Review: NEXUS S, Best Android Phone To Date!

Android Smartphones have come a long way.  I remember when I got the G1 in the beginning, I thought to myself, this phone is significant to the mobile world but I'm not impressed.  Last Christmas, when we got the original Nexus One, I felt it was much polished but it didn't blow me away.  Over the summer, when we got the HTC EVO 4G, I started to feel like Android OS and hardware is getting serious... especially with the support for Flash animation via Froyo 2.2 build.  This year, when I picked up the NEXUS S for the first time, I was blown away.  This phone is polished!

In terms of performance, the HTC EVO 4G has always been impressive, in a heavily modified Camaro SS kind of a way.  Its fast, powerful but bulky.  With the NEXUS S, it feels more like a refined sports sedan like the BMW 335is.  First impression, LCD is crystal clear, the touchscreen and feedback is precise and the phone is light and thin.  Samsung did an amazing job with the hardware and Google's Gingerbread 2.3 is the pennicle of mobile OS.  With an all-star support around the OS, GMail, Google Maps 5.0 (released today), Google Talk, Account Sync, this phone is ready for action right out of the box (no wires needed).

I haven't played around with the features too much, but the camera speed and quality is comparable to my iPhone 4.  I already downloaded Google Maps 5.0 and will try out the offline cache mode.  This feature would have been Amazing for my last trip to Barcelona and will pay dividends for all my future trips abroad.  So far, the NEXUS S has been the best designed mobile phone to date.  Google is definitely setting newer standards for its vision on Android and with the embedded NFC chip, mCommerce is going to be very different in the near term.

Review: Plantronics BackBeat 903+ (Bluetooth Stereo)

Chances are, if you are an iPhone or iPod touting urban warrior, you have a set of stereo headphones or earbuds that you traverse the city with.  They are handy, low-maintenance and easy to carry.  There is one thing that drives me nuts is the cords; they simply get in the way and a simple body or arm gesture can yank one or both of your ear buds right out of your ears not to mention how they tangle up each time.

This is where a nice set of bluetooth stereo headset such as the new Plantronics BackBeat 903+ comes in to play.  Design wise, the BackBeat 903+ isn't anything crazy, it reminds me of two Plantronics Voyager Pro+ strung together as a stereo headset.  Control wise, the headset offers all the essential buttons that can be found in a bluetooth ear piece: Power/Pair button, Volume+ and Volume- and a button on the right ear bud for music Play/Pause while the left ear bud has the Talk/End button.

The headset is pretty light weight despite its looks, although it looks bulky, it is pretty comfortable to wear over time.  The music quality is decent but doesn't offer enough BASS for my taste, much like the Plantronics BackBeat 216 I reviewed.  The voice talk function is nice although the position of the mic is actually part of the right ear-bud so you must talk fairly loud to ensure your recipient to hear you clearly.  The noise level in a phone call is comparable to any other premium headset I've tested, what is surprising is having both ear buds in doesn't muffle my own voice to the point where I feel like I need to shout inorder to here myself.

The nicest thing about having a stereo bluetooth headset is no more cords to deal with.  The freedom of turning your head and moving your arms around is great.  Since both ear buds clamps on your ear lobe, you might even be able to wear this headset for some light exercise although I wouldn't recommended if you sweat a lot.  Note that using while bluetooth headsets are very cool, it does drain your device's battery considerably faster; BackBeat 903+ itself can last about 7 hours of playback so what I prefer to do is sync'ing up with my iPad which also has decent battery life to watch videos or stream internet radio.

The BackBeat 903+ goes for $99 MSRP and is available at Plantronics website.

Review: Griffin Elan Passport Graphite for iPad

This is a quick review, more photographic review of an update to a popular iPad case (Elan Passport) that I've already reviewed.  Structurally, the new Elan Passport Graphite is identical as the non-graphite version, the main difference being a faux-leather surface versus a faux-Graphite finish.  I happen to be a big fan of Griffin's "Graphite" series of cases as the Elan Etch is still my iPhone case of choice in terms of looks and practicality.

The other noticeable difference with the Elan Passport Graphite (MSRP $49.99) is it seems like the fit is a bit tighter, or snug(er) than the original which is a good feeling to have.  The Griffin Elan Passport series, in Graphite, continues to be a solid performer and very business-oriented with all the pockets/folder inside the front cover.  It just looks sharper than ever.  Enjoy the pics.

Review: Griffin MyPhones (Headphones for Kids)

Chances are, if you own and iPad and have kids, your iPad is likely to be served as your children's companion especially during a vacation or road trip.  One of the most important accessories to own is a pair of headphones for kids.  This is where Griffin's MyPhones come in to save the day (or trip).  Calibrated at 85 decibels, recommended level by many auditory health organization, this headphones can be safely used by your child even if you set the iPad volume to max.  (Warning: be sure to set the volume back down after use just incase you decide to plug in a headphone for yourself afterwards).  The headphones fit small children nicely and is adjustable making it fit children across different age group.

What I like about Griffin's MyPhones is the entire package and when I say entire package, I literally meant the product packaging which can also be used as a storage case for the headphones.  It also comes with three sets of earcap designs for your child to customize the look accordingly.  There are even more creative designs available at http://myphoneskids.com. Griffin MyPhones is $39 MSRP and I think its a must-have for your children if they use any audio device that requires headphones!

Review: iFrogz Ronin Over-the-Head Style Headphones

It seems like these days, a pair of over-sized DJ style headphones is a required accessory to an urban hipster.  That is why iFrogz's new Ronin headphones (MSRP $49) may be that missing acessories from your wardrobe.

The Ronin DJ Style Headphones come in four colorful variations.  It sits comfortably over your head with a soft and cushiony ear pads with just the right amount of tension.  The headphones are adjustable and the cords are plenty long and durable.  In this iPhone crazed era, I would have liked the headset to come with an inline mic for more practicality.

The audio performance from the Ronin headphones is nice but nothing extreme.  Given its frequency range is quite narrow between 20-20,000Hz, it doesn't hit the lows or the highs compared to other headsets that I'm used to.  The higher priced Mogul headphones in the iFrogz line-up may be a better fit for those looking for more sound bite (10-30,000Hz).

Review: Plantronics BackBeat 216

Plantronics recently released a new set of stereo headsets with inline mic and I've had the opportunity to review them.  As I've mentioned in the past, high quality stereo headphones with built-in Mic seems to be a rare breed, so I'm always excited to welcome new ones to the club.

The Plantronics BackBeat 216 sells for $49 a pair which makes it almost a premium headphone but not quite.  From the design of it, it sure looks and qualifies to be considered a premium headphone but the nice thing here is that its price-point is quite affordable.  The typical bells and whistles are there, 3 different ear buds sizes, inline microphone with volume control and cloth-wrapped tangle-free cord.

I was anxious to test out these headphones because one of the advertising points printed on the front of the box is "Bass Boost Headphones" and I love my headphones with good low-frequency response rate.  Upon testing, I was a little disappointed by the Bass response, or the lack of.  Upon closer inspection, I realized the frequency range for the BackBeat 216 is 20Hz to 18500Hz as oppose to some other headsets like my V-Moda Vibe II goes both lower and higher at 12Hz to 22000Hz.  The mid to higher range frequencies are as advertised which is crystal clear.  I suspected Plantronics engineers had voice-conversations in mind since building phone/bluetooth headset is the name of their game.  The headphones do offer excellent noise shield with the size-adjustable ear buds and the audio control is great with the inline remote/mic.

Overall, I'd say this set of headset is really good if you are not looking for strong Bass (some might find too much Bass response headache inducing), at $49 MSRP, this headset gives you a lot of premium design, feel without the premium price tag. 

Review: Griffin Standle Case for iPad

It feels like in the world of iPad users, there are two types of user preference.  There is the carrying case (folio) kinda folks and there is the stand (prop) kinda folks.  Some carrying cases allows for you to prop up your iPad but it doesn't look good as a stand.  Some stands look nice but offers no protection.  Then, along came the Griffin Standle, the name even suggest that it would be an hybrid of sort.  Sure enough, it is.

The Standle is a hardcase for the iPad offering some protection around your precious hardware.  What makes it different is its ability to prop up the iPad in both Portrait and Landscape mode and, while propped, actually looks very good as if its on an actual hardware stand.  The case comes in two pieces, you simply snap it together sandwiching the iPad in the middle.  Those of you familiar with my reviews will know that I'm generally not a fan of the 2-halves design because of one incident where my original iPhone (EDGE) actually fall out of the case upon impact.  Therefore, I would not rely on this case too much for impact related protection, there are other suitable choices for that.

Overall, the Standle is very easy to use and is truly a versatile case for your iPad.  The black, glossy finish is good looking in a Darth Vader kind of a way but attracts finger prints just as much as your iPad screen.  For basic protection that can be used as a stand, this is one of the most creative iPad case design I have ever seen.  The case is now available online for $49.99.

Review: Griffin Elan Folio for iPad

I have decided to give my iPad a real go and replace my paper notebook and pens at work to see if it can become my right hand man at work.  As part of the preparation, I wanted to find a good case/cover for the iPad so I can protect it from the day to day.  When Griffin launched their new Elan Folio case, I thought it'd be great to go for a test drive with it.

Griffin Elan Folio is a porfolio style case that allows you to slide your iPad into the case providing ample all around protection. The cutouts for all the ports, switches, speaker are perfectly aligned so you can have full control of your iPad.  The case allows you to prop up your iPad into two standing positions (both for landscape view).  All in all, the Elan Folio is a very professional looking case; the iPad looks very handsome inside this case.

There are a couple of feedback that I thought could be improved: unlike the Elan Passport for iPad, this case doesn't have the pockets lined up the inside of the case cover (which proved to be handy when I'm at off-site meetings).  Also, the case can only be setup to prop the iPad in landscape view, it would have been nice to be able to prop via picture mode as well.

If you are looking for a handsome looking case to protect your iPad that can be used to prop up your screen in landscape mode, Griffin Elan Folio (MSRP $49.99) case should be one of the consideration.

Review: Otter Box Impact Series Case for HTC EVO

If you own a smart device other than Apple's, you will know that it's pretty hard to find accessories for them.  Things get harder to find when it comes to devices that are one off design for selected manufacturers, for instance, all of the HTC phones.  Well, if you happen to own the best HTC Android smartphone today (IMHO), then your HTC EVO 4G is in luck.  OTTER BOX just released it's Impact series case for the EVO and in short, it works and fits very nicely (and I like it!)

Otter Box is famous for it's high quality and durability in cases (see a handful of my reviews on various Apple products here).  That same ruggedness is now available to protect your top dog 4G smartphone. The Impact series case is a one piece silicon sleeve, albeit one thick silicon case offering ample protection.  In Otter Box's own description, it's toughness is rated level 2 out of 4, those looking for ultimate levels of protection should look into their level 4 case, the DEFENDER series (see my reviews).

I was surprised at how much I liked the Impact case for the EVO, it fits the device perfectly, as if the case and EVO have fused together the instant they met.  The cutouts are precise and the texture (especially) on the backside looks amazing, even better than stock. Since the EVO has a smooth/high gloss finish, using the case provides addition grip with it's rubbery finish which also decreased the devices tendency to slide off surfaces on an incline.  The case also offers extra padding around the front of the phone to make sure that gorgeous LCD will not make contact with the flat surface thus avoid unnecessary scratch; this is on top of throwing in a free LCD protector laminate film.

All Otter Box cases tend to add some thickness or heft to the devices but it didn't feel this way with the EVO.  Prior to trying out this Impact Series case (MSRP: $19.99), the EVO was used naked in it's default state, now this EVO will always be rocking inside the Otter Box Impact Series case.

Bottom line: One of the best cases with a good balance of pricing, fit and performance, its a little nugget of protection for your top of line Android device....  If you weren't sure, just go get it, you'll love it!

Review: Otter Box Impact Series case for iPhone 4

Otter Box, manufacturer of tough cases, recently introduced a new series of gadgetry protection called the Impact Series for the iPhone 4.  The Impact Series offers the least amount of protection amongst the Otter Box line but make no mistake, this case is still big on toughness nut light on the cost ($19.99).

Unlike previous cases I have tested, which can be made of two or more pieces, the Impact Series is a single silicon sleeve (plus the usual screen protector). Installation is straight forward and once installed, there is no mistake that you've got an Otter Box on your baby!  For one, this silicon sleeve offers more protection area by covering both the top and bottom portions of the iPhone 4 screen up to the point where the amazing Retina Display LCD begins.  The case also adds some thickness around the frame so that your LCD will not touch the surface when laying down.  You can tell it's an Otter Box by it's extra thickness in material thus offering more protection.  Some folks might find the case a bit thick for the pocket (albeit it's already the smallest and most compact when compared to other Otter Box I've
tested).

If you are looking for a case that can offer legit protection without breaking the bank, the Impact Series case for the iPhone 4 is definitely a good choice if you don't mind the slight thickness.

(Size reference, I put it up against a Griffin Elan Etch case, with the extra bulk, you will get the extra padding and protection)

Review: Plantronics Voyager Pro+ (plus)

Plantronics recently launched a wave of new bluetooth headsets, amongst them, is an update to the solid Voyager PRO headset dubbed as Voyager PRO+(plus).  I've always had a pair of the original Voyager PRO and have always thought of it as one of the best bluetooth headset, with the new "+" model, Plantronics added A2DP bluetooth audio as well as some of its advance audio features like GPS streaming or TXT capabilities using the new Vocalyse service.

The Voyager PRO+ (MSPR: $99) is still a rock solid performer.  While its considerably bigger and heavier than some of the other leading premium headsets, I love the way its hook distributes its bulk and sits comfortably/securely on my ear.  I can wear it for hours without any cramps.  The Voyager PRO+ is also very serious looking, with a long mic extension in stainless steel, it is meant for folks seriously depending on their headset and it backs its good looks up with a solid 6 hour talk time.  While I prefer some of the newer headsets mechanical power switch (instead of a button that requires one to hold it down for a few seconds), the headset is still quite manageable given its dedicated call/receive and volume (+/-) buttons.  One can easily tell the power status by looking at the battery meter displayed on the iPhone after an easy pairing process.

Calls are loud and clear with the new PRO+ (as was the original), Plantronics Audio IQ2 noise reduction is always hard at work.  One of the indicator that PRO+ is a serious performer is that it comes with an additional micro USB cable which is handy to be used with any USB based charger (think of the convenience of using any spare USB chargers you have around at home or for your car).  The headset will also speak most of its function or battery status to you which is a good improvement over the original.

As mentioned earlier, the original Voyager PRO was already a rock star, now that A2DP is available, Plantronics has perfected a solid design.  I highly enjoy the new Voyager PRO+.