Vertical Technology Blog

I recently had in hand the Samsung Epix (AT&T) and used the phone for about two weeks.  My first impression after unpacking the phone was that it was not as thin as my Samsung Blackjack II, and that was a little disappointing, as I always praise Samsung for their design being so thin.  But, after using the features, I found many reasons to like the Epix.

The Samsung Epix has the keyboard similar to the Blackjack II so I was comfortable using it right off.  There is an optical mouse for navigation but I hardly used it and I found the inclusion of it unneeded.  The Samsung Epix utilizes the Windows Mobile Pro OS and I liked most of the features it brought across as well as the added little touches (such as touch-screen ease) while adding contacts or notes to a contact.  There was a stylus to make handwriting easy and it was able to recognize mine quickly and easily so I tapped out quite a few notes using it.

Samsung did great by adding an extra sized 1800mAh battery with this phone, because it now has around 7 hours of battery life.  The phone also is more powerful with features like Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G networking.

A few of the third-party apps were fun to use and that almost outweighed my surprise that the phone was heavier and thicker than my Blackjack II device.  The camera interface was nicer with touch screen options to make taking a photo and changing things up easier.  Overall, the Epix was a great upgrade option but since I’m pretty spoiled to using my Blackjack II right now, I’m going to hold out and see what is available in a few months.

If you are a lover of photos, the T-Mobile cameo™ frame will allow you to have some fun with your hobby.  I recently reviewed this little frame and although many are commenting on the pricetag being high, the device would certainly serve a good purpose in certain situations and that makes it worth every penny.

This cameo™ frame allows you (and anyone you share the device phone number with) to post photos, text messages, and picture messages directly to the device.  You simply take photos using your phone and then send them, like you would to share them with friends, to the frame’s phone number.  In just moments they show up on the frame and you can utilize the menu to rotate and change your view if needed.  You can also e-mail the frame using the phone number and @tmomail.net.

In addition to all this, you have the added capability to use a memory card with photos and also transfer your favorite photos from your computer to the frame.  There is a $9.99 a month fee to send photos to the frame with your phone or through e-mail and the frame has a price tag of around $99.00 but for the right person, this would be well worth the extra cost to enjoy photos and be able to share them with others.

This is not available to order online, but you can find a nearby T-Mobile store and shop for yours, today.

An amazing Bluetooth headset arrived at my door the other day and I’ve had the pleasure to test out the features this past week.  The Plantronics Discovery 925 has had quite a bit of good press lately so I was excited to be able to review one myself.  When it arrived I went pretty easy on it, charging it up as the directions stated, and taking time to read the brief but precise directions.  That didn’t last long because I wanted to really put it to the test during my work week.

Opening the package revealed not only the VFrame design, that is impressive alone, but also a new feature I haven’t been exposed to yet with headsets–a carrying case with a battery for charging on the run.  Recharging can be done either directly via the headset and an AC plug or by placing the fancy headset into the case (which holds the Discovery 925 with a firm grip, no charging mistakes there) and plugging the AC into the bottom of that.  Then, later in the day when you are not using your headset, you can place it directly into the charged up case and recharge it between meetings or travels.

Plantronics has an AudioIQ noise control technology that passed my “convertible” test well.  I drive home from work with the top down on my car and I made several calls while both on side streets and on the highway (windows up, of course) and I had no problem hearing or conversing with the other party.  Impressive!  I can’t say they couldn’t hear road noise, but the conversation wasn’t halted because of it.

The setup with my Blackjack II was painless and quick, and the battery life has been incredible with the extended feature of the charging case.  Plantronics says that 5 hours of talk time can be enjoyed and 7 days standby, but add in the case charging time and I think that gets automatically extended.

Three sizes of eartips are shipped with the headset but I used the one it came with and haven’t had an issue with it falling out of my ear or moving.  I had previously insisted all my headsets have an over-the-ear design, but this product has converted me.  Light (so light I forget I am wearing it constantly) and easy to keep safe and charged up, this would make an excellent gift for business or pleasure seekers.

It tops my list of Bluetooth headsets that I recommend to others, for sure.  I think I’ve used the L-word a few times, too.  Shh!

I have been contemplating an upgrade to my Toshiba laptop but when dealing with laptops you have more than one option.  Instead of upgrading to a newer model, I could reformat and work on upgrading the memory.  I have been using my iPhone far more than my laptop lately and I haven’t put to use mobile broadband options because I have a setup at home that’s perfect.

I used to do more gaming with my system but since I lack the time, WoW hasn’t been the center of my life.  I don’t really need the power of a gaming system but I do need something that can keep up with my photo editing and multi-tasking.  I tend to do quite a lot of that with reviews and blogging.

If I do decide to upgrade I will probably shop laptops and the newer netbooks so that I know what my best buy would be.  For now, I will consider a reformat and a little more RAM to keep things going until it’s more convenient to spend the money on a better system.  There are some great deals on desktops, too, but I prefer to work with a laptop so that I can take it anywhere I travel.  That is a convenience I just can’t give up.

Being a notebook user I really enjoyed using the Kensington Si750m Notebook Laser Mouse.  It features an easily held shape that was very comfortable with extended use.  The high resolution laser sensor was quick to react to my pointed movements and the mouse is nicely compact.

You store the receiver inside the mouse and when you place it inside, the mouse automatically turns off to save your batteries.  It has 2.4Ghz high-speed performance, and I even used this while gaming, it did wonderful.  I didn’t test out the range but they claim it has up to 30 feet.

The battery lasted and lasted, they say it should hold about a 6 month charge with only 1 AA.  I’m still testing this.  Being easy to use and lightweight make it a first choice when I am packing my laptop up to take it with me.  I don’t fret over the size or weight and it’s easily stored in a side pocket of my laptop case.  It has a small footprint but that didn’t interfere with the use.

Kensington offers a free 5 year warranty and technical support with each mouse and they have a metallic pink version for those of us that like to flaunt our Diva selves.

The Price Point office desks are a good quality product that offer more than just a pretty new desk for your offices.  They will show you that they surpass their competitors with durable and strong models that will last longer.  With 25mm thick desk tops, compared to the standard 18mm thickness, you will have less chance of the desk bowing.  Buying quality office furniture can be one of your first steps in running a quality company.

They also improve their desks with 2mm thick edging, another great upgrade in comparison to the usual 0.6mm thick models that are offered elsewhere, and they top it off with an 8-year guarantee for their customers. 

Check out the pricing on the Price Point site and don’t forget to view their office storage options with tons of filing cabinets, shelves and other quality items to choose from.  They even have artificial plants to brighten up your spaces once you’re done with the basic design!

As a gamer, I look for good sound in a headset, and the Razer Piranha has that perfected.  With noise-filtering for the microphone, your teammates or gaming pals won’t miss a word you say.  Comfort is first with Razer, too.  Ergonomic designs are a focus for this company and these Piranha headphones happen to have adjustable earphones to help with every movement you make and keep your long hours of gaming less about your comfort and more about your enjoyment.

Another plus for Razer is the cable, they took extra time to ensure it’s durability by covering it with a braided fiber.  I had no problem just plugging it in and using it, either.  No annoying wait to set it up.

Not only are they awesome to use for the excellent sound and quality but they also have added ‘gadget addict’ features like the lovely blue icon on the sides and blue lighting on the control that’s attached to the cord.  If you’re into case mods. or just like to show off your favorite brand, Razer has your number.  Shop their site and keep watching for new items.  They keep adding more things for me to drool over.

I love their company motto, too:  “For gamers, by gamers.”  Who better to design my stuff but someone that has something in common with me?  They have a new mouse coming, too, and I hope to feature the Salmosa here as soon as I get more details.

We’ve made a Great Discovery: Zenni Optical when searching for a site to get cheap prescription glasses from.  Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses utilize the Internet to sell their products directly to the consumer and the trick to making them cheaper for us is that they sell only their own manufactured frames.  This keeps them from having to price them high, and instead allows them to sell more at a cheaper price.

Yes, you can rush out and get some designer frames, but when you need back-up glasses or several pairs (if you’re like us, you lose your glasses often) the Best Thing Found: Zenni Optical.  They’ll take the big spending out and give you good quality glasses that you can use.  This allows you to match a few pair up to your favorite outfits so that you can really “wow” your co-workers and pals.

They sell internationally, too, so no worries on the ordering side of things if you’re outside of their area.  They offer frames with single vision lens, sunsensor (potochromic) lens, tinted sunglasses, bifocal and progressive lenses being available.  Great choice, great price.

A company called Reactrix has taken mall floors to a new level.  I noticed a neat setup at our mall while holiday shopping.  On the floor was a mat or pad with a projected video game on it.

If you placed your foot near an asteroid on the mat, it would explode.  Then after playing the game a bit it showed a few commercial ads but they were interactive, too.

Coca-Cola, Visa and Sprint have already grabbed this idea up and are utilizing it in their marketing plans.  This interactive advertising is a great idea and I can see it in more widespread use in the future.  Reactrix claims measured recall is very high with an average of 55% and a high of 72%.  Aided recall was averaged at 86% with a high of 99%.  Nice job, Reactrix!

You can see video demos on the site of what I experienced.

Too bad they are currently sold out.  You can look for them to return to the site, though, if you want a talking Japanese watch.  It will speak up and tell you the time in Japanese (maybe you can learn a bit while you sort through if you’re late to work or not) and keep you in the know.

In bright colors with a display of the time below the speaker, these cute watches might be just what you’re looking for.  The Fred Flare site has a wish list, too, so you can let others know how much you want one.