(This is the third installment of “Look Ma No Hands- Voice Recognition Technology Today”. Once again there is a video at the end of the post showing the process of writing it prior to the physical clean-up that took place after. The video is truly boring but it does give a good sense of the speed, or lack there-of on a netbook.) Yesterday I did a quick post on setting up Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 10. It’s a relatively easy process but it does take some time. It was done on a MacBook Pro with a 2.4 or 2.5 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM. While that wasn’t able to use all of the resources since it was a virtual machine and the computer was also running Mac OSx it still was quite speedy. Better still, because the microphone is as good as it is I didn’t need to use a headset. This is a quick post simply to show how well you can use Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 10 on a netbook. I’m actually recording this post using a Toshiba NB205. Even better, once again I’m not using a headset. I’m sitting in front of the computer and speaking. And [...]

Sometimes it’s the simple apps that really make a difference.  That is what Toshl for Android does.  Toshl is a simple expense tracker.  It doesn’t have a tone of options and it’s not really designed for putting a expense report together for a business.  However, what it is good for is tracking personal expenses. There are basically only two tabs.  First is the Timeline.  This shows your expenses you have already entered in descending order.  The most current expense is at the top.  At the bottom you have a add expense button.  Tapping that gets you into entry mode.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I love SCOTTEVEST Clothing. I love the design. I love the functionality. I love how GREAT the clothing is every day, but especially while traveling. Over the years the SEV design technology has gotten better and better. The current features are amazing. Clear touch fabric that allows a traveler to see and control their iPod and cell phones through the fabric, SeV’s patented Personal Area Network (PAN) to manage wires and earbuds, magnetic pocket closures so your devices don’t fall out and weight Management Systems to balance the weight from these added devices. Well SCOTTEVEST have become fully aware that it isn’t just geeks like us who love their clothing. No, their stuff is awesome for anyone who might be traveling. In fact, my father-in-law Mark took my old, beat up SEV vest with him on a recent safari in Africa and found it to be remarkably useful. As a result, they have introduced a new line of Travel Clothing with TONS of Pockets and Features that will make moving from place to place easier than ever. As they explain- If you’re like most travelers, the new airline luggage fees are an issue of annoyance. SCOTTEVEST/SeV, licensed by TEC-Technology Enabled [...]

I’ve tried a few different versions of media-glasses that allow you to watch video from your iPhone or iPod as if it were being projected onto a 55″ screen. Most worked well enough but, to be honest, they all made me look like Geordi La Forge. (Not a bad thing in and of itself but not everyone I meet is a Star Trek fan.) The new Wrap 310′s from Vuzix actually look pretty stylish. They work with any iPod, laptop, DVD player, or smartphone, run for 6 hours on 2 AA batteries and come complete with noise-isolating earphones. At an MSRP of $249.95 they aren’t cheap but then again, can you really put a price on tech that works AND doesn’t make you look like a total geek?? More images and details follow. Or visit the Vuzix site.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Edifier Group International, an international audio company, recently announced that it has been named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honouree for its Luna 5 Encore, iF500 consumer speaker in the audio components category. About the Edifier Luna 5 Encore, iF500: A statement of design excellence, the Luna 5 Encore, iF500 is an elegant all-in-one audio system offering uncompromising audio quality. As an iPod, iPhone or MP3 docking station, or when operated in FM radio mode, the simplicity of use, design and audio quality of the Luna 5 Encore, iF500 makes for an outstanding visual and audio Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Blue Microphone has introduced their first THX certified USB Microphone. The legend of the Yeti continues with the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphone roaming the wild today. The Yeti features tools and recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones and devices, all with the simplicity of a plug and play USB microphone. Unlike the Icicle adapter I reviewed earlier, this microphone has a headphone port on the bottom.  This one also has 3 capsules arranged such that you can select the specific patten you would like between Cardoid, Omni Directional or Bidirectional.  This looks like a perfect Mic for those who do solo… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the bigger limitation of the iPhone’s camera is the fact that it has no zoom function.  Well USBfever.com has  solved the missing zoom function of the iPhone’s camera and taken it to an entirely different level. They’ve released a hard case which includes a built in, 8X, telescoping zoom lens! The case features: – Specific to iPhone 3g / 3gs – Manual focus adjust – Superb telescope – 8X – Comes with a stand for taking pictures and movies. The lens must be auto focuses by twisting it, just like you’d do on a camera with auto focus but it comes with… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I’m not sure how long it will last, but if you were one of those who paid big money for your Blu-Ray player when they were first the hot new item, this deal will sweeten the sting of being the early adapter and now having to see all of the new ones selling in the <$150 range. Amazon is having a 60% off sale on 101 of their selected Blu-Ray titles – some are as low as $9.99. That’s a little better than usual … right? via BFAds Continue reading on Gear Diary …

As soon as I saw a press release for the Sony ICF-CL75iP Clock Radio I knew I wanted one.  It was a few months ago that I spotted it and both Dan and I remarked at how cool the thing looked. Fast forward to today and I’ve learned that the device is now available for order.  The Sony web site lists it in stock and ready to ship tomorrow. The ICF-CL75iP combines the features of Sony’s clock radios along with an iPod and iPhone dock and a digital picture frame. Adorn your bedroom, living room, or office with contemporary flair. The ICF-CL75iP multi-function clock radio Continue reading on Gear Diary …

It’s amazing how much use you’ll find for a Netbook. Despite buying a Netbook thinking I’d use it only to  browse the web from my couch I’ve used my Acer Aspire One to initiate remote desktop sessions, download files, test Windows updates – and do some couch surfing. The battery life of Netbooks  is usually better than more powerful (and power hungry) laptops. While the processor, memory and speed generally won’t support crunching huge spreadsheets Netbooks can be useful for situations where you don’t need the full horsepower of a regular laptop. GearSponsor LogicBuy has found a deal on the Lenovo S10-2 Netbook that brings the cost to an affordable $275. Specifications include… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

In my office, I have two guest chairs that face my desk.  My laptop sits on a stand on my desk so that it’s facing me but not viewable by anyone sitting in the guest chairs.  The only problem is that I often have coworkers in my office, talking about a file or participating in a Live Meeting.  When that happens, I either take the computer off the stand and position it where we both can see it, or my coworker has to move a chair around and sit beside me behind the desk. If only someone made a solution for that.  I dunno, a stand that… swivels.  Yeah, that’s it, a swiveling stand… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Amazon is not taking their new competition sitting down. I saw this ad watching television tonight, and almost did a double-take; I’ve seen print ads for the Kindle, but prime-time commercials are a whole new level of publicity.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Xavier Lanier just gave me a heads-up that Notebooks.com is looking for new contributors. Duties would mainly involve blogging about tech deals, writing how-tos, putting together eGift guides, aggregating content, and covering holiday deals. Xavier mentioned that contributors would mainly be covering mobile technology, and that it pays per post. If you’re interested, you can contact him at info@notebooks.com or via Twitter Continue reading on Gear Diary …

(image courtesy of Gabriel Dishaw) The ultimate mashup between sneakers and geeks: Sneakers made from recycled computer equipment! They weigh in at around 15lbs per shoe, so have fun using them in your next marathon…though you would get MASSIVE nerd cred for it! Via Treehugger via Afterellen Check out Gabriel Dishaw’s website for more of his fabulous artwork!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the cool things about being at the BlackBerry Developer Conference is the chance to try out pre-release apps from actual developers.  Couple that opportunity with developers and conference participants all exchanging “tweets” about their applications, and you may be fortunate enough to get a look at some awesome apps for ‘Berry devices. Last night I got the chance to try out an advance look at the Craigslist app for BlackBerry from Movela.  As the screenshot above shows, I immediately configured it for my home preferences and location.   Anyone looking for a better method than the mobile Craigslist site, will definitely be happy with this app which makes quick-and-easy work to not… Continue reading on Gear Diary …