At the consumer electronics show last year I spent some time in the Eton booth and loved the Soulra XL. It wasn’t available at the time and now it is which is great news. The Soulra XL is an Apple  iPhone or iPod enabled boombox with a 72″ monocrystal solar recharging panel built in. In 5 hours you can recharge the system or your iphone in the sun and allows you to enjoy music at the beach, outdoor party, etc. The sound quality is excellent and with rubberized buttons and cover for phone you are protected against the elements. Perfect for playing itunes or streaming Pandora or Spotify you are ready to roll!

Side View
You will see a connector that is for the included strap.

Solar Panel View
The solar panel folds down onto the unit and a remote is included on the design.

Charging times:

• 5 hrs to fully charge in sun
• 8 hrs of playback
• 4 hrs to fully charge iPod/iPhone

Demo Video

The official specs are: Dimensions: 8.125″ H x 15.125″ W x 5.25″ D and weighs in at 7 pounds.

In summary, with 8 speakers (2x tweeter, 2x woofer, 4x passive radiator), portability, solar charging and sound quality this boombox makes it onto my favorite gadget list.

Want One? Check out the Eton Store

A friend of mine is getting his pilot’s license and mentioned the Ram mounting system as a favorite for pilots to secure a variety of phones, gps, etc. Curious, I explored further on how I could take an ipad 2 in the car for navigation (or watching a movie…) and below is what you need to mount it safely with the ultimate flexibility. The pricing can accelerate quickly but if you want the best, don’t skimp!

Ipad Cup Holder Mount

Seems the way that Ram mounts work is that you first need to identify your device
(iPad or iPad 2) ($41) for the case part – have to buy this Ram Mounts at Amazon

Step 2 – Choose Your Activity (each mount is unique)
- Aviation mounts, golf, marine, vehicle, wall mount or wheelchair (how cool are those options)

At this point you are now considering putting your ipad on your wall or boat, right?

Step 3 – Choose Your Mount Type
- Dash mount, drink cup, no drill mount, seat mounts, suction cup mounts or universal mount.

RAM Universal Cup Holder Mount ($30)
Tip – Mount is sold separately than the actual iPad holder

Dash Mount for iPad ($47)
Rubber ball and socket technology allows for almost infinite adjustment and perfect viewing angles and made with Powder Coated Marine Grade Aluminum.

Seat Mount ($105)
Now this looks crazy to me but if you are always alone and require a substantial mount this is for you!

Suction Cup Mount ($34)
Ultimate flexibility with this one as it can suction onto dash or window.

Suction Cup Example
Question – where was this photo taken?

Swing Arm Mount

One thing left to talk about and that is power (conveniently they left that out in the photos)

Seems that you connect at the bottom of the base

Overall, I am really impressed with the whole Ram mounting system and can’t wait to explore my options for mounting an iphone on my bicycle. Check out more ready to go options Ram Mounts at Amazon

Recently I purchased the iHome iD9 portable sound dock and wanted to share my excitement over the device. As an avid listener of music on Pandora and owner of an iPhone 4 and iPad 2 I was looking for a self powered portable speaker that could be used anywhere. My other speakers would not support the weight of the iPad and required an earphone connection which wasn’t ideal.

In reviewing all the speaker docking stations, they always had a negative attached to them including poor sound, no battery, size, integrated iphone dock or software compatability issues. I can’t tell you how many times I placed my iPhone in speaker docks at Best Buy, Target, etc. and leaving the store disappointed.

Now, not all docking stations are poor and have my eye on some larger ones but let’s get back to the iHome iD9. First you should watch the ihome id9 video review I made for YouTube as a visual experience is always better.

Ihome id9 with iphone 4

What is good about the iD9 over others?

The iD9 was obviously designed by engineers who cared about design, sound and portability. The $99 price tag was fine with me because the unit while plugged in also acts as a charger for the iPhone or iPad which is a bonus.

• Excellent battery life (have it poolside for hours and crank up the tunes)
• Portable Size (not to large to drop into your suitcase for listening to tunes in hotels, office, etc)
• AC powered (important so it creates an extra charging station for ipad or iphone)
• Line Input (good for using other music devices or playing from laptop into the speaker)
• Lighted battery meter on front (helpful for knowing when the music will stop)
• ihome sleep application (download from app store) will wake you to music and enable features like weather, news and social media. I personally don’t use this feature but for the alarm clock seekers this speaker coupled with an ipad makes an outstanding duo next to the bed.

What isn’t good?
Ok, I do have one gripe about the unit as it relates to line in functionality. The speaker has a built in power saver that senses that if using line in without an ac power attached it will shut off automatically after say 5 minutes or so. Not a deal breaker for me but wanted to note that one.

Overall, since I purchased the original unit I purchased 2 more as gifts and each recipient has loved the design and the sound it produces. Pick one up as this portable speaker is a winner! Want to buy one? I am a partner of iHome and you can buy direct here -> iHome’s iPod/iPhone Devices

As an Apple fanatic, I ordered the iPad2 from Apple yesterday morning and sitting here imagining what it would be like to play with. As I read the various reviews from the zillion web sites who cover it I came across one on 9to5mac that spoke about a teardown of an ipad2 on ifixit.

My Question – Can I UPGRADE the Toshiba 16GB Flash memory chip to say a 64GB?

At first I wondered, why would you ever tear one of these apart?
However, thank you ifixit for doing it because it’s nice to know the component breakdown from an independent source vs. Apple. In the breakdown they mentioned the following components:

• Toshiba TH58NVG7D2FLA89 16GB NAND Flash (THAT’S IT)

Question? Can I UPGRADE the Toshiba 16GB Flash memory chip to say a 64GB?

Answer: Not sure, this is the participation part as I would like to hear from the experts out there who know. Seems that iPads (non 3G models) are essentially the same device but with upgrades to the flash memory. It also seems that it would be possible to interchange these flash chips, right?

Ok – so let’s assume it’s possible to change the iPad flash memory. Does Apple lock up the full supply chain of these from Toshiba or is it used in other devices? I did a search for the part on Avnet and noticed that stock or ordering was not going to be easy…

So what are your thoughts? Has to be a way to bypass Apple’s pricing for flash memory and upgrade your ipad.

What a cool product from Zagg! The Zaggmate iPad keyboard case with bluetooth has arrived! The iPad is an amazing gadget but the virtual keyboard is just not feasible for typing (large amounts of text that is). I was thinking the only options were the bluetooth Apple keyboard coupled with a stand or one of those cheap keyboard solutions. If you have looked at some of the other options available for keyboards you wil understand what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Apple keyboard and use it every day with my MacBook but like the integration of this design for the complete package into one case is the ticket.

Meet the ZAGGmate iPad Keyboard and Case!

• iPad clips into keyboard and rests against the support in the back.
• Aluminum Case is integrated so when closed it protects iPad screen and the keyboard
• Has integrated buttons for music control, volume, home and search (watch that in other keyboard solutions).
• Built in battery – 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that will last for over a week
• Note – you must connect the keyboard to your iPad using Bluetooth so be aware that you need to setup that (very easy)
• Would make a great holiday gift and Sells for $99 at ZAGG

Front View with Apple iPad

• Nice integration and angle of display

This is a Key Point (Don’t bring your iPad + Case + Keyboard but just one ZAGGMate solution)

Video Demonstration (from ZAGG)

Side View

• Nice integration – seems that it flows with the iPad design and allows use of side buttons / port if needed.
• Aluminum design

Just the Keyboard

• Seems compact, would we a welcome addition to bring with you on a business trip, trade show and perfect to type a blog post in a light weight and portable design.

Overall, I really like the design and appreciate the attention to detail by ZAGG and give this 2 thumbs up! The compact solution rocks!

It’s time for my top 10 holiday gadgets for 2010 and handpicked some great ones. I am really particular on what goes on the list so if buying for gift or yourself you can be assured that these are winners. If you have questions, feel free to comment.

1. Apple iPad
Sure, it’s been out for awhile but if you really want to impress the gadget lover who doesn’t own one you absolutely can’t go wrong. The iPad is just fun and with the flexibility to add in entertainment from Netflix on demand, music streaming and internet browsing your gift will be remembered for years. Cost $499 for Wifi 16GB model.
Apple iPad with Wi-Fi – 16GB (BestBuy.com – buy online or pick-up)

2. NetFlix
As I mentioned above, Netflix is really cool these days and if you haven’t experienced the streaming version you need to today. I recently downloaded a 30 day free trial and it’s been a hit at the household. Now you can access thousands of movies and TV shows online through your ipad, tablet, laptop, Blueray,Wii or iphone. No more blockbuster rentals or on demand paid movies from Verizon or Comcast. The connection to your TV is either wireless or hardwired through Google TV, Apple TV, BluRay player or Wii. At $8.99/mo this would be a great gift to give to a family member. I wanted to add that you can watch on your ipad or iphone – pause the movie and return days later in the same place. Start your Netflix FREE trial today! (Netflix.com)

3. Samsung Galaxy Tablet
In case the person you are buying a gift for is really into Google over Apple than skip the iPad decision and go for the new 7″ Android competitor. You will see many options utilizing the Android operating system and this is a nice solution. $399+ at Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T. (Didn’t include link since so new) (ps- I would buy iPad over this but had to mention since very hot right now)

4. Amazon Kindle
The competition is really heating up in the ebook readers vs. the ipad tablets and prices are falling fast. At $139 for Wifi or $189 for 3G nationwide service they really deliver a solid gift offerring. The advantage of the kindle over the ipad is that the screen is really nice and resembles true print versus a monitor screen like the ipad. The Barnes and Noble Nook is nice but don’t see the point in spending more for color. For the true book reader, the kindle can be read poolside in direct sunlight while an ipad is limited. If your gift recipient is a part time reader than it may be funner to buy the ipad instead as it does so much more. Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6 (Amazon.com)

5. Google TV by Sony
It’s a new era in entertainment and all about blending the internet and your television together. Sony  has developed a solution that allows you to watch programs from the internet, browse the web, listen to music and so much more. The devices vary but the cheapest runs for $299 and if you don’t have a bluetooth player you can get that model for $399 and be done with that purchase.  I tested AppleTV and even though it’s $99 and should be on the list I returned it. Sure, I can access iTunes or Netflix but everything seemed to circumvent around buying from Apple and I already give them way too much money as it is so prefer Google TV. Buy online at Best Buy or choose store pickup (BestBuy.com)

6. Sony HDTV with built in Google TV
Don’t want to buy a separate Google TV? What if you could buy a new Sony HDTV with it already inside and nifty keyboard to boot? I really like this option as the idea of cruising the web from the coach when you need to is appealing and really doesn’t add much cost to the TV. The smallest is 24″ at $599 and goes to 46″ at $1399 Buy online at Best Buy or choose store pickup (BestBuy.com)

7. Sony NEX-5 Digital Camera & Digital Camcorder
The convergence is happening between digital cameras and video cameras and won’t be long before you need only one. Personally, I like to carry one device whether it’s an iphone 4 or my Sanyo HD Camcorder since they both handle digital pictures and HD videos with ease. The issue with digital cameras is that the microphones were always sub-par (makes me think it was so you would have to buy the camcorder!). What caught my eye was the ability to add an optional Sony shotgun-style mic (ECM-SST1).
α NEX-5 Camera with 16mm Lens NEX5A/S (SonyStyle.com)

Video Review by DigitalRevTV of Sony NEX-5 First Impressions

8. SlingBox
Ever record a show and want to pull it up while you are away on business? Or maybe you want to catch a live show or local team on your home TV but you are somewhere else? With the SlingBox solutions and an internet connection you have the ability to remotely control your TV or HDTV with your laptop.  At $299 for the HD model you can’t go wrong and will never have a monthly fee! Sling Media SB300-100 Slingbox Pro HD (J&R Electronics)

9. Sonos s5 Music System
You are probably streaming Pandora music by now and what if you could have a stand alone system and color remote that can stream music where you want it? The idea behind Sonos is convenience, sound quality and choice of music. When you integrate a Sonos system in your home you can have jazz playing in the office from Pandora, Alt Nation in the kitchen from Sirius and Cuban music from Rhapsody playing poolside (all at once). Not an inexpensive solution, starts at $399/room and moves up with the rooms you want to fill. A helpful iphone app is available to control your music and I hear an iPad app is coming as well. The demo is great to watch.Sonos ZonePlayer S5 (white) (Sonos.com)

10. SANYO XACTI VPC-HD2000 (My personal video solution)
Funny, I haven’t reviewed this but I looked far and wide for the smallest, portable, power packed digital video camera I could find. I owned a previous Xacti Sanyo  camcorder, had Flip Cams, Vados, etc. and this new one blows the doors off the old ones. It’s a pistol grip design and records 1080P in HDTV format up to 60fps onto a SD card. My version is a little aggressive as it started at $499 for the base camera but will share what I use for videos now. (1) 32GB Delkin SD card (class 6) $130, (1) Audio-Technica wireless lavalier microphone system that extends to 100ft $150, (1) Manfrotto pistol grip tripod $60. In the next week I will be releasing the new videos and really is outstanding when shooting outside. For inside shooting, I utilize external lighting and backgrounds so if planning to shoot birthday parties buy a flip cam instead. Sanyo VPC-HD2000A Xacti 8MP High Definition 1080P (Black) (Amazon.com)

Well that’s my top 10 holiday gadgets for 2010 and hope you have a great holiday season. Please comment and let me know if you would like to add to the list or have a question about them. Cheers, Michael

Does your MacBook Pro heat up? Mine does and I have been looking at this cool portable lapdesk by Logitech for some time. I was in Target and noticed it was reduced to from $29 to $18 so had to buy it. What I like the most is that it must be made for the MacBook Pro 15 and super thin. I didn’t consider one of those fan based models so if you like them, chime in.

Next Add MacBook Pro 15

Next, add a trackball mouse (that’s a cool mouse isn’t it)

So why do you want this product?
The concept is easy, place lapdesk on lap, watch TV, keep typing, look down, use mouse and keep going. Get up and put laptop on floor and repeat.  The benefit is a desk on the go and not to burn your legs in the process. Go buy one and you will like how well designed and portable it really is.

Just purchased the portable Apple Bluetooth keyboard and it’s such a great product I needed to share with you. I am writing the post using the keyboard, iphone4 and wordpress iphone app all on an airplane tray. I have room for a drink and some so the Macbook Pro stays in the bag (it never fit anyway).

On airplane tray (see room for a drink)

You might be think it’s just a keyboard and it is but what was impressive to me was using with the iphone 4. As I head to New York for Affiliate Summit I plan to write notes and blog posts on the fly over the next 5 days.

Side Views

What I liked:
- Bluetooth (syncs quickly and was easy to setup)
- Cool metal design – so sleek
- iPod controls – will play music, change volume, skip, etc.
- Brightness control – handy for adjustments without going into settings.
- Flexibility to use with other mac machines. I haven’t had the need but some may consider that an advantage.
- Battery is located in the round tube that also doubles as a keyboard angle stand.

What would be nice:
- Lighted keys
- Center hinge so it could fold in half with keys in the middle.
- Case for travel (i like a case for everything and try to keep incase profitable!)

Overall loving this keyboard and at $69 was a little pricey but for what it does I really couldn’t care less. Keep up the good design work Apple. You can also check out at Amazon for a cheaper price (affiliate link) Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)

If you liked this post, please spread the word. You can find me at @projectgadget on Twitter and Facebook (see Like button below..). You can also, subscribe to the RSS Feed at Email. Click to return to projectgadget.com to check out some more cool gadgets! Cheers, Michael

The iphone 4 case race is on and just checked out the cases available for Free on iTunes. Per the “antennagate” reception issue, Apple is giving users the option to receive a free bumper case or one of 7 other models. That’s nice of Apple and just picked up 2 of them. However, I must say none of the cases hold a candle to the ifrogz iphone 4 Lux Lean cases we are sporting right now.

This is the screen you see after you download the iphone 4 case app on itunes.

Screen 2

After analyzing the cases here are my thoughts since I am a case fanatic:

Incase Options

• Incase Snap Case for iphone 4 – Clear – I choose this one out of the eight for design, clarity of case and for the reason that incase makes quality products. Besides you get to see the beauty of the iphone 4.
  Update to original post - this is an excellent case and decided to switch the ifrogz with it over the Griffin case. If you have to choose one go with Incase.
• Incase Snap case for iphone 4 in smoke – nice case, same as clear version so can’t miss on that one.

Speck Case Options

• Speck fitted case iphone 4 in black tartan. Nice design with tartan plaid on back. I considered it but the plaid was just not my style (they should offer others). Otherwise, appreciate the Speck designs and would be a nice choice.
• Speck Pixelskin HD iphone 4 case – a rubber protected model and not being into extra bulk it’s just not for me. Maybe you need this protection but as Austin Powers says it’s not my bag baby.

Griffin Cases:

• Griffin Motif iphone 4 cases with diamonds and smoke – nice skin with a special material that makes it durable yet flexible. I was really on the fence on this one and thought it looked cool. Update – did not love this case and don’t use it
• Griffin Reveal Etch iphone 4 case – black graphite – with slim design and polycarbonate back I choose this as my second case.

For the Belkin & Apple solution I didn’t consider them because I have faith in Incase, Speck and Griffin but not Belkin. Maybe I have had too many Belkin products that have left me going “why did i buy this..”

So take your shot and reserve yours today since the eta is 3 – 5 weeks and who knows when they may arrive

Anyway – the case I use each day is the ifrogz slim case who seems to have an exclusive with Best Buy which is where i bought a bright green and slate gray versions. They fit like a glove and the metal construction is lightweight and perfect.

Let me know what you choose and you can find me at @projectgadget on Twitter and Facebook (see Like button below..). If you liked this post please subscribe to the RSS Feed or signup to receive posts by Email. Click to return to projectgadget.com to see some more cool gadgets! Cheers, Michael

Instead of a product review I wanted to try something different and talk about an issue I am facing. With the launch of the Apple iPad it has made me consider my overall mobile gadget strategy. As an iPhone user I really love the iTunes integration, available apps and overall fun. However, with the android operating system on the rise my curiosity is leaning towards Google and HTC rather than Apple. So what to do?

The cross platform solution

Since Apple will continue to innovate and Google will put the heat on developing mobile applications the horizon looks very bright either way you go. To capitalize on both innovators and apps here is the solution:

1. Buy an Adroid phone by HTC Droid Eris or HTC Hero
HTC creates mobile phones that combine outstanding industrial design and functionality. With an android based phone you will ride the wave of new applications, embrace a superior operating system and have a better overall mobile experience. The android system is much better than the iphone and I am ready to transition.

2. Buy an iPad and utilize the Apple app’s
Since I love the iPhone, I don’t want to give up on the Apple apps and figured the best solution was to use an iPad for them vs. the iPhone. In my testing the iPad it’s really a larger iPhone and and an excellent gadget to own. On a side note, the iPad had superior photo and video displays and enjoyed every moment I had using the gadget.

So my plan is to wait till June and see the new iPhone before I make this decision. I really like the iphone but can’t ignore the momentum of Google and feel they wont’ stop till they win the battle. So why fight the system? Embrace both Apple & Google and enjoy the ultimate user experience with 2 app stores to choose from. What are your thoughts?