New 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro Review

The new 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro landed on my desk yesterday morning. I wanted to bring you this video review as soon as possible, well at least after I had completely used a fully charged battery... this was important as I needed to let you know about battery life. Well, sit back and enjoy the review.

 

Griffin Technology PowerDock 4 Review

If you have more than one iPod or iPhone in your household, keeping them all juiced up can be a chore. If you want a device that can charge up to four dock connecting devices, then check out the video review below of the PowerDock 4 from Griffin Technology.

Product: Griffin Technology PowerDock 4
Price: £26.99 (Amazon) : $49.98 (Amazon US)
Supplied by: Griffin Technology
Contact: +1 (615) 399-7000

 

Fujitsu Scansnap S300M Document Scanner Review

I have been falling in and out of love with the idea of document scanning for a long time now. I loved previous iterations of Fujitsu Scansnap scanners, but hated the support for the Mac platform. The software just did not cut the mustard. However, things have changed, the Mac software has got a lot better and gone are the high premiums for Mac versions of the hardware.
Read More

Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review

With the aim of trying something a little different... the Nikon D90 digital camera review is brought to you by two new hosts. Bobby and Stevie from PuppetNation are a little nervous on their first outing, but hang in there, give them a chance.

Nissin Speedlite Di622 - Camera Flash Review

As an alternative to paying Nikon and Canon prices, this professional camera flash from Nissin certainly looks the business. It performs almost identically to the more expensive offerings from Nikon and certainly in the value for money arena it wins hands down. I was particularly impressed by its accuracy, four second recycle time and build quality. For outstanding performance and budget beating price it wins our Gold Award. We don't hand these out very often, so it should go without saying that the Nissin Speedlite Di622 comes highly recommended. Check out the video review below.

Product: Nissin Speedlite Di622
Price: £156.58 RRP : £89.99 Best UK Price
Supplied by: Kenro Limited
Contact: +44 (0)1793 615836

Lowepro Vertex 200 AW - camera backpack review

I purchased a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack about two weeks ago for just over £100. Intended to be a bag that I carry all of my photo gear in, on those longer journeys or on holiday. Yes, that amount of money is a lot to spend, but if you have expensive camera gear it really needs good protection.

So, the Vertex 200AW has a lot going for it. It can accommodate two SLR cameras, plus lots of lenses. It has a main compartment that takes all of your main kit which is divided up by padded pieces that attach in the place you choose with velcro. The flap of this main compartment has some extra pockets for accessories too. It is amazing how much you can fit in. The main compartment gobbled up my Nikon D90 with an 18-105mm zoom lens attached, two macro lenses, one zoom lens and a small prime lens. Add to that my flash and there is still loads of room. It also sports a weather-resistant quiet zip.

In front of this is another zipper of the same style. This reveals a laptop compartment which will take up to a 15-inch screen laptop. I have tried my MacBook in there with loads of room to spare. This section could quite easily be used for papers and a book or two. Then there are extra smaller pockets for memory card, plus a really cool strap down on the front. This slides up and down into position, and allows you to strap a tripod on, you even get a foot support supplied too (shown left). There is also a little pocket on the bottom of the bag, inside which you find a waterproof cover, that pulls out and covers the whole backpack. It is great and protects your kit from heavier rain and sand, this is a superb inclusion.

The shoulder straps are nice and padded. There is also a chest and separate waist strap too. These add extra stability, but it is a shame they cannot be removed from the bag.

Now, it is very comfortable to use and I am very happy, but there is a but. The bag is very heavy even without any kit inside. Add a camera and some lenses and it becomes extremely heavy to use. So, my advice is to buy this one for longer journeys, or if you need to take ALL of your kit with you. Lowepro make loads of different bags and I hope you bring you a review of their Slingshot 200 AW soon, which could be used to travel light (as an everyday bag). That said, the Vertex 200 AW is superbly made and worth every penny. It still amazes me how much kit you can fit into it.

Note: Prices are due to change on this product on 1st May 2009, so get in at this price whilst stocks last.

Product: Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack
Price: RRP £160 : £109.97 Best Price
Supplied by: Morris Photographic
Tel: 0845 430 2030

Sennheiser CX 95 Style Earphones Review

If you want to get the most out of your iPod (or other MP3 player if you dare), then throw out those old earphones and check out a pair of Sennheiser's CX95. You can get the lowdown in the video review below.

**NOTE** This model has now been replaced with the CX 550 Style II. This is more or less the same earphone, except in silver metal finish.

Product: Sennheiser CX 95 Style Earphones
Price: £50 (average UK)
Supplied by: Sennheiser UK
Contact: +44 (0)1494 551551

Olympus SP-565UZ Digital Camera Review

Impressed? well, to say the least, yes. The SP-565UZ just feels so right in my hand. It is one of the first products that I have had to review that will DEFINITELY become part of my day-to-day kit. Just below you can see my video review and at the end of this article some sample photos for your perusal. This camera rocks!

Product: Olympus SP-565UZ Digital Camera
Price: £245 (average UK)
Supplied by: Olympus UK
Contact: +44 (0)1923 831100

 

Ay Up Lights up your Mountain Bike tracks

Getting out and about this winter is a great way to stay fit and fresh. There is nothing like buring off the Christmas turkey with an off-road ride. With the days very short, we wake up in the dark and before we even finish our evening meal it is pitch black again. Lighting up not only keeps you safe from other bikers and traffic, but is essential for anything off-road. There is a lot to choose from, with bike specific lights and torches like the Fenix we looked at last week. However, AyUp Lights offer the ultimate solution which they kindly sent to me for review.
Read More