Archive for the ‘Audio / Video Gadget’ Category

Samsung Galaxy Note II voted best Android phone

Posted: February 12, 2013 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Android, ATT, Carrier, dropSKIP? What???, Handsets, Operating System, Personal HotSpot Devices, Phones, Samsung Galaxy Note, Stylus, Verizon, Windows Mobile 7
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Samsung Galaxy Note II, Android phone of the year as voted by our readers!!

By Troy Saxton-Getty

Those of us at dropSKIP that have a special place in our heart for Android love the Note II. Although truth be told, my daily drivers are iPhone 5′s, one from Verizon and the other from AT&T. We do however clearly agree on one thing, right now, this minute, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is by far the best Android phone on the market.

We are very cozy with HTC’s Sense UI on top of Android, fans since day one, we still feel Samsung has nailed it with the Galaxy Note II and the latest round of TouchWiz interface add-ons.

In the shop we have both a Verizon version and a few folks with AT&T versions. These are their daily phones and you couldn’t pry them away with anything else on the current market, even if you offered some incentive cash.

The Samsung Galaxy SIII is a close second and since we think the Blackberry Z10 is actually a Galaxy SIII with a different case, we suspect Blackberry might have a strong showing this year (thanks Samsung!!)

Take a hard look at the Note II, sure, it’s big but it does still fit in most front pockets or small fancy purses and you can ditch the additional tablet you most likely carry close by most of the time.

The included touch Pen and S-Pen apps are real contenders for daily work.

The phone comes with some carrier specific pre-loaded software but most of it is useful sans the $10 dollar a month Navigation, I still don’t know how that app ends up pre-loaded.

The phone also earns a 56/100 dropSKIP score for durability as long as you don’t put it in your back pocket and sit on it, it is one tough phone.

Our test phone took the 10 foot drop to standard office carpet without losing its battery or even its back shell.

If you have accessories left over from the Note I, the units are slightly different sizes so most won’t work, including the car mount kit.

Thanks to our readers for voting it was very clear the Note II then the Galaxy III ran neck and neck with Phone 5.
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If you are thinking Android, you can’t go wrong with the new Note II.

Share your thoughts current and prospective owners!

What’s in the bag man?

Posted: May 25, 2012 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Accessories, Android, ATT, Audio / Video Gadget, Battery, dropSKIP? What???, GPS Devices, Headphones, iOS, iPad2, iPhone4s-ATT, iPhone4s-Verizon, Operating System, Personal Communicators, Personal HotSpot Devices, Phones, Power, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung SCH-LC11 4G Hotspot, Tablets, Verizon
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What’s in the bag man?

By Troy Saxton-Getty

Those who know me understand I have a bag & backpack fetish, it’s not some weird OCD thing, and it is based on purpose. (Ok, most of the time!)

20120527-063120.jpgMost friends know me as the always equipped geek that travels fairly regularly, including a long weekly run up and down the west coast as well as some longer multi-week out of the country trips every few months.

I get asked a few times a day “What is in that bag, you always seem to have everything with you…what should I take in my gadget bag?”

I have 3 configurations, regular day to day, Domestic trips and longer international trips. (We will just cover electronics, not the huge set of keys, wallet, passport and other non-tech crap that adds another 10 lbs to my bag)

Let’s start with the favorite bag at the moment, it’s the Tumi black ballistic nylon backpack, their higher end model. It offers a mid-sized backpack format, very strong zippers and plenty of pockets. The bag is laid out nicely with a solid TSA approved back area for the laptop in it’s own quick unzip compartment so you lay the bag open and TSA (and most other countries) accept putting it through the scanner without actually taking it out.

Base configuration (Day to day):

Apple MacBook Air 13” (i7)

Charger for the Macbook with the long stock extended cord (best laptop I’ve ever owned, and yes, you can either boot it to Windows 7 natively or open up Windows while booted to Mac OS if you set it up for it, it’s the best Windows laptop I’ve ever owned as well. This thing is powerful, I use it as a regular gaming machine too, but it has to be the fully loaded i7 version)

Apple iPad3, leather case that can serve as a stand or protective cover and standard 2-amp charger module plus stock cable

Either Bose QC-15 or Dr. Dre Studio Beats over the ear noise cancelling headphones (the Bose are slightly better sounding and a bit better on base, but damn those Red Dre Beats look cool, they take a few years off ya, lol)

Brookstone USB Battery pack (this is the quick and easy pocket-able battery for your mobile should you start running low, plug it in via it’s USB plug and your mobile cable)

Sparq 6000Mah Battery pack (these have flip out power tongs, no cables required, just flip them out and plug them into the wall, OMG these are sweet!)

iPhone4 iBattz extended battery sleeve with two removable batteries (key is quick battery changing since the case used standard Nokia NB-4L 1500Mah batteries, I’ve purchased many of these, this is the best one I’ve used so far)

iPhone4S ATT plus 1-amp stock charger and cable

iPhone4S Verizon plus 1-amp stock charger and cable

Samsung Galaxy Note plus stock charger and cable (My favorite Android phone)

Samsung 4G Hotspot (Verizon) (this is just a great little hotspot for up to 5 devices and the battery works for a few hours without fail)

Western Digital 2TB USB Passport laptop hard disk (Time Machine backup and a second copy of everything, Mac runs the backup automatically, don’t even fool with anything else JUST DO IT!) (Older movie storage as well so you don’t clog the SSD)

Micron 256GB SSD USB (solid state) laptop hard disk (main content storage, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie etc) This thing is fast and it’s perfect for those with a lot of content, specifically photos and music

Spot Tracker II – Personal Sat locator stand alone device (get lost? 911? Or just sending messages to a list of your choosing letting them know you are “OK” with map coordinates

SpotConnect – Personal Sat locator that works with iPhone (same as above, but lets you send special “text” via satellite, regardless of where you are on the globe)

Small Tumi nylon accessory bag (holds all the cables and chargers for the mobiles and iPad)

Tumi International travel adapter and cable kit (this kit is the best I’ve found so far, multi country support is awesome and it works, includes an additional dual USB snap on head for charging two .5 amp USB devices)

Apple international plug adapter kit (this is super cool for Apple users as it snaps onto the various Apple power modules, laptop, iPad etc)

Pel Head light (you have no idea how handy a hands free LED headlamp can be!)

Spare AAA and AA lithum batteries (the sat locators require Litium, but they work well and last a long time if you need them for something else)

Handheld small flashlight (The headlamp is great, but you need a small and powerful handheld too)

Zippo Lighter (I don’t’ smoke but this can come in handy, even when it’s dry on fluid)

I used to always have a Leatherman Multi-tool but TSA thinks you might try to disassemble the aircraft since 9/11 so that is out, so put it in checked baggage, you have no idea how handy this is to have in a country you don’t live in… (I have given so many of them to the TSA for free due to forgetting it in my backpack, they must have a side business running on all the stuff like this they collect thanks to not wanting to try to check it in baggage last minute and wait in security line again)

Domestic trips:

Sparq 6000mah battery (Second one, yea, there is no substitute to having USB Power up to 2-Amps , these units include 2 ports, 1 and 2 amps so iPads charge nicely)

Kindle Fire (battery lasts a really long time and has a second copy of my eBooks and other content just in case)

Galaxy Note extended battery sleeve (It’s nice having an Android phone along, but the power dies quickly on the Note, so the sleeve extends it 1.5x in addition to the included battery)

International multi-week trips:

Mili King 18000 Battery pack (This is the mother of all external battery packs, you can run a small house on this thing, ample USB plug power and it will extend most non-Apple laptops for 2-3x)

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Beats vs. Bose, The Beats go on…

Posted: May 22, 2012 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Audio / Video Gadget, dropSKIP? What???, Earphones
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Beats vs. Bose
By Troy Saxton-Getty

I’ve been using both the latest Bose QC15 and Monster Dr. Dre Studio Beats for months. I really do like them both and they both include an optional cord with a mic for those who like to listen and use the phone with them on.

These are both superb headphones; although after some extensive in-the-real-world use, I am going to say the Bose slightly edges out the Beats for overall sound quality, including deep bass.

Beats & Bose

Beats & Bose

In testing I listened to hundreds of songs over several months of use covering just about all genres of music, from classical to full-on heavy bass Hip Hop.

Don’t get me wrong, they are so close and both are such great products. The bass response and clarity of the Bose just slightly edges out the Beats at higher volume levels. If you don’t want loud and heavy bass playback, it will be hard to tell the difference.

Both are $299 USD (retail) both have nice cases, nice cords and the optional Microphone cord. (I like the belt clip on the Beats case, Bose, get a clue here; it makes it nice to connect the case to the outside of your backpack if you are overloaded inside the backpack or bag. Nerds, please don’t clip them on your belt, please?)

The Beats looks super cool and are very comfortable for long wear, if you are older they have also been known to shave a few years off of your age… (LOL) these come in several colors; mine are Jet Black and go to 11!

The Bose look a lot less flashy, one color, “Old rich guy” silver. (At least give us the classic car colors you throw on BMW’s) Both are about equal on long wear comfort. The Bose have the new BMW interior smell out of the box but it quickly fades.

Additionally you can pull the cords out of both and just use them to reduce the background noise on the airplane, train etc.

Sleep comfort goes to the Beats, it’s easier to lay your head on it’s side with minimal discomfort and you won’t feel like you are going to break them, if you sleep on your back, either will be fine.

Both get about the same battery life, be careful not to break the cryptic side battery door on both when replacing batteries.

DO NOT buy any of the other lower end models of Dr. Dre Beats, not the HD’s, none of them, just pop for the extra dough and get the Studios. (I have one of each for sale on eBay cheap and they suck, so save your money)

In closing, either will make a great choice for you or a gift to the true audio nerd or someone who appreciates quality sound reproduction, these are both fantastic active noise cancelling headphones.

QUICK PRE-PURCHASE TEST:

If the person you are buying them for still wears cool shoes, then go with the Beats, if their shoes use Velcro and/or they are over age 55, your safe bet will be the Bose.

Happy listening!

Studio Beats in the House!

Posted: December 3, 2011 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Earphones
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Studio Beats are in the house…
By Troy Saxton-Getty

We’ve been waiting for a while to get the best Dre’s in to compare to our long running fav’s.

We will be comparing the Bose, P5′s and a few other high end over ear headphones…

Right now it’s music time….

More to come!

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PowerBeats Fail – We’re Really Bummed

Posted: July 4, 2011 by Gill Haus in Audio / Video Gadget, Earphones, Headphones
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On our hunt for the best headphones for the gym we thought we had a winner, Monster’s PowerBeats by Dr. Dre. It’s true that they made it through several of our tests with flying colors.  We must not have tested them long enough.  At first they performed wonderfully.  Take them to the gym and sweat away the pizza and wings to your hearts content…they worked liked a champ.  It wasn’t until a few weeks of this treatment that trouble started.

The earliest symptom was the random voice control prompt. Apparently, sweat was getting into the specially designed, and highly priced, headphones causing a short.  This was hard to reproduce but never happened at a good time (don’t interrupt Bruce Willis in Last Man Standing when you’re in e middle of a good cardio NetFlix session). Shortly after that, the volume controls stopped working.  What had been a pleasure to use for weeks quickly became quite frustrating.  The odd thing about the issue is that the answer call/pause button still works, but that’s about it.

Typically, we wouldn’t expect much from headphones under constant cardio strain.  It’s the fact that these are marketed as built for exercise that causes us dismay. They still sound fabulous, and look sleek…but if you are looking for a pair of headphones to get you through workouts that you won’t have to replace, avoid these.

And for the record, the iLuv earphones we picked up in Chicago O’Hare sound amazing, and have made it through four weeks of cardio without z hitch!  Go figure!

P.S. – No flames about Last Man Standing…it’s just for working out.

Moshi Moshi POP Phone – How Retro!?

Posted: June 5, 2011 by Gill Haus in dropSKIP? What???, Handsets, Retro
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While we do review quite a few high end toys (and we’re not saying that trucks are that high end, but not everyone buys those on a whim) there are some out there at a lower price point you just can’t pass on buying.  Enter the Moshi Moshi POP Phone.

Moshi Moshi POP Phone in Box

Moshi Moshi POP Phone in Box

Your eyes aren’t fooling you. It’s a retro telephone handset that fits your iPhone, iPad, cell phone, or laptop.  The advertisement at the store what I purchased it claimed it was a comfort solution.  That, and the fact that I’m a sucker for these sorts of things, clinched the deal.

Moshi Moshi POP Phone without Box

Moshi Moshi POP Phone without Box

The first test was placing a call with my iPhone.  It worked like a champ.  There is no volume control on the handset or the cable, so you’ll need to use the iPhone’s volume control, but the sound was crystal clear and the person on the other end had no difficulty understanding me.  As comfort was something that was touted as a feature for this product, I attempted my normal routine.  Sitting in front of my computer and handling email while using the handset.  Now, I wouldn’t go as far as saying this is more comfortable than an in ear Bluetooth headset, but it was certainly easier to hold on my shoulder while typing.  After 30 minutes I’m sure there will be some cramping, but it’s size does make it easier to hold in place.

Moshi Moshi POP Phone on Table

Moshi Moshi POP Phone on Table

The next test was Skype (thank you, Maria Dolar, for being our guinea pig) on my MacBook Air.  Again, the handset worked wonderfully.  The quality was great and Maria had no challenges understanding me.  I don’t have any other phones in the house at the moment, so the device testing ended there.

As for the handset itself, there is a hidden button on the inside that can be used to answer/end calls (there is only so retro you can go and not be convenient), which works well.  On the downside (and anyone that really wants to do this probably needs to buy something else) you can’t play your music on your iPhone through the handset.  I’m bummed about this only because I would love to run into someone doing this on the street, film it, and sent it to Philly D to share with the world.

In summary, for around 30 dollars you can pick up this handset and go retro.  Will it prevent cramping and increase comfort?  Maybe.  Will it add a thrill to phone/Skype calls?  Absolutely.  Would I have been able to buy this if my wife wasn’t present to explain why I don’t need “yet another gadget?”  Well, she wasn’t there. :)

Gadget & Uber Geek Truck – 2011 Ford Raptor SVT SuperCrew

Posted: May 14, 2011 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Android, Audio / Video Gadget, Bluetooth Headset, dropSKIP? What???, iOS, Windows Mobile 7
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Gadget & Uber Geek Truck – 2011 Ford Raptor SVT SuperCrew

by Troy Saxton-Getty

We never thought to include a car or truck in the quest for amazing and useful gadgets, but after spending some time in a Ford Raptor truck a few weeks ago in Baja Mexico, it was clear to me this truck was truly a gadget and a geek ride. Just as Scion, KIA and other car companies focused on the youth market, Ford has done something similar with the Raptor SVT, they included lots of electronics, services, gadget and accessories choices and built an eco-system of 3rd party products, reminds me of Apple with their products. From the first time we stepped into Raptor, it was a geek love fest meets great off-road utility and a combined load of fun.

Ford SVT Raptor

Ford SVT Raptor

After the Rip to the Tip ride a few weeks ago, BajaSAR Search & Rescue decided to add an SVT Raptor to the collection of useful vehicles focused on supporting its mission in the desert southwest. (And because the truck is just bad-ass fun!).  In less than a week, we’ve rolled nearly 2000 miles onto the odometer and I must say, it is pure fun.

So let’s talk about why this truck makes the dropSKIP gadget cut.  First, it’s the gadget option packages with the largest in-dash screen we’ve seen in a vehicle and it’s based on Microsoft SYNC – the media and entertainment options, navigation, weather, voice control and the pre-wired 3rd party accessories, not to mention that the factory supports jumping the vehicle, yes, off the ground on all fours… crazy huh!?!

From the moment you get behind the wheel, the layout of comfort, fun, usefulness and special functionality becomes obvious, that is why we had to have one.

Driving the Raptor

Driving the Raptor

Gauge layout, in-console multi-purpose screen, large Media screen in the center console and great seat comfort start you off, as you add miles, the fun level goes up.

Microsoft SYNC offers several solutions, some with minimal video screens as well as great support when you have more video real estate. Although we are a bit disappointed in some of the features that are disabled after 5 mph due to liability (Toyota and others do the same thing), nearly all of those restrictions are lifted if you use voice control. (I guess BMW and other fine cars aren’t as worried and give you full control, touch and voice, under regular driving speeds).

My real beef here is, why can’t the passenger operate the unit and plug in the new NAV destination? (I am sure we will find a hack….) I can understand the DVD video being disabled in the front of the cab, but basics? Go figure, I will learn the voice commands and quit complaining.

In addition to navigation, music, climate, and other great features Microsoft and XM/Sirius have tossed in some other cool things such as live weather maps, local fuel prices, movie times and other goodies such as Text messaging with presets such as “I can’t text now, I am driving”, “Got your message, will get back to you later” and of course the ability to type your own message. This is all linked to the wired or Bluetooth phone you have connected. Since we test phones in the real-world pretty extensively, we tested 9 different phone models of various OS and model types. As you would expect, it works great with nearly all smart phones, but it works even better with Microsoft Win 7 Mobile. We had the option to add quite a few different phones at the same time, regardless of what we marked as primary/favorite, it would default to the HTC HD7 running Microsoft Win 7 mobile. Oddly enough, it was the only phone we connected that supported sending text messages. We are just really digging in and exploring the media and entertainment capabilities as the more time we spend in the rig, the more new and cool things we discover.

Weather maps from XM/Sirius were a nice touch, as you can see in the behind the wheel picture, rain is ahead – here is the weather map shot.

XM/Sirius Weather Map

XM/Sirius Weather Map

We found it to be very accurate and updated frequently. You can zoom in/out and actually select wind directional icons with wind speeds to get an idea of the conditions.

When the truck is placed into reverse, the video display becomes a full screen backup camera, zoom features also offer different angles, including close in, which is the trailer hitch location, pretty handy for hooking up, of course, the trailer brake control is nicely setup in the dash too.

Dropping in a CD, the Jukebox tab allows you to rip the CD into the local in-dash storage, it appears to be fairly large, the docs say “Over 2400 songs”.

Additionally, you can drop a CD or DVD in with JPG photos and it will copy them over and store and display them.

We plugged in a USB thumb drive to the dash mounted port and updated the Microsoft SYNC system, this thing is more of a geekfest than you would imagine. I pushed a button and the truck uploaded a vehicle health report to the http://www.syncmyride.com website. I downloaded the SYNC Destinations App for the iPhone, searched for something and saved the info, it was available for SYNC turn-by-turn directions immediately.

Aux Panel

Aux Panel

The truck comes pre-wired for external “bolt-on” accessories, like off-road lights, there are several 3rd party vendors which offer light bars, even some fully ready with lights, HID, Halogen or grill mounted LED light bars. The wiring is set, fused and the switch is ready to go.

Off-Road mode and Hill-Descent mode buttons are also on this panel.

Off-Road mode changes the shifting patterns, keeping the truck in a more off-road friendly RPM range, Throttle mapping sensitivity changes, Anti-lock braking becomes less aggressive and better set to dirt surfaces. Yaw stability changes for better dirt cornering as well while increasing stability.

Hill-Descent mode allows the driver to control the vehicle on downhill grades without having to apply brakes.

The rear axle can be electronically locked, this works in forward and reverse giving full posi-traction capability.

Each key can be programmed to different settings, including limiting top speed, and access to certain features, including the volume level of the audio system, or a full Valet mode is also included.

This truck is truly an electronic marvel, but let’s talk about the other amazing stock / included power and drive train specifications:

A 6.2L 411 HP, 434ft lb. of torque engine, select-shift automatic transmission, the engine was tested at the infamous Ford Desert Loop testing center which simulates Baja 1000 testing.  For the suspension Ford teamed up with Fox and they put Fox Shox all the way around and the front lower arms are special cast aluminum.

Fox Shox on front

Fox Shox on front


Fox Shox on Rear

Fox Shox on Rear

These are a totally stock offering for shocks and the ride is really nothing like any normal pickup truck we’ve ever been in, on rough terrain the ride is very similar to what I would expect in a Baja pre-running rig. Absolutely wonderful compared to the classic truck suspension.

The stock tires are BF Goodrich Baja 315x70x17 inch tires, 35 inch tires and wheels you would normally buy after the fact.

Not bad for truck that can haul 8000 lb. and has built-in trailer brake control and anti-sway capability.

This truck is loaded with feature after feature, including a stowable bed extender, allowing the tailgate to be left down to accommodate a longer load the the bed itself. Something else we found which absolutely made sense is the rear tailgate step and handle. This pop-up handle and slide-out step make it very easy to climb up in the lifted bed of the truck with minimal effort.

Bed step from Tailgate

Bed step from Tailgate

A quick lever pull and you can lift the handle into place, grab onto the end of the tailgate and pull the step down and into place. Simply reverse the order to put it all back to normal.

The stock Sony 12 speaker and 390 watt continuously rated audio system also includes an under seat rear subwoofer and it will play video DVD’s when parked.

Keyless code entry, Auto-Engine start for those cold or hot situations with fully customizable A/C and heater pre-sets,  you simply program what you want and the truck will use those climate settings on auto-start.

There are a multitude of color and decal/graphic options, check out their Raptor specific website for more details. Ford Raptor Media Site

Here are a few more pictures, what a great truck, we are really having fun with this, now if we could just figure out a way to work from this truck versus an office… WFT…

Right rear view

Right rear view


Interior drivers side

Interior drivers side


Rear SuperCrew area

Rear SuperCrew area

Griffin DirectDeck Cassette MP3 Player – AVOID!

Posted: April 12, 2011 by Gill Haus in Accessories, Audio / Video Gadget, Cassette, Phones
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This is why having an hour to kill and deciding to go to Best Buy is a bad idea.  There’s more to the story.  My wife’s car doesn’t have AUX in or Bluetooth audio and my car does.  We’re both very into music and she reminds me of what an inconvenience not having these features is (yes, she can burn CDs but what if she bought a song on the go).  Which brings us back to Best Buy.  Trying to be a good husband I went ignored my better judgment and picked up the Griffin DirectDeck cassette MP3 player.  There is a reason the adage “No good deed goes unpunished” is so popular.

Griffin DirectDeck - Front

I have to admit, I was hopeful.  That’s probably because the last time I played a cassette tape was before the world ended and all banks collapsed in Y2K (funny, it happened in 2008 – prophesy is a tricky thing).  At first, it seemed as though the music was playing well. Several seconds into the song I made the mistake of telling Susan (my wife) “feel better now?”  And that’s when the bass started to play.  That’s also when I remembered why CDs were so amazing when they hit the market.  It’s also when I remembered never to say things like “feel better now” to Susan.  I wish I could accurately describe what I heard, but I was too busy hitting the eject tape button on the dashboard.

(Funny side note, the 1/8 adapter won’t fit through the iPhone bumper cases.  This whole thing transpired after I told Susan we’d have to find another case so she could use this – and she loves her current case.  Bad day for me.)

Needless to say, the DirectDeck was back in it’s box with the receipt and ready to be returned by the time we arrived home.  A friend of mine, upon hearing this story, laughed and blamed the actual stereo.  This is possible, but I do know how the FM transmitters sound, and those are light years better than what I heard.

Griffin DirectDeck - Back

Note – Stay tuned for a review on an FM transmitter/charger.  That’s what I’m going to get when I return this piece of junk.

 

 

 

 

Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth headphones with Mic

Posted: March 26, 2011 by Troy Saxton-Getty in Audio / Video Gadget, Bluetooth Headset, Earphones, Headphones
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Motorola S10-HD Wireless/Bluetooth headphones with Mic
by Troy Saxton-Getty

We continue the search for a great multi-purpose headphone/mic combination and find ourselves buying new ones frequently only to get disappointed for one reason or another. What do we find ourselves consistently going back to? The original Apple iPhone wired headphones, even in our Android phones, we find ourselves using them (weird sound issues with a few odd phones and usually blackberry devices, although the RIM included headphones are pretty hard to beat as well)

Motorola S10-HD Headphones

Motorola S10-HD Headphones

Are our expectations to high? Here is what we want:

1. Great and loud audio, solid range to turn up the volume in loud environments and to be comfortable to wear longer term
2. People to be able to hear us on the phone clearly, even with a little wind or car noise
3. Respectable bass and treble tones without distortion because you want a great music experience too
4. Can handle the elements, light rain, sweat, cold/hot, wind and every day wear and tear
5. Bonus: Wireless with solid Bluetooth range (no cut-outs when phone is in pocket, clip or backpack)
6. Bonus: Battery that can make it  all day or more with standards based charging connector, microSD, MiniSD
7. Bonus: Easy controls for answering and hanging up the call without pulling phone out
8. Bonus: Easy music controls for pause/skip/fwd/rew
9. Bonus: Easy to carry with us when not in use, Bose 2′s and 3′s are fantastic, but bulky, even with the great case
10. Some Noise  canceling / Noise suppression that works without impacting call tonal quality
11. We want to use them in bed comfortably without impacting sound quality while head is on the pillow (whining here)

I don’t think we are asking too much here. Gill’s search has been for extreme gear to support workouts, circuit training, on/off exercise gear without falling off the ears in addition to the list above.

Well, after using the Motorola S10-HD’s for a bit, I have to say, I feel like I am the closest to hitting the list of requirements. We’ve had the S9′s and then the S9-HD’s for several years but the mic quality left them lacking for continued phone use.

The HD 9′s had fantastic Bass too, something often overlooked in wireless headphones, the HD 10′s go that much further and the microphone is significantly improved. (bass quality changes depending on ear and ear piece fit, experiment with the 3 or 4 different sizes that are included.

You can find this shopping on the web for as low as the mid $50 USD, if you buy them instantly at the Mobile stores, Best Buy or the airport techie shops, expect to pay about $100.

Personally I have switched these to my primary headphones, but, I still keep the wired Apple set in my backpack, just in case…

PowerBeats by Dr. Dre

Posted: March 15, 2011 by Gill Haus in Earphones, Headphones
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Why would I buy another pair of Monster earphones after my last experience? Not because I’m a glutton for punishment, but because sometimes I want to trust the brochure.

For those that haven’t read my earlier post, here’s the story in short. The Beats by Dr. Dre that I purchased sounded amazing and worked well until I used them at the gym. At that point, sweat damaged the built in mic and phone controls putting me back on the market for new headphones.

It so happens that Monster has a version of their Dr. Dre Beats line that caters to exercise enthusiasts – PowerBeats by Dr. Dre. These are still in ear headphones and still have the red and black styling of the standard Beats (though you have some more options). The ear pieces, however, have over ear clasps that help keep them in while jogging or lifting. In addition, the earphones and controls are sweat proof and treated so that a good workout won’t ruin them.

The PowerBeats come with a more protective traveling case and an extension cable (I’ve not needed to use this but I can see the value at the gym). You’ll get the standard earbud selection enabling you choose the size that is the most comfortable, and a cord clasp is also in the box.

The sound is just as good as the Beats, but the fit is a little less snug leading to more background noise on planes, etc. Possibly this was done for safety. The earphones have also survived my workouts like a champ. The quality is still great and all controls and mic continue to work perfectly.

It turns out that the claim of being sweat proof is accurate and I’m rather satisfied with the PowerBeats. The only downside is that there is a price for the quality. The PowerBeats will run you about $179 retail versus $99 for the Beats.

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