Image Via MobileCrunch I’ve had a BlackBerry Playbook for a couple of weeks now. I really like the device but have to concur with the many reports that it is, sadly, unfinished. The hardware is great. The OS is smooth. The cameras take FANTASTIC pictures and video. And I can actually use it to write a blog more easily than ON ANY OTHER MOBILE DEVICE I HAVE TRIED. But the device is unfinished. Yes, RIM, the company that built its reputation on email, shipped a device that didn’t natively do email (more on that later this week) and they released something with so few apps that it has not yet shown its practical side… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

We were a Palm device family for a long time and, as a result, were pretty used to touch screens that required a stylus. (I personally thought Jobs was nuts to jettison the stylus for the iPhone–how wrong I was!)  So when Sami got her first iPhone, one of the first things she wanted was a stylus.  Alas, we never were able to find a decent one; they kept breaking, or tearing, or getting lost. Well, if you’re a stylus person, perhaps those days are over for you now:  9006 Style has released a new Duo Stylus capacitive pen/stylus for the iPhone.  The 9006 folks tell us: The glossy finished body provides luxurious feeling while Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I mean, jeez, those guys and gals at USBFever can’t even wait until the regular Monday newsletter — the one where they inform us of their Releases o’ the Week — to shower more ‘ware on us.  I don’t know where USBFever is located, but wherever it is, they must work in shifts that cover 24/7/365–how else can you explain their prolific-ness?  I sure can’t! But hey, don’t let that get in the way of your enjoyment of their gear!  What do they have for you today?  Why: Multi-Sim Card Holder with Eject Tool SD / SDHC / TF / MS / M2 Card Reader for iPad Continue reading on Gear Diary …

There seems to be another new ‘streaming video’ site popping up every week, but the mantra is all-too familiar: too little content that you want to watch, or just as likely plenty of content but it is just the same stuff you can get on every other site. Enter Crackle, the streaming video site cooked up by the folks at Sony Pictures. Is it any better? Let’s look and see! The Hype: Crackle is the place to experience pure entertainment: full-length movies, TV shows, and original series from genres that embody cool — all uncut, uncensored, and unbelievably free. We’ve had enough of “disposable entertainment” that is as relevant as a laughing/dancing baby –… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

  9to5Mac had an interesting post earlier today regarding a seemingly minor change in the upcoming OS X Lion release. As they explain, Among other subtle changes, in Lion when you shut your MacBook’s screen while connected to an external monitor, the machine no longer goes to sleep but instead switches immediately to external monitor-only view while staying active. To flesh it out a bit, when I have my 13″ MBA connected to an external monitor, mouse and keyboard and I close the lid the external monitor goes blank and the MBA goes into sleep mode. If I want to use the MBA as a “desktop” all I need to do is move the mouse or… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Last night Sony announced that they would be bringing back some PSN and Qriocity services this week and detailed a few of the ‘compensation measures’ they are making for users of the services. Here are a few details: The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following: Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers Access to account management and password reset Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Welcome back to the GearGames weekly video game release feature here at Gear Diary! While this week looks better than last week, don’t be fooled! Most of what is on the list are late releases of stuff already available on other platforms, collections, DLC, add-ons, or movie tie-ins. This week sees the release of the film and accompanying game Thor: God of Thunder. And while the film seems to be getting solid early looks, the game is being tagged as the typical crappy cash-in. So although it fits into one of the categories above, my pick of the week is Avadon: The Black Fortress, which I reviewed for the Mac… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I saw this on Etsy, and thought it was cute. Want to look more svelte? Try eating less with a “Diet Fork”. You’ll be so frustrated by the time you are done trying to stab your spaghetti or rice, that you’ll just naturally begin eating less, your stomach will shrink, and you’ll live happily ever after! Well, maybe losing weight isn’t quite that simple. Okay, so there are some fundamental flaws with that theory, but I still thought the Diet Fork Magnet was a whimsical item — perfect for gifting to your friends who are always starting the latest fad diet. At least this diet might make them smile.  =) DIET FORK Silverplate Refrigerator Magnet by HeavyMetalMilkman ($6)… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

A few months ago all Amazon’s Game Download Store was good for was a few casual games … boy how things have changed! Now they challenge GamersGate each week for the title of ‘most awesome list of insane deals’! Here are 15 of the best deals/games (since it isn’t a good deal if the game is lousy!) for the weekend: Hearts of Iron III (PC) for $5.88*, Save 71% Mount & Blade (PC) for $3.99*, Save 80% East India Company Collection (PC) for $8.23*, Save 73% Painkiller: Resurrection (PC) for $5.87*, Save 71% Velvet Assassin Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Amazon is hosting ‘Ten Days of Free Downloads’, and today it is the fast paced casual game Luxor. Here is the description: Luxor is an action-puzzle game that takes you on a thrilling adventure across the lands of Ancient Egypt. Battle Set and his evil minions across 88 mind-blowing levels, unleashing the awesome powers of Isis with various falling power-up talismans, such as explosive Fireballs and thundering Lightning Bolts. Filled with excitement, adventure, and tons of explosive action, there is only one question you must ask yourself: Can you thwart the diabolical plans of a god and save Egypt? Grab it for free at Amazon.com! Source: NewGearDaily Continue reading on Gear Diary …

When Apple introduced variable pricing, the purpose was for music labels to be able charge more for popular songs … and to push people o buy albums. There was supposed to be a huge library of $0.69 songs … but anyone who has browsed the store knows that most everything is either $0.99 or $1.29 – or is the crap on albums that nobody wants! This morning I hit up Amazon.com as usual (for the free Android app of the day), and I find that Amazon has launched a new $0.69 singles store! As the site says: Instantly buy all the bestselling new songs for only $0.69 each and gift Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Behold… the first game that combines the three elements necessary to help make you feel awesome: heroism, indestructibility, and giant octopi (and fuzzy pandas)!!! The world is doomed. Pollution levels are rising, trees are endangered, and industrialization is past the limit of sustainability. You are the world’s only hope. You. Are. The. Destructopus. Yes you are the only one who can save our planet. Along the way you will upgrade your abilities and unlock new powers. How do you do it? Simple, you just save the trees, exterminate pollution, and protect our forest friends. Oh, and OF COURSE you’ll need to fight a few giant bulldozers and mechanical dinosaurs! Sounds like… Continue reading on Gear Diary …