Gear Diary » Ultra Portable Tablet Gear

Sena Messenger Bag for Tablets Video Review

Dan Cohen — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:00:33 +0000

I carry my iPad with me pretty much all the time. And, increasingly I find myself carrying ONLY my iPad and my smartphone during the day. I don't carry my laptop. I don't carry a pen or even my Livescribe Echo SmartPen. I don't even carry an external keyboard for the iPad. And if I am going to go light I might as well carry a small, light bag. I've been on the hunt for something small and light that also had some style to it. So when I saw the Messenger Bag for Tablets on Sena's website I took note. But I had some questions about it. Would it be TOO small? Would it be too heavy? Would the silver plate on the front be too big and "blingy"? Would it look too much like a murse? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Corning Gorilla Glass 2 Stomps Out from the Jungle at CES 2012

Michael Anderson — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:45:42 +0000

Corning Gorilla Glass has become synonymous with tough, scratch resistant screens that will withstand even some challenging drops that would have destroyed earlier phones. But it is not indestructible, and recently some challengers have come along - and competition is always a good thing. Next week at CES, Corning is set to unveil the next generation of its strengthened glass product in sizes for smartphones as well as larger formats:

A key feature of Corning's CES exposure will be the introduction of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2, the next generation of the popular, damage-resistant cover glass for consumer electronic devices. CES attendees can engage with Corning experts and technologies featuring the latest applications and

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ePillow Tablet Pillow review

Dan Cohen — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:00:14 +0000

Every now and then we are invited to review something that just looks… well… ridiculous but we end up agreeing to take a look anyway. When the "ridiculous review item" first arrives and we open the box our first impressions are, for the most part, confirmed. Yes, more often than not the product is silly, looks like a bad joke and poses a bit of a challenge with regard to actually writing the review. Every now and then however, once we actually start using the item we discover that our first AND second impressions were actually wrong! Sure, the item still looks silly but it actually works well. That was my experience with the ePillow. I'm not fully sure why I agreed to review it since the pictures didn't impress me but I'm actually glad I did. I've used it to watch some movies on my iPad this weekend and I actually found it quite useful. Seriously! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Microfiber Touchscreen Wipes Are Just What You Need!

Douglas Moran — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:15:58 +0000

I think touch screens are a beautiful thing. I have wondered for years and years why touch screens weren't used more widely, and am very happy to see that you can now find them friggin' everywhere. But of course, that has some down sides, one of which is: the durn things gets really, really dirty. Some manufacturers have worked hard (and with a decent degree of success, I might add) on making the situation better, but the bottom line is that I still need to carry around a screen wipey thing in my pocket all the time. And Kimtech is well aware of that need, which is why they want you to know about their dry Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Using a Touchscreen Device in the Cold? Thumbs Dogs Are for You!

Dan Cohen — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:00:10 +0000

BRRRRRRR!!!!! It's cold out! (Okay, not so much since it is going to be 66 degrees and sunny today in NJ.) Still, we've already been hit with winter weather, and there is more to come in the next months. That's a problem for any of us who use touchscreen devices. Sure, there are gloves that are designed to work with touchscreens, but they tend to be a bit pricy and the styles offered tend to be limited. Besides, most of us in the northeast already have more than a few pair of gloves around.Why buy more when you don't have to? That's where Thumb Dogs come in. Thumb Dogs let you turn pretty much any pair of gloves into a pair of touchscreen compatible gloves. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tablet Accessory Review: Skooba Tablet Messenger V3

Dan Cohen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:00:30 +0000

When a company like Skooba (Gear Diary's very first advertiser!) releases a new product, we take notice. Two years ago we reviewed the company's Netbook Messenger bag. I liked it a lot and had this to say,

In all I have found the Skooba NetBook Messenger to be a great bag for daily use. If you carry a netbook (or a MacBook without too many accessories) and want a bag that is small, light and easy to grab and go this is a great choice. It looks good, will likely put up with a good deal of use and abuse.

Two years later netbook's run is over and done. Now it is a tablet world Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

QuickLook: Qmadix USB Dual Mobile Charging Hub 4.2amp

Dan Cohen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:30:37 +0000

I like to be able to charge my iPhone and iPad on the go. After all, I constantly rely on both and, at least for now, iOS 5.0 is killing my battery life. That means I have wall chargers around my house, at the house and, of course, I always have a charger in my car. I've used a number of car chargers over the past few years and the new Qmadix USB Dual Mobile Charging Hub 4.2amp has me pretty impressed. From Qmadix:

The Qmadix USB Twin Tablet Charging Kit 4.2 gives you maximum power on the go when

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Android Powered Tablet Review: Vinci Tab, Early Learning System for Children

Travis Ehrlich — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:49 +0000

There is no denying that our kids are growing up in a constantly changing digital world. My two boys have developed the same connection with gadgets and digital devices as I have, only at a much younger age. I have been careful when turning them loose with my devices but often let them play with the iPad or iPhone, and they love it. Since they could barely walk, they have been able to use our IOS devices easily and without much instruction. While most of us remember the first time we used a TRS 80 or Apple IIe in school, today's children won't even remember a time without a touch screen and tablets. I

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New Laptop or Tablet? Skooba Design has a Great Way to Carry It!

Dan Cohen — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:45:47 +0000

Skooba Design makes some amazing bags and gear accessories. They are all well-built and amazingly functional. In fact, once you start using one, you quickly realize that Skooba's bags were designed by people who actually carry and USE mobile devices. This level of thought and functionality is seen in pretty much every aspect of the bags including the location of pockets, the size and the placement of zippered areas. The company sent us word that their new fall lineup of laptop and tablet cases is on the way and they look great. The new V.3 Collection includes two laptop bags, an iPad/tablet messenger, and a new version of Skooba’s Superbungee shoulder strap. At the same Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

WaterField Designs Heats Things Up with New Cases for the Kindle Fire

Dan Cohen — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:30:03 +0000

When a new device comes out it is almost inevitable that one of the first companies we will hear from is WaterField Designs. They make some of the most protective sleeves and cases around. Better still, their products -- while not the most inexpensive -- are always made from quality materials, have fantastic build-quality, and they last… and last… and last! In fact, I still have the very first laptop sleeve I bought from them years ago, and it looks pretty much brand new. When Amazon announced the new Kindle Fire, it was a sure bet that Waterfield Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Using a Tablet as In-Car Entertainment? Make Sure It Is Crash Tested with ProClip USA

Dan Cohen — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:15:08 +0000

I made a strategic error a few months ago. My iPad-loving father-in-law was looking for a new stand for his iPad, and I let him try the ProClip MultiStand I reviewed here. I never got it back. ProClip [affiliate link] makes some of the most impressive stands and mounts for a host of devices. Among the tablets they design for: the Apple iPad 1 & 2, the Motorola Xoom, the BlackBerry PlayBook, the Samsung Galaxy Tab and more. Now they just got better. If you are thinking about using an iPad for in-car ProClip USA has a new product for you, a new line of Crash Tested Headrest Mounts for Tablets. Interested? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Kensington Announces Some Great New Accessories

Dan Cohen — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:30:35 +0000

When we go to CES one of our favorite "stops" is the Kensington suite where we get to see what new items they are cooking up. There's always something notable. Last night I had an additional chance to see what's new at the company and the answer is- a whole lot. I saw a few notable items that can extend your mobile experience and we are looking forward to getting our hands on them for review. For the time being, though, lets take a look from afar. The first new accessory is the BungeeAir. Imagine Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Diary at 5 Giveaway: Day 1 Win a BlackBerry PlayBook

Dan Cohen — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:00:59 +0000

Note: This contest has ended. What better way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Gear Diary than to do a series of awesome giveaways?!?!? Those giveaways start today, so keep reading. The contests will cover the next two weeks leading us to September 30th, the actual anniversary of Gear Diary. This week we will be giving away a ton of review items. Almost all of them have been opened and lightly used for review, but all are in perfect working order without any significant cosmetic blemishes. Most have original packaging and any accompanying paperwork. Each contest will last no more than two days with some taking far less time than that. To enter Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

SanDisk Announces and Makes Available 64GB Extreme Pro SDXC and microSDXC Cards; I WANT!

Judie Stanford — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:30:23 +0000

Holy cow ... we have been hearing about them eventually being available for some time, and now they are here! SanDisk has just sent notice that they have 64GB microSDXC and 64GB SDXC cards available for purchase now. Yes, you are going to pay an arm and a leg for them, but their prices don't come anywhere near some of the ridiculous sums many of us have paid in the past! [Like the 5GB PCMCIA drive that I paid over $500 for back in 2002! Oy.] If you are a photographer, then you'll want to take a look at the 64GB SDXC; this card Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad and Tablet Accessory Review: AluPen and AluCube

Dan Cohen — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:14 +0000

Last year Judie reviewed JustMobile's AluPen. She liked it a lot. Then, last spring, Just Mobile introduced a stand for the AluPen. The AluCube was just that, an aluminum cube that serves as a perfect stand for the AluPen. To my mind it didn't make all that much sense to buy a separate stand for a tablet stylus but when I heard they had created a deluxe package and were selling the AluPen and AluCube together I was interested. Just Mobile was kind enough to send a review sample so lets take a closer look. From Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tablet Accessory Review: Adonit Jot and Jot Pro Stylus

Dan Cohen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:27 +0000

When Steve Jobs introduced the iPad the tagline might well have been, "Stylus? Stylus? We don't need no stink in' stylus." Yes, Apple's goal with the iPad was a truly touch-friendly tablet. For the most part, they have succeeded. Still, there ARE times when you want to use a stylus and, thankfully, there are a host of options these days. I just got a close, hands on look at one of the newest options and it awesome. More accurately, THEY are since there are two versions. The Jot and the Jot Pro from Adonit are an unusual take on the tablet stylus. Let's take a quick look. Like the company's first Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Waterfield Unveils Their New Tablet Ultimate SleeveCase

Dan Cohen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:30:29 +0000

As much as I have been disappointed with the Blackberry Playbook, HTC Flyer and other 7" tablets I have tried I still love the size. They are easier to carry and hold than their larger cousins. That alone makes them worth considering if you are in the market for a tablet this fall. If you have a small tablet or plan on getting one Waterfield has a great way to take it with you. Their new Ultimate SleeveCase looks great and offers tremendous protection thanks to its great build-quality, impact plastic and a thick nylon shell. Here's what they have to say about it-

Ultimate Tablet Sleeve Protection. Safeguard your tablet with a properly fitted

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iPad Accessory Review: Vogel’s RingO Universal iPad 2 Mounting System

Dan Cohen — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:00:51 +0000

A few months ago we took a look at Vogel's RingO system for the iPad 1. The accessory is a combination case/stand for the iPad that extends the utility of the iPad by offering various "modules" like a wall holder or car headrest bracket. It appeared toward the end of the original iPad's "run" but with so many iPad "classics" in use and available as refurbs the timing, while late, wasn't "too late". Now Vogel has updated the system to work with the iPad 2. What's great about the update is that the only thing that has changed is the iPad shell/holder which now accommodates the thinner, more tapered iPad 2 and its camera Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tablet Accessory Review and Giveaway: The Stump Stand; Sometimes Simplicity Is Best

Dan Cohen — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:00:09 +0000

Sometimes the simplest accessories are the best accessories. That's right, something it doesn't need to be complicated for it to be remarkably useful. That's the case with this new tablet/eReader stand The Stump. The Stump is what it claims to be – it is a stump of rubber. It looks like a tree trunk that's been cut down at an angle. It's simple. It's not exciting. Best of all, it does the job. Here's a quick look and a chance to win one. Truth be told, there isn't a whole lot to say Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The DRY-ALL Wet Smartphone Emergency Kit Review & Giveaway

Judie Stanford — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:00:09 +0000

Update: This giveaway is now closed, and the winners are -- lloydrv (tablet kit), visual360photography (smartphone kit), chinoy885 (smartphone kit), and bamfhacker (tablet kit). All winners have been contacted. Thank you for entering, and keep your eye out for more Gear Diary Giveaways! =)

Last year 57% of 5200 people surveyed admitted using their phones in the bathroom, and this year 27% of 500 people surveyed admitted to checking Facebook while 'otherwise indisposed'. Another survey this year said that 56% of an undisclosed number of people use their mobile device in the bathroom, and of those, 27% of the 56% are playing games, while 70% of that 56% admitted 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 ...

iPad Accessory Review: Vogel’s RingO Universal iPad Mounting System

Dan Cohen — Sat, 14 May 2011 20:00:58 +0000

I am a big fan of the combination iPad case/stands that began appearing towards the end of the original iPad's production run. This is especially true for those case/stands that are actually modular systems that extend the ways and situations where you can use the iPad. And although the original iPad is no longer being produced there continues to be a healthy market for used and refurbished units. For that reason it makes sense to look at a few of the combination cases/stands that are still available and worth considering if you have picked up one of the discounted refurbished by Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Sena is One of Ten Companies Selected for the “Built for BlackBerry” Program

Dan Cohen — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:15:23 +0000

Sena has something new about which to be proud. Not only does the company continue to roll our great looking, super-userful cases for a wide range of gadgets but they are now one of ten companies selected for RIM's "Built for BlackBerry" program. The program helps ensure that accessories for RIM's products will be of the highest quality possible. That pretty much means it would HAVE to include Sena and it does. And the timing is great since Sean is beginning to roll out cases for the BlackBerry Playbook Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iPad Accessory Review: Breffo SpiderpodiumTablet

Travis Ehrlich — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:00:38 +0000

Anyone with a tablet has probably learned that it can be somewhat of an awkward device to use when not in an easy to hold position. It is not a problem while sitting on the couch or at a desk, but what about when cooking or laying in bed, or riding in a car -- or when trying to use one anywhere else you can imagine that does not involve simply sitting in a chair. Some products act as a stand, kind of like a frame or book stand. Those products work well, but they are not exactly multi-functional. Breffo has introduced the SpiderpodiumTablet to allow users the ability to use their tablet devices

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Tablet Accessory News: VOGELS “Ringo Mounting System” for iPad, iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab

Dan Cohen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:45:11 +0000

We've seen a lot of cases for the iPad and Galaxy Tab. We've seen and reviewed numerous stand as well. We've looked at wall mounts and we have even taken a look at a few options for mounting the tablets in a car. Vogels' new Ringo System does something we have only seen once or twice before and it does it with a flexibility and level of aesthetics that are truly impressive. The Ringo Mounting System is a case, a stand, a wall mount, a car mount and more! Even better still, it works with a variety of tablets with more to come Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Control Your Tablet Fingerprint Problems with Cloth Addiction

Douglas Moran — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:00:43 +0000

I love my iPad. I mean, I really love it--I take it practically everywhere with me, and I use it for every function I can think of--reading books, watching movies and TV shows, checking my email, looking at my Twitter feed, playing games, (sometimes) doing posts for this very site . . . pretty much everything. And it's so light that I can take it anywhere. It's great. And it's a friggin' magnet for finger prints, durn it! Fortunately, there are folks out there like Cloth Addiction who want to help. Cloth Addiction has a microfiber cleaning cloth specifically for tablets, helping you get that durn gunk off the screen after you've finished a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iMainGo Portable Speaker Systems More Than Just Portable

David Goodspeed — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:00:47 +0000

Portable Sound Labsis the company behind iMainGo, a portable external speaker kit for your portable device such as an iPhone or touch. They sent me a test unit quite some time ago ,and somehow it made its way into the back of the closet. Since that time they have released an updated iMainGo 2 and now the iMainGo X for more lifestyle integration. So, why my oversight? To be honest, I do not lead that portable of a lifestyle. Mine is more mobile – actually mostly mobile. When I am not test-driving new cars I am driving a fleet vehicle in my Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

CES 2011- Livescribe Smartpens Strike the Right Note

Dan Cohen — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:00:44 +0000

The most wasteful time Judie and I spent at CES was the hour and a half we had at the Casio Press Conference. They really had nothing of substance to show us yet they made it out to be a huge deal.Yes, it wasted our time but, more than that, the hyperbole they used in their ridiculous attempt to make it look like there WAS something to share was insulting. (At least we got a post out of it...) :) When I had a chance to meet with Jody Farrar and Andy Van Scaack, some of the representatives from Livescribe, it was a similar story. Like Casio they had nothing truly new and exciting Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Comin’ Soon: New Samsung Tab Accessories from iLuv

Douglas Moran — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:52 +0000

While I may not agree with the press release below that "the tablet market is exploding", there's no question that we're in for a big expansion of it. My guess is, 2011 will be "the year of the tablet." (Of course, I've been wrong before.) In any event, one of the first competitors in the tablet market space is of course the Samsung Galaxy Tab, running the Android OS. And iLuv doesn't want you to scratch or ding or otherwise mess up your new Tab, so they're offering a new line--"available in late December," they tell us--to protect the Tab. So surf on over to the iLuv site and check them out. Full Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Scosche Launches Samsung Galaxy Tab Accessory Line

Douglas Moran — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:00:03 +0000

I really like Scosche gear--it's pretty reasonably-priced (especially for what you get), and it has a wonderful feel of solidity to it, in addition to some good design details. For example, I (stupidly) left my iPhone charger cable at home one trip, and picked up a new one in the Phoenix airport, and it happened to be a Scosche. I fell in love with it right away--solidly made, with a design that when coiled up, helped protect the wires from, for lack of a better word, yankage. I like it so much I actually emailed Judie and said, "Have we reviewed any of their gear? Cuz I sure like this cable!" And trust me, that doesn't Continue reading on Gear Diary ...