http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Wed, 08 May 2013 03:30:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/swann-hd-pencam-720p-cameraAside from video displays and televisions, we like to check out some other video gadgets. The Swann HD PenCam Mini 720p Video Camera & Recorder is a ballpoint pen that's like a real-life high-tech spying device. You can capture video and images with the push of a button. It's like walking around with an executive-quality black ballpoint pen that secretly houses a pinhole video camera. It's called a pinhole camera that's so small you almost can't see it. The HD PenCam shoots AVI video files at 720p (1280 x 720) resolution or JPEG still images at 1600 x 1200. The HD PenCam's memory card slot holds a swappable MicroSD card (not included), up to 16GB.Wed, 08 May 2013 03:30:00 -0000/reviews/portables/swann-hd-pencam-720p-cameraPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/otterbox-armor-series-case-videoOtterbox was late in releasing their Armor Series cases for the iPhone and Galaxy S3 but, as they say, better late than never. Now, I'm going to start off this review with all the reasons you wouldn't want to get this case. And here's why—if you get this case without understanding it, then you're going to be disappointed. You just are. So I'll give you some examples of why this case might not be for you..and then I'll give you some reasons why it might be EXACTLY what you're looking for. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/otterbox-armor-series-case-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/v-moda-vamp-verza-dac-metallo-caseI'll just be honest—I can't explain what this thing is in 15 words or less. V-Moda invented these two things it's calling the Vamp Verza and Metallo. Basically it's a hi-fi amplifier, DAC, battery and docking metal case... And it's compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S III, S IV, and iPhone 5. The idea is that it's a mobile hi-fidelity system whose Verzadock will bring audiophile-level fidelity to Android and iOS smart phones in addition to Windows and Mac computers. That's a tall claim, so let's investigate some more...Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:05:00 -0000/reviews/portables/v-moda-vamp-verza-dac-metallo-casePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/wd-my-book-velociraptor-duo-videoWhen Western Digital (WD) proposed sending us their new My Book VelociRaptor Duo...Well, I first asked how it differed from their Thunderbolt Duo. The answer was that it actually has a pair of 10,000 RPM Velociraptor drives which deliver 2TB of storage in a RAID 0 or 1 configuration (striped or mirrored). The drives are connected internally via a SATA 6Gb/s interface. And you can access the internals easily just by lifting the top of the chassis, twisting the cage lock and lifting out the drives individually.Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:40:00 -0000/reviews/portables/wd-my-book-velociraptor-duo-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/sony-xm-zr704-amp-xs-gtx-speakersIt's not often that you get a chance to "pimp" your ride, so when Sony suggested we take a look at their newest ZR Series amplifier and their GTX speakers, we ran out and immediately located a victim, er... test vehicle. The experiment was simple: remove the stock system and replace it with the upgraded amplifier and speakers and note the differences. The proposition was this: would an upgrade of just the speakers make a huge enough difference in a car audio system? Or does it take a complete overhaul. Well, the results were eye-opening to say the least, but we actually ran the experiment both ways (having installed a separate XAV-701HD head unit in a separate vehicle, while keeping the stock speakers) and this was part 2. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/sony-xm-zr704-amp-xs-gtx-speakersPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/sony-xav-701hd-receiver-bluetoothTimes have changed and stereos have gotten more sophisticated, with the leading brands leap-frogging each other in terms of advanced offerings and high quality components. The new Sony XAV-701HD in-dash A/V receiver has a lot to offer today's tech-savvy customer. With all kinds of smartphone connectivity, it makes this unit an easy choice for those looking to upgrade their vehicle's factory system. And if I can give you a piece of advice—don't waste precious years convincing yourself that it's OK to endure a badly-designed stock car audio system. Change it out while you still have ears to hear.Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:20:00 -0000/reviews/portables/sony-xav-701hd-receiver-bluetoothPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/g-raid-thunderbolt-driveNot only am I the face of the Audioholics product review videos, I also have the job of editing them together. That’s sort of my niche: editing video. And now that everything shoots in HD and the smallest video file can take up over a gig—sorry, gigabyte—hard drive space is a commodity that is both increasingly cheap yet even more increasingly in demand. I recently switched away from a Mac Pro tower to a faster iMac, but with that came a loss of four hard drive slots. I wanted (needed, really) an external drive solution that could replace the terabytes of internal storage I was using. But I also needed a drive (or drives) that didn’t compromise speed. Basically, I wanted a Thunderbolt drive. G|RAID's solution intrigued me, so I decided to try it out.Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/g-raid-thunderbolt-drivePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/sonnet-clock-radioWe're here at the 2012 Audioholics Get Together Event in Tarpon Springs, Florida and, you know what? We just can't wait for the event to get started. Now, technically most of the listening rooms don't start until Saturday, but we found a way to get up and going the very first evening. You see, at Audioholics we're all about getting to work and being diligent. Looking around we found that there are plenty of things to review right here in our hotel room: a flat panel television... the coffee maker... but one thing caught our attention. One thing turned our heads and got us wondering about it's sound quality.. it's styling... it's functionality. And that one thing was the Sonnet AM/FM clock radio that sat at our bedside.Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:20:00 -0000/reviews/portables/sonnet-clock-radioPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/logitech-tv-cam-hd-preThe Logitech TV Cam HD will run $200 and is so new it is not yet on the Logitech website. It is said to be shipping this month, however, so keep your eyes peeled if you think this is something for you. Honestly, for $200 you can pick up a cheap tablet or a used iDevice and get Skype plus all the rest of the apps and functionality as well. We're sure someone has looked at the Logitech TV Cam HD and thought, "Now, THAT'S what I need!" If you are dying to have Skype on your big screen or if you don't have access any other way, the Logitech TV Cam HD makes sense. For the rest of the world, just open your laptop or power up your phone.Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/logitech-tv-cam-hd-prePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/v-moda-fadersThe V-MODA Faders are designed to protect both your hearing and your listening experience. At $20 a pair, they aren't cheap but they are nowhere near as expensive as custom made earplugs (which can run in the multiple hundreds). Even the DIY molded earplugs tend to cost more. At this price, there is little not to like about the V-MODA Faders and anyone serious about protecting their hearing should have a pair around just in case. Highly recommended.Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:35:00 -0000/reviews/portables/v-moda-fadersPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/hardcandy-bubble-case-kindle-fireI'm a fan of the Bubble Case for Kindle Fire by HardCandy. It has a lot of what I like to see in a case. At just over two ounces, it doesn't add much to the weight of your device while offering a lot of protection. The case is attractive and its distinctive bubble design on the back has already brought on a number of compliments. At only $40, it isn't going to break your budget. It is easy to install and hard to take off. It made an immediate impression when I received the press release. When the case came in a clam-shell plastic enclosure wrapped in a cardboard box I knew I was in for a treat. The case is very lightweight and thin. At only 2-3/8 ounces (66 grams), I was thankful it wasn't going to add much weight to the Kindle Fire (at 14.6 ounces [413 grams], the Fire is hefty for its size). The black and grey color motif, while attractive is also near impossible to photograph. Overall - recommended.Tue, 17 Jul 2012 02:35:00 -0000/reviews/portables/hardcandy-bubble-case-kindle-firePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/otterbox-armor-series-iphone-4-caseHaving just experienced Otterbox's new RealTree Camo Cases for iPhone 4/4S, we were surprised to so quickly see them debut another case... a stronger case... One that makes their Defender Series look like a little girlie case in need of Daddy to saver her from the big bad fall... or drop kick... into a swimming pool. In either case, the new and not-here-just-yet-but-almost Armor Series case is a monster. It is much more streamlined than the former 3G Armor Series case, which really was so ugly as to be unusable by anyone who had even a modicum of aesthetic sense. Instead of the bulky side-clasps of the former model, the new case sports a svelte new design. It's still bulky, mind you, but in a much more agreeable way that is sleek and refined.Tue, 29 May 2012 14:55:00 -0000/reviews/portables/otterbox-armor-series-iphone-4-casePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/ihome-ip4-ipod-iphone-stereoThe iHome brand, known for its iPhone-compatible clock radios and other iPod/iPhone Speaker Dock systems, is continuing its tradition of offering straightforward functionality and great sound for a reasonable price with the iHome iP4. But this time, they’re wrapping it up in an aggressive package - the classic ghetto blaster! But there’s more to the iP4 than show; at its foundation is a tactical technology selection. iHome is all about the millions of worldwide iPod and iPhone users - Google Android and other Bluetooth streaming music phones need not apply.Tue, 29 May 2012 05:05:00 -0000/reviews/portables/ihome-ip4-ipod-iphone-stereoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/newertech-power2u-usb-receptacleIt seems like everything needs a USB power supply these days. iPads, smart phones, Kindles... the list goes on. The bottom line is, it's very likely that your office, your kitchen - possibly even your bedroom is littered with a myriad of power adapters - all designed to charge these portable devices. Newer Technology's Power2U is an innovative device that combines two USB charging ports with a standard Decora-style electrical outlet or receptacle. That means you eliminate the need to use a bulky power adapter to charge your devices. Instead, you just plug in a USB cable and you're good to go. And the 2A (2000mA) rating means that there's enough juice to charge even power-hungry devices like the new iPad.Wed, 09 May 2012 05:10:00 -0000/reviews/portables/newertech-power2u-usb-receptaclePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/fastmac-u-socket-usb-receptacleNot much has happened to the electrical outlet in the past 85 years. Not much at all... except for the fact that more and more devices require power. There was a time when toasters, vacuums and televisions were about all that ever needed to be plugged in to an outlet in the standard home. But now... now we've got all manner of electronic gadgets. And that's where the U-Socket comes in. With smart phones, Kindles, and all manner of portable electronic devices, your wall outlet might look sort of Frankenstein-ish with a host of wall-warts, adapters and USB chargers all plugged in. And who wants to manage all that clutter? Apparently not FastMac, who invented the U-Socket as a way to wed the standard wall receptacle with a pair of 2.6A (2600mA) USB outlets. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:25:00 -0000/reviews/portables/fastmac-u-socket-usb-receptaclePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/otterbox-ipad-2-3-defender-series-caseThe question remains of how I like the new OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad 2 and 3 versus the older case. I believe that, in almost every way, it is superior. I love the new stand functionality, the screen protector (remove it if you don't agree), and the ability to use full-sized headphones without removing the case. It is rugged, attractive, and functional. The only real knock I have against it is that the front "home" button is much harder to use, something that I'm hoping will improve with use over time. What's important is that the owner of the iPad (unfortunately not me) is happy with the case. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:30:00 -0000/reviews/portables/otterbox-ipad-2-3-defender-series-casePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/ihome-ia91-dual-alarm-clock-radio-videoI woke up at 5am this morning thanks to the iHome iA91 App-enhanced Dual Alarm Stereo Clock Radio for iPod. Let's just break down that sentence... First off, the name is incredibly long, so let's refer to this thing as the iA91 iPod Clock Radio... or iA91. I woke up at 5am because the iA91 has dual alarms, so you can set one for during the week and another for weekends. I decided to test it out and, for some reason, 5am seemed like a great time to wake up and start my day. The iA91 is very flexible. In addition to having two configurable alarms, you can wake up to your iPhone or iPod, the AM/FM radio, or the classic buzzer. You don't want to wake up to the buzzer - just trust me on that one. The LED display is dimmable in 7 steps, making it the perfect bedside clock, because it won't blind you as you try and fall asleep.Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/portables/ihome-ia91-dual-alarm-clock-radio-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/otterbox-commuter-defender-galaxy-nexusIf you don't use headphones with a full-sized terminal, don't mind a bit of slip (which is great for getting the phone in and out of your pocket quickly), want unfettered access to the touchscreen, and need moderate protection, the OtterBox Commuter Case for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be for you. The Defender series is much more bulky but provides a full shell of polycarbonate plus an integrated screen cover and silicone sleeve. For us, we love that we can finally use our high end headphones with our OtterBox Defender case. Basically, no matter what you need or how you use your phone, OtterBox has a case for your Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:10:00 -0000/reviews/portables/otterbox-commuter-defender-galaxy-nexusPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/grace-digital-mondo-internet-radio-videoThe Grace Digital Mondo GDI-IRC6000W is a Wi-Fi music player and Internet radio that's designed to go just about anywhere and bring you music from just about any source. Grace Digital has been making these Internet radios for quite some time now, but the Mondo is at least a little bit new because it uses a faster processor and a new color LCD screen to navigate and select your music. It does, however, still sports the dated remote and tired functionality of all current Grace Digital Internet radio products. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/grace-digital-mondo-internet-radio-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/marantz-tt42-preThe Marantz TT42 may be a very basic turntable, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good one. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the high-priced offerings, it also doesn't have the price tag. At $330, you can have a brand new, high-performance, turntable for exploring your old LPs and some of the new ones that are being released. It is a bit to expensive to be an impulse buy but, for those that are wondering what the fuss is all about, it could be the perfect solution. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/marantz-tt42-prePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/alpine-ine-z928hd-avn-dvdAlpine was alive and well in the North Hall and the new INE-Z928HD AVN (Audio/Video/Navigation) DVD receiver is a big deal for the company. It's squarely taking aim at the 12-volt aftermarket and competing with some of the big names that have dominated that segment for some time. Alpine claims it as the first AVN system with a full 8-inch WVGA screen, but whose chassis fits into a standard 2-DIN opening. We weren't the only ones who were impressed, the INE-Z928HD won a 2012 CES Innovations Award in the In-Vehicle Audio/Video category. The INE-Z928HD include Pandora Internet Radio control and station creation from iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry smartphones. It has a built-in HD Radio receiver and is compatible with SiriusXM.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/alpine-ine-z928hd-avn-dvdPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/zagg-hzo-waterblockingZagg has done it again. Not content to sit around waiting for the next SHIELD device, they went to work protecting your electronics products from the inside. Yes, we said FROM THE INSIDE. How? We have no freaking idea, but the demo is amazing. Zagg has figured out how to use a chemical to bond to electronics in order to prevent water from doing what water does - namely short out any electronics it comes into contact with it. How do we know it's real? Because Zagg demonstrated it in a fishbowl with an iPod that kept playing - along with a speaker connected to its headphone jack - for over 15 minutes. If this isn't hype and the process is able to be made to work for consumers, then this could be the the next evolution in manufacturing for electronics products. I just hope manufactures are willing to license it, because this is something that should come from the factory.Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:17:13 -0000/reviews/portables/zagg-hzo-waterblockingPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/altec-inmotion-imt630-classic-sportAltec Lansing just introduced its new inMotion iMT630 Classic and Sport speaker systems for iPhone and iPod. The inMotion iMT630 Classic and Sport speakers are designed to be ultra-portable audio solutions. With a rechargeable battery, the iMT630is quite portable, putting out sound through a pair of 2-inch stereo drivers. The iMT630 has a pretty unique style, and features fluid aesthetics with rounded corners. The Classic is available in Black, while the Sport model can be purchased in Teal and Red and closely resembles a clutch purse when carried in the hand (good for girls... not so hot for guys). Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/altec-inmotion-imt630-classic-sportPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/zoom-h4n-handy-recorder-videoA tool like the Zoom H4n Handy Recorder is a really amazing little box that has so many features we can't even get into all of them now. I mean it's a guitar and bass tuner, a metronome. It's a universal remote control... not really, but that would be so COOL. Anyway, the H4n is a true workhorse and a dream machine for anyone who needs to capture good quality audio. Every now and again we'll cross over into another area that fascinates us as audioholics - this time it's production audio. Of course, even this video requires that we capture audio in a way that delivers good quality sound so we can edit without worrying whether everything is audible. On top of that, we need a solution that's better than the microphone found on most cameras. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:05:00 -0000/reviews/portables/zoom-h4n-handy-recorder-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/sony-tablets-s-and-p-previewCan Sony take on Apple's iPad? The company today announced pre-sale of two new Sony Tablet devices (incidentally, Sony trademarked the "Tablet" name, which just goes to show how much the patent and trademark offices need to be utterly reformed). The new tablets will ship with the Android 3.2 "Honeycomb" OS and have some very unique styling that aims to improve on ergonomics and the way people utilize touchscreen devices. The Sony Tablet S looks like a notebook with its cover folded back on itself, and its 9.4" multi-touch display seems to directly take on the iPad. The Tablet S uses the brand new NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, which is designed specifically for mobile applications. Weighing around 1.3 lbs., the Tablet S should be very portable and we really like the styling to be honest. Sony is hoping that its new Tablet tablets (they deserve that, after all they named it!) will be recognized for having optimally designed hardware and software, excellent touchscreen response, solid network entertainment features and the ability to work well with other devices like PCs, smart phones and even Sony televisions.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:30:00 -0000/reviews/portables/sony-tablets-s-and-p-previewPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/keystone-eco-nauticase-iphone-4When we got wind that a new iPhone 4 case was coming to market we said we'd give it a try. Trouble is, the company that brought it to bear, Concord Keystone, must have missed a few memos regarding how to make a successful iPhone 4 case and, as a result, they made some mistakes that render us unable to recommend the product as it currently stands. Starting with the good, the NautiCase is IP54-rated which is to say it's well-shielded (and certified) against dust and water spray - that's more than we can say for a majority of cases on the market today. While they may keep your iPhone 4 from cracking when dropped, get caught in the rain and you may find your device totaled in a short amount of time.Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:10:00 -0000/reviews/portables/keystone-eco-nauticase-iphone-4Portables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/harman-kardon-go-play-videoWhen we took at look at the Harman Kardon Go + Play II it was clear this product screams one thing: "take me out and play me loud". So we did. Portable music is really driven by the players these days, so it's difficult to find a system with good quality speakers that can be literally picked up and taken with you to a... party at the beach, for example. We took it outside and cranked it up. It plays really loud. We measured around 95dB SPL from 3 feet away. If you're using it inside, we'll bet you don't make it past half-volume.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/harman-kardon-go-play-videoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/olympus-ls-20m-video-recorderChanging movies directly into unforgettable videos might often be a difficult task, however the Olympus LS-20M Linear PCM recorder helps to make it uncomplicated imaginative pizazz to virtually any production with the benefits of high-definition video. This is especailly good news for people looking to take up a new consumer-level video capture product now that the popular Flip Video has been kicked to the curb by parent company Cisco. The new LS-20M lets you capture a live recital, make home videos and publish incredible linear PCM audio tracks as well as high-definition video using the brand new Olympus LS-20M. Making use of technological innovation just like those which came out in the latest Olympus electronic digital imaging solutions, the innovative LS-20M is the 1st Olympus recorder which records as well as edits 1080p High-definition video while recording 24 bit/96 Hz Linear PCM stereo audio. Along with 4 unique Magic Movie special effects functions, the LS-20M lets consumers create home videos which appear and also sound just like professional shows from a product that’s so very small that it fits in your pants pocket.Wed, 11 May 2011 09:45:00 -0000/reviews/portables/olympus-ls-20m-video-recorderPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/harman-kardon-mas-102-compact-stereo-system-first-lookThe Harman Kardon MAS 102 Compact Stereo System has a sleek design and a price tag to match. At a buck under $1k you get stereo speakers with the signature HK sound, an integrated CD player, FM receiver, dual alarms and a sleep timer. Add eight inputs including coaxial, optical, phono, 3.5mm, and USB and you're looking at a system that can do most anything. Except native iPod support. With 65 watts per channel, maybe you don't care?Thu, 05 May 2011 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/harman-kardon-mas-102-compact-stereo-system-first-lookPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/jawbone-jambox-wireless-speakerOn a recent visit to an Apple store, Jawbone's JAMBOX caught my eye. Could this little dynamo offer me the sound quality and convenient size I have been looking for to fill my hotel rooms with music? The Jawbone JAMBOX is priced at $199.99, which ain't cheap. The problem is, I have not seen anything priced less that can really compete with this product. Plenty of people are happy to drop more than this on a pair of Beats headphones, so think of this the same way - as a higher end, ultra-portable speaker system. The compact size, excellent build quality, and excellent sound quality and functionality make this a product worth spending a few extra bucks on. If you are a traveler who wants some decent sound while in hotel rooms, the JAMBOX is hard to beat. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:20:00 -0000/reviews/portables/jawbone-jambox-wireless-speakerPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/grace-wifi-micro-gdi-irms300Whether its Pandora, Rhapsody, Internet radio, or streaming music from your local Mac or PC, Grace Digital's WiFi Micro Bookshelf system (Model GDI-IRMS300)seems to pull it off. With this 2.0 micro stereo system you get even more because the unit comes with a 2x16W Class-D amplifier and a pair of 2-way mini bookshelf speakers. This makes the system completely portable, though not in the "carry it around with you sense" and makes it the perfect addition to any small office or dormitory in need of tunes. Best yet, the company both organizes and consolidates your music in a way that is refreshing and simple.Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/grace-wifi-micro-gdi-irms300Portables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/pioneer-avic-z120bt-navigation-receiverMore and more, manufacturers are including digital hubs in the center console that support multiple media inputs, manage your contacts, help you get where you're going, and advise you on the best 401(k) plans. It's true that, for those wanting more than a CD player and an air conditioner and who don't have every back road memorized, having an all-in-one GPS receiver is the way to go - if you can afford it. If you're lucky, something like this will come with your vehicle when you purchase it. However, if one didn't, and you're up for doing a post-factory upgrade, there are quite a few options to choose from. Pioneer has long been a strong competitor in the market of post-factory car audio and they've thrown their two cents in when it comes to receivers as well. I recently got ahold of one of their flagship GPS receiver models, the AVIC-Z120BT and had the chance to take it for a spin.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:30:00 -0000/reviews/portables/pioneer-avic-z120bt-navigation-receiverPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/speakal-bts8-windows-7-phoneIt's a phone. It's a PC. It's a phone. It's a PC. Speakal, a company driven by its passion for sound, intelligent technology and innovative designs, is apparently ecstatic to announce the BTS8, an office phone system that doubles as a personal computer. The integrated Windows 7 OS enables users to manage and record your phone calls, answer emails, and even video chat with the on board webcam via Skype. The 5" LCD display can be connected to an external monitor via VGA for enhanced visibility. Additional capabilities include fax receiving, SMS text messaging, media player, contacts management, and a calendar empowering the BTS8 to be the ultimate communications and multimedia powerhouse. You can even browse the web and reach your data remotely for optimal connectivity.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:34:33 -0000/reviews/portables/speakal-bts8-windows-7-phonePortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/otterbox-reflex-series-casesTo feed the tech-hungry horde at CES, OtterBox revealed the new Reflex Series, an entirely new case line for the iPhone 4 and BlackBerry Curve 8500/9300 series. We got a taste of the new series in the upper level of South Hall 3. Leveraging OtterBox's knowledge and expertise in device protection, the Reflex Series unites two resources - polycarbonate and TPE rubber - in an unprecedented single layer concept. Inspired by the crumple zone of a car, this case not only takes a hit, it recoils and springs back, ready to protect again and again. The most important part of a vehicle during an accident is the occupant. The same concept is applied to the construction of the Reflex Series case, protecting its precious smartphone cargo in the event of drops, dings or bumps.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:15:53 -0000/reviews/portables/otterbox-reflex-series-casesPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/microlab-md332-ipod-stereoiPod docking systems and speakers are a dime a dozen - and since most are made in China from inferior parts, they are almost literally a "dime" a dozen. But every once in a while a product comes along that puts audio first and it's a pleasant surprise. All we could really say about the Microlab MD332 was "wow". Our first impression remained that single word until we were able to temper our excitement with a bit of down-to-earth evaluation that revealed some other "features" of this player that neatly dropped it from its lofty perch, back down the the realm of "mortal", fallible products. The MD332 plays loud. In fact, we got it up to 89dB SPL in-room and it never once compressed either the top end or the bass output. It really is that good... to bad it's got some hang-ups as well - read onWed, 29 Dec 2010 04:05:00 -0000/reviews/portables/microlab-md332-ipod-stereoPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/skooba-design-checkthrough-executive-briefFor quite some time now, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began phasing-in new security protocols that allowed "checkpoint friendly" bags to be screened with the laptop still inside. These bags had to be designed in such a way that the scan of a laptop was not interfered with and nothing would be piled on or near that part of the bag as it passed through the x-ray machine. The goal of the new program is to reduce inconvenience to travelers, speed up the security screening process, and reduce the congestion now plaguing the system. During the development stages the TSA provided a list of guidelines and technical requirements for prospective bags and Skooba Design submitted multiple designs and their Checkthrough Executive Brief is the result of their efforts.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:00:00 -0000/reviews/portables/skooba-design-checkthrough-executive-briefPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/optoma-neo-i-flThe Optoma Neo-i is the unlikely marriage of an iPod/iPhone dock and pico projector. The projector can deliver an image of up to 120" in its native WVGA (854 X 480 pixels) resolution in 16:9 format. Yes, that'd be a blurry 120" but it can do it. In fact, the 50 ANSI Lumen Pico projector uses an LED backlight behind its 0.3" WVGA DLP color wheel which means that the power draw on the Neo-i is so low that it can be run on batteries. The contrast ratio is spec'd at 2000:1 with a 60% uniformity. The Optoma Neo-i is a bit over a foot and a half wide, almost nine inches deep and a bit over three inches tall. It may be a bit bulky for a "pico" projector, but it weighs in at under 2.5 lbs so you won't be adding much to your overall load. The Optoma Neo-i isn't actually categorized as a portable device (even Optoma says so) but we're betting that they'll show up in more than one boardroom.Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:30:00 -0000/reviews/portables/optoma-neo-i-flPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/dymo-rhino-5200-label-makerWe love Dymo's Rhino label printers. They work. They stick. They can be left outside in the rain for a week and still function (oops, yes we actually did this and it still works!). At CEDIA Dymo Industrial showed us the newest addition to its innovative, durable industrial grade hand held label printer line: the Rhino 5200. Professio­nal installers in the data communication, electrical, maintenance repair and operation, construction and broadcast industries can now use Rhino 5200 advanced features, including "Hot key" technology.Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:25:00 -0000/reviews/portables/dymo-rhino-5200-label-makerPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/dymo-rhino-6000-label-makerWe've already stated that we love Dymo's Rhino label printers. They just work well. Now they work well with a PC, so you can make labels in one location, and email them to another. This essentially turns your label maker into a label PRINTER. That's what is offered by the new Rhino 6000. The tough, oversized and ruggedly portable Rhino 6000 seems to fit well into any jobsite – it’s packed with time-saving shortcuts for labeling any installation quickly and professionally. As the latest addition to Dymo Industrial's label printer line, the Rhino 6000 is designed for professional installers looking for the best industrial labeler to improve the efficiency and quality of their on-the-job needs.Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:25:00 -0000/reviews/portables/dymo-rhino-6000-label-makerPortables & MediaAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/vizio-7-razor-led-portable-tvVizio announced nationwide availability of their new 7" Edge Lit Razor LED LCD Portable TV (VMB070). By expanding Vizio TVs to portable models it enables consumers to enjoy TV and entertainment from almost anywhere. With an 800x480 widescreen "high resolution" Razor LED panel, an integrated antenna, and a sleek design of less than 1" thick, the device seems like a perfect entertainment solution for tailgating, in the kitchen, or even the workshop - anyplace you want to catch your favorite broadcast or pictures with a brilliant, LED high-resolution picture.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:00:28 -0000/reviews/portables/vizio-7-razor-led-portable-tvPortables & MediaAV Reviews