REVIEW: Geeks.com gadgets
Geeks.com sent us over some very useful gadgets and computer parts for all us geeks. From bluetooth stereo headphones to camera bags, voice recorders to mp3/CD players.
* Logitech Freeplus Bluetooth Wireless Headphones for iPod/MP3
This is a very stylish pair of stereo Bluetooth 2.0, Class-2 headphones. They go behind the ear, while they clip on the top of the ear so they are safe to use with sports. The product comes with a Bluetooth gateway, a charger and a charger splitter that allows you to charge both the gateway and the headphones at the same time. The pairing is done by keep pressing the on/off button, while there are two more buttons for volume up and down. Charging took about 2 hours to complete, while battery life measured at around 6 hours. The package also comes with iPod converters, helping the gateway can be mounted to all known iPod models. Regarding sound quality, we found it to be pretty good, but unfortunately when used with the gateway there was a lot of static involved. When using the headphones directly with an A2DP-capable cellphone quality was much better, but there were more dropouts. Overall, this is a solid product, missing only HSP/HFP functionality.
Rating: 7/10
* Oregon Scientific VR399 Digital Voice Recorder
This is a compact voice recorder that can be used by professional journalists and enthusiasts alike. It has a rather big microphone which allows for great recording quality (up to 234 minutes) and then allows you to transfer the recording audio to your PC for further editing if required. Because of that, it makes it a great tool for high-quality podcasts. The device operates via 2 AAA batteries, it comes with headphones, a USB cable and a user's manual in several languages. We found the learning curve of the device a bit steep with its rather unconventional interface and buttons, but after a while it pays off. Usage becomes natural and you are able to use the device really fast, without missing a beat. Overall, a very satisfactory product, that couples as an... alarm too.
Rating: 9/10
* Splash Proof Shower MP3/CD/CDR/RW Player w/AM/FM Radio
A splash proof radio for your shower! The jWin JX-M95 Splash Proof Shower MP3/CD/CD-RW Player also doubles as an AM/FM stereo radio. It features a large LCD display, 5 equalizer modes, 3.5mm headphone jack, 64 track programmable memory and you can set it up to 20 of your favorite stations. It operates on 4 "C" batteries or it can be plugged to the appopriate AC power plug. We tested with a number of CDs and mp3-burned CDs and it worked great. Quality out of its small speakers is not fantastic, but it's not a disaster either. In fact, we were more unhappy with the lack of a radio antenna and the subsequent low reception we experienced, rather than the audio quality. The device is really small that makes it ideal as a portable boom box.
Rating: 8/10
* SanDisk 2.0GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) w/Adapter
This is an amazingly low price for such a small card, the M2. 2 GBs of flash for less than $40 in that size just shows how far the market and technology has come. This version of M2 comes with a Pro Duo reader, which means that you can use that M2 in your PSP. If you want to connect it to your PC you will have to get a Memory Stick Pro adapter instead. In our tests with the Sony Ericsson phones m600i and P990i, the M2 maxed out at 9 MB/sec of read, and about 2.5 MB on write. If you have either an M2 device or another Sony device, this is a sure investment.
Rating: 10/10
* A-Power 2.5" USB 2.0 Aluminum Ext HDD Case w/Power Adapter
So you have an old dead laptop and you want access to your data? All you have to do is open your laptop, remove the hardrive and mount it to this stylish 2.5" HDD case. Installation is very easy and within seconds you should be up and running. You can connect the case via USB to another PC, mount the partition and copy over your data. We averaged a copy speed of about 20 MB/sec with an old 2.5" drive we had over in our lab, which is not bad at all for a 2.5" drive.
Rating: 10/10
* Ambico BC53GA Camcorder/Digital Camera Bag (Black & Gray)
This Ambico BC53GA is a Camcorder and digital camera bag. It has a padded interior and provides good protection for your devices and gadgets. The bag is made of black and grey nylon construction, it has a soft grip handle and an adjustable padded shoulder pad. The main compartment is a large mesh pocket while it also has elastic holder and a small zippered pocket on inner roof of bag for storing accessories such as flash memory, batteries, mini DVDs etc. Overall, a great, no frills bag for your travels.
Rating: 9/10