Sun Aug 10, 2008
Griffin Nu Form for iPhone 3G
I picked up a Nu Form case for testing. I'm not a huge fan of cases that make the iPhone thicker and take away from its beauty but for some people, this case will work very well. I immediately gave the case to Laura, my girlfriend, for testing. She wrapped the Nu Form around her iPhone 3G and used the built in screen protector too and stuck it in her purse.
A week of testing and here are the results. The phone is completely protected at all times. It's a bit bulkier but the case is very well made and very easy to take on and off. All of the buttons, camera and dock are still accessible but they aren't going to get damaged if I drop the phone. Speaking of dropping, that happened a few times on various surfaces and the iPhone is doing A-OK. The case does show some scratches but it is plastic so that's expected.
i wasn't a fan of the included protectors but Griffin has made recent changes based on consumer feedback and future models will be improved. Basically, the screen protector that came with Nu Form didn't stick to the screen and was just a sheet of plastic with holes where the button and earpiece are on the phone. It was convenient that this protector wasn't sticky but on the other hand, it moved around a bit.
The case itself was awesome and is priced at $24.95. I love the design and it comes in white or black. You can get yours at The Apple Store or at http://www.griffintechnology.com.
[1] comments
Griffin Elan Clip for iPhone 3G
I am a big fan of holsters that clip right to my hip and aren't too difficult to get on and off. Some individuals put their phones in elaborate cases but I enjoy my iPhone being exposed and easy to grab. The Elan Clip is perfect for someone like this. The belt clip is pretty standard except it could be a little stronger. Taking the clip off of my belt is much too easy but it holds the iPhone 3G perfectly without any issues.
Removing the iPhone is sometimes a chore but this task is only hard because the phone is securely strapped in the event that you have to take off running or bump into a wall. The phone can be docked in the case facing out or in and I like both. For those of us that want the iPhone's screen to be protected and easily accessible then it's perfect. I'm also a fan of holding just the phone to my ear. The iPhone feels so good in your hand but a case ruins that but I still want protection. With Elan Clip, there's protection, convenience and accessibility when it comes to getting to the iPhone.
The Elan Clip is $24.99 which is very affordable compared to other cases. The included screen protector is a great addition and makes the case a fantastic value. The Elan Clip is available at The Apple Store and http://www.griffintechnology.com.
[1] comments
Mon Apr 21, 2008
Belkin 802.11n Router
Belkin has been making wireless-related devices since the beginning. I remember having a Belkin 802.11B router not too long ago back when B was claimed to be �the best� and of course, it advanced to G and now N. Full Story
[13] comments
Fri Feb 08, 2008
Dymo Diskpainter
From our guestwriter, Terry Mele
I had almost given up on ways to professionally and quickly label my Discs that I make for my friends. (Trying to get them into the genre of Smooth Jazz.)
I want them to look nice and professional. I always don�t have a sticky label handy or the ink required to print one out. And when I do have one handy, they sometimes don�t turn out exactly how I had planned.
Dymo, the company we all know well for such hit products as the LabelWriter and LetraTag, has just come out with a new product called the DiscPainter. It does what it�s name suggests. It makes labels for discs by means of printing them directly on the surface.
To do this, you must have the glossy CD-Rs. I found that the matte white ones that I have used for awhile don�t for some reason turn up very clear after going thru the DiscPainter. They come out very grainy and sometimes off-color which I don�t understand the reason for since there is a setting specifically for this type of disc in the Settings of the software included for use with the DiscPainter. It works best with the glossy-surface white-topped CD-Rs. Also, it can label DVDs that you made yourself as well. As long as it has a glossy white �printable� top.
As long as I had used the glossy type, the results were beautiful. Full of color and very clear. It prints up to a 600 dpi resolution and does an excellent job.
The included Discus Labeling software now is compatible with the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system and is simple to use with templates and designs built in. The DiscPainter is also capable of printing directly from Photoshop, Indesign, or Illustrator.
The DiscPainter connects to Mac or PC via USB and includes an Ink cartridge for printing on the Discs. I have been told that the cartridge can usually handle 100 discs before running out. However, I do admit that it is fun to watch print. DiscPainterspins the disc as it prints it. Dymo refers to this as RadialPrint Technology. I refer to it as Cool.
The only problem that remains is how to get one computer to read the song names of a CD I burned on iTunes on another computer. Apple-get working on this!
[7] comments
Tue Oct 09, 2007
Keyspan TuneView
Guest review by Terry Mele:
There are a lot of iPod accessories out there. Some allow you to attach the remote to your steering wheel, while others can fit on your bicycle.
I have noticed that the more common models all lack one thing; and that is the ability to see what your iPod is playing without having to pull it out of your pocket or having to listen for a couple seconds to figure out what the song is. Now there�s a better way. A new way.
Keyspan introduced their Tuneview for iPod. A revolutionary new device that allows you to control your iPod as if it were in your hands. The screen resembles the iPod. It has options for Playlists, Album, Song, Genre and Artist, just like the iPod.
The remote feels comfortable in your hand, and every time you get some new tunes on your iPod, TuneView automatically updates to include them on the remote.
Your iPod charges while it sits docked in the TuneView, and it can be wired to your stereo system or reciever via the included stereo cable and to your TV via the S-Video output. Videos can be controlled from the TuneView remote as well.
I found this to be the perfect solution while having company over. No more running back over to the reciever where the iPod is to change songs or skip over a song. Just carry this remote in your pocket and you�re good to go. Oh, and don�t forget to take it with you to work now that it�s charged.
[2] comments
Fri Sep 21, 2007
Contour Showcase for iPhone
The Showcase for iPhone from Contour Design is the best case for iPhone that I�ve used so far. I usually save that statement for the last section of my reviews but I�m being totally honest. Our longtime readers might think that Contour slips me some cash with each review sample but I just love their cases. They don�t have dozens of case styles that are all subpar. Each case is well made, with exceptional design out and does a fantastic job of covering my Apple device. Full Story
[19] comments
Sun Aug 05, 2007
XtremeMac Tango
From Terry Mele...
The XtremeMac Tango is an extremely powerful iPod music player.
Tango has a down-firing subwoofer which can reverberate at higher volumes. Included are inserts for the 3rd generation iPod all the way up to the 5th generation iPod, as well as a handy remote that can be used to control basic iPod functions as well as adjust the bass and treble levels on the speaker.
Full Story
[0] comments
Memorex iPod Speaker System
From Terry Mele...
The Memorex CD Player/iPod Clock Radio is a really neat idea, in my opinion.
It is for the most part, a clock radio with an iPod Dock and a CD Player built right in.
Included, as with traditional iPod audio systems, is a remote for basic iPod functions and it also controls the built in CD player and radio. I found that the remote control sensor is picky about exactly where the remote signal is coming from. You have to aim it dead on center in order for the unit to respond to the remote.
Full Story
[12] comments
Hercules' iPod Speaker System
From Terry Mele...
Now here is a company I guarantee you have never heard of. Hercules.
One of their products is an iPod Speaker System. It has a somewhat odd shape to it and looks unique in any room you place it in. It includes inserts for the 5th generation iPod and the nano. Also included is a remote control for basic iPod functions and volume.
A special feature Hercules added is a 3D sound effect button, that when enabled, makes the sound seem to echo more than it does without this feature. Personally, I like to keep it on.
There is no video output jack or a USB port for connection to a computer. All that is included on the back is a line input jack for an auxillary device.
[2] comments
Timex Ti700
From Terry Mele...
The Ti700 from Timex is essentially a clock radio for the iPod. It is very small and has a dock for the iPod on top. Included adapters are one for the iPod nano and two for the standard 5G full-sized iPods. The radio reception wasn�t terrible, but wasn�t excellent, either. However, a great feature would be to include an RDS feature on the radio so you could see which song is playing.
Full Story
[2] comments
Sun Jul 22, 2007
Contour iSee for iPhone
Contour Design has earned honors among the DTT staff for years now beginning with their case for the 3rd generation iPod. The Contour Showcase for iPod was a marvel that protected every aspect of the iPod without sacrificing one feature. To top if all off, these cases were affordable and didn�t cover the beauty of the iPod. Contour hasn�t changed and we�re extremely happy! The iSee for iPhone is fantastic. Our iPhones go everywhere and it�s because of that we need a case that protects every aspect of our iPhones.
Clck "Full Story" for the rest.
Full Story
[11] comments
Jawbone Bluetooth Headset
The Jawbone arrived at our offices last week and I was excited to try out this product that Apple is selling as their stores as the perfect compliment to the iPhone. It�s almost as if you have an iPhone and don�t have a Jawbone in your ear then you might as well be using a Nokia as your phone because you are not in the club. After using this headset for two weeks I�m sold. The headset has some features that I�ve never seen in a headset before with top notch construction and only a few minor quirks.
Click "Full Story" for the rest
Full Story
[16] comments
Mon Apr 09, 2007
Jupitor - Audio
Now here is a company I guarantee you have never heard of. They are called Jupiter Audio and one of their products is called the Callisto. It is essentially a set of two speakers that look like they just were made 10 years ago before plastic was slapped on speakers and called a product. I can tell that these speakers took time to build and that is why they sound so much nicer. One of the speakers has an amplifier in the rear of it so it can be wired to a reciever or auxillary input device such as an iPod. The left speaker connects to the right and the right speaker connects to the input device. Full Story
[0] comments
Sun Mar 18, 2007
mStatin Orb
mStation�s Orb is a very interesting device that goes well in any room. The back ports are typical for an iPod speaker system: Aux Input for devices that do not have an iPod dock at the bottom, Power In, and USB for using as a docking station while syncing with iTunes on your computer, however there is no way of getting video out of your iPod and onto a TV using the Orb. Full Story
[4] comments
Sonic Impact IP22 Speakers.
When I saw the Sonic Impact IP22 Portable Speakers for the first time I couldn�t imagine how such small speakers could put out an amazing sound.
The Sonic Impact IP22 Speakers are very compact. The shell is made of black cloth over a hard plastic substance which makes them very durable. The case is also equipped with a detachable wrist strap. The case is rectangular with a zipper to close it. When you open the case the speakers are attached, so therefore, you cannot lose them. The two round speakers are located on the top part of the case. In between the two speakers is a compartment to hold ear bud headphones, other small accessories and extra batteries. On the bottom part is where you dock your iPod. You can use any IPod except for the IPod shuffle. (When you purchase your IPod it will come with attachments to use with your IPod while docked so it will fit snug ). Next to the IPod dock on both sides, are the compartments for the batteries. Below the IPod docking station is the on/off switch and the volume buttons controls. The power light (which is located on the on/off switch) stays green while the batteries still have life. When the batteries begin to die the light turns red. This is a great feature because you always know when you need new batteries and you will never be left out in the cold without your sonic impact speakers fully loaded. An AC adapter is included in the box of this product, which when plugged in ,bypasses the batteries, but it doesn�t charge them. It also has an audio input to play other devices through the speakers as long as it has a 3.5 mm plug. You also need the right connector cable.
Now that I have described what these speakers look like, let�s go to the sound and quality. For such small speakers the sound quality is incredible. The volume has a wide range. If you want your music quiet, these speakers do this without losing any quality of sound, however, if you want to blast the sound, the speakers still have great quality without any static feedback.
Overall, these Sonic Impact Speakers are a great investment for any IPod user who likes to listen to their music though speakers and not their headphones. The only concern I have is with the batteries. It may have been better with a rechargeable battery, but since it doesn�t, just remember to put extra batteries in the storage compartment and you will be well on your way to listening to your favorite songs for hours on end.
[10] comments
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