Archive for September, 2009
iTech i.VoicePRO 901 Bluetooth Headset (Glossy Black) Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$79.99
http://www.itechdynamic.com/en/products_spec.asp?cid=1&pid=01194

* Wind resistant
* Automatic volume adjustment
* Multipoint technology for connecting 2 Bluetooth mobile phones
* Bluetooth specification v2.1+EDR class 2
* Supports Bluetooth Headset, Handsfree, and HID profiles
* Rechargeable 130 mAh li-polymer battery
* Talk Time: Up to 5 hours
* Standby Time: Up to 100 hours
* Nominal Charging Time: Within 3 hours
* Laser Pointer Operating Time: Up to 3 hours
* Compatible with i.Tech 110 – 240Vac switching mini USB charger
* Dimensions: 63 (L) x 16.5 (W) x 9.8 (H) mm
* Weight: 12 grams

Intro: I had a chance to review the just released iTech i.VoicePRO 901 Bluetooth Headset. iTech brings some cool features to the table and present a nice offering to the Bluetooth headset market. Here I present some of features that set this headset apart from the rest.

Design: The 901 has a similar longish shape that I’ve seen on other headsets. The 901 comes in three colors, glossy black, silver and wine (red). The headset has a detachable loop that goes over the ear. It is shape in a cool way but I had a hard time getting the loop to fit my ear. In the end I decided to remove the loop and the headset fit better without it. The headset is made mostly of plastic but feels solid and less likely to break. The headset has a glossy black finish with a pattern on the exterior side.

Function: The i. VoicePRO 901 has dual microphones which are the first time I have heard of this. The first mic faces the user and captures your voice. The second mic facing out and is used against ambient noise. Their Kill Noise slogan on the box is fitting as the noise filtering software provides clarity when your talk and listening on the headset. The call quality of sound was very good with the other person on the line saying that it didn’t sound like I was on a cell phone. The 901 also features the latest Bluetooth v2.1 EDR for enhanced data rate and simple pairing and power saving properties. The headset also features automatic volume adjustments and wind resistant. Another nice feature is that the headset can pair with more than one phone. For battery life your looking at 4.5hrs of talk time and 100hrs of standby time.

Conclusion: For just under $80 the i.VoicePRO 901 is a good value that can give the high end Bluetooth headsets a run for their money. The headset provides clear sound and the latest Bluetooth technology like Bluetooth v2.1 (no PIN number needed) and noise filtering software along with the dual mics. The headset is ideal for professionals who need headset with advanced features and voice quality.
9.5 out of 10
Purchase the iTech i. VoicePRO 901 here
iTech i.VoicePRO 901 Bluetooth Headset (Glossy Black)
3 comments September 30, 2009
Ghost Armor Microsoft Zune HD Full Body Protector Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$24.99
http://www.ghost-armor.com/microsoft/microsoft-zune-hd-cases-screen-protectors-shields-skins-covers-armor/prod_277.html
Ghost Armor™ has been precisely pre-cut to invisibly protect your Microsoft Zune HD perfectly. You’ll receive the same extreme protection for your Microsoft Zune HD that the military helicopter blades and fighter jets’ wingtips receive! Without bulk, creases, bubbles, or that orange peel look, we’ll protect your Microsoft Zune HD from scratches and dings. And remember – we back our product with a lifetime warranty!
Includes:
* 1 Microsoft Zune HD Ghost Armor
* 1 Spray Bottle of Ghost Armor Application Solution
* 1 Squeegee
Features:
* 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
* LIFETIME Warranty
* No Bulk Added
* Reduces Grease
* Clear Scratch Proof Protection
* Improved Grip
* Priority USPS Shipping

Anytime a new product is released, I like to review it. And this is the case with the Zune HD and its accessories. I prefer to keep my gadgets in pristine condition from scratches and dust. So when I get a new device, first thing I do is get a high quality screen protector. Ghost Armor was one of the first stores to sell Zune HD screen protectors and full body protectors. And I was lucky to grab one the same time my Zune HD came.

The Ghost Armor Full body protector comes in a tube with the front and back protectors. You also get a large bottle of application solution and 1 Squeegee. This is everything you need to protect your new Zune HD.
Ghost Armor screen protector are of high quality and are thicker in material that some cheap ones sold on EBay. In addition the Ghost Armor is easy to apply with the solution. Just give it proper time to dry once you have the full body protector applied.

If you’re spending over $200 on a device, $25 to protect does not sound like much at all. It will keep the Zune HD looking new years from now. And all protectors are guaranteed with a lifetime warranty. Take a look at Ghost Armor if you are looking to protect your gadgets.
9.5 Out of 10
Buy it now HERE
5 comments September 25, 2009
BodyGuardz for Microsoft Zune HD Full Body Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$24.95
http://www.bodyguardz.com/content/accessories/—2283.htm

The Zune HD was recently released in the U.S. Unfortunately accessories are scarce at the moment. One of the most important elements of getting a new gadget is protecting it. Things that come to mind are a case and a good screen protector. BodyGuardz is one of the first to release screen protectors and full body protectors for the Zune HD. Here I review the BodyGuardz Full Body protector for Zune HD.
The BodyGuardz comes in a nice retail packaging. It includes not one but two complete sets. In addition the full body protector comes with a lifetime warranty.

Packed in the box is a card to remove bubbles, solution to make it easy to apply to the unit, and full body protectors. Also you can find instructional video on applying the protector on their site.
The full body protector comes in two pieces (front and back). They are smaller pieces that go in the small areas on the Zune HD. To apply it correctly use the solution and spray it when your peeling it off. Then apply the protector to the Zune HD and slide it in place. Then take the squeegee card to push out any excess solution. It didn’t take me a long time to apply both sides of the protector. Since the Zune HD is damp from the solution you should wait a 24 hour period before turning on the unit.

The BodyGuardz for Zune HD is the must have protector for your new Zune HD. The BodyGuardz comes with everything included to protect your device. And it will keep your ZHD looking like new as long as it’s on the device. I have used Bodyguardz protectors for awhile now and they offer some of the best protection for all my devices.
10 Out of 10
BodyGuardz for Microsoft Zune HD order now HERE
3 comments September 24, 2009
Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
http://devotecindustries.co.uk/solar-sound
* 2x 2W speakers for proper stereo sound
* Wireless connectivity to any Bluetooth® phone or MP3 player supporting the A2DP and AVRCP profiles
* Plug into any standard headphone jack with the included 3.5mm headphone retractable cable
* Built in Mic for hands free communication when paired with a suitable phone
* Large solar panel for charging the built in Lithium-Ion 1500mAh battery
* 8 Hours continuous play time at medium volume from the internal battery, 4 hours at max volume
* Touch-screen panel for remotely controlling your music, including Fast Forward and Rewind buttons, as well as Volume Control
* Includes protective case, AC/DC plug and charging cable
* Charging time: from 4 hours by AC/USB, about 12-24 hours from solar panel
* Small Dimensions: 16.5 x 5.5 x 5.5cm
* Weight: 260g, about 0.5lbs.
Intro: Let’s face it even with a built in speaker the iPod touch is no boom box. So if you want to fill a room or have a pool party where everyone can enjoy music with you, check out this review.



Design: The Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker comes in glossy black. It is attractive but a bit of a dust collector due to the glossy finish. In their defense a lot of my gadgets are glossy and attract dust. The Solar Sound looks nice and stylish with solar panels on top. The design is very minimalist and the buttons are flush with the unit on the front side. The back has a push in power button.


Function: Initially you need to pair the Devotec speaker with the iPod/iPhone. To do this simply turn on your iPod Touch then click Bluetooth in settings. Turn on the speaker and the solar sound will show up in the Touch under Bluetooth settings. It will say not connected. Click on Solar Sound icon, enter pin number, and then the iPod will connect with the speaker. Now you can play music on the iPod and the sound will come out of the Devotec speaker.
The Devotec speaker also has an audio in cable if you do not have a Bluetooth media device. Simply connect one end to the headphone jack of the mp3 player and the other end to the Devotec Solar Sound.
The Devotec speaker can charge two ways. Put the speaker where it’s sunny and it will charge by solar power. Or you can just use the usb cable and ac adapter to charge the internal battery the normal way.

Once I connected the speaker I can sound a loud clear sound that can fill a room with music. The speaker has a play pause button speaker and volume controls.

Conclusion: The Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker is versatile that it can be used in a car or outside lounging. It can be charged by solar power which is a great plus. No other speaker is a take anywhere speaker like this is. It is attractive, affordable, and bringing you big sound in a small design.
9.7 Out of 10
Order the Solar Sound HERE


Devotec also sent me a Solar powered keychain light. Not sure if this is included in every order or just the review unit.
3 comments September 23, 2009
WEIDER 20 LB. POWERBELL Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
http://www.getpowerbell.com/PowerBell20.html
* 5 lbs to 20 lbs
* 6 plates 2.5 lb increments
* Training DVD
* Healthy Eating Guide

20 pound Spacesaver Kettle Bell The Ultimate Combination of Cardio and Strenght Burn fat, Build Muscle, Increase Core Strenght, Boost Cardio Fitness

I was looking to review products that can get people more active and fit. Sometimes you don’t have time to go to the gym. And you want to workout at home. Well there’s those large exercise equipment. But you would need a lot of space for that kind of equipment. And for those who don’t have that kind of space at home can look at the Weider Fitness Powerbell.

Design: The Powerbell feels rock solid. Unlike most of the as seen on TV stuff that’s made of plastic and breakdown easily, the Weider Powerbell feels like real gym equipment. The Powerbell has a locking system that makes sure that the weights won’t fall out. And I have found the Powerbell comfortable to use even without gloves on.

Function: First of all what is the Weider Powerbell? The Powerbell is like an all in one kettlebell. Basically it replaces 7 kettlebells. You save money and space with the Powerbell. The model I review is the 20lb model which has a 5lb handle and 6 2.5lbs removable weights. For those who need more weight, a 40lb version is also available through Weider. The PowerBell includes a free DVD included featuring Michael Skogg. Skogg is a former U.S. Special Forces member and professional kettlebell trainer. I have seen some of his videos on YouTube and he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to kettlebell training. Also I found Michael Skogg’s personality to be lite and easy going to make the workouts fly by.

Conclusion: When you were young you had an active life doing sports and such. When most people get older they simple don’t have time to be as active as they like. Paying expensive memberships where the gym nags you to upgrade to an even higher fee is not what I think people want. For less than you would pay for a year of a fitness membership you can get a full body workout with the Powerbell. It even includes an instructional DVD featuring Michael Skogg as your personal trainer at home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone who wants a good workout at home.
9 Out of 10
You can purchase the WEIDER 20 LB. POWERBELL on the official site HERE or
purchase from Amazon here
Weider SpaceSaver 20-Pound Adjustable Kettle Bell
2 comments September 23, 2009
Latte Espresso PMP player Review

Review by K.C. Kim

Latte’s Espresso portable media player may charm with its elegant gun-metal finish and sleek form factor, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts. Featuring an 8 GB capacity, a 3-inch touchscreen with haptic technology, wide audio and video format support, an FM transceiver that allows you to tune any radio to your device, voice recorder, and plenty more, it’s the perfect way to free your media from the confines of your PC.
Windows2000/XP/Vista are all supported, and no driver is necessary for the latter two.

Intro: I was given a chance to check out Latte Communications latest PMP player the Latte Espresso. No this is no coffee drink; it’s a pmp with big features. Having reviewed several Latte phones and mp3 players, I have big expectations.

Design: Latte Espresso has a sleek all over gun-metal finish. This means the player is not only durable but fashionable. It also has a brush metal back so no fingerprints and it’s scratch resistant (unlike the iPod Touch).

Function: Here I will post about all the features that this player includes. From the 3 inch touch screen, to the haptic feedback, G-Sensor, FM Transceiver just to name a few features.

Let’s start with the 3-inch LCD Touch screen with 420 x 240 pixel resolution. It fills almost the entire face of the player. The icons are big enough to touch with your fingers. And the Touch screen is very accurate.
Haptic Feedback: The Latte Espresso features Haptic feedback. This feature has been used a lot in Korean cell phones. And now Latte brings this technology to its PMP player. The haptic feedback gives you a slight pulse/tactile response when you touch the touch screen. Most will be familiar with haptic feedback used in gaming controllers. Well now it’s used in mp3 players and cell phones.

Video: With a 3 inch screen the player is great for video on the move. It can support video files that are in AVI, RM/RMVB, FLV, WMV, 3GP, MPG, DAT, and MP4 formats. Plus you get a solid 4 hours of battery life for video playback.
G-Sensor: This technology allows you to switch from landscape to portrait mode with a flick of your wrist. Just rotate the player to the way you want to use the player and you’re done. It automatically adjusts and rotates. Video is only thing that’s not used as videos are always used in landscape mode (who watches movies in portrait mode).

Audio player: The audio sound of the Latte Espresso is great and supports MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, APE and OGG. The Espresso also supports ID3 tags and LRC for displaying words.


Pictures: Pictures can be viewed in both portrait and landscape mode. It supports JPEG, BMP and GIF. Also you can zoom in and out of pictures. A slideshow features is also included.

Text: Every once in a while I want to read a book on the go. And this player can support TXT files.

FM Transceiver: Nano finally get Fm radio, which mp4 players have had forever. But Latte doesn’t stop there. They have a FM transceiver which you can listen to and transmit to your car radio.
Capacity: The Latte Espresso comes in two sizes, 8GB or 16GB. This is plenty of space for all your videos, pictures, and music.

Earphones: The earphones are pretty good sounding for stock earphones. They are mostly metal and have a premium look and style to them.


Conclusion: The Latte Espresso is a seriously good MP3 player. It has a ton of features consumers want in a player. And the price is just right. With the holidays coming up you may want to purchase this player for your family and friends. And you will not be disappointed by what this player offers.
9.5 Out of 10
To purchase
Latte Espresso 8 GB Video MP3 Player with Haptic G-Sensor and Touchscreen (Metal Gun)
Latte Espresso 16 GB Video MP3 Player with Haptic G-Sensor and Touchscreen (Metal Gun)
4 comments September 18, 2009
Mionix Saiph 1800 Gaming Mouse Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$50.12
http://www.mionix.net/page.php?al=1800
• Ergonomic design (12° tilted)
• 5 programmable buttons
• 7 steps in-game dpi adjustment (with scroll wheel LED indication)
• 16 kb built-in memory
• Large Teflon feet (improved friction reducers)
• Net Weight: 138.5 g
• Gold-plated USB connection
• Full speed USB 2.0 with Plug n Play
• Cable length: 2 m (braided for durability)
• Compatible with all kinds of surfaces
LASER SPECIFICATION
• 1800 dpi Cypress laser sensor
• 1.8mm lift distance
• 1 ms response time
• 1000Hz polling rate
• True 16-bit data path
• 20 G acceleration
• 40 000Hz sampling rate
• 50 inch / sec

Intro: When you are a PC gamer, you want the best equipment possible to get an edge. One of the key components in being a good gamer is a great mouse. Mionix offers there latest gaming mouse the Saiph 1800.

Design: The mouse comes in black with a slight slant to conform to your hand. It is very comfortable and provides a nice grip when gaming. The mouse wheel is clear and glows different colors when changing levels of DPI sensitivity. The cord is thick and braided while the usb connection is gold plated.
Function: An important component when PC gaming is the sensitivity of the mouse. Fortunately you can adjust in game from 400 to 1800 DPI. This allows you to change the sensitivity to the type of game you’re playing. The 2 DPI buttons are on top of the mouse for easy access. The mouse has your normal left right buttons. On the left side you will find two more buttons that can be programmable. The 1800 mouse uses a Gaming Grade laser sensor to provide the most accurate controls.

Conclusion: I have tested many mouse before for gaming, and found the Mionix Saiph 1800 to be one of the best. It offers a lot of customization and style. If you’re looking for a good bang for your buck gaming mouse then look no further than the Saiph 1800.
9.8 Out of 10
Buy it now from Medusa-USA HERE
1 comment September 17, 2009
Sound ID 300 Bluetooth Headset Ebony Black Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
Retail price $119.00
http://www.soundid.com/home.html

With a high-gloss, piano-black finish, the lightweight Sound ID 300 displays a sophisticated design and differentiates itself from other Bluetooth headsets with innovative functionality, including NoiseNavigation and PersonalSound. NoiseNavigation provides clear audio through the automatic reduction of background noise, while PersonalSound allows users to select from three listening modes that enhance speech clarity without raising the volume.

Intro: I last reviewed a Sound ID headset two years ago and I was very impress. Now I get a chance to check out their latest offering the ID 300. Obviously in two years Sound ID has improved their flagship headset and here I will discuss these improvements and enhancements.



Design: The headset comes in a glossy Ebony Black color. It is very sleek and minimalist. The device measures a small 2.1 long, .6 wide and .3 inch thick. The device has one LED dot that indicates status. The ID 300 comes with 3 loop sizes for different ear sizes.

Function: One of the most important things I look in a headset is comfort. Is it going to hurt my ear after long hours of use? The ID 300 is very comfortable that often times I forget I’m using a bluetooth headset. Next the voice calling on both ends are good. Noise Navigation technology offers up clear sound even in noisy settings. Sound ID’s PersonalSound technology add three levels of enhancement for improved sound clarity. Talk time is a very good 6hrs and up to 220hrs standby. Overall sound quality, noise control, and comfort were well above the norm when compared to other headsets.

Conclusion: I have tested many Bluetooth headsets before. But I believe they are a select few that represent the elite that offer clear sound, great style, and excellent features. The Sound ID 300 is one of the top bluetooth headsets you can buy. And of all the Bluetooth headsets that I own this one is my daily use headset.
9.8 Out of 10
Buy it now HERE
1 comment September 17, 2009
Duracell Instant Charger Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$20
http://www.duracell.com/us/smartpower/products_PowerReserve.asp
The ultimate blend of size and function, the Instant Charger gives up to 35 hours of backup power to devices with regular USB ports in addition to mini-USB ports.
2000 mAh
USB and mini-USB ports
Up to 35 hours of backup power
Can charge:
iPhone
iPod Classic
iPod Nano
Blackberry phones
Motorola phones
Devices with a mini-USB port (many digital cameras)

Intro: Sometimes I need to charge my MP3 player, iPod, or phone and I’m not near a computer or outlet. The Duracell Instant Charger is the answer. It’s a small battery pack that goes with you as a backup battery to charge your gadgets.

Design: The Instant Charger is definitely the best looking of Duracell’s chargers. It has a sleek slim profile and glossy front. Only negative is it’s a bit of a dust collector.



Function: All you need is the cable and device and you can charge up your iPod, MP3 player, or phone, simply connect the iPod using the iPod Cable connect to the Instant Charger and switch to the on position and your charging away. To charge the device there is a mini USB cable on one end and full size on the other.

Conclusion: Battery life tends to run out at the worst times. So having this Instant Charger is great when you’re not at home able to charge your devices. The Duracell Instant Charger is cheap and a great backup charger that I highly recommend. This should be in everyone’s gear bag.
9.5 Out of 10
Buy it now at Amazon HERE
3 comments September 16, 2009
Handy Cooler Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$39.95
http://www.myhandycooler.com/Handy_cooler/Hot_Flashes_and_menopause._Personal_cooling_fan__personal_air_conditioner__personal_air_cooler._.html

Intro: When you need to cool off then you might be interested in my next review, the Handy Cooler. This is no cheap portable fan. It’s like holding an air conditioner in your hand.
Design: The Handy Cooler has the appearance of a handy cam but it’s not. The Handy Cooler is well built and should last a real long time. It definitely feels more upscale than the price of purchase. The Handy Cooler comes in three colors to choose from (Sky Blue, Soft Pink, and Black)

Function: I was surprise how simple the product was to use. Simply remove the sponge and use the included bottle to load the sponge with just enough water. Then add 4 AA batteries and hit the switch and your ready to go. The device uses a patent pending evaporative cooling technology to produce cool air to the user. The Handy Cooler is great for use in a hot car, small computer room, office, camping, and for people who suffer from hot flashes. The Handy Cooler can connect to your laptop or computer USB port so you can put it right next to you while you work. The fan is adjustable to the degree of coolness you want.

Conclusion: We all heard of other products like the Misty Mate. But the problem with devices like the Misty is that it’s prone to leaking water all over you. The Handy Cooler produces cooler air effectively. It has so many useful uses and can be taken with you anywhere you need to cool off. The Handy Cooler is one cool product that will cool you off this hot summer.
9.8 Out of 10
Order the Handy Cooler now HERE



Baby Stroller Air Cooling System
This is an attachment that must be used with the Handy Cooler. A nylon bag attaches to the back of your stroller. You put the Handy cooler on the bottom of the bag and use the hose to go inside to the baby stroller. Then turn on the handy cooler to provide cooler air for the baby. It is a simple add on to any stroller and can provide your baby with cooler air on very hot days.
The Baby Stroller Air Cooling System can be purchase as a combo with the Handy Cooler for $59.95. If you already own the Handy Cooler you can upgrade for $34.95.
Purchase the combo HERE
or Upgrade Kit HERE
5 comments September 11, 2009