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discount code: techzany
discount code: techzany
discount code: techzany
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Category Archives: Reviews
Photoshop Alternative: Pixelmator for Mac
I’ve been using Photoshop for years. I began using it on the PC and then purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements when I started to use Mac OS X. Recently, during the time I began designing websites and taking more photographs, I realized Photoshop Elements (Version 6) just wasn’t providing the tools and simplicity I needed. I wanted to edit photos and design basic web elements with ease.
Three months ago, a friend recommend PixelMator, an easy-to-use, powerful image editing application for Mac OS X. I decided to check it out that day and have been using it ever since. PixelMator provides everything I need from basic photo editing to graphic design. 
Pixelmator uses Core Image and OpenGL technologies that use the Mac’s video card for image processing. By doing a bit of research, I found out that Pixelmator graphic editing software was actually built upon a combination of open source and Mac OS X technologies such as ImageMagick, Automator, Cairo, and Sparkle.
PixelMator has many great features, here are a few:
- Supports Photoshop images with layers and over 100 other file types
- 16 colour correction tools
- More then 50 filters
- Over 20 tools for painting, cropping, typing, etc
- Quick file conversions and exports
- Supports Mac OS X ColorSync and profiles
- Support for OS X Lion features such as versions, auto save, full screen mode, etc
The full version of PixelMator costs just $29.99, a great price for such an amazing app. PixelMator allows you to do most things that you could do in Photoshop. With the Mac App Store’s “buy once, install on all Macs” system, purchasing this application is a no brainer. I encourage you to download the trial (or full version) today!
Try the newest version of PixelMator free for 30 days: http://www.pixelmator.com/try/
Before you decide to make the switch to PixelMator, being the Photoshop fan you are, you may ask “How does this app work? It’s going to take weeks before I learn how to use PixelMator.” In this case, you can read and watch all of the tutorials provided for FREE on the PixelMator website. There is really no reason not to try this award-winning app today!
The PixelMator team is alway trying to improve their software which means they’re constantly posting updates and information on their blog. Check it out: http://www.pixelmator.com/blog/
If you’re considering to try out PixelMator, or you’re a current user, leave a comment below. Share your thoughts!
Blackberry PlayBook Review
The Blackberry PlayBook went on sale in Canada for $300 off. I decided it was time to try out a tablet that wasn’t from the company who makes the leading tablet, Apple.
In the past, I had the iPad 2 so my standards are already quite high for a tablet. The Blackberry Playbook, although I had some problems at the beginning, is quite impressive.
Just because a tablet or even computer has better specifications then another doesn’t mean it is better or more useful. Many tablets exist with much betters specs then the BlackBerry PlayBook. I don’t want to base this review on a comparison of the Playbook and the iPad 2 but just for your information, here is how the Playbook specs compare.
| iPad 2 | BlackBerry PlayBook | |
| Screen | 9.7″ LED 1024 x 768 | 7″ LCD 1024 x 600 |
| Storage | 16GB/32GB/64GB | 16GB/32GB/64GB |
| Camera – Front | VGA 30fps | 5MP |
| Camera – Back | 720p 30 fps | 1080p |
| Weight | 1.33lbs | 0.9lbs |
| Battery | 25-watt-hour | 5300mAh |
| Price (CAD) | Wifi 16GB $519, Wifi 32GB $619, Wifi 64GB $719,3G 16GB $649, 3G 32GB $749, 3G 64GB $849 | 16GB $199 ($499), 32GB $299 ($599), 64GB $399 ($699) |
| Processor | Apple A5 1Ghz dual core | ARM Cortex A9 1GHz dual core |
| Memory | 512mb (unconfirmed by Apple) | 1GB |
| Current support for Adobe Flash | No | Yes |
| Apps | Too many | Not enough |
The BlackBerry PlayBook is positioned as a consumer device that offers the features necessary to appeal to RIM’s enterprise/business customers.
First boot setup
It took me about 2 hours to setup the PlayBook as an update I did bricked the device. This is quite unusual and doesn’t happen with many people. I think I’ll save this for another blog post.
Note: after I fixed up the software update, everything began running smoothly. Don’t let this stop you from purchasing a PlayBook.
External Hardware Design
Great
The PlayBook has a very sleek design with a great form factor and bezel. Around the PlayBook you will find four buttons (Power, Up/Forward, Down/Back, Play/Pause) and 3 connection ports (Micro HDMI, Mini USB, Power)
RIM has successfully created an elegant, thin, light, and small tablet that delivers a high quality external design.
Display
Great
The first thing I noticed about the PlayBook was it’s excellent display. The colours are bright and well saturated. It is viewable from all angles. The PlayBook’s display is quite good and one of the best out there.
Have you ever been using a device such as the iPad and you had trouble viewing it in the bright sun? The PlayBook’s display works quite well in difficult lighting allowing you to read ebooks and use your device to it’s fullest advantage no matter where you are.
Operating System: User Interface
Good
There is a lot I could say about the operating system. The layout and the design is very good.
The bezel is often used to access menus and for getting back to the home screen. A great example of this is multi-tasking. To switch to a different application you can swipe in from either side and scroll through all open applications. You can do the same thing by swiping from the bottom, the only difference is, you get the option of dragging up the main application list (home screen). 
The OS is very elegant. The way that it is divided into three sections makes accessing everything you need easy right from the home screen.
1. Top Bar: Thin, Transparent. This bar at the top of your device is shown on the home screen. It displays the time, date, and various icons including WiFi, battery, alerts, and orientation lock.
2. Middle Area: This section is only used to scrolling between open applications. The thumbnails run a live preview of the application so you can be watching two videos right from the home screen.
3. Bottom Area: Semi-Transparent. This is the area that allows you to browse through your apps. All, Favourites, Media, and Games. You can also swipe up from here to open a larger area for your application list.
I told you about multi-tasking earlier. Switching applications takes no effort at all. Unlike some mobile operating systems, the PlayBook OS allows you to have many apps running at the same times. (videos, games, etc). For convenience, a game will pause once you choose a different app to go into.
Web Browsing
Good
The PlayBook browser is based on Webkit, which is a great browser base code. The only complaint I have about this browser is the tabs. In order to switch to a different tab, you have to swipe down from the top and select one of the many squares, which are you open tabs. It’s not near as fast as switching tabs in other mobile browsers such as the newest Android OS.
The web page loading time is extraordinary. Many websites, even if they include Adobe Flash elements, load very fast.
You rarely see the loading pattern, even if you have a slow internet connection.
Keyboard
Good – Could be better
Typing on the PlayBook for long periods of time is quite comfortable and also has a very quick response time. The only thing that gets annoying is the lack of auto-complete and auto-correct features. I find myself using the oddly placed backspace button often to correct mistakes that I’m used to iOS correcting for me.
Selecting text is very easy. You can tap once to bring up two small arrows. You put the first arrow at the beginning of your selection and the second at the end. Tap once more and copy/paste/select options appear. These features are very responsive and work quickly.
Bad
There is no native email, calendar, and contacts apps in the PlayBook. I was very disappointed as I use email, and calendar constantly when I’m using a computer. In order to have full access to their mail applications, you need a BlackBerry mobile phone and must connect it to your PlayBook by way of BlackBerry Bridge. Unfortunately, I cannot test or make use of this feature.
The Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo app are good enough but I wish there was a better mail application pre-loaded on the device.
HDMI
If you purchase the BlackBerry HDMI adapter, which connects to a small port on the bottom of your PlayBook, you can view your PlayBook screen on your television or external display.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows you to connect your mobile phones, speakers, headsets, and other devices to your PlayBook.
Good
Unlike most tablets, the PlayBook doesn’t mount as a mass storage device. You need to download BlackBerry software from here (Mac and PC) so you can transfer music, videos, and other files to your PlayBook. This software also has a neat backup feature that works quite well.
With this software, you can transfer the photos you took with your PlayBook camera to your computer.
Need For Speed
To download additional applications to your device, you can use the BlackBerry App World. There is a lack of applications in the app world. Hopefully more developers are going to be building applications for the PlayBook when the software update comes out in February. It’s also possible for developers to port over some Android applications to the PlayBook OS. The PlayBook has a lot of potential for great applications.
Camera
Basic photo capture is quite good. The UI is very straightforward.
The rear facing camera can capture 1080p video. The video turns out very well but there seems to be no stabilization in the video or photo mode.
The rear camera shoots 5 megapixel photos at 2592×1456 pixel resolution. Overall, the quality is good but there is some small amounts of ‘noise’ in the photos.
Battery
There is not much you can say about the battery. I usually get two full days out of the PlayBook using it for general web browsing, listening to podcasts, and watching videos. By the way, the podcast application is quite good.
I didn’t expect the battery to last as long as it does. I did notice charging the PlayBook from 0% to 100% takes an extremely long time. (4+ hours)
Conclusion
I love the BlackBerry PlayBook and for $199, it’s a very nice tablet. The device form factor, size, and hardware is great. The display is also very nice.
The lack of a native e-mail, contact, calendar application along with the lack of applications in the App World make the PlayBook less attractive. I see a lot of potential in RIM’s first tablet and I hope it continues to get updates and new applications.
Overall, if you have a $200 budget, the PlayBook should be high on your list, otherwise I think it’s fair to say you should wait a while before purchasing a PlayBook due to the small amount of applications. Let’s hope to see some more applications and additional updates soon.
If you have a PlayBook or are thinking about getting one, please leave your thoughts below in the comments section. We’d love to hear what you have to say.
Please remember to share this post with you friends if you found it useful.
Budget Gadgets Review
BudgetGadgets has been in the online retail/wholesale business since 2003. They sell exactly what it sounds like, gadgets and electronics, at a very low price. There are many great looking products on their website and I must say, I’ve been very impressed with the products I’ve purchased and received to review.
First I’ll begin by telling you about their great website. There are many categories for different types of electronics, gadgets, and you can also look through their product listings by searching in price categories.
$0 – $1.99, $2 – $4.99, $5 – $9.99, $10 – $14.99, $15 – $19.99, $20 or more
Their website has a very simple and easy to navigate website. There are links on the main page to daily deals, Facebook page, Twitter, and much more.
Shipping
Shipping for any quantity of items to any location in the world is free. For most of the packages BudgetGadgets uses Airmail service by HongKong Post or Singapore Post, which usually takes 7-16 working days to arrive to most of countries.
I live in Ontario, Canada, that’s more then 12,000km away from where BudgetGadgets is in Shenzen, China. I receive my order in 10 days or sooner. Shipping is great and what more can you expect for free?
For orders over 200USD they use EMS or DHL with an online tracking number. There’s no extra charge for express shipping and they usually arrive in 3 – 5 working days.
DropShipping is also available. For more information, visit their information page. http://www.budgetgadgets.com/info.php?sub=DropShipping
Packaging
Every product I have received is packaged very well. Nothing ever gets damaged during shipping. It’s obvious that BudgetGadgets puts a lot of work into packaging. All products, including cables, manuals, and disks are wrapped very neatly. What’s worse then having a damaged product show up at your home?
Products
BudgetGadgets is always releasing new products for sale. Currently, they have everything from toy games to $300 Android tablets. The selection is amazing and there is something for everyone. BudgetGadgets is a great place to purchase gifts and seasonal items also.
Affiliates
BudgetGadgets affiliate program allows you to generate revenue for every purchase made that comes from your business or non-business channels.
You can add links to your site and access reports online so you can see how well you’re doing. This program is free to join. You earn 5% commission for any sales you make. If you refer someone and they don’t make a purchase right away, then when they revisit and purchase an item, you will automatically be credited with the sale, as long as it occurs within 180 days of the original visit.
I have been using the affiliate program since it was created and I am very happy. I have had a positive expierence with BudgetGadgets Affiliate program. My referral link: http://www.budgetgadgets.com/index.php?ref=247
Coupon
You can save 5% by using the coupon code: techzany at http://BudgetGadgets.com. Save 5% on anything and everything you buy from their online store.
Giveaway!
A $20 coupon code for BudgetGadgets.com will be given away to one of you on November 14th.
How to Enter:
- Follow @TechZany and @BudgetGadgets
-Tweet this: ” I just entered the @TechZany @BudgetGadgets $20 coupon #giveaway #TZBG20 bit.ly/bgtzgive ”
- One entry per person
On November 14th, I’ll do a search for #TZBG20 on Twitter and see who entered. Then I’ll use a number generator to randomly choose one, if you followed all rules, you will be notified through Twitter to e-mail me.
Thanks to BudgetGadgets for doing this giveaway! Good Luck!
Conclusions
BudgetGadgets sells great products at an amazing low price with free shipping. All products are packaged nicely and are delivered to your home / store within about 2 weeks. BG also has a one year warranty on most products and a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Save 5% by using the coupon code techzany when checking out. If you have any other questions on replacements, warranty, etc, you should be able to find your answers on their FAQ page or you can e-mail them.
BudgetGadgets is not a scam website and is very trustworthy.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to BudgetGadgets.com now and purchase yourself some new gadgets.
All giveaway details are subject to change without notice. You must follow all rules
to be eligible to enter. One winner will be randomly choosen on or around November
14th. $20 coupon is a discount for the online web store and has no cash value.
Bracketron
Bracketron is the industry leader in universal mounting solutions and accessories for many of today’s most popular mobile and handheld technologies, including GPS, smart phone, cell phone, MP3, satellite radio, laptop and netbook.
In 2001, when Bracketron began, their first product was the Custom Bezel Mount which was engineered for the professional installer of mobile electronics. Consumer response was very strong and pointed them in the direction of selling products aimed at consumers for home & office use.
Since then, Bracketron has broadened their product line to include a variety of flexible mounting options designed to extend the use of the device and enhance the overall user experience.
I was sent a couple Bracketron products to review and had a lot of fun testing them out. In fact, I use their products everyday. I am very glad I have them.
Bracketron puts a lot of thought into the design of their products. The products have a very nice design and are meant to work for a long time without needing to replace them.
I wouldn’t say Bracketron uses the highest quality materials to assemble their products but that only costs more money. The prices are all very affordable and worth it for what you get.
Although they don’t all carry the complete product line, you can order a lot of the Bracketron products from other retailers and distributors. Products are available around the world and can even be purchased directly from their website.
If you’re looking for a stand, mount, or bracket, for your mobile device, Bracketron has something that will suit your need.
If you are interested in purchasing a product, use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ at Bracketron.com to save 10%.
Below, I give a short review of each of the products I was sent.
MobileDock Desk Mount (White) Coming Soon!
Use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ to save 10%
The MobileDock allows you to mount your mobile devices to any hard surface, desk, counter, wall or glass for easy viewing and accessibility.
The suction cup mount and device cradle have an adhesive-free grip that mounts to most hard surfaces and leaves no residue. Installation and removal is very easy. The MobileDock easily pivots and rotates for multiple viewing angles.
I am very happy with this product. It sits on my desk, displaying my iPhone in style.
This product will be available for purchase very soon.
$19.95
Use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ to save 10%
The iTilt is the perfect portable desktop stand for your iPad. The ultra-slim iTilt holds your iPad in portrait or landscape modes and has eight convenient viewing angles.
The nonslip feet and protective corners keep the iPad securely in place while you work. The iTilt folds flat for easy portability from room to room or when traveling.
I love the iTilt. It sits on my desk displaying my iPad while I can always just fold it up and go. The iTilt can even securely hold your iPad while it is in a case, some stands do not allow this. Your device would fall over with similar stands if it had a case on it. The iTilt is suitable for the iPad or iPad 2. Other tablet computers may fit depending on the size and weight.
$9.95 [clearance item]
Use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ to save 10%
This large laptop stand is ideal for keeping your laptop cooler.
The 8 adjustable elevating positions – from 0° – 45°, help promote airflow for enhanced laptop performance and is ideal for customizing the viewing angle. The swivelling base rotates 360° making it very convenient to use on even the smallest of desktops.
This item is on clearance and won’t be available for long. Get it now while it’s at a great price.
This laptop stand is one of the best I’ve used. It is very simple, portable, and even rotates. Keeping my laptop cool is a great thing to do while also having the keyboard at a nicer angle. This is the stand I use for my laptop no matter where I am.
$19.95
Use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ to save 10%
The Netbook & iPad Desktop Stand has five adjustable elevating positions from 0° – 45°, to help promote airflow for enhanced Netbook performance and is also great for customizing the viewing angle. This light weight Netbook & iPad Desktop Stand folds flat making it easy to carry and store.
The benefit of using this product is that it is so durable and also very portable. It fits nicely into a small place but can really be a laptop , tablet, device stand of any size. The customizable heigh and width is great. I’d recommend this stand for anyone who is doing a lot of travelling but likes a nice portable stand.
Take a look at the Bracketron Blog for all the latest news.
If you are interested in purchasing a product, to save 10%, use the coupon code ‘ techzany ‘ at Bracketron.com.
Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202
I purchased the Behringer U-Control UCA202 to use my mixer as a USB source so that I could keep my 1/8″ plug for a separate voice input. For example, If I was talking to someone on Skype and using the mixer as an input, then they would end up hearing themselves so now I am using the FX Send on the Behringer Mixer along with this USB interface to stop feedback problems.
Here are some specs and details from the Behringer website:
Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface with Digital Output
-Ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer, etc. with your computer for recording and playback
-High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality
-Works with your PC or Mac computer—no setup or drivers required. Free audio recording and editing software downloadable at www.behringer.com
-Stereo Headphone output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor both input and output
-Additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion
-Powered via USB—no external power supply needed
Currently, I am not using all of the features this U-Control offers but for the parts that I have used, it is working very well.
Just plug into a powered USB port and you have a secondary input / output for your computer. You can use this interface for inputting from a mixing console, a guitar or other interment, 1/8″ (non-phantom powered) microphone, your optical stereo speakers, and much more. The possibilities are endless. For only $40, this Audio interface can come in handy for any audio producers.
For more information you can checkout the Behringer website.
