Before I kick off, full disclosure; I’m a fan! A fan of Tom Bihn and nearly everything that comes out of their Seattle factory. I bought my first Tom Bihn bag in 2002, an Empire Builder, and shortly after bought the Brain Bag. These were painfully expensive at the time, but when I eventually sold them I got a re-sale price that I’d never get from lesser bags. So the total cost was not so bad. Also, the functionality; the features and benefits; and the incredible build-quality loaded into every case made the expense worthwhile. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Travel Gear

Tagged: Bag

Tom Bihn Tri-Star Travel Bag and Accessories Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 6, 2009 at 7:00 am.

If you have a portable GPS unit, do you suction-cup it to your windshield?  Do you worry that the mounting arm left on your windshield – or even the suction cup marks left on the glass – advertise to thieves that you have a portable GPS unit? 

If you do, the Nav-Mat Portable GPS dash mount may be what you need.  … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Car Gear, GPS, Travel Gear

Tagged: GPS, Stand

Nav-Mat Portable GPS Dash Mount originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm.

As can be seen in the figure, the main draw of the Duracell GoEasy Recharger ($12.99) is its succinct size — no wall wart nor long cable needed.  One of the several new Duracell “Smart Power Initiative” devices, it is a an unpretentious little charger for AA or AAA Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.  It is compact and unobtrusive – note that the two AC prongs fold up for storage. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Travel Gear

Tagged: Battery, Charger

Duracell GoEasy AA NiMH Rechargable Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2009 at 7:37 am.

UNIEA manufactures cases of nearly every shape and size, engineered to protect your valuable tech-equipment from the dangers of the daily grind. Their Omniverse 13.3-inch Macbook (or similar sized laptop) Universal Tote (and the matching hard drive case) are no different. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Laptop Bag

Uniea Omniverse Universal Tote for the 13″ Macbook originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 15, 2009 at 10:13 am.

The purpose of the Smooth Away Hair Removal System is to rid one’s self of furry follicles from the extremities by way of a “crystallized smoothing pad”.  The main advantages are: removal of said particles without the need for a razor; without water; without soap; without waxing; without pain; and (if you read some product reviews), without success.  But others swear by its performance.

I was interested in the device that had polarized so many people’s opinions.  About half said it worked perfectly and another half said that it did not work at all; the reviews were usually to either one extreme or the other.  What did The Gadgeteer find? … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear

Tagged:

Fact or Fiction: Smooth Away Review It Works No It Doesn’t Yes It Does No it… originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 14, 2009 at 3:32 pm.

There are plenty o’ devices and gizmos out there to help keep your coffee hot, but for those who prefer refreshments at the opposite side of the thermometer there is only a dearth of either lame Styrofoam “coozies” or tepid “peltier effect” boxes with fans.  But I had forgotten about The Fridge — a freezable can holder that keeps its cool for many hours.  I had reserved and used The Fridge only for outings in nature and recently it came to me that this would be the perfect accoutrement for a set of three-day week long off-site beatings, uh, er meetings I had to endure, er I mean attend. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear

Tagged: Beverage

Equal Time for Cold Drinkers – The Fridge originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 11, 2009 at 2:15 pm.

My family has started using a lot of AAA and AA batteries lately.  I’ve been looking around for a recharger that was economical and didn’t have a lot of space devoted to battery sizes we don’t routinely use.  I jumped at the chance to try the Duracell GoMobile recharger when Julie offered.  The GoMobile charges only AA and AAA batteries in a small recharger that works on your home current or in your car using the included car adapter.  With a one-hour charging cycle and a suggested retail price of $29.99 – complete with four rechargeable NiMH batteries – it sounds like exactly what I wanted for my night table! … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Power, Rechargeable batteries

Duracell GoMobile Recharger Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 11, 2009 at 9:58 am.

From the picture it may be hard to tell what the object on the right is – is it a pen, a pencil?  Hint – look at the shadow.  The Swingtime Readers are as narrow as they appear.  The next photo shows the same objects from a different angle. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear

Tagged: Glasses

True Stow-Aways – Swingtime Readers Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm.

visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear, eBook Readers and Gear

Tagged: Kindle, Kindle case

Kindle Keeper -small, cheap, does the job originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 4, 2009 at 11:23 am.

Let me start by saying that these Diamond Mini-Rockers are probably the best sounding small speakers I’ve ever heard. I kept asking people to listen to them, to see if I was imagining it, but everyone who listened to these speakers was impressed. The Mini-Rockers are rated at 4 watts, they’re only 4×2 inches, the built in battery provides 6 hours of play time, and they’re perfect to travel with. They’re great little speakers to enjoy a movie or play some video games between a couple people. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Audio / Video Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Audio, Speakers, Travel gear

Diamond Mini-Rockers Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 1, 2009 at 8:30 am.

Protecting and carrying electronic gear is big business! Witness the number of reviews on this site alone that cover such products. If you are such a junkie, you may want to avoid the site where the e-Holster e-Vibe iPhone Case and Wallet is sold.  You aren’t likely to leave the site without buying something to carry and protect something. If you’re weak and can’t control yourself then look away, the website is coming…
http://www.eholster.com/… … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Generic PDA related, Travel Gear

Tagged: Belt case

e-Holster e-Vibe iPhone Case and Wallet Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 26, 2009 at 2:44 pm.

The Powerhouse by Duracell is a little  portable charger that comes in handy when you need that extra juice to your cell phone or any other USB/MiniUSB device such as an iPod, mp3 player  or digital camera. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Charger, Duracell

Duracell Powerhouse Charger Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 23, 2009 at 5:46 pm.

The next time you want to go for a ride with your sweetie, skip the sweat producing manual bicycle and go with a PEDEGO tandem e-bike. It features a beach cruiser design with two wide, cushioned seats, relaxed handlebars and a rear motor. It operates much … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Spotlight Gadgets, Travel Gear

Tagged: Bike, Outdoor

Transportation for lazy lovebirds – PEDEGO Electric Tandem Bike originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 21, 2009 at 8:41 pm.

The Sumo Laptop Purse is not just a laptop bag, it is a laptop PURSE. And yes, there is a difference.   If you are anything like me, you end up carrying several different bags daily, including a laptop bag, purse, gym bag, lunch, etc.  Hooray for laptop purses like this one made by Sumo, because they combine at least two of these bags (if not more) into one stylish carrying tote. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Laptop Bag

Sumo Laptop Purse Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 17, 2009 at 5:58 pm.

Anyone who has owned an iPhone for even a short period of time can tell you that its biggest flaw — or at least, the biggest flaw that isn’t directly related to the carrier — is its frustratingly insufficient battery life, especially compared to standard mobile phones.  The typical solution for most users is to either switch off services such as Wi-Fi, 3G or Bluetooth when they aren’t being used, or to simply charge the iPhone one or more times during the course of the day.  I rarely use my iPhone as an actual phone, and I still find myself running the battery down below 20% during an average day if I don’t take the time to recharge it at least once.  I’m not always in a position where I can sit around and wait for my iPhone to charge, however, and that’s precisely the problem that Griffin Technology’s PowerDuo Reserve is intended to solve. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Car Gear, Travel Gear, iPhone related

Tagged: Battery, Charger, iPhone accessory, iPod accessory

Griffin Technology PowerDuo Reserve Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 12, 2009 at 1:12 pm.

The Arc Mouse is stylish, simple AND functional.  The Arc made my Microsoft is a laser mouse that carves out the mid-section to provide a sleek minimalist design.    It’s less substantial than a normal mouse and may not offer the ergonomics of other mice, but it fits the fingers well enough for regular use. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptop Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Mouse

Microsoft Arc Mouse Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 11, 2009 at 8:55 am.

The Grid-It by Cocoon is a nifty organizer that utilizes a grid of rubberized elastic bands to hold your precious things in place.   It is especially unique for the many potential ways you can configure your digital items … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Spotlight Gadgets, Travel Gear

Tagged: Case, Organization

Organize your gadgets – Cocoon Grid-It originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 1, 2009 at 10:48 am.

Let’s get right to the nitty-gritty.  The Slingbox Solo lets you watch TV on your computer when you are not at your home.  (For a few bucks more you can watch on your cell phone.)  Why in the heck would anyone ever want to do that?  Well there are those who would love to do that.  I’m one of those.  And the Slingbox – well, it just works.  When I’m at work, trapped in an interminable meeting, waiting during a doctor’s appointment, on a lay-over at an airport, or working away from the office, having CNN show up on my laptop just appeals to me.  Of course, you require an internet connection to receive the stream, but I’d still rather watch Wolf Blitzer on the internet during a waiting game than browse through idiotic bloopers on YouTube. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Audio / Video Gear, Desktop Computer Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Streaming, Video

More Enjoyment From Your Talking Toaster: The Slingbox Solo Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 24, 2009 at 5:16 pm.

If you’ve ever packed for a hike, camping trip, or other activity in which saving precious space is paramount, you know how difficult it can be.  Behold Fozzils ThinkFLAT!  Part origami, part tableware, each item–be it bowl, cup, spoon or … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear

Tagged: Gear

Now THIS is flatware… originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 19, 2009 at 8:00 am.

Never find yourself in need of a WiFi hotspot again-it will be in your pocket.   The Verizon MiFi 2200 is an uber-portable (roughly the size of a credit card, about as thick as an iPod) hotspot, connecting up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously to Verizon’s 3G network.  Added bonus–when attached to a laptop through USB it switches to the world’s sexiest broadband modem and also charges itself.  I spent a little bit of time trying out my company’s MiFi and instantly fell in love–then again anything that eases my daily three+ hours of commute by train will win my affection … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Travel Gear, Wireless

Tagged: Mobile gear, WiFi

Rise of the MiFi originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 18, 2009 at 5:42 pm.

I used to be into metal detecting aka TH’ing (treasure hunting) a bazillion years ago. I still have two detectors around here somewhere. I couldn’t help but do a double take when I saw these metal detecting sandals from visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Spotlight Gadgets, Travel Gear

Tagged: Outdoors

Find buried treasure with your feet – Metal detecting sandals originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 14, 2009 at 12:10 pm.

The Archos 704 wifi Mobile DVR is packed with features that are sure to appeal to many different types of consumers.  And although it carries a premium price, Archos is hoping that you’ll see the value in the plethora of features and options that the 704 wifi offers. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Audio / Video Gear, Handheld PCs / Ultra Portables, Travel Gear

Tagged: DVR, Video, WiFi

Archos 704 WiFi Mobile DVR Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 8, 2009 at 9:42 am.

A few years back my car was a SAAB 95 estate (station wagon). The 95 is perhaps not so large by US standards, but for most of us Europeans its a big beast. For vacations we really did not have to care about packing – we just threw everything in the back. For the last couple of months I’ve been living with a bag that’s a bit like this; the new Meta from Spire. The Meta is big; easily the biggest, baddest travel/gadget bag that I have. The composite photo below gives an idea of its size. I’m 1.88m (6’2”) tall. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Bag, Case, Laptop Bag

Spire Meta & Dart, Travel Bag / Gadget Bag & Laptop Sleeve Combo Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 6, 2009 at 7:31 am.

Several years ago Surefire produced a small, (relatively) high output, limited edition LED flashlight made of pure titanium called the Titan. Surefire only made one thousand of these very well made, very expensive, ultra high-end keychain flashlights. Even with a $500 price tag, the Titan sold out rather quickly and continues today to fetch even higher dollar figures on eBay (when you can find them). To fill this apparent demand/void, Surefire has recently started producing the T1A Titan, an aluminum (less costly) sibling to the original Titan. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Flashlight, LED

Surefire T1A Titan LED Flashlight Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 3, 2009 at 7:26 am.

I have reviewed several Noreve cases over the years. All of which had that initial new leather smell as you open the box, top-quality leather, and fine ‘old-world’ craftsmanship. The Noreve leather sleeve for Apple’s 13″ MacBook is no different. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Case, Sleeve

Noreve Leather MacBook Sleeve Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2009 at 4:08 pm.