Gear Diary » BlackBerry Gear

Let Case-Mate Protect Your Device for Less on Cyber Monday

Dan Cohen — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:15:21 +0000

We'll keep this simple. Case-Mate makes some great cases for a wide range of devices. There's something to fit every taste and need and, with 25% off store-wide during Cyber Monday, there's something to fit every budget too. Hop on over to the company website and see what your next case may be and save in the process. Details can be found here Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

PDair Releases Aluminum Metal Case for BlackBerry Curve 9350/9360/9370

Douglas Moran — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:15:20 +0000

Okay, yeah; RIM has really stumbled lately. True enough. But there are still a lot of you folks out there that are carrying and using your BlackBerrys (or should that be "BlackBerries"?), and you don't want them going naked, you want them protected a little. Case maker PDAir is right there with you, and has a new set of aluminum (or aluminium, if you're in the U.K.) case for the BlackBerry Curve 9350, 9360, and 9370. If you're looking to protect your gadget from the capricious whims of the world (not to mention your car keys, coins, and whatever else it might bump into in your pocket/purse/man bag), you should check these out at PDAir Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Sound ID is Back with the Sound iD SIX, a Siri-Ready Bluetooth Headset

Dan Cohen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:15:15 +0000

I have had the opportunity to review each generation of Sound iD's Bluetooth headsets. The first was a small but excellent device and with each generation the devices have gotten better and better. Now the company is back with their Sound iD SIX Series headset and it looks great. Here's what the company has to say about it:

Sound ID redefines the Bluetooth experience with the new SIX. Destined to be your go-to headset, the SIX boasts a sleek look and more than one new audio trick, resulting in a true marriage of outstanding sound, true comfort and advanced technology. With innovative features such as VoiceMenu (which enhances traditional voice recognition) the Clear Carbon

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PDAir Release o’ the Week Include Leather Wallet for Apple iPhone 4S

Douglas Moran — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:00:05 +0000

Usually each week, PDAir almost inundates us with a list of new items with which to cover your precious gear. This week, not so much; just a couple of items is all. But even though I'm perfectly happy with my current iFrogz case, I have to say that I do like the concept of the wallet case for your iPhone, shown above. And of course that's only one of a b'zillion different styles that PDAir has. Check them out if you're looking for a case. The full list of this week's PDAir releases:

Aluminum Metal Case for BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 - Open Screen Design (Silver)
Aluminum Metal Case for BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930

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PDAir New Releases o’ the Week: Hard Case for Apple iPhone 4 (Rainbow Series)

Douglas Moran — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:15:44 +0000

I've probably said it before, but PDAir puts me in mind of those old Sherwin Williams paint ads: "We cover the world!" (Roger Zelazny spoofed it in one of his Amber books, I think.) PDAir seems completely and utterly determined to have a case for every single cell phone and PDA put out on the market. I have this mental image of a room with one obsessive, sleep-deprived nerd with a laptop, sitting there in its warm glow, just surfing the web for news of a new device. "Here it is!" he or she cries. "New Blackberry! Get the specs and start fabricating!" And then he or she is back to his staring time. Anyway, without Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Mobile Device Accessory Review: Juice Pack Powerstation

Dan Cohen — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:00:01 +0000

It seems silly to refer to an external battery as "good-looking", but mophie's new juice pack power station is one good-looking battery. It is sleek, solid and feels great thanks to the combination of polished metal and soft touch material. And with a footprint that is a bit smaller than an iPhone, this 4000mAh battery is simple to carry around all the time. From mophie:

juice pack powerstation: This powerful 4000mAh external battery can charge virtually any USB device in the world including the iPhone and iPad. With completely reengineered battery and electronics, the powerstation can charge your device

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PDair Leather Case for BlackBerry Torch 9810

Douglas Moran — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:15:19 +0000

So back when I worked at SiliconGraphics, when it was "The Coolest Computer Company on the Planet" (we had T-shirts that said so!), we released a high-end graphics workstation called "Oxygen." "Ignite your mind!" was its marketing catch-phrase. But the problem, see, was that we sold a bunch of them to a Japanese company, and they put them all under a workbench, really close together, pressed back against the wall. And what happened is . . . well, they caught fire. Not enough venting space under the workbench. The number of jokes that came of that were limitless. "Ignite your desktop!" "Ignite your building!" Etc. So now, every time I see an ad for the BlackBerry Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Jabra SPORT and SPORT-CORDED Let You Enjoy Your Music on the Go

Dan Cohen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:45:51 +0000

Jabra has announced two new headsets that join the company's sport line and let you take you tunes with you when exercising or doing other activities. The headsets look great, especially the wireless one, and they come with a host of great features. As Jabra explains

Featuring a category-first built-in FM radio, A2DP technology, and powerful bass to help energize workout performance, the Jabra SPORT allows for an even wider variety of music options when exercising and easy-to-use controls. The stereo headset also features a wind-shielded microphone and is US Military Standard Rain, Dust and Shock Resistant certified, ensuring that exercisers don’t need to hold back during their workouts on account of

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Mobile Gear Accessory Review: Energizer Qi-Enabled 3 Position Inductive Charger

Dan Cohen — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:00:17 +0000

I love the idea of inductive charging whereby you can simply lay your device on a base-station and have it recharged without having to plug anything into it. I love the idea but, until now, not the execution. We've looked at a few systems and, while they all worked as promised, the requisite charging case or sleeve was too heavy and bulky for daily use. When Energizer offered to send us their newest system we jumped at the chance. Yes, we weren't expecting too much but we were HOPING the improvements were enough to make it usable beyond the review. Is it? Read on... So here's a look at Energizer's new Inductive charging Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

BlackBerry Playbook Case Review: Pop! for BlackBerry PlayBook

Dan Cohen — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:00:35 +0000

I cannot help but feel a bit bad for the BlackBerry PlayBook. After all, the device has a great form factor, excellent build quality, a responsive touchscreen, and two things that are lacking on most tablets: both the front and rear facing cameras are quite good and the forward facing stereo speakers don't sound half bad. Still, weeks after the device was first introduced into the market, the number of high-quality applications for it is disgraceful low. The result is a device whose utility continues to be all but crippled as a result. I would not keep it hanging around except for the fact that, as noted, the cameras and speakers work better than Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tablet Accessory Review: Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard

Dan Cohen — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:00:42 +0000

One of the pleasant surprises I found when I first started checking out the BlackBerry Playbook was the fact that it is a fantastic blogging tool. Unlike the iPad, which continues to fall short in the mobile blogging department, the PlayBook is a complete blogging system that works beautifully. The rear camera is surprisingly good, and the file management allows you to upload images to the web just the way you would from a full traditional computer. Sadly it is one of the only pleasant surprises since, weeks later, there are still little to no useful apps for the PlayBook. The only problem I have run into is the fact that while the on-screen keyboard Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The PhoneSuit Primo Power Core Rechargeable Battery Pack for Tablets and Phones Review

Judie Stanford — Wed, 11 May 2011 03:15:55 +0000

Electronic devices always seem run out of power at the most inopportune times, don't they? Figuring out ways to keep those devices powered for as long as they are needed is key. Whether you are a regular road warrior or simply away from the office for the day, if you aren't going to be near an outlet or power port, and if you carry multiple devices which will require energy doses at random times, carrying a portable power supply is the best option. Many times, these power supplies can best be described as bricks. How big or how small of a "brick" to choose depends upon your specific needs and ability to carry it; when traveling Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

BlackBerry Playbook Case Review: Case-Mate Barely There

Dan Cohen — Sun, 08 May 2011 21:00:29 +0000

I'm a huge fan of minimalist cases and that tends to hold true for pretty much every device I use. I want something as thin as possible on my iPhone 4. I want something that doesn't add too much bulk to my iPad 2. And I want to get a case for the BlackBerry PlayBook RIM gave out at the launch event that adds some protection but doesn't remove the key advantage this "completely and totally unfinished but still has potential" device has over the iPad and other 10" tablets: its small size and light weight.

That's where Case-Mate's Barely There

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USBFever Launches o’ the Week

Douglas Moran — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:15:00 +0000

You see? When I told you on Sunday that it seemed like the USBFever folks never slept, and that they even put out stuff in between their releases o' the week, I bet you doubted me, right? I mean, I wouldn't blame you; those guys just don't stop, you know? Week after week, month after month, they keep on movin'. Like this week. In addition to that cute keyboard you see above, USBFever has their usual boatload of new gear to look at. Like what? Well . . .

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RIM Announces Multi-Platform Enterprise Mobile Support and some Bold New Phones

Francis Scardino — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:05:32 +0000

Image courtesy of Blackberry

Recently at Blackberry World Conference 2011, RIM made some announcements on a few new devices, apps, OS 7, and most notably the new Multi Platform Blackberry Enterprise Server. Blackberry has been under some pressure in the past few years, mainly because they are losing market share daily to both mobile hardware and software competitors. Most of the recent phone offerings have not quite set the world on fire, and the OS leaves much to be desired. As most of the smartphones sold now offer all the things that once made Blackberry great, I feel like RIM has been left behind with their mediocre hardware and all but non-existent app store. We have been Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

RIM Pulls an Oprah, Gives All BlackBerry World Attendees a Brand New PlayBook Tablet

Jason Reese — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:52:11 +0000

While attendees were Tweeting, BBM'ing and trying not to nod off during Mike Lazaridis's keynote address during this year's BlackBerry World Conference, a jolt of enthusiasm swept through the crowd as RIM announced every attendee would receive a complimentary 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Suh-Weet! Gauging the rabid excitement of the crowd, the news was very well received. Hopefully by the time attendees have it in hand, all those pesky software updates for the native Facebook app will be installed. Since there's no native email on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet (until another software update brings native PIM features to the tablet 'sometime this Summer' per RIM), all I can say is thank Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Cases Galore from PDAir

Douglas Moran — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:15:38 +0000

Very much like those busy little bees over at USBFever, PDAir--motto: if you need a case, we're on the case! (no, not really)--comes out with new products at a rate that makes me, quite frankly, a little dizzy. This week, they're giving you a couple of new cases for the Blackberry Bold, as well as coming out with a few new cases for the (also new) iPad 2. Surf on over and check them out. Full information below.

Leather Case for BlackBerry Bold 9780/9700 - Flip Type (Black) Version 2
Leather Case for BlackBerry Bold 9780/9700 - Book Type (Black) Version 2
Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 -

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Mobile Phone Accessory Review: the Oberon Design Cell Phone Sleeve

Judie Stanford — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:00:04 +0000

It's not very often that I can get excited about a universally fitting mobile phone sleeve, mainly because most of the ones I've reviewed in the past were pretty utilitarian. But when I received an email from Oberon Design, the company responsible for some of my favorite Kindle2, Kindle DX and iPad cases ever, asking if I'd like to review their new cell phone sleeve, I was happy to oblige.

Our cell phone sleeve is offered in twelve cropped versions of our most popular designs and accommodates many different smart phones and regular cell phones.

As in the past, the Oberon item arrived wrapped Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Must-Have: Gadget Genie Moisture Removal System

Dan Cohen — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:48:13 +0000

Judie knows gadgets. She's been blogging for years and has tried out hundred and hundreds of different items and accessories. Many of them get "ooos and ahhs" from her, but rarely have I seen a product draw such immediate enthusiasm as this one. No, this product received an "OMG Great Idea!!! I need some to keep on hand!!" What product caught her eye in such a big way? Is it a phone? Nope. Is it a tablet? Nope. Is it a new computer? Nope. So what is it? It is a bag. And no, it is not one of her fancy designer bags. This is the Gadget Genie, a simple looking bag that Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Speck’s Fitted for BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100

Douglas Moran — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:30:23 +0000

Your faithful Gear Diary team has used a lot of Speck cases in our time, and your humble news nerd (that would be me!) has one on his iPhone 4. They are solid, often attractive and/or interesting cases that give you good value for your shrinking dollar. As I make an effort to not give the impression that I'm an Apple fanboy (I'm a UNIX nerd, if truth be known), I try to ensure that we have plenty of news items on other gear. Today, it's the Speck fitted case for the BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9100. As one would expect from Speck, it's a solid and interesting looking case for a very reasonable price (MSRP Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Grip-Ez: Brass Knuckles for your Mobile Device?

LarryGreenberg — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:00:46 +0000

Okay they really aren't brass knuckles. That would be just silly.

Once you stick the Grip-Ez onto the back of your mobile device with the included 3M tape what it does do is offer an unparalleled amount of grip. Made from hard plastic and rubber the add-on is said to be very durable while providing your fingers with a comfortable place to rest while securing holding your mobile device.

Each Grip-Ez sells for $10 plus shipping, and it comes doctor recommended to reduce hand fatigue.

Of course you'll need to master the art of one-handed phone operation to

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iPhone 4 Case/Wallet Review: eHolster Front Pocket Wallet

LarryGreenberg — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:00:15 +0000

Since winning a recent bout with back-pain I've begun, at the recommendation of my chiropractor, carrying my wallet in my front pants pocket. It lives in the right side of my trousers while my iPhone lives in the left. That presents a problem when it comes time to place my keys somewhere. I don't want to put my keys in the same pocket as my iPhone for fear that they will scratch it and there isn't much room left in the pocket where my wallet is stored. The result? I often times carry my keys on my belt or ask my wife to stick them in her purse for me. Neither solution is optimal. When Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: iGo Charge Anywhere

Jason Reese — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:00:49 +0000

No matter how long you think your mobile devices can maintain a full day's charge, you're going to be put to the test. It's always going to be a race to find an outlet or to boot up your computer as your phone's battery starts to fade out completely. It's happened to me plenty of times. When I'm at a conference. When I'm at a meeting. When I'm rushing to catch a flight. No time is a good time, either. When that battery does go, you're in a lonely world. No email, no calls, no texts, no twitter or Facebook updates. Let's face it. Our mobile devices are our lifelines to friends, family and colleagues. They can help Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

PDAir New Releases for the Week

Douglas Moran — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:00:31 +0000

Those never-rest folks at PDAir are at it again, releasing a whole slew of cases for your smartphone needs. I couldn't even begin to detail the various models, prices, and devices they cover, so I'm simply going to let the list speak for itself:

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: Thinksound ts02+ mic: Going Green Sounds Even Better Now

LarryGreenberg — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:00:36 +0000

Last February I had the chance to review Thinksound's first two offerings. The "Rain" and the "Thunder" were the company's first entries into the earbud market. Thinksound is a company that takes environmental impact seriously. Everything they use in the construction of their products, from the packaging made from recycled materials to the PVC free cable, is all about leaving as small a eco-footprint as possible. And before you ask, the answer is no. Going green doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Thinksound makes a pleasant sounding, good looking headphone now with the addition of a microphone. The ts02+ mic, the company's newest offering, is an 8mm in ear, high definition headphone with Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: DryPaks Protect Your Gear for That Last Summer Beach Fling

Jason Reese — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:00:35 +0000

Alas, this weekend brings the end of Summer for those of us in the U.S. Like many others, I'm trying to cram in three days of beach fun into this Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, duty still often calls and I still need to be 'connected' for work even while trying to grab some relaxation with friends and family. Unlike last summer's shenanigans, I made a point to take precautions and bring extra protection. See, last summer a good friend found their phone, iPod touch and digital camera claimed by the angry sea while boating (OK, maybe it was merely the fact that electronics and water still don't mix or play nice together). Since my summer Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: Primo Battery Cube

Carly Z — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:00:12 +0000

It happens without fail at least once a week. I install a new piece of software on my phone, or read a book on the Kindle app, or I get caught up in too many IM conversations...and I run my battery down mid-day with no access to a charger for several hours. Oops. Luckily, there’s products like the Primo Cube to provide extra battery boosts. How well does the Cube do? Read on to find out!

Physically, the Cube is tiny! I was shocked when I held it in my hand. It’s really small and incredibly pocketable. I was able to carry it around in the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

AG Findings Offers New Carrying Cases for the Blackberry Torch

Douglas Moran — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:55:12 +0000

I've actually seen computers go up in flames from over-heating, so I'm kinda ambivalent about Blackberry's decision to name their new product the Torch. I mean, seriously! But I digress! Blackberry fans, you don't want to hear about my weird proclivities about naming, right? You want to hear what sweet new products AG Findings is offering to cart around your precious new gadget in. And so that's what we've got here; four new "carrying solutions" for you Crackberry, ranging in price from an MSRP of $30-40. If you're ready to clothe your new Torch, you should surf on over and take a look. Full information below.

AG Findings, engineers of advanced carrying solutions, unveils four

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Accessory Review: Charge Your Mobile Devices With The Power Of The Sun

LarryGreenberg — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:58 +0000

External batteries are great, but they're only as good as the mAhs they possess; once you deplete them, until you find yourself near a charging source they become useless. The Monaco Mobile Power Solar Charger from Wireless Ground takes care of that problem by harnessing the power of the sun to recharge itself. You can use the battery to recharge you device and then recharge the battery on to go so it's ready to be used again. In addition to the battery itself you'll also get some tips to charge with. The Monaco comes with a USB out cable which can be fitted with either the included micro-USB or mini-USB adapter. It also comes with Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Video Review: Moshi Moshi 03 Lets You Go Hands Free In Style

LarryGreenberg — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:00:43 +0000

Back in April I told you about the Native Union Moshi Moshi 01. The sleek and sophisticated handsfree unit allow the users to make and receive mobile calls while experiencing the ease of comfort of a landline base. Native Union is out with the next release in the Moshi Moshi line. The Moshi Moshi 03 draws from the original 01 unit but now adds Bluetooth into the fold. And it's not your regular old Bluetooth stack either. The 03 uses a multipoint chip which allows two Bluetooth devices to be paired to it simultaneously. At home I paired the o3 up with both my iPhone 4 and my iMac. When a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...