reviews

The unfortunate reality of trying to replace cable with video subscription services such as Netflix or Hulu is that, well… they kind of suck. Okay, so that’s my opinion and it’s completely possible that you’re happy with the Walmart bargain bin selection of movies Netflix has to offer, or being last to find out that The Island was just purgatory and the whole point of LOST was, well… pointless. There’s many reasons why I’ve been unable to cut cable out of my life, and if I’m going to be paying for it every month — I might as well get my money’s worth. That’s where the Slingbox SOLO comes in.

Let me begin this review by admitting that seeing the words “electric” and “British” close together always seems to conjure up images of an MG or Triumph on fire, with flames pouring out of the engine compartment (apologies to British readers, co-workers, editors or friends I may have offended with this statement. Also my mom).

UK-based DBest’s tiny single, and stereo, Bluetooth speaker models — respectively named PS4001BT ($60) and PS4003BT ($70) — didn’t spark; in fact, apart from a lack of sophistication, the tiny dynamos were surprisingly powerful, packing a powerful audio punch into an almost unbelievably minuscule package — especially in the case of the single-speaker unit, the clear winner of the two models.

The Sony Tablet S does things different for Android tablets, but does it do them differently enough?

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Sony Tablet S is its design. It’s not flat, but a wedge that fits comfortably into the hand, like a magazine with its cover folded back. The Tablet S looks wholly unlike any other tablet on the market. It’s something original, something that instead of simply trying to be an iPad knock-off has its own distinct design language. And it’s without a doubt the best thing about the Sony Tablet S. It’s just a shame that this brave and wonderful sense of identity in a sea of iPad clones is only skin deep.


One of the first accessories purchased by mobile consumers happens to be a protective case. Consumers certainly have good reason to protect their investments and nothing’s quite as depressing as dropping a brand new $600+ naked device onto concrete (I should know). Now if we were your normal local brick and mortar mobile carrier or accessory store, we might suggest a “cheap” $20 silicon cover to protect your device. Since we’re anything of the sort, we’ve found you a case that will not only protect your device, but will Androidify it!


We live in a world where “staying connected” has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s email, text messages, or social networks, we’re constantly updating and being updated. It’s not always easy to keep that connection when we’re “off the grid.” We can’t always be within cellular coverage, and its at those times when the ability to connect could be most important. Whether you’re off hiking the Appalachians or simply casting a line at your favorite fishing spot, having the ability to stay in contact with those who matter as well as emergency services can bring a sense of well-being to any “off grid” activity.

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