Monday, September 28, 2015

Images Voice Activated Recorder--Sometimes You Just Have to Have Fun




So I was asked by a very kind seller to review this voice recorder.  It sounded like an interesting proposition.  I agreed, tested the product and wrote a glowing review.  It's when I decided to add video that things got interesting.  I had a little fun with it, and I got the impression from the seller's response that they were lukewarm to my interpretation.  At any rate, let me know what YOU think!



Tuesday, September 22, 2015

The GeekPro 2.0--An Action Cam You're Going To Love!



This GeekPro 2.0 is an absolutely amazing little device. It is so powerful and has so many incredible features that it could possibly take a dissertation-length review to cover it all. I do, however, want to share the highlights.

First, the compact size of this cam makes it perfect for on-the-go shooting. It fits in the palm of the hand, and is surprisingly lightweight--a bonus when attached to a helmet. Second, this cam can pretty much do it all--and in HD. It shoots stills, videos, captures photo bursts, and can be set to grab time lapse stills at predetermined intervals. The on-board screen on the rear of the cam allows for crystal clear playback or a viewing screen while shooting--and don't feel intimidated by the "sports" moniker! Even if you don't climb mountains, race at breakneck speeds downhill or jump from airplanes, this cam can still be invaluable to accomplish simple tasks. Grab some video at the kid's next event or activity, film your home for insurance purposes or capture some great footage of your pets--memories may fade, but your videos will last a lifetime! Set the date and time, turn the image upside down, set the photo resolution and choose your sounds--all via an intuitive on screen interface. I love that the wifi connectivity allows me to connect easily to my iPad Air 2, view photos, playback videos and control the cam itself.

Included with the cam is a plethora of accessories. A wrist strap, clips, mounts, a waterproof housing--a whopping 19 (plus the manual) to insure you get the perfect shot each and every time. There's even an extra battery for those long days out when you need more cam time. Add a micro SD card and the world is your oyster.

Highly recommended camera that you will find yourself using every single day. A definite must-have. Note that I received this cam at no charge in exchange for an honest review.





Saturday, September 19, 2015

I Want a Roarke



I love JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts) and have read each of the books in the In Death series. I actually look forward to seeing what Eve and Roarke are up to, and I enjoy keeping tabs on Mira, Nadine, Peabody and Mavis. This novel followed suit with previous offerings from Robb in that Dallas once again finds herself at the center of a series of killings. This time the killer is sending messages directly to Eve by leaving her messages on the walls at the crime scenes. Targeted are those whom the killer believes in some way have wronged Eve--and he (or she) is delivering vigilante justice.

The premise is full of potential, and for the most part Robb takes full advantage. The dialogue is pointed and direct, the infused humor is subtle and delivered with dead pan overtones and the characters stay true to personalities Robb has bestowed upon them. For some reason, however, I found the plot to lag a bit. I didn't feel that tension or suspense that generally grabs me with the series, nor did I see much development or growth in any character we've come to know. There were no revelations or epiphanies, and the climax was, for me, rather anti-climatic.

With that said, I still enjoyed the read. Robb is truly a master of the written word, and I enjoy reading just to roll through the brilliant craftsmanship. I'm not sure if that interest, however, is sustainable through any more slow-moving plots.  If this is your first Robb read, don't be discouraged. Pick up an older volume in the In Death series and try again. You won't regret it.  Oh, and if you know a guy who meets the Roarke criteria (gorgeous, wealthy, Irish and devoted). Please leave his address in the comments below.  ;).