“Video” collection
Experience hands-on technology evaluations through engaging visual demonstrations and companion video reviews. This multimedia category provides a closer look at product features and real-world performance to help you make informed decisions.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →January 30, 2013
Passionate about Volvo? The 2013 XC60 and S60 Won’t Let You Down!
My family seems to be quite passionate about the Volvo's that I test drive. My wife always asks as to when we might get another one and my kids really had a great time when we went "top down" in the 2012 Volvo C70 convertible. And, a few months ago, I spent some time behind the wheels of both the…
Read more →December 18, 2012
Why and How Ballerinas Break In Ballet Pointe Shoes
With the holidays upon us, ballerinas of all ages become a bit more inspired. One of the primary reasons is that various renditions of The Nutcracker are being interpreted and performed widely, from local community dance groups to large scale professional productions. Whether you are "into" ballet or not, you simply cannot help being sucked into this magical story. For…
Read more →December 11, 2012
Saving the Environment & your Wallet – Review the Spacious 2012 Toyota Prius V
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, it seems like almost every third car on the road is a hybrid of some type, and of those hybrids, a huge majority of those are Toyota Prius's. Californians are obsessed with the environment and with driving and many times, the two don't really go hand-in-hand. About 10+ years ago, before gas prices…
Read more →November 5, 2012
Flexing the Form & Fun Factor of the 2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD
Back in 2010, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Ford Flex. I always had my eye on this unique looking SUV/Crossover. It truly is sort of a blend between both of these styles. The distinct body reminded me of the old Woodie style and as I mention in my video review below, I really think that the Flex would…
Read more →October 29, 2012
Want to Fold Some Crazy Paper Airplanes? Get Some Klutz Help!
I would like to call myself almost an expert at making paper airplanes. As a kid, I made hundreds of them, but they were always one of two types, either a glider or a stunt plane. When my kids were younger, I tried to teach them the art of folding the perfect plane. I had their attention for a few…
Read more →October 25, 2012
Huffington Post Launches “Screen Sense” – A Site for Parenting & Tech
Yesterday, the Huffington Post launched a new property called "Screen Sense" which is a new resource designed to help parents understand and learn how to work with technology in their lives as well as their children's. As part of the launch event, I was invited to participate in discussing this exact topic on Huffington Post Live (a live video stream…
Read more →October 1, 2012
Circles, Style, Performance and Fun – The Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4
I have always wanted to test drive a Mini Cooper. Yeah, ok, they are "cute" but that's not the reason. They are fun - fun to look at, fun to experience and fun to drive. And they have quite a following of devoted fans. In fact, as I was test driving the 2012 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 on a…
Read more →September 12, 2012
The “Electrifying” Ride and Design of the 2012 Chevy Volt
When I was a kid, I actually invented hybrid cars. I thought - wouldn't it be cool if when you slowed down, you could send power back to the battery. Of course my idea was essentially based on a perpetual motion machine where there is no friction or energy loss. I didn't quite get the concept of the fact that…
Read more →August 20, 2012
Tight Design & Performance Complete the 2012 Audi A4 Quattro
After test driving the 2012 Audi A4 Quattro for 7 days, I had one word that pretty much summed up everything about this car - "tight." From the exterior body panels to the interior knobs and controls to the smooth, yet powerful engine, every little aspect of the A4 Quattro maps to this word. I really enjoyed my time with…
Read more →July 30, 2012
Getting Rugged in the 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X SUV
For 7 days, my family and I went off-roading in the 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x SUV way up deep into the mountains with no signs of humanity for miles. Well, actually we didn't, we only drove over to Monterrey, CA, but in my mind, I imagined taking the Xterra up into the mountains using the 4x4 the entire time. We…
Read more →July 18, 2012
Technology & Style Drive the 2012 Ford Edge Limited Edition
I have been test driving Fords for a few years now and I see an evolution happening. Not only are the autos becoming more stylish, the technology driving them is evolving. I remember first testing out the Ford Sync (when it was known more as Microsoft Sync) in the 2010 Ford Flex. Now, Ford has kept the innovation engine running…
Read more →July 9, 2012
A Vacation on Wheels! Review of the 2012 Volvo C70 Convertible
Test driving cars is truly a lot of fun and only over the past couple of years has it become regular content on HighTechDad.com. For me, I believe that cars are an important part of the family dynamic. They can be both utilitarian but also define the family persona. There may be one car that you use to do the…
Read more →