Posts Tagged ‘iPad’

Kicks – The Coolest Thing You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Every so often, an idea comes along that makes you think “I never realized I needed this before, but I have to have it now.”  For me, the latest of these profound moments came in the form of a new invention from my friends over at BlueLounge called simply Kicks.

“Protect your iPad or tablet without hiding its beautiful design with our Kicks: Small, thin, silicone-rubber rails that prevent your iPad from slipping, scratching and damage. The protective rails run along the backside, providing minimal safekeeping for your valuable life tool. Adheres to your device using 3M Damage-Free adhesive. Easy to use and apply, even comes off without leaving any marks.” – BlueLounge product page.

I found out about Kicks earlier this week and quickly placed my order.  At $11.95 (plus shipping) for 2 pairs, these great new add-ons won’t break the bank and the BlueLounge track record made clicking on the Buy Now button a no-brainer.  I’ve already purchased several items from their catalog, including the CableDrop (featured here), CoolFeet and Refresh.

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fling – Gaming on the iPad Just Got Real

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Over a year ago, I sat in disbelief as Steve Jobs unveiled the newest toy in the Apple arsenal, the iPad.  I had already owned an iPod touch and used iPhones long enough to know that the iPad was going to be a huge success, but gaming was listed as one of the key uses of this “magical” device and I thought that sounded a little off.

Gaming, for myself and many like me, is a term reserved for console game systems (like the XBOX 360 and PS3) and desktop computers.  I’ve been playing games for years and when someone mentions a “gaming system” I think of fast graphics, surround sound and a controller.  That’s what seemed so “off” in Steve’s speech.  How can you “game” on the iPad when there are no buttons?

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Stuff Breaks & People Steal! – The Guide to Gift Protection

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

Broken iPad - Not covered by AppleChristmas is here and in just a few days millions of people will begin opening their presents from one another.  Many of us will unwrap gadgets and/or electronics, but very few of us will be prepared for the inevitable.  Those flashy new gizmos and whatnots will eventually meet with mechanical malfunction, a fatal fall, a catastrophic crack or even theft.  Stuff Breaks and People Steal!

iPads. iPods. Smart phones. Laptops.  Desktops.  You name it.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands of expensive gadgets on the lists of “must have” Christmas gifts this year.  If you, or a loved one, receive one of these gifts there are steps that you MUST take to protect your new gift from the inevitable.  We’ve got you covered.

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Search History Everywhere – Never Forget a URL Again

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Years ago (not that many), there were only 1 or 2 places that you might find yourself searching the web, home or work.  Now, thanks to laptops, iPhones, iPads, portable game systems and a myriad of high-speed internet connections (Wi-Fi, WiMax, 3G, 4G, etc.) you can surf the web from just about anywhere you can imagine.

The freedom to surf on-the-go is still fairly new and so are the challenges associated with doing so.  One problem that crops up occasionally is finding a site that you have already visited.  Maybe you were out gymnastics practice with the kids, surfing the web with your CLEAR USB modem, or sitting in a movie theater playing on your iPhone (before the show started of course),  when you went to Google and searched for something that caught your eye.  Three days later, you realize that you want to revisit that site, but you can’t remember the URL or enough information to locate it again via a Google search.  You also find yourself lost in the “where was I and which device was I using when I looked at….” struggle.

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Don’t Just Toss it in a Bag….. GRID-IT!!!

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

If you have ever taken your laptop with you on a trip, you’ve had this issue.  If you’ve ever taken more than one gadget (iPod, PSP, GameBoy, Camera) to work, you’ve been frustrated by this issue.  If you’ve ever used a laptop or messenger bag to transport your tech, you’ve fought this issue.  Carrying any kind of electronic device(s) means carrying the power cable and any/all other accessories with you wherever you go.  As soon as the second item hits your bag, things get complicated.

Cables tangle, screens get scratched and everything in your bag drops straight to the bottom.  This makes finding any one item next to impossible (without dumping the contents of the entire bag) and, most likely, it is going to shorten the life and look of your gadgets and devices.  For any tech/gadget nerd, this is just not acceptable and, if you are anything like me, you want to take care of the items that you paid so much for.  There is a bit of pride in owning an iPod that is 2-years old, but looks like you just bought it.  Throw-in the fact that “no scratches” and “like new” make great tag lines for any product you want to sell on eBay, and you’ve got yourself a good set of reasons for taking care of your gear.

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TiVo Premiere “Accessories” – Hardware, Apps and Programs

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

So you finally made the plunge to a TiVo Premiere (or two).  If you haven’t yet, maybe you are just looking for that last bit of information that will push you over the edge and cause you to break out the credit card and order one up.  For the last article in our Hello TiVo series (see Related Articles below for previous posts), I bring to you a list of “Accessories” that can make your TiVo ownership a truly rewarding experience (not that it was lacking to begin with).  These accessories aren’t what you’re thinking.  I’m not trying to sell you expensive gadgets here, but educate you on some low-cost tools that will help you get the most out of your DVR.

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Google Search Changes Bring Great New Features

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Google has and (hopefully) will always be primarily a search engine.  Sure, Google has an insane amount of tools and applications for everything from your computer to your television, but searching the web has always been it’s primary function.  It all started with a simple site and a box.  No advertisements.  No sports scores.  No world news.  Just a text entry area and a few buttons.

From The Original Search Page Until Now

Over the years, that main Google page has not changed much, but now there is much more going on behind the scenes.  “Googling” something has slowly evolved into a very intelligent, yet simple, way to find information on any topic imaginable.  Over the last year, Google has introduced new search technology like Social Search and Location Aware Mobile Searching.  And now, almost entirely under the radar, some new features have emerged from the Google Labs to further “enhance the experience of searching and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.”

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Tech in Grocery Shopping – Grocery IQ is FREE!

Monday, May 24th, 2010

One of my many hobbies/addictions is saving money on the web.  I love to hunt for the ultimate deal by using price comparisons, coupon codes, cashback options, etc.  I have had these tools at my disposal for at least 10 years now and have saved thousands of dollars, yet I still make some purchases in physical stores.  Grocery shopping, although attempted as a web service years ago with Peapod, is not available here in Houston so I venture out to my local Kroger, Randalls or HEB at least once a week.  Until now, these trips to the supermarket meant I had to leave the technology behind and earn my savings the old-fashion way (printed coupons).  Thanks to Grocery IQ, that is all about to change.

Grocery IQ is a FREE application (originally priced at $4.99) for smartphone users and is currently available for iPhone and Android owners.  The tool, powered by coupons.com, was designed to help users with a number of typical grocery shopping activities (listed below):

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Dropbox Takes Over the iPad, Android & Then the World

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Do you have a favorite band that you just love to follow?  You know, the kind of rock stars that have you waiting in line for tickets, buying actual albums in person and joining fan clubs.  For you “non-music” people, maybe you have a favorite actor, author, athlete, etc.  You just can’t wait for their next appearance or release.  In my world (the world of computers and gadgets) Dropbox is that rock star!!

I have written about Dropbox repeatedly and used their product religiously since a good friend introduced me to the service.  If you haven’t already been introduced, let me the one to tell you all about it (see Introduction below).  For those of you who are already fans, this week’s news was like getting a new double-album and a FREE concert.  You veterans can jump on down to the WOW! section to see the latest from our rock stars.

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FollowFriday – Friday April 30, 2010 – VIDEO GAMES

Friday, April 30th, 2010
FollowFriday : On any given Friday, thousands upon thousands (maybe even millions) of Twitter users enter the hashtag #FollowFriday (or #FF), followed by one or more “mentions.” The idea is for users to share the names of other “interesting people” that they follow and think you should too. These recommendations serve as positive comment cards for the digitally inclined.

JumpstartMyPC.com has decided to bring FollowFriday to our blog. Read on and, if you are so inclined, add these “interesting people” to your own list.

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