“Hey D,” Elana said as she came down the step the other night, “did you spend $170 at Macy’s yesterday?” “Macy’s??” I asked, “No way. I mean, when was the last time I went shopping for any non-tech item without you? Why do you ask?” “Because AmexEx emailed and was checking up on a suspect purchase.” she said shaking her head. Yup, YET AGAIN someone was trying to use one of my cards to make purchases. (The last time it was caught much later by the company whose card had been compromised.) As luck would have it I was just starting a review of an item that promises to help with online shopping and, in the process make it less likely that your credit card will be compromised when shopping on line. The item is the SmartSwipe and it… …protects your credit card information from malicious software while you shop online …provides proactive protection against ‘phishing’ sites …provides added protection against Man in the Middle attacks Here is a look…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Ever wanted to scan document pages using your Windows Phone built-in camera and convert them to a PDF document? Thanks to Wizcode latest release, you will now be able to do that. With PhotoCopy Mobile, you can effectively turn your Windows Phone into a fully featured photo copy machine and scanner. Even if your device does not have a built-in camera, you can still use the full capabilities of PhotoCopy Mobile by importing graphic files or even entire folders containing pictures. The supported image formats are currently JPEG, PNG and BMP and will be extended in future updates. Features:- Archive and share documents on the go Photocopy text, magazine pages Continue reading on Gear Diary …

When I saw the press release announcing that HAVA was coming to the iTunes App Store and that it was an application which allowed for live streaming of your home television, I was intrigued.  I like to think I’m pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the live TV options available for the iPhone but I have to admit I’d never heard of HAVA. I’m currently running both a Slingbox Solo and an EyeTV Hybrid in my home office.  The Slingbox allows me to view live TV on my Mac as well as my iPhone and doesn’t require the connected computer to be on.  The EyeTV also allows me to view live TV on my Mac and my iPhone and it also allows me to record shows on my Mac just like a DVR.  The recordings are then available for viewing on either the computer or the iPhone.  But the big drawback to EyeTV is that you must have the connected computer on with the application running to view streams remotely. Both of these setups combined meet my live and recorded TV needs.  But do I really need two systems running independently to satisfy myself?  Turns out I might not. I [...]

Now that Windows 7 has been released it’s decision time. Do you purchase an upgrade of the latest Microsoft operating system and spend time backing up an older computer, installing Windows 7 then restoring your data. Or does it make more sense to just buy a new computer with Windows 7 pre-installed. For many the new computer is the simpler route – especially if they’ve spent the last few years avoiding an upgrade to Vista. This HP Pavilion MS214 is an 18.5″ All-in-one Desktop PC with a 320 GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM. It also has Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit pre-installed as well as a keyboard and mouse. Your final price is $585 — the opportunity… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

BlackBerry Storm users can officially download version 5.0 of their operating system today. New features include improved power/lock button functions, interactive home screen, face detection for dimming screen, popup keys when SurePressing, better cursor and key controls. The download is free and you must cable your monster instead of the typical over the air download. BlackBerry Storm OS 5.0 and What’s New List (RIM) Continue reading on Gear Diary …

You read that right. Woot! is essentially giving away a Samsung Bluetooth Headset! Seriously. Don’t believe? Do the math for yourself. Headset- $19.99 Shipping- $ 5.00 Samsung Rebate- $20.00 ————————————————- Net Cost- $4.99 Great feeling of sticking it to the man… priceless. Sure, you won’t get the top of the line Bluetooth headset with all the cool new stuff but still for five bucks who can argue??? Visit Woot! HERE. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Welcome back to the GearGames weekly video game release feature here at Gear Diary! OK, you might be wondering why this is the only place NOT highlighting DJ Hero for this week. Well, while that game looks amazingly fun and will sell millions, I chose the expansion to one of the absolute best games of 2008 that got relatively little attention because it is a turn-based strategy game – King’s Bounty: Armored Princess. Of course, since we are in the midst of the Fall Gaming Avalanche, those are but the tip of the iceberg!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I’m a huge fan of Speck’s cases. They always offer great style, excellent value and superb protection. They recently rolled out some new cases for the new iPod touch and iPod nano, and they were kind enough to send along some units to review and then use. Let’s take a look…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Why limit your gear addiction to the office or home entertainment room?  The Sculpture recently released from Vado is sure to make taking a shower an interesting experience.  Six fully adjustable shower heads will make showering an event rather than a mundane daily task.  Press release after the break. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

This is absolutely fabulous. Check out the above video from Vodafone NZ; I’ve watched it 3 times today already! Engadget has more details on how it was made if you’re curious. Now to convince the team here to pool our vast cell phone collections and make something similar…maybe with something more modern like the Thong Song. Via Engadget Continue reading on Gear Diary …

As expected T-Mobile this morning unleashed two new phone plan categories called Even More (2 year contract) and Even More Plus (no contract). What’s surprising is that they appear to have dropped their MyFaves option which was widely available under older plans and allowed for unlimited incoming and outgoing calls to up to 5 phone numbers determined by the subscriber. These numbers could be changed once per month and many subscribers were able to use a MyFave number in conjunction with Google Voice to obtain unlimited calling at price points as low as $39. Searching the T-Mobile site for “MyFaves” brings up a description of the old feature however the links re-direct to the new plans that don’t include MyFaves. … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

You can save yourself the annoying in-store waiting time and put your name on the list for automatic delivery of the new Samsung Moment when it becomes available November 2. Shipping via FedEx is free and the price of $149 beats the expected Sprint cost by $30 and there’s no need to file for a stupid $100 rebate that 90% of America forgets about. The Moment is a basic QWERTY phone that will be Sprint’s second Android offering following very closely on the heels of the HTC Hero. Samsung Moment via Androinica Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Why rip open beer bottles with your teeth when this talking motorcycle grip bottle opener can make the experience more entertaining. Using the grip you’ll be able to remove the cap while listening to a cheesy revving sound. Great gift for the beer drinking Hells Angel wannabe in your life. Talking Motorcycle Grip Bottle Opener via Nerd Approved Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Blood oozes from this corpse’s right eye while the left one spins around. Perfect conversation starter for Halloween parties or anywhere else a guy with a bleeding eye would be appropriate. Needs no special potions – just add water, plug into a wall outlet and admire. Spinning Eyeball Fountain – $26.69 via Nerd Approved Continue reading on Gear Diary …

It’s been a while since I reviewed the Brickyard headphones from 2XL.  I really like  them even though their over the ear  style design can become warm on the ears. 2XL has solved the sweaty ear problem with a new style of headphones in the new 4 Corner Style of headphones. The design of these new headphones is unique in that instead of round like traditional headphones of this style, these are square. The square shape of these headphones do not make them at all uncomfortable.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …