I know what you’re thinking. Who in their right mind would walk around with Terminator aka Star Trek glasses glued to their face…all in the name of technology? I have to admit, I used to be one of you.  But after trying out the Vuzix 310XL…my mind has been changed forever.  Call me a nerd if you want, but while you are squinting on that time little iPhone/iPod screen, I am watching the same film on the big screen.

Styling, performance and versatility all in a 16:9 widescreen format. The Vuzix Wrap 310XL video eyewear is a new class of video eyewear offering designer styling with unmatched features and performance.

Styling Like Never Before

Stylish eyewear, at home beside the pool or at 35,000 feet, the Wrap 310XL sunglass-style widescreen eyewear allows you to watch your favorite movies and videos without attracting stares. And, if you are looking to be even more stylish the Wrap lens can be replaced with alternate colors to suit your mood of style.

Unmatched Performance

The virtual 55 inch* Wrap 310XL screen offers unmatched performance. It displays both standard 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios and plays standard 2D and side-by-side format 3D movies. A Vuzix Auto 3D feature automatically enables the 3D viewing configuration when supporting media is played.

* Equivalent screen size as seen from 10 feet (approximately 3m).

Includes Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad compatible cable.*

Review

Fresh out of the box, these glasses are a bit overwhelming.  With multiple wires and connectors, it takes a minute to get the right ones hooked up to the right things.  But, just like any brand new toy, the Vuzix 310XL were worth the wait.  After the earphones were hooked up and the nose bridge configured, the glasses were on my face and I was watching a few episodes of Lost in no time.  The viewing experience was more like a big screen t.v. than a movie screen, but that’s really tit for tat.  Bottom line – it wasn’t nearly as difficult as watching it on a 4 inch screen – something that will come in handy while traveling or relaxing in bed.  I will say that the glasses are a tad bit heavy for viewing sitting up, so I recommend laying down or at least leaning back while viewing; very similar to what is shown on the website.

The only downside to the Vuzix 310XL is that while using it with the iPhone/iPod/iPad, the only supported videos are from YouTube or videos purchased from the Apple store.  I would love to see an integration with the newest feature; live streaming of your NetFlix queue.

Features

* Supports 4:3 and 16:9 display formats
* Adjustable brightness, contrast and color saturation
* Works with 2D and common 3D video formats including side-by-side and anaglyph
* Supports “Vuzix Auto-3D”, automatic 3D detection technology[1]
* NTSC and PAL compatible
* Connects to all video devices with composite video
* Six hours use with 2 AA alkaline batteries
* Video zoom mode
* Onscreen display for video display adjustment
* Includes Wrap mini-port connector for optional expansion accessories
* Ultra-thin cabling
* Detachable premium quality noise-isolating earphones
* Includes 3 sizes of noise isolation inserts
* Wearable over most prescription eyeglasses
* Independent left and right eye focal adjustment
* Nine foot visual focus – reading glasses not required
* Adjustable, hypoallergenic nosepiece
* Changeable lens

Do you want to win a pair of Vuzix 310XL for yourself [a $250 value!]?

Here’s How to Enter: (this entry is mandatory)

• Leave a comment below letting us know what device you will be using the Vuzix 310XL with!
  

Additional Entries [leave a separate comment for each one]

• Comment on another non-giveaway post [comment below w/post name]
• Subscribe to this site via RSS.
• Friend us on Google Connect [see sidebar]
• Follow us on Twitter!  @nerdlikes!
  
• Tweet about this giveaway (daily entry, can use the following [ Win a pair of Vuzix from NerdLike! http://nerdlike.com/ooxam ]
• Digg or Stumble this giveaway [leave your username in the comment]
• Like us on Facebook [see the sidebar]

The  giveaway runs until September 10, 2010. Good Luck!

After months of going back and forth and tons of speculation, Lauryn Hill took the stage at Rock the Bells 2010 with confidence and poise. More grown than we have ever seen her in the past, L-Boogie came out rockin’ with a 10 minute rendition of her instantaneous classic, Lost Ones, eventually leading into a few other songs from the album that moved her from ‘female emcee’ to ‘hip hop icon,’ The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

While I would love to say that her performance blew me away, I just can’t bring myself to do it. Hill went hoarse after the second song, consistently taking breaks and reverted to singing the low parts to all of her songs. Half way through her set, she deviated from the originally scheduled program [classic acts doing their classic albums in their entirety] but no one seemed to mind. This was after all, the infamous, Lauryn Hill.

[View with PicLens]

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VaporCorp: Smoke 51 Electronic Cigar
Electronic Disposable Cigar

• Enjoy the sensation of smoking a cigar without disturbing your neighbor with highly aromatic and occasionally offensive cigar smoke
• No tar, no carbon monoxide and no toxins
• Comes fully charged and ready to smoke – fully disposable when finished
• Lasts up to 600 puffs

Available at: Smoke51.com
Price: $49.95
Website: www.Smoke51.com

VaporCorp: KRAVE 500
500-puff disposable e-cigarette

• Eliminates second-hand smoke, tar, carbon monoxide and odor
• Does not contain the significant number of chemicals typically found in tobacco products
• Lasts up to 500 puffs- the equivalent of 2 cigarette packs
• Available in original and menthol flavors
• This easy-to-use 1 part e-cigarette has no atomizer to screw in, filter to replace or batteries to recharge

Available at: Smoke51.com
Price: $19.95
Website: www.kraveit.com

VaporCorp: Green Puffer Electronic Cigarette
The Smoke Free Alternative for a Greener Environment

• No offensive second-hand smoke offers a safer, greener environment for both the user and the non-smoking community
• Contains no tar, carbon monoxide, flame, ash, odor or pollution found in traditional cigarettes
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery minimizes waste
• Lifetime replacement warranty
• Kit comes with 2 rechargeable batteries, 5 atomizer refill filters, USB charger, USB wall adapter and a user manual

Available at: Greenpuffer.com
Price: Kit $149.95 Refill Cartridges $14.95
Website: www.Greenpuffer.com

Check out this excerpt from a recent blog post over at 4 Cryin Out Loud:

In the 2000 school of media– I know that visibility is everything. Writers want to be more popular than the artists/celebs they cover. We create websites using only our names. We make videos where we essentially interview ourselves. We bustle around town with equipment we don’t know how to use to be seen and “on the scene.” We participate in meaningless roundtable discussions that never lead anywhere, and serve no purpose–other than of course, to show that we were invited to the meaningless roundtable discussion.

Twitter has become the perfect medium for us media “tastemakers.”

We can participate in silly music related debates (debates that in no way have any bearing on the actual state of the industry, but serve only to illustrate that we can write 140 characters about whoever the rapper up for discussion is). We can articulate just how much we know, and how quickly we can discreetly google what we don’t know during an especially heated discussion. We can illustrate how smart we are. We can offer brazenly sarcastic commentary on every song that leaks or every ill-advised email blast we receive. After all, how else will people know how many unwanted emails we get per day, or how many people want us to listen to their music?  We can brag about where we are, and where you aren’t. We can tell you where we just landed.

It hit me. Without Twitter, how will other “tastemakers” know that I am still “tastemaking?” How will they know I am witty and sarcastic? How will they know that I’m alive?! I mean, sure they can read my bylines or blogs, but…how will they really know if they are unable to read what I’m #nowplaying every hour on the hour– and that my musical taste (and therefore personality) is eclectic, yet grounded, well-informed but approachable? They won’t. That’s how.

My worth, I’ve found–both personally and professionally is synonymous with my Twitter Page.

And my Twitter Page no longer exists.

Therefore, I am… not.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Thought provoking, at the very least.  Drop a comment below and let us know if you agree, you don’t, or if you even care.

A few weeks back we were sent a sample of these Wicked Little Buds, the newest version of the Wicked Ear Buds done by Empire.   Done in all black ery’thang, the Buds were unlike any I have seen before; with  extra small buds [for those of us with tiny ears] as well as a cloth cord.   Check out the spec below:

Driver – 5.8 mm
Impedance – 16 ohm
Frequency – 20-20,000 Hz
Cord Length – 1.2 Meters
Plug Material – Gold Plated

Coming in four different colorways, each one features a polished finish.  But, that’s enough about the aesthetics, lets talk about the hardware and sound associated with the tiny, little Buds.

Review

The sound with these things is impeccable.  While they are inner ear buds, they actually cancel out a lot of the noise, even in a semi-active room.  With the cord being covered in fabric, it adds to the overall comfort of the Buds.  The best part of all?  The Wicked Little Buds fit snugly inside of my smaller than average ears, and I can barely even tell they are there.

Do you want to win a pair of Wicked Little Buds for yourself [a $30 value!]?

Here’s How to Enter: (this entry is mandatory)

• Leave a comment below letting us know what the last song you heard was!
  

Additional Entries [leave a separate comment for each one]

• Comment on another non-giveaway post [comment below w/post name]
• Subscribe to this site via RSS.
• Friend us on Google Connect [see sidebar]
• Follow us on Twitter!  @nerdlikes!
  
• Tweet about this giveaway (daily entry, can use the following [ Win a pair of Wicked Little Buds from NerdLike! http://nerdlike.com/xwitq ]
• Digg or Stumble this giveaway [leave your username in the comment]
• Like us on Facebook [see the sidebar]

The  giveaway runs until August 28, 2010. Good Luck!

If you are like the rest of the world, you are either drooling over the iPad or using one right now to read this.

Check out the latest accessories to hit the market for the trendy device, with everything from neoprene sleeves to desktop chargers.

XtremeMac: Neoprene Sleeve
Ideal lightweight iPad sleeve for traveling

* Form-fitting sleeve integrated with pockets for such items as cables and earphones
* Velcro seal ensures iPad and other accessories are safely secured at all times
* Hex design gives it a sleek and modern aesthetic

Available at: XtremeMac.com
Price: $39.99
Website: www.XtremeMac.com

XtremeMac: Nylon Sleeve
Durable sleeve provides maximum protection for iPad

* Form-fitting exterior protects and secures iPad
* Soft plush lining cushions iPad and protects from scratches
* Clean design and zipper at the top of the sleeve provides easy insertion and removal of iPad
* Hex design gives it a sleek and modern aesthetic

Available at: XtremeMac.com
Price: $49.99
Website: www.XtremeMac.com

IDAPT i4 Universal Desktop Charger
Simultaneously charge four different devices and clear cord clutter with one system

* Features 3 tip ports and one USB port and LED light indicating charge status
* Interchangeable “quick release” tip system allows for easy, customizable charging system
* Compatible with over 3,500 brands of mobile devices, including Apple, Nintendo, PSP, Blackberry, Garmin, and more
* Package includes six of the most popularly used interchangeable tips
* Available in black and white

Available at: IDAPTweb.com
Price: $59.99 MSRP
Website: www.idaptweb.com

A few weeks ago we received this little gem on our doorstep; the Photojojo Tokyo Dreamer Strap. While my assumption is that it’s  meant to be used for a bulky DSLR, I hooked it up to my Nikon P90 [bulky point & shoot] and went to work.  Coming in three different colorways [Berry Red, Butter Bronze & Sky Blue], the strap is not only durable, but fashionable….a attribute that is absolutely necessary when you are literally WEARING a camera.

Tokyo Dreamer Strap

• Durable vegan leather (no animal parts!)
• Removable pocket for film/memory card
• Adjusts to total length of 4.5 feet
• Soft velvet-y lining cushioned for neck comfort
• Name tag for finding forgotten cameras
• Strong enough to hold SLRs, DSLR’s and their big ‘ol lenses
• Strap is 1.25″ wide

Not only is the strap adorable,but it’s animal friendly for all of you veggies and animal lovers.  While it may be synthetic, it sure doesn’t feel like it, giving you that buttery soft ’suede-like’ feeling that everyone desires.  Personally, one of the biggest lures of the Dreamer Strap is how far it extends.  You can adjust the strap up to 4.5 ft, which is more than enough room.

The inscription is a popular Japanese mantra, giving this strap a nice touch.  Below that is an embossed camera, on the tan portion of the strap.  The strap also comes with a small pouch, just the right size for your extra battery, film or memory card.  Easy to strap on and off, you can slide it on the strap to your desired location.

Review

It’s been two weeks full of photographing my kids’ sports events, event coverage and Comic-Con…and I can honestly say that I have not taken the strap off once.  I will admit that after the initial ‘installation’, the strap did loosen one time.  However, after checking it and tightening it up, it hasn’t happened again.  I am actually chalking it up as a user error, unless 10 other people comment saying it happened to them also LOL.

Pick one up here for$24 today!  Remember, Photojojo’s shipping rates start at $2.50!

While most fanboys/girls were trolling Comic-Con looking for the latest collectible toys and waiting in line to see the Green Hornet, I was gearing up for the highlight of my journalism career; round table interviews with the cast of CSI and NCIS.

Lucky for me, the first to sit at my table’s hot seat was none other than Kirsten Vangsness, who plays Penelope Garcia on Criminal Minds. Being the tech nerd that I am, it should come as no surprise that she is my favorite character across the CBS franchise.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with Barret Foa of NCIS: LA, who was far more awesome in person.  In fact, I might have to put him right up with Kirsten when it comes to fave off screen personalities.  He talked with us about his lust for the iPad, the scary technology showcased on the show as well as a sneak peek into some of the new characters on the show.

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And finally, we got the chance to speak with Rich Catalani, the Supervising Producer of CSI. He talked with us about featuring stories ripped from the headlines, how crime pays and what the transition was like bringing Laurence Fishburne on.

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[View with PicLens]

“I never learned shit from success, it’s the failures that taught me the real lessons.  Just don’t give up, Hollywood is full of people who just didn’t give up.”  – Billy West [Fry]

[View with PicLens]

Feeling is believing, and no one gives it to us more literally than Big Headed Boxers. Based in the sunny state of Cali, the label specializes in undergarments that make the wearer feel good, both inside and out. Crafted from top quality fabrics, the boxers/briefs add a little bit of snark to their design, setting them apart from your traditional Hanes.

We received a small lot of product from Big Headed Boxers, inclusive of both men’s and women’s designs. While my husband isn’t big on change, I forced him to ‘get down with the cause’ and try out all of the boxer briefs that came for men. After putting on the first pair, I didn’t have to do much arm twisting. With the exception of the bottom of the boxers being a tad bit flared [nothing noticeable when you have your clothes on], they were a perfect fit, with a supreme comfort level.

Review

I tried on the girls versions that we were sent and have to agree.  Initially I was concerned when I saw the elastic waistband, but the Big Headed Boxers proved me wrong.  They were stretchy enough to keep them up without leaving a ring around my waist, or pinching.  After initially putting them on, I found the gem that is the small pouch on the front; which could either be a condom holder or a ‘quickie hole’.  Genius.

Do you want to win a Big Headed Boxers gift pack?

Here’s How to Enter: (this entry is mandatory)

• Leave a comment below letting us know which pair sparked your interest!
  

Additional Entries [leave a separate comment for each one]

• Comment on another non-giveaway post [comment below w/post name]
• Subscribe to this site via RSS.
• Friend us on Google Connect [see sidebar]
• Follow us on Twitter!  @nerdlikes!
  
• Tweet about this giveaway (daily entry, can use the following [ Win a Big Headed prize pack w/NerdLike! http://nerdlike.com/xwitq ]
• Digg or Stumble this giveaway [leave your username in the comment]
• Like us on Facebook [see the sidebar]

The  giveaway runs until August 15, 2010. Good Luck!

Everything you want to know about the prequel and Season 1 is noted in the vid, so pop the top on it and dig in! Here are a few other highlights from the panel:

• The show is shot 100% indoors.
• The Prequel wasn’t originally part of the plan, but was shot when Andy Whitfield became sick with Leukemia.
  
• Andy does all of his own stunts, due to the fact that a lot of the show is rendered in slow motion.  Most of the other actors in the arena with him are MMA fighters/boxers.