Review: DiNovo Keyboard for Mac
Mar 1st
Hmm, so where shall I start here. The diNovo for Mac is absolutely sexy. Its shiny, glossy, and plexi-glass based, it really looks amazing. For any Mac user, its absolutely a paradise.
Since I don’t have a Mac, yet, this review will be based on the looks part of the keyboard. The keyboard is chargeable, wireless. It offers keys that invoke certain applications on your Mac such as Expose, DashBoard, your media controls, Cover Flow, Quick Look, Spaces, iTunes, Mail, Safari, Calculator. Your function keys allow you to assign certain functions to it to open certain programs or perform certain operations.
Since the device is off the market, pricing details are unknown. Why Logitech removed the product from its inventory is something I do not know.
Review: Logitech diNovo Mini
Feb 8th
Product: Logitech diNovo Mini
Price: $149.99 USD
Overall Rating: 5/5
Good:
The DiNovo is small and compact, it won’t stand out like a sore thumb. Keyboard is easy to type on, it works with PC and PS3. Its also BlueTooth so the range is fantastic.
Bad:
It’s a bit on the pricey side. It’s a fingerprint magnet. There is no Xbox 360 or Apple support.
Logitech’s diNovo Mini is the cutest thing ever. Its so small and compact, it reminds me of those personal digital assistants they used to have back in the old days, but with a sexy finish. Its price is yes, steep, but it’s worthwhile. It weighs just 0.4 pounds, and is roughly ¾ of an inch thick and 6 inches long. Its backlit of green or orange, depending on function.
One thing that I discovered after use, is that its control pad lets you switch back and forth from analog to a touch pad style control. I personally LOVE the touch pad. The diNovo Mini is FANTASTIC for Windows Media Center.
In terms of analog, what I mean is that with the flick of a switch, the touchpad converts into a bidirectional cursor. It’s useful for Windows Media Center for going up and down and from side to side in the menu’s.
The diNovo Mini would be fantastic for laptop owners, who want a wireless keyboard alternative, as its light, small, and extremely amazing.
Setup of the diNovo Mini cant be easier. Just plug it in, and your PC instantly recognizes it. For PS3, open the back of the diNovo’s case, and slide the switch to PS3 mode. Simple enough?
What would be useful, is for the PS3 owners, to have a dedicated switch to turn off your PS3 and TV. I do realise that Logitech wants to sell there Harmony remotes for this purpose, so I’m not going to deduct any review points for this feature loss.
Overall, the diNovo gets an amazing 5/5. Keep up the excellent work as always Logitech!
Review: FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR
Feb 8th
Fuji’s FinePix S200EXR is currently the highest end of DSLR-style bridge cameras that Fuji offers. I must say, it is absolutely amazing. Offering 12 million pixels, a 1/ 1.6 Super CCD, 14.3 X Optical zoom, it’s insane! Its successor was the Fuji S100fs, which as well was an amazing camera, but its 30.5 to 436 mm manual zoom is amazing.
Of course, one of the big things Fuji is known for is its Super CCD EXR sensor and EXR processor, developed by Fuji having the purpose to give an impression of what the human eye is seeing.
On the S100, it featured 11.1 megapixels, and a 2/3” sensor. The S200 gets a slight improvement, by upping the megapixels to 12 and a 1/1.6” sensor. SLR lovers will enjoy the manual controls in addition to the automatic scene modes and the EXR technology. The S200 incorporates all the features I reviewed in the FinePix F70 a few weeks ago. One thing I like about the S200 is that it can shoot in many formats, including RAW, JPEG, or RAW/JPEG. It utilizes SD/SDHC media and encompasses a 45 MB internal memory (don’t expect that to last long).
I personally fell in love with the zooming functionality on the S200. Dimensions are 5.3 x 3.7 x 5.7 inches. The chassis is made of high quality materials which look solid. It doesn’t look cheap one bit, even though it’s an “entry-level DSLR-style bridge camera.” One thing that bugs me on regular digital cameras is there is no handgrip. The S200 has an amazing handgrip which has a rubbery feeling to it. With the S200 I am sure there won’t be any fingers sticking out of your photos.
The S200 has all the bells and whistles you can dream of. Dials, switches, and buttons are everywhere on the S200. Fuji, however, has taken into consideration that you don’t want to accidentally trigger one of these buttons or switches, so they installed them in such a way that this will not happen.
There are many menus as well as sub-menus in the S200. If you get frustrated with tons of options, and just want a simple camera, then the S200 is not for you. However, if you are like me, and love customization and to have these features available to you, this is the camera you have been waiting for.
Shooting modes is something that I can’t live without. The more, the better, and with 11 shooting modes on the FinePix S200 EXR, I couldn’t think of anything else. From Auto, to program auto, to EXR, to FSB (Film simulation bracket), Scene Position, Movie, C1, C2, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and of course, the manual mode, which sets aperture and shutter speed manually, can you really ask for more?
A comment that is always made these days, is “where is the viewfinder?”, or “the LCD screen is too small for my eyes.” With the S200, these issues have been solved. The S200 features a 2.7 inch LCD screen with 230 thousand dot composition. For those who have issues with seeing the image in full sunlight, the LCD screen is adjustable to 11 levels. Going to the viewfinder, its 0.2 inch, and offers 100% of the coverage that you would get with the LCD screen.
Performance wise, its quick to powerup. It takes about 3-4 seconds to be fully functional. Of course, the faster your SD/SDHC card, the quicker your write speed will be, so you really need to take this into consideration. However, there is no issue with speed and writing to media with the S200 EXR. As well, three is no issue with shutter lag, as its 0.01 seconds.
Overall, I give the FujiFilm FinePix S200 EXR DSLR-style Camera a 5/5. Well done FujiFilm keep up the great products!
Product information has been included below. Product video is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osBSWIKPL5c
DIGITAL CAMERA FinePix S200EXR
Number of effective pixels 12 million pixels
CCD sensor 1/ 1.6-inch Super CCD EXR
Storage media Internal memory (approx. 45MB)?/ SD memory card/ SDHC memory card
File format Still image : JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.2 )
(Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)”
Movie : AVI (Motion JPEG ) with sound
Audio: WAVE format, Monaural sound
Number of recorded pixels L:4:3 4,000 x 3,000 L:3:2 4,000 x 2664 L:16:9 4,000 x 2248
M: 4:3 2,816 x 2,112 M:3:2 2,816 x 1864 M:16:9 2,816 x 1584
S: 4:3 2,048 x 1,536 S:3:2 2,048 x 1,360 S:16:9 1920 x 1080
Lens Fujinon 14.3 X Optical zoom lens , F2.8?W) – F5.3?T)
Lens focal length f=7.1mm -101.5mm, Equivalent to 30.5-436mm on a 35mm camera
Digital zoom Approx 2x (Up to 28.6x when combined?
Aperture F2.8/F11 (wide), F5.3/F11 (telephoto)
Focus distance Normal : Wide angle :Approx. 50cm to infinity
Telephoto :Approx.2.5m to infinity
Macro : Wide angle :Approx. 10cm to 3.0m
Telephoto :Approx. 90cm to 3m
Super Macro: Approx. 1cm to 1m
Sensitivity Auto/Auto(3200)/Auto(1600)/Auto(800)/ Auto(400)/Equivalent to ISO100/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400*/12800*
(Standard Output Sensitivity)
Number of recorded pixels : ISO6400 : “M” or “S”, , ISO12800 : “S” only
Exposure control TTL 256-zones metering
Exposure mode Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, shutter-priority,Manual exposure
Shooting modes Mode dial : Auto, EXR, FSB, SP,C1, C2, P, A, S, M, Movie
SP : Portrait, Portrait Enhancer , Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Night (Tripod),Pro low Light, Pro focus, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Party, Flower, Text. NP,NP?Flash
Image Stabilization Lenz-shift type
Shutter speed AUTO : 1/4 sec to 1/1500 sec,
All other mode 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec. (depends on Shooting mode)
Continuous shooting Top-6? Hgh speed Top-24
Last-6? Long-period?
Barcketing mode Film Simulation BKT (Privia, Velvia, Soft)
Dynamic Range BKT(DR100%, 200%, 400%)
AE BKT (±1/3EV,±2/3EV,±1EV)
Focus Auto focus (Area,Multi,Center)/Continuous AF/ Manual focus (One-push AF mode included)
AF assist illuminator available
White balance Automatic scene recognition
Preset (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White),
Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light), Custom, underwater lighting
Self-timer Approx. 10 sec./2 sec.delay
Flash Auto flash
Effective range: (ISO AUTO):
Wide-angle: approx. 0.6 – 7.2m /2.6 – 23.6 ft,
Telephoto angle, approx. 2.5 – 3.8m /8.2 – 12.5 ft
Macro: Wide angle, approx. 0.3 – 0.8m /1.0 – 2.6 ft,
Telephoto angle, approx. 0.9 – 1.3m /3.0 – 4.3 ft
Flash mode :
Red-eye removal OFF : Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro.
Red-eye removal ON : Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash,
Suppressed Flash, Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro.
LCD monitor 2.7-inch , approx.230,000 dots, LCD monitor, approx. 100% overage
EVF 0.2-in 250L-dot reflect-type color viewfinder
Movie recording 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames/sec. with monaural sound
* Zoom function cannot be used during movie recording.
Photography functions EXR mode(EXR AUTO,RESOLUTION PRIORITY,HIGH ISO?LOW NOISE PRIORITY,D-RANGE PRIORITY), Film Simulation mode, Face detection (with Auto Red-eye removal), Power management, Framing Guideline, Frame No. memory,histogram display,
Playback functions Face detection (with Red-eye removal), Slide show, Trimming,
Multi-frame playback including Micro thumbnail mode, Sorting by date, Image rotate, resize, Voice Memo,histogram display,exposure warning
Video output NTSC / PAL selectable
Digital input/output USB 2.0 High-speed
Power supply NP-140 Li-ion battery(included) / AC power adapter AC-84V (sold separately)
Dimensions 133.4(W)×93.6(H)×150.4(D) mm/?5.3(W)× 3.7(H)× 5.9(D) in.(excluding accessories and attachments)
Weight Approx. 835g (excluding accessories, batteries and memory card)
Accessories included Li-ion battery NP-140
Battery charger BC-140
Strap,Lens cap,Lens cap holder
USB cable A/V cable
CD-ROM
Owner’s manual
Detailed Features
• Award Winning 12MP Super CCD EXR Sensor
o Adjusts to all scenes and lighting conditions for clear, perfectly exposed pictures
• Wide Angle 14.3X Manual Fujinon Optical Zoom Lens (30-436mm)
o Achieve fast, clear close-ups – just like a DSLR
• Wide Dynamic Range up to 800%
o Captures all the details in both highlights and shadows
• Exceptional High sensitivity and low noise mode for capturing dark scenes
• Pro Focus and Pro Light Modes
o Achieve DSLR-like shallow depth of field images and extremely low noise when zooming in low light
• RAW and JPEG simultaneous Capture
o Can capture both JPEG and RAW files at the same time for quicker shooting
• Full Manual Control (PSAM)
o for those creative photographers that want to adjust settings manually.
• Dual Image Stabilization
o Combines Optical Image Stabilization and High Sensitivity to freeze the motion of subjects and avoid blur to get sharp, in focus pictures
• 5.0 fps High Speed Shooting
o Easy to capture sporting events or action scenes
• Super Intelligent Flash
o Prevents wash-out subjects and dark backgrounds
• Large High Resolution 2.7” LCD Screen
o for quality, clear viewing of pictures
• Film Simulation Mode
o Mimics the results obtained using Fujifilm’s most popular 35mm films
• Face Detection with Auto red eye Removal
o to ensure your portraits are clear and properly exposed
• Accepts SD/SDHC memory cards
o The ease of using the most popular type of memory cards
• Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
o For ease of use and quick charging
• 2 Year Canadian’s Manufacturer Warranty
o Peace of mind knowing that Fujifilm stands behind the quality of its cameras
Review: HP SimpleSave 2TB External Drive vs Rebit SaveMe
Feb 6th
Manufacturer: HP
Part Number: AU809AA#ABA
Price at Review: $249.99
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
If you have had your computer crash, or had a data corruption, you know how important that data really is. That is why I always suggest to back up your files, daily, if not hourly. A lot of people think that backing up is a really frustrating and intimidating job. HP’s SimpleSave 2TB drive isn’t bad, but it could be better. It is supposed to make backup easy, which it does, but getting those files, is a hassle. Accessing backed up files on the HP SimpleSave was an easy task for me, but might be complex for basic users, as the folder structure is very deep to get to what you really want. With the Rebit, you click the computer you want to access the backup of, and it’s just like looking at your drive. No recovery software is included with the HP SimpleSave so you cannot recover your system from the device in a possible system crash. The Rebit SaveMe, however allows you to quickly and easily restore your entire system by placing the recovery disk into your machine, and booting of it, it will ask you if you want to restore your system from the files on the Rebit SaveMe, and it will do all the hard work for you. The software doesn’t do any imaging, which is so unfortunate. This is why I really suggest the Rebit for simplicity and features.
Regarding looks, it’s aesthetics is what HP does best, and you see it with the HP SimpleSave as well. HP Simplesave, is sleek and stylish. Black shiny face with a shiny piano finish. Another nice thing is that it provides ventilation. It has holes for ventilation and cooling of the drive on the top of the chassis.
Regarding speed, yes it was fast. 12063 backed up on HP Simplesave in about 15 minutes upon launch of the HP SimpleSave software. Rebit was a bit slower, since it creates a history of files, and then an image, the HP SimpleSave just copies it over, and creates a very complex and confusing folder structure to find your files.
HP SimpleSave weighs quite a bit more than the Rebit SaveMe. HP SimpleSave is basically a chassis, offering enough air space to fit another 2TB drive in it. Good for airflow, but a lot heavier cause of this.
Overall, I give the HP SimpleSave 2TB external drive a 3.5/5. HP focuses too much on design, rather than ease-of-use and functionality. It does the job, but it doesn’t do carbon-copy imaging, nor is it compatible on the mac, and folder structure is not simple for the average user. If you are looking for a simplistic, easy-to-use and cost affordable backup solution, I highly suggest the Rebit SaveMe.
Review: BlueAnt Q1, BlueAnt V1, BlueAnt Z9i
Feb 6th
Overall Review:
BlueAnt V1 – 5/5 – Retails for $149.99 CAD MSRP
BlueAnt Q1 - 4/5 – Retails for $149.99 CAD MSRP
BlueAnt – Z9i – 3.5/5 – Retails for $109.99 CAD MSRP
One thing I really hate, is when people talk on the phone while driving. Early this month, a new law was introduced banning the use of cell phones while driving. Therefore, BlueTooth headsets are becoming more popular. Because of this, I decided to review three of BlueAnt’s headsets, the V1, the Q1, and the Z9i.
So, lets start off with the BlueAnt V1. The V1 is the best of its kind. It is powered by the BlueGenie voice interface, which makes it the world’s first voice-controlled headset. When you go around the streets talking to “yourself” people look funny at you, but who really cares, this little guy is awesome.
The V1 is packed with features. From voice isolation technology, to dual microphones and quick access to GOOG-411, hopefully this keeps you focused on driving and not on your phone.
What I liked about the V1, is firstly, the accessories it comes with. It comes with the car adapter, the gooseneck usb cable, and the AC adapter.
One complaint that I hear a lot, is that the BlueTooth headset is so small, its so easy to lose. Well, the V1 is perfect. Its dimensions are 41mm long x 17.5mm wide x 11.2 mm thick. Its weight is approximately 10 grams. The volume up / down controls were appropriately placed, which is a good thing. With all BlueAnt headsets, it features the BlueAnt button, which is the BlueAnt logo. I LOVE the gel ear tips the comes with the V1, it sits in there perfectly! Another small addition, is an ear-hook which you can clip to your shirt when you are not using the V1.
In terms of performance, the V1 has a 5 hour talk time and a standby time of 200 hours. Charge time is approximately 3 hours. The headset, is loud, which means, you can hear your caller, you don’t hear background noise.
BlueGenie voice interface is the thing that stands out the most with the V1. Its voice is of a male. Thankfully, it doesn’t sound so computerized, like Microsoft Sam. All you do to access BlueGenie is press the BlueAnt button, and it will verbally assist you once you ask it. To accept a call, say “Answer” to ignore a call say “Ignore”. Simple enough? The V1 can support up to 8 phones, sweet eh. Overall, I give the BlueAnt V1 a 5/5!
Now, we move to the BlueAnt Q1. The BlueAnt Q1 is the newest of them all, it’s identical similar to the V1, but it lacks a lot of features which was disappointing. There is no GOOG-411 and there is no car adapter, but it does support the car adapter (sold separately). It does however support the same features as the V1, and has a sexy black finish.
Another issue I found with the Q1 is that it does not work properly with my iPhone 3G. Yes, it does answer and ignore calls, but, it doesn’t work very well, or at all, with voice dialing.
Overall, I give the Q1 a 4/5, since there is no GOOG-411 support, and iPhone users will have frustration with voice dialing, is a downfall.
Last, but not least, we move to the Z9i. Now, the Z9i was the first BlueAnt headset that I have ever used. Overall, it was “ok” but it could have done much better. It doesn’t have any of the advanced features of the Q1 and V1. The ear tips are not as comfortable as the V1 or Q1, and the size of the headset is very small, which I do not like, as it can keep falling out of your ear. If you compare the V1, Q1, and Z9i side-by-side the Z9i looks “sexy” to the eyes of the buyer.
However, just because it has a sexy look, doesn’t mean it’s the best, because it isn’t. The Z9i, I find, sounds better than the Q1. However, there is none of the BlueGenie interface, no car adapter, no flexible charging cord, and you can only connect to 2 phones at a time and pair with 5 devices. It has a 5.5 hour talk time, and a 200 hour standby time, which isn’t bad at all. Overall, I would give the Z9i a 3.5 / 5 rating.
Because of the closeness in pricing, between the Q1 and Z9i I would go for the Q1 if you really want the voice interface. However, if you really don’t care about having this awesome feature, then go for the Z9i. If you want higher quality, then definitely go towards the BlueAnt V1.
My next BlueTooth headset review will be the Jabra Stone. Keep posted!
Review: Monster® Jamz™ High Performance In-Ear Headphones
Jan 31st
Manufacturer: Monster
Price: $119.95
Part Number: 129386-00
Editors Rating : 5/5
Monster has introduced a new product at CES 2010, known as the Monster® Jamz™ High Performance In-Ear Headphones. These in ear headphones are absolutely amazing. They don’t compare to your run of the mill Apple earphones.
The Jamz provide amazing sound. I must say, they are very high end. Your bass, your highs, everything sounds absolutely incredible. Not only do they give good sound, they are very rugged and comfortable. They are virtually indestructible.
With the Jamz, you also get a beautiful carrying pouch, to protect your earphones from scratches and such. However, because of how rugged the Jamz are, scratching the chrome finish is impossible.
No more do you need to buy cheap earphones and replace them again and again. If you are having to do this, or are unimpressed with your current earphones, it’s time to check out the Jamz.
For more information, check out http://www.monster.com
TrustedNerd.com now open
Jan 23rd
Hello everyone,
I have created a new site called TrustedNerd.com. It is dedicated to product reviews, tech news and support. So far, it is getting lots of hits, and I just created it. I am extremely impressed.
Go check it out http://www.trustednerd.com
Review: ZoomSafer for BlackBerry
Jan 23rd
Manufacturer: ZoomSafer
Price: Free (In Beta)
Overall Review: 5/5
This is something that I truly am happy is on the market. ZoomSafer has created this new application for the BlackBerry that uses location services, voice control, and call management to make you focus on the road, not on your device.
It’s quite obvious that the application is targeted towards young drivers, but I do think it should be used by everyone. You can have ZoomSafer start automatically when you start to drive, or have it on manual. By default, it’s on automatic, which is how it should be. For no reason what so ever, will it let you use your BlackBerry while driving, the nice thing is, it will even reply to your emails and text messages saying that you are driving and on the road.
However, if you are using a hands-free headset, it will let you answer calls, but not text (of course), or send emails. It is a very smart application.
ZoomSafer also connects with social media, including Facebook and Twitter (so that your friends don’t send you a tweet saying, “Hey boy, where are you”. It also will suspend alerts and auto-reply to your calls as well, to inform them that you are busy, and will talk when you can. Another nice feature is that it will tell you who’s calling without having to look down at your phone.
I personally love this application, and without any hesitation I can say, I give it a 5/5. I cant give it a better rating than that. You can register for the beta or obtain more information at http://www.zoomsafer.com. Everyone should get this application if you have a BlackBerry, or know someone who does. Keep your eyes and hands on the road, not on your BlackBerry.
Review: Earbud Yo-Yo
Jan 23rd
Manufacturer: Covington Creations
Price at Review: $10.99 – $16.99
Overall rating: 4/5
The Earbud Yo-Yo is a new accessory on the market. Personally, I am no fan of cable clutter. I always find myself with tangled earbuds, which take forever to unwind. Covington-Creations has solved that issue. With the new EarBud Yo-Yo, launched at the 2009 CES in Las Vegas provides a simple solution to tangled earbuds. For a new company, they have done well, as you can now find their products at Fry’s home electronic stores in the US, as well as other popular stores. The product comes in a variety of styles to suit your personality. The product ranges from $10.99 to $16.99.
It is very simple to use. You just unlock the Earbud Yo-Yo, and lay your cord on the cord holder and replace the other half of the Yo-Yo. Then wind up the cord around the Yo-Yo and you’re in business.
However, the Ear Bud Yo-Yo doesn’t do that great of a job on thicker cords. It is mainly for the Apple iPod earphones.
Overall, I give the Earbud Yo-Yo a 4/5. For more information visit http://www.covington-creations.com/