• September 1st, 2009

    Review: AKG K 340 in-canal headphones

    Mid- and high-end headphones are everywhere these days. AKG, previously known for recording and broadcast equipment, just added to the bunch by outing a slew of headphones, including these totally acceptable $119 K 340 in-canal buds. I’ve spent some good listening time with them, and I have to say that they are solid performers once you get over the somewhat awkward design. → Read More

    August 28th, 2009

    Review: TrickleStar TV/PC

    While it is well known that I once did a burlesque show under the name TrickleStar in Weimar Germany, many of you don’t know that TrickleStar is also a system for shutting down idling hardware next to your TV or PC. I’m here to tell you, my kleine Kuchen, that it’s really great.

    Think about your own sad situation: you have a computer or TV that you turn off. The constellation of devices that… → Read More

    August 18th, 2009

    Review: Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer (QT4021)

    Short Version: For the last seven or so years I’ve been using a ghetto old shaver kit from Walgreens to trim my beard and cut my hair. (I don’t cut my hair anymore; that was just in college when I was a little less poor than now.) I don’t recall the last time I actually shaved with a razor and the ghetto one that I have now not only rips the hairs off my baby face, it never gives me an even… → Read More

    August 18th, 2009

    Review: Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone, iPod Touch

    Short Version: If you’ve never purchased a charging dock for your iPhone or iPod Touch and you’re without an alarm clock then the Kensington Nightstand is a perfect alternative for you, friend. Being able to check on the weather first thing in the morning is an added bonus. The $40 price tag might give some of you sticker shock considering the Rise & Shine app is free from the App Store… → Read More

    August 18th, 2009

    Review: Energizer Xpal XP2000

    Short Version: If you’re the proud owner of a battery sucking 3G device like the iPhone, G1, Pre or any small gadget that can be recharged via miniUSB or microUSB then you’ll want to listen to what I have to say. At $45, the Energizer XP2000 is without a doubt, the best external power solution that you can buy today. → Read More

    August 18th, 2009

    Review: In Your Face iPhone holder

    Short Version: The In Your Face viewbase is everything you’d want from a phone stand and then some. With an 8-inch adjustable neck, swiveling head and adjustable clip, the IYF is perfect for flights or long car rides. Unlike the $25 iZel, we think the IYF is worth the $30 price tag. → Read More

    August 12th, 2009

    Drink-on: Newcastle Brown Ale DraughtKeg

    Mini kegs like the Newcastle Brown Ale have been available for a few years now. But now, after years of waiting in anticipation and jealousy, you can finally get one with good beer. → Read More

    August 10th, 2009

    Review: Vibram Five Fingers Classic

    I swore I’d never wear them. We called them the Five Fingers of Suck a few years ago and I was sure they were crazy. Friends, I’m here to tell you I was wrong. And I’m sorry. Here’s my story: I ran a marathon a few years ago. I got plantar fasciitis and couldn’t run after the marathon. I worked through that inflammation but by the time I was ready to run again I had… → Read More

    July 25th, 2009

    Review: Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom

    We actually have two reviews in one in this case; the Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, and the optional ballhead mount. Do I recommend you trust your expensive camera gear to this device? Simply put, yes. I have a Nikon D300, and I put my precious on the Gorillapod with it’s 18-200mm lens on it, and it didn’t buckle. → Read More

    July 22nd, 2009

    Review: Cresyn C750E Headphones

    This whole thing wasn’t very promising. When I got the Cresyn C750E $99.99 earbuds they came in a bland, non-descript package. The package contained the headphones, a carry bag, and 3 different size ear tips. Once the headphones were out, I noticed how well designed they were. The cord is thick, durable feeling, and relatively short (just less than 4 feet). You may think, “Short? That’s… → Read More

    July 15th, 2009

    Review: Logitech G35 7.1 surround-sound headphones

    The short version: if you have the money to spare, these headphones are the only thing you need for your gaming and media PC. Logitech’s newest G-series lineup is impressive, but I noted when it was announced that unless you’ve got serious cashflow, you really need to look elsewhere. The most unabashedly luxurious option was the G19 keyboard with its built-in LCD screen, but I found it… → Read More

    July 15th, 2009

    Review: DS Lite Transformers kit from PDP

    Short Version: Friends, this is the nerdiest and coolest Nintendo DS Lite case that a Transformers fan could ask for. What kid (12-year-old or 35-year-old) wouldn’t want their DS too look like Bumblebee or Megatron? Do you see the stylus that each set comes with? Pick one up for your kid or yourself. They’re only $20. → Read More

    July 10th, 2009

    Review: Morpheus Culinary Watch

    I’ll admit I was a little skeptical when the Morpheus Culinary watch first slipped out of its little leather pouch and onto my table. It looked as garish as an overweight, open shirted tourist wearing cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. But then, to continue the metaphor, the watch seemed to get give me a plate of hot wings and a beer and said dig in, slowly getting me drunk as it told me… → Read More

    July 9th, 2009

    Review: TekCase for the Nintendo DSi

    Short Version: Nintendo DSi owners searching for a case that not only protects their handheld but also extends the play time will find Tekno Creations TekCase for the DSi well worth the $30 investment. → Read More

    July 6th, 2009

    Review: Suunto t6c training watch

    I’ve been testing quite a few training watches of late. Mostly it’s because I’ve been trying to get into shape and the only thing that has really succeeded was getting huge stomach cramps and going on an IV in the ER (lost 8 pounds! Thanks Oprah!). Sickness is the ultimate weight loss regimen. That’s neither here nor there.

    So When Suunto sent me the t6c I was pretty excited. The watches I tried… → Read More

    July 2nd, 2009

    Review: Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo

    Label makers are a dime a dozen nowadays, so why would I bother reviewing one? Because the 450 Turbo from Dymo is fast. How fast? Just watch the video.

    Aside from its blazing speeds, the 450 Turbo is easy to use and setup. The bundled software works on both Windows and Mac machines with a clean and intuitive UI. Replacing the label spool is also an cinch and accommodates all sizes for address… → Read More

    July 2nd, 2009

    Review: Wahl Lithium Ion All In One Trimmer

    Sometimes exotic dancers fall in love with clients. Likewise, sometimes bloggers buy the products they write about. This is one of those stories (blogging, not exotic dancing). Two weeks ago I wrote a post about Wahl’s lithium ion electric razor. Shortly after writing said post, I bought one. → Read More

    July 1st, 2009

    Review: Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 wireless headphones

    The era of stereo Bluetooth is upon us. While A2DP – essentially the part of Bluetooth that enables stereo transmission of audio – has been around for years, it’s taken Apple two years to get off its duff and add it to the iPhone Bluetooth stack and, me being an iPhone LUVR, it took me that long to actually pay attention to A2DP. I’ve tested wireless Bluetooth headsets… → Read More

    June 11th, 2009

    Review: Klipsch Image S4 headphones

    Several months ago, CrunchGear reviewed Klipsch’s X5 headphones, which I pronounced the best in-ear headphones I’d ever used. Unfortunately, they cost $250, which kind of puts them out of reach for most people (it would for me if I hadn’t been lucky enough to review them). But now Klipsch has expanded the Image line down to the sub-$100 level and I’ve been testing out the… → Read More

    May 13th, 2009

    Review: Radius Atomic Bass Earphones

    Call me a snob for liking my $150+ Ultimate Ears, Shure and Etymotic earphones, but they sound fantastic and fit perfectly. Oh, uh, excuse me while I remove the egg off my face. I’d never heard of Radius until I received a pair of Atomic Bass earphones a couple weeks back. I figured a pair of $40 earphones would sound like a $40 pair, but no, I was wrong.

    I don’t particular think the drivers… → Read More

    May 5th, 2009

    Review: Maximo iM-590 headphones

    Short Version: A great set of high-quality headphones at a reasonable price, Maximo’s $60 iM-590 “iMetal Isolation Earphones” strike a nice balance between features and affordability. → Read More

    April 27th, 2009

    Review: JBL Duet II speakers

    Short version: An alright set of $99 computer speakers that, while lacking a dedicated subwoofer, do produce good lows as well as good highs. → Read More

    April 9th, 2009

    Review: Razer Carcharias gaming headphones

    Continuing with our headphone roundup this week, we’ve got Razer’s followup to their Piranha headset, which I liked just fine. The Carcharias is bigger, to be sure, but is it better? → Read More

    April 6th, 2009

    Review: Tritton AX Pro gaming headset

    Short Version: Tritton’s AX Pro headset makes gaming exponentially more immersive. At $160, you get eight-speaker Dolby Digital surround, which makes the AX Pro a good choice for gamers who want to step up to a serious headset without breaking the bank. → Read More