Geek Dad Blog

Review: Statmyweb Web Tool

Ken — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:32:15 +0000

I’ve been playing with a web tool called Statmyweb. The tool provides information about websites. It’s fairly easy to use. All you have to do is enter the domain you want to look up, and then click on the Search button. Statmyweb processes your request and provides you information about the site. This info includes things like the site’s Alexa ranking, number of links, how long the site has been around, the worth of the site, where it is hosted, number of visitors and pageviews, daily revenue, and keywords. Bottom line: the Statmyweb is free and does provide some useful information. However, some of its data is also inaccurate.

Review: The Oregon Trail Video Game

Ken — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:36:57 +0000

I received the new Oregon Trail video game for review on my geek dad blog. The version I’m reviewing is designed for the Nintendo 3DS (there’s also a Wii version). In the game, you’re a pioneer and you have to lead a wagon from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City. Bottom line: Oregon Trail is an educational adventure game. It’s fun, but it’s biggest appeal is that it actually requires you to think. The Oregon Trail video game (Red Wagon Games) is available now. It has a list price of $19.99 for the Wii version and $29.99 for the 3DS version. The game is rated E10+.

Review: Opposites App for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad

Ken — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:28:18 +0000

I received a promo code to review Mindshapes’ Opposites app on my geek dad blog. As you can tell by the name of the app, it’s a game for matching words that are opposites. Bottom line: it’s not an exciting game for adults. However, the app is a bit addictive and is a useful piece of software for helping kids (ages seven and up) learn about opposites. The Opposites app is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices (requires iOS 3.0 or later). The app is priced at a very reasonable 99 cents.

Review: ivee Flex Voice Control Alarm Clock Radio

Ken — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:36:08 +0000

Check out the cool alarm clock I received for review on my geek dad blog. It’s the ivee Flex clock radio and it features a voice control interface. Bottom line: the ivee Flex is a nice clock radio that lets you use your voice to do tasks like setting the time and alarm, turning on the FM radio, checking the indoor temperature, and 40 other tasks. It’s not perfect, but ivee works fairly well. The ivee Flex is available now for $69.99 at Brookstone, Hammacher Schlemmer, Sharper Image, and helloivee.com. BTW, if you’re going to be at CES next week, you can check out the ivee in booth #25415.

Review – Family Game Night 4: The Game Show for the Wii, PS3, Xbox

Ken — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:09:52 +0000

I recently received the Family Game Night 4: The Game Show for review on my geek dad blog. As you can tell by the name, this Electronic Arts video has a game show theme. FGN4 features five games: Connect 4 Basketball, Yahtzee! Bowling, Scrabble Flash, Bop It Boptagon, and Sorry! Sliders. Bottom line: Family Game Night 4 is a family-oriented video game. It probably won’t appeal to action-oriented gamers, but my kids and I had fun playing the FGN4 games. Family Game Night 4: The Game Show is available now for the Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3, and Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming consoles. The video game has a list price of $39.99, but you can get it for less on Amazon.

Sing 4: The Hits Edition Video Game Review

Ken — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:25:07 +0000

I received the new Sing 4: The Hits Edition video game for review on my geek dad blog. Sing 4 (Crave Games) is a karaoke style game for the Nintendo Wii. Bottom line: it’s a fun game for people who like to sing. The Sing 4: The Hits Edition Wii game is available now. For a limited time, the video game also includes a Logitech microphone, which is a really good bonus because I couldn’t a microphone for my Wii at any of the stores in our area (Best Buy, Target, Toysrus, etc). The video game is rated T because some of the lyrics and videos may be inappropriate for young children. BTW, you can win a copy of Sing 4 over on my dad blog. You better hurry, my giveaway ends on Thursday (December 22, 2011).

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Review: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Video Game

Ken — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:45:47 +0000

I’m finally getting around to writing a review of the Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town video game. Red Wagon Games sent me the Wii version for review on my geek dad blog. There’s also a DS version of the game. As you can probably tell by the name of the video game, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town is based on the classic TV show with the same name. Bottom line: the game is easy to play and a lot of fun for a little one. It’s also very affordable at under $20. The Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town video game for the Wii is available now for $19.96. The Nintendo DS version is currently available for $15.94. The video game is rated E for everyone. [Note: today is the last day enter to win the Santa Claus is Comin' to Town video game over on my dad blog.]

Holiday Gift Idea: May’s Mystery: Forbidden Memories DS Video Game

Ken — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:35:12 +0000

I received May’s Mystery: Forbidden Memories for review on my geek dad blog. It’s a video game for the Nintendo DS. I wish I could say it’s a great game, but I can’t because my oldest daughter took the game over a week ago. She has been playing it ever since and would not give it back to me. I guess that means she really loves the game. I finally had to sneak into to her room last night and take the game back so I could write this review. Bottom line: May’s Mystery (Red Wagon Games) is a fabulous game for people who like to solve puzzles. The Forbidden Memories DS video game is available now for $39.99.

Holiday Gift Idea: Gem Smashers Video Game for the Wii and 3DS

Ken — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:33:07 +0000

I received the Gem Smashers Wii video game for review on my geek dad blog. In Gem Smashers (Red Wagon Games), an evil scientist (IMBU) has captured a bunch of peaceful creatures. All but three of the creatures (BAU, BAM and BOM) are now imprisoned inside gems. In the game, you’re one of the creatures that escaped and it’s your job to free the other creatures by smashing gems. Bottom line: the game is simple to play, but not easy to win without replaying levels multiple times. My kids love this game because it’s fun and not complicated. Gem Smashers for the Wii is available now for $29.99 (currently $19.99 on Amazon). There is also a Nintendo 3DS version. Gem Smashers for the 3DS is available now for $29.99.

Review: Millie and the Lost Key App

Ken — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:36:23 +0000

I received a promo code to review the Millie and the Lost Key app on my geek dad blog. The app is really an interactive book with a story about a dog (Millie) and her quest fo find the lost key to endless bacon. This app is actually book two in the Millie Was Here series. The first book, Meet Millie, is available for free for a limited time. Bottom line: it’s not an exciting app, but it is humorous and will appeal to little ones who love dogs. Millie and the Lost Key (Megapops) is available now for $1.99. It is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch (3rd generation), iPod Touch (4th generation) and iPad. The app requires iOS 3.2 or later. It’s rated 4+.

Review and Giveaway: uRex Video Converter Platinum

Ken — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:01:56 +0000

I’m giving away ten licenses for uRex Video Converter Platinum software ($40 list price) on my geek dad blog. The software converts movies from one one format to another format. For instance, I used the software to convert one of my DVDs into a format that can play on my Nook Color e-reader. It took awhile because even though the Nook Color has 8GB of built-in memory, there’s only 1 gig for non-B&N content. After some trial and error, I was able to convert my movie into a 362 meg mp4 file. Now my toddler can watch the Pixar Cars movie when he gets cranky on the road. If you want a license for uRex Video Converter Platinum software, just leave a comment below by December 9, 2011.

Holiday Gift Idea: Winter Stars Video Game for Xbox Kinect, PlayStation 3 and Wii

Ken — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:35:15 +0000

I received a copy of the new Winter Stars video game for review on my geek dad blog. The game features 11 winter sporting events: bobsled, snowboard cross, short track (I defeated Apolo Ohno in this event at the last Olympics), biathlon, freeride skiing, downhill skiing, ski flying, figure skating, snowmobile, curling, and paraskiing. Bottom line: the game is fun and made me feel like I was competing in the Winter Olympics. Winter Stars is available now for the Xbox 360 Kinect ($40), PlayStation 3 with Move features ($30) and Wii with Balance Board features ($30).

Review: Math Mix App – great way to test your kids

Ken — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:29:17 +0000

Do you have a kid who loves math? Or maybe a child that needs to work on his or her math skills? If you do, consider the Math Mix app by Cadecon. It’s an app that helps kids test their math skills. Bottom line: unless your kids really love math, the app isn’t tons of fun. However, the app is a great way for your children to practice their math skills. Dads and moms can get Math Mix app now for $1.99. It is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices (requires iOS 4.0 or later). [Disclosure: I received a promo code to review the app on my geek dad blog.]

Review: I’mOK App – it’s a free app for tracking your children

Ken — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:31:53 +0000

I’ve been playing with an app called, I’mOK. It’s essentially a mobile app that rewards kids for texting dads and moms. Children can use the GPS-enabled app to let parents know their location. Users can also use the app to text what they are doing, send photos, and tag friends. The goal of the app is to encourage children to keep their parents informed on their whereabouts. In exchange for checking in, kids are rewarded with points that can be redeemed for items like spending money, a new video game or special privileges. The I’mOK app is free and is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices (iOS 4.0 or later). Bottom line: it’s a useful app that helps parents keep track of their children.

Centipede: Infestation Video Game Review

Ken — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:28:35 +0000

I received the new Centipede: Infestation video game from Atari. The kids and I played the Nintendo Wii version over the weekend (there’s also a Nintendo 3DS version). Centipede: Infestation is a run-n-gun shooting style arcade game. It involves a lot of shooting because you’re trying to kill all the mutant bugs before they kill you. Centipede: Infestation is a remake of the classic Centipede video game. I don’t remember the old version, but this version features more than killer centipedes. There are also killer ants, spiders, aphids, beetles, caterpillars, grubs, and scorpions. The game reminded me of the Starship Troopers movies, except most of the bugs in the game seem to be smaller than the ones in the movies. Bottom line: the game is fun and highly addictive. Centipede: Infestation video game is available now for $29.99. It is rated E10+ for violence (you have to kill a lot of bugs to survive).

Giveaway: WinX Blu-ray Decrypter Software

Ken — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:01:19 +0000

I have a couple of announcements today. First, you can download Digiarty Software’s WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe for free until November 6th. WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is an all-in-one HD video converter, DVD burner and YouTube video downloader. It supports MKV, AVCHD, M2TS, AVI, MP4, H.264, WMV, WebM, and Google TV.

The second announcement is a giveaway on my geek dad blog. Digiarty Software sent me ten license codes for their WinX Blu-ray Decrypter ($49.95 list price). If you’re interested in backing up your Blu-ray discs or copying them to your computer, just leave a comment below by November 11th (the licenses have to be activated by November 15th). Read on to find out more information about WinX Blu-ray Decrypter.

HP Ink vs Refilled Ink Comparison

Ken — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:15:37 +0000

For the last five to six weeks, I’ve been taking part in the HP Ink Challenge. In the program, I was tasked with comparing HP 60XL inks with refilled inks. To do that, HP sent me some printing supplies, including two identical printers (Photosmart D110a). One printer was set up with HP ink, the other printer with refilled ink. Over a six week period, I had to print out a set of photos on both printers and compare the results. Bottom line: refilled ink can be significantly cheaper than HP ink. However, it’s a hit or miss situation. If you’re lucky, the refilled cartridges will work fine. If not, you’ll end up with bad prints and wasting a lot of time.

Giveaway: Diamond Multimedia HP200AV Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit

Ken — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:01:47 +0000

Here’s a useful gadget: the Diamond Multimedia HP200AV Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit. It expands your Internet connection by using the AC wall outlets in your home or office. All you have to do is plug in the two adapters to your electrical outlets. Then you plug one adapter to your cable modem or network router, and the other adapter to an Internet-ready device (TVs, media players, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, computers). It’s great for streaming online content like Netflix or games to your TV. I wish I had this kit so I can stream content to my TV. I’m currently using a Wi-Fi connection, but sometimes the wireless Internet connection has problems that cause the video to pause way too often. Thanks to Diamond Multimedia, one lucky follower of geek dad blog will win the HP200AV Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit. I would like to enter, but I’m sure you guys would have a cow if I picked myself as the winner. Just a hunch.

Review: Magic School Bus Oceans Nintendo DS Game

Ken — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:38:22 +0000

Scholastic Games sent me their new Magic School Bus Oceans Nintendo DS game for review on my geek dad blog. The game is the first Nintendo DS game based on The Magic School Bus series. The game retails for $19.99 and will be available in stores starting tomorrow (October 25th). Bottom line: the video game is educational and young kids will get a kick out of MSB Oceans — especially if they have read books in The Magic School Bus series or seen the TV shows. The game is rated E for everyone, but younger children will enjoy the game more than older kids.

Review: Casper’s Scare School-Costume Closet App

Ken — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:41:39 +0000

I received a promo code to review the Casper’s Scare School-Costume Closet app on my geek dad blog. It’s an app for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad mobile devices (requires iOS 3.0 or later). In this app by Mindshapes and Classic Media, children (rated 4+) have to memorize outfits so they can match costume pieces later in the game. By correctly matching costume pieces, new characters and costumes are unlocked. Bottom line: it’s a fun little app for Halloween that can help kids focus and use common sense. The app is priced at $2.99 on the iTunes App Store.

Review: I Spy Castle Nintendo DS Game

Ken — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:26:35 +0000

I received the new I Spy Castle Nintendo DS game for review on my geek dad blog. As you can tell by the name, it’s an I spy game with a castle theme. Just like the I Spy books, the goal of the video game is to find the hidden items. I Spy Castle (Scholastic Games) presents you with riddles, puzzles and brainteasers. The I Spy Castle Nintendo DS game will be available in stores next Tuesday (October 25th). The retail price is $19.99. Bottom line: the game is challenging, but not impossible. My 11-year old daughter made it all the way through the video game without any help from me (not that I would be of any help).

Free Download: BDlot DVD Clone Ultimate 3.0 Software for Copying DVDs

Ken — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:51:43 +0000

For a limited time, LotSoft is giving away BDlot DVD Clone Ultimate 3.0 for free. The software is an all-in-one DVD backup solution for making copies of your favorite DVDs. You can burn them to discs or store them on a hard drive. The special offer will expire soon — you have to activate the software by next Thursday, October 20, 2011.

Review: Mindshapes Lingo Zoo App

Ken — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:35:37 +0000

I received a promo code to review the Mindshapes Lingo Zoo app on my geek dad blog. The app is a collection of jigsaw puzzles (just drag and drop). Once the animal puzzle is completed, a child will hear the name of the animal in English and Spanish. The Lingo Zoo app works on Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad mobile devices (iOS 3.0 or later). The Mindshapes app is intended for children ages four and up. It is priced at $1.99. Bottom line: your kids can learn to say the names of animals in English and Spanish. However, the app will only cover about 35 animals (note: I only completed two of the seven levels).

Review: SnowFox YouTube Downloader HD Freeware

Ken — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:19:54 +0000

I’ve been playing with a Windows software tool called YouTube Downloader HD (by SnowFox). The freeware enables you to download YouTube videos directly to your computer. Yeah I know, you can already watch YouTube videos without downloading the video. But by downloading the YouTube video to your computer (Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000), you can play it later without an Internet connection. Or better yet, transfer the file to your smartphone so you can play it without having to use your data plan. The tool also comes in handy for saving your favorite YouTube videos. You never know when YouTube might remove something you enjoy watching. I’m still annoyed they removed a Star Wars / Star Trek spoof that I thought was hilarious.

Review: Kurt Warner’s Football 101 for Kids App – it’s free until January 1st

Ken — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:12:33 +0000

One of my favorite football players, Kurt Warner, is offering his Football 101 for Kids app for free through the end of the NFL season. After January 1, 2012, the app will cost you $2.99 to download it. The app is designed to teach the basics of the game to children. It’s intended for kids ten and under, but the app will also appeal to anyone who wants to learn about the basics of football. The Football 101 for Kids app is compatible with the Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and new retina screens with iOS 4.0 or later.

Goodbye Steve Jobs, you will always be the Apple in our eyes

Ken — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:11:26 +0000

February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

Test Drive: Mitsubishi i Vehicle – it’s a 100% electric car

Ken — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:35:21 +0000

Last weekend, I took a test drive in the all-new Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. According to the company, the Mitsubishi i is the most affordable electric vehicle in the United States (I didn’t do a price comparison). You can get the Mitsubishi i for as low as $21,625 (after you factor in a $7500 federal tax credit). That’s certainly affordable for many people. In fact, it’s just a little more than how much we bought our mini-van for. Bottom line: this was the first electric car I’ve driven. I was expecting it to be a little sluggish, but it drives just like a regular car — except it’s much more eco-friendly than a gasoline powered car. The Mitsubishi i will be available by the end of the year on the west coast. It won’t hit the east coast until early 2012.

Review: Mindshapes Meteor Math App

Ken — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:32:57 +0000

I received a promo code to review the Meteor Math app on my geek dad blog. The app is an arcade style game that tests your kids’ mathematical skills. It’s kinda like Asteroids and Space Invaders. But instead of zapping aliens, your child taps the appropriate numbered meteors to solve the math puzzle. For instance, if the mathematical function is addition and the target is 12, then you have to tap two moving meteors that add up to 12. The Mindshapes Meteor Math app works with the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices (iOS 3.0 or later). The app is now available on the app store for $2.99. It is targeted at children age six and up.

TRON cycle coming soon to a bike shop near you

Ken — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:20:30 +0000

Check out this new bike light system:

It’s call the Revolights bike lighting system. It reminds me a little of the cycles in the TRON: Legacy movie. It’s a pretty neat idea. The lights are cool and safe at the same time. The LED lights currently blink in sequence when the bike isn’t moving (they might change the pattern prior to production). When the bike is moving, the lights form a solid white arc on the front wheel and a red arch on the rear wheel. It’s currently in the prototype stage. Their goal is to start selling the new light system by March of next year. No idea on how much it’s going to cost.

Air Playit App for streaming audio and video files to mobile devices

Ken — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:31:47 +0000

I’ve been playing with a free app called Air Playit (by Digiarty Software). The app uses WiFi and 3G/4G networks to streams video and audio files from a Windows or Mac computer to Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch mobile devices (Google Android app coming soon). It supports a variety of audio and video formats and you don’t need to convert a file before playing it on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Air Playit acts like a personal video audio cloud so you can listen to music or watch videos without having to download or sync the files to your mobile device. Bottom line: it’s a nice app for playing audio and video files on your idevice without having to store the files on your gadget. However, you also need to have your computer on in order to stream the files.

Star Wars Costumes Giveaway

Ken — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:01:10 +0000

Halloween is 67 days (the wait is killing me), but now is a good time to start shopping for a cool Halloween costume. You might get a better deal if you wait until October, but you’ll get a better selection now. Many of the really popular costumes are usually sold out by the time retailers start discounting the costumes. To help dads and moms get started with Halloween this year, Star Wars Costumes is giving away a costume on my geek dad blog. I love Star Wars and my kids do too. I guess you might say the Force is strong in our family. BTW, BuyStarWarsCostumes.com also offers Star Wars costumes for dogs.

International Wireless Rates Comparison

Ken — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:33:16 +0000

I created a comparison chart of wireless international rates for the Vonage Time to Call App (review here), Skype, AT&T Wireless, and Verizon Wireless. The non-subscription rates below are per-minute rates and does not include taxes, connection fees, and roaming charges. Bottom line: Vonage is the least expensive option for international calls to mobile numbers, while Skype is cheaper for calls to landlines.

To Mobile Lines	Vonage	Skype	AT&T	Verizon
Colombia	.133	.105	2.28	1.99
Dominican Republic	.133	.158	1.58	1.69
Germany	.133	.253	1.66	1.69
India	.066	.092	3.52	2.49
Japan	.133	.175	3.64	2.49
Mexico	.133	.386	.650	.650
Philippines	.333	.249	3.51	2.49
Russia	.133	.089	2.34	1.99
United Kingdom	.133	.259	1.69	1.69

SpringPublisher Pro Software Review and Giveaway

Ken — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:01:49 +0000

Today, I’m giving away eight licenses for SpringPublisher Pro on my geek dad blog. SpringPublisher is an easy to use desktop publishing software for designing and printing business cards, flyers, postcards, letterheads, and announcements. I’ve only played around with the software for a little bit. Based on my experience, I can tell you SpringPublisher Pro is not as powerful as Adobe PageMaker. It’s not even close. However, if you don’t need a professional page layout tool, SpringPublisher is something you might want to take a look at. It’s easy to use and significantly cheaper than PageMaker’s $500 list price.

Kid’s Time Out App Review

Ken — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:27:50 +0000

I received a promo code to review the new Kid’s Time Out app for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch mobile devices. As you can guess from the title, the Kid’s Time Out app is a timer for managing your child’s time outs. It’s easy to use. Just move the slider to your kid’s age and then press Start. Bottom line: the app is cheap (99 cents), but most wireless devices already have timers built in.

Motorola Triumph Smartphone Review

Ken — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:33:54 +0000

Recently I had the opportunity to play with the new Motorola Triumph smartphone. The wireless device is an Android cell phone for Virgin Mobile. The Motorola Triumph features a 1GHz processor, 4.1-inch touchscreen, front-facing 5 MP camera, 720p HD camcorder, HDMI output, 2 GB microSD card and Android 2.2. The mobile device has a list price of $300, but you can get it for less if you shop around. Bottom line: I think the Motorola Triumph is a decent smartphone for a prepaid plan, but it’s not something I would want to pay $300 for if I also had to sign a two-year service contract.

Vonage Time to Call App Review – win $715 iTunes gift cards, Apple iPad 2

Ken — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:01:51 +0000

Most of us have long-distance calling included in our phone plans. However, few of us actually have plans that include international minutes. Most of us don’t make many international calls, but when we do, the calls can be a bit expensive. But not anymore. I’ve been playing around with the Vonage Time to Call app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch mobile devices. It’s a pretty neat app for making international calls. It’s great for international students, travelers, parents with kids overseas, and frugal dads like me. With the free Apple app, dads and moms can call and talk for up to 15 minutes to 100 countries for $1.99 or less. Read on for more information about the Vonage Time to Call app, how you can get 15 free minutes of international calling, and how you can win $715 in iTunes gift cards (for buying something called the iPad 2 — have you heard of it?).

Halloween Costume Giveaway – win a $100 HalloweenCostumes.com gift certificate

Ken — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:01:25 +0000

My geek kids and I love Halloween. We think Halloween is the coolest holiday in the universe. The kids love dressing up in costumes and we like playing with all the spooky Halloween stuff at the stores. We also love creeping out our house for Halloween and every year, we invite kids over for a haunting Halloween party. The kids and I think Halloween season is awesome. And thanks to Halloween Costumes (Facebook | Twitter), I’m going to spread some Halloween spookiness with a costume giveaway on my geek dad blog. One lucky winner will win $100 worth of costumes and accessories of their choosing from HalloweenCostumes.com. Awesome! BTW, HalloweenCostumes.com is a great place to shop for Halloween costumes (especially adult costumes — Target and Walmart does not offer a good selection of adult costumes).

Jack and the Beanstalk App Review

Ken — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:33:26 +0000

Mindshapes sent me a review code for their Jack and the Beanstalk app. As you can guess from the title, the app is about Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s a story app that lets kids read on their own or have the story read to them. The Jack and the Beanstalk app is designed for both the Apple iPad and iPhone (I tested it on an iPod Touch). The Jack and the Beanstalk app is available now on the app store for ~~$2.99~~ free (as of November 17, 2011). Bottom line: it’s a cute app for your kids, but not that interesting for dads and moms (keep in mind the app is intended for children ages 5-8).

BDlot DVD Clone Ultimate Review and Giveaway – everyone wins!

Ken — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:05:14 +0000

Thanks to LotSoft (Facebook | Twitter), I’m giving away licenses for BDlot DVD Clone Ultimate software on my geek dad blog. I used the software to make backup copies of my Cars, Kung Fu Panda, and Wiggles DVDs. These are three of my toddler’s favorite movies. Unfortunately, he likes to remove the DVD from the case by himself. As a result, the discs tend to get dirty and sometimes they won’t play unless I clean them. One of these days, my toddler will ruin the discs. That’s why I love BDlot DVD Clone Ultimate software. I can make a back up copy of each movie he touches. I inserted one of the backup into a DVD player and it plays just like the original move. Cool! You can get a copy of this cool software too. All you have to do is leave a comment and I’ll send you a license code by the end of the week. Note: you have to activate the software before August 1st. Otherwise, the promo code won’t work.

Review: TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND Ultimate Wireless N Gigabit Router

Ken — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:26:53 +0000

I was sent a TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND Ultimate Wireless N Gigabit Router (List Price: $76.64, Amazon Price: $56.81) for review on my geek dad blog. I’ve been using it for a couple months now and I highly recommend it. To be honest, until I tried it out, I don’t think I would have recommend the TP-LINK wireless router. It has nothing to do with the quality. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to routers, and I like to stick with a brand like Linksys. But now that I have tried the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND wireless N gigabit router, I definitely would consider TP-LINK (Facebook | Twitter) when I need another wireless router.

Waterflow Giveaway – win web based collaboration tool

Ken — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:01:01 +0000

Today on my geek dad blog, I’m giving away ten standard licenses of Waterflow’s web based collaboration tool. The licenses are good for six months. This is something that will not appeal to some of you, but a six-month license is a good way to test out their collaboration tool for free. A standard license normally costs $300 per month, so you’re saving your company $1800. If you like the product, you can sign on for a longer period. If not, you just walk away without any costs to you. Here’s what included in their standard account (Waterflow also has professional and premium plans):

Space 100G
50 project limit
20 user limit
Bank level security
Daily backup
1 backup in different IDC

EASEUS Todo Backup Professional Software Giveaway

Ken — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:01:51 +0000

I’m swamped, so I’m going to be quick today. For two days only, I’m giving away legal versions of EASEUS Todo Backup Professional 2.5. EASEUS Software gave me permission to download their software and put it on my server for two days (ends June 10th, Pacific time). All you have to do is click on the link to download. There are no forms to fill out and you don’t even have to leave a comment (but comments are alway welcome). The main functions of the EASEUS software are backup, restore, incremental backup, schedule backup, clone, mount, unmount, check image file, wipe data, and create rescue disk. Sorry Mac users, the backup software only works with Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale Video Game Review

Ken — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:05:25 +0000

Atari sent me a review code for Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale (developed by Bedlam Games), which is being released today. As you can tell from the title, the video game is based on the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game (RPG). It’s helpful and probably makes the game more enjoyable, but you don’t actually need to be a Dungeons & Dragons nerd to play the new Daggerdale hack and slash game. Bottom line: the graphics is decent, the game was relatively easy to play, and my kids and I thought it was fun.

Microsoft Office 365 vs Google Apps

Ken — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:38:02 +0000

A couple of months ago Microsoft rolled out the beta version of Office 365, which is an upgraded and rebranded version of the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite (BPOS). Microsoft Office 365 consists of Office Web Apps (online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote), Exchange 2010 (for email, calendar, and contacts management), SharePoint 2010 (access and share documents and insights, contacts, calendars, and tasks in a single location), and Lync 2010 (instant messaging, video calls, or online meetings). As you can tell, Office 365 competes in the cloud with Google Apps. If you’re looking for a comparison between Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps, below are some highlights.

Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do Review

Ken — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:35:54 +0000

Costco is giving away the Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do video game when you purchase the Xbox 360 Kinect game console. Carnival Games (by 2K Play) features 20 games and attractions. The Kinect title is rated E for everyone and has a list price of $50 (Amazon: $45). Bottom line: Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do is a fun game for the whole family, but not worth the $50 list price.

Review: Michael Jackson The Experience for Xbox 360 Kinect

Ken — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:45:30 +0000

I received the Michael Jackson The Experience (Xbox 360 Kinect version) video game from Ubisoft for review. As you can guess from the title, the interactive game involves dancing and singing to the tunes of Michael Jackson. Quick summary: the game is fun and entertaining. The dance moves are not easy, but I don’t think they are impossible to perform unless you’re uncoordinated (like me). The backdrops and special effects are stunning, but the coolest effect uses the Kinect sensor to project a glimmery likeness of you onto the screen while you are dancing. Up to four players can play, but only one person can dance or sing at a time.

Honeywell MyChime Wireless Doorbell Review

Ken — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:52:18 +0000

I won a Honeywell MyChime wireless doorbell a few months ago, but I didn’t have time to write about it until now. I’m writing the review here on my geek dad blog instead of my more general dad blog because MyChime is a little geeky. Instead of a regular door bell sound, it plays one of several chimes. You can purchase additional pre-recorded sound cards (holiday, sports, Christmas, and Halloween themes), or even record your own tunes with their software and blank soundcard. I always wanted a programmable doorbell like this. Now I have one. Unfortunately, I’m not completely happy with it.

Giveaway: TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND Ultimate Wireless N Gigabit Router

Ken — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 07:01:17 +0000

I was contacted recently about giving away a TP-LINK wireless N router. To be honest, until they contacted me, I had not heard of TP-LINK (Facebook | Twitter) before. That’s why they reached out to me — so I can help spread the word about their wireless networking devices. The company didn’t send me a review unit, but according to the reviews on Amazon, users love the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND Ultimate Wireless N Gigabit Router (List Price: $80, Amazon Price: $65) I’m giving away. I’m actually a little envious because I’m using an older wireless G router with only Fast Ethernet, which is significantly slower than the TP-LINK wireless router. In addition to the router’s speed, I like the USB 2.0 port (my router doesn’t have one so I can’t easily share my external drive) and its Signal Sustain Technology (SST).

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t Netbook Tablet

Ken — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:48:06 +0000

I’m reviewing the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t laptop on my geek blog today. It’s actually a netbook with a multi-touch screen that rotates and folds into a tablet. Neat! My brother purchased one and I took it out for a test drive. The Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t features a 10.1″ SD LED multi-touch display, Intel ATOM Processor N455 (1.66GHz 667MHz 512KB), Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150, 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz, Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit), integrated 1.3MP webcam (1024×600), touchpad, 320GB hard drive (5400 rpm), 4-cell lithium-ion battery, BCM 4313 BGN wireless networking card, bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, and one year warranty. Bottom line: the IdeaPad S10-3t is a cool device for people who love netbooks and tablets. In tablet mode, the device is thicker than other tablets. However, the S10-3t makes up for the one-inch thickness with its ability to convert back and forth from a netbook to a tablet.

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime Video Game Review

Ken — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:46:01 +0000

I loved the Ghostbusters movies when they came out and was happy when Atari recently released the Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime video game. I was even happier when they sent me a review code for the Xbox (game also supports PlayStation and PCs). Nice! I’ve only played one level of the game so far. I think there are twelve levels in this arcade style game. In short: the game is a lot of fun and well worth the $10 price tag.