Gear Diary » Valentine’s Day http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:15:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 ThinkGeek Has Some Valentines Gifts for the Geek in Your Lifehttp://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/thinkgeek-has-some-valentines-gifts-for-the-geek-in-your-life/ http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/thinkgeek-has-some-valentines-gifts-for-the-geek-in-your-life/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:45:57 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=181902 Valentines day is coming (believe it or not), and yes, you can go with one of the classics for that special person in your life:  chocolate, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or more chocolate.  But if your sweetie is a geek, maybe what you need is something a bit more . . . nerdly.  Something that shows you acknowledge that which both makes him or her special.  Something that speaks to their inner geek. Unsurprisingly in this, the Age o' the Geek, there are web sites (hey: geeks invented the web, after all!) and sections of web sites that cater to exactly that need.  Like ThinkGeek, which has a whole bunch of geek stuff for that nerd in your Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2012/02/02/thinkgeek-has-some-valentines-gifts-for-the-geek-in-your-life/feed/ 0 Tokyoflash Releases the Kisai Seven; Makes Your Digital Evil Twin Jealoushttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/tokyoflash-releases-the-kisai-seven-makes-your-digital-evil-twin-jealous/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/tokyoflash-releases-the-kisai-seven-makes-your-digital-evil-twin-jealous/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:45:42 +0000 Francis Scardino http://www.geardiary.com/?p=166202

Image courtesy of Tokyoflash

Fresh out of the Tokyoflash workshop comes the Kisai Seven. Yet another watch from their concept to reality blog, the Seven joins the limited edition club and launches at the low-cost of only $99 shipped. Breaking off slightly from the standard Kisai style and material, this "Tron" inspired watch has an "identity disc" like watch face that glows either white or blue depending on the model you purchase. New to this watch is a seamless polyurethane band and hard plastic encased face instead of the matte or polished bands we are used to seeing with other models. The large rings on darken in spots to show the hours and minutes Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/26/tokyoflash-releases-the-kisai-seven-makes-your-digital-evil-twin-jealous/feed/ 0 Personalized iPhone Cases from iStylizehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/23/personalized-iphone-cases-from-istylize/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/23/personalized-iphone-cases-from-istylize/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:15:41 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=165626

When my coworker was preordering his new iPhone 4S, we had a debate about colors. I was firmly on the side of black, and he said he was considering white because it stood out a bit more, and since most people have black iPhones, it eliminated that moment of "is this your phone or my phone" that happens when everyone has their iPhones on the table at the same time. Of course, you can solve this with a case, but who wants the same boring cases that everyone else picks up at the Apple store? Instead, you could snag an iStylize case from ErinCondren.com that has your name or initials right in the design! No Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/10/23/personalized-iphone-cases-from-istylize/feed/ 0 The Keurig Mini Plus Personal Brewer Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/27/the-keurig-mini-plus-personal-brewer-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/27/the-keurig-mini-plus-personal-brewer-review/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:00:51 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130221

Given the long hours I spend editing and writing, there are a few things that I need to have available at all times: a good desktop or laptop computer, a decent camera for taking pictures, a comfortable chair, and an ever flowing source of caffeine. The refrigerator behind me takes care of my Diet Cokes, I have a canister of dark-chocolate covered coffee beans on the counter, and lately I've been using the Keurig Mini Plus Personal Brewer system to handle my coffee and tea requirements. As the company explains:
· The Keurig brewing system offers a coffee house quality cup of coffee for just a fraction of the cost with the convenience of
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/27/the-keurig-mini-plus-personal-brewer-review/feed/ 14 The Aligata iPhone Leather Sleeve Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/21/the-aligata-iphone-leather-sleeve-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/21/the-aligata-iphone-leather-sleeve-review/#comments Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:00:25 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130330

Uncomplicated good looks, even contrasting stitching, and leather which will only get more beautiful over time as it is used ... these are what you'll get when you purchase an iPhone leather sleeve from Aligata. Don't be fooled by the name, though; the iPhone Leather Sleeve will also fit other similarly sized phones and devices. Because he knows how much I like this combination, Tom from Aligata sent me a nude beauty sleeve with yellow stitching. This particular type leather usually comes with white stitching, but for a fee (and a little bit of prior-to-ordering discussion) you can specify other thread colors. There are also four other types of leather Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/21/the-aligata-iphone-leather-sleeve-review/feed/ 3 The Valentine’s Day Gift Arms Racehttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/14/the-valentines-day-gift-arms-race/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/14/the-valentines-day-gift-arms-race/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:00:30 +0000 Michael Anderson http://www.geardiary.com/?p=131922

Let's face it - by this time if you are still deciding on Valentine's Day gifts you are pretty much in deep trouble with the object of your intentions. This isn't meant as gift-giving advice. Nor is it a curmudgeonly rant about the 'Hallmark Holiday' - while the card-maker and your local florist certainly profit from February 14th, the celebration has historical ties. No ... this is about the seeming 'arms race' in gift-giving. Initially I had started pooling loads of images from every email I had gotten over the last month touting the 'perfect Valentine's Day gift', with the intent of overwhelming you with them. Instead, I simply put the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/14/the-valentines-day-gift-arms-race/feed/ 0 Gear Deal: T-Mobile Makes it Easy to Score on Valentine’s Day with Free Smartphoneshttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/11/gear-deal-t-mobile-makes-it-easy-to-score-on-valentines-day-with-free-smartphones/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/11/gear-deal-t-mobile-makes-it-easy-to-score-on-valentines-day-with-free-smartphones/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:27:45 +0000 Francis Scardino http://www.geardiary.com/?p=131187

Image courtesy of T-Mobile

Sometimes the best things in life really are free. T-Mobile has a promotion running on February 11th and 12th that is one of the best I've seen yet from a mobile provider. Sign up for a 2 year agreement, or add a line, and get ANY smartphone in the T-Mobile lineup for free. TmoNews has a screen snap of the rebate form showing a few handsets that will cost you a little up front, but will be refunded in some form or fashion. It's a great way to get your guy or girl a brand new Smartphone for absolutely nothing, and show your level of commitment by having a joint plan together Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/11/gear-deal-t-mobile-makes-it-easy-to-score-on-valentines-day-with-free-smartphones/feed/ 1 Evouni Gadget Accessories Stylish and Chichttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/09/evouni-gadget-accessories-stylish-and-chic/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/09/evouni-gadget-accessories-stylish-and-chic/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:00:09 +0000 David Goodspeed http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130890 Gadget accessory company Evouni (I will leave the pronunciation up to you) sent GearDiary.com a few items recently, three of which made it into my hands. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/09/evouni-gadget-accessories-stylish-and-chic/feed/ 0 eBook Readers for Valentine’s Dayhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/08/ebook-readers-for-valentines-day/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/08/ebook-readers-for-valentines-day/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:30:54 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130846

(image courtesy Publish a Book)

If you're considering getting your loved one an ebook reader for V-Day, you're in luck! The fine folks behind many popular ebook readers clearly think a book for Valentine's Day is better when it comes in electronic form, and they've thrown together some sweet deals!

B&N Rumors that NOOKcolors were off the shelves have been greatly exaggerated. B&N is touting it as the perfect Valentine's day gift, and they're offering 30% off select cases if you buy between now and V-Day. Looking to buy a NOOK WiFi or 3G instead? B&N is also offering 50% Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/08/ebook-readers-for-valentines-day/feed/ 4 The SCOTTEVEST Women’s Trench Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/05/the-scottevest-womens-trench-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/05/the-scottevest-womens-trench-review/#comments Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:00:58 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=127864 You see that big ol' grin on my face? Simply put, it's because I've finally found the perfect trench coat!

When done correctly, a woman's trench coat is the perfect jacket. A trench keeps its wearer warm, but it isn't too heavy; trench coats are belted, so the woman wearing one gains an instant hourglass figure -- whether she has one or not! The right trench coat can add instant sophistication to even the most basic outfit; but best of all, a well-cut trench coat can hide a multitude of figure flaws while taking an outfit from day to night. Scott Jordan let us know last October that SCOTTEVEST would be coming out with Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/05/the-scottevest-womens-trench-review/feed/ 29 Gadgets and Gear Gets Ready for Valentine’s Dayhttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/04/gadgets-and-gear-gets-ready-for-valentines-day/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/04/gadgets-and-gear-gets-ready-for-valentines-day/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:15:13 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=130347

It's early February, and that means, time to panic! Yup, you thought you made it through the holiday gift-giving season unscathed, and now along comes another holiday where you're supposed to show good sense, good taste, and a sense of what your partner likes.  And if you think you've got it bad, I've got three birthdays--four, if you count my deceased Dad--in the same time period!  Not to mention the anniversary of the day I asked Sami to marry me [the 5th], and the anniversary of my Dad's passing [the 2nd].  It's a weird month. But worry not: Gadgets and Gear has your back.  This year, they've got a couple of glowing Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/02/04/gadgets-and-gear-gets-ready-for-valentines-day/feed/ 0 GD Quickie: Incipio’s Bespoke Caseshttp://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/27/gd-quickie-incipios-bespoke-cases/ http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/27/gd-quickie-incipios-bespoke-cases/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:43:50 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=129213

While at CES, Dan gave me a code he had picked up at Incipio's booth to create one of their "Bespoke Cases" for free. Curious about the product and the resulting case, I decided to give it a try with a picture I'd been holding onto for a while. Granted, the picture wasn't as high resolution as I might have liked, but I thought it would be cool to see it on a case. After downloading the Incipio Bespoke App, I went through the customization process and added my picture. Although the option was present in the app to "move and scale" photos in my library, this particular one couldn't be manipulated enough to Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2011/01/27/gd-quickie-incipios-bespoke-cases/feed/ 3 Mobile Phone Accessory Review: the Oberon Design Cell Phone Sleevehttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/30/mobile-phone-accessory-review-the-oberon-design-cell-phone-sleeve/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/30/mobile-phone-accessory-review-the-oberon-design-cell-phone-sleeve/#comments Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:00:04 +0000 Judie Stanford http://www.geardiary.com/?p=123399

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 ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/30/mobile-phone-accessory-review-the-oberon-design-cell-phone-sleeve/feed/ 5 Review: NOOKcolor by Barnes and Noblehttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/15/review-nookcolor-by-barnes-and-noble/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/15/review-nookcolor-by-barnes-and-noble/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:09 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=121625

[Ed. note - If you haven't already, please read part one of this review: First Impressions: NOOKcolor] It’s not often that I start a review with a conclusion, but it’s going to be hard to review the NOOKcolor without stating this up front: It’s an absolutely incredible reading device. I was skeptical that a color, LCD device would be a decent reading experience, and admittedly I still personally prefer eInk, but B&N did a fantastic job making reading front and center on the NOOKcolor. How did they do it, and what could be improved for next time? Read on for my thoughts! As I said in my “first impressions” post, the hardware Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/15/review-nookcolor-by-barnes-and-noble/feed/ 10 Review: Neuros Control Tablet 1002http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/14/review-neuros-control-tablet-1002/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/14/review-neuros-control-tablet-1002/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:00:31 +0000 Joel McLaughlin http://www.geardiary.com/?p=119013

Joe Born at Neuros Technology has always been a supporter of Linux and Open Source technology since I've known him.  Well Joe came up with a great idea.  How about using a cheap Android Tablet to control the Neuros Link?  Sounds like a good idea, but did it work? The Control Tablet 1002 is very similar to the Eken M002 tablet.  In face, it will run the same builds of Android that the Eken M002 will. Let's take a look at the specs: • Slatedroid firmware based off of Google Android OS 1.6 • VIA MW8505 350-400MHz • 128MB DDR2 • 2GB NAND FLASH, support most TF card up to 32GB • Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/14/review-neuros-control-tablet-1002/feed/ 0 Gear Gadget Review- The PHOSPHOR World Time Curved E Ink Watch with Black Polyurethane Bandhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/gear-gadget-review-the-phosphor-world-time-curved-e-ink-watch-with-black-polyurethane-band/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/gear-gadget-review-the-phosphor-world-time-curved-e-ink-watch-with-black-polyurethane-band/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:00:54 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=120940 Let's face it, thanks to cellphones and iPods, wrist watches have, for many, been relegated to the role of fashion accessory. Sure, they still tell time the way they always have but almost all of us have a cellphone with us constantly and even the most rudimentary phone has a clock built into it. The result? For many of us watches are jewelry. That does not, however, mean watches can't be bold, interesting and desirable. They can be and, with their line of E Ink watches, PHOSPHOR is out to show just how big, bold and technologically savvy a watch can be. That's right, PHOSPHOR's watches use the same e Ink technology found in the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/12/09/gear-gadget-review-the-phosphor-world-time-curved-e-ink-watch-with-black-polyurethane-band/feed/ 0 iPad Accessory Review: AUTUM Straight Jacket for Apple iPadhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/ipad-accessory-review-autum-straight-jacket-for-apple-ipad/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/ipad-accessory-review-autum-straight-jacket-for-apple-ipad/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:00:38 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=119039 Let's face it, you can tell a lot about a designer's aesthetics within seconds of looking at a single product they have designed. That being the case, it is clear that the designers over at AUTUM, a company I had never before heard of, have AMAZING taste. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Judie recently reviewed a leather iPad pouch and was rather impressed. It is beautiful, heavy-duty, rugged leather that, to paraphrase her, holds the iPad in the same manner that a holster hold a gun ... and there you have the difference between the frames of reference a Texan will use as compared to someone from New Jersey! The double row of Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/ipad-accessory-review-autum-straight-jacket-for-apple-ipad/feed/ 2 The Kobo WiFi eReader Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/the-kobo-wifi-ereader-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/the-kobo-wifi-ereader-review/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:00:01 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=119156

Earlier this fall we had the opportunity to review the original Kobo Reader, a simple ebook reader sold through Kobo and Borders. They recently updated the original design to include WiFi connectivity, and the good folks at Kobo sent a unit over for review!

In many ways the WiFi Reader is just like it's unconnected sibling; the reading experience is essentially the same. I don't have an original Kobo Reader handy, but from what I remember the menus look similar. Two changes did jump out at me. One, there's a dictionary option now, powered by Miriam-Webster, and the second is that the "display" button was Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/29/the-kobo-wifi-ereader-review/feed/ 7 DODOcase Announces Their Second Product- A DODOcase for Kindlehttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/18/dodocase-announces-their-second-product-a-dodocase-for-kindle/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/18/dodocase-announces-their-second-product-a-dodocase-for-kindle/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:36:11 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=117963 DODOcase caught many of our eyes a few months back when they brought traditional bookbinding techniques to the creation of an iPad case. The cases are highly functional AND bring some nostalgia along for the ride. Well, DODcase has just announced their next case and it is for... the Kindle 3. Here's what they have to say about it...
Made from black faux leather and constructed using traditional bookbinding techniques, DODOcase exterior covers bring the look of a book back to the Kindle. An elastic strap keeps your Kindle sealed tight when you are on the go. We take luxury and the environment seriously so we make the DODOcase interior from the highest quality
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/18/dodocase-announces-their-second-product-a-dodocase-for-kindle/feed/ 1 The Aluratek Libre Reviewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/16/the-aluratek-libre-review/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/16/the-aluratek-libre-review/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:00:49 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=117252

Talk ebook readers, and everyone thinks Kindle or NOOK. But there's a whole subset of hardware out there for people who aren't interested in connected readers, and just want a simple device that handles multiple formats. That's where an ebook reader like the Aluratek Libre comes in handy.

The Libre is physically very similar to the Jetbook Lite we looked at last spring. It has the same slider along the left side for page turns, along with page turn buttons on the bottom. There's a d-pad and navigation buttons along the right side, plus a T-9 keyboard along the right edge. Unlike the Jetbook Lite Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/16/the-aluratek-libre-review/feed/ 3 MacBook Air Case- Waterfield’s Suede Jacket Sleeve for 11″ and 13″ MacBook Airhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/04/macbook-air-case-waterfields-suede-jacket-sleeve-for-11-and-13-macbook-air/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/04/macbook-air-case-waterfields-suede-jacket-sleeve-for-11-and-13-macbook-air/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:00:36 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=116488 My MacBook Air finally arrived. (I HATE delayed gratification even if it is just a week!) It is awesome. Small, thin, light but speedy. I love it. Were this seven months ago I would be bringing it everywhere. Since we are AiP (After iPad), however, I don't see it going everywhere with me but I DO see taking it to CES in January and on other work/site-related trips. For those occasions I want something that can protect my precious Air while not adding too much bulk and weight. Waterfield has a great option for doing just that- the Suede Jacket Sleeve for MacBook Air. Waterfield’s new Suede Jacket Sleeve for both sizes of the Apple MacBook Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/04/macbook-air-case-waterfields-suede-jacket-sleeve-for-11-and-13-macbook-air/feed/ 2 Review: JAVOedge Charcoal Flip Style Case for Amazon Kindle 3rd Generationhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/02/review-javoedge-charcoal-flip-style-case-for-amazon-kindle-3rd-generation/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/02/review-javoedge-charcoal-flip-style-case-for-amazon-kindle-3rd-generation/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:47:40 +0000 LarryGreenberg http://www.geardiary.com/?p=116186 I'm a big fan of the Amazon Kindle 3. It's become a permanent fixture on my bedside table and I use it almost religiously each night before bed. Amazon's current version of their e-reader is slim and small. So much so that I think a case actually compliments it. Like the iPod Touch I sometimes find when devices are too slim they become hard to use. While I haven't tested a ton of Kindle 3 cases I have been using JAVOedge's newest offering over the last two weeks and have been quite pleased with the result. The Charcoal Flip Style Case comes in two color variations, Stone and Dusk. It features a inner sleeve Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/02/review-javoedge-charcoal-flip-style-case-for-amazon-kindle-3rd-generation/feed/ 8 icanstandit iPad Standhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/01/icanstandit-ipad-stand/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/01/icanstandit-ipad-stand/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:30:21 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=115823

Traveling back and forth between Austin and San Jose like I do, I'm constantly on the lookout for things to make my life easier.  And with my iPad, I want a stand that is compact, portable, preferably adjustable, lets me stand up my iPad in multiple positions, and doesn't cause confusion at the X-Ray line.  (Alas, though I love my 12 South Compass stand, it does fall down in this last category.) A new entry into this category is the icanstandit stand.  Specifically designed for portability, it gives you a solid, low-cost (MSRP $19.95) option.  Surf on over to the icanstanit site and give it a look see, should you be in the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/11/01/icanstandit-ipad-stand/feed/ 2 Review: Kobo Readerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/07/review-kobo-reader/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/07/review-kobo-reader/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:00:02 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=112446

In the ebook world, the Kindle and nook are the 100 lbs. gorillas. Everyone uses them as the yardstick; does an ereader offer the same features, does it have a store affiliation, is the screen as sharp, etc. At the same time, there's still something to be said for simple ebook readers. No bells and whistles, just a thin device and your books. The Kobo Reader aims to fill that gap, with sleek looks, a low price, and basic features. Does it fit the bill, or should you pass in favor of its flashier competitors? Read on for my full review to find out! Hardware: The hardware on the Kobo Reader is very familiar. It's the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/10/07/review-kobo-reader/feed/ 1 iPad Case Review – TwelveSouth BookBook for iPadhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/30/ipad-case-review-twelvesouth-bookbook-for-ipad/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/30/ipad-case-review-twelvesouth-bookbook-for-ipad/#comments Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:00:46 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=111828 Here are a few of my books... in this picture alone there are over 100 different books. 16 of them are of the dead-tree variety. The rest are in the Kindle app on my iPad. Yup, that's my iPad right in the middle of the picture. It is sitting safe, hidden and secure in its new BookBook for iPad. The BookBook for iPad is one of the offerings from TwelveSouth. TwelveSouth is the company behind my favorite iPad travel stand, the Compass. (Reviewed here on the site.) While the Compass had a lean modern look to it, the BookBook goes total vintage. It has the look and feel of an Old World Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/30/ipad-case-review-twelvesouth-bookbook-for-ipad/feed/ 4 Get a Wool Overcoat for you iPad or Kindle 3 from Case Closedhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/27/get-a-wool-overcoat-for-you-ipad-or-kindle-3-from-case-closed/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/27/get-a-wool-overcoat-for-you-ipad-or-kindle-3-from-case-closed/#comments Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:15:33 +0000 Douglas Moran http://www.geardiary.com/?p=111384

In some parts of the country--not here in Austin, but other places--there's a hint of fall nippiness in the air.  The sign that winter, basically unthinkable a month ago, is not all that far off.  Time to take your woolen snuggies out of storage, make sure you ScotteVest winter gear is ready to go, and weatherize your gear. Wait, wait; what was that last one again? Hey, you need some wool protecting your tender skin from the cold; what about your Kindle 3 or your iPhone?  "We have you covered!" (sorry), sez Case Closed.  They are now offering
New iPad and Kindle 3 Wool Felt Sleeves, 100% Natural German Wool Felt, All packaging is
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/27/get-a-wool-overcoat-for-you-ipad-or-kindle-3-from-case-closed/feed/ 3 Review: GreenSmart Puku Messenger Baghttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/24/review-greensmart-puku-messenger-bag/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/24/review-greensmart-puku-messenger-bag/#comments Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:00:52 +0000 Carly Z http://www.geardiary.com/?p=110925

I like supporting "green" products and companies. It makes me feel a little less like "ooh, shiny new toy" and more "ooh, shiny new toy AND I did something sort-of good for the world". Of course, any product, recycled/green or otherwise, needs to be well built and functional. So when I had the chance to review a GreenSmart Puku messenger bag, I was excited to give it a spin.

Let's start with the bag itself, and then we'll get into the things that make it unique and earth-friendly. The Puku came in a very earthy green color, with brown accents and a white interior. Physically Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/24/review-greensmart-puku-messenger-bag/feed/ 4 Review: Everki Track Laptop Messenger Baghttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/23/review-everki-track-laptop-messenger-bag/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/23/review-everki-track-laptop-messenger-bag/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:00:10 +0000 Travis Ehrlich http://www.geardiary.com/?p=110676

For some time I have been using a backpack as my gear bag.  I like the backpack because it provides tons of room and lets me hold onto my college youth of backpacking around campus.  My main backpack has been the Everki Beacon laptop that I reviewed here.  I loved the quality and features of the Beacon so when I had a chance to review two new Everki bags I jumped at the chance.  I was actually ready for a change to a messenger style bag to bring a bit of professional style to my daily gear travels.  The Track messenger bag is perfect to use as an everyday laptop bag or even a general Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/23/review-everki-track-laptop-messenger-bag/feed/ 1 iPad Case Review: Cases From Vintage Comic Books!http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/16/ipad-case-review-cases-from-vintage-comic-books/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/16/ipad-case-review-cases-from-vintage-comic-books/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:00:14 +0000 LarryGreenberg http://www.geardiary.com/?p=110114

Etsy is one of my favorite web sites.  If you're not familiar with the site it's a place that brings people who make things together with the people who want to buy them.  A few weeks ago while browsing it I came across the "store" Vintage Covers.  They turn vintage comic books (40-50 years old) into cases for the iPad (and other devices as well.)  Here's how the store's proprietor, Randy, describes it.
For those who want to go high tech but still stay classic, I am making covers from vintage books, comics and magazines, for the iPad, Kindle, Kobo, Sony, Nook and more. The reader is held securely inside with elastic
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/16/ipad-case-review-cases-from-vintage-comic-books/feed/ 8 Acme Made Unveils New Sleeves and Covers for Kindle, NOOK and iPadhttp://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/11/acme-made-unveils-new-sleeves-and-covers-for-kindle-nook-and-ipad/ http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/11/acme-made-unveils-new-sleeves-and-covers-for-kindle-nook-and-ipad/#comments Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:00:16 +0000 Dan Cohen http://www.geardiary.com/?p=109284 Acme Made makes some gorgeous bags and device accessories and have now rolled out a new line of cases and covers for the Kindle, the NOOK, the iPad and more that all...
provide users with highly protective and well-designed solutions for the growing audience of compact eReader and tablet users seeking fashion-forward protection.
Here's a quick rundown and the company's description of each. MarsEdit.png The Hardback Folio- NewImage.jpg
The Acme Made Hardback Folio offers a perfect blend of style and protection with a
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2010/09/11/acme-made-unveils-new-sleeves-and-covers-for-kindle-nook-and-ipad/feed/ 5