MacNN | The Macintosh News Network

Samsung Focus 2

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Windows Phone fans currently face a limited selection of new devices, however a few companies, including Samsung, continue to release new offerings powered by Microsoft's mobile OS. Electronista checked out Samsung's Focus 2 earlier this month at CTIA's spring conference for a quick hands-on preview, however our full review takes a closer look at the latest budget-priced Windows Phone off ......

Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T

Thu, 24 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Nokia's Lumia 900 for AT&T

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:50:00 GMT

Nokia's Lumia 900 represents the pinnacle of the company's new smartphone strategy, pairing premium components with a unique design and Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. In our full review, we try to determine if the LTE radio, large display and other high-end features will help Nokia and Microsoft fulfill their dream of finally reestablishing themselves in the US smartphone market. ......

iHome iW2 AirPlay speaker

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:20:00 GMT

iHome generally isn't known as a luxury brand when it comes to audio, but it is prolific -- the company's docks and speakers are everywhere, at least if online ads are to be believed. The iW2 is one of the company's higher-end speakers, based around Apple's AirPlay streaming technology. In our review, we'll see how the iW2 holds up versus other options in terms of convenience, design, and perfor ......

HTC One X and Evo 4G LTE

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:45:00 GMT

For HTC, 2011 was sometimes considered a write-off: what looked to be a promising year with an early 4G lead saw the company overwhelmed by Apple and Samsung, and even by its own at times confusing lineup with problematic phones like the Thunderbolt. The One series for 2012 is the reboot, a return to basics with an emphasis on high-end design and even stripping back the custom Sense interface lay ......

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Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:36:53 GMT

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Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:00:00 GMT

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Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:40:00 GMT

One of the iPad's main weaknesses has always been productivity. It's not a question of apps; while it has taken a little time for a native iPad library to develop, there's usually been some way of getting essential tasks done. It's that even with those apps, the iPad's technical limitations can make things unnecessarily difficult. Bluetooth keyboards can simplify writing, but options have so far b ......

Sony Xperia S

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:20:00 GMT

Sony's split with Ericsson is as much a cultural break as a corporate one, and the Xperia S on the surface reflects that. It's a showcase for the company's design and technology. But with the split just months old, has Sony's mobile team learned its lesson? Our Sony Xperia S review will decide whether Sony can hold its own, or if pressure from HTC, Samsung, and Apple is still fierce. ......

Logitech UE Air Speaker

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:15:00 GMT

If maybe a little more slowly than Apple would like, AirPlay is becoming a staple of the wireless speaker market for iOS devices. The technology has a few advantages: Wi-Fi streaming allows for higher-quality audio than Bluetooth, in theory, and its integration into iOS and iTunes guarantees widespread support of options like broadcasting to multiple audio outputs in different rooms. Logitech's ......

Sony 3D Personal Viewer HMZ-T1

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:40:00 GMT

For those who remember the 1990ís, much of the technology talk at the time surrounded the concept of virtual reality, or VR. Movies like The Lawnmower Man took viewers into incredible virtual worlds where they were fully immersed. That dream has largely faded away over the past 10 to 20 years as the technical challenges in bringing the concept to commercial reality seemed distant. In th ......

STM Skinny 3 iPad case

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:35:00 GMT

STM may be better known for its bags than its cases, but it is one of a select group of companies making upgraded -- rather than tweaked -- cases for the third-generation iPad. One of the two it's currently selling is the Skinny 3, a mostly straightforward folio design. In our review, we'll see if the case can compete with some of the other folio options on the market. Desig ......

The World Clock app for iOS devices

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:10:00 GMT

Ok, we'll admit it. We're suckers for maps. We like looking at maps, figuring stuff out with maps, and learning new things by studying maps. That's one of the reasons that Andrei Kolev's The World Clock iOS application made us smile. The World Clock runs on all the iOS devices that we could lay our hands on: an iPod touch, an iPhone, and all three iPad models. It's nice on the small ......

SwitchEasy Canvas iPad case (2012)

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:30:00 GMT

For the third-generation iPad, most case makers have been content to tweak existing designs to fit the thickness of the new tablet. The Canvas, by SwitchEasy, is the one of the few exceptions to the rule. Despite the popularity of the original case, SwitchEasy has decided to make some fundamental design changes this time around -- the question for this review, of course, is whether they've been ......

Fujifilm X-S1

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:20:00 GMT

Fujifilm's expansion of its X series cameras has turned almost into a tuning project: it's taking virtually every class of camera the company makes and giving it a better sensor, premium optics, and advanced control. The X-S1 applies that formula to superzoom cameras, bringing new glass and an EXR sensor to a very long 26X lens. In our review of the Fujifilm X-S1, we'll see if it's an ideal matc ......

Apple iPad (2012)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:20:00 GMT

Once having the tablet arena almost entirely to itself, Apple is now in the middle of a full-scale battle: everyone who could have a tablet does, and even Amazon's Kindle Fire is in the fray at a very low price. The new iPad, then, faces the challenge of not just being the best but of giving buyers a reason to spend more than $199. A record-setting display, new graphics and 4G go a long way, but ......

Seagate GoFlex Thunderbolt adapter

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 06:20:00 GMT

Seagate has continued to expand its GoFlex hard drive system, which features interchangeable interfaces for interoperability between various connection types. The company's latest adapters enable users to upgrade their existing GoFlex drives with a Thunderbolt interface to take advantage of fast transfer speeds on Apple's latest Macs and a number of upcoming Windows machines. In our full review, w ......

Fujifilm X10

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

While the Fujifilm X100 is and was a much-loved camera, two catches almost always came up for those who considered leaping in: a tear-inducing price and the lack of zoom. The X10 solves both, albeit with its own changes. Our review of the X10 will see if Fujifilm has hit the sweet spot or if it's making too many compromises. Ergonomics and expansion I ......

Fuijfilm X10

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Elgato Thunderbolt SSD

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:10:00 GMT

Although Elgato is better known for its EyeTV tuners, the company has entered the storage market with several Thunderbolt solid-state drives. The external storage devices pair flash chips with a Thunderbolt connection to enable much faster data transfer speeds than traditional disk drives. In our full review, we take a close look at how the Elgato drives stack up against similar offerings from sto ......

Sony PlayStation Vita

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:35:00 GMT

Many had written off Sony from the mobile gaming arena not long into the PSP's history: high prices and a lack of major games kept it on the sidelines as the Nintendo DS took over. Apple and Google have seemingly been poised to deliver a killing blow with much better general abilities and cheaper games. The PlayStation Vita, then, is a chance at redemption. We'll gauge in our PS Vita review whe ......

Samsung Galaxy Note

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Samsung made much ado of the Galaxy Note during the Super Bowl: the massive 5.3-inch screen and pen were tickets to "freedom" from the comparatively tiny iPhone. But are size and handwriting giving smartphone owners real choice, or is it an attempt to shoehorn the phone/tablet crossover into a market that doesn't want it? Our review of the Galaxy Note will find out if it's rethinking smartphones ......

Powerbag Business Class Bag

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Many companies currently offer battery packs and various accessories to keep smartphones and other gadgets charged when away from an outlet. Powerbag has taken this concept to the extreme, with products such as the Business Class Pack. The company aims to offer well-rounded backpacks and messenger bags that protect gear and keep batteries full at the same time. In our full review, we take ......

Dell XPS 14z

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:10:00 GMT

The 13- to 14-inch notebook screen size is currently one of the hottest areas of competition right now: it's where Apple, HP, and others start off their higher-end models. Dell has certainly been one of the most active in this space and has brought its high-end XPS line to that space through the 14z. We'll check in our Dell XPS 14z review whether the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Sony VAIO S, or comp ......

HP 2311gt 3D monitor

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:20:00 GMT

HP is among the many companies embracing 3D technology, and its 2311gt monitor aims to make the technology an affordable upgrade. The 23-inch monitor works as a standard 2D display, or as a 3D panel when combined with passive 3D glasses. In our full review, we will see how the companyís passive 3D technology stacks up against pricier active-shutter tech. Design ......

Logitech Cube

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:25:00 GMT

The world of mice could often be described charitably as stagnant: it's an endless sea of ergonomic shapes that assume you're sitting at a desk and have lots of room in your bag. Logitech's Cube is about as different as you can get, with a small, brick-like design that relies on touch and orientation to make it an ultraportable mouse and presenter. We'll gauge in our Logitech Cube review whether ......

BlackBerry Bold 9790

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:25:00 GMT

The smartphone field is no longer as Western-centric as it used to be; it's seen madhouse lineups for BlackBerry phones for Indonesia that no smartphone maker would have seen a few years ago. With that in mind, RIM has taken the rare step of having two BlackBerry Bold phones on the same time and has added the 9790 to catch those who want the full touchscreen and keyboard without paying a premium ......

BlackBerry Curve 9380

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:50:00 GMT

RIM has usually tried to chase the high end of the smartphone market when it adds a touchscreen: the Storm, the Torch, and the newest Bold phones are all aimed at the same crowd as the iPhone and top Android hardware. With only a limited amount of success, then, it's taken a fresh strategy of bringing a touchscreen to the Curve line for the first time. We'll see in our review of the BlackBerry C ......

Nokia Lumia 800

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:50:00 GMT

The Lumia 800 represents more than just a radical break from the past for Nokia; in many ways, it's the company's entire future. As its first Windows Phone device, it's not just a switch to a much more modern platform but a clue as to whether or not Nokia can still stand out in an era when iPhones and Android smartphones are taking over. Our review of the Lumia 800 will answer that -- and whethe ......

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:50:00 GMT

The Galaxy Nexus is arguably the first official Google phone whose appeal isn't just confined to hardcore Android fans: even those who only know the iPhone by name are taking notice. With a massive 4.65-inch, 720p display, a near-instant camera, and most importantly Android 4.0, it promises not just to be a powerful phone but the most cohesive expression of what Android can be. But can it cross o ......

Pioneer S-DJ05 active reference monitors

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:15:00 GMT

Pioneer may be best known for its vehicle electronics, however the company has also worked to establish its presence as a high-end brand in the DJ and music-production markets. The S-DJ05 speakers epitomize the expansion, placing the Pioneer brand on a pair of active reference monitors. In our full review, we try out the new speakers and attempt to determine if the offering is worth its hefty pric ......

Amazon Kindle Fire

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:20:00 GMT

After ignoring the tablet market for several years, Amazon has finally decided to expand its range of Kindle readers to include a proper tablet. The Fire is aimed directly at Barnes &amp; Noble's new Nook Tablet, though both devices are attempting to pull a bit of market share away from Apple's dominant iPad. In our full review, we compare Amazon's tablet to its direct rival and more expensive alterna ......

NewerTech and Targus USB Hubs For Gifts

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A useful holiday present to resolve an ongoing frustration is a multi-port hub. Whether as a stocking stuffer, Chanukah present, or another holiday gift, these useful devices make your life easier. They can be used daily or when traveling, to expand available storage and ease desktop frustration. If you know someone who makes regular backups on an external drive, or keeps their m ......

X-Rite ColorMunki Photo

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:10:00 GMT

Color calibration is the art of tweaking your monitor so that the colors represented on screen better match real life and your printer output. Mac system software includes a calibration tool in the Displays System Preference, but it just doesn't do a very good job and it doesnít significantly affect the brightness of some iMac models. Colorimeters, the device used to measure your monitor and corre ......

Epson WorkForce 840 Printer

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:15:00 GMT

Epson meets the needs of small businesses with a variety of printers in their Workforce line. The model I tested, the Workforce 840, includes scanner, FAX, automatic document feeder, two paper trays, and wireless capability. Features of this printer include two-sided printing, easy to see 3.5" LCD touch panel, memory card direct printing, USB, wireless, or Ethernet connectivity, and 2400 dpi scann ......

Orb Audio home theater speaker system

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:25:00 GMT

Home theater enthusiasts for many years have drawn a close association between speaker size and sound quality, however many companies, such as Orb Audio, have worked to prove that big does not always mean better. Electronista took the opportunity to try out Orb's modular speaker system ......

Iomega Mac Companion 2TB hard drive

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Many of Iomega's Mac-oriented storage products merely ship pre-formatted for HFS+, but the new Mac Companion has been entirely designed with Apple's computers in mind. The housing is shaped to match the footprint of an iMac or Cinema/Thunderbolt display, while FireWire connections and a 2.1 Amp USB port complement Apple's computers and iOS devices. In our full review, we explore the Mac Companion' ......

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:05:00 GMT

Samsung has filled its tablet portfolio with a variety of sizes, but the company's first Galaxy Tab was one of the smaller players with a seven-inch display. After going after the iPad with a ten-inch model, and following up with a midsize 8.9-inch variant, Samsung has overhauled its original design as the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. In our full review, we compare the new tablet to its predecessor and it ......

Akitio SK-3501 Super-S3

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:55:00 GMT

As you may know, when you need additional hard drive space, it is sometimes cheaper to buy the drive you want, and put it in an external case, purchased elsewhere. The Akitio SK-3501 Super-S3 is an external case for 3.5" hard drives. The case is 8.7" x 4.5" x 1.5", just barely wide enough for a hard disk inside. The Super-S3 has four connectors on the back: USB 3.0, eSATA, and two FireWire 800 por ......

Fidelio Docking Speaker DS7700

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:05:00 GMT

If you seek a sound dock for your iOS device, the Philips Fidelio 7700 Docking Speaker is an attractive and compact dock that also plays music from 7,000 Internet radio stations. It features Bluetooth and charges your iPad, iPhone or iPod when docked. It works with just about any device with a 30-pin dock connector. When not plugged in, the Fidelio runs off an internal ten-hour lithium ion battery ......

Motorola Droid RAZR

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:25:00 GMT

The rule of thumb for 4G Android phones in 2011 has been that they must be tanks: bulky, rounded-off devices that show exactly what sacrifice you're making to get the faster speeds. Motorola with the reborn Droid RAZR (just RAZR elsewhere in the world) not only bucks that, but has what it claims is the world's thinnest smartphone. However, it's coming into especially fierce competition with the ......

Griffin Technology HELO TC

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:45:00 GMT

If you seek an entertaining and reasonably priced iOS device for the holiday season, consider an indoor helicopter. The Griffin HELO TC is a small, battery powered, remote control helicopter. You fly it with the help of an application on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. The HELO TC measures about 8" from nose to tail, and the rotors are about 7" across when flying. You charge it via ......

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:55:00 GMT

Samsung has continued to expand its Tab series of tablets, offering the original seven-inch model, the Tab 10.1 to compete with the iPad, and now the Tab 8.9 to fill the gap. The midsize tablet offers many of the same features as its larger counterpart, except for a smaller display and compact build. In our full review, we compare the Tab 8.9 to Samsung's other tablets and competitors from other m ......

Iogear USB Theater Sound Xperience

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:05:00 GMT

Iogear recently released a USB sound adapter, the Theater Sound Xperience, that brings DTS virtual surround to Windows machines. The hardware accessory is paired with a software utility that provides further options for enhancing music and voice recordings. In our full review, we determine if the device lives up to the company's promises. Design The Theat ......

HTC Vivid and Raider

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:25:00 GMT

HTC has been on a relentless tear through 2011, releasing new, faster (or bigger) phones seemingly every month, but it has never truly cracked AT&amp;T: even phones like the Inspire 4G are outsold by the cheapest iPhones. With that in mind, the Vivid (known as the Raider elsewhere) is theoretically a powerhouse: 4G LTE, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, and a massive 4.5-inch screen. But are sheer numbe ......

Belkin kitchen gear for iPad and tablets

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:05:00 GMT

The urge to use an iPad, a Galaxy Tab, or another tablet in the kitchen is undeniable: it's a live recipe book or a way to check if the ingredients you want are on sale. Belkin has acknowledged, though, that no one wants to touch a screen with flour-covered hands. We'll check in our review of Belkin's kitchen accessories -- the Chef Stand, Cabinet Mount, and Fridge Mount -- to see whether you'll ......

HandBrake Tutorial Review

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:15:00 GMT

HandBrake is an open source video conversion program. It can read from DVDs, video files, and other video sources. It also produces video files in a wide variety of formats. As an example, I own one of my kidís favorite movies on DVD, ì The Great Race î and I want to watch it on my iPad. I could download it from the iTunes store, but ......

Amazon Kindle

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Although Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet stole the show last month at the company's launch event, the company also introduced an update to its traditional Kindle reader. The fourth-generation model brings a smaller housing and improved E Ink display, but without the hardware keyboard that was present on each of the earlier models. In our full review, we determine how the new Kindle stacks up against t ......

Wicked Helix Earphones

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:35:00 GMT

The Empire Brands Wicked Audio line targets their headphones to those with an active lifestyle. If you need earbuds made to stay in, no matter whether youíre skating, skiing, or racing, their Wicked Helix line is a good fit. I tested Model WI-2000, which are in-ear headsets with around-the-ear anchors. Iíve tried around the ear headsets before and could not stand them due to stiffness and rubbin ......

BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:05:00 GMT

RIM's new BlackBerry Torch line is a reboot for the company. After the Storm and Storm2 failed to stem the tide of the iPhone and later Android, the new Torch shows signs RIM has learned its lesson: a faster processor, a touch interface, and the death of its infamous click-down screen. But is it enough? Our review of the Torch 9850 and 9860 will see if RIM is back in form or if its rivals are st ......