Category Archives: Reviews

Did You Miss My Review?

February 5, 2008 – 7:22 am

I’m sure you all feel somewhat unsettled, and you’re not quite sure why. Let me reassure you, yes, there hasn’t been a new gadget review for 2 weeks. I wasn’t sure if the “reviews” were going to keep happening, as my original arrangement with Linux Journal was for a 2 month trial. We ran out of gadgets just as the 2 months came to an end. So, I was thinking it was over. There was sadness. ;)

THEN, more stuff started coming my way, along with new orders to review a wider variety of things! This week, for example, I’ll be reviewing a video game. That’s right, I’m getting paid to play a video game. Every 10 year old child’s fantasy. :) The problem? I really stink at video games. I don’t plan on silly little things like “facts” deterring me, however, so review the game I will!

Details and review video coming in a day or so. I’ll post it here, and you can all sleep better at night again. :)

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Technology | Comments (4)

New Video, and a Funny Story

January 23, 2008 – 2:49 pm

God has a sense of humor. I know this, because I’m 32 years old, and while I was preparing to shoot this video, my forehead kindly grew 2 giant pimples. One was in the “unicorn” position, and the other was placed just right to accentuate my receding hairline. That’s just spiffy.

So, like any filmmaker, I decided it was time to use makeup. Very macho and professional of me, right? Well, not so much. You see, I’m guessing when guys in the movies get themselves all painted up, they don’t use their wife’s makeup. In fact, I might bet some money on that. I, however, didn’t really have a choice.

In my attempt to wear “as little makeup as possible”, I spread the stuff on very thin. When you spread on makeup thin, however, you have to rub HARD. Which, for a fair complected bloke like myself, turns your skin red.

So picture me, with my wife’s makeup, poorly applied, and with my entire face beet red from rubbing. It did draw the attention away from the 2 ganky pimples on my forehead — but wasn’t really any improvement. So I had to apply more of my wife’s makeup. To cover up my mess.

Anyway, it turned out fine. I don’t think I’m going to leave the house before scrubbing my face like crazy, but really — who could ever find out? ;)

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Humor, Podcasts, Technology | Comments (6)

Continued 2008 Suckfest, and a Review.

January 16, 2008 – 4:41 pm

It appears as though our well quit today. This does not please me, because although a well is just a big hole in the ground, it’s a rather pricey hole in the ground. And apparently our well pump doesn’t suck, and it’s actually supposed to. What a weird world.

Anyway, wish me luck. The well guy is coming today at 5:15, and hopefully he’ll wave a wand and everything will be fine. Uh hu.

Here’s this week’s product review, however, if you’re into that sorta thing. OH, and the company is GIVING AWAY 2 of these products through the Linux Journal website. It’s another video thing, apparently, but the prize is a TON better than a T-Shirt. For the record, Brad (our local commenting buddy) was the only one that won a T-Shirt, so winning might be fairly easy. I dunno. Click here to read more details.

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in General Thoughts, Podcasts | Comments (6)

Robotic Fish Eater

January 9, 2008 – 9:42 am

Another week, another review. Here I review Tux Droid:

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Podcasts, Technology | Comments (11)

It’s More of… ME!

January 2, 2008 – 3:21 pm

New review out — this one of a pretty cool gadget:

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Podcasts, Technology | Comments (5)

2 Kinds of People

December 28, 2007 – 11:46 am

There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those to love Monty Python humor, and those that despise it. I am in the former, with both feet. I’ve watched The Holy Grail so many times I can almost quote the moose credits…

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On a similar vein — have you seen Fawlty Towers? Absolutely hilarious, and definitely some of the best television ever produced. You need to see this show, really. It’s available on DVD, so you have no excuse. (Don’t whine about money — this comedy is more important than food I’ll have you know…)

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Humor | Comments (5)

Did You Get a Geeky Gift? Win a T-Shirt!

December 26, 2007 – 10:34 pm

Following my review of the Penguin Pooper, Carlie Fairchild, the publisher over at Linux Journal, started a review contest. The first 20 people submitting video reviews of their geeky gifts get free T-Shirts. But even more than that, the bragging rights that go along with such a contest.

Go quickly!

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Humor, Technology | Comments (2)

New Video, and a Request

December 21, 2007 – 10:21 am

If you’re willing to watch my latest review below (Here’s a link to all of them to date), please do so. Then I have a couple questions…

Most of the folks reading my blog are intelligent people. Although varying in tech skills, I value everyones thoughts. Regarding the video reviews for Linux Journal:

1) Should I record reviews of things I don’t like? I don’t want to look like a marketing tool, and only review things that I think you should buy, but I also don’t want to waste your time by showing you what not to do.

2) Should I only stick to “cool” things? The review above is about a product that lacks the “holy cow, I want one now” factor for many folks. I think there is a market, but is it wise to review in a video such devices?

3) What’s your opinion on me being harsher than I am if I do dislike a product? In the video above, it’s pretty obvious I’m not a fan, but I didn’t bash the company either. Is the optimism sickening, or lack of ranting refreshing?

Thank you much. For participating in my survey, I’ll give (most) of you next Tuesday off work. If you have to work, my apologies, I did my best.

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in General Thoughts, Podcasts | Comments (5)

Now, on REAL TV

December 14, 2007 – 9:18 pm

In some more “pretty cool” stuff in my life, I just got confirmation that I’ll be a guest caller on, The Lab with Leo LaPorte, which I think is on G4 Tech TV. I have a question regarding the things to look for in a wireless microphone (for shooting my Linux Journal videos), and apparently it’s an interesting enough question that they want me to ask it on the show.

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Here’s the problem: I’ve never seen the show, and I don’t have satellite TV, so I probably won’t be able to watch it before next week when I’m supposed to call in. So, cross your fingers for me that I won’t look like a moron. I’m going to try to find a way to watch an episode or two before next week, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to swing it. I might just have to wing it. :)

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Humor, Podcasts, Technology | Comments (4)

More Linux (Eee PC Review)

December 12, 2007 – 9:37 pm

I’ve been pretty scarce around here lately, and it’s been because I’ve had both writing and video deadlines. 2 more videos just went live on the Linux Journal website, so please go there and let me know what you think. :) Check the comments on their site for the second video.

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And here’s the direct links for those who can’t see the embedded videos on the Linux Journal site. Watch this first, and then this.

Enjoy!

By Shawn Powers | Also posted in Humor, Podcasts, Technology | Comments (11)