Judie: I was recently offered the chance to review Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, and figuring that I probably wasn’t the only female on the Gear Diary staff who was going through weather-related skin issues, I requested extra samples so that Carly, Jessica and Amy could also give it a try. Since we all have different skin types, and we all have different issues, I thought that it would be good to gather notes from all of us based on our experience with the product. For those of you with absolutely no concern for softer skin without smelling like a perfume factory or breaking out like a pre-pubescent teen, feel free to skip this review. … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I remember, back in the day, where the only subscriptions I had to worry about were magazines.  I only had two or three, and I only had to pay it once a year.  I think I was out about $30 tops for the year.  But now, geez, where do I start? There is my cellphone with dataplan, Internet service, Mi-Fi service, cable, content (e-books, movies) certain applications that I use on a yearly subscription bases (i.e. Spanning Sync to name one) at Lifehacker.  Its about all the subscription services we have today … and why we are all having problems paying for it all. I just moved in with my fiancé, and we are trying… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I like lists.  Probably a little too much, actually.  I practically have lists to organize my lists.  So when someone offers to show me software that allows me to make more lists, I just can’t resist taking a look at it.  When SplashData asked if I’d like to take a look at SplashNotes, I was definitely interested. I have been using other programs from SplashData for quite a few years, starting with their password keeper program, SplashID, and find that their software tends to have a nice, consistent aesthetic. SplashNotes is a no-frills note taker with outline capabilities.  You can make simple or outlined lists, with or without check boxes.  It’s perfect for taking notes, putting together a to-do list, outlining ideas for a paper or presentation, or creating packing lists.  SplashNotes is available for the iPhone, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile and Smartphone devices, as well as for both Mac and Windows desktops.  We tested the iPhone and Mac desktop versions. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Its time once again for Random social networking news from around the Internet! “Waving” around to get attention: Well, according to an article over at The Register, it looks like all the craziness around getting a Google Wave invite has finally died down and is pretty much dead.  The Google “alpha” release product just isn’t inspiring the frenzy it once had, now that people are trying to use it.  Google Wave hasn’t reached the ease of use like GMail or Google’s other applications…yet.  Anyone want one of my invites? ICQ returns from the dead: The folks at TechCrunch have found out that ICQ, one of the first instant messaging applications available, is… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Authors and readers alike are frustrated by the inability of traditional publishers to embrace eBooks and eReaders.  FastPencil has stepped up to the plate to provide authors with an end-to-end publishing platform where they can maintain control of their content, price, distribution (reaching 32,000 online retailers, including Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble). Have you ever had the dream of publishing your own manuscript or blog? Then perhaps this is your answer … Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I was at Borders this weekend with my other half.  I still like going to actual physical bookstores.  I like seeing all the bookcases with all the different titles.  I like reading the covers and seeing if I will like it. I usually start my tour at the magazines, segue over to mysteries and science fiction, then typically wind up at the computer section.  Well, when I was at the computer section, I was shocked. I processed to walk around Borders again, this time looking at each section carefully. And well, it’s not just the computer section.  All the sections are getting smaller. Is this due to Borders not being able to compete with the… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

(image courtesy Starpulse) Think we’re all serious and full of insightful posts? Of course we are. We’re also a bit silly and prone to long debates behind the scenes. Tonight, the curtain is being pulled back, and you get to see the Gear Diary Team debate: Windows/Windows Mobile-Are They Ever On Time or Worth Waiting For? Continue reading on Gear Diary …

You want multi-touch? We got multi-touch! And with this GearDeal you can save $200 on an HP tm2t Multi-touch convertible tablet. The base unit has a list price of $1,149.99 but our GearSponsor has tracked down a way to get it for just $949.99. The HP TouchSmart tm2t 12.1-inch Convertible Tablet has a capacitive multi-touch display. This deal not only gets it for under a thousand dollars but it also includes FREE shipping, a FREE upgrade to 3GB DDR3 memory and 50% off second 6-cell battery. The tm2t is powered by low-voltage Intel Core 2 Duo processor and optional ATI Mobility Radeon 4550 discrete graphics. It has a 160GB 7200RPM Hard Drive, a WebCam, a 12.1″… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

[image courtesy of Amazon.com] It is no secret that I’m loving the Novatel MiFi.  It’s earned a permanent spot in my gear bag, or even in my jacket when I need to ensure a reliable WiFi connection.  So, imagine my dismay at learning that a security vulnerability could open the door for someone to remotely access your MiFi, get a hold of your device’s GPS location and even change the wireless settings.  Not only could this equate to someone simply piggybacking off of your wireless signal (even with the onboard security settings, like WEP or WPA), but they could easily “wipe” or reset your MiFi’s wireless settings. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Image courtesy of TechShout I hit the App Store this morning after my normal podcast updates, and what did I find? The best game released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP has arrived on the iTunes App Store with very little fanfare and is available NOW! The game is selling for $9.99, after some speculation when it was announced last fall about whether it would be the first game to ‘break the $10 game barrier’. GTA:CW retains the touch screen mini-game elements from the DS version and uses a set of ‘virtual controls’ for gameplay. Expect a review here fairly soon as I am just getting started. Source: iTunes App Store Continue reading on Gear Diary …

One of the cool things about getting to contribute to Gear Diary is also having the chance to meet and become friends with writers and reviewers from a wide variety of other tech sites.  In November, I got the chance to meet a few members of the BlackBerry Motion team while attending the BlackBerry Developer Conference.  BlackBerry Motion’s editor-in-chief, Monica Simons,  just let me know that they’re gearing up to celebrate their site’s one-year anniversary this week. What does that mean for you?  Why, an opportunity to win free stuff of course!  Several tech-review sites, including Gear Diary will be contributing items to BlackBerryMotion’s giveaway bash.   Look… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I really like the way that most mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets have begun shipping with USB cables which plug into their own mini AC adapters, allowing those gadgets to be charged either by a laptop’s USB port or a wall outlet. The Universal Travel 4-Port USB Charger from USBfever looks like the perfect way to take advantage of this and consolidate charging plugs for those type devices when traveling; one AC adapter can handle up to four USB cables, allowing four different gadgets to juice-up at once. Even more convenient, the proper tips are all built in to allow charging in the US, UK, EU and Australia. It makes you want to travel just looking at it, don’t you think?… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I started my GPS today as I headed out the door, and it tried to sell me tires from Sears (the GPS, not the door). This is not the first time my GPS has tried to offer me things; previously it has hawked the Olive Garden’s manicotti, followed by a hotel room at the Best Western (I think my GPS was implying I am a cheap date).… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Photo courtesy of Livbit Over the last few months Apple has found themselves in a couple of legal battles which carried  right into the new year. Their latest legal battle has been flaring up with the Finnish handset maker the Nokia Corporation. Apple would like to prevent the importing of all purportedly patent infringing Nokia phones into the US. This was no doubt in retaliation to Nokia’s claim against Apple late last year. Nokia filed their complaint in an attempt to ban all iPhone, iPod and Macbook imports. Nokia still holds quite a large chunk of phone marketshare in the US. Their Q3 results were down last year to 39.3% from a… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Image courtesy of 2404.org Welcome back to the GearGames weekly video game release feature here at Gear Diary! That lead-in picture looks pretty cool, eh? Orb and Oracle … also sounds interesting, doesn’t it. What’s more – the creative force behind it is the same guy who produces the best written of the Wizardry games. Sounds exciting, right? Only problem – the game has been considered ‘dead’ for months, including removing the user forums and the game’s home page. But it was never officially cancelled, so it has remained on release lists.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …