GeekSugar

Write Beauty Product Reviews and Win Bare Escentuals Prizes!

PopSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:45:00 -0700

Very exciting news, everyone! We've been hard at work to bring you a new feature of our beauty site, BellaSugar: Beauty Product Reviews! Now you can search more than 50,000 products and 1,000 brands to read (and write!) honest opinions on makeup, hair products, skin care, and more!

To thank you for your input, our friends at Bare Escentuals are bringing you some amazing prizes! For each honest, helpful review you submit, you will get one entry into our daily Bare Escentuals product giveaway. Each winner will be chosen from that day's reviews, so don't forget to come back to enter each day. If that's not enough, we will also have a grand prize drawing - and four of you will receive $500 worth of Bare Escentuals beauty. The more reviews you write, the better your chances are at winning a grand prize. Plus, for every review you create, you'll earn 10 TeamSugar points, and each time another member finds your review helpful, you'll get five more!

Sound good? Then head over to Product Reviews and get started. You must be a TeamSugar member to write reviews, so log in or register for a free account if you don't have one. And don't forget to invite your friends - there are plenty of prizes to go around!

Daily Tech: Apple's Newest NYC Store Opens This Saturday

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:02:52 -0800

Check out Apple's beautiful new NYC store - Gizmodo
A hands-on review of Palm's Pixi device - Engadget
Vimeo launches mobile friendly versions for the iPhone/iPod Touch and Android - CNET
Some of the most wacky and high-tech vending machines for your viewing pleasure - The Business Insider
Learn how retro rotary phones can be used as decorative pieces in your home - Unplggd
Bing has rolled out some impressive new features - Download Squad

Sidekick LX Review: Takes Me Back to Simpler Times

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:33:41 -0700

When HipTop launched the Sidekick II back in 2004, I was 100 percent on board. It was the first phone I bought that let me browse the Internet, check my mail, chat over IM, take pictures and video, and text, all in one easy-to-use device. I wore that phone out and still think fondly of it today. Sure it was kind of a monster truck compared to other phones on the market, but I considered it an accessory, not just a phone.

Reviewing the Sidekick LX took me back to those eye-opening times when I first discovered that I don't have to carry five different gadgets with me, and could always (always) stay connected.

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Although I haven't had a Sidekick since, I can spot a lot of fond similarities between the II and the LX. This could be considered good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Find out what I mean when you read more.

Both the LX and my old II have all the basics: instant messaging, text, camera, email and web browsing. What more could you ask for, right? Well, my old Sidekick II didn't have a music player (but you could hack your way to a few tunes if I recall correctly), and wasn't very speedy, so adding the music capabilities and the 3G connectivity really kicks this model up a few notches. The purple "orchid" color option was really rich and beautiful (something I didn't have with my pearly white II), and you can customize it further with additional skins. It still has the same trusty interface, with the scroll wheel and rotating top screen.

Thankfully, T-Mobile has reduced the size of the phone since the old days, and this model is much slimmer and lighter than I remember. But that's pretty much where it ends. The Sidekick hasn't made any huge overhauls since earlier models besides the addition of color, size and speed, and a timely Twitter app. Overall, the phone is still fun, easy to use, and contains all the things you need to stay connected, which is all you can ask for in a reliable mobile device.

The T-Mobile Sidekick LX is available now online and in stores for $200.

Geek Tip: Share Your Favorite Places With Placefav

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:16 -0700

We all know how to navigate and use Yelp to find reviews on new places we want to try, and you probably already submit your own reviews of your favorite haunts and hangouts. But the thing that bothers me about Yelp is that it takes so much time and effort to write a good and honest review! There's a lot of pressure to write witty and entertaining commentary, isn't there? "What can I say about Sam's Sushi . . ."

Which is why I'm now in love with Placefav. What is it and why do I love it so? Find out when you read more.

So the beauty of listing your favorite places on Placefav is that it only allows you a certain number of words to describe why you love it. No need to ramble on about why the universe is in perfect alignment when you bite into that sushi roll, or how Purple Elephant Coffee is to happiness as air is to your lungs. Or whatever. Just list your favorite spot, what you love about it (in 255 characters or less) and share with other members of Placefav. It's that simple. Sometimes, less really is more.

All Good Cell Phones Go to Heaven

GeekSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:50:35 -0700

Upgrading your cell phone is something of a mild obsession around here, and with upgrading comes the inevitable question of what to do with an old cell phone.

Half a billion (!) cell phones were replaced in 2007 alone, with many of them going to recycling centers, but what happens once they get there? Technology Review has a beautiful photo essay depicting ReCellular, the country's largest cell phone recycling center.

The picture here is just the beginning in what I think looks like an overwhelming - and fascinating - process. Be sure to check all the pics out and maybe show your baby cell phone that yes, honey, there's an afterlife.

Source

My Sis Learns the BlackBerry Bold Basics

GeekSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:53 -0700

My older sis finally took her younger sister's advice and purchased a BlackBerry Bold. And since she lives in Canada, the lucky duck was able to scoop one up before the rest of us. She paid $500 through Rogers (the bigwig network there) and is on a three-year contract - yeah, bold and beautiful items don't come cheap. And how is she finding it so far?

Considering she upgraded from a Treo 650 smartphone (which wasn't very smart at all), she's already loving the fact that it isn't freezing every 20 seconds like her buggy old phone. But having to teach herself the basics of the BlackBerry is a feat in itself - kinda like learning to write with your left hand after you've been right-handed your entire life, ya know? I'm heading up there this weekend, and can't wait to get my greasy hands all over it - so stay tuned for a full review next week!

I've Died and Gone to Geek Heaven

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:24 -0700

Quite frankly, I'm already over the fact that this exquisite Computer Clutch by Violet May of London is $550. Not like I can afford it or anything, but the fact that a designer is finally creating something that is just as beautiful as the machinery inside it, is worth a rave review from me. A part of the Autumn/Winter 08 collection, this Italian leather silver python clutch comes handcrafted from Spain and features a cotton grossgrain mint green lining. And if you recall, Violet May has a stunning multi-use gold Python Purse for the BlackBerry - another gorgeous piece! If you do decide to splurge for the clutch, it fits 13-inch MacBooks, although more sizes may be added to the collection.

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Geek Tip: Use Yahoo's New Travel Shortcut

GeekSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:00:28 -0700

Today's geek tip is kinda like Google's movie search shortcut because once you use it a couple of times you end up relying on it a couple times a week. I'm not a huge Yahoo user, but when I read this tidbit on lifehacker I knew it would be something I'd use time and time again. Next time you need any travel info about a particular destination, just go to Yahoo and type in the location and Yahoo will provide a visitor's guide, hotel list, restaurants, flight info and a beautiful flickr slideshow. You can also check out the "Top Rated Things To Do" in that particular destination with user reviews of each one so you know what you are getting yourself into beforehand!Do you know a great shortcut or tip you think geeksugar readers should know? Share it in our 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky group, read more

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky
Click "Create and Share!" on the left hand side
Choose "Blog"
Give your photo a Title
Leave the category as "general"
Change the channel to "technology and gadgets"
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Geek tip")
Click on the "Add Image" link below the "body" box
A popup window will happen - click on "Browse" to find your image on your computer
Once you have the image chosen, click "Submit"
The popup will show you your image, choose size: "normal" - if you want, you can give it a title (which will show up as a caption)
Click "Insert" and the popup will go away
Your "body" box will now have some text in it. Leave it as is. If you want to add some text before the picture telling me why you think this person is geeky, do it before the code that has appeared.
Click Submit

So join the 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky and start sharing your favorite tips! Your tricks just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Geeks We Love: Jason Chen of Gizmodo

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:04:54 -0800

Shows like Beauty and the Geek give male geeks a bad rep. I have news for you folks, not all geeks think pocket-protectors and worn corduroy pants are trendy. In fact, I know plenty of fellas that showcase the very best of geekiness: smarts, passion, chic clothing, success in their field and the ability to program your TiVo, computer or Blackberry when you’re not in the mood. In an effort to celebrate this month of love, I have put together a series of interviews with some of the most interesting geeky guys out there to prove that geeks are just as lovable as A-list actors.

When it comes to guy gadget sites, Gizmodo.com has earned a reputation as a go-to source for all things geeky - combining breaking news, gadget reviews and a saucy grown-up nerd attitude you can’t help but love. The site’s cool content and buzz is created by a team of geeks that are dedicated to keeping the rest of the world updated on the inner-workings of the gizmo world around the clock and not afraid to admit how many hours they spend playing Xbox or cruising the internet. Among these fearless techie leaders is Jason "JC" Chen, a technology writer/associate editor for the site, who is known to make a "Wii in my pants" joke now and again. While Jason is happily attached, he agreed to share some of his secrets with us. So what makes Jason such an alluring geek? read more

GS: So, tell my few readers that haven’t heard of you a little about yourself…
JC: I've been a freelance tech writer for Gizmodo.com for about a year. Before that I was a software engineer working at various startups in the Bay Area, two of which were an online music startup and a network appliance startup. I got in to the business because I love technology, I love writing and I love comedy writing, and after seeing Gizmodo I thought that was the perfect intersection of the three.

GS: Tell me the geekiest thing about yourself:
JC: Getting tickets with a buddy for and then attending the grand opening of the Star Trek ride in Las Vegas. It was pretty awesome, I have to admit.

GS: And what’s the geekiest thing about your significant other:
JC: Other than dating me? Probably being more obsessed than me with World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XI when we were playing that.

GS: Wow, sounds like you’ve met your match. When did you guys meet?
At work, about three years ago, back when I was a software engineer.

GS: And now for our High Fidelity moment, what are your Top 5 Favorite Gadgets?
JC: MacBook Pro, Cingular 8525, Xbox 360, iPod, and the Zune

GS: What about the Top 5 Luxury Gadgets You Really Want:
JC:Mac Pro, 30-inch Dell or Apple Cinema Display, iPhone!, Sharp's 108-inch LCD, TiVo Series 3

GS: Your first computer was a:
JC: I'd probably have to say a 286 if we're talking PCs, but I had one of those top-loading Nintendo Famicoms back in the early 80s when I was a kid.

GS: What are your favorite websites?
JC: Penny Arcade, pbfcomics.com, Boing Boing, Digg, TV Squad, Fark, Lifehacker, Kotaku, and of course Gizmodo.

GS: What is your Valentine’s Day plan?
JC: It's still early, I need to have a plan already? No seriously, I have no idea.

GS: Okay, now the age-old question - who makes the final decision when it comes to gadgets for the home?
JC: I do, but she has a lot of say - but can be overridden with a veto!

GS: Who solves tech problems at home?
JC: Me, again. She's not all that technical despite being a software engineer. Once I have something set up the way I like it, I don't like to fiddle around with it for fear of causing me hours of work again.

GS: Are you going to buy an iPhone?
JC: Definitely! I'm going to buy a Zune Phone when it comes out as well. I love smartphones (I have a Windows Mobile smartphone now) so the iPhone looks great. I love not having to carry around two devices when one will do.

GS: How do you feel about people calling you a “geek?”
In my teens I didn't like it so much, but I've come to be comfortable with the fact that I'm a geek. Geeks are becoming kinda cool now, so it's actually working out quite well. No delusions of grandeur though - I'm still a geek.

GS: How many hours do you spend online a day?
JC: I'm pretty much wired all the time with my phone and my laptop, so I'd probably say all the hours that I'm not sleeping, I'm most likely online. I'm probably going to have my face melt off from radiation before I'm 40.

GS: How many hours does your partner spend online a day?
JC: About eight hours a day, and all of that is at work. She doesn't do much online stuff at home.

GS: What is one geeky habit you’re trying to quit?
JC: Playing so much Xbox 360, I'd have to say. My nearly 24,000 Xbox 360 gamerpoints shout to me that I need to play less.

GS: So, are you the Beauty or the Geek in your relationship?
The Geek, for sure.

GS: What has been your (or your significant other’s) greatest contribution to the tech/blog industry – don’t be modest.
JC: Well I did break exclusive Zune images and stories before its release, but I'd have to say the greatest contribution to the tech industry is sticking a Wii, a PS3 and a Zune down my pants.

Want more Jason Chen? Check out his archive at Gizmodo.com! Want access to other Geeks We Love? Check out Om Malik of GigaOM!

Battle Of The Vacuums: Roomba Vs Dyson Slim

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:07:17 -0700

A Dyson vacuum is one of those gadgets that elicits an "ohhhhh" and an "awwwww" from everyone that walks by it. Or at least everyone that's walked by geeksugar central in the last week. I attribute the giddy Dyson adulation to the British company's hoity-toity reputation (they make a jaw-dropping $2,000 model), the assertion that Dyson is the "first vacuum cleaner that doesn't lose suction" and the fact that for a vacuum, it's ridiculously good looking.

It frankly isn't fair to compare the Dyson Slim, which is only 15.8 pounds, to my clunky vacuum at home because the Dyson is designed with art and innovation in mind. So, in the spirit of cleaning fun, I decided I should pit the lady killer against an even more unlikely candidate, the iRobot Roomba. For those of you that don't know, I describe the Roomba as a "geeky guy magnet gadget that's cleverly disguised as a vacuum." Seriously, girls may swoon to the Dyson, but guys seem to be pulled by gravity to the Roomba. So how did the sexy, feminine Dyson compare to the more masculine robotic Roomba? Be prepared to be impressed all around.

For my full review, read more

Like I said, it's not fair to compare the Dyson to the Roomba based solely on the fact that they are completely different models and machines, but it was a fun challenge and they each presented their own perks.

Suction
Most of all, I wanted to compare how much each sucked up because at the end of the day, you buy a vacuum to suck. In that respect the Dyson was a clear winner. I can admit, much to the pleasure of my male colleague, the Roomba did perform a lot better than I expected and does have the ability to clean a room. It just needs to do it on its own time and can't be pushed with the same force of the Dyson.

Coverage and Strength
I was also curious to see how long it would take the Roomba to clean a room by itself versus how long it takes to clean a room with the Dyson. I passed the Dyson over the room and covered every spot in about 2 minutes. I then set the Roomba to clean the space - I had to put up a funky barrier wall to keep it within the same space - and it took about 15 minutes to tread the same ground. Of course, the plus of the Roomba in this case is that it can vacuum by itself, so if you don't have guests coming over in 10 minutes, you can program the Roomba to clean, leave the room and make yourself a spot of tea.

Grace and Beauty
Apparently, air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than the air you breathe. That alone sold me on the model. Of course, it helped that the machine is sleek, light and powerful. I happen to be one of those geeks that gets a real pleasure out of vacuuming - it's the only chore that gives me a real sense of accomplishment - so I love that you can give the Dyson a good push and get the job done.

As for the Roomba, watching that little thing hum along the floor is a delight. There's the thrill you get when you realize it's actually cleaning your floor sans cords or human help, followed by an even greater thrill when you realize it can clean the floor when you're not home.

Need To Call A Draw?
Buy them both. Use the Dyson for the heavy duty cleaning and the Roomba to do your dirty work when you're not home. Or scare little dogs.