I recently gave the Belkin Miracast Video Adapter a try, to evaluate Miracast on Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 compared to Chromecast on my Android devices. Unfortunately, configuring and using the Belkin adapter was an exercise in frustration. If I were to go by my experience with it alone, I’d say that Miracast is acceptable as […]
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Review Part 1: Enabling the Vision
July 3, 2014 by 1 Comment
I was impressed the first time I put my hands on Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 3 a few weeks ago. I’ve now been using my own for going on two weeks now, and if anything my original, seemingly hyperbolic statements about the Surface Pro 3 might have been understated. It really is a groundbreaking machine, […]
Dell Venue 8 Pro Bluetooth Keyboard Review
June 12, 2014 by 1 Comment
I bought the Dell Bluetooth Keyboard for my Venue 8 Pro, getting it for the relatively low price of $60 via an Amazon price match (yes, Dell online will match prices, a nice surprise). Normally, the keyboard is $99.99 on Dell’s site, which is a bit pricey even considering that Dell includes a matching folio […]
HP Omni 10 Review
February 12, 2014 by 1 Comment
HP has been strangely quiet in their introduction and release of the Omni 10 tablet, and I’m not sure why. I’ve been using one for the last few days, and it’s a very nice 10” Windows 8.1 tablet. There’s currently only one version of the Omni 10 (toss a little cash in the tip jar […]
Dell Venue 11 Pro Mobile Keyboard Quick Look (Update: Video)
February 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I received my Venue 11 Pro Mobile Keyboard (what I like to call the keyboard dock) from Dell the other day, and I’ve spend a few minutes running it through its paces. The short version: it works as you’d expect (most of the time), is comfortable to type on, has a decent trackpad, and adds […]
Dell Venue 11 Pro Core i5 – Initial Thoughts (Update)
January 26, 2014 by 5 Comments
Update: After using the Venue 11 Pro for a few weeks now, I’ve noticed that the fan doesn’t seem to spin up as much as it did initially. It’s possible that a BIOS update fixed the problem, or that the machine was performing startup tasks (installing apps, etc.) that were causing the fan to kick […]
Dell Venue 8 Pro Overview (Update)
December 19, 2013 by 1 Comment
I want to like the Dell Venue 8 Pro. I really do. It’s nicely built, comfortable to use, has an excellent screen, and performs admirably. At the same time, while I’m liking Windows 8.1 on tablets in general, the continued reliance on desktop mode for some things means that the 8” form factor is just […]
Dell Venue 8 Pro Review (Okay, Mini-Preview)
November 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I have a confession to make. While I’ve often taken to Twitter to lambast Windows 8.1 tablets that are less than 10” as too small for desktop mode, and probably mentioned it somewhere on the blog as well, I actually like the Dell Venue 8 Pro I’ve been playing with over the last few weeks. […]
Sony SmartWatch 2 Review: Good, but Will You Use It?
October 27, 2013 by 3 Comments
I’ve been using the Sony SmartWatch 2 for a little over a week now, and so far it’s matched up well with what I want from a smartwatch. However, it has one significant issue that gets in the way, and I’ve found myself reconsidering whether or not I actually need a smartwatch, after all. In […]
Google Chromecast Setup and Testing
July 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
So, I was lucky enough (or quick enough) to snag a couple of Chromecasts from Amazon before they sold out (and, before the 5:31 PST cutoff for the 3-month Netflix coupon). I ordered via Amazon Prime but they came a day early, and so I was able to spend a few minutes this evening playing […]