BlackBerry Curve 9370
Verizon, $99.99 on contract
PROS
RIM's Curve 9370 is just another under-powered, small-screened, antiquated BlackBerry device. Unless you're absolutely locked in to the BlackBerry ecosystem, then the Curve isn't for you.
Verizon, $99.99 on contract
PROS
- Sleek design
- Antiquated operating system
- No touchscreen
- Lacking application store
- No 4G capabilities
- Low resolution
- Middling battery life
RIM's Curve 9370 is just another under-powered, small-screened, antiquated BlackBerry device. Unless you're absolutely locked in to the BlackBerry ecosystem, then the Curve isn't for you.
Logitech Mini Boombox
$99.99
PROS
The Mini Boombox is truly a superb product that left me wondering how they could cram so much good sound into such a small package. The asking price of $99 is a tad higher than other Bluetooth speakers---but for those who want the best, the choice is clear.
$99.99
PROS
- Best-in-class sonic performance
- Excellent bass response for its size
- Gorgeous looks
- Abundant power
- Innovative control panel
- Perhaps too large for small "gear bags"
- No carry pouch
- Top panel is prone to scratching
The Mini Boombox is truly a superb product that left me wondering how they could cram so much good sound into such a small package. The asking price of $99 is a tad higher than other Bluetooth speakers---but for those who want the best, the choice is clear.
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime
$499 32GB, $599 64GB, $149 keyboard dock
PROS
Is the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime perfect? No, but very close. If you are looking for the absolute best Android tablet on the market, take a look at the Prime.
$499 32GB, $599 64GB, $149 keyboard dock
PROS
- Amazing Design
- Great Performance
- Great Camera
- Plenty of Storage
- Beautiful Screen
- Superb Battery Life
- WiFi and GPS Issues
- Availability
- Shallow microSD Card Slot
- Missing Some Android 4.0 Features
Is the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime perfect? No, but very close. If you are looking for the absolute best Android tablet on the market, take a look at the Prime.
Cobra Universal Headrest Tablet Mount
$39.95
PROS
A decent overall experience. Great for entertaining the kids on a long drive, and that's about the extent of its usefulness.
$39.95
PROS
- Sturdy Construction
- Excellent Adhesive Grip
- Functional
- Slightly Tedious Installation
- Removal of Tablet Difficult
- Needs Longer Arms
A decent overall experience. Great for entertaining the kids on a long drive, and that's about the extent of its usefulness.
OtterBox Commuter & Defender (Galaxy Nexus)
$34.95, $49.95
PROS
The Galaxy Nexus versions of these cases are simply too thick for my taste. At 16.59 and 19.6 millimeters respectively, I can't recommend the Commuter or Defender. Other than the thickness factor, both of these cases are excellent protectors of your precious Samsung hardware.
$34.95, $49.95
PROS
- Extremely protective
- Far too thick
- Silicone rubber attracts lint, dirt
- Buttons are difficult to press
The Galaxy Nexus versions of these cases are simply too thick for my taste. At 16.59 and 19.6 millimeters respectively, I can't recommend the Commuter or Defender. Other than the thickness factor, both of these cases are excellent protectors of your precious Samsung hardware.
LG Nitro HD
AT&T, $249.99 on contract
PROS
The Nitro HD is quite possibly the best device on AT&T, even over the Skyrocket. But— and it's a major one— the software bugs must be fixed before I would ever recommend this device. Android 4.0 could be this device's safe haven.
AT&T, $249.99 on contract
PROS
- Drop-dead gorgeous display
- Fast LTE speeds
- Good voice quality
- Locks up frequency
- Awkward hard-key placement
- Inability to toggle LTE
- Terrible battery life (Due to the former?)
The Nitro HD is quite possibly the best device on AT&T, even over the Skyrocket. But— and it's a major one— the software bugs must be fixed before I would ever recommend this device. Android 4.0 could be this device's safe haven.
Satechi BT Portable Wireless Speaker
$44.99
PROS
The Satechi BT Portable Wireless Speaker offers a nice boost in sound quality and output level for your smartphone or tablet at a palatable price. However, those looking for audiophile-grade sound should look elsewhere.
$44.99
PROS
- Extremely compact when popped-in
- Innovative pop-out design actually works
- Useful carry pouch
- Adequate volume and sound quality
- Lots of distortion at high volume
- Lack of bass response
The Satechi BT Portable Wireless Speaker offers a nice boost in sound quality and output level for your smartphone or tablet at a palatable price. However, those looking for audiophile-grade sound should look elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Verizon, $299.99 on contract
PROS
Thanks to the combination of excellent hardware and the ultimate new software behind Android 4.0, the Galaxy Nexus is a winner. It undoubtedly stands apart from the competition. I'm willing to say, without much hesitation, that the Galaxy Nexus is the best smartphone on the market right now.
Verizon, $299.99 on contract
PROS
- Android 4.0
- HD Super AMOLED display
- Blazing fast
- 4G LTE
- No Exynos processor, older GPU
- Poor 5-megapixel camera
- Lengthy accelerometer response times
- Rare incompatible application force closes
Thanks to the combination of excellent hardware and the ultimate new software behind Android 4.0, the Galaxy Nexus is a winner. It undoubtedly stands apart from the competition. I'm willing to say, without much hesitation, that the Galaxy Nexus is the best smartphone on the market right now.
Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount
$29.95
PROS
The Cobra Universal Mount surpasses my experiences with other universal phone mounts, and I've been using exclusively in my day to day travels. I would recommend the Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount for anyone seeking a functional, sturdy solution to mounting their phone for use while on the road.
$29.95
PROS
- Sturdy Construction
- Full Access to Phone Features
- Reasonable Cost
- Excellent Adhesive
- Might Require Modification to Use Correctly
- Long Term Use Concerns
- Somewhat Difficult to Remove Phone from Adhesive
The Cobra Universal Mount surpasses my experiences with other universal phone mounts, and I've been using exclusively in my day to day travels. I would recommend the Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount for anyone seeking a functional, sturdy solution to mounting their phone for use while on the road.