Video Review #140: Proporta Maya Leather Pouch

Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Inexpensive, lots of color varieties to choose from
Cons: Feels a little loose when the iPhone is inside it
Verdict: Overall this is a nice leather pouch for the iPhone 3G. There are many colors to choose from and it’ll only cost you $20, so go check it out on Proporta’s website.

This product can be purchased directly from  Proporta for $19.99.

$99 Refurbs from AT&T

AT&T is currently selling refurbished iPhones at the discounted price of $99. This is down from the normal price of $199. This is also $50 cheaper than the normal refurbished price.The only catch is that you will need to sign a 2 year service plan when buying the iPhone online. One thing I must say though, is that AT&T states that these may not look brand new like Apple’s usual Refurbs.

Refurbished phones are previously owned devices that have been unused or lightly used and returned during the 30-day trial period. Each refurbished phone is independently quality tested and loaded with the latest software to meet current factory standards. Some refurbished iPhone 3G devices will have minor scratches.

So, if your willing to deal with some light scratches to save yourself some cash, this might be the perfect opportunity.

Click here to check out the refurbished iPhones  from AT&T

Video App Review: Skyworks X’s & O’s Football

Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Vintage game modified for the iPhone. Easy to play, totally addictive. Brings you back to your youth. Good graphics.
Cons: Only pass plays available, lack of interceptions, you only play offense.
Verdict: Skyworks scores again with another football game that will bring you back to your youth. This game really reminds me on the magnetic game that you plug in and the players move around the board. This game is what I call a “pick & play”, you pick it up and start playing. This game is totally addicting especially since football season is now complete. I hope it holds me over until at least Draft Day.

Skyworks X’s and O’s Football is available through the iTunes store for $2.99

BodyGuardz Contest Winner!!!!!

Video Review #139: Rivet Clips

Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Allows you to add a belt clip to any case or phone
Cons: Difficult to use with one hand
Verdict: This is a unique product that you should definitely check out. The clips look really nice and are super light weight. If you have a case that doesn’t come with a holster or belt clip, then Rivet clips is the solution for you.

These Rivet Clips can be purchased from their website for $13.90-$21.90.

[Company Response]
The pin should not be stuck to leather or silicone as porous surfaces tend to weaken the adhesive’s strength. The surface must be plain and smooth (metal, plastic, acrylic, etc). The Rivet Clip was originally conceived to be attached to any device’s back, for those people who don’t like cases. But with all the new cases that came up made of plastic, metal and other similar materials, the Clip found a new use.

Also, the GoClip locking system may be hard to activate at first, but it will become more and more easy to handle with use, like the Kingpin. If you find it really difficult to maneuver you can lock and unlock the system several times in a row, and see if it gets better.

Video Review: Speck qwickdraw Holster

Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Innovative design from a trusted manufacturer, very secure holster, soft felt lining protects back of your iPhone, easy access to all the buttons and ports.
Cons: The first week or so could be difficult taking the phone in and out, once you wear it in a bit it becomes easier, no screen protector included, not much shock protection.
Verdict: The Speck QuickDraw brings innovation to the typically boring holster market, the lack of protection concerns me personally however once you get by that this is a solid offering.  Speck is a respected and familiar manufacturer and that lends credibility to this product and at $29.95 it’s a decent value.

The Speck QuickDraw can be purchased from their website for $29.95.

Video Tip: VNC Server for iPhone

Veency provides a VNC remote desktop server for your iPhone, allowing you to connect to the shared screen of your handheld from any VNC client (PC). This video was created by Martin B.

January Video Contest Winners!!

New & Improved Z.Buds, Limited Time Promotion

If you saw my review of the Zagg Z.Buds, then you noticed that there were a few things that Zagg needed to improve on to make these earphones a competitor in the audio market. Well today Zagg announced a new version of the Z.Buds with new features and the addition of two new colors. They’re now available in yellow & pink nylon tangle-free cords, along with the original black and red versions. They have also done away with the chrome accents and gone to solid black. Some of the other new features include:

• Enhanced earbud design
• Improved fit for triple-tree earpiece tips
• Lifetime trade-in guarantee

I think the best feature added was the trade-in guarantee, now you don’t have to worry about getting a defective set that don’t work or with tips that don’t fit, you can just exchange them now. Not a bad deal. they also offer a 45-day money back guarantee, just in case you change your mind after testing them out. But the best deal of all is that they are currently having a Limited Time promotion for Buy One, Get One Half Off, (I think they call that the BOGO sale). So take advantage of that sale if you’re interested in checking them out. We’ll see if we can get our hands on a new pair and do another review of the Zagg Z.Buds for you soon.

Video App Review: Appigo Todo

Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Extremely powerful Todo application that you will use some features and not others.  Integration ability to call, email, pinpoint contact on a map or visit a website. Integrates with Appigo Notebook. Syncs with 2 online services and/or  your computer.
Cons: Average users that need a simple To Do list may find this App a bit complicated. Expensive at $9.99.
Verdict: If you are a user that has multiple Todo lists to manage and want the flexibility and power of an intense app that has many capabilities and synchronization is an important feature, than this is the To Do app for you.  On the other hand if you want a simplistic To Do list, there are other less expensive solutions.

Appigo Todo can be purchased from the App Store for $9.99.  If you’d like to try out the App you can click here to try the Lite Version for free.