Company: Sena
Item Reviewed: Sena Blackberry Curve Vertical Pouch & Sena Premium Stand for iPod Touch

Formed in 1999, Sena Cases is a luxury mobile device accessory designer offering classy, stylish protective leather cases for today’s most popular mobile devices including phones, laptops, MP3 players, PDAs and more. The unique cases not only offer an upscale, quality and appearance, but also provide exceptional functionality.

Brothers and owners Ramsey and Fevzi Oten are the grandchildren of an entrepreneur in the leather industry. As gadget enthusiasts, the brothers were always displeased with the availability for sleek, trendy, upscale mobile device accessories that not only looked great but also enhanced the device usability.

Utilizing focus groups and other market research studies, Sena’s founders realized the mobile device accessory market was filled with products that hinder the device performance. Most consumers select devices that are small and slim. However, many of the accessories create extra bulk, include difficult snap closures and lack the necessary customization to allow access to certain device ports.

Premium Stand Apple iPod touch 2nd/3rd Generations

Your favorite videos from your iPod touch in it’s own premium leather stand, conveniece can be so stylish. Self-standing for video viewing Dual-texture style with classic and perforated leathers Multi-purpose pocket

Comes in Sporty Black, Sporty Tan, Sproty Red, Sporty Green, Sporty Orange and Sporty White

Vertical Pouch

This light rigid protective pouch provides shock-absorbent padding with a simple pouch design.

• Shock-absorbent padded construction
• Ratcheting belt-clip
• Soft velvet lining with light protective layer

Comes in Black, Tan, Ted, Brown, Croco Black and Croco Red

My Thoughts

I love having cases for my tech gear, mainly because they will protect my beloved tech gadgets from my clumsiness but also because they are stylish! I mean you can get a color that matches most of your wardrobe which is always a huge plus. The Blackberry case was a little tight in the beginning but they are made that way, and over time it has started to mold into the shape of my phone. Soft leather is a wonderful feeling and I love the way this has held onto my phone. The iPod Touch case is amazing. I like that it is a small little package and that it stands up when my toddler wants to watch her movies, before this case I had to prop it up with a blanket which never stayed and she would get frustrated and just hold it. So the fact that it can stand on it’s own is a huge plus for me.

Sena has cases for all types of products from phone cases to laptop and gaming case and more you will surely find one that is perfect for your tech gadget. Check Sena out today!

Company: Mimoco
Item Reviewed: Mimobot Hello Kitty USB Flash Drive

Since 2005, Boston-based design house Mimoco has fused the art of contemporary characters with the functionality of personal data storage devices making its name known in both the pop-culture driven Art Toy underground and the savvy high-tech ‘tronic world. With a mission to bring style and soul to consumer electronics, Mimoco is renowned for our flagship collection of MIMOBOT® designer USB flash drives.

Hello Kitty® Fun In Fields MIMOBOT® – $34.95

Bring the outdoors IN, with Hello Kitty® Fun in Fields MIMOBOT® designer USB flash drive by Sanrio® and Mimoco!

My Thoughts

I love portable flash drives, the amount of things I need to keep with me when I travel varies from trip to trip that is why the flash drives are such a life saver. Anytime I can add designer drives or artsy drives is a plus for me. And now I can say that I have my favorite character from my childhood, Hello Kitty on one, that I take with me everywhere! With 4GB of space I will always have what I need at my fingertips and in a stylish way I might add! I recommend the Mimobot Flash Drives to everyone, they have such a neat collection of art ones and even Star Wars, I am certain you will find one you like.

Company: TuneUp
Item Reviewed: TuneUp Utilities 2010
Item Given Away: TuneUp Utilities 2010
Start Date: February 21
End Date: March 7

The success story began eleven years ago when TuneUp founders Tibor Schiemann and Christoph Laumann developed Germany’s first complete package for the optimization of Windows PCs. The program was called “TuneUp 97 – the intelligent tuning tool”. Back then, the TuneUp founders considered “intelligent tuning” to be the effective optimization of PCs that takes care of as many of the necessary steps as possible for the user.

Since 2003, TuneUp has been expanding internationally. TuneUp Utilities is currently used by more than 10 million people worldwide, and is now available in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Polish.

TuneUp Utilities is designed to help the average computer user keep his or her PC running smoothly.

One of the key updates to the 2010 version is its compatibility with Windows 7.  Unbeknownst to most users, Windows 7 installs a lot of unnecessary files that slow down your PC.  TuneUp Utilities is able to clean up all the clutter – maximizing the new operating system’s performance.  The 2010 version also supports the 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Vista.

Key features include:

• TuneUp Turbo Mode -With a single click, users can disable a number of background applications, such as various Windows services, complex search functions and scheduled maintenance tasks, in Windows XP, Vista and 7 that are not needed. This feature allows users’ PCs to concentrate entirely on their programs, which means users will see fewer interruptions, and gamers will enjoy more frames per second (FPS).
• TuneUp Live Optimization – This function automatically prevents background processes from taking up too much of the PC’s resources. TuneUp Live Optimization lowers the priority of resource-draining background applications. This results in noticeably faster program startup and response times as well as greater speed and stability for users. Games can also run with more FPS.
• Windows 7 Support – TuneUp Utilities 2010 offers complete support for Microsoft’s new operating system in both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
• TuneUp Gadget – Available for Windows Vista and 7 users, this feature shows the computer’s health directly on the desktop. • Users can start the TuneUp Utilities 2010 features they need directly via the TuneUp Gadget. TuneUp Optimization Report • This displays how many unnecessary files TuneUp Utilities 2010 has cleaned, how many registry entries have been deleted and how many PC problems have been fixed. • Users can display results from the last seven days, 30 days or even since the installation of TuneUp Utilities 2010.
• Automatic Maintenance – TuneUp Utilities 2010 automatically performs optimization tasks and ensures that users’ PCs run quickly and reliably—at all times. • The optimization processes regularly run in the background; this way, users can work or play on their PCs, without having to worry about performing maintenance tasks themselves. •  Automatic Maintenance only starts when PCs are not being actively used.To save and prolong the battery life of laptops and netbooks, Automatic Maintenance will not start if the device is running on battery power.
• Redesigned Start Center – This immediately shows users any problems or bottlenecks, such as pending optimization tasks that need to be performed. • It provides users with access to individual features, while giving them an overview of the PC’s health. • The redesigned Start Center is even easier to use. The previous version of TuneUp Utilities had seven categories. In TuneUp Utilities 2010, this has been reduced to four sections that give users faster access to optimization and customization features.
• Greater Ease of Use – Windows can now be optimized with just a few clicks of the mouse; the features in TuneUp Utilities 2010 are more easily accessible than ever before. • TuneUp Utilities 2010 does not make use of technical jargon—enabling novice computer users to maintain their PCs without any hassles.
• Improved Help Center – If users still have questions about PC optimization, the program’s Help Center has been significantly updated with support topics that are even easier to understand.

My Thoughts

I have used this software on my netbook and I couldn’t be happier with it. What I like best is that it doesn’t run unless I am not using the computer which is a huge plus for me because I run so many things that I don’t need another program running and bogging my system down. I like the reports I can generate for a few days or the last month. These are just a few of the things that I like. You can buy the full version of  TuneUp Utilities 2010 for $49.95 or the Upgrade to TuneUp Utilities 2010 for $29.95. Please check them out here. I recommend this easy to use TuneUp program to everyone.

And I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway for one Dirty Shirt reader to win a copy of TuneUp Utilities 2010 for their computer. Please see rules below to enter today.

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Tell me in comments which program you are using now to Tune Up your computer. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in subscribe section on the right sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away TuneUp Utilities 2010! Check it out here http://bit.ly/95hfGZ. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on March 7, with winner being announced the morning of March 8. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: Wilson Electronics
Item Reviewed: Sleek Cell Phone Booster

A leader in the wireless communications industry for over 40 years, designs and manufactures a wide variety of amplifiers, antennas and related components that significantly improve cellular signal reception and transmission in both mobile and in building applications. All products are engineered and assembled in the company’s headquarters in St. George, Utah.

The Wilson plug-and-play Sleek™ helps users reduce dropped calls, increase data rates in weak signal areas and originate calls from those dreaded “dead spots”. The Sleek™ and its external vehicular antenna increases any phone’s output power to the cell site while improving its ability to hear signals it normally cannot, keeping the user more reliably connected. Designed for simple set up, the Sleek™ can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle.

Features:

• Reduces dropped calls, extends signal range, and increases data rates
• Built in amplifier boosts signals to and from cell site
• Up to 20 TIMES more output power to cell site when in a vehicle
• Receives weak signals the phone alone may not
• Built-in port for battery charging
• Extends battery life – Amplifier enables phone to work at reduced power
• Simplifies hands free operation
• Installs in minutes – no special tools required
• Package includes everything needed — plug-and-play
• Attractive, compact design
• Adjustable arms to fit most any phone

How it Installs

• First, attach the outside magnetic mount antenna, which captures the weak cell tower signal
• Second, plug-in the Sleek’s power adapter into the cigarette lighter
• Third, attach the cable from the outside antenna to the dash-mounted Sleek cradle
• Fourth, place phone in the cradle of the Sleek and connect with your wired hands-free device or Bluetooth headset

How it Works

The roof-mounted antenna receives the phone’s signal from the cell tower and sends it to the Sleek cradle via cable. The signal is then boosted by the Sleek’s built-in amplifier and then transmitted to the cell phone by its built-in antenna. The process is then repeated in reverse to send a boosted cell phone signal back to the cell tower.

My Thoughts

The Wilson Sleek Booster comes in handy for me especially when I am out visiting my sister. I no longer have dropped calls when answering my phone when I am at her house, which to me is in the middle of no where. Seriously they have such bad service out there that I lose talking to her when she walks into her kitchen, but everything is fine when she is talking to me in her living room. I have actually let her borrow this product to test out on a more continual basis and she has loved not having the dropped calls she usually deals with. Which really comes in handy when a cell phone is your only phone line. She says she would buy this product for her hubby also so he too could experience no dropped calls. They love it and when I did use it I loved it too. But it isn’t just for people who live out of range of a cell tower everyone even in the city can benefit from a stronger signal boost to have no dropped calls. Definitely recommend to everyone!

Company: mousEnvy
Item Reviewed: Velvet Valentine Mouse

Vibrant, fun computer mice that reflect current fashions and which, with high quality and innovative materials, are as much about lifestyle as they are performance. Functions like a normal mouse with right, center, and left-click buttons, and the patented rubberized non-slip ScrollBall to speed through long documents or Web pages. The unique shapes fit any hand size and most are ideal for both left and right-handers. The latest in 800dpi optical technology allows you to navigate with better speed, accuracy and reliability, delivering precise cursor control on a wide variety of surfaces without the hassle of clogged mouse parts. Connects via USB and is guaranteed to work right out of the box on both PCs and Macs. Designed in Switzerland.

Velvet Valentine Mouse

Fall in love with this Velvet Heart Mouse. Fully lined with delicate red velvet, this snug red-hot mouse provides a sensual experience sure to make your heart melt away! Attractively wrapped in a specially designed box, this fun mouse is perfect for any loved one who works with a computer, your social website obsessed friend or just to treat yourself. This great gift idea can brighten up someone’s workday or add a bit of fun while e-mailing their friends or flirting with their latest Facebook crush!

My Thoughts

I love unique things, especially when it comes to computer gadgets. I have all different styles, shapes and colors of flash drives, and now I can add a velvet heart shaped mouse to that collection. It is so soft and fuzzy like a baby peach! I love using it and it works very well. I like this mouse, which sadly has been stolen by my daughter now but she loves it, and she has already stolen my heart once before, it is fitting that she now has my heart mouse. I recommend you check out mousEnvy to see what else they offer, like the Ladybug mouse or the Chili mouse.

Company: Very Special Hearts, LLC.
Item Reviewed: A Very Special Heart
Item Given Away: A Very Special Heart
Start Date: February 20
End Date: March 6

A Very Special Heart is dedicated to providing consumers with the ability to take control of their personal health and wellness. The Very Special Heart and Globe have been designed to give any individual or family a powerful tool that assists in critical emergency situations as well as for day-to-day care.

A Very Special Heart™ software has been developed in partnership with FLASHealth, LLC, which specializes in software for the healthcare community. Our web services are powered by InterSystems’ Cache’ and Ensemble technologies, the same technology used internationally and by the top 10 hospitals in the United States.

Your Very Special Heart™ can be worn as a necklace or used as a keychain or purse clip (keychain/purse clip included). One side has an elegant filigree pattern, the other side – a smooth, contemporary finish. But it’s what’s inside this heart that makes it so very special.

Inside your Very Special Heart™ lies an incredible feat of engineering, which allows you to carry all of your Personal Health Records…and a dose of emergency medication. You can also carry all of your family’s health records and secure copies of important documents (passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates etc).

This is the wallet ID card that is provided with each Very Special Heart™ and Globe. This card tells emergency personnel where you carry your Very Special Heart™ or Globe.

This card instructs emergency medical personnel to connect your Heart or Globe to a USB port to view your lifesaving Emergency Medical Information.

Why do you need A Very Special Heart?

In an emergency, Doctors and EMTs make crucial decisions about your medical treatment. These decisions are based on the best information available. Without reliable, detailed information, critical treatment maybe delayed…and this may mean the difference between life or death.

With your Very Special Heart™ or Globe there are no delays. When it’s plugged into any PC, anywhere in the world, your Very Special Heart™ software* automatically displays your emergency medical information.

Below is what your information looks like when it is plugged in to a computer…

My Thoughts

This is one of those products that has a lot of importance and that I wholeheartedly recommend everyone getting. It could be a matter of life or death. Ever since I received my A Very Special Heart to review and add to my I Love Tech Gadgets week I have learned the importance of it and have been making a big push for all the members of my family and my friends to get one for themselves. I do not like thinking about the worst case scenario but I do, and having this has actually eased my mind a bit about what would happen if I was unconscious in an accident. I am using mine as a keychain and have instructed medical personnel to look to my key chain for my medical information. I love this product and I am so happy to ave it now. Like I said I HIGHLY recommend A Very Special Heart to everyone!

Good news! I am hosting a giveaway for one Dirty Shirt reader to win their own Special Heart. Please see rules below to enter today!

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Go to A Very Special Heart’s website and find one other document you would like to put on your heart and come back and tell me in comments what it is. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in subscribe section on the right sidebar) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away A Very Special Heart! Check it out here http://bit.ly/9KGPrb. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 1 Extra Entry – Become a fan of A Very Special Heart and leave a separate comment that you did.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on March 6, with winner being announced the morning of March 7. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: Rebit
Item Reviewed: SaveMe Portable Hard Drive

Rebit is an innovative new company all about relieving the burden of backup technology from the PC user. They just plug Rebit into a PC to get fully automated and continuous backup protection – no setup, configuration, schedules, or buttons. Rebit transparently backs up the OS, applications, data: everything. Integrated with Windows, data recovery is as easy as drag-and-drop from Windows Explorer. Rebit provides for bare metal recovery from hard disk crash, and the Rebit appliance never fills up, always delivering reliable, continuous backup protection for ones entire PC. Rebit delivers ridiculously simple backup.

Sleek, Thin, Stylish

With up to 500GB of space that fits into your shirt pocket, these sharp looking drives are ideal for users on the go. Choose the size you need, and it will come preinstalled with Rebit SaveMe software. Just plug it in to automatically and continuously protect your computer from crashes, viruses or accidental file deletion.

Features:

• 250GB-500GB Capacity. Choose a large enough backup drive to keep up with your growing data needs. At a minimum select one as large as your system drive.
• Fully Automatic. Just connect it to your computer and it goes to work immediately.
• Continuous Data Protection. SaveMe monitors changes to your file system and backs them up within minutes.
• Maintains File Versions. Go back in time to any previous version.
• Intuitively integrated with Windows Explorer. Recovering lost files or folders is as easy as dragging and dropping them back where they belong.
• Bare Metal Restore to a Point in Time: Quickly and easily recover from any catastrophe: crash, virus, or corrupted software installation.
• SmartSave Personalization Technology adjusts the amount of space used for backup to your needs.
• Windows 7 Compatible. It’s “Restore to a Point in Time” feature makes it uniquely suited to support a migration to Windows 7.
• Easily Transfer Files between computers.
• Protect All Your Computers. A SaveMe Backup Drive will protect up to 6 computers with password protection provided there’s enough space on the drive.

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a simple, fast and easy to use back up system for your computer, look no further than Rebit. SaveMe includes the unique SmartSave feature which lets you use your backup drive to store other data such as recorded TV shows, podcasts, movies etc., and dynamically adjusts the amount of space used for backup as you add or remove files. For me that is extremely important and I am thrilled that everything is totally automatic so I don’t need to worry about making schedules, I just plug it in and it goes to work backing up everything right away. That was what I did for my initial backup and now it stays connected. I love that it is portable too, because for me and my business I am in constant need to dump files onto my computer to clear off my cameras and tech gadgets and having the backup ready to go always gives me peace of mind.

You can download Rebit to your computer and use an existing hard drive or you can purchase one of the many desktop or portable hard drives with the back up software on it. I love Rebit and HIGHLY recommend them to everyone for all your back up needs. Simple, Fast and Reliable! There are several Rebit hard drives – and software alone – available.

SaveMe™ Software
SaveMe Software: $39.99
SaveMe Express Software:  $29.99  (Does not include SmartSave Personalization Technology – the external drive must be dedicated to backup only.)

SaveMe™ Portable Hard Drives
250GB – $119.95
320GB – $139.95
500GB – $169.95

SaveMe™ Desktop Hard Drives
500GB – $149.95
1TB – $199.95
2TB – $349.95

Company: MusicSkins LLC
Item Reviewed: 17′ Laptop Custom Skin

MusicSkins LLC is the leader in music and music-related, high-quality, vinyl skin products. We envision all MP3 players, laptops, and phones as portable canvases for art and individuality. Our focus on music, art, culture and personalization has created a stylish way for musicians, DJs and artists to become closer to their fans while providing a low profile alternative to bulky cases. From Hip Hop to Country, Art to Fashion, and everything in between, there’s a MusicSkin to suit every taste.

Their durable skins are made of premium vinyl, which will defend your device from the harshest scratches. The special adhesive is completely removable and leaves no residue so you can easily switch your MusicSkins for the latest release. MusicSkins add almost zero bulk so your device will still integrate perfectly with almost any case, bag, dock, iTrip or armband.

• No Scratches – MusicSkins protect your precious device with a durable anti-scratch, anti-UV coating.
• Easy On… Easy off – 3M Adhesive technology prevents bubbles and allows easy application and clean removal.
• Premium Materials – MusicSkins are Made In The USA. Ultra Premium vinyl sets us apart from all other skin products.
• No Bulk – Ultra-low profile means flawless integration with all accessories including docks, iTrip, cases, bags, and armbands.

There are so many different options in designs for all types of tech gear from iPods and iPhones to laptops and Kindles and all types of gaming devices. There is something for everyone.

My Thoughts

Although I love music I chose to design a custom skin all my own that really had nothing to do with music, but that is just an added bonus when it come to MusicSkins, they let you design whatever it is you want to design. Below is my skin…

I loved creating this skin and on MusicSkins the process of creating is seamless and so easy to do. I recommend everyone giving it a try they will definitely have a band, group or singer you love and they have such a large selection of products you can use the skins on that I know I will be making a repeat visit to make another one, this time with music as the theme I recommend MusicSkins for all your tech gadgets!

Company: WJS Technologies LLC
Item Reviewed: Portable and EZ Mount Charging Stations

Practical Cell Phone Charging Stations & Organizers – As with most inventions, the genesis of the EZ Mount Cell Phone Charging Station was born out of necessity. With the proliferation of cell phones among our family members, the kitchen counter was being overrun with cords and chargers. The necessity was being able to eliminate the mess and find some counter space.

Plug in Shelf Portable Cell Phone Charging Station

The new Plug in Shelf portable charging station protects your phone and eliminates the tangle of charging cords. Just plug in your charger, wrap the cord around the cleat and place your phone on the shelf.

EZ MOUNT Cell Phone Charging Station

Replace any standard wall plate with the patented EZ Mount cell phone charging station. Features a built in key hook.

My Thoughts

These stations and docks are the perfect answer to all those “What do I do with these cords” questions you have. If your like me and always try to find an out of the way place to plug in my chargers so the cords can’t be seen then these products are for you. I have actually plugged my phone in an out of the way place before and forgot where I put it. When my husband put up these shelves they were taken by my son and daughter and their chargers but that is fine because now I don’t have to look at the mess of wires on my counter tops. I recommend the CP Docks to everyone.

Company: Sima
Item Reviewed: Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Home Theater Kit

Sima Products Corporation 30 Years of Advanced Technology. Founded in 1973, Sima Products Corporation is celebrating 32 years as a leading innovator of consumer electronic accessories. Sima manufactures accessories in the categories of Photography, Video, Home Theater, Power, and Home Safety. Today, nearly one hundred Sima products are sold in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Home Theater Kit

Create a drive-in experience at home, host a gaming tournament, or watch the big game!

Sima Product’s Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Home Theater kit, the XL-PRO, now includes a projector to make viewing television, gaming systems, computers/laptops, cable boxes or DVD/BluRay movies even easier. It takes as little as 5 minutes to inflate and has a huge 16:9 HD format screen. Includes air pump to inflate and deflate, two 5W speakers, projector, carrying case, and all required audio cables.

Features

• 72″ inflatable screen
• 1 pair 5W amplified speakers
• LCD projector with LED technology (remote included)
• 2 sets of pontoons for added height
• 120V inflation/deflation pump, volume control, 3.5mm audio cables, screen repair kit, and nylon carrying case
• 16:9 widescreen HD format
• Durable frame and screen material
• Fully inflates in 5 minutes!

My Thoughts

Talk about a big screen! We used the Sima Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Home Theater for the ULTIMATE Super Bowl party we had recently over at my Brother-in-laws (which just so happened to be his birthday too) and I tell you, it was an awesome way to experience the game. We set it up outside and the funny things is that even though the game was on inside everyone migrated outside to watch it on the inflatable screen. We loved it and just about everybody there asked where we got it from and said they wanted one.

We loved the crisp, clear picture we got, the ease of set up and the portability of it all. The speakers were clear and pumped out good sound which is always a good thing when you are watching football! My son liked the projector so much that he now uses it for his gaming and his permanent TV, with it being projected onto his wall. Now all his friends come over here to play their video games on his wall! My whole family loved the Sima Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Home Theater and can’t wait to use it this summer during our night time swimming parties. I highly recommend this product to everyone!