Posted May 13th, 2009
by admin
Features
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.97 x 0.59 x 4.06 in./50 x 15 x 103 mm
- Projects images on nearly any surface
- Ultra-light at 4 oz./113 g including battery
- Enlarge images up to 60 in./152 cm
- LED light source lasts over 20,000 hours
Items in Box
Optoma Pico PK-101 projector
Power adapter
USB cable
Tripod adapter
iPod kit with dock connector
What I Like: I should change that to say ‘What’s Not to like’ about the Optoma Pic PK Projector. This is honestly something you’d see in a sci-fi movie. I’m just amazed that it exists.
What I Didn’t Like: Price Tag. Requires external speakers to receive good sound quality
Bottom Line: This is a gadget that if you have the money to spend, I highly recommend. In terms of ‘need’, you probably need it as much as a hole in the head. If you give a lot of presentations and are constantly traveling there could be a need for it. Otherwise it’s a cool $300 you probably don’t need.
Tags: dimension, LED, movie, Optoma, Pic, PK, projector, review Posted in Hardware, Testing
Posted April 9th, 2009
by admin
So yea, you can view videos and movies on your iPod Touch or iPhone. The screen can sometimes leave a little to be desired. How can I enjoy Braveheart with a 3.5 inch screen? MyVu Crystal Media Viewer is your answer.
Features
- Full VGA Quality
- 4 Hour Battery Life
- USB Mini cable for battery recharge
- Resolution: 640 x 480 (VGA
- 24 bit color depth
Items in the box
The MyVu Headset
In ear headphones
2 extra pairs of ear buds
Microfiber sleever, also can be used as cloth
Cable for connecting to iPhone or iPod Touch
What I Like: My favorite thing about the media viewer is that it does what it claims. When you plug the glasses in, you’ll see a bright and vibrant screen to view. The display resolution is crisp, and the colors are vibrant. The USB connector for charging is really handy.
The body of the glasses aren’t too bulky either, and transfer from place to place really well.
What I didn’t Like: The technology is fantastic, but like many great things is expensive. If you have $300 you’re looking to burn then fine, but for most that’s quite a steep price tag. If you don’t like ear buds then you don’t have any other choice for your audio output.
Depending on your head size, and nose structure the glasses can be quite uncomfortable. There’s very little adjustment. The glasses can emit a glare if you’re sitting somewhere in direct sunlight.
Bottom Line: With the MyVu Crystal Media Viewer, I recommend you pick some up if you are in with some money. It does everything that it claims to do, and was definitely impressive. There are a couple of negatives that could keep you from using the glasses. I would recommend finding them somewhere that you can try them on.
MyVu Crystal Media Viewer Page
Tags: apple, Crystal, glasses, Media, movie, MyVu, product, review, Viewer Posted in iPhone
Posted April 3rd, 2009
by admin
AppleInsider reports that the release schedule for Mac OS X has leaked, culminating in a final release sometime in August. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” the cite claims Apple will follow a three-part release schedule synchronized with the Worldwide Developers Conference this summer.
A preliminary developer build, timed for release between now and the WWDC in June, will include major updates to the operating system core and functionality. A second build will be released at the start of the conference on June 8.
What does this mean for those of us who aren’t developers? The build released at WWDC will probably be “feature complete” Ñ that is, every major update will be in place. Apple will probably throw in a couple of new features that have been kept secret until now. That means this build may contain the rumored “Marble” interface style Ñ Apple’s effort to completely refresh the visual look of OS X. All that will remain for Apple’s engineers to do after WWDC is tweak the software and fix as many bugs as can be found.
A final developer build will be released sometime between the end of the conference and the actual release of the software. This will be the last developer build released, as Apple will be preparing to manufacture the consumer version of Snow Leopard.
So keep an eye out for WWDC in June Ñ that’s when Snow Leopard will be fully unveiled to the world. We’ll just have to wait until Apple’s usual fall product refresh to buy a new Mac with it installed.
Posted in Software
Posted April 2nd, 2009
by admin
It’s been longer than a month since we last did an iPhone app post, so figured we’d look back on some of the great apps in March. There were some great ones to choose from. Here are the ones you should atleast try out…
Human Weather: This little app might not be a marvel in technical sense, but it provides a bit of fun to weather forecasts. Instead of listening to weathermen, fire this app up with provides forecasts from its users. It’s Twitter, meets weather. The community aspect of the app might not be for some, but trust me it can come in handy.
Slideshow Builder: Don’t be fooled by the name, this app is more than just grouping photos together and watching it go. You add effects as you see it, and take control of your slideshow with many other options. You can add in music, or even captions to accompany certain pictures. There are numerous effects, the most important being the Ken Burns effect.
iPhorest: If you’re down with the environment, and who isn’t these days? Then check out iPhorest. The app itself isn’t all that great, you get to virtually create a tree and watch it grow. The great thing is every time the app is downloaded, a tree is planted by the EcoLife, and iPhorest groups.
Tags: apps, builder, downloads, iPhorest, March, photo, slideshow, top, try, weather Posted in iPhone
Posted March 26th, 2009
by admin
I never understood the reasoning behind people that bought iPod Shuffles. Yes, they’re cheap but for just spending a bit more you get so much more with the standard iPod. Plus, 1GB is a ‘decent’ amount of songs but if you’re downloading good quality then that space can run up quick.
With the new iPod Shuffle, I think Apple has provided consumers with a little more reason to invest in the Shuffle.
Features -
4GB Flash Drive
USB 2.0 port
Playback time: Up to 10 hours when fully charged
Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
Up to 1,000 songs in 128-Kbps
What’s In The Box:
iPod shuffle
Apple Earphones with Remote (no mic)
iPod shuffle USB cable
Quick Start Guide
What I Like: One of the best deals that Apple has offered. A 4GB shuffle for $79.99. Controls for the iPod Shuffle are on the earbud cord. The new voiceover system might not replace a screen, and menu but it’s better than nothing.
What I Didn’t Like: Some might like the smaller size, but to me there’s such a thing as ‘too small’. Just make sure you always know where it is, because it’s probably easy to lose. The Shuffle is still the same device at heart. There’s been improvements but the lack of features compared to the other iPods doesn’t quite make up for it.
Bottom Line: I do like the improvements that have been made with the latest iPod. I still wouldn’t recommend it over the other lines of iPods though. Yes, you might be spending more money but to me it’s worth it compared to the lack of features on the Shuffle.
If you’re deadset on the Shuffle then I can tell you that the improvements are wonderful, and I hope you enjoy your iPod lite.
Tags: 4GB, iPod, MP3, music, player, review, Shuffle, songs Posted in Testing
Posted March 19th, 2009
by admin
A few months ago we looked at some iPhone apps that you should download, if you didn’t already have them. Now, here’s a list of iPhone games that you should take a look at. As the popularity of the App Store rises, so does the amount and quality of the games that are being released.
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FieldRunners: With the release of FieldRunners, Subatomic Studios proved that you could release a game on the iPhone with some stellar graphics. When you load up FieldRunners, the first thing you’ll notice is a very well stylized game that sports some impressive technical graphics as well.
The gameplay is very simple, and if you’ve ever played a tower defense game before you’ll know what you’re getting into with FieldRunners. Basically, you build defensive structures to keep enemy soldiers, tanks, helicopters from entering your base.
FieldRunners App Page - $2.99
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iDracula: Like FieldRunners, iDracula sticks to a formula that you’ve probably seen before. Specifically if you’ve ever play old school arcade shooters. iDracula takes that formula and adds a nice polish of shine to it. The idea behind iDracula is survival. You’ll be using both thumbs, your left one to navigate, and your right to fire in whatever direction you’re pressing. It’s painfully addictive, as you’ll keep wanting to see how far you can get.
iDracula App Page - $2.99
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Oregon Trail: Ok, if you’re reading this and never played the original Oregon Trail back on Mac/PC then definitely download this game. If you enjoyed Oregon Trail back in the early days, when it was the one game you got to play at school…then still download this game. The charm, and fun that was found all those years ago in the original Oregon Trail have made their way to the iPhone.
You’ll battle your way through all the hardships that settlers moving west did. You’ll battle dysentary, bandits, road hazards all the while trying to pave your way west. There are 8 mini games that you’ll utilize the iPhone for, hunting, fishing, rafting and so on. The game is chock full of all kinds of elements to lose yourself in.
Oregon Trail App Page - $5.99
Tags: app, cost, download, feature, game, gameplay, graphic, list, need, Oregon Trail Posted in iPhone
Posted February 26th, 2009
by admin
For audiophiles out there, today might be your dream read. Because today I’m featuring what could be some of the most high quality computer speakers I’ve ever seen. Which is mostly good, but provides some negative reactions as well.
Features
- Integrated USB connectivity
- Dock for listening to and recharging iPod
- iPod sync with iTunes via built-in dock
- Active amplifier for speakers and subwoofer
- Full-function remote control
- Auxiliary jack for connecting other audio sources
- Support stands for optimal positioning
- Speaker type: 2-way shielded multimedia
- Drivers: 3 in./8 cm paper cone midbass; 0.75 in./1.9 cm mylar dome tweeter; 6.5 in/16.5 cm paper cone
- Frequency response (+/-3dB): 39Hz – 20kHz
- Nominal power: 2 x 30W + 1 x 70W
- Max. sound pressure level: 104dB SPL/1
What’s In The Box
- Focal XS Satellite Speakers
- Active subwoofer
- Remote control
- USB cable
- Aux-in cable
- Power cord
What I Like: I already mentioned before, that these are easily the best sounding computer speakers I’ve ever listened to. If you’re shopping around for pure sound quality, I almost gurantee you won’t find a better set of speakers than these.
The USB connectivity, and the iPod-iTunes sync dock is a nice touch. Also has optional auxilliary jacks for listening to other devices.
What I Didn’t Like: The old expression ‘you pay for what you get’ definitely rings true here. The Focal XS Satellite Speakers run a whopping $599.99. So you’re looking at a major investment if you are truly interested in these speakers.
For something that costs $600, it has a very simple, and dull design. The subwoofer is plain black, and sits on four pegs. There’s not electronic interface, or readouts. The speakers are black as well, and sit on silver stands. Again, nothing sleek or fancy about them.
Bottom Line: If you have an extravagant amount of money, or work with a lot of audio for your job then I could easily recommend these speakers. Again, the quality will send shivers up your spine. However that’s just about all the system has going for it. Which is why I really can’t recommend these for the average consumer, or someone who isn’t going to get a lot of use out of them.
Focal XS Satellite Speakers Page
Tags: expensive, Focal, review, Satellite Speakers, system, XS Posted in Hardware
Posted February 12th, 2009
by admin
One of the great things about having a Mac, is the great software that supports it. Of course, your best quality programs, and apps will cost you money. However, there are some free apps out there that definitely worth your time. Here is a list of them, and why they can be so useful.
StreamBaby
The StreamBaby app is useful if you have quite a bit of video on your Mac, that wish could be viewed in other places. It acts as a portal for streaming onto TiVo, and can doesn’t disappoint.
You can rewind, and fastforward past the buffer point, allowing for a great navigation of your videos. It has great compatibility with TiVo. If what you’re watching passed the streaming limit, it will cut off what you’ve already watched to allow TiVo to keep playing the file.
Download
Bullet
The Bullet app isn’t necessarily a very useful app. What it lacks in functionality, it definitely makes up for in pure simple fun. You can set this app to create a bullet hole on your screen every time you click it, and a gunshot sound will follow.
It can be just to use on your own, but the true joy comes from setting it up on someone and watching them click on their screen for the first time.
Download
Celestia
It’s hard to imagine, but with Celestia you can travel throughout the known universe for free. You can stick to the solar system which houses over 100,000 stars or you can go out beyond that.
Along with the main program, there are some fun and helpful add-ons to go along with it.
Download
WakeUp
WakeUp allows you to remotely wake up a machine asleep. WakeUp lets you store name and Ethernet addresses of your machines, and wake them up when needed, i.e. when you need to access a file on a distant machine whose File Sharing is on, without having to physically access the machine to wake it up.
Download
Tags: apps, Bullet, Celestia, downloads, fun, mac, OS X, portal, sleep, solar system, stars, StreamBaby, Tivo, WakeUp Posted in Software
Posted January 22nd, 2009
by admin
Yesterday, Apple released the financial report from their Q1 2009. It’s quite impressive to say the least. Nearly every line of Apple product saw improvement in their year-over-year numbers. The iPhone saw 88% growth, with the iPod, and Mac products seeing improvement as well.
I’d give Apple a perfect score, there’s a bit of controversy as to whether the report provides accurate results.
Review: 9.5/10
Here’s the press release. How would you grade Apple’s performance?
CUPERTINO, California—January 21, 2009—Apple: today announced financial results for its fiscal 2009 first quarter ended December 27, 2008. The Company posted record revenue of $10.17 billion and record net quarterly profit of $1.61 billion, or $1.78 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $9.6 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.58 billion, or $1.76 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 34.7 percent, equal to the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 46 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
In accordance with the subscription accounting treatment required by GAAP, the Company recognizes revenue and cost of goods sold for iPhone™ and Apple TV® over their economic lives. Adjusting GAAP sales and product costs to eliminate the impact of subscription accounting, the corresponding non-GAAP measures* for the quarter are $11.8 billion of “Adjusted Sales” and $2.3 billion of “Adjusted Net Income.”
Apple sold 2,524,000 Macintosh® computers during the quarter, representing nine percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold a record 22,727,000 iPods during the quarter, representing three percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Quarterly iPhone units sold were 4,363,000, representing 88 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter.
“Even in these economically challenging times, we are incredibly pleased to report our best quarterly revenue and earnings in Apple history—surpassing $10 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time ever,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.
“Our outstanding results generated over $3.6 billion in cash during the quarter,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Looking ahead to the second fiscal quarter of 2009, we expect revenue in the range of about $7.6 billion to $8 billion and we expect diluted earnings per share in the range of about $.90 to $1.00.”
Apple will provide live streaming of its Q1 2009 financial results conference call utilizing QuickTime®, Apple’s standards-based technology for live and on-demand audio and video streaming. The live webcast will begin at 2:00 p.m. PST on January 21, 2009 at www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq109/ and will also be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.
Tags: 2009, apple, finance, first, iPhone, iPod, mac, quarter, results Posted in Everything
Posted January 8th, 2009
by admin
The worth of the iHome iHM2B is all dependent on just how ‘portable’, you need your iPod dock to be. If you’re looking for a device that you can take anywhere, while taking up little space then this is definitely you’re iPod dock.
Features:
- Line-in jack compatible with all iPods, and CD Players
- DC Jack
- Sliding tray for placement of iPod
- Operates solely on 4 AA batteries
What’s In Box:
- iHome iHM2B
- Stereo Cord
What I Like: Like I mentioned before, you’ll like the iHM2B based mostly on how much you’ll be moving it around. If you’re someone who doesn’t like earphones, or earbuds but wants a portable way to listen to your music then this is a great product.
It’s very light, and is compact. I’d says it’s about the size of a Playstation controller if that gives you an idea of how it feels in your hands. The slide out holder for the iPod makes for easy access if you’re wanting to skip songs, or what have you.
What I Don’t Like: I’d say the biggest negative about the iHM2B is the lack of power options. You have to keep feeding batteries into it to keep it powered at all times. When you’re transporting it around, it’s more convenient. However, if you’re leaving stationary and next to an outlet it would be nice to be able to plug it in to keep it powered.
The speaker quality is decent for something its size, but you’ll be sacrificing good sound for portability. It’s not that I expect anything more out of the iHM2B. I’m just warning you that you’ll be giving up superb sound quality if you use a larger sound system.
Bottom Line: I believe that the iHM2B is a great deal if you can find it in the $20-$25 price range. The portability, and simple design make it a worth while dock. It’s just important to realize what you’re getting if you do buy iHM2B. Don’t expect to be blown away by the speakers, and make sure you have a steady supply of batteries available if you listen to it a lot.
Tags: iHM2B, iHome, iPhone, iPod, portable, review, speaker, system, Touch Posted in Hardware, iPhone
