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Posts from the ‘Reviews’ Category

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15
Dec

Review of the iPhone 3G mobile phone telescope

The Good


Allows to take pictures from a distance

The Bad


External solution (Apple should at least add a software zoom to the next iPhone)

Non professional quality pictures

Full Review


    Many iPhone 3G owners are complaining about its camera. They complain that it doesn't have a zoom, and that it doesn't allow them to record video. We tested the Brando “telescope” for iPhone 3G that aims to solve the first problem.

    The telescope is composed of a plastic case for the iPhone 3G and a lens that acts as a zoom. The lens is attached to the case (it is removable) and allows you to zoom.

    btele3.jpg btele5.jpgbtele6.jpg

    As you can see in the pictures below, it seems to work pretty well. However, don’t expect to take professional pictures with this zoom. It is more of a gadget than anything else. You might notice that the picture appears to be a bit convex if the lens is not screwed into the case properly.

    btele2.jpgbtele1.jpg

    Bottom line :  Any geek looking for a gadget that will allow him or her to have a zoom on the iPhone 3G will probably be happy with the Brando telescope. However, do not expect professional-quality photographs from either the iPhone 3G camera or the $19 telescopic lens. For more information, check Brando's web site.

     

    Rating (out of 10)

    Ease of Use

    Easy to use : put you iPhone in the plastic case and attach the lens.

    		 9

    quality of image


    Not so professional (it's also the iPhone's fault...)
    		 6

    Total

    		 7.5
    3
    Nov

    Review of Brando iPhone external battery

    The Good


    Charges in 2 hours.

    Gives an extra charge to your iPhone without the need of a power plug.

    The Bad


    Still looking

    Full Review


    If you own an iPhone 3G, you might be looking for an external battery. After all, you can never have too much battery (or too much RAM, but that’s another story…). We recently tested the Brando external battery for iPhone. The external battery is charged through the iPhone power plug. The external battery connects to the iPhone 3G through the iPhone bottom connector. It takes two hours to charge completely, and a blue light indicates whether or not the battery is fully charged.

    brandobattery2.jpg

    The battery charges the iPhone in just under 2 hours. You will still have some juice left in the external battery after one charge (but not enough for another full one).

    The battery is available in two colors (black or white) in order to match your iPhone 3G, of course. We think it is a must have, and the price is very reasonable.

    brandobattery1.jpg

    The only drawback we found is that the connector where you plug the charger cable in is upside down compared with that of the iPhone. This is not a huge problem, and you will only get it wrong the first time if youaren't paying attention.

    Bottom line : At $25, the Brando external battery is a must-have accessory for your iPhone 3G if you use it a lot. The investment is worth it, and you won’t run out of battery while you're on the move. For more information, check Brando's web site.

    Rating (out of 10)

    Ease of Use

    Just plug it and charge it. Can't be easier

    		 9

    design


    Matching the color of your iPhone 3G.
    		 10

    Total

    		 9.5
    24
    Oct

    Review of Stone of Destiny

    The Good


    Stone of Destiny has gorgeous graphics

    SoD is totally addictive

    The Bad


    SoD is sometimes a bit too easy (but is that a bad point?)

    Full Review



    The Stone of Destiny (SoD) is a "hidden objects" style game for iPhone. After playing the game for a few hours, we have to say that we just love it! Hidden objects games are not usually our favorite games. However, we became addicted to SoD. The gorgeous graphics will not deceive you. 

    A series of cartoon frames help you understand the story of Stone of Destiny.

    IMG_0021.PNG

     

    The SoD story centers around a missing uncle and a precious stone. The story itself is not particularly important and it is there only to bring you to several places on the map (linking to hidden object screens) where you try to find all of the objects listed.

    IMG_0014.PNG


    The main screens are basically a picture with all kind of objects (if you look carefully, there are quite a lot of them). At the bottom of the screen, you have a list of objects (ladder, old map, etc.) or a list of shapes that you need to find. When you see the objects, you tap the screen and they disappear from the list. Your goal is to find all of the objects listed. Once it is done, you will move to the next screen.

    IMG_0022.PNG

    Secondary puzzles are also included in order to give you more entertainment. Some of them make you use your finger to draw on the iPhone screen. 

    IMG_0015.PNG

    Bottom line 

    SoD is an addictive and entertaining "hidden objects" type game. We highly recommend it if you like these kinds of games. You won't be disappointed. Stone of Destiny is available on the AppStore on iTunes.

    Rating (out of 10)

    Ease of Use


    SoD is pretty easy to use. Clues are available if you don't know how to finish a level.
    		 9

    Graphics


    We loved the SoD graphics. The pictures are quite detailed and make the game even more interesting.
    		 10

    Total

    		 9.5
    17
    Mar

    Review of the Postworx Speedball for PowerBook and iBook

       

      Postworx recently sent us two sets of SpeedBalls for review. The first one is white and matches perfectly the iBook and the second one just has the same color as our TiBook.

      Speedball is a hardware addition primarily targeted at laptop computers. The product consists of two half-spheres with adhesive and removable mounting blocks. By attaching the two spheres to the far bottom corners of a laptop, the Speedball elevates the computer and offers improved cooling.

      speedballtibook.jpg

      According to Postworx, "Speedball is a metallic coated product for use under notebook to increase notebook mobility on desktop. Its high performance coating is non-scratch and slides on any desktop with little or no resistance".

      We found the Speedballs very easy to install and use, and our PowerBook G4 runs cooler than before. Each half ball weights 15 g and two pieces are needed under the back end corners of the notebook. They can either be posted or stuck under the notebook and removed and used again another time. The power slide capability of the Speedballs allows you to move your notebook easily on your desk. Notebook users can truly take the most comfortable sitting position whether leaning back, stretch forward, or just sitting upright. User can also share their screen information easily by twirling the notebook towards another person. The Speedballs also give you an ergonomic keyboard angle. And last but not least (especially if you own a PowerBook G4!), the increase in height at the back of the notebook allows a better air circulation under the notebook and helps lowering the temperature. Postworx claims that its operating temperature can experiences a drop by as much as 15 degree Celsius or 25 degree Fahrenheit.We do believe it is true.

      Bottom line : this little piece of hardware is worth its price. You'll never regret buying it!

      Pros : inexpensive, easy to install, remove and use, matches your PowerBook or iBook color.

      Cons : What does that word mean? :-)

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