The upcoming Zune HD actually looks interesting. From a hardware perspective the device is slick. From an interface perspective it definitely looks like Microsoft has stepped up their game. There is, however, one aspect of the device that is especially impressive…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

How can you go wrong? 1 TB of data for $64.99 (after a $10 mail in rebate). This 3.5″ SATA drive has a 3 year parts and labor limited warranty. Use it for extra storage or if you’re really brave and are self-updating your install of Windows XP to Windows 7 then you may want this storage for that fresh install of Microsoft’s new OS. Hitachi 1TB – $64.99 Continue reading on Gear Diary …

If you have followed computer strategy games for any length of time you are aware of the masterpiece Sid Meier’s Civilization series (the most recent edition of which was just released as a ‘Complete Edition‘). Anyway, last summer 2K Games released a version for consoles and the Nintendo DS called Civilization Revolution. It was met with solid critical praise, and has now made the trip to the iPhone! The game is supposedly feature-complete from the console / handheld version, meaning there is a ton of game here to absorb your time (the Civ franchise is famous for ‘one more turn and I’ll got to bed …’ addictiveness). My own initial impressions tell me the game plays very much… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Need a car charger for your iPhone but don’t feel like being ripped off at the phone store? How about this charger for $1 (add $2 for shipping bringing your total to $3). I know what you’re thinking – “won’t this hurt my phone?”. Maybe it will and maybe it won’t – I’ve purchased similar chargers (usually $5) on the streets of New York and I’m still using them though I’ll admit that I cringe the first time I plug my phone into them. iPhone 3G Car Charger – $3 Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Will miracles never cease. Apparently there’s a new BlackBerry 9700 headed to T-Mobile hot on the heals of the BlackBerry 8520. This new BlackBerry appears to add a touchpad, 3G speed (where T-Mobile supports it) as well as the form factor of the BlackBerry Tour. Yeah these BlackBerry’s are probably all the same under the hood but for those stranded on T-Mobile it will be your first shot at a 3G BlackBerry. Details are still sketchy on when this will arrive and whether it will sport UMA capabilities allowing it to use Wi-Fi for voice calling. More Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Ever tried to understand Einstein’s Theory of Relativity?   Or even just wondered if time travel was possible?  How about if the ever wonderful warp speed in Star Trek was feasible? These and many other questions have a serious grounding in the new book Why Does E=MC2? by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Audible provides audio books.  Customers can download the audio books to their computers or mobile devices — including iPhone/iPod, a variety of MP3 players, and BlackBerry devices.  Last week, the Audible team released an upgrade to their BlackBerry application (version 1.4.2). It is no secret that I was less than thrilled with the first release of the Audible application.  Performance was painfully slow (when it worked), and the process proved — for me — to be more cumbersome than simply plugging the BlackBerry up via USB and dragging the audio book over manually via Mass Storage Mode and playing the file from the BlackBerry’s native media player. Did Audible do any better with this updated version?… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the complaints I heard (and voiced) about the Palm Pre before its release was the lack of support for PalmOS apps and games.  It felt like Palm was missing an opportunity to feature an enormous, ready-made library of apps.  Additionally, with the large (but admittedly shrinking) army of devoted Palm users, it seemed like there was an almost built in path to an automatic upgrade.  By not supporting those apps, it seemed as though many users might choose to stick with their current devices rather than risk giving up significant functionality with an unknown operating system. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I’ve mentioned several times how much I love the idea of convergence devices. From my iPhone, to my clock radio, to my USB hub/dock I’m all about getting the most function out of every device I own. The Voltaic line of gear bags not only will carry all of your gadgets around town for you it’ll charge them too.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Dear Apple, I wasn’t sure I was going to like multi-touch and the new buttonless trackpad on the MacBook Pro. It did take some time getting used to it. Now that I have, however, you’ve created a new problem for me… I HATE using the MightyMouse mouse with my iMac. Seriously, I can’t stand it. The trackpad works so much better and adds so much functionality compared to the mouse. So listen, how about releasing a new keyboard based on your recent notebook innovations. You know… something like this… It won’t take you long to put it together and ship and, in the process, you’ll get a lot of us purchasing new keyboards. What… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

What do you get for around a dollar?  A donut or some candies and change? Maybe a drink?  For around a dollar you won’t get much that lasts long.  Except maybe an iPhone app, and even that is not guaranteed to last very long or be useful.  Proto from Tobias Batton’s Game Studio costs around a dollar, and I think it is worth every cent.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Getting back to work has created a minor problem for me.  Since almost every waking hour is spent either in the coaches’ office or on the practice field for two more weeks, I have a really hard time keeping up with daily news.  Having all day computer access in the summers has spoiled me by allowing for a daily information overload of world and tech news.  There are several news apps that I like on my iPhone, but they are not customizable. I need news the way I want it.  Some world, some sports, and lots of tech.  These needs are unique to all of us.  iNews is able to not only keep me connected, but provide customization which allows me my own unique news experience.  … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I don’t have any huge issues with AT&T’s service, certainly not to the extent of others. Sure, I have a hard time getting and keeping a signal at home, but I knew this area had a weak signal when I moved here. Moreover, thanks to a signal booster and to Google Voice it is less than an issue than ever. At the same time, however, I am getting sick of AT&T treating iPhones and Blackberries differently when it comes to things like SlingPlayer and Google Voice. And I have a HUGE issue with the various attempts they have made to change customer service agreements. This latest move, however, is nothing short of OUTRAGEOUS, and I really hope the FCC can do something about it.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

There are several things I love about these Western Digital hard drives. First, they’re totally powered by your USB port. That means you won’t have to scramble to find a spare outlet in that rat’s nest of outlets beneath your computer desk. Second the drives store a boatload of data (750 GB) in this case. And lastly, they’re portable. Simply plug into your USB, back up, take the data with you. It’s a near perfect solution for anyone looking to take their data off-site for backup purposes. GearSponsor Logicbuy has a 750 GB drive for $153.99 after a $17 instant savings at Dell Small Business. Need a big hard portable hard drive at an affordable price? Link below. WD 750 Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Cable Jive makes some really simple but very ingenious products for the iPhone and iPod. They were kind enough to send along their iStubz charge and sync cable as well as their Dock Extender Cable for review. These two cables serve different purposes and both provide a great solution for your iPhone or iPod charge and sync as well as overall daily needs.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …