Comments for The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:35:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136657 Julie Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:35:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136657 @David My current system is to write in a Rhodia webbie and every so often I take pictures of the pages and upload them into Evernote. @David My current system is to write in a Rhodia webbie and every so often I take pictures of the pages and upload them into Evernote.

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by David http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136652 David Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136652 I also have a co-worker that uses a stylus only device, and that works great for writing. Also, I think if you had a rooted device, you might be able to adjust the new capacitive screens to ignore a human touch, and only accept a stylus, but I've never seen a hack to do that. I also have a co-worker that uses a stylus only device, and that works great for writing.

Also, I think if you had a rooted device, you might be able to adjust the new capacitive screens to ignore a human touch, and only accept a stylus, but I’ve never seen a hack to do that.

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by David http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136650 David Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:50:23 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136650 Julie, Make sure whatever system you use, it can be exported somehow to a offline format. That way you can share with people that have limited or no internet access. (Yes, there are a lot of those still out there, and I think there will be some for a long time) Yes, I'd always go digital, because of "Backup, Backup, Backup!!!" Julie,
Make sure whatever system you use, it can be exported somehow to a offline format. That way you can share with people that have limited or no internet access. (Yes, there are a lot of those still out there, and I think there will be some for a long time)

Yes, I’d always go digital, because of “Backup, Backup, Backup!!!”

]]> Comment on Apple TV (2nd Generation) Review by Janet Cloninger http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/07/03/apple-tv-2nd-generation-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136647 Janet Cloninger Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:19:07 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=69050#comment-136647 @Katey There are no discounts or freebies on iTunes. With movies, you can at least rent them, but you can only buy TV shows. I have both an Apple TV and a Roku 2 XD box, and I have subscriptions to Hulu+ and Netflix for a total of about $16 a month. A lot of shows are available the next day on Hulu+ to watch at no additional charge, but not all are available - for instance, no Walking Dead shows at all. Some shows are available for free on Netflix, but you'll have to wait a full season to watch them. And you can get the Amazon Prime streaming movies on the Roku 2 box. @Katey There are no discounts or freebies on iTunes. With movies, you can at least rent them, but you can only buy TV shows. I have both an Apple TV and a Roku 2 XD box, and I have subscriptions to Hulu+ and Netflix for a total of about $16 a month. A lot of shows are available the next day on Hulu+ to watch at no additional charge, but not all are available – for instance, no Walking Dead shows at all. Some shows are available for free on Netflix, but you’ll have to wait a full season to watch them. And you can get the Amazon Prime streaming movies on the Roku 2 box.

]]> Comment on Apple TV (2nd Generation) Review by Jonathan Schwartz http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/07/03/apple-tv-2nd-generation-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136643 Jonathan Schwartz Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:01:19 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=69050#comment-136643 Hi Katey, Yup, it would be $60.00. Also, new episodes are not available until 24 hrs. after the original air date. That being said, since my wife and I don't watch much TV, were never really around for the first showings, and there are only a couple of shows we watch; the cost isn't that much. Especially when you compare it to the (possibly for you) $100.00+ per month for cable/satellite. If you follow a lot of shows and view multiple seasons then maybe stick with the cable/satellite... you might also want to check out Hulu: many people like for TV stuff. I love my ATV(1), I wish I could get my Amazon Prime streaming movies through it. Regards, Jonathan Hi Katey,
Yup, it would be $60.00. Also, new episodes are not available until 24 hrs. after the original air date. That being said, since my wife and I don’t watch much TV, were never really around for the first showings, and there are only a couple of shows we watch; the cost isn’t that much. Especially when you compare it to the (possibly for you) $100.00+ per month for cable/satellite. If you follow a lot of shows and view multiple seasons then maybe stick with the cable/satellite… you might also want to check out Hulu: many people like for TV stuff. I love my ATV(1), I wish I could get my Amazon Prime streaming movies through it.
Regards,
Jonathan

]]> Comment on Apple TV (2nd Generation) Review by Katey http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/07/03/apple-tv-2nd-generation-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136638 Katey Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:27:41 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=69050#comment-136638 Thanks for writing such a great review, this has helped me a lot. I have been thinking about getting an AppleTV and getting rid of cable. Quick question, when you have apple TV, do you still pay for all the shows via iTunes? Example, if there are 3 shows I watch and the season on iTunes is $20.00 each, it would cost me $60 a season to watch my shows or do you get them free or discounted? Seems like it could get really expensive. Thanks for writing such a great review, this has helped me a lot. I have been thinking about getting an AppleTV and getting rid of cable. Quick question, when you have apple TV, do you still pay for all the shows via iTunes? Example, if there are 3 shows I watch and the season on iTunes is $20.00 each, it would cost me $60 a season to watch my shows or do you get them free or discounted? Seems like it could get really expensive.

]]> Comment on SureFire Warranty Review by Robert http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/19/surefire-warranty-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136624 Robert Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:11:00 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=88573#comment-136624 I have always had surefire products. I keep them at home, work and in the cars as well. I have called them on several occasions to "buy" a part that I broke and they just siply replaced the part free of charge. One flashlight I had that they no longer make and even then they replaced it with a newer one. I gladly pay for the convenience of the warranty, and the stellar quality of their products. I have always had surefire products. I keep them at home, work and in the cars as well. I have called them on several occasions to “buy” a part that I broke and they just siply replaced the part free of charge. One flashlight I had that they no longer make and even then they replaced it with a newer one. I gladly pay for the convenience of the warranty, and the stellar quality of their products.

]]> Comment on ChargeAll Wall Charger Review by Vladimir Estragon http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/21/chargeall-wall-charger-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136619 Vladimir Estragon Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:38:12 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=87691#comment-136619 This seems to be a decent solution for hotels to leave in rooms or lobbies, although I'm not sure whether I'd be inclined to plug my gear into just any no-name charger supplied by a coffee shop. However, for the individual consumer, this seems pointless. No one is going to need more than two or three of these tips, and the cables seem to be too short to change multiple devices at once, unless you pile them on top of each other. A single device that can charge a phone, a tablet, and a laptop simultaneously while on the road weould be interesting, but it would need interchangeable tips, and probably more power. And what is it with these damn bright LEDs they've started to put on everything. No sir, I don't like em. This seems to be a decent solution for hotels to leave in rooms or lobbies, although I’m not sure whether I’d be inclined to plug my gear into just any no-name charger supplied by a coffee shop.

However, for the individual consumer, this seems pointless. No one is going to need more than two or three of these tips, and the cables seem to be too short to change multiple devices at once, unless you pile them on top of each other. A single device that can charge a phone, a tablet, and a laptop simultaneously while on the road weould be interesting, but it would need interchangeable tips, and probably more power.

And what is it with these damn bright LEDs they’ve started to put on everything. No sir, I don’t like em.

]]> Comment on Col. Littleton Front Pocket Wallets Review by jvg http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/04/24/col-littleton-front-pocket-wallets-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136613 jvg Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:08:23 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=64966#comment-136613 I really like it. But 2 drawbacks for me: Don't know if euro-bills fit. And a lot of hassle to ship this outside US. The main site doesnt ship overseas, and the canadese site it is referring to doesnt reply on email. if anyone know of a good retailer that ships to Europe, I'd love to know. I really like it.
But 2 drawbacks for me: Don’t know if euro-bills fit. And a lot of hassle to ship this outside US. The main site doesnt ship overseas, and the canadese site it is referring to doesnt reply on email.
if anyone know of a good retailer that ships to Europe, I’d love to know.

]]> Comment on Sony’s PlayStation Vita – Never Stop Playing by AYbara http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/sonys-playstation-vita-never-stop-playing/comment-page-1/#comment-136562 AYbara Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:29:00 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=88771#comment-136562 Got one of the FEB (First Edition Bundles), and I've been using it non-stop for the last week. Can't wait until the official launch as there are a bunch of apps dropping. Got one of the FEB (First Edition Bundles), and I’ve been using it non-stop for the last week. Can’t wait until the official launch as there are a bunch of apps dropping.

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Winski http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136544 Winski Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:45:40 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136544 Julie...thanks for the work and the note earlier today. Allen... You articulated exactly how I use Evernote itself as my Journal.... I also use MyScript Memo and Penultimate for hand writing input - they both, along with Evenote, can use images, my camera, my Stylus, and it all ends up in one place on my iPad and in the cloud.... At Julie's nudging, I tried out a BUNCH of Styli and settled on the Wacom Bamboo since it works GREAT on an iPad with a screen protector installed. As I travelled for 35 years with an airplane strapped on my backside, I lugged around a paper journal... I just can't do that anymore with all the tech available to insure I don't have to.. THANKS.... Julie…thanks for the work and the note earlier today. Allen… You articulated exactly how I use Evernote itself as my Journal…. I also use MyScript Memo and Penultimate for hand writing input – they both, along with Evenote, can use images, my camera, my Stylus, and it all ends up in one place on my iPad and in the cloud…. At Julie’s nudging, I tried out a BUNCH of Styli and settled on the Wacom Bamboo since it works GREAT on an iPad with a screen protector installed.

As I travelled for 35 years with an airplane strapped on my backside, I lugged around a paper journal… I just can’t do that anymore with all the tech available to insure I don’t have to..

THANKS….

]]> Comment on Master Lock Set-Your-Own Combination Locks Review by Kay http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/30/master-lock-set-your-own-combination-locks-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136541 Kay Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:40:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=20822#comment-136541 Okay um I just bought the fast slider lock last weekend and at first the original code worked. Then when I put it on my school locker (yesterday) it wouldn't budge at all. This is BUNK! I want a refund. I didn't even change the code or anything. Huge waste of $15. Also I have ISS (in school suspension) for being late to class. BS! This shizz goes on my permanent record and this stupid masterlock is over priced. FREAKING BS!!! Okay um I just bought the fast slider lock last weekend and at first the original code worked. Then when I put it on my school locker (yesterday) it wouldn’t budge at all. This is BUNK! I want a refund. I didn’t even change the code or anything. Huge waste of $15. Also I have ISS (in school suspension) for being late to class. BS! This shizz goes on my permanent record and this stupid masterlock is over priced. FREAKING BS!!!

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Allen Lacy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136497 Allen Lacy Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:04:28 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136497 I have been using Evernote itself as my Journal. I just have Evernote Notebook named Journal. I can enter entries via the home PC, or a web browser or my Android phone. It can have pictures, or text or hand scribbles or audio or any combination. It will export all its data in an XML file if someone doesn't trust the online storage. I originally used the Palm to keep my Journal, when I went to an Android phone I just exported the data and imported it into Evernote. I have been using Evernote itself as my Journal. I just have Evernote Notebook named Journal. I can enter entries via the home PC, or a web browser or my Android phone. It can have pictures, or text or hand scribbles or audio or any combination. It will export all its data in an XML file if someone doesn’t trust the online storage. I originally used the Palm to keep my Journal, when I went to an Android phone I just exported the data and imported it into Evernote.

]]> Comment on Vonage Mobile VoIP Calling App Review by Ian Lim http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/14/vonage-mobile-voip-calling-app-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136496 Ian Lim Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:45:29 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=87999#comment-136496 @Rodger - Where are you going ? I've successfully travelled overseas quite a bit and used Skype ( same concept different name ) in the US and South East Asia extensively. I normally don't even worry about getting a local data sim and have just used public wifi hotspots, Starbucks, McDonalds, hotel etc. They are everywhere these days and you will get better quaility from a wifi connection than 3g. Australian Telstra roaming fees are also disgusting :( You are correct that VOIP is normally quite low in usage. If you really want, email me and we can do a quick test if you're interested. @Rodger – Where are you going ? I’ve successfully travelled overseas quite a bit and used Skype ( same concept different name ) in the US and South East Asia extensively. I normally don’t even worry about getting a local data sim and have just used public wifi hotspots, Starbucks, McDonalds, hotel etc. They are everywhere these days and you will get better quaility from a wifi connection than 3g. Australian Telstra roaming fees are also disgusting :( You are correct that VOIP is normally quite low in usage. If you really want, email me and we can do a quick test if you’re interested.

]]> Comment on 2011 KIA Optima SX Turbo Test Drive by The Slapster http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/11/13/2011-kia-optima-sx-turbo-test-drive/comment-page-1/#comment-136491 The Slapster Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:25:06 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=80629#comment-136491 One of our sales people hear has an SX and much as I usually try to avoid the them, I asked how he liked it so far. He gives it the highest marks, the only detraction was the paint apparently is *horribly* prone to scratching, even from light contact or brushing up against the body. Any similar complaints from owners here? One of our sales people hear has an SX and much as I usually try to avoid the them, I asked how he liked it so far. He gives it the highest marks, the only detraction was the paint apparently is *horribly* prone to scratching, even from light contact or brushing up against the body. Any similar complaints from owners here?

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Eliza http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136490 Eliza Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:05:47 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136490 Good article. While I agree about the paper notebooks (I have quite a few), I find that my ability to handwrite has deteriorated over the last few years. Plus searching through entries is a hassle esp. if you hv multiple notebooks. I find the app Memento for the iPhone to be useful with the ability to post photos, link to FB and Twitter feeds, add audio, tag, etc. Good article. While I agree about the paper notebooks (I have quite a few), I find that my ability to handwrite has deteriorated over the last few years. Plus searching through entries is a hassle esp. if you hv multiple notebooks. I find the app Memento for the iPhone to be useful with the ability to post photos, link to FB and Twitter feeds, add audio, tag, etc.

]]> Comment on I’m Watch: Android on Your Wrist by Louie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/06/06/im-watch-android/comment-page-1/#comment-136481 Louie Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:39:04 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=67314#comment-136481 Seems like a scam to me. Took my money. Don't respond to inquiries. Amazing that CES was duped as well...they won one of the Innovations awards for 2012. Very strange. Seems like a scam to me. Took my money. Don’t respond to inquiries. Amazing that CES was duped as well…they won one of the Innovations awards for 2012. Very strange.

]]> Comment on SureFire Warranty Review by joearrieta http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/19/surefire-warranty-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136477 joearrieta Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:28:42 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=88573#comment-136477 I totally agree with eddie and thenikjones comments, in this economy I'm certain Surefire has seen sales plunge because people today are looking for both a reliable flashlight at a reasonable price, and I have found many online with solid build quality, better beam patterns and lifetime warranties at half the cost of Surefire. I own the Fenix TK35, Fenix Mini PD20 and the Olight M20 and I'm have been blown away by the performance of these light and I challenge Surefire to match the lumens, beam patterns and most important price of these quality lights. As Dave has said in this article "Most people agree SureFire products are extremely well made with rock-solid performance (aka the Cadillac of flashlights)", to that I say if you have the kind of money to spend on a Cadillac you are certainly in Surefire's demographic. I totally agree with eddie and thenikjones comments, in this economy I’m certain Surefire has seen sales plunge because people today are looking for both a reliable flashlight at a reasonable price, and I have found many online with solid build quality, better beam patterns and lifetime warranties at half the cost of Surefire. I own the Fenix TK35, Fenix Mini PD20 and the Olight M20 and I’m have been blown away by the performance of these light and I challenge Surefire to match the lumens, beam patterns and most important price of these quality lights. As Dave has said in this article “Most people agree SureFire products are extremely well made with rock-solid performance (aka the Cadillac of flashlights)”, to that I say if you have the kind of money to spend on a Cadillac you are certainly in Surefire’s demographic.

]]> Comment on 2011 KIA Optima SX Turbo Test Drive by Tammy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/11/13/2011-kia-optima-sx-turbo-test-drive/comment-page-1/#comment-136465 Tammy Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=80629#comment-136465 I bought a 2011 Kia Optima 8 months ago. When does the honeymoon phase wear off??? ;) I still love it! Drives great, amazing gas mileage and still fun to drive. The car is very roomy and even I surprised at how much I can fit it the trunk. The only problem I have had is the brake switch went bad, taking it tomorrow to get fixed (service people were very helpful and polite). I had to drive my husband's Audi Q5 to work for 3 days. I CAN'T WAIT to get my Kia back. I have had soooo many compliments. Love this car and would recommend to anyone. I bought a 2011 Kia Optima 8 months ago. When does the honeymoon phase wear off??? ;) I still love it! Drives great, amazing gas mileage and still fun to drive. The car is very roomy and even I surprised at how much I can fit it the trunk. The only problem I have had is the brake switch went bad, taking it tomorrow to get fixed (service people were very helpful and polite). I had to drive my husband’s Audi Q5 to work for 3 days. I CAN’T WAIT to get my Kia back. I have had soooo many compliments. Love this car and would recommend to anyone.

]]> Comment on Protect Your Pet with CritterCords by BJN http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/21/protect-your-pet-with-crittercords/comment-page-1/#comment-136464 BJN Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:56:53 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=88882#comment-136464 This product sounds good, but Amazon reviews include many comments that the cord protector smells awful. My sister has an "electrician" cat and I'll have her try the smaller diameter "Micro" version of the product. It's for smaller diameter cords like iPod power/sync cords. It get better ratings, perhaps because there's less stinky surface area than the larger diameter tubing. This product sounds good, but Amazon reviews include many comments that the cord protector smells awful. My sister has an “electrician” cat and I’ll have her try the smaller diameter “Micro” version of the product. It’s for smaller diameter cords like iPod power/sync cords. It get better ratings, perhaps because there’s less stinky surface area than the larger diameter tubing.

]]> Comment on Oreck ProShield Plus Air Purifier Review by brett http://the-gadgeteer.com/2010/01/20/oreck-proshield-plus-air-purifier-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136450 brett Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:29:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=29736#comment-136450 Further to Grant's Comments, here is the page that referenced his link: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/house-domes/electron/index-eng.php#humid Further to Grant’s Comments, here is the page that referenced his link:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/house-domes/electron/index-eng.php#humid

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136442 Julie Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:56:12 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136442 @Hai Take a snapshot of the pages every so often and upload them to Evernote, dropbox or some other service. Instant backup. @Jim Funny you should mention the Uniball Jetstream. I'm reviewing one. Not the Bold though... I have the Alpha Gel Grip. I agree. Nice! @Hai Take a snapshot of the pages every so often and upload them to Evernote, dropbox or some other service. Instant backup.

@Jim Funny you should mention the Uniball Jetstream. I’m reviewing one. Not the Bold though… I have the Alpha Gel Grip. I agree. Nice!

]]> Comment on Adonit Jot Pro Stylus Review by Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/02/adonit-jot-pro-stylus-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136440 Julie Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:51:43 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=86891#comment-136440 @Jo I don't think the back of the original iPad is steel. It's aluminum... So no, this stylus will not attach to the back. @Jo I don’t think the back of the original iPad is steel. It’s aluminum… So no, this stylus will not attach to the back.

]]> Comment on Digital Journaling Methods by Palm User http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/20/digital-journaling-methods/comment-page-1/#comment-136412 Palm User Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:43:08 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=84877#comment-136412 Hi, Like to add that I have been using the "vintage" Palm as a digital journal. Remember Datebk? It has a simple feature that allows journal entries to be added. It is very simple, it will add the time when the journal is opened. To backup just sync Datebk. Every year I will export the Datebk journal to Memo format so that it is it becomes plain text available at the Palm Desktop. I also do simple tagging by adding keywords. Very simple and maybe that is the reason I have collected 10 years of memories in this format ... Hi,

Like to add that I have been using the “vintage” Palm as a digital
journal. Remember Datebk? It has a simple feature that allows journal entries to be added. It is very simple, it will add the time when the journal is opened. To backup just sync Datebk. Every year I will export the Datebk journal to Memo format so that it is it becomes plain text available at the Palm Desktop. I also do simple tagging by adding keywords.

Very simple and maybe that is the reason I have collected 10 years of memories in this format …

]]> Comment on Adonit Jot Pro Stylus Review by Jo http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/02/02/adonit-jot-pro-stylus-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136411 Jo Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:28:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=86891#comment-136411 Would the magnet in this thing work w/r/t attaching it to the (back of the) original iPad, or does it only cooperate with the iPad 2? This thing is definitely of interest, but I hesitate to spend the extra $10 for a feature that may turn out to not actually work for me! Would the magnet in this thing work w/r/t attaching it to the (back of the) original iPad, or does it only cooperate with the iPad 2? This thing is definitely of interest, but I hesitate to spend the extra $10 for a feature that may turn out to not actually work for me!

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