The Big Skinny Wallet review

Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Misc. Tech, Product Reviews,

While overly-thick wallets are not an oft discussed problem in our modern world, having a big fat wad of a wallet in your pocket can lead to back strain and unsightly bulging of the pants. The folks over at Big Skinny have an ingenious (although blindingly obvious) solution: a line of thin, lightweight wallets.

We got our hands on two of their most popular models and took them for a spin. Check out our review after the jump, as well as our Big Skinny wallet image gallery.

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MacBook Air SSD review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews, Wireless / WiFi,

First things first - the MacBook Air took no one by surprise. We all knew, based on the reports churning out of the rumor mill, that Apple had a subnotebook up their sleeve, and all signs were pointing at MacWorld 2008 for it’s introduction to the world. Heck, even the name of the product got out there before Steve got a chance to announce it at the event. Of course, that wasn’t the only thing that leaked before MacWorld 2008, as we got our hands on the iPhone 1.1.3 firmware weeks before it was officially announced.

What we didn’t know was how the Air would look. When Steve pulled the computer out of manila envelope, everyone was wowed. The MacBook Air is thin. T-H-I-N. At it’s smallest point, the Air is just 0.16 inches thin. That is thinner than both the iPhone and iPod touch. The larger side is just 0.76 inches. Again, tiny. See for yourself in our MacBook Air unboxing gallery.

As for the rest of the specs, the Air is the same brushed aluminum color that you will find on the MacBook Pro line, and is available in 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo speeds. Both models come with 2GB of non-upgradable RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, a 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit display, and Bluetooth 2.1. As far as ports go, you will only find one micro-DVI, one USB, and one audio out jack. That’s it. As for storage, this is where the major choice comes in. You can choose between an 80 GB 4200 RPM ATA hard drive, or a 64 GB SSD (solid-state flash drive). We got our hands on the SSD version of the MacBook Air.

We give you our thoughts on the SSD-based MacBook Air in our full review.

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Unboxing: eneloops Are Awesome!

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews,

The results are in. If you want some decent rechargeable batteries, Sanyo’s eneloops are the way to go. We do a lot of Flipvideoing and lately have been doing some extensive audio interviews, so it came down to purchasing a gazillion batteries from our local dollar store or finding some decent rechargeables that would last more than 12 hours.

While we found plenty of them for very little bucks, we learned a long time ago not to rely on any name in electronics that was unfamiliar. That being said, on a budget less than $39.95 we had our choice of Sony or the eneloops. Since Sony doesn’t have the greatest track record for batteries, we decided to test drive the latter, which comes with four AAs. Full details after the jump.

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Read More | Sanyo eneloop Product Page

2007’s Ten Most Popular Episodes of Bleeding Edge TV

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, CES, CES 2007, Features, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews, Software, Transportation, Video Games, Videos, Wireless / WiFi,

We know we are a couple days late, but being the extreme hardcore rockers that we are, we weren’t coherent enough to push out our top 10 most popular episodes of Bleeding Edge TV, Gear Live’s technology video show. Or something like that. Anyhoo, click through to check out the ten videos that were viewed the most in 2007. If we’ve learned anything from compiling the list, it’s that you guys love yourselves some iPhone, Bluetooth, AMD, and video games. Exclusives also seem to strike your fancy.

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Unboxing The XShot

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Misc. Tech, Movies, Product Reviews, Videos,

We just received an XShot, the cool little extension device that you attach to your still or video cam that allows you long and/or panoramic shots without the aid of an extra person. Its stainless steel shaft is indeed lightweight and extends 37-inches. The screw is a standard one used on tripods and it has the tilt capability of 180º. The company claims that it will fit in your pocket when closed (9-inches,) but those would have to be some pretty big jeans to accommodate it. It does, however, have a nice lanyard for carrying and a very comfortable rubber grip. Full review and demo after the jump.

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Read More | XShot LLC

Casio Exilim EX-S880 Review

Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Cameras, Product Reviews,

The market for point and shoot digital cameras gets crowded.  Casio’s Exilim EX-S880 is a standout.  The EX-S880 comes in at a diminutive 2.4 x 3.7 x .7 inches and weighs 7 ounces, making it perfect to slip into a pocket or purse for the evening.  Despite the small size, the EX-S880 packs 8.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, H.264 MPEG 4 video capability, face detection and anti shake technology. Read on to get our full thoughts on the Exilim EX-S880.

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Why I Love LG’s VX9400 Cellphone (aka the “TV Phone”): A Review

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Smartphones, Editorial, Features, Product Reviews,

In August, my contract with T-Mobile ended, and I was ready to upgrade my cell phone. Like most everyone else, I desperately wanted an iPhone, but the $500 price tag was too rich for my blood.  I also considered the Sidekick, which would have allowed me to stay with T-Mobile (whose service I love). Then one day I wandered into a Verizon store to check out their “TV Phone”: LG’s VX9400. You’ve probably seen the commercials of people watching “The Daily Show” or “Spongebob” on their cellphone and wondered “Just how good is that thing?”  Well, I was hooked instantly and purchased it the next day. Despite the phone’s drawbacks – and they are major—I’ve been in love with it ever since. Here’s why…

Click to continue reading Why I Love LG’s VX9400 Cellphone (aka the “TV Phone”): A Review

Networkers Rejoice: Business Card Composer

Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Apple, Design, Product Reviews, Software,

There are some things that even the most advanced cell phone or laptop can’t replace.  Tops on that list is the business card - it’s one of the easiest ways to represent yourself or your company while meeting someone new.  Trying to find a card that will represent yourself or your company can be a huge challenge - the clip art and fonts available at your neighborhood office supply store or print shop don’t necessarily have the best reputation for being contemporary.

Enter BeLightSoft’s Business Card Composer.  The software publishing house that brought the Mac community publication-driven titles like Art Text, Swift Publisher and Printfolio has supplied a fantastic alternative to chain store business cards.

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For the Ladies: Burton Women’s Day Hiker

Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Accessories, Product Reviews,

Laptop.  iPod.  Headphones.  Camera.  Phone.  Wallet.  Home keys.  Car keys.  Moleskine, writing implements, Bluetooth earpiece, DS, games, maybe a spiral notebook or two, possibly even a textbook.  And this is all supposed to go into a messenger bag and arrive unharmed and somewhat organized at my destination?

Faced with this issue while packing my regular carryon for a trip last month, I realized something had to change - I needed a better receptacle for all of my junk.  After shopping other messengers, slings, totes, and various other bag designs, the best solution was the Burton Women’s Day Hiker 12L.  This bag has some serious pockets - plenty of organized space for my phone, various pens and pencils, a fleece-lined pocket for my camera, a clip for my keys, even a separate pocket for my iPod with a cutout to run the headphone cord through.  There’s a shovel pocket on the inside of the bag that houses a 13” notebook (although it’s not the most protective pocket on Earth - a sleeve might be a good idea).  Two outside board straps make schlepping your sporting board of choice a breeze.  Most importantly, the shoulder straps - which are made for women - were comfortable while carrying a heavy load. 

The Burton Women’s Day Hiker 12L is available in six colors, including basic black, and retails for $49.95.  Just in case you guys get jealous, there’s a men’s version as well.

The definitive iTunes WiFi Music Store review

Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Internet, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews, Software, Wireless / WiFi,

After a couple of frustrating days fighting with a flaw in password entry fields in the newly released iPhone software version 1.1.1, Gear Live has finally gotten the chance to probe the inner depths of the iTunes WiFi Music Store. The new WiFi Music Store brings mobile media impulse buys to the millions of iPhone users all packaged up in the typical Apple fashion: sexy, easy to use, and slick as glass. While my experiences with the WiFi Music Store were not 100% positive it’s definitely off to a stunning start and has great potential. Click through the jump to continue reading the review to learn more about the plusses and minuses of our adventuresome journey through Apple‘s mobile media e-commerce wonder.

Click to continue reading The definitive iTunes WiFi Music Store review