Julie Strietelmeier

I created The Gadgeteer in 1997 as a fun way to share my passion for gadgets which began when I was a little kid. Some of my other interests include ukulele, photography, productivity hacks, and minimalism. Learn more about me and my favorite gear.

Palm Treo 700p Smartphone

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Over a year and a half ago in December 2004, the much anticipated Treo 650 smartphone arrived on the market. This first model was a CDMA version from Sprint, but several months later a GSM version and then a version from Verizon also became available. Since its release, the 650 has become the most popular smartphone (combination PDA / mobile phone) device on the market. Time has not stood still for Palm. Their latest smartphone is the 700p. Should 650 owners pony up to buy this upgraded model, or should they keep their cash and wait for something with more revolutionary features, instead of evolutionary?

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SendStation PocketDock

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Last month I purchased a 2006 Mazda 3 5 door, which I’m totally enjoying. It is my first new vehicle in 15yrs. Yes it’s true that I’ve been driving the same little Red pickup truck (1991 GMC Sonoma) for the last decade and a half. There’s something to be said for no car payments :o)

So anyway, I was really looking forward to this new car having a much better radio than the junko Delco in the Sonoma. Unfortunately, the stock head unit in the Mazda turned out to be a little disappointing. It lacks an Auxiliary Audio Input, so that means no optimal way to play an iPod through the speakers. I tried several iPod powered FM transmitters, but struck out there too. Unlike in my truck, the sound quality using one was horrible. Also, the location of the cigarette lighter adapter ruled out using the TransPod, which worked wonderfully in the truck.

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Brando Super Slim Keyboard

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Mini desktop computers like Apple’s Mac mini and AOpen’s Mini PC are really popular due to the fact that they are so small and don’t require vast amounts of desktop real estate. They make especially good media center (living room) computers for this very fact. Now, how about a mini keyboard to go along with that mini computer? Today I’m going to tell you about the Super Slim Keyboard from Brando USB.

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CellPoint Flamingo Bluetooth Headset

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I have been on a quest to find the most comfortable Bluetooth headset on the market. After reviewing a handful of contenders, my current favorite has been Tekkeon’s ezTalker Mini. I was told by one of our readers that I needed to definitely check out CellPoint’s Flamingo headset. I took that person’s advise and obtained a sample, which I’ve been testing for the past week or so. Has it turned out to be more comfy than the Tekkeon? Keep reading to find out.

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Tekkeon myTalker ET7000

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I’m sure you’ve lived this scenario… You’re listening to your
iPod through headphones or earbuds, and your cell phone rings. The
first thing you probably do is pause the music on your iPod,
disengage from the earbuds or headphones, put on a Bluetooth
headset, or just answer the phone. What if there was an accessory
for your iPod that simplified this process dramatically? There is
such a product: The myTalker ET7000 from Tekkeon.

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pzizz Personal Life Coaching System

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Working 2 full time jobs (Cummins and The Gadgeteer) can sometimes take a toll on my sanity. There’s nothing that says stress, like spending an 8hr day supporting CAD users all over the world and then coming home and having to write about the latest gadget or gizmo to show up in my mailbox. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about playing with and writing about gadgets at all. It’s just a lot of work and like all of us, work can cause a real energy drain at times. That’s why any product that claims to help a person de-stress and recharge, is a product that I want to test.

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SpeckProducts SpeckTone Retro iPod Tabletop Speaker System

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For those times when you don’t care to use earphones or earbuds to listen to the music stored on your iPod, you need a good set of speakers. Stereo speakers come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Typically, you get what you pay for. Cheapo speakers will offer up matching cheapo sound, while higher end speakers systems will bring a smile to your ears.

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La Crosse Technology WS-7038U Wireless 433MHz Miniature Rain Monitor

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Mother Nature and gadgets. The two of them are a match made in heaven. There are gadgets that measure wind direction and velocity, gizmos that measure changes in the barometric pressure and gadgets that display the temperature. Today I’m going to tell you about the La Crosse Technology WS-7038U Wireless 433 MHz Miniature Rain Monitor. Sent to me by the folks at SmartHome, this kit comes with everything you will need to keep track of how much precipitation falls at your location.

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Sony Vaio VGN-UX50 uPC review

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Ultra portable PCs (uPC) seem to be really hot right now. With
Microsoft’s Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) / Origami devices being announced here there and everywhere, it looks like this product category has the potential to become as popular as PDAs were a few years ago.

Maybe… Exactly one year ago I reviewed the
Sony Vaio VGN-U71P ultra portable Windows XP PC. Despite a few minor complaints, that little guy made a very good travel companion. To this day I kick myself for deciding to get rid of it… Especially now that I don’t have even one Windows PC in the house any longer. Yes, Mac person here.

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Julie’s Gear Diary – 2006-06-13

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GoldenRAM just sent word that they have a new free system analyzer tool called UpgradeDetect that works for both Consumer and Corporate (multi-user) environments. It has an advanced detection program (8-years in the perfecting) that will scan a user’s computer and identify the EXACT upgrades (down to the very part #) that will work on

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Insignia IS-PDVD10 10.2″ TFT Portable DVD Player

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If you happen to be in the market for a portable DVD player that you can take along with you on your next plane ride or road trip, the Insignia IS-PDVD10 which is available from Best Buy, might be one that you should add to your list of potential considerations. This player has a few extra features that make it a little better than your every day run of the mill portable DVD player. Let’s take a closer look.

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Julie’s Gear Diary – 2006-06-08

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I really need help. I think I’m turning into my Dad… Ever since buying my Mazda 3 5 door (zoom zoom) almost 2 weeks ago, I’ve been reading car forums for modifications and add-ons. I even went into an AutoZone yesterday where I purchased a California Duster, microfiber towels and Mequire’s Quick Interior Detailer spray.

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