Now that baseball season is upon us in full swing and summer is approaching, I found it proper to feature a baseball app in this week’s Blue Plate Special. My kids have been playing tee ball and coach pitch and making dad proud; we have already made it to a minor league game in San Antonio.

Baseball is in our blood and a beloved summer activity. I actually learned about Flick Home Run from one of my students that thought I might enjoy it. Boy were they correct! Now I am able to take a little batting practice anytime I have a spare moment for some gaming. Read on to find out more.

The idea of the game is simple. Balls are pitched, and the player must flick the screen and hit the ball out of the park. Of course, the angle of each swing, timing and speed of the flick all dictate where the ball flies. A dotted line will indicate the hitting zone, and no pitch can be contacted until it crosses this line. As easy as this sounds, the game is quite challenging and addictive, even though the flick is the single control used.

The challenge comes with the different pitches. There are ten different balls that each move differently. Some move fast, some slow but each is different. The 2x and 3x balls give bonus accordingly and will move as one of the other pitches without showing or warning which one. The trick is that the balls all look like a regular baseball until it reaches the dotted line indicating the hitting zone. It will actually take some practice and skill to successfully hit each ball out of the park.

There are plenty of game modes to keep Flick Home Run fresh. Minor and Major challenge are the original game with different levels, and the rest must be unlocked with high scores. Moonstar Bonus requires home runs to bounce off of moons while hitting stars as bonuses. There is also a bunting mode which requires an entirely different skill set. All of the game modes are enjoyable in one way or another and have kept me coming back to this game repeatedly.

Hit balloons and stars with the balls to pick up bonuses as well as higher scores for distances. As the ball flies out of the park, buildings and vehicles will bounce the balls along or stop them in their tracks, all the while helping rack up more points and experience. Every time the experience meter fills, players can choose to power up, increase contact accuracy or add a pair of glasses. The glasses will show the next pitch until they run out. I will say, my home run distances have definitely been further as I have progressed and added experience.

Flick Home Run has proven to be a hit with both myself as well as my kids. There is something satisfying hitting a ball in with the sweet spot and watching it jump out of the park. Maybe it is a reminder of a great time of my life when I was much younger, but it is great fun none the less. You can find Flick Home Run! here, in the app store for $.99.

What I Like: This game is extremely fun and addictive. Who does not like cranking a home run!?!

What Needs Improvement: I always enjoy having in-level unlockable power ups.

Current App Bargains

Amazon: Hidden Expedition:

On sale from $2.99 to $.99.

Big Fish Games takes you on an adventure into the stunning world of the Amazon with the Hidden Expedition team in search of a missing professor. A tattered map referencing the legendary Beetle Temple is your only clue as you begin your adventure deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Explore cities, temples, and ruins while unlocking the secrets of an ancient yet advanced civilization. This adventure is the largest yet for the Hidden Expedition team, and the discovery of the Beetle Temple is just the beginning.

☆☆☆☆☆ Features ☆☆☆☆☆

✓ 50 hidden object scenes
✓ 14 unique mini games
✓ Replay chapters to gain higher rankings
✓ Play in portrait or landscape orientation
✓ Listen to your own music with integrated iPod controls
✓ Localized into five languages: En, Es, Fr, De, Jp
✓ 3 stage hint system

☆ iPad Multiplayer! ☆

Play head to head multiplayer with a friend on the same device. A single screen is mirrored to each end of the device – race to find more objects before your opponent!
You can also play cooperatively in landscape mode.

MotoHeroz:

On sale from $.99 to Free.

MotoHeroz takes the fun, fast gameplay of a Trials style game, adds it to a frantic rally race, and delivers a fresh new kind of side-scrolling, platform racing game.

Players race, chase, and rally their way through a brightly colored world, competing against their friends for the fastest times, entering daily races, and hunting for secrets and coins.

✓ Inspired by the critically acclaimed WiiWare game MotoHeroz, named “Best WiiWare Game of the Year” by IGN and Nintendo Life!

★★★ COOL FEATURES ★★★

✓ Physics-based racing: fun gameplay with 6 vehicles in 30 exciting tracks
✓ Single player fun: Unlock tracks by beating opponents and different challenges
✓ Fun for many: Race against your friends in asynchronous multiplayer on each track
✓ Claim the top spot: Global and Friends Leader Boards let gamers compete against each other
✓ Fully optimized: File size under 20 Mb and blazing fast load times, instant restarts
✓ Upgrade your vehicle and acquire in-game goodies for super boosts
✓ Gather secrets: Find all of the hidden treasures to beat the game 100%

OnSong:

On sale from $4.99 to Free.

With OnSong, you can manage huge collections of chord sheets for your band or worship team on a simple, lightweight device. Quickly pull and reorder lists and flip from one song to the next with ease. Transpose and highlight chords or change font size with a brush of your finger! Playing music has never been more simple. This software is built for live performance musicians.

Features:
• Simple song and chord entry
• Pull and change song lists fast
• Flip through your set chord sheets
• Transpose key with the brush of a finger
• Highlight font colors
• Change font size and style
• Save multiple song sets
• Import songs from your online sources
• Play music from your iPod library
• Play a click track to a metronome
• Share your wirelessly with your band members over Bluetooth
• Send your list via email to preview and print
• Works with many foot pedals
• Project lyrics or use a stage monitor with VGA/HDMI video out support
• Import, export and synchronize with Dropbox and MobileMe iDisk and others

Every now and then a product comes along that makes me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” iLuv has new “Premium Audio Cables and Charging and Sync Solutions” available as part of their myLink collection, and one of them fits the bill quite well.

Here’s what the company has to say about their new offerings.

iLuv’s audio and data cables revolutionize the market in quality and design. They were designed to provide superior functionality and the stylish design consumers desire in their accessories. These durable cables were constructed with a number of enhancements in both form and function, and are ideal for use with any Apple, Android or other mobile devices. Both the audio and data series of cables feature a double layer of insulation to minimize the signal loss, and nickel-plated plugs for corrosion resistance. Since most users today protect their devices with cases or covers, iLuv has designed plugs with the extra space necessary to accommodate any accessory.

“The response at CES to our new line of audio and data cables was very positive,” commented Brian Yang, VP of Sales and Marketing at iLuv. “With this new series iLuv is leading the way in both function and design. The high quality copper cables and two layers of shielding ensure quality performance, while the sleek outer jacket and plugs lead in style, transforming ordinary cables to a new level of style. ”

So what’s in the new lineup? Let’s take a look at all of them.

There’s the Stereo Audio Cable (iCB110/112):

Then there is the Coiled Stereo Audio Cable (iCB117):

It is a 6″ coiled shielded aux-in cable that was similarly designed for use at home or on the go. The reason for the coil is that it helps resists tangles and, in the process provides “an easy to manage cable for Apple and other mobile devices”.

Then there is the winner of this week’s “Why didn’t I think of that?” award – the DualJack (iCB17/ iCB27):

The DualJackTM is a combination sync and charge cable that works with both Apple’s mobile devices and most other smartphones thanks to a unique hinge design houses both an Apple 30-pin connector AND a micro-USB connection. That means, for example, that I can carry one single cable and charge my iPhone/iPad AND my Bluetooth headset, JamBox etc. And there’s more.

The design is such that the cable exposes only one connector at a time thereby “ensuring proper connection and avoiding any syncing errors caused by connecting two devices at once”. And if you were wondering, the other end of the cable houses a standard USB port. (It is worth noting that the iCB27 model syncs and charges GALAXY Tabs, GALAXY S series smartphones, and most other smartphones.)

 

Prices for the myLink™ collection start at $14.99. Details and ordering information can be found here on the iLuv website. 

 

Shop Rite is my favorite local grocery store. Their meat selection is decent, the prices are good, and the store is convenient. Like all grocery stores they branch out into non-food related sidelines sometimes, but their latest offering is definitely not edible: a Kindle Fire for $179.99.

Apparently this is the next step in grocery store evolution. First they sell magazines, then bestselling books, and now eBook readers! Let’s just hope they don’t bag it next to the brisket at checkout!

As I wrote in our preview of the Sena Florence Portfolio, I love Sena’s cases and am particularly fond of their Florence for the iPad. It is thin, form-fitting, light and is a great all-purpose iPad case. That is why it is one of my all time favorite iPad cases. That is also why it is back on my iPad after a brief period when Elana “stole” it from me.

I was excited to see Sena expand this design with their new Florence Portfolio. It sounded like the perfect iPad case for someone who uses an iPad 90% of the time but still needs to have pad and pen available. It sounded perfect and, after using it for a few days, I can attest to the fact that… it is!

Let’s take a look.

From Sena:

The Florence Portfolio is a simple and functional design for the The New iPad. It is perfect for those who prefer to have their essentials and iPad at the same time.

Features:

Integrated 2 positions (typing&viewing)

Cutouts for play-thru functionality

Energy saving sleep function activator

Secure snap closure

Micro-Fiber lining with protective layer

4 Credit Card Pockets, 1 ID Pocket

2 Multi-Purpose pockets

1 Pen holder and 1 Writing pad pocket

As you can see, the Florence Portfolio is a thin, form-fitting case.

I love the way it gracefully wraps around the curved back of the new iPad. and I love how precise the cutouts are. They simply make this case look super-classy. Better still, it feels great to hold since the leather adds just enough softness and “grip” to the otherwise hard, slippery device.

Here’s a video look at the case and then a few more pictures.

As the video hopefully shows, this is a beautiful case. Even Elana thinks so!

Here is the view when the case is open and being used in “old-school” mode. On the right is the slot for a pad of paper (one pad is included). Next to it is the pen ring for keeping a pen/stylus close by at all times.

On the right side there is a windowed space for a license, a few card slats and a full-height slot for a few papers. All of these combine to create a situation in which you can, if necessary, ONLY carry your Florence Portfolio for the day. Yes, it can serve as your iPad case, note folio and wallet.

The company includes a pen/stylus with the case. [EDIT] The one included with mine is not the one that will be shipping with the Folio. (The one here is actually quite nice, but I find it to be a bit thick. It adds to the bulk of the otherwise slim case.) The new pens are in, are quite thin and we will have one in hand by the end of the week. We will update this section at that time.

Here is the view when the case is open and being used in “new-school” mode. It looks, feels and functions just like the Sena Florence. That’s a good thing since, in my opinion, the Florence is one of the best iPad cases available today.

The case wraps the iPad is a frame of leather. This offers protection and insures the iPad stays put while leaving it fully accessible.

The company maintained the same velcro and leather closure method as on the Florence. You simply take the tab of leather than can be seen on the left side of the picture and put it under the iPad. The Velcro does the rest.

Flipping the cover to the back, the edge slips into the small tab of leather that sits quietly sporting the Sena name. This creates a triangle and serves as a simple, but effective, stand.

Here’s a better view.

And another.

As you can imagine, when used this way you will get a nice typing angle if you are using the onscreen keyboard.

You can use the iPad in this orientation and view it more easily. This is perfect if you are using an external Bluetooth keyboard or watching a video.

Best of all, with this case you can combine old and new into one sleek, thin, gorgeous package.

I am quite impressed by this case. I can’t see myself  using it every day though, as it does add a bit of weight, and since I really don’t use paper and pen all that frequently I don’t need  to carry both. However, I can definitely see myself using it at a conference, or when I have a long day of meetings, which is exactly how I plan on using the case. It is a beautiful portfolio that has everything I love about the original Sena Florence (which is still available by the way), but this case adds flexibility. As more and more of us use the iPad in our work-settings, this is one case whose time has come!

The Sena Florence Portfolio is available in Red, Brown and Black. Details and ordering information can be found here on the Sena website.

MSRP: $119.95

What I Like: Sena quality and design; Protects your iPad, lets you keep paper and pen handy and can serve triple-duty as your wallet if need be; Creates a two-position stand; Thin and rather light for all it offers

What Needs Improvement: Nothing.

I’m a huge fan of using Bluetooth stereo headphones. A quick search of the site will show that to be true! While I have not used today’s Gear Deal, these wireless headphones look good and the savings and free shipping are nice. Better still, while Bluetooth headphones have a range of about 30 feet, these wireless headphones can go up to 100 feet. That extra flexibility can make a huge difference. Gere’s more information on them from Sony’s secription-

Unplug and enjoy the high quality sound with the MDR-RF4000K Wireless Headphones from Sony. This digital headphones system gives you the freedom to travel up to 100 feet from your sound source while delivering phenomenal sound. It incorporates deeper bass, lower distortion and wider dynamic range just for you. Besides, a wide, self-adjusting headband distributes the headphone’s weight over a wide area, reducing pressure and improving comfort. The MDR-RF4000K features Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, 2.4GHz RF digital transmission and headphones with a 40mm driver for deep bass adding to your convenience. So get these comfortable headphones and enjoy long, melodious fatigue-free hours of your favorite music.

With this deal the Sony MDR-RF4000K Wireless Headphones are just $87.99 with free shipping. That’s quite a bit less than the normal selling price of $109.99. Details and ordering information can be found here on the deal page.

 Gear Deal: Save on Sony MDR-RF4000K Wireless Headphones via LogicBUY

(image courtesy Seattle organic seo)

Publishing has had a rough year, and it is only May! The Department of Justice lawsuit, Barnes and Noble is splitting digital and paper into different companies, and it seems like mainstream media has put a death clock on bookstores. Plus ebooks have hosed the “traditional” model of book selling: what used to be a yearlong process of hardcover to paperback to mass market is now hardcover/ebook to paperback. The entire business model is in flux, and it’s impacting authors and publishers.

Unfortunately, in an idea that must have been conceived in a boardroom and not during the creative process, authors are being urged to push out more content each year. According to the New York Times, authors are attempting to write short stories or multiple novels to maintain their popularity and sales throughout the year:

The British thriller writer Lee Child, who created the indelible character Jack Reacher, is now supplementing his hardcover books with short stories that are published in digital-only format, an increasingly popular strategy to drum up attention for the coming publication of a novel.

Mr. Child’s first story, a 40-page exploration of Reacher as a teenager, was released last August, several weeks before his latest novel came out in print. On the advice of his publisher, he is planning to write another digital-only short story this summer.

“Everybody’s doing a little more,” said Mr. Child, who is published by Delacorte Press, part of Random House. “It seems like we’re all running faster to stay in the same place.”

Even John Grisham is working overtime. Mr. Grisham, who used to write one book each year, now does an additional series aimed at middle-grade readers, the popular “Theodore Boone” novels that are published annually.

Publishers say that a carefully released short story, timed six to eight weeks before a big hardcover comes out, can entice new readers who might be willing to pay 99 cents for a story but reluctant to spend $14 for a new e-book or $26 for a hardcover.

That can translate into higher preorder sales for the novel and even a lift in sales of older books by the author, which are easily accessible as e-book impulse purchases for consumers with Nooks or Kindles.

Jennifer Enderlin, the associate publisher of St. Martin’s Paperbacks, said the strategy had worked for many of her authors, who saw a big uptick in hardcover sales, book over book, once they started releasing more work.

Yes, because the best way to get quality writing is by forcing it. Seriously, the intent makes sense in theory, but I think I speak for many readers when I say I would rather wait longer for a book that’s well written than read a rushed one that came out on time. Books are subject to all sorts of market issues as it is; I know I have read series that were left hanging, went on too long, or had a rushed conclusion because the publisher cancelled the series. A Kindle Single or a short story is a great idea in theory, but in reality, if it takes focus from the novel it is intended to promote, did it help anything?

I know it gets difficult to promote books as it is, and with ebooks there is such a high signal to noise ratio that readers can be overwhelmed. But forcing authors to write sub par work more often just drives readers away. There are other forms of writing and communication that are more organic and less forced. More authors, agents, and publishers could promote author’s blogs. Amazon does great interviews where either two authors from similar genres interview each other or do joint interviews. The point is, there are options beyond churning out a requisite number of words each cycle.

I read a lot of books, and I am happy to wait longer if it means a book has more time to percolate. If I read a good book I will seek out more titles by that author, but if I read a crappy one (or the latest in a series goes downhill in quality), there’s always another book to find. But that’s just my take. Would you rather have more volume, or better quality? Let us know in the comments!

As a Verizon Galaxy Nexus owner for merely a month, one thing that I have learned is that you can not expect to have the update from Google at the same time as the GSM version.  Here I sit one month in, and it’s been five months since the launch of the phone on Verizon … and I still have Android 4.0.2.

Why?

Funny you should ask.  I have too.  In February, there were many posts about the Verizon version of the phone “losing” it’s developer phone status.  Many of the posts were quickly updated as Google stated that it is still a developer phone, and that they still issue updates but they don’t provide complete code as part of the Android Open Source Project for CDMA phones(as reported by AndroidCommunity.com).  The Verge reported that Google removed it from some of their developer pages because the Verizon version doesn’t support all features, namely Google Wallet (currently).

In any event, it’s still a supported Galaxy Nexus device both for users and developers.  Google STILL provides the updates to the phone.  However, as Android Software Engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru has pointed out: it’s the carrier’s fault for the current lack of updates.  He doesn’t directly point out Verizon, but most Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners know that’s who he means . Here we sit, five months after our phones were released, and nothing has come out or been said, officially anyway, about when it will roll out.

The OMG an UPDATE Reaction

In early May, there was a flurry of activity surrounding a possible update to 4.0.4 for Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners.  Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners were so excited.  Finally we were getting an update!  The only problem is none of these sites have actually confirmed if this was a true update with Verizon and Verizon has yet to update its support docs.  It is known was that some devices had received the update including some display devices in the stores.  There were a couple of screenshots that accompanied these posts.  Lots of people said Verizon was slowly pushing this out.  It has now been 2 weeks and nothing has come to my phone.  Adam over at Gottabemobile.com also confirms this.  In fact, less than 24 hours after the “update” started appearing, the “update” was pulled from the original link.  So is it an official update?  Maybe not.  This just looks like a soak test for a future update.

Some enterprising people were able to get the image from the link before it was taken down and have instructions to help you load it on your device.  I will not link to it in this story mostly because I, or Gear Diary do not want to be responsible for you bricking your devices if you mess up.  With that said, you can use Google and find the instructions.

It is that update that some posters on various blogs and forums will point to and say yes an update was released.  Hear this: a leaked update is NOT and HAS NOT ever been an official update.  Even if it’s an official and limited test, it’s not an official update.

So How do you Tell if it’s an Official Update?

The only way I know of to confirm if an update is an official update is if Verizon updates their support page with a list of changes in the ROM.  This PDF file is the current update for the Galaxy Nexus which is listed as being build number ICL53F.  You find this by going to: “Settings-About phone” and then looking at the Build number at the bottom of this screen.  The website could be updated before or after you get the update.  In Mike’s case, with his Droid4, it happened about a week before he got the update.  It’s only when Verizon updates the support page for your device is an update official.

Now if you are lucky enough to get included in a test, Verizon will, of course, support your phone.  Especially if you are not rooted or if you’re bootloader is still locked.  However, for the majority of users it’s not official until that page has been updated.  Once it has, it’s safe to say that it will eventually roll out to every Verizon Galaxy Nexus owner.

The MacBook Air is unbelievably thin, and we wanted to enhance that look rather than detract from it. The challenge was to design something sleek with hard-case protection, while keeping it compact, and to create a look that works on weekdays as well as weekends. We added a rugged, distressed leather flap to complete the ‘old-world meets modern’ look we were after.

The case’s protection comes from the use of three different layers of protection: impact-resistant plastic, high-grade neoprene, and a padded liner. The three combine to create a case that is thin, light and protective at the same time.

The main body of the case is constructed of ballistic nylon. A distressed, leather flap snaps into place, giving an otherwise ultra-modern case a classic, old-world twist. Beneath the flap is an accessory “nook”. It has four different pockets, each made from a thin, stretch material that holds the items inside in place. On the back is a back, semi-opaque pocket with a self-locking zipper. It is perfect for stowing a magazine or a few papers or accessories.

What I like about the CitySlicker case, other than the fact that, because it is from Waterfield I know it will be well-made and ultra-usable, is the fact that the optional add-ons can turn it into a mini-briefcase. While you CAN use it like a protective folio, adding a handle, a strap, or both will turn it into something even more useful and flexible. That would be my recommendation if this case is in your future!

Available directly from sfbags.com in four colors: black, chocolate, grizzly and camel, the CitySlicker for the MacBook Air 11″ is $129 without the handle and $139 with the handle. The 13″ MacBook Air is $139 without the handle and $149 with it. D-rings add $5, D-rings and a Waterfield Simple Strap is $12. D-rings and a Suspension Shoulder Strap add $22 to the price. You can pre-order now here at sfbags.com. Shipping begins May 28, 2012.

This “visual novel” provides a very unique, narrative experience from Japan where choose-your-own-adventure-type choices rule over button mashing gameplay.

The Hype

Japan’s Edo Period was drawing to a close. The shogunate, who’d held power in the country for more than 200 years, found itself challenged by the imperial court, and by several domains who had chaffed under shogunal rule. In this midst of this political unrest, an organization rose to prominence: the Shinsengumi. Originally formed to protect the street of Kyoto from dangerous ronin, they came to represent the last, tragic bastion of the honor-bound samurai culture that had defined much of Japan’s history.

The Reality

Aksys Games offers this interactive graphic novel, exclusively on the PlayStation Portable, with several intriguing elements that has made the Hakuoki game/media series so popular. Stylistic visuals compliments the bottom center text and corresponding voice audio throughout this game. Players can use options to review text history since the last game load or advance past previously read text.

Artistic character renderings, dialogue choices (no gameplay or sword slashing) with multiple endings and a Japanese otome or “dating” game all center on the main female character Chizuru Yukimura. Set at the end of Japan’s Edo Period, Chizuru begins in Kyoto as she searches for her missing father then soon encounters the Shinsengumi and Rasetsu.

Players choices can help, but a few scenarios limit Chizuru’s progress though the scenarios seem historically accurate. Chizuru acts very bravely in many scenarios, so players can admire her and identify with her culturally.

The strong writing holds a strong interest and is fictional, but based on historical facts. The characters’ reasoning fascinates and can often confuse unless you take the time to understand background – a worthwhile endeavor that enhances the game with fascinating culture differences. A few spelling errors accentuate cultural differences and distract players from the otherwise engulfing game experience.

Players can examine character biographies, replay previously viewed scenes, and check overall story progress that weaves players through different choices and routes. The replay options, a.k.a. record of service, provides more intrigue as players can backtrack from major story points to see where another choices would have led.

The encyclopedia provides a valuable knowledge resource where players can answer reference/word questions and any possibly confusing situations. Japanese historians, mainly in the 1800s, have a definite advantage here, but developers do a great job avoiding information overload by gradually introducing concepts, characters, and scenarios. The visual gallery is a great way to learn all the characters – a recommended viewing before beginning the story.

Secrets, twists, surprises, and blood sucking baddies all mix into classic samurai, historical drama, corruption, society shifts, justice, tragedy, action, mystery and fantasy and romance, which increases the role-playing elements as a special menu tracks relationship progress among Chizuru and several romantic interests.

Players get glowing visual cues when Chizuru makes positive romantic connections with other characters (turn this cue off for a higher challenge). Unlockable elements include a sixth love interest.

The impressive visuals include some graphic moments, but not as many as I expected. Players view bigger pictures at key moments while The voice acting, which includes the original Japanese voices, adds even more appeal.

The audio options include switching the background music and voice acting off, so players have the option to mimic a book even more if they like.

Hakuoki Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is available via PlayStation Network through direct download. The Limited Edition ($39.99) includes a 72-page art book and a CD music soundtrack with a game disc.

Previous Hakuoki games from Idea Factory are available on PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3. Two anime series aired in Japan in 2010 with a third series schedule this summer and two movies coming in 2013.

Review: Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom

Where to Buy: Amazon.com and other stores

Price: $24.99

What I Like:  challenges traditional gameplay (no gameplay, fighting, etc.), introduces otome Games (specifically created for a female audience) to U.S./North American audiences, interesting characters, strong story, multiple endings, high replay value, learning about Japanese history

What Needs Improvement: spelling errors in the text translation, more choices/chances to make Chizuru a stronger heroine

Source: Copy provided by publisher

Who doesn’t love a good contest? Pep Boys is running one, and even the name seems pretty neat- “The Best Seat in the House” Sweepstakes. You can enter on Facebook for the chance to win a VIP Race Day Experience with Penske Racing’s No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team in Pennsylvania on August 5, 2012! How cool is that?

What’s in the grand prize? The Grand Prize winner will get travel and accommodations to the race, VIP credentials for extra access, a guided tour of Pit Road and “the best seats in the house” aka seats directly above the Pit Box. That’s the grand prize. 22 other winners will get a $50 Pep Boys Gift Card.

But wait… there’s more… if you share the contest with a friend via Facebook, who then also enters the contest, you will get 22 additional bonus entries for yourself. Enter and Win The Best Seat in the House!

And there’s even more… until May 29th Pep Boys is running  a contest right here on Gear Diary. One of you who reads this, enters the “The Best Seat in the House” sweepstakes, tweets about it using the hashtag #WinTheBestSeatintheHouse and then comments on this post letting us know why you want to win the “The Best Seat in the House” sweepstakes will get the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!

Let’s run that down one more time -

Enter the Pep Boys Sweepstakes.

Read the contest rules here.

Tweet the contest and include #WinTheBestSeatintheHouse

Come back and comment on this post and tell us why you want to win.

I entered the Pep Boys Sweepstakes just now, and it tool all of three seconds.

About a month ago I was in the market for a new phone.  My Droid 2 was at the end of its useful life, and I was ready for a new smartphone.  There was a lot of debate between my friends over what would be better, and it came of shock to no one that I chose the Galaxy Nexus.

The Screen

The number one feature of the Galaxy Nexus wasn’t the 4G network; although that is a plus, the screen is what truly won me over.

I say this knowing that the Nexus has a pentile screen. I, quite frankly can’t see what the difference is. I don’t view it closely enough to see the pixels, and the color seems fine to me. I don’t see jaggies and I, unlike Sarah, don’t mind its size.  From a normal viewing angle, it’s beautiful.  I have to fight myself to keep the brightness down so I can actually get some decent battery life, as it really looks great with the brightness cranked up to max.

Somewhat Openness

This is a Nexus phone, so it should be open and it generally is.  I can easily unlock the bootloader and put a custom rom on the device if I wish.  However, I say it is somewhat open because while Google does provide the updates for the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, Verizon has to approve the updates before it becomes an official update.   I will get into this in another post, but if you have a stock Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, you have only received the one update to 4.0.2 which was on the launch day back in December 2011.

Ice Cream Sandwich: A Tasty Treat More People Should Get

I like, no, I LOVE Ice Cream Sandwich, or Android 4.0 in case you don’t like tasty treats.  The interface Google has provided is great.  I find it very fast, smooth and easy to find nearly anything with a minimum of pecking around.  The new multitasking features of the interface are far superior to anything that Android has had to date.  The updates to the base applications are great as well.  I will never go back to anything pre Android 4 again.

My only problem with Android 4 is Google, and their partners aren’t shipping more devices with Android 4.0.  Android 4.0 has been out for over 6 months, and there are still very few devices that have it.  When someone like Samsung does ship a device with Android 4.0, like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III, they skin it so much with that awful Touchwiz (or Blur for Moto or Sense with HTC) that it’s unrecognizable as an Android 4.0 device.  I am so glad I went with the Nexus, because it comes with the stock interface, as all Android devices should.

MINIMUM of Bloat

Out of the box, there were only two apps that were not stock Android 4 apps.  One of them was VZ Navigator, and it was removable.  The other app was VZ Backup Assistant which you cannot remove, and I honestly don’t know why Verizon feels the need to ship it on an Android device; Android devices ALREADY backup to Google.  The only reason I can see for it is if you don’t want to use Gmail with it, but honestly if you don’t use Gmail or the other Google apps with Android, then you are totally missing out on truly a wonderful experience.

I’ve NEVER lost a contact since I went Android and Google Calendar is great.  I can’t imagine using a phone without these services.  Some may have reservations about Google, but I do not.  Google may have a lot of my data, but they have yet to do anything that has caused me concern.  Even so, I won’t put certain things in the Google cloud, but my schedule isn’t of earth shattering importance to anyone but me.

Is it bug free?

Hardly!  Verizon Nexus owners are increasingly getting desperate for an update.  While I have been able to deal with the issues, some haven’t and have moved on to other devices.  The main issue I currently have is that I get occasional dropouts on 4G.  Some days it’s really, really good, and I get things done with a minimum of fuss.  Other days it’s bad with the data completely dropping multiple times in an hour.  So far the only thing I have heard from Verizon is a firmware update is supposed to fix the issue.

I have been able to deal with it by putting the Nexus in 3G mode when I am not using it heavily, and that has been sufficient.  My connectivity while on 3G has been great with no loss of service.  Most times when I drop to 3G, I can still do what I need to do.  However, this does not exonerate Verizon from the laughable support they have provided Nexus owners.  I understand that Verizon needs to test the software, but they need to do a much better job at not only testing it but  releasing fixes.  It’s obvious, to me, that they aren’t willing to give up control even on a Nexus device.  What I simply don’t get is that Verizon is willing to do it with the iPhone, and they have nary an issue reported from my wife or anyone else I know with an iPhone on Verizon.  Some of this is because the open nature of Android gives them that control.  However, they don’t realize that same openness allows Android owners to do what they please on their device making their desire to control the experience moot.  They would do better leaving the OS entirely and completely too Google.  I know they can’t entirely do this because of the closed nature of the CDMA and LTE hardware needed for their network, so I can give them a small pass, but they need to beef up their testing and complete it faster than they currently are doing now.  At the rate they are going, 4.0.5 will be hitting the GSM Nexus before 4.0.4 officially hits the Verizon device, and that is inexcusable.

Am I happy?

Generally, I am pretty happy with my choice.  Most of my issues aren’t necessarily with Android.  The only people who care about the fragmentation issues are geeks, and this geek doesn’t even care.  I find it’s mostly brought up by those who are used to the Apple experience, and they are expecting Android to provide a similar experience; that’s something that will never happen and I am glad.  Why, you ask?  Well, Android’s openness can help manufacturers differentiate themselves while still remaining plugged into the Android ecosystem.   The openness of Android allows devices like the Razr Maxx, Droid 4, Samsung Galaxy S III and the various tablets like the Kindle Fire, EeePad Transformer Prime and more.  If Android were more tightly controlled, then you would not have the choice of a device with an integrated keyboard or tablets with keyboard docks.  Every device would be 99 percent the same, making it difficult for Motorola, Samsung, HTC and LG to differentiate themselves.

Would I recommend the Galaxy Nexus?

I would say that depends.  If you want a smoother Android experience, then I would actually recommend the Razr Maxx over the Nexus at this point.  While the Maxx is still on Gingerbread, its 4.0 update is supposed to happen very soon; you will not have to live with the old version for that long.   Plus the Maxx has better battery life than the Nexus, by far.

If you are a person who likes to root your device, then I say by all means grab a Galaxy Nexus.  Even the Verizon version is a lot of fun to play around with, and it is an excellent phone.  Just know that if you are reliant upon Verizon updates, then you may be waiting a long time between updates —  if you get any at all.

Images courtesy Buick

Growing up it seemed as though it was all about my “Hot Wheels,” riding backwards in the rear-most seat of the family truckster, and watching the Indy 500 on Memorial Day weekend.

Since then, not too much has changed really. Substitute the Daytona 500 for the Indy race, and I hardly ever ride anymore as I am always driving news cars to review, but it is still all about the “hot wheels” and I don’t just mean the kids’ toy.

Sure I have a sizable collection of the little metal cars (including many I owned as a child) but being a “surrogate” grandfather I now have added new models to the collection as I busily keep pulling them from the two new front teeth of baby J.

And yes, I fell in love with the pearl green Hot Wheels Camaro in the Chevy booth at the Detroit Auto Show this year – hey, I just can’t help it.

This past week I took delivery of Buick’s newest offering, the Regal GS, and when they delivered it the conversation went something like this: “Hey, I thought I was supposed to get a Buick this week? What’s this?”
“That’s the new Buick – hot isn’t it?”

Buick has undergone a major renovation in recent years (aka the post-bailout era) with its new lineup set to attract an entirely new generation of customers to the brand.

And this new turbocharged Regal GS? It ain’t no blue-hair bingo hauler. It’s hot wheels, right down to its, well, hot wheels.

Regal is Buick’s new/old midsize model that in recent decades has moved to the sedan platform. That does not mean, however, the new Regal GS is boring or sedate – far from it.

Like other GM products, the Buick Regal benefits from shared architecture with other family brand models, Malibu being the case here. The new Malibu – and now the new Regal – are very good midsize sedan choices, but they lack pizzazz. Buick changes everything right here with the GS.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter high output Ecotec four-cylinder engine that belches out some 270hp and 295 lb. ft. of torque, the Regal GS is pitted against the best premium sedans Europe and Japan have to offer in this segment, namely Volvo’s S60, Audi’s A4, Acura’s TSX and so on.

And GS models include more than just a few body trim pieces to enhance its appearance: The sporty Regal gets perhaps the best-looking set of factory rims on the market today. These 20-inch polished alloys are gorgeous and at a mere $700 upgrade totally worth springing for.

The Regal GS launched with a six-speed manual as the sole gearbox offering but now mid-model year an automatic has been added to the blend. Still six gears and (surprisingly) no paddle shifters the auto makes GS a breeze to drive.

There are two buttons on the upper left portion of the center console one needs to pay particular attention to. They control the Interactive Drive Control System and offer Sport and GS modes for enhanced driving experiences. I found myself using the GS mode most often around town although drivers may find themselves never using these buttons as the vehicle does well enough in normal mode.

Some enthusiasts were a bit disappointed GM did not bring the Opel performance version of this vehicle (and its extra horsepower) from Europe but we did not get the GS at the launch of the new Regal so hey, baby steps. There’s always next year.

For now, this Regal GS will have to do and it does nicely thank you. Supportive bucket front seating is still comfy and the car is quiet on the road, even when you stomp the accelerator. Even the GS mode and its stiffer suspension settings still won’t jar your dentures or hairpiece loose.

One thing I question is the choice of having Intellilink technology with satellite radio and touchscreen control over most functions in the vehicle but no navigation system. What’s the thinking here? Given all that this premium level vehicle offers and the fact that most of the necessary technology is already in place, leaving nav out is a bad move.

Pricing for the 2012 Buick Regal GS begins at $34,835 with our tester rolling in at just over 36 grand. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

So while the grandbaby and I won’t be watching a Regal GS pace the Indy 500 this year (perhaps a GNX version will next year?) I will enjoy him playing with my/his Hot Wheels cars during the race as I ruminate over racing stripes or flames for the pedal car we will be getting him in the near future.

One of the most highly anticipated video games of all time arrives this week. Diablo III comes more than a decade after the last release (the Diablo II expansion Lords of Destruction came out in summer 2001), and has millions of PC gamers frothing with anticipation.

But perhaps you are not keen on the ‘always-on’ internet requirement even for single player, or just aren’t sure the game is for you, Blizzard has unveiled a great option called the ‘starter edition’. Inside of each boxed version of the game there is a ‘guest pass’. With that, someone can log in to Battle.net and play the full Diablo III game for 30 days with a few restrictions.

Here are the limitations:

Act I up to the Skeleton King is available
Level 13 cap
Matchmaking available only with other Starter Edition players
No Real Money Auction House access

Here are more details on the guest pass system:

How do I get the Diablo III Starter Edition?
Log into your Battle.net Account Management page and navigate to the Download Game Clients section. The Diablo III Starter Edition will be available for download there.

Players without a Battle.net account can create one, and then download the Starter Edition.

Note: The Diablo III Starter Edition will not be available without a Guest Pass until further notice.

How do I download the Diablo III Starter Edition?
Navigate to the Download Game Clients section of your Battle.net Account Management page and click the icon for your operating system under the Diablo III heading.

How do I upgrade from Starter Edition to the full version of Diablo III?
Log into Battle.net Account Management and select your copy of Diablo III Starter Edition on the Game Account list. On your Diablo III Starter Edition Game Management page, you will see your upgrade options on the right-hand side.

Head to Blizzard for more details!

So – do YOU plan on grabbing Diablo III? I had the first one from release, but never was a huge fan of the hack-n-slash-only style of play so didn’t spend my time with the follow-up … so I am holding off for a while.

We get a lot of gear sent to us in my household. Most of it disappears into my office/gear cave, and occasionally I ask Sarah for help with reviewing it. She rarely, if ever, comments on the items, but the SlingShot caught her attention. We used it on a few hikes to take video and photos, and today Sarah declared that it’s the first item I’ve ever reviewed that she would buy without hesitation. What triggered such high praise? Read on to find out more about this great Kickstarter project!

Project title: SlingShot

Status: In progress

Closing date for funding: May 21, 2012

URL of the project: Find it here.

From the creatives: I’m Charles Waugh, a professional photographer and design engineer in Portland, Oregon. When I became dissatisfied with the available smartphone stabilizers out there, I decided to design one, so now there’s the SlingShot!

Who at Gear Diary Backed it: Dan

At What Level Did We Back: For $14: You get a SlingShot with FREE shipping in the US (Int’l add $10). Yes, it’s really that simple. And yes, you really are that awesome.

Why We Backed It: Because Carly was sent one for review and raved about it.

How’s The Communication Been?: N/A since the project was just backed.

How has the experience been (aka, the review!):

The SlingShot is pretty basic, both in style and purpose. Essentially, it’s a simple plastic cradle that fits any smartphone, attached to a rotating ball on a stick with pop-out stabilizer legs. Effectively, it’s a tiny tripod for any phone. You can also unscrew the cradle and screw it onto a regular tripod, or use the lower half as a mini tripod for a regular camera. The whole package is ridiculously light, and while it isn’t quite pocketable it takes up very little space in a bag.

Why do you need a SlingShot? Because it gives you a stable way to take photos and videos, especially in places where you can’t easily hold your phone and get a good shot. As I said above, we took the SlingShot on a hike, and had a great time using it for fun photos. It made it easy to extend the phone out at an odd angle, or keep it steady while the dog charged at us, and there was no blurring or shaky cam effect. My favorite moment was when I was able to get down on my knees and hold the phone steady while shooting the dog jumping into the water. I could have probably gotten the same shot without the SlingShot, but it wouldn’t have been as smooth. Having the handle meant I had a better grip, I had the phone angled exactly how I wanted it, and with a quick tap on the screen I had the perfect shot.

If this were just a great way to stabilize the phone, it would be a great bit of gear. But the pop out legs make this an awesome tabletop tripod, which is even better. Need a good macro shot? The SlingShot makes that easy. Photographing an important note? You know it won’t be blurry with the SlingShot. Despite the light size, the tripod is very stable, even when the iPhone is at odd angles.

The SlingShot claims to fit any phone, and while we only have iPhones here, I do have lots of cases. I tried in the Case-Mate Phantom (thickest case I had lying around) and in a Lifeproof (longest one) and it accommodated them both easily. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous shoving them in, but the cradle handled them easily and didn’t warp or show signs of disfigurement. It also grabbed on nice and tight — there’s no risk of a phone popping out here.

What was sent to me was a pre-production model, and there are a few differences between this and the final retail version. The cradle is a touch wider than the final specifications, which isn’t a big deal, and the pop-out legs will be steel, not plastic. I didn’t have an issue with the angle of the stowaway legs, but their base will be a bit wider in the final version, so any especially large phones or odd angles will have more stability. Honestly, if this were the final version it would be a home run, so I am sure the two minor changes will also work well. I would also love to see the SlingShot add more accessories, like a car cradle, or even a video stand. There’s a lot of possibilities for this design!

Here is the best part about the SlingShot, and why I think it will be a huge success: the retail price will only be $14.95. At that price, every smartphone owner should have one. If you use it once or twice to capture a special event, it’s worth having one around. If you use the camera regularly, it is the best piece of gear you can have on hand, because it is flexible, easy to use, and can improve your photos and videos instantaneously. All for less than a decent case, and far, far less than a case with a tripod screw.

If you don’t end up backing it on Kickstarter, be sure to look for it this summer, because you will love it!

What I liked: Lightweight design; multiple tripod and stabilization options; very reasonable price; fits most phones and cases.

What Needs Improvement: Nothing.

When looking at the classics of the indie RPG genre, the name Avernum lands on the top of the pile. Featuring sprawling lands to explore, deep turn-based combat with extensive skills, role-playing opportunities galore, and great stories with detailed characters, the Avernum games haves earned Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb software legions of loyal followers.

The first three entries in the Avernum series were simply updated reimaginings of the already classic Exile series. But in 2006 he really hit his stride, opening things way up with Avernum IV. Coming out around the same time as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, it set a stark contrast between the mainstream and hardcore RPG crowd and their goals and tastes. Each offered a massive world with loads to do, but while one focused on top-notch graphics, the other built a world where choices mattered.

The two subsequent games built upon that foundation, and came to a pinnacle in the truly excellent Avernum VI in 2010. In my review here, I referred to it as “One of the best role-playing games of the last year the game can be learned in minutes, but allows depth of control that defies mastery”.

Now all three of these games are available on Steam, put together in a bundle for the low price of $11.99 – and for the first week you can get an extra 20% off! Here are the details:

Following the success of their Geneforge bundle and the recent remake of Avernum: Escape from the Pit, Spiderweb Software (http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com) is pleased to announce the Steam release of Avernum: Great Trials Trilogy for Windows, which combines the last 3 games of the Avernum series into one low price bundle of only $11.99 and an extra 20% off the first week. Avernum 4, 5, and 6 tells the tale of your land’s struggles in the face of powerful forces that seek to destroy it. Fight for survival, hunt awesome foes, and help your weary homeland to find its final destiny.

Avernum is a world underground. It is a nation of people living in an enormous warren of tunnels and caverns, far below the surface of the world. Once a prison colony for rebels and thugs, it is now a wild frontier, full of adventurous souls looking for wealth, fame, and magical power. Avernum’s sole link to the surface world: a single magical portal, delicate and difficult to maintain.

In Avernum 4 takes place long after the previous game and will have you protecting Avernum from new monsters and assassins rising from the darkness that threatens to destroy your home. In Avernum 5, take a new role as protectors of the Empire, seeking to thwart assassins who would lay it low. Finally, in Avernum 6, a food blight and invasion of barbarian lizard people drive the underworld of Avernum to the brink of extinction. In each game you shape the world and the ending as you travel through the enormous, deadly world of Avernum.

Head to Steam and check out the great deal on these great indie RPG games!

Amazing Spider-Man (June 26 on Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360)

The web slinger hits New York with acrobatic action from Activision featuring all-new versions of classic Super Villains and Peter Parker’s untold story, in the all-new epilogue story to the Columbia Pictures’ 2012 blockbuster theatrical release (July 3).

Battleship (Tuesday on Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360)

This game features a side story to the Universal Pictures’ film (releasing on May 18) in a fast-paced FPS (first person shooter) format, where players battle an extreme alien attack across land, sea, and air. Take real-time control of naval units as you strategize a map-wide plan of attack by directing your fleet to launch air strikes, conduct radar sweeps, and engage in ship-to-ship sea conflict.

Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition (May 29 – PS3 & Xbox 360)

This edition includes Harley Quinn’s Revenge, ans it has her leading a homicidal gang to get revenge against the Dark Knight. Bonus content includes: Catwoman Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, Nightwing Bundle Pack, Arkham City Skins Pack and Challenge Map Pack plus Harley Quinn’s Revenge contains over 2 hours of content, new storyline and enemies, play as both Batman and Robin, new environments and new collectables.

Brave The Video Game (June 19 on Mac, Nintendo DS, Wii, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360)

The latest Disney video game is a third person action-adventure that expands the Scottish tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film.  In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (July 10 on Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360)

This Activision adaptation includes 10 wild arctic events including Glacier Hopping, the Prehistoric Plumber, Bob-Smashing, and Coconut Slingshot with gold, silver and bronze acorn awards. Includes a fast-paced multi-player mode, story mode and free play designed to test even the most skilled arctic athletes.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (June 19 on Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PC, PS Vita, PS3, and Xbox 360)

This Warner Brothers Interactive game includes five construction sets, such as The Batcave and three buildable, detailed action figures as Batman and Robin return. This time the Dynamic Duo join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City.   Batman fans of all ages will enjoy a new and original story filled with classic LEGO videogame action and humor as players fight to put the bad guys back behind bars.

Madagascar 3: The Video Game (June 5 on Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360)

D3Publisher adapts the upcoming DreamWorks Animation SKG animated film, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (June with an adventure-filled traveling circus tour across Europe including the main characters Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe with brand new characters throughout the course of gameplay! Kids and their families will be able to take on the roles of each character as they make their way across Europe in a traveling circus, exploring different cities and working hard to elude the clutches of crazed animal control officer Chantal Dubois.

Men in Black: Alien Crisis (May 22 on Nintendo Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360)

Activision takes the helm again as players uncover a new alien plot, scan and identify aliens in disguise, neuralize any accidental civilian human witnesses, and defeat all enemies in order to protect Earth. Shooting action features include the-shoulder perspective and ability to strafe, dodge, jump and use cover while role playing elements include special rail-based sequences where players must obtain intelligence by investigating locations and interrogating suspects.

BONUS

Sleeping Dogs (August 14 on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360)

This game plays like a movie, but is actually on open world, crime-drama video game originally set as the third part of the True Crime game series (after LA and NYC). Developed by United Front Games in collaboration with Square Enix London Studios, Sleeping Dogs is a gritty open world cop drama set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Taking the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, players are tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organizations from the inside – the Sun On Yee Triad.

Offering players an island packed with action, every street corner, market stall, harbor dock or city skyscraper can become an opportunity for intense shoot-outs, adrenaline-fuelled street races and intense, brutal martial arts combat. Featuring an intuitive and imaginative combat system, Sleeping Dogs empowers players to perform an extensive set of martial arts moves, single-handedly taking on numerous opponents. Players perform bone-crushing kicks and combos, vicious counters, and a cinematic set of environmental takedowns making use of countless real-world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors.

Of course, just over a week ago I was all excited because Aspyr had put their Star Wars games on the Mac App Store on a great $7.99 sale. And it was a great deal – only now we find out that for many of us it was a purchase we could have avoided. This week Aspyr announced that they were adding the Mac versions of Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight II to Steam.

Having them on Steam means ‘buy once, play on both’ applies here as with other games. So my existing PC purchases now give me the Mac version as well!

Here is the info for Jedi Knight II:

Star Wars – Jedi Knight ll: Jedi Outcast is now available on Mac and 25% off!* Buy it once. Play it on both Mac & PC!

The Legacy of Star Wars Dark Forces™ and Star Wars® Jedi Knight lives on in the intense first-person action of Jedi Outcast.

*Offer end May 21st at 10AM PST.

Here is the info for Knights of the Old Republic:

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is now available on Mac and 25% off!* Buy it once. Play it on both Mac & PC!

Choose Your Path.

It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side? Hero or villain, saviour or conqueror… you alone will determine the destiny of the entire galaxy!

*Offer end May 21st at 10AM PST.

These are classic games, and at $7.49 each are a tremendous bargain – especially since you get both Mac and PC versions for that price!

And, if you head to their Facebook page you can get the chance to win both games for FREE!

Here’s a deal that is valid for today only… Dell Home has the 17.3″ Dell Inspiron 17r laptop with a Core i5-2450M processor at huge savings. It sports a 2.5GHz dual-core processor, a 17.3″ LED backlit 1600×900 display switchable lids, 6GB RAM, a 1TB HDD, a DVDRW, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI v1.4, two USB 3.0 ports, an 8-in-1 card reader, a 1-Megapixel HD webcam and more. That’s a large, powerful laptop and the savings are huge. How huge? Today’s savings mean you can have this laptop on its way to you for just $599.99 and it will even ship for free. Details and ordering information can be found here on the Deal Page.

Gear Deal: Dell Inspiron 17r 17.3″ Core i5 Laptop w/ 1TB HD via LogicBUY

Original Image courtesy of Samsung

I’m not really one to care too much about leaks and non confirmed pre release info, but the Nexus Tablet is something I have been waiting quite a while to get my hands on. Not really knowing much about it yet — except that it will be running truly native Ice Cream Sandwich and sold at a very enticing price — puts it directly on my potential want  need list of tablets. Being a huge fan of the 7″ Android tablet scene, I have not truly been impressed by much after the original Samsung Galaxy Tab. When Asus announced a low-cost  high performance 7″ tablet earlier this year, then possibly scrapped the whole idea in favor of a Google branded device, I was a little disappointed but also excited to hear that focus would be directed at the first Nexus Tablet.

Slashgear found some pretty convincing information that the Nexus Tablet may be working with Samsung instead of Asus to build Google’s first tablet. After all, Samsung and Google have been working pretty closely on the Nexus phones in the past few years. As much as I would like to see Asus put some nice hardware together, I have zero issues with Samsung picking up where Asus may have left off. A developer released some information after sifting through some released code that may show some insight into the Nexus Tab. Here is a very brief description of what the fabled Nexus Slate may have to offer in terms of hardware:

• Exynos 5250 Dual Core CPU
• Mali T-604 GPU clocked @ 533MHz (this will by far best all known mobile GPU’s to date)
• 1280 X 800 SAMOLED display
• 5MP Rear Camera
• Native Android 4.X Ice Cream Sandwich

So far, that is what has been uncovered and it all very well may be something else altogether. It’s not much to go on, but we do know that Samsung knows how to build a CPU/GPU, and certainly how to do SAMOLED displays right. A low-cost Nexus tablet with an amazing Samsung display and killer graphics is pretty much my idea of the perfect tablet. Add in a bloat free OS, and I’m sold.

As I said I am a huge fan of the 7″ form factor, and I really am looking forward to seeing what is uncovered in the next few months. With the Kindle Fire doing so well and Samsung’s latest 7″ model I think the market is coming together quite nicely. Higher performance and a demanding market keep the competition high and prices low.  Although the 7″ Galaxy Tab 2 pretty much does it for me, I will probably wait to see what other goodness Samsung, Asus, and/or Google brings to the market.

Again this is all really speculation, but these figures did indeed come from picking through some official code released by Google and Samsung. I’m pretty confused on how the tables turned from Asus to Samsung but not really all that upset about it. I have no interest in paying for hardware with a horribly subsidized data plan and ties to any carrier at all. Tethering from a phone is just fine by me, as I don’t plan needing any additional data than what I already pay for.

Let’s hope they don’t leave out the simple things like expandable storage, a standard micro USB connector, and some good accessories. Keep you eyes open for more info on the Nexus Tablet. I’m hoping for an early summer release, I can’t hold out much longer.

Via Slashgear

Coming out of the 1970s social awareness which turned into popular After School Specials and dramatic mini-series ‘events’, the early 80s spawned an endless stream of ‘Very Special Episodes’ in sitcoms, which continue to plague shows as some of the worst and most awkward moments in the series.

The folks over at Jest Comedy have compiled a video of 50 memorable episodes, from caffeine pills to shoplifting and more. Here is the info:

The people at Jest Comedy bring us this supercut of the best of those very special episodes, from peer pressure to deadbeat dads. Enjoy reliving some of the more awkward and painful moments in comedy.

Sitcoms bring us together with jokes and drawn-out romances, but don’t forget they can also awkwardly shoehorn in serious issues. [canned laughter]

Check out the clip!

Source: Buzzfeed

If you think of quotes from the classic Star Trek, one of the first few would be ‘I’m a doctor, not a …’. These were uttered brilliantly by DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard McCoy in the series, and have become a standard line in later series entries. You heard it in Deep Space 9, Voyager and even the Enterprise prequel – but ironically never from Dr. Crusher on The Next Generation.

Anyway, here is a great video showing a ton of these lines!

If you are interested, there is a great list of sayings from Star Trek fan site ‘Memory Alpha’.

Source: Neatorama

This weekend we learned of the passing of one of the most influential bassists of the electric era – Donald “Duck” Dunn. He was 70 years old and ‘died in his sleep’ according to long-time collaborator guitarist Steve Cropper. The pair were touring and had just played two sets at the Blue Note in Tokyo earlier that night.

Here is more information:

Dunn is perhaps best known as the bassist for Booker T. & The MGs, the highly influential house band for Stax Records that set the tone for modern Southern soul music. Dunn was invited to join the band in 1964 by Cropper, who he met in high-school, backing everyone from Sam & Dave to Otis Redding before the band split up in 1971.

Dunn would continue working as a session musician, backing musical legends like Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Jerry Lee Lewis during the course of his career.

Perhaps his most famous post-MGs work came as a member of the Blues Brothers’ backing band, alongside his old friend, Steve Cropper. The Dan Aykroyd- and John Belushi-fronted group would record Briefcase Full of Blues in 1978, with the Blues Brothers movie following two years later.

Dunn was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with Booker T. & The MGs in 1992.

He is also well know for his contributions to Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour.”

To celebrate his life, here are a few video clips:

First, here is Booker T & The MGs playing the classic ‘Green Onions’:

Here is a classic clip of him with the Blues Brothers from Saturday Night Live in 1978:

Here is a clip from their final US performance in Texas just a couple of weeks ago:

Another legend has passed, but his legacy will remain through his music and widespread influence.

I hate screen protectors but find them a necessary evil. After all, my iPhone goes everywhere with me and the glass screen, while tough Gorilla Glass, is still glass. Having a protective layer on top of it is a good thing. Until now, however, the only options tended to feel less than ideal when compared to the naked glass and, at times, did funny things with the optics. The operative term here is, “until now”. You see, the SPIGEN SGP GLAS.t screen protector is… fantastic. It is pricey but it is amazing. Why am I so excited about a screen protector? Read on.

From SPIGEN:

 SGP’s Steinheil GLAS.t is made to protect the LCD from damage and scratches with specially processed glass that has been reinforced to increase shock absorbency.The entire surface of the GLAS t is transparent and the back side is covered with a strong silicon adhesive for easy installation. When installed, there are no gaps between the LCD and the GLAS t which means the touch screen’s sensitivity is unaffected. To prevent any excess force from coming in contact with the edges of the screen protector we highly recommend that a case is used with the GLAS.t.

The GLAS.t screen protector is just 0.4mm thick. It is made with “chemically treated, transparent tempered glass” and has a hardness of 8-9H. That is three times stronger than regular PET film.

It is so hard that things like knives and keys won’t scratch the GLAS t.

It also has an oleophobic coating that makes fingerprints and other life “hazards” simple to clean.

The kit comes with everything you need, the GLAS.t Tempered glass Screen Protector for iPhone 4 / 4S, an alcohol swab, a squeegee, a micro-fiber fabric cleaning cloth and epoxy coated buttons. The GLAS.t has a silicon adhesive on one side that quickly and cleanly grabs the iPhone’s screen. It grabs… and it holds… tightly! It is such a good fit in fact that the touch sensitivity of the iPhone isn’t impacted at all. AT ALL! In fact, if you install it properly you really don’t know it is there unless you are looking for it. The only downside is that you pretty much get one shot at installation. For that reason, a slow, careful install is important.

Finally, for safety, if the screen protector breaks it breaks into small, dull pieces rather than large sharp ones. And that sure beats the phone’s screen breaking doesn’t it?

Here is a video look.

The GLAS.t is expensive but it is the best screen protector money can buy in my opinion. It is clear… in fact you don’t know it is there if you install it properly. At the same time it protects the iPhone’s screen, and almost seems to enhance the touch and clarity of it. I LOVE the Home button overlays and really cannot say enough about this iPhone accessory. Best of all, while it is pricey… it is a whole lot cheaper than a new screen or iPhone! This product get a “Homerun Rating” in my opinion. Details and ordering information can be found here.

MSRP: $27.99

What I Like: Clear; Protective; Home buttons are great at raising the all-important control; You don’t know it is there but it is always doing its job

What Needs Improvement: You effectively get one chance to install and mistakes are expensive

I love the idea of using my iPhone in a variety of ways and settings. The LifeProof case is one example of a case that lets us use the iPhone on the go. The Quad Lock Mounting System is another and we have one on the way for review. Before we get it, however I thought we might take a quick look.

Quad Lock Case attaches pretty much anywhere using a single, multi-purpose mount. It is, “an ultra slim, durable and protective Polycarbonate hard case that doubles as a multi-purpose mount.” and because of its unique design it can mount on a variety of surfaces on both landscape and portrait.

There is the Quad Lock Bike Mount PRO. It is…

…the lightest iPhone bike mounting system on the Market! Using our Patented Quad Lock dual action locking mechanism the Bike Mount PRO secures your iPhone to your MTB, road bike or Motorbike. The Bike Mount PRO can be mounted in just seconds using our quick mount o-rings (included) or for a more permanent method the mount can be secured using Zip Ties (included). The Mount best suits tube sizes from 25 – 40mm.

Then there is the Quad Lock Wall Mount. It is…

…is the perfect solution for mounting to any flat surface around the home, kitchen, bathroom, office or car. Once mounted your iPhone can be oriented in both portrait and landscape with a simple twist.

The Quad Lock Deluxe Kit lets you mount your iPhone with both the Quad Lock Bike Mount PRO while cycling and the Quad Lock Wall Mount for use at home, in the office and while driving. To accomplish this the Deluxe Kit includes:

1 x Quad Lock Case for iPhone 4/4S (Polycarbonate hardcase )
2 x Quad Lock Wall Mounts (3M self adhesive)
1 x Quad Lock Bike Mount PRO
Mounting hardware (o-rings and zip ties)
Instructions (English)

Prices range from $25 to $80. Details and ordering information can be found on the company website at Quadlockcase.com.

The XPS 15z if you want a super-thin, full-size laptop which can deliver performance but still offer tons of storage and screen real estate. That is to be compared to the new UltraBooks which come with limited SSD storage and 720p resolution. The 15.6″ XPS 15z has a Core i7-2640M 2.8GHz processor, 1080p screen, 8GB RAM, a 1TB Hard Drive and a 1GB GeForce GT 525M. It also has a backlit Keyboard a slot-loading DVD burner, an 8-cell battery and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS.

With this deal you can get the laptop for just $999.99 and it will ship for free. It is worth noting that this is a limited-time savings of $462 so if you think this is the laptop for you grab it now. It is also worth noting that this is the lowest price we’ve seen on the XPS 15z Core i7 configuration. Details and ordering information can be found here on the deal page.

Gear Deal: Dell XPS 15z Core i7 15.6″ Ultra-thin 1080p Laptop w/ 1TB HDD via LogicBUY

The folks at Wicked Audio were kind enough to give away a pair of their Wicked Metallics headphones through Gear Diary. I asked you to comment on what the first thing you planned to do this summer. Summer is quickly approaching and what better way to get it started than with a brand new pair of headphones! Go check out the responses on the original post here.

And the winner is…….

Madison McPheeters!

Please contact us at contests@geardiary.com and we will get your summer started off right!

CONGRATS MADISON!

It’s interesting to hear the reasons given when people believe in things which seem contrary to what evidence otherwise proves, but there are plenty of people who do. Whether it be the country of Obama’s birth (and whether his US certificate is forged or not), that the earth will be destroyed in 2012 when the Mayan Calendar ends, that the events of 9/11 were not a terrorist attack, that childhood vaccinations cause autism, or that Beyonce was ever actually pregnant; there are people who find controversy in topics that others consider obvious closed cases.

I recognize that, for many, there are deeper reasons why they want (or need) to believe that a particular event occurred, or in some cases didn’t occur. Like, for instance, alien abduction; that’s definitely one of those things that seems so fantastical that it’s hard for me to believe that any sane person would think it could happen, and yet they do.

PZ Meyers, of the blog Pharyngula, was flown to Arizona recently to participate in a BBC documentary on people who believe that they have been abducted by aliens. What makes this documentary different is that it uses a new approach: “they take True Believers on a road trip to confront them with evidence against their obsessions.” As PZ says:

All I had to do was have a conversation with these 5 believers in alien abductions. It was…interesting. They were all very nice people, but they ranged in rationality from people who’d experienced unexplained events and were trying to figure out what happened, to a real loon who was utterly convinced that Jews were alien hybrids, reptoids had hybridized with humans, and the stone blocks of the pyramids had been cut with lasers. We argued for an hour or two, all of it was recorded, and I’m sure it will all be cut to the 5 juiciest minutes for the final show.

This looks like a show I’ll have to keep an eye out for. It also turns out that this formula has been used at least once before, when the BBC covered people who believe that the events of 9/11 were part of some vast cover-up/conspiracy perpetrated by the US government. You can watch that whole commercial-free episode here …

I guess I should be encouraged that at least one of the conspiracy theorists recognized reason when he heard it, but it made me sad to see how two others were so firm in their mindsets that they wouldn’t even consider the facts presented to them by witnesses, experts, and scientists.  I suppose that we’ll see similar reactions and results from the participants in the alien abduction documentary.

via Pharyngula: My Day in Flagstaff

We reviewed the Griffin survivor for the new iPad (sites the iPad 2 also) he other day. (Read the review) Now it is on sale. Yes, if you jump over to the product page here on MacMall’s site you can save $30! (It has an MSRP of just under $80). This deal won’t last so if you need overkill protection for your iPad grab it now!

(And if you want the chance to win the review sample, subscribe to our newsletter. Click here to add yourself to the GD Weekly mailing list.)

Here’s an interesting statistic I just stumbled upon. A quick look at the email clients being used by the initial subscribers to our newsletter GD Weekly shows that over 66% are using one version or Outlook or another. When you add in the 16.7% using Hotmail (people still use Hotmail???) you quickly see how few are using one of the assorted other email clients available. I don’t know what to make of it but I sure am surprised.

Next week’s giveaway is a good one – a blinged out Phosphor watch. Check it out here, subscribe, and get a chance to win it.