“Review” collection
Discover rigorous, hands-on evaluations and real-world testing of the latest consumer electronics and household tools. These “Dad Approved” assessments provide factual, objective insights into device durability, performance, and value to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →February 12, 2009
Plantronics Delivers Style & Innovation in a Bluetooth Headset
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I figured I should do at least ONE product recommendation with a spin towards the couples out there. (Of course if you are reading this and Valentine's Day is NOT nearby, you can just fill in whatever gift-giving holiday is closest: Birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, Hanukah, etc.) Everyone has a cell…
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February 9, 2009
Review: Speck AftPack Backpack – Contemporary, Functional Elegance
Looking for that perfect, stylish backpack for your wife or girlfriend or daughter? Want something that is not only durable but also functional? The Speck AftPack Backpack brings this and more in a package that blends contemporary elegance with urban functionality. At just under $100, it won't break your bank and will bring a utilitarian "hipness" to the scene. My…
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January 29, 2009
Review: Blogo – Mac Blogging Software Done Better
Back in June 2008 I happened across some new blogging software for the Mac called Blogo. The problem was, I was pretty jaded about Mac blogging software having tried MarsEdit, Ecto and MacJournal which all seem to be stuck in the late 90's from an interface perspective. Sure, they all did the job but left a lot to be desired…
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January 23, 2009
Copy & Paste on iPhone: 2 New Options – Clippy & hClipboard
This week two pieces of software came out that allows you to "Copy & paste" on the iPhone. About time, right? Well, you can get them, only if you have a jailbroken iPhone. The first one to hit the streets is called "Clippy" and the second, released today, is called "hClipboard." Both essentially do the same thing: allow you to…
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January 10, 2009
Review: Green Lasers – Fun, Interesting & Somewhat Legal
A few months ago, I was approached by a company called TechLasers about doing a review of a green laser product of theirs. Now, I have to admit, I have always thought that lasers ( which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) were incredibly "cool". Recently they have been made even more famous through TV shows like…
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January 5, 2009
Ongoing Roundup of Macworld 2009 News, Products, Links, etc.
I will be at (or currently am at) Macworld 2009 this week. As you can see, they have been waiting for me (GRIN – see picture below). I'm hoping to visit quite a few vendors and see what new gadgets and technology are being announced. If you are a vendor, please contact me here. I will be on Twitter (@HighTechDad)…
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December 12, 2008
Using Twitter is like Fishing
I'm an on and off fisherman, mainly fly fishing; I worked in a few fly fishing shops in my youth (gasp, I'm not THAT old, should I say "youth"?). Also, recently I installed Flick Fishing for the iPhone and have spent numerous hours on my commute trying to hook fish. Well, that go me thinking. Since part of my job…
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November 25, 2008
Microsoft and Family – LifeCam VX-5500 & Microsoft Office 2008
When you think about Microsoft, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably not Family. If you are like me, Microsoft software rules your computer at your office and runs the infrastructure there as well. Microsoft has done quite well in securing the business space from desktop productivity tools like Office to BackOffice systems that get your email…
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November 7, 2008
Slingbox PRO-HD: Initial Setup
So by now you have gone through the Slingbox Pre-installation tasks of setting up your network (wired, wireless or over the powerlines) and you have checked through the box to be sure that you know what connectors you need and how to use them. Let's take a look at the steps of setting up and configuring your Slingbox PRO-HD for…
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October 30, 2008
Slingbox PRO-HD: Unboxing and What’s Inside
Unboxing is always the most fun when you get a new gadget. Since I just love getting new devices, I frequently find myself in the position of either being torn between ripping open the packaging and quickly setting up what ever the new technology (much like a kid), or that of being a more rational adult, one that realizes that…
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October 23, 2008
Slingbox PRO HD: Pre-Installation – setting up your network
So, you are thinking about getting the new Slingbox PRO HD. Trust me, it's a great decision. The PRO HD transforms any computer in your network or even remotely an extension of your media center but more about the Slingbox PRO HD feature set later. There is something critical to having a Slingbox though that it cannot exist without, namely…
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October 13, 2008
Extended Review: Slingbox PRO HD
It is rare that I receive a gadget or technology device that warrants me having to do multiple articles to cover it. However, when Sling Media released their new Slingbox PRO HD, I quickly realized that I would need to do so. What will follow over the next few days or so is an in-depth review of my efforts to…
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