• November 23rd, 2009

    Swedish watchmakers create a Void

    Not sure why you’d name your watch after something that doesn’t exist but the Swedes love them some existentialism. Void Watches V02 have two retrograde hands, one that shows the hours on one side and minutes on the other. It comes in four colors and uses a Japanese movement. → Read More

    November 20th, 2009

    Review: ReTrak Universal 90W Notebook Wall Charger

    Short Version: A universal notebook adapter with retractable cabling that extends to almost ten feet in length, comes with nine adapter tips, and features two USB charging ports. → Read More

    November 16th, 2009

    Gift Guide 2009: Headphones

    [tab:Intro][flagallery gid=6 name="CrunchGear Gift Guide 2009"] So you’ve taken the plunge and bought (or are going to buy) a sweet new personal media player. iPod, Zune, Walkman or other, they’re all capable of holding all your favorite music. But what’s the point if it sounds like garbage on that chintzy pair of included earbuds? Every pair of white headphones you see represents someone who cares more about the look than the sound. Is that you? Didn’t think so. Now, you don’t have to drop a ton of money to get great sound, but if you’re game, then there are vast and beautiful sonic realms just waiting for you to visit. I’ve had my eyes opened in the last few years as I’ve become… well, I wouldn’t call myself an audiophile, but I’m certainly enjoying my music more than ever these days. Here are a few pairs we’ve liked, from surround-sound to in-ear, and from budget to luxury. → Read More

    November 16th, 2009

    UV wand kills H1N1 dead — dead I tell you

    There’s no shame in wanting to punch a medical epidemic right in its adam’s apple. Punch sickness, not people. That’s what I always say. If your white-hot hatred of Swine Flu still hasn’t tapered off, though, it’s gonna take a lot more than a little virus punching to get you the satisfaction you deserve. Might I suggest — and hear me out – murder? Yes, murder. → Read More

    November 16th, 2009

    Review: Rogue Warrior Red Cell Watch

    It’s not every day you find a watch that can feasibly kill a man. The Rogue Warrior Red Cell is just such a watch.

    The watch, designed by Richard “Dick” Marcinko AKA the Rogue Warrior, chairman of Red Cell International Corp., a security consulting firm. Mr. Marcinko (you call this guy “Mister” and “Sir”) has a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat, and founded SEAL Team SIX, the Navy’s counter terrorist command and Red Cell, a group that could… heck. I’ll just paste this from his website: → Read More

    October 13th, 2009

    Review: Sleek Audio SA6 headphones

    The Short Version: A pricey pair of headphones, but an excellent and unique one as well. These headphones offer more punch than the Klipsch X5s and very nearly the level of clarity. If you’re looking for a high-end pair of in-ears, you can’t do much better than this. The Long Version: As a spoiled blogger and gadget reviewer, I get to test out a lot of headphones. Sometimes I struggle to find the salient differences between one pair and another, especially are both good, as in the case of Logitech’s G35 and the Razer Megalodon. In Sleek Audio’s case, I have no trouble separating them from the pack. The use of switchable components makes these units unique to my knowledge, and allow me to settle this right away: it’s not just a gimmick. → Read More

    October 1st, 2009

    CrunchGear Video Review: Four headsets enter, one leaves

    For those of you about to rock, I encourage you to pick out a nice pair of headphones. I tested four models at around $100. They are:

  • Ultrasone Zino – $99
  • Philips Tapster – Price TBA
  • Shure SE102MPA – $119
  • Klipsh S4i – $99

    Which one did I love the most? While they were all special in their own way, there were two that really stood out in the round-up… but I won’t ruin the surprise! Watch the video to find out. → Read More

  • September 25th, 2009

    Review: The Flipside Wallet 2.0

    Wallets are a very personal thing. Generally speaking, once you find one you like, you stick with that one until it wears out, and then spend weeks trying to find a replacement that’s the same style, only to realize that they don’t make them anymore, and you’re going to have to find something else. This was my dilemma, so when I was asked to review the Flipside Wallet, I was a little dubious about how well I would like it, given how particular I am. → Read More

    September 23rd, 2009

    Review: Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of tech reporting it’s that you should never say Bose makes good products. Bose, like Apple, is a lightning rod for informed and uninformed attacks from both the pro and con camps and to say they do things well – or poorly – is a dangerous proposition. That said, I’m here to tell you that if you travel a lot then you should get the QuietComfort 15 headphones. I tested these headphones during three long overseas flights. I’ve been a fan of the QuietComforts for a few years now and always wore the QC3s, the smaller version of the original QuietComfort headphones. However, the noise reduction built into the new model is quite staggering. In an airplane cabin turning these headphones on and off shows you how effectual they are. Instead of the steady, buzzing hum of the airplane you hear silence. → Read More

    September 10th, 2009

    Hands-on with the Lowepro Pro Roller x100

    Lowepro announced a handful of new camera bags at PMA in March and over the last couple months they’ve slowly trickled into the market. We were lucky enough to snag a Pro Roller x100 early and have spent quite a bit of time with it over the last few weeks including trips to Indianapolis for the Red Bull MotoGP. → Read More

    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 orbit these central devices remain on or in a standby state. The TrickleStars solve that problem by turning everything off when the main items are off. → 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 trim. Norelco’s stubble trimmer alleviates both annoyances and never gets clogged or requires the blades to be sharpened. So, if you’re like me and you never shave then $40 isn’t too much to fork over for the Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer. → 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, but a quick look around to other iPhone/iPod accessory vendors quickly reveals that the Nightstand is actually a good deal. If you’re looking to buy a charging dock that is. → 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

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    August 10th, 2009

    Review: Vibram Five Fingers Classic

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    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 not good!” but I would have to disagree, after relying on a pair of Bose Around-Ears as my primary headphones, I have grown to hate 5+ foot cords. They are great for plugging into the back of your computer, but god help you if wander near a doorknob. The Cresyns, on the other hand, are a perfect length. They plug into the MP3 player in my pocket with enough cord left over that I don’t have to worry about pulling them out of my ears, but not enough that I snag on any protrusion threatening my personal space. The jack seems equally durable, its slightly less than 90-degree angle made out of a semi-rigid plastic will spread the bending stress headphone jacks experience in your pocket. → Read More

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