Video Review of the Case-mate Pop Case for Verizon iPhone 4 (great case)

I recently updated from my iPod Touch to the new Verizon iPhone 4.  The first accessory I needed was a good solid case.  I don’t like to use belt clips and instead prefer to keep my iPhone in my pocket.  Although I love the Rebel Touch Case I have for my iPod Touch they didn’t have the same case available for the new iPhones.  Also most other iPhone 4 cases that were designed for the AT&T iPhone 4 would not fit the new Verizon iPhone 4 because some of the buttons on the side moved slightly for the different placement of the antennae on the CDMA version of this phone.

I did lots of research (as usual) and reading of reviews and it seemed Case-mate was one of the first to release a variety of cases specifically designed for the Verizon iPhone 4.  There are many different case styles but I don’t like to use a belt clip and prefer a case that has a combination of a solid spine (to protect from impact in case you drop it) but also has a rubber on the sides to help increase the grip to it doesn’t feel like it will slide out of your hand.  The Case-mate Pop case seemed to fit the bill – so I ordered one and in this video I show my unboxing as well as my review of this case.  Although I need to see if it stands the test of time so far I am VERY happy with this case and feel confident it will keep my precious iPhone 4 safe and sound.

Watch my video review and unboxing below:

What case did you pick for your iPhone and what do you like most about it?  Share your thoughts by posting a comment below!

Switching From Windows to Mac – Part 1

Well it’s official – a few weeks ago I finally made the shift I’ve been talking about for the last 6 months or more and jumped from Windows to Mac (some say I’ve joined the dark side but it sure feels like the other way around). I decided to go with a MacBook Pro and I have to tell you I couldn’t be happier.

It has certainly been a learning curve and in even the just the short time I’ve been a Mac user I’ve learned A LOT about some of the differences between the two operating systems, found some really cool new software and utilities, and basically been having a ball.

Sure I’ve been a bit less productive while making the transition but it is well worth it (and at least the lost productivity isn’t due to blue screens and dll errors)!

The video below is Part 1 of a 2 part series I shot about why I made the switch from Windows to Mac and why I felt I could make this jump without too much grief (my first project in iMovie):

Along with this post and video goes out a big heartfelt apology to all my family and friends who have been long time Mac users.  I gave you all a lot of shit over the years about living in your “Mac world” and not using a “realcomputer” but let me tell you . . . I’ve drunk the koolaid and it’s good!!

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (34.6MB)

Shooting Flip Video or Digital Photos? Get yourself in the shot with XShot!

Recently while using my Flip camera to shoot some video for this blog I came across a problem. I was shooting the post about “working outside your office” so I wanted to move around and decided to hold the camera so I could be mobile and not be stuck with the static shot I would get from using my tripod (like I normally do).  There were two issues with this approach:

1. My arms are only so long so I couldn’t hold the camera out far enough to get much of me and the background in the shot
2. The camera shook a lot so the video jumped around a bit

As I always do when looking for the solution to a problem I searched Google and found a solution – the XShot 2.0 camera extender.  This amazing device is only 9″ in length and weighs 5 ozs. when closed but folds out (like an antennae) to 37″ long and can hold a camera up to 1.25 lbs.  It includes a standard tripod mount on the end that swivels up to 180 degrees so you can attach your point and shoot digital camera or your pocket camcorder (like the Flip video), simply extend it and get yourself and others in the shot!  I was jonesing on trying it out so I contacted XShot and they were kind enough to send me one so I could give it a try and review it for you.

Watch this video below where I do a quick demo of how it works:

Ever since I’ve had a digital camera I’ve always done the single-arm stretch to take photos of myself and others without having to ask someone Read more