Gear Diary » Kerry Woo

Gadgets of the Year – 2009 Edition

Joel McLaughlin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:40:13 +0000

Another year has come and gone. I've actually heard some people say that this has been a slow year gadget wise, but I disagree and I am sure the rest of the Gear Diary team agrees. Here is what we think deserves the title Gadget of the Year for 2009. Note: I counted a mention if a team member said anything about it that is positive. This is not scientific, and it is really just for fun. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gimme Some High Def: The Dallas Cowboys Stadium Video Board

Kerry Woo — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:36:52 +0000

If you are a sports fan, or even a stadium / architectural junkie, there has been much written and discussed about the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Besides the cost of 1.15 billion Texas bucks, amazing engineering, the lavish interior, retractable end zone glass doors and roof -- the largest enclosed NFL stadium is a visual jaw dropping experience when viewed in person. As a life long Dallas Cowboys (and Tennessee Titans) fan, I recently took advantage of Southwest Airline's fare sale to catch a game day experience at the new Cowboys Stadium. I purposed to take my camera and capture as many shots as possible, and concentrate on the Cowboys – Chargers game as a secondary priority. As a gadget junkie, I had to see the HD video board in person!

Cowboys Stadium, Arlington Texas

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Gear Diary’s SEV Christmas

Judie Stanford — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:30:32 +0000

baby, it's cold outside ...

This year, Gear Diary has hit several milestones; I wanted to do something super-special to mark the event and thank the writers, other than just sending items from their Amazon Wish Lists which is what I have done in the past. After wracking my brain, I wrote to Scott Jordan, a long time friend and owner of SCOTTEVEST; I asked him what kind of price break he could give me if I ordered jackets in bulk, and his answer was surprisingly do-able. Why go with SeV? The answer for me was simple: they are extremely well made, I love their products, these items hold up over time, I think their products look great, I wanted to support a business that I believe in, and I could get item ordered personalized with the Gear Diary logo! :lol: Scott set me up with his custom embroidery guy (Rick from S&R Monogramming), and together they made sure that the Gear Diary writers were perfectly outfitted for the winter weather. After everyone had received their packages, I asked them to send me a picture of them wearing their jackets, along with a few sentences telling what they like -- or don't like -- about SeV products in general. We are all different shapes and sizes, and I thought it would be interesting to not only see how we all looked in our new gear, but also hear what everyone thought about it. :-) Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Dead Arise: Nashville Zombie Walk

Kerry Woo — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:49:42 +0000

After a solid week of rain in Middle Tennessee, the graves must have opened, as the undead arose to walk the streets of downtown Nashville. Tourists and natives called it the Nashville Zombie Walk of 2009. The flesh-eating mutants zombies staggered in from all directions, via train, plane and automobile. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

There is a case for that: The OtterBox Defender for iPhone 3G/3G S Review

Kerry Woo — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:23:20 +0000

Oh the joy of acquiring a new iPhone – it’s shiny, sexy, has tons of apps and full of user interface goodness until the unthinkable happens: It is that precise moment with joy turns into sorrow, followed by denial, anger, rage, resentment, depression and reality that $99, $199, or $299 just left your bank account. There is a case for those moments when the law of gravitational pull yanks the shiniest gadget (the iPhone) out of one’s hands. I am talking about the OtterBox Defender case for the iPhone. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Building a Rainwater Collection System: A GearDiary DIY

Kerry Woo — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:30:56 +0000

Ten years ago, I acquired two 55-gallon plastic drums to store an emergency supply of water for the impending Y2K disaster occurring at the stroke of midnight 2000. Of course, I became suspicious when the plane I was flying on did not fall out of the sky on 9/9/99 and my trusty Honda still ran like a charm well past January 1, 2000. Being the positive person that I am, I was grateful to acquire several storage containers of personal hygiene items, first aid supplies and all kinds of camping paraphenia that I still use. So what if Y2K was the biggest con ever-perpetuated on mankind? I have all kinds of emergency supplies on hand, plus two 55-gallon plastic barrels! As an avid vegetable and flower gardener, I’ve been hearing about the importance of using a system of collecting rainwater runoff from roofs. The benefits are having a mindset of being eco-friendly, lowering water bills by recycling rainwater, and having a ready source of water for garden use. There are a number of rainwater collectors available for sale using a large size capacity barrel and facets. After ten years of having these barrels, I decided to build one! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

On the Road Again – what items do you carry?

Kerry Woo — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:00:54 +0000

It's that time of the year again when work demands or vacation dreams come to fruition. (Yes, "vacation" is a real word - look it up in the dictionary!) For the GearDiary team members, corporate types, gadget enthusiasts and travel buffs, the challenge becomes what to take on the road versus a daily commute to the office? First of all, I'm happy if I can remember to leave the house every morning to go to a job that I absolutely love without scrambling to find the following items: wallet, ID badge, Blackberry, iPhone, keys, Dell laptop for work, glasses and business card case. Optional items include a small point and shoot Kodak camera and iPod. (a) For weekend or after work geek gatherings, I may carry these items: The photo above is an old one, as the MacBook has been replaced by a MacBook Air and the Samsung Blackjack has been replaced by a iPhone. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Are you Tweeting too Hard?

Kerry Woo — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:48 +0000

Definition of a egotist: a person more interested in himself than in me. - Ambrose Pierce Ok, if you are one of the cool kids than obviously you know about Twitter. "Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" Just because Twitter is a great way to keep up with friends that we really want to friend, doesn't mean that others are that into you. In our attempts to be socially conscious with our social networks... some (and it could be YOU) are just Tweeting too Hard.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Happy Birthday Judie!

Kerry Woo — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:30:22 +0000

Each birthday is a new beginning, full of promise and opportunity and the chance to make dreams come true.

Most of us enjoy birthdays over New Year’s Day because it serves as a unique marker in time that we all own to recall the “best of times and worse of times” we experience from year to year.

Today April 17th marks a special day for all of us at GearDiary to celebrate a special occasion; and no, we’re not talking about the debut of Daffy Duck in 1937, but rather Judie’s birthday!

While our geek oriented life can throw us challenges that try men’s souls: Mac or PC?, surf or turf, packing and

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: Swingline 67 Electric Stapler

Kerry Woo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:00:17 +0000

One of the items taken for granted on a office desk is the manual stapler. Besides the pencil cup, ruler, paper clips and a tape dispenser, the manual stapler is a necessity for clerical workers to keep important papers organized.

With the advances in in-office printing equipment, from fax machines and mimeograph machines to multicopy printing of 100 copies plus demand more stapling.

Medical research indicate repetive motion of fastening multiple copies, particularly in large businesses producing TPS reports can actually be hazardous with low morale, stress disorders and anger management. Fortunately, there is a solution at hand.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Sneak Peek: Motorola Bag Phone 2900 Gold Series

Kerry Woo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:00:50 +0000

Are you tired of using the heavy brick type phones? While useful to those who can afford them - such as executives on the go, Motorola has taken the promise of cell phone technology to consumers in rural localities. Ideal for ranchers, truckers and others outside of major cities, the promise of affordability and portability in the eighties has finally arrived in 1992. The Motorola Bag Phone 2900 Gold Series is targeting to a large consumer base - mainly sales persons - accustomed to office phones and pay phones.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Kensington Hands-Free Visor Car Kit REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:00:41 +0000

When I’m barreling down the highway meeting and greeting folks, it can be a challenge (but NOT always safe) to call whoever is deserving of a return call at that moment. I have an iPhone that allows my fingers to flip through the spinning wheel of contacts, but dialing and driving are frowned upon. Some places even have laws against such behavior.

The other time tested alternative is to wear a Bluetooth earpiece. I have a favorite reviewed here, but in some places there are fashion laws displaying such behavior.

So what’s a road warrior to do? Kensington has introduced a Hands-Free Visor Car Kit for iPhone and Bluetooth phones that surprisingly fits the bill for those wanting to drive safely and enjoy quality chatter time.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Keep your seat! Web TV from Samsung and Yahoo!

Kerry Woo — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:32:03 +0000

With a plethora of media and Internet services demanding our attention, whether via mobile devices, computers or televisions, Samsung and Yahoo! may have created the solution for blending a rich media and interactive experience on one convenient viewing platform.

At CES 2009, Samsung and Yahoo! have announced a new Internet-based service - Internet@TV – Content Service - that  will be available this spring of 2009. The Yahoo! Widget Engine on certain models of new Samsung flat-panel HDTVs promises to "Open a Whole New World of TV Interactivity for Consumers.“

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Smack Talking with the VERSUS SCOREBOARD

Kerry Woo — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:24:20 +0000

Any sports fan worth his or her salt is not immune to some good old fashioned smack talk, especially if that person is a sore winner or worse, a Dallas Cowboys or Pittsburgh Steelers fan ;-D. To add over the top flavor to your booya! drama to your sporting event of choice (just in time for the SuperBowl) is the Versus Scoreboard.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

USB Holiday Treats: A Roundup

Kerry Woo — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:32:48 +0000

With the holiday season in full swing and work productivity waning, one of the fun things to do is decorating your cubicle with festive items. After all, your coworkers are floating from desk to desk offering up candy, and generally killing time since appointments are hard to come by with Christmas break on everybody’s mind.

USBFever has a selection of items that will bring a smile (it better! – don’t be a Scrooge…) to bring good cheer and friendly chatter among your peers. Look at my cluttered desk...

Let's take a closer look...

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Wi-Gear iMuffs for the iPhone: giving your ears a break REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:52:01 +0000

Wi-Gear has upgraded the iMuffs for compatibility and optimization with the iPhone. Previously reviewed October 2007 here at GearDiary, the wireless headphone consistently delivers good performance and comfort for extended wearing periods whether sitting on your duff, driving, walking or exercising. Last year's model had some initial compatibility issues with the 1st edition of the iPhone, but has been resolved with both iPhone models (3G) with an improved range and less susceptiblily to radio interference

The iMuffs use Bluetooth 2.0 and Advance Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) via the dongle that plugs into the base of your iPod or iPhone. iMuffs work with the newest iPhone 3G models as well as Apple iPod devices including the iPod classic, iPod Nano and iPod touch. Also, the headphone works when paired with any Bluetooth compatible source whether it is a cell phone or as tested with an Apple iMac running OSX with mixed results.

First of all, once you go cordless, there is no return to using intrusive ear buds and tangled wires. That feature alone is a worthy value proposition for me.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

No static at all: DECT 6.0 technology

Kerry Woo — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:30:03 +0000

As a gadget guy, I have never considered ditching my telephone land line as I sit in front of my iMac, powering up my iPhone or iPod with my NetGear WiFi blanketing the neighborhood. I really can’t anyway… having a land line is actually not necessary with DirecTV, but with my security system it’s a requirement. Besides, how can I encourage telemarketers to change jobs? I’ve noticed that AT&T has a new product line of cordless phones out featuring DECT 6.0 technology which I have been hearing about for a while… “DECT 6.0 technology is a newly available frequency band that provides improved range without needing to boost the power. The sound quality on our DECT models is superior to existing 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz models and enables the user to talk anywhere in their home or office without interference from a wireless network. This proven and reliable technology has been in use for a number of years in Europe and has proven to provide brilliant quality of voice and sound, high protection against eavesdropping and better range than 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz phone systems.” Source AT&T We should have a AT&T branded DECT 6.0 cordless phone review unit forthcoming to test out the claim that “offer state-of-the-art antenna technology and maximum call clarity for superior performance.” Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Oregon Scientific Grill-Right Review: Grilling Perfection

Kerry Woo — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:00:20 +0000

Every summer, outdoor chefs in neighborhoods are firing up their charcoal, propane, or natural gas outdoor grill. Roll down the car window on any weekend evening in towns across America and most likely the smell of hamburgers, steaks or BBQ ribs will arouse the saliva glands. Whether you are having a neighborhood get-together, summer party or cooking outdoors to avoid heating up the kitchen, undercooked or overcooked food is always a grill master’s challenge. If you cut the meat, the flavor of the juices run out; raising the lid on the grill loses the temperature, and worse, serving undercooked meat is not good for one’s belly or reputation. The key to good grilling is to monitor the temperature for perfection. If you like to cook (and eat) like me, the Oregon Scientific AW131 Grill-Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer is a must. Pull up a chair, grab a drink and let’s take a look… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Let Freedom Ring (iPhone 3G style)

Kerry Woo — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:33:42 +0000

Our man on the street, Wayne Schulz (he's everywhere) just reported that the lines are beginning to form in front of the Apple Store in New York. Wayne reports, "According to police the people began lining up this morning. Number one in line is a man and woman with a baby who've told the police and security guards that their goal is to set a record for time in line and possibly the first baby to wait with them (or some such nonsense)." UPDATE: "At about noon on July 4th while on a trip into New York City I noticed the first line forming for the 3G iPhone at the flagship Apple 5th Avenue Store in New York City. About 10 people in line with the first two being a man and woman with a young child. I talked to the security guards and New York police who will allow everyone to stay and indicated that as of yet there are no plans to put out barricades. It appears that most (if not all) of the people in line are part of some group who may be either attempting to set a record for waiting in line or gain some publicity for themselves. It's too early to tell if this is a hoax/publicity stunt or whether these folks will stay in line through sun and rain for the next seven days". More photos after the break.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Shower Light + Hot Showers: The “you smell good” Review

Kerry Woo — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:51:23 +0000

The hot temperatures outside can cause any good ole boy or gal to turn on the body stink. Even if you don’t stink, after a crazy stressful day at work, there is nothing more pleasing than a nice, long hot shower. Why even shower? Showers can cool down the body temperature, clean the dirt and associated stink off, clean the pores, gives adequate moisture for the skin, and best of all, makes one socially acceptable! A perfect shower is having the water at the right temperature. Here’s a perfect replacement showerhead – a Temperature Controlled LED Shower Light that will make your shower the talk among your friends. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Kensington C170 Keyboard with USB Ports REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:39:02 +0000

Is it time to replace the keyboard that came with your original desktop? Or perhaps the white keyboard that came with your iMac is so junked up that a black keyboard might be a nice alternative… The Kensington C170 Keyboard with USB Ports is the newest offering from Kensington. This keyboard features three built-in 2.0 USB ports; one on the back and at the top rear along the back concealed behind a sliding door which also houses a mini-USB connector. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Applying the heat: the iwavecube™ personal microwave REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:16:30 +0000

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, here’s a way to affirm him with a unique desktop gadget – the iwavecube™ personal microwave. While Dad is toiling away in his home away from home, having his very own personal microwave in his cubicle will certainly bring immeasurable joy. Considering how nasty shared use office kitchen microwaves can be, he’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness. With a iwavecube™ personal microwave in the corner of his 8x8 cubicle, Ole Dad could be sipping on some reheated Starbucks coffee, a SmartOne or instant soup for lunch; or freshening the air with popcorn while reviewing TPS Reports. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

NewTech Accessories for the iPhone Review

Kerry Woo — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:48:53 +0000

If you like saving money, or in the case of Apple iPhone replacement accessories hate paying full retail prices, there’s a company that will keep some change in your pocket. Newer Technology has been around since the 1980’s selling Macintosh memory products. Today they have a line of five accessory products for the iPhone and iPod. • Bass Response Earbuds – with noise reduction and sound quality enhancer. • Hands-Free Mic & Earbud – provides hands-free communication while driving. • iPhone Mic Extender Cable – mic extender for hands-free use. • iPhone Headphone Jack Adapter – links to headphone connectors. • iPhone and iPod Auto Charger - charges an iPhone or iPod while driving. Let’s take a quick look at these items that will easily fit your budget. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Unclogging Your Pipes

Kerry Woo — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:57:34 +0000

It’s a beautiful weekend and there is no better time to finally unclog that drain. I was lounging on the couch getting inspired by “Ask This Old House”. The resident plumber was describing all of the necessary tools to unclog one’s drain from using snakes and plungers. One method of using a plunger is to push the clog past the trap onward to the local filtration plant, but that method takes a lot of plunging. He did mention “pulling the clog” by suction. DON”T DO IT! It just results in a sink full of nastiness, like a mini Exxon oil spill in your sink. Trust me – do not try this at home! So what’s a good husband to do? Here’s a tip to be the Plunger King of your abode: Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

A Road Warrior’s Dilemma

Kerry Woo — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:53:01 +0000

Whenever I travel, I struggle with carrying far too many clothes. I have yet to crack the code for carry on luggage. I remember on one trip my roommate packed one jacket, a pair of pants and two shirts to last five days. There’s no way I could go for that – I need to have a change of outfits at a 1.5 ratio per day! On my last trip, my luggage was delayed for two days; by then my jeans were standing straight up. Now look at this picture; granted I am on the road for an extended work trip, but I have to get a better grip on the amount of gear I carry. Do I need help or do all road worthy gadget lovers carry this much Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Fashionable and Functional: The LAbesace CLASSIC Laptop Bag REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:15:51 +0000

Trust me, I’m really trying my best to quit hauling around so many gadgets in my backpack. A 13” MacBook, power cable, mouse, 2 pens, iPod, iMuffs wireless headphone, JawBone headset, a smartphone of the week, Tekkeon battery charger, various cables, business cards and a legal pad are my bare minimums. Oops! I forgot the digital camera! What was I thinking! I stuff all of these items in my Swiss Army backpack to and from work. Of course I throw in a couple of books, a brown bag lunch, gloves, stocking cap, and many more items. The other day, I saw my reflection in a glass window. I looked like a modern day pack mule. It’s time to slim things down! Last month I was in California for a conference located in the same hotel. It was precisely then that I had the perfect use for the LAbesace CLASSIC. Let’s take a look at this laptop bag designed for the 13” MacBook. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Case-Mate Handle-it for MacBook REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:45:05 +0000

Ever feel paranoid about dropping your MacBook? The smart guys at Case-mate have a simple, yet effective solution to keep a grip on your 13" Apple bundle of joy. The Case-Mate Handle-it for MacBook is an easy to install handle accessory for your Apple notebook. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Case-Mate Signature Suit for 13″ MacBook REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:15:19 +0000

I’ve always been a big stickler for keeping my gadgets protected. I’m pretty proud of my iPods being fingerprint free for over a year now in its protective casings by DLO and OtterBox. With the investment in laptops, it’s a wonder why people don’t use a lapcase case, especially with all of the choices available these days. Case-Mate has come out with a very stylish and smart form-fit leather wrap designed for a 13-inch MacBook that protects the laptop when it is out of the laptop bag. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Click Clack: The Kensington SlimBlade Media Notebook Set REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:47:18 +0000

I’ve never given much thought to how important using a keyboard is. If one thinks about it, a proper keyboard should have a good tactile feel, minimize wrist and shoulder pain, and have some flexibility with the function keys. I admit I’m not a touch typist, but I have mastered the hunt and peck style of typing and fully utilize the cut, paste and spell check combinations for successful clickity-clack typing. I’ve been using the new Kensington SlimBlade™ Media Notebook Set along with the optional SlimBlade Media Remote. Let’s take a look inside the packaging. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Maximum Protection: The Otterbox Defender & Armor case REVIEW

Kerry Woo — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:00:17 +0000

I’m a big fan of keeping my items in mint condition. Since youth, I’ve always have kept my LP collection in near perfect condition with slipcases and dust jackets. While I can’t stuff 11,000 albums on my iPod – they barely fit in my garage – I should keep the 11,000 songs on my iPod protected with a heavy-duty case. Today, I’m going to take a look at two specialty iPod cases by Otterbox. They include the iPod Classic Defender™ Series and the iPod Classic Armor™ Series for the iPod and iPod touch. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...