Unboxing

The HD661′s retail box is definitely one of the attractive-looking cardboard boxes I’ve seen. I must admit that it looked a bit pricey, but at PhP1,990, I’m sure that in the supra-aural monitoring headphone category, this one is really a pretty good deal.

What you get inside the box are the following:

• HD661 Professional Monitoring Headphones
• 1M Straight Cable (3.5mm jack)
• 3M Straight Cable (3.5mm jack)
• 6.3mm adapter (for you, mixers, out there)
• Documentations
• Soft carrying pouch

Build Quality

XT Corporation gave us one in neon orange, but the HD661 is available in 11 different colors: black, white, red, neon pink, pink, neon blue, neon orange, neon purple, gray and neon green. The quality of the headphone is definitely outstanding, somewhat unrealistic for an accessory worth less than PhP2,000. The swivel mechanism that holds the ear pads is made of hard plastic but surprisingly sturdy. Build quality alone, I’m confident that this headphone is really a bang for your buck.

Check out how the HD661 is made on the video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The availability of 1M and 3M straight cables is of course perfect if you use your headphone as part of your get up. In my experience, I switch to the 3M straight cable when I’m going to use the headphone on my desktop PC at home where I usually play my games. As this headphone’s output produces good bass, you can imagine how I enjoyed playing Diablo 3 and Guild Wars 2 on my PC. Of course, the 1M cable is enough for me when I want to carry the headphone with me when going to the office. I just thought that it would have been better had Superlux included a coiled cable in the package. I wouldn’t mind paying an extra PhP100 – PhP150 for it.

Sound Quality

With the HD661, what’s definitely more important is the quality of sound it produces. HD661, in this aspect, gives off good sound quality, which commensurates to its inexpensive price.

I must say that Superlux greatly improved the treble that this headphone produces. I can assure you that the treble this headphone produces is acceptable. Songs are listenable and lyrics are definitely understandable. Its little bassy but it does not mean that it’s a bad thing. There is a balanced mix of treble and bass as I mostly listen to pop, jazz and a bit of house and dubstep. If you prefer a “bassier” can, I’d recommend the HD631 more.

Verdict

I am not actually an audiophile, but from a consumer’s perspective, this one’s definitely worth buying. For PhP1,990, this headphone is definitely worth the price as it also includes a lot of goodies (cables and 6.3mm adapter)! The availability of 11 colors to choose from is of course perfect for fashionistas and hipsters out there. But of course, what’s more important is how this produces the quality of sound consumers look for! The HD661 perfect complements consumer’s preference as it considers and balances sound quality, style and affordability.

Giveaway

Now’s your chance to win a Superlux HD661 courtest of XT Corporation! We’re giving away 1 HD661 for all our Facebook fans and Twitter followers!

The post Bite-Sized Review Plus Giveaway: Superlux HD661 appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

The Tech21 SOP isn’t just a case with rubber and hard plastic. The science and technology behind the material Tech21 uses is outstanding, but it doesn’t take a genius to understand how it works. Simply put, Tech21 uses D30 impact material, which technically absorbs and repels the impact created when you accidentally drop your device.

It’s all about the molecules inside the revolutionary D3O^® Impact Material. In everyday use, the molecules flow freely, but upon shock or impact they lock together – absorbing the impact force and spreading the shock evenly across the surface of the material. That means your device stays in one piece, no matter how hard the impact!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Unboxing

The Special Ops – Patrol Case is placed inside an attractive retail box. Opening the retail box isn’t too difficult as I only had to softly pry open the transparent hard plastic cover. I pulled the plastic nib out which eventually made me take out the paper inner cover from the neon-orange pedestal. Once the inner cover was out, I simply slided out the inner plastic container where the case is placed. I took out the case and removed the manual in it.

Installing the case is a different case, pun intended. It wasn’t too easy as I thought, but I highly understood it as I was putting on a case that’s meant to protect my device and not the other way around. Don’t get me wrong though – it wasn’t too easy to install, but it wasn’t too difficult either.

Impressions

The case has 2 layers – 1 soft band inner layer where the D30 Impact Material is wrapped around and another layer (front and back covers) that encloses the  inner layer. These layers add a bit of heft, but do not make our iPhone look bulky.

All the hard buttons and speakers are exposed well, making all these functionalities usable even if the phone is fully covered and protected. The rotation/mute switch and the sleep/wake button are quite hard to reach due to the slightly deep recesses on respective areas.

My son accidentally dropped my phone (from 2.5 feet) a day ago, but I didn’t see any dent on the case. More importantly, the phone is still intact and working in pristine condition.

Overall, this is a bang for your buck impact protection case. Sure, you can buy a more expensive case, but the Tech21 Special Ops Patrol case provides similar protection without spending too much. This case is available at all Beyond the Box retail stores for only PhP2,200.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The post Tech21 Special Ops Patrol for iPhone Unboxing and Impressions appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

The Tattoo 4G Prepaid Superstick is powered by Globe’s 4G technology – the first and the largest in the country. Globe has already enabled 4G network in most areas in Metro Manila like Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay  City, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Valenzuela, Taguig and Rizal. Soon, more areas will be added to the 4G-enabled list, and as Globe promised, such network empowerment will lead its subscribers to move millions. You can check the status of the progress of the network modernization in your area on this link.

We would like to thank Globe for providing a unit for testing and review. Installation was pretty straightforward: all we needed to do was put on the sim and battery, installed the driver for initial setup and configured it through its neatly designed web-based admin panel (through 192.168.1.1 default router IP).

One thing I noticed which is quite confusing – although Globe is marketing this mifi (mobile wifi) as 4G enabled, the preferred network ticked on the admin panel is locked to 3G only. That’s something that we need to check with @JoyceOfGlobe or @KenOfGlobe how we can unlock it so it can support 4G network. Conversely, I will update this article once I got an advice that worked. Stay tuned as well for our unbiased review and incremental posts and tweets about how this mifi works. We believe that although that the unit we’re going to use is provided by Globe, it would also help them better their service if we provide a highly objective and reality-based review.

The post Tattoo 4G Prepaid Superstick Just Got More Affordable appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

I tried pairing it to different types of devices both Android and iOS devices to see which device it is more compatible with.

Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100)

Of course, as expected, I would be testing it on my favorite phone. Perfect! I was able to maximize the use. Menu and other buttons are properly working as well. Used arrow buttons in selecting a desired app to open as well as in moving from the page to another. I tried to do some editing using Document-to-Go and I am satisfied with its performance. Shortcut functions are working very well such as Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and other editing shortcuts. Since I am always travelling and meeting up with clients outside the office, bringing this will help me a lot if there would be some documents to be edited. I also played around it creating good home screens such as the one created by Fustion Bolt. Bravo!

Xperis GO (ST27i)

Although Xperia GO is a small smartphone, I still tried it. Most of the buttons are working even the shortcut functions and the menu button. Arrow keys working in choosing the desired application and going from one page to another. Working well. The only thing is that it really looks awkward using a keyboard on a small smartphone especially when it is 3 times smaller than the keyboard.

Galaxy TAB 2 (P3100)

I can say that this is the perfect match for this Bluetooth keyboard. The 10-inch screen of the tablet really matches the compact size of Euroo Bluetooth keyboard. I am definitely bringing this keyboard with me whenever I’ll be out with the tablet. Of course you cannot use it on your lap while travelling on a bus like your laptop since it cannot be physically connected, but definitely, it is perfect if you are on a copy shop doing your work or randomly commenting of your Facebook page.

iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S / iPhone 5

I was lucky enough to try the Euroo Keyboard on the iOS device since most of the people in our house are using apple (but not me), I can say that it is compatible as stated on the box. It has limited function. Shortcut functions are not working. It is giving some lags while typing. Some letters are being typed repeatedly although it was just pressed once. Quite unsatisfactory, but still you can use it when typing a text message or commenting on Facebook.

iPad 2 / iPad 3

I also tried it on my cousin’s iPads and again as stated on the box, it can be paired with it. Same experience with the iPhones that I tried earlier. No need to say more.

ACER Aspire 4736Z

Wow, it is a good experience for me to use this on my laptop. All keys are working. Function keys are working. Shortcuts functions are also working. You can do the all the things that you can do with your regular keyboard. Amazing! What I did now is pair it with my laptop and my Bluetooth keyboard, connected my laptop to our TV, connect a 2.1 speakers, sit on our couch and launched Defense of the Ancients. MMMMMMooonster kill!!!

Hwawei Media Pad (S7-931wd)

Since I want to try it with almost all the device, I can’t, because we only have a handful of them.  Then I saw our PLDT Telpad and thought of trying it to. It got connected. The Euroo Bluetooth keyboard looks and works well on the 7-inch tablet. Same functions as what I have experienced with the android devices that I tried.

Nokia Asha 306

Although I already suspect that this will not work, just to satisfy my urge of trying it on most of the device, I still did. As expected, it is not compatible. Then I asked myself why did I still try it? Hahaha!!!

It seems that it is compatible on almost all devices that I tried except for the Nokia, this device is already a good buy for me. Since it seems that it is more compatible for the Android the devices and not with the iOS, I wonder why on the box says “for iOS devices”.  Is it because that the name iOS is “more” appealing to the buyers? According to Euroo “We are targeting iOS users thus emphasis was given to iOS device but definitely will work with Android products.”

I just have a few comments about the product like the instruction manual is very limited, and there is no other instructions but on how to pair the device. Euroo said “The operation itself is very simple so it does not need complicated instruction manuals (besides nobody read manuals even smartphones does not have manuals). They can ask technical questions thru our FB fan page.”  Also some of the keys when pressed simultaneously gives out a symbol which is different from what is on the keyboard keys such as pressing Shift+1 for the exclamation point. But this varies on which type of device was paired.

For Android users this will be a good buy for them. The price of the device is Php 1999.00 and is available on Robinson’s appliance/department store, SM department store, Landmark, Powermac, and to some leading gadget stores.

For product inquiries, you may visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/euroo.ph

The post Euroo Bluetooth Keyboard Review, Works Better on Android appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

You will probably agree with me that these somewhat perplexing issues of smartwatches are grim and disappointing. As a matter of fact, although we find the Sony SmartWatch ingenious and nerdy, reading a content on your phone is still the preferred action when getting a notification rather than doing so on your watch. Simply put: a quick glance is enough; and this is what the Cookoo Watch offers.

It was January 26 when we featured the Cookoo Connected Watch on the Big Time Show. I personally thought that it’s one of the best review products I’ve received, so Raf (one of my BTS co-hosts) and I took the initiative to talk about it on the show.

Check out the episode below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cookoo positioned this gadget as a connected device rather than a smartwatch. Successfully funded as a Kickstarter product in July 7, 2012, the Cookoo Watch is marketed as the “ first REAL watch that connects with your smartphone, keeps you alerted, and unlike other smart watches, DOES NOT NEED TO BE RECHARGED!”. Beat that, Sony SmartWatch. It is a connected device rather than a smartwatch because it only displays notification icons – rather than displaying the whole content – on its E-ink display through Bluetooth 4.0 Low-energy connection.

Key Features of the Cookoo Connected Watch:

• Display Type : Analog for the clock. Digital for Connected Display.
• Watch Movement : Japanese analog movement
• Watch Material : Plastic casing, aluminium bezel, anti-scratch mineral glass with soft silicon band
• Case Diameter : 44mm
• Case Thickness : 16.3mm
• Bluetooth : Bluetooth® 4.0, Bluetooth Smart, Bluetooth Low Energy
• Water Resistant : 5 ATM (Water tested to 50 meters. Suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water)
• Warranty : 1 year
• Color : Blue, Pink, Silver, Black and White

I just can’t contain my excitement how cool this device this. I’m almost spoiling my review with so much positivity. Here’s a rundown of our experience with the Cookoo Watch.

Unboxing Experience:

The unboxing experience was unique; the retail packaging they used was purposely created as a bird house or feeder. I didn’t actually know this until I read it on their Kickstarter page. It thought that it was very clever, creative and nature-friendly. I simply snapped the sticker that binds the inner and outer plastic casing, pushed the inner casing out and removed the watch with white watchband from its stall.

[Show as slideshow]

User Experience:

The watch is quite heavy. I did not get the chance to measure its weight, but it is not heavier than the Sony Xperia E Dual (116 grams). It’s neither like you won’t be able to lift your arms, nor lose your fashion sense when you’re wearing it. It’s heavy, but not “uncomfortably” heavy. Since it houses 2 batteries and other essential mechanisms that make this watch run, it’s heftiness is forgivable.

The basic retail package does not come with additional watchbands, but Cookoo Philippines is selling a Watchband Multipack (contains 4 colors + an installation tool) for only PhP2,200. The material they used on the watchband is a soft silicon band, similar to Sony Smartwatch’s strap. Putting it on my wrist and adjusting it to my desired tightness were very easy.

Measuring 1.73 inches (round face diameter), the Cookoo Watch’s clockface looks very elegant. The white markings that denotes hour on the watch face are evenly distributed. In my opinion, Cookoo limited the markings to ‘hours’ to preserve its elegance and professional design. You will not miss the crown (that small metal knob used to adjust the hands of the watch) because it’s big and “chromy”. The switches (light and connect on the left, command and mode on the right), which match the watch’s based color, are neatly placed on the four corners of the round face. Undoubtedly, the Cookoo Watch have the standard features of an analog watch.

[Show as slideshow]

Here comes the best part: as a Connected Device, the Cookoo Watch can easily be paired to iPhone, iPod Touch or the iPad. Cookoo promised me that the connectivity application for Android will become available in March. With the COOKOO App, you can receive notifications for the following:

• Incoming calls
• Missed calls
• Facebook messages and posts
• Calendar reminders
• Your device is out of range
• Low battery on iPhone or iPad
• Alarm and Timer alert
• Taking photos (by using the watch as remote trigger)

According to Cookoo Philippines, notifications for SMS and Mail will come on the next application update in the last week of February or 1st half of March 2013. I neither have the iPhone nor the iPod Touch so I connected the watch to my iPad. Connecting is straightforward; it only took me 5 actions to pair the 2 devices:

1. I downloaded the app, Cookoo Time to Connect, on the AppStore.
2. Switched on my iPad’s Bluetooth.
3. Opened the Cookoo app.
4. Pressed and held the lower left switch of the Cookoo Watch until I heard a ‘beep’.
5. Tapped the Connect button on the iPad until I heard another ‘beep’ on the device.

The COOKOO’s COMMAND button can be customized to do the things you want to do…

• Check in: be the first to check in on Facebook
• Tag a location: tag your current location on the COOKOO App’s map—later you can add notes, pictures, and even share your map with others.
• Take a picture: use the command button as a remote for your phone’s camera—perfect for taking group shots!
• Music remote control (Play, Pause, Skip)

During my test, whenever I got notifications on my iPad, the watch simply sounded off (a pleasant beep) and vibrated. If you’re a fan of customizing stuff, don’t expect that you can “mod” or customize its sound and vibration intensity. There is nothing you can do on that aspect.

There is no need to recharge this watch as this uses CR2032 battery for its analog clock, and SR626SW for the connected display. This feature saved me a lot of time and money as I didn’t have to charge this every two days. Take that, SmartWatch. When you get this device, it can keep on beeping and vibrating for every notification you receive for 9 – 12 months. CR2032 batteries are easy to find, but you may have to do some extra effort in finding SR626SW batteries.

Verdict

I must admit that I loved the Sony SmartWatch but I grew tired of charging it every one or two days. Reading and watching something on my watch felt nerdy on the SmartWatch, but it did not give me the satisfaction I wanted. As a matter of fact, it even came to the point that I found my watch too cumbersome. I realized that I never actually needed a nerdy watch. The Cookoo watch triggered such realization, and for the first time in my life, I finally got what I really wanted: analog and digital at the same time; elegant yet style-compatible; connected but not complicated.

The Cookoo Watch, although filled with praiseworthy features, also have some drawbacks:

• The icons displayed are not too visible on direct sunlight
• Incompatibility with Android devices (until March 2013)
• The built-in light isn’t too bright.

On the scale of 1 to 10 – 10 being the highest – I’m giving this watch a score of 8.

Pricing and Availability

The Cookoo Connected Watch is available at Cookoo Philippines’ Facebook Page for only PhP5,500 during its promo period (1st 50 orders). It will revert to its SRP of PhP6,500 after the promo period.

Widget City is also selling this watch for PhP6,500.

The post Cookoo Watch Review appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

The Crave II Slipcase is not your typical case for the iPad. Certainly, it looks like an ordinary slip case, but Targus made sure that this multifunctional case stands out with the kind of fabric they used and the assurance that it shall protect your device in – virtually – any environment. Thanks to its durable nylon material with DuPont™ Teflon® fabric protector that repels most water and oil accidental spills.

The device indeed repelled water during our test. Check the picture below for proof. Also, the case is also resistant to scratches but definitely resistant to incisions. Don’t you ever dare do that.

In terms of portability, it’s neat for Targus to include straps that can easily be kept inside a zippered stash pocket. Targus also included a front stash pocket where you can conveniently put some of your stuff.

The multifunctional slipcase can be carried alone or inside another case for added protection. The Crave II slipcase provides a slim, lightweight and durable option for work, leisure or travel.

SRP of this case is PhP1,999 and available at Apple Resellers nationwide like Power Mac, A Store and iSwitch. The price shouldn’t not a letdown as – as mentioned – this one has awesome quality.

Check on the gallery below.

If you’ve got questions about this product, please hit the comments below.

The post Bite-sized Review: Targus Crave II Slipcase for Apple iPad appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect from this bag:

Protection – Designed to protect up to 14” widescreen laptops.

Functional Design – Internal workstation includes accessory storage, pen loops, business card holder and key clip

Quality & Durability – Durable Polyester material; Water-resistant bottom Comfort & Ergonomics – Comfortable and adjustable straps

Simplicity – Trolley strap system which is compatible with any roller case

Form and Fit

The Transit Topload can house a 14″ widescreen laptop. It even has provision where your favorite tablet can fit in. The main compartment features foam padding designed for storage including laptop and tablet that keeps the device secure and separate from other items carried in the case. The bag is quite vulnerable to cotton and nylon wear and tear so be sure to put in your devices carefully.

The front easy-access zipped pockets make it easy to store items you may need to access quickly such as your business card, phone, pens, wallet, and more. A back slip zippered pocket makes it easy to carry documents, files or magazines on the go.

The case is equipped with a removable/adjustable shoulder strap and includes water-resistance bottom for added durability. A trolley strap system which is compatible with any roller case can also help any business travelers to stride through any airport easily and comfortably. It is the perfect companion for everyday office use or business travel.

Gallery

Pricing and Availability

This bag is available for PhP3,999 at the following branches/dealers:

• SM Department Stores: MAKATI, MEGAMALL, NORTH EDSA, MALL OF ASIA and STA. MESA
• Anson’s: THE LINK, ALABANG TOWN CENTER and ORTIGAS
• Cash & Carry Department Store
• The Travel Club: Trinoma, Megamall, Glorietta, Rockwell, Mall of Asia, Festival Mall, Newport, Greenbelt 5, SM North,  Virramall, Gateway,  EDSA Shangri-La, Robinson’s Ermita, Chinatown, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood and Fairview
• Duty Free Paranaque
• Switch: Alabang Town Center, U.P. Diliman and Parksquare 1
• SM Appliance: Megamall, Cubao, Fairview, Mall of Asia, Rockwell, Southmall, Sucat, San Lazaro, Bacoor, Lipa and Marilao

The post Targus Transit Topload Review appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

The headphone is compatible with phone calls and control on iPod/iPhone/iPad. Surprisingly, the buds of this headphone somehow looks like Apple Earpod. It’s good to note though that Audio-Technica launched launch this first that the Apple Earpod.

Features include:

• New design fits the natural curve of the ear for extra comfort
• 8.8 mm drivers offer high-quality ultra-clear sound
• Control ‘play’, ‘pause’, ‘forward’, ‘fast rewind’ and ‘volume’ for music and video.
• Condenser microphone for phone calls on iPhone or voice memo on iPod.

Audio-technica optimally made this headphone for voice call but – as expected from AT – it also boasts clarity and energy-inducing bass if you’re a music aficionado.

The ATH-CK313i is compatible to iPod Touch (4th/3rd/2nd generation), iPod classic (2009), iPod nano (6th/5th/4th generation), iPod shuffle (4th/3rd generation), iPhone 4s/4/3GS and iPad (1st/2nd/3rd generation).

Audio-Technica did not give us yet the selling price of this headphone but we believe that this shouldn’t go beyond PhP1,800. One thing is for sure though – this is definitely worth your penny.

The post ATH-CK313i Inner Ear Headphones Review appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

Moment of Love: P250.00
SGS III
Free delivery within Metro Manila

To visit our shop, please click the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseOfVeraOnlineShop

Or follow us on Instagram: thehouseofvera

The post House of Vera Is Now An Official Partner of Gadget Pilipinas appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.

Introducing, the  My Book® VelociRaptor™. This external hard disk drive is endowed with 2 1TB HDD with 10,000 RPM with revolutionary Thunderbolt technology.

The 2 TB dual-drive storage system is ideal for editing high resolution video, 3D rendering, graphic design, and other demanding digital media applications. This boost in performance delivers solid state drive (SSD) -like data transfer rates of up to 400 MB/s for greater work-flow productivity. The dual-drive storage system offers RAID 0 for performance or RAID 1 for protection; and the twin Thunderbolt ports offer daisy-chaining multiple My Book VelociRaptor Duo drives and other high performance peripherals without impacting data transfer speeds or performance. The My Book VelociRaptor Duo also comes complete with a Thunderbolt cable in the box and is user-serviceable.

Photographers, graphic designers and post-production professionals can conduct several high intensity tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering, while completing other graphics-intensive projects. My Book VelociRaptor Duo customers will now have the ability to transfer 22 GB full-length HD movies in less than 65 seconds, 2000 5 MB pictures in less than 33 seconds and over 500 5 MB songs in less than 8 seconds.

“The My Book VelociRaptor Duo is the fastest and most reliable high performance consumer storage device on the market today,” explains Jody Bradshaw, senior director of WD’s consumer storage solutions group.  “Creative professionals now have access to a super-charged storage drive that will keep pace with even the most demanding projects. Daisy-chaining multiple My Book VelociRaptor Duo devices together offer even greater speed, more capacity and flexibility.”

While RAID 0 maximizes the drive’s speed and capacity, RAID 1 support allows users to create a second copy of their digital content on the drive for added protection, security and peace of mind. The drive also provides a JBOD (just a bunch of disks) option for users running a Windows® operating system on a Mac.

Additional features found on the My Book VelociRaptor Duo dual-drive storage system include out-of-the-box compatibility with Apple Time Machine and HFS + Journaled for Mac computers; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.

Price and Availability

The My Book VelociRaptor Duo dual-drive storage system is available at select retailers and is distributed by EA Global Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. and Iontech Technologies Inc. in the Philippines. MSRP is PhP 39, 990. Additional information can be found on the WD website at http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=860.

The post Western Digital Launches Fastest External HDD Ever appeared first on Gadget Pilipinas.