When you’re a die-hard Super Mario Bros Fan, you’ll go to great lengths to incorporate the theme into anything you can like Cedrick Bearss, who created a unique Super Mario Bros Level Aquarium from LEGOS. The aquarium features lots of cool Super Mario Bros game characters like the toads, Mario himself, and even brick levels that you head bump for coins and mushrooms (even included)! There’s even that iconic brick staircase you have to climb to jump on the flagpole and enter the castle at the end of each level. The background even features the same design as the video game! This guy is either really talented or has a lot of free time on his hands.

Heading out onto the open road can sometimes feel like brushing your teeth; you just don’t wanna do it.  However, if you’re lucky enough to own a relatively new car, which are generally replete with the latest and greatest creature comforts, it can make the drive far less painless and hopefully safer.  Such is the case of Kia’s 2012 Rio.

If it weren’t for the race like wheels and eye popping blue paint the Rio would be yet another 5-door hatchback.  Yes, it does have a 4-cylinder engine under the hood, which is by no account race worthy, but Kia has successfully tuned it to give the car a spritey feel despite its lack of power or shotgun like effect off the proverbial line.  But the real reason Kia let me test drive this car for 7-days wasn’t because of the drive comfort, the look or the price of the vehicle.  Nope, they were more interested in having me play with the car’s interior features, which are nothing short of exceptional.

So I have to be candid and immediatlely tell you that the Rio’s stock stereo system is an underwhelming experience that quickly over shadows the car’s other features.  There is no oomph to the music and everything just sounded relatively hollow, even when compared to my 2003 GTI’s stereo and the bass cranked to max.  However, that is largely the biggest short coming of this vehicle, and last I checked it’s pretty easy to stuff in an after market car stereo into any car for a few hundred bucks, though this one will likely take a bit more rigging given the speakers lack of power and range.

That all said, I tested the top of the line Kia Rio.  It retails for $17,900 and comes with what are a fair amount of bells and whistles.  I showed my buddy the car and he was quick to point out that Mercedes charges around $2000 for a Push Button start, which is included in this model.  It’s a nice touch even though this isn’t a 4-door sedan laden in leather.

That said I was so pleased with the convenience of push button start, I’d mod, if I could, my current vehicle such that I never had to remove the key from my pocket.  That’s right, the driver’s and front passenger’s door both have a button that allows you to keyless enter the vehicle.  Push it once and the driver’s door unlocks.  Twice and all four door lock disengage, though to lock all four doors you only need push it once.   Much to my disappointment the hatchback is not motorized, but it effectively has the same features as the front doors.

The interior of the vehicle is comfortable one those in the rear, though not graced with the leg room of a limo or extended cab sedan, stated that it was comfortable, and even despite my 6′ 2″ frame, still had room behind me to sit comfortable (a man of about 6′).   Course, the creature comforts of this vehicle are relegated to the front of this vehicle and includes heated seats, a USB plug, AUX headphone jack input and a refreshingly easy to use nav system.  The steering wheel has also been outfitted with a variety of media controls allowing you to take a call on the car’s Bluetooth connection and skip tracks or change stations on the radio, or XM Sirius.

Aesthetically the interior is subtle enough to complement the car’s exterior, yet isn’t cheap or overstated in an attempt to be something it’s not.  The front seat moved back quite significantly and boasted so much leg room I didn’t need to place it in the largest position – a nice touch for anyone over the height of 6-foot.  That said, the position between the driver’s seat, foot well, and steering wheel felt a bit awkward.  That is until I telescoped the steering wheel closer to me.  The result was additional leg room without being too far from the steering wheel to drive safely.  And as you’d probably expect the front seats can be manipulated in a variety of directions for even the most discerning of drivers and passengers.

Now, in the past many a car that I’ve driven have had infuriatingly slow and antiquated nav systems.  Surprisingly, the Kia Rio’s nav is not only easy to use, but reacts very quickly to the touch.  Unfortunately, it still uses a multiline system when inputting an address, which is anything like the Google Maps experience I and millions of people have come accustom to thanks to the iPhone.  Nonetheless, it’s a caveat I’m more than willing to overlook in light of the simplicity of the system, even though I’m still a bit sore about the underwhelming stereo system.

Now, when it comes to driving the Kia Rio I was actually pleasantly surprised.  By my accounts the car could use more kick under the hood, but as I’ve stated many times before my daily driver is a turbo charged one, so needless to say, that’s no surprise.  The suspension of the vehicle while comfort wasn’t too soft and provided just enough feedback to make the Rio a nimble ride.  Body roll wasn’t a big concern during my driving experience, which is something I still can’t forget about when it comes to Chevy’s Volt.  Unfortunately, I was remiss and didn’t record my fuel consumption, but by all accounts the Rio is affordable in that respect.

So we all know that Kia (and Hyundai) have been through a significant over haul during the last decade.  And so far, it looks like it’s paid off.  The Rio’s aggressive looks, and in this particular case it’s flashy wheels, help give the car an allure that I generally wouldn’t associate with the brand.  But, and yes there is a but, the Rio line up might do better with a Turbo option or a model that has a bit more power.  After all, everything else was well suited, so why skimp on the horsepower.

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Bottom Line: A well suited daily driver that boasts interior creature comforts often found on high end vehicles.  My only gripe: the engine needs more balls.

Editor’s Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Pros:

• Interior creature comforts are on par with some luxury vehicles
• The nav system, though still a bit old school, worked great
• A good looking, practical, everyday driver

Cons:

Although Sony has taken a serious backseat to the likes of Apple and Samsung in terms of smartphone sales, that hasn’t stopped the company from delivering some serious punches in terms of hardware.

Announced today by the company was the Xperia acro S, a smartphone that boasts a 4.3-inch HD display with an Apple inspired “reality display” – it rock a 1280×720 resolution.  When the handset does ship – we’re still waiting to hear when this will happen – it will pack Android 4.0, which will be supported by the acro S’ 1.5Ghz dual core processor.  There is also a 12.1 megapixel camera that can capture full HD video, while its front facing counterpart is capable of nabbing 720p videos.  Talk time for this handset is a purported 7 hours or 310 hours in standby mode, which gives you more than enough time to drop it in the toilet or sandbox, though no worries as the Xperia Acro S is water and dust resistent.

Other features include NFC, 1GB of RAM, 2GB of built-in storage exapndable via a microSD card slot, DLNA connectivity, WiFi, a micro USB port, Bluetooth, an FM radio with RDS, Playstation certification, and an HDMI port for playing movies directly on your big screen, provided DLNA isn’t part of your home theater setup.

When the Xperia acro S does launch, it will come in pink, black, and white.

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Samsung’s newest Smart TVs can be controlled simply by waiving your hand in front of the set thanks to a small camera built into the bezel.  That means instead of using a remote, you can change the volume, channels and perform a variety of other actions just by moving some digits.  So what happens when a smoking hot Victoria’s Secret model Angela Bellotte tries to use her Samsung Smart TV while facing a window that looks into an office building?  Hordes of unsuspecting men think she is beckoning them, all leading them to believe that she is seeking their affections.  The video is a bit tongue and cheek, but amusing nonetheless.

Enter the Pocket TV.  That’s right, this TV fits in your pocket.  Okay, it’s not an actual TV, but in fact a dongle based device that brings Google TV to any set that sports an HDMI port.  That means just by plugging the Pocket TV into your television you can surf the web, stream Netflix movies, access Facebook, stream Pandora, play games, and access a whole host of apps since Google TV is effectively an Android OS.  In case you’re wondering, full HD playback is capable thanks to the Cortex A9 processor packing 1GHz of power and there is even a USB port for adding on a hard drive, webcam or anything that is USB based.  There is also a microSD card slot for some would be built-in storage.  They haven’t said that the Pocket TV includes built-in WiFi, but it’s a safe assumption that it does.  However, we do know that there are two remotes to choose from: a regular IR remote or an Air Remote, which includes a gyroscopic sensor that makes for a Wii like experience, or you can simply opt to use your smartphone.

So far Pocket TV has built a few working prototypes (as seen in the above video) and they say their software is very stable.  That said, they need the Kickstarter community’s help to fund the first production run, so if you’re willing and able you can throw down $99 and you’ll get one of your own.

E3 is less than a week away, so you can expect gaming news to heat up a quite a bit over the next 7 days (yes we’ll be in attendance).  Nonetheless, we’re still a bit surprised to see a gaming headset crafted in the light of Battlefield 3, a game that was released many, many months ago.

PS3 and Xbox 360 owners can hit the proverbial skip button as this headset is built for PC gamers only.  And speaking of built, this headset, which comes from gaming peripheral product house Razer, is built very much like a helicopter pilot’s headset, boasting that chunky, yet utilitarian look. Needless to say, there is an orange cord that plays highlight to the whole setup, but that’s hardly the functional part of Razer’s Battlefield 3 headcans.  Included are 40mm Neodymium drivers, memory foam leather ear cushion for maximum comfort, a sound-isolating circumaural ear cup design, a detachable boom mic for greater portability, and an already mentioned rubber coated 3.5mm gold plated cord.

The Razer BlackShark will hit stores this July for $129.99.

Needless to say we can hardly contain our excitement for the next Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises”.  If you haven’t watched the trailers to date, stop reading this and watch them here and here.  The movie will be a massive success and drive the production of an uncanny amount of movie memorabilia, that probably range from small stickers to life sized collector edition Batman costumes.  Heck, we’ve already seen a Batman motorcycle suit that looks like the real deal.

But if you’re not willing to throw down thousands of dollars for a piece of Batman coolness (we suggest the Batman money clip instead) you can always opt for the Batman inspired Nokia Lumia 900.  Unlike the State side version that released here a month and some ago, this one is finished in black and includes a laser etched Batman symbol on the back of the handset.  The Windows OS has largely remained the same, though they’ve included a Dark Knight Rises app, which provides access to the latest Batman news, images and what are billed as exclusive trailers.

If you want one you’ll have to order it from Phones4U, which resides in the UK and means your dreams of scoring this handset on contract are just that, a dream.  However, if you live in the UK, you can get the limited production (900 total) run Batman Lumia 900 for free when you sign a a £31 per month contract, otherwise expect to drop  £599.99 ($931 US).

It’s no secret that you can move some serious product if it plays complement to an Apple product.  And Logitech is clearly aware of this, as is the rest of the world.  Today, the company unveiled their Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 for the Mac, iPad and iPhone.

In short order the K760 is effectively the same keyboard as the previous iteration, the K750, yet this version boasts Bluetooth allowing you to connect it to any compatible device, though as already mentioned Logitech would have you believe it only works with iOS devices.  That said, it can be paired with up to 3 devices simultaneously and to switch to each respective device you’ll simply just need to hit a button.

To further the Mac experience Logitech has outfitted the K760 with the always familiar Mac keyboard layout, which includes brightness control keys, an eject button, and a few other Apple worthy controls.  They’ve also built the keyboard’s keys to be more analgous to the experience you’d find on a Macbook Pro or Macbook Air.  Now, in terms of battery life, you should get about 3 months on a single charge via the sun’s rays, though since their is a solar panel embedded in this input device it will probably be forever since it can also power up via lamps and other low powered light sources.

The K760 wireless keyboard from Logitech will ship sometime early June for $79.99.

Unlike Nintendo, which seems to release a new color for their 3DS portable gaming system every few months, Microsoft tends to release actual hardware bundles that are worth a look.  Case in point is their latest: the Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle.

In addition to an Xbox 360 console, 250GB hard drive, wireless controller, MS will toss in a Forza 4 and a their wireless racing wheel.  How much you ask?  $299, which ain’t too shabby when you consider the extras.  Actually, by all accounts this is a steal.  Unfortunately, they don’t offer this deal with a 2-year contract, or should we say at a discount, but if need be you can buy any of the aforementioned extras separately.  Just keep in mind that this is a limited edition bundle and Microsoft’s wireless steering wheel is nothing like any of Thrustamaster’s offerings, which provide all sorts of realism, including force feedback and so much more (for more money of course).

The Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle will ship June 30th, though you can preorder it today from Amazon if you so care.

But what if you could baby step your way into the 3-dimensional realm with a commendable garden variety 1080p monitor that just happens to have  3D functionality hidden up its sleeve? I give you the HP 2311gt 23-inch 3D LED monitor. It’s performance is virtually identical to the original 2311 (non-3D) version we evaluated earlier in the year. It’s build and aesthetics are about the same, as are the specifications. It would be good to reference that review here. But notable hot points include 1080p resolution, 5ms response time, 3mil:1 contrast ratio, low energy footprint and “true” 3D capabilities (specific to the gt 3D model).

Out of the box, the 2311gt 3D is just as distinguished as its non-3D sibling. It’s super thin, comes in an elegant glossy black finish and ships with two pairs of passive FPR 3D glasses, protective pouches, cleaning cloth and software installation CD. You can get the unit up running through one of the three port options. Connect via HDMI, DVI or old school VGA. We stuck with DVI.

FOB (fresh out the box), the HP 2311gt 3D monitor functions as if pre-calibrated, leaving me with little reason to dive into the handy and expansive OSD. I love my 30-inch HP LP3065 monitor, but again, it was robbed at birth of any sort of on-screen display. The 2311gt 3D suffers not from these early developmental disorders. The OSD on the 2311gt 3D offers a few default settings for gaming, movies, text and a selection for custom  settings. Yet the FOB movie setting was a bit dark and the default gaming setting yields lackluster sharpness and contrast. Just like the 2311x before it, I tweaked these and made a few adjustments to the color and calibrated this puppy as close to 6500 K as possible. It’s the more standard and oft-used white point for games, digital cameras, videos and other media. I don’t like switching between modes each time I go from movies to games and such. So I found a happy medium between the three. Again, the ability to do this via an on-screen display, was very welcome.

The result is a highly capable and competent technical offspring from Papa HP. Color reproduction is accurate and rich, without over saturation. Blacks are deep. But reproduction of grays comes out too pale or too light. This can be adjusted but I never felt completely satisfied with the gray color reproduction. Nonetheless, I was quite satisfied with the performance despite the muted grays.

As suspected, general use matches the performance of the non-3D version we tested previously. But we’re gathered here today, to report on the difference the 3rd dimension brings. The HP 2311gt 3D monitor comes with two pairs of wireless 3D glasses and and a disc housing the TriDef 3D Ignition technology. User must launch their games through this app to take advantage of the monitor IR-less 3D technology. Immediately one can see 3D gaming, photos and movies are fantastic for the $300 price of admission.

I have an EVGA GTX 580 Classified video cards. With ample texel-tackling power I pushed the 3D resolution to match the max screen resolution of 1900 x 1080 (aka: 1080p). For testing we entered the 3-diemensional space of Battlefield 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Metro 2033 and a little open-world zombie survival horror RPG called Day Z (mod for ARMA 2). Day Z easily made the most impressive use of the 3D tech. This is more due to the mechanics and gameplay featured in this game and not anything to do with the monitor per se. Day Z is a very atmospheric game which uses sound and sight in very crucial ways. Walking through the forest with was simply amazing with bugs flying past my face, rabbits hopping through and between bushes and lights from headlights, glow sticks and road flares adding illumination and enhanced depth to the 3D world. The 2311gt 3D really amps up the immersion factor. I did find the glasses produced a weird glare depending on the lighting in your room or office. There was also slight ghosting at the highest resolutions. And finally the 3D effect on movies was less substantial and awe-inspiring than in games. I checked out Batman Returns 3D and a Puss n’ Boots extended 3D trailer. There was absolutely no ghosting in the 3D movies but the overall three dimensional in-your-face effect was less impressive than when gaming.

On the positive, the HP 2311gt 3D monitor should be seen as a laudable inexpensive stellar performing 1080p LED monitor that just happens to do 3D. This is a monitor for those still on the fence when it comes to 3D. You get a fabulous HD monitor with oodles of on-screen display options to tweak, a nice set of connectivity options and a rock-solid introduction to 3D games and movies.

Editor Rating:

3.5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

The Bottom Line: Buy an excellent 1080 LED monitor and get a solid entry level 3D display to boot.

Pros

• Excellent performance on general use
• Expansive and intuitive OSD
• Elegant and light
• Super solid 3D performance

Cons

• Muted grays
• Mild ghost using 3D in fast-paced games
• Out-performed my higher-priced dedicated 3D solutions

You can buy the HP 2311gt 3D monitor at Amazon for $289.99

Score on Alien Anthology (Blu-ray) with today’s deal from Amazon. You’ll get all the Alien movies for just $29.99 in tead of paying the listed price of $79.98.  You’ll save a total of $49.99 on one of the best sci-fi movie collection out there!

The movie series stars Sigourney Weaver in her very iconic role as Warant Officer Ripley as the terrifying story of victims who fall prey to a vicious creature that had gestated inside one of the ill-fated crew members. Directed by by Ridley Scott, Alien is one of the cinema’s most unforgettable movies and now you’ll get to own all of the movies for one low price.

The Anthology widescreen edition includes six discs that are packed with extra footage and behind-the-scenes info, in addition to all the movies in amazing Blu-ray format. Each disc has extra footage that will excite fans and engage new viewers who are barely discovering the sci-fi horror movies for the very first time. You’ll experience all the action in dazzling, terrifying, high-def clarity with the purest digital sound on the planet. Two bonus dics and over 65 hours of archival and never-before-seen content, including the totally immersive MU-TH-UR mode feature, makes this definitive Alien collection!

We’ve taken a liking to tablet keyboards lately, so much so that I’m questioning whether owning the current iPad (3rd generation) is actually better for productivity than the newer 2nd generation model, with an improved CPU and far better battery life. Productivity is the key word for keyboards made specifically for tablets, and in this case specifically for the iPad. And this Zagg Keyboard Case, designed by Zagg and produced and sold by Logitech, is the best keyboard yet. It’s also the most flawed.

All portable keyboards, for tablet use or otherwise, have to balance proper key design with size, thinness, battery consumption, and a host of other design problems. So while the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is an excellent product, the keyboard itself leaves a lot to be desired, specifically in the keys and how much give they have. On that one point, Zagg’s design is a significant improvement, so much so that I’m almost willing to use this keyboard case over the Ultrathin.

But I’m not. I couldn’t, it would be crazy talk. As great as the medium-profile keys are, better in fact than Apple’s own Wireless Keyboard, a top-notch typing experience can only make a keyboard good to type on. And with any wireless keyboard, there are other important factors at play. For the Logitech Keyboard Case, nearly all of those factors come to bite it in the ass.

First is the physical design of the keyboard. Its ugly. An aluminum frame shaped to fit an iPad, a thin rubber strip inside to house the iPad properly, and a tiny seat for the iPad. They all work, but it looks cheap, unlike Logitech’s own Ultrathin or even the company’s Tablet Keyboard. The aluminum frame is also sharp, and has two edges that constantly scrape against users hands when typing. It’s almost as bad as the lines on your skin from typing on a MacBook, from the sharp edges of the laptop’s frame.

Next is the actual ‘case’ part of this keyboard. It isn’t a case, it’s a cover, and a bad one at that. The iPad has to be jammed into place so it won’t fall out, and when the Keyboard Case is on it, the iPad can’t be used at all. It’s more of a screen-protector, which is fine for a bag but useless anywhere else. It’s not particularly comfortable to carry around as intended either, and if you’re looking to fully protect your iPad, front and back, this is not the solution.

Finally, the placement for the iPad holder is too far back, which makes the case uneven when an iPad is in it. This is partially because Zagg’s keyboard was designed for the lighter iPad 2, not the heavier iPad, but potential users ought to know that either way the keyboard is unsteady on the lap. Too much weight towards the back, especially if the iPad is placed in portrait, makes the entire Keyboard Case flip over too easily. To further hit the nail on the preverbial head, the additional weight towards the back requires counterweight at the front, which typically comes from the sharp edges jabbing into the users hand when typing. Ouch.

If you can forgive those three heavy misgivings, Zagg’s design for the actual keyboard, meaning the keys is far superior to any other tablet keyboard. The keys aren’t so low-profile that they are intended for touch typists; instead, they are fairly high-profile and very bouncy. They feel almost as good to type on as low-profile mechanical keys, my personal favorite type of keyboard. The keys are all well spaced and I haven’t typed as easily with a keyboard since Windows XP was the dominant PC operating system on a laptop-style keyboard.

Zagg went one step further and included a 6th line of keys, all specific to the iPad, just like the iPad Keyboard Dock. It includes media controls, home and lock keys, search, virtual keyboard pop-up, and slideshow buttons, but instead of brightness and an unused key Zagg threw in cut, copy, and paste keys. They are entirely useless, because it’s actually more work to take command+x/c/v out of the user than it is to press the single specially-designed keys. I’d have liked to have seen some app-specific keys, or perhaps a programmable keys if such were possible. However, the best thing about having this extra line of keys is that unlike the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, the Keyboard Case has enough room for a complete keyboard without using any function buttons.

One further note: the Keyboard Case uses an identical rechargeable battery system as the Ultrathin, with a 6-month charge and a MicroUSB charging port. I’ve used the keyboard at length for this review, but haven’t used the battery fully after a month.

Without a doubt, the Logitech Keyboard Case designed by Zagg has the best typing experience of any Bluetooth or tablet keyboard. It’s no contest. In fact, I have to say that it’s a damn shame no one could do it earlier. The typing experience is on par with the best laptop keyboards. The problem is almost everything else. The case itself is actually a large screen protector. The frame is sharp and makes typing for long periods uncomfortable. And weight distribution when not on a flat surface, especially if typing with the iPad in portrait, can have the whole thing topple over. And it’s not a good looking product at all. If you can put the numerous problems behind you, then you get rewarded with the best wireless typing experience available anywhere.

Editor’s Rating:

2.5 out of 5 stars

Fair

Bottom Line: The best typing experience of any iPad keyboard, but overall uncomfortable and lacking.

Pros:

• Excellent keyboard, the best of any iPad Bluetooth keyboard
• Battery lasts seemingly forever

Cons:

Arguably the crown jewel of the Mad Catz family of brands’ licensed accessories for the recently released Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, the Tritton 7.1 Surround Sound Headset is an absolute powerhouse that delivers big sound and consumer comfort with no real setbacks. Branded with the latest entry in the popular Ghost Recon series, the universality and performance of this headset in no way limits it to this one title or even genre, improving my awareness and level of play no matter what I’ve got in the disc drive.

Setup is easy, but a surprise awaits the average consumer seeing the headset and expecting to get only that. The headset needs to first be connected to a decoder box roughly the size of your average router. Included is a stand for the box to keep it out of the way, but obviously some extra hardware is required to get these speakers to perform, and thankfully that’s all included. The decoder box is connected to the console via a USB cable and an optical cable, which are both included as well. When all’s said and done, you’ve got about 15 feet to work with arranging your headset to your entertainment center – a pleasant surprise for someone like me who likes to sit far back from his screens.

In addition, more earcups and all of the necessary parts required to connect to Xbox 360 controllers or even the models of Xbox that don’t feature an optical audio port come with the set as well, so there’s no risk of incompatibility. The considerations for comfort with the swiveling earphones and the extendable headset made for something I could hardly feel on top of my head but certainly could feel once the game audio started piping through.

With bright, stylish white LEDs lighting up the sides of the headset’s iconic blue skull logo, I already felt a little more swagger in my game. Once in game, I could hear more than I ever could from my speakers or other headsets I’ve taken with me into battle. It’s surprising and extremely pleasant how powerful and perfect the sound quality of this headset struck me, and if you prefer to do a little tweaking of the levels, game volume, voice volume, and even additional EQ settings for movies and music can be adjusted totally on the fly.

I had some problems initially with my microphone falling out (it’s easily detached when the set is not in use or for transport) but got used to securing it correctly after learning not to poke at the Tritton-style which extends straight out from the left earcup. Aside from that, the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound Headset proved extremely versatile without any lag in practical quality. Any gamer looking for a competitive edge or something to help them play like a professional should start with getting acquainted with Tritton’s 7.1 channel sound.

Bottom Line: The best part about the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound Headset is how easily it works with most current-generation consoles and platforms, or any device with optical out for that matter right out of the box. The sound is clearer than any other headset I’ve used, the set looks sleek, and my playing performance has only been helped by the clarity and quality of the speakers. Even with the larger price tag, gamers looking for a top-line headset can find a worthwhile purchase here.

Editor’s Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Pros:

• 13 foot, durable braided cable ensures that no wire stretching or damage will shorten the headset’s lifespan
• Optical cable allows for simple connection to Xbox 360, Playstation 3, or most modern PC sound cards
• Clear, defined 7.1 sound puts the player right in the action, hearing every footstep, gunshot, and teammate command with variable game and voice channel volumes

Cons:

• Bulky decoder box limits portability of headset
• Microphone picks up sound from its natural extended position but can be distracting to gamers used to tucking their mics to their mouths and keeping them out of sight
• If microphone isn’t 100% secured into headset (and it doesn’t have a satisfying click or lock to let you know), it can fall out during regular use

The Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound Headset is available direct from Mad Catz for $179.99.

NuForce has packed its new Cube with numerous technologies, making it an all-in-one mobile audio center. As a portable speaker, headphone amp and audiophile-grade USB DAC (USB Digital Audio Converter) that provides exceptional sound, the Cube from NuForce packs it all into a palm-sized micro-speaker that will cost $119. It’s not wireless, but it does provide multiple ways to enjoy your tunes and features a rechargeable battery that’ll last for up to eight hours. It comes in a variety of colors, including Black, Silver, Red and Blue. Included accessories are: 3.5mm stereo cable 0.6M, USB Cable 0.7M, soft carrying pouch.

Losing its roof took away from the hardtop model’s rigidity and protection, so Bugatti reinforced the monocoque structure with more carbon-fiber components, using technology similar to what Boeing used in the 787. It features wide pieces of carbon-fiber in the large air scoops above its engine, giving them strength to provide more rollover protection (and it’s even used in the accompanied umbrella that the company says is usable up to 62 mph, with a warning label on it saying it can be taken up to 100 mph). The $2-million sports car, according to the lucky test-driver journalist, creates a “mechanical symphony” with its 16-cylinder turbocharged engine that provides amazing sounds as its limits are tested on the open road. We’re going to have to take his word for it…lucky bastard!

Those with a tendency to drop or damage just about anything that fits in their pocket is no doubt already in need of a smartphone case.  And for those that live an extra rugged, yet accident prone lifestyle, you’ll probably want to take a gander at Otterbox’s Armor case for the iPhone 4s.

According to Otterbox this is the toughest case they’ve produced to date.  It’s complete waterproof, dust proof, crush proof, drop proof, and from where we sit, seems to be all but indestructible.  It also doesn’t hurt that the case Armor Case is has been precision cut to fit your iPhone to “3000th of an inch of accuracy” and includes a metal grade stainless steal latch that not only provides some added aesthetic appeal, but should make removing the case a synch.

Too bad we have to wait another 25 days until it’s available for purchase.

Cruising from spot to spot in Los Angeles can be an exercise in futility.  Which is to say if traffic is at its pique, you’ll move so slow you might as well be walking to work.  An alternative to the car, needless to say, is the bicycle, but that isn’t always practical if the distance is more than a few miles, plus you there is a good chance that you’ll arrive at work laden in sweat.

Stealth Electrics Bikes might just be the resolve we’ve been looking for.  It combines a traditional pedal powered bike with a 3-4.5kW brushless motors enabling their bikes to travel at speeds up to 50mph.  It’s not entirely clear how much range each model can achieve – there are 3 to choose from – but the good news is that any model can charge in as little as 2 hours on a 110v or 240v common household plug.  Stopping comes courtesy of a hydraulic brake calipers and while some models include 6 pistons, others allow you to add up to 8 total for each wheel for increased stopping power.

The one piece monocoque frames of the Stealth bikes are constructed from  aircraft certified CrMo alloys, which means they’re both rigid and light weight.  For those that invest in an additional battery pack, you’ll be able to swap them out in 90-seconds due to their “improved battery fastening” system.  Lastly, some models include a 9-speed sequential gearbox as well as a regen breaking system that extends the battery life, which mind you is capable of up to 1000 cycles.

The Stealth Electric Bikes are available now from a variety of retailers and appear to start around $7,000.

Although the war between Apple and Google may have dissipated to a large degree, that doesn’t mean battles between the two companies are completed negated.  What are we talking about?

Today, Google launched the Chromebox.  Officially it’s known as the Samsung Chromebox Series 3 (model:XE300M22-A01, but who in their right mind will refer to it as that.  Nonetheless, this “desktop computer” is a direct competitor to Apple’s Mac Mini and even boasts a similar form factor, measuring 7.5 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches and weighing 2.45lbs.  As you’ve probably deduced, the Chromebox is designed to fit next to a TV or can be connected with up 2 monitors each up to 30-inches in size.  The machine is powered by a 1.9Ghz Intel Celeron B840 Dual Core, 4GB of RAM and a 16GB SDD.  There is also 6 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 2×2 Wi-Fi 802.11 abg/n and Intel HD Graphics 3000.  In terms of a keyboard and mouse you’ll need to bring your own, which can be of the Bluetooth flavor if you so opt.

That all said, you’ve probably noticed their is no optical drive on the Chromebox, which might explain it’s better than Apple’s price of $329.99.  And speaking of price, you can order the Chromebox today from Amazon, along with the newly minted  Series 5 Chromebook, which received a variety of spec bumps that are detailed in the below chart.

Despite only boasting a sliver of the laptop market, Apple computers are everywhere you turn.  If you’ve got one of your own, the last thing you probably want is to blend in, despite joining the masses of Apple fanboys.  And hence why you can buy a variety of cases, colored shells and more importantly decals, such as the Superman and Sub Zero decal.  And for posterity’s sake let’s not overlook the Joker iPad cover.

Entering the fray is the Batman decal.  It covers the top portion of Apple’s glowing logo as found on all their Macbook computers.  And might we add this is very fitting since the “Dark Knight Rises” releases July 20th, about a month and a half from now.  So what better way to show your allegiance to the caped crusader with this and all the while separate yourselves from the hordes of Apple laptops that sit on display at your local Starbucks.

Cooking is the easy part, it’s the clean up that’s tough.  And what we’re talking about is the hand scrubbing of pans.  The lazy just shove them into the dishwasher, but that’s not a practical use of the household appliance and nor is it very good for your pots in the long run.

Fluidity is a simple dish rack that includes a special water irrigation system that channels run off, clean dish water to two plants.  And while the benefit at first appears simply to be growing a few household greens, it’s actually a bit more.  You see, the plants sit in perforated pots that contain clay pellets and coconut fiber, which not only control “the water environment of the plant,” but keep the base of the dish rack clean – stagnant water turns into funky, not so appealing sludge.

Unfortunately, the Fluidity dish rack is a concept only and is the brainchild of DesignLibero studio in Milan, Italy.