it counts the strokes and measures the distance traveled.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

This is a small, lightweight unit that my children love. They were fighting over who gets to use it. My daughter wanted to buy it off me so my son couldn’t have it. They both gave it an enthusiastic five stars.

I would like to see the controls be a more intuitive and easier to manage, but it otherwise works as it should.

This product was provided for review by Aerb, Inc.