HomeDock HD Product Review

DLO's HomeDock HD promises to bring your iPod content to your HDTV in HD quality. Two small problems though: First, it only ships with an RCA component cable, and second the content on your iPod is well below HD quality to begin with.

The dock does offer a simple, intuitive interface, and great audio quality through both its optical and HDMI outputs. Also I'm always a sucker for a an iPod accessory with robust backwards capability. We tested the unit with an iPod Mini, iPhone, and 5th gen iPod. All three were able to be controlled remotely via the dock.

Still, the $199 price point is hard to swallow. After all, for just a bit more, you could buy an Apple TV and at least have an opportunity to rent "true" HD content. (In fairness, the Apple TV doesn't include an HDMI cable either)

For $40 or $50, it would be a steal, especially for those of us with multiple iPods sitting around the house.  At $199, though, and since Apple currently doesn't have HD content on any iPod, you might want to pass. Full video review below: (Click here to buy from Amazon.)

Griffin Technology TuneFlex Aux Review

I recently purchased the TuneFlex Aux from Amazon using the Remembers feature of the Amazon App [see my Amazon App review]. Griffin Technology has been a long time creator of unique and quality products for Apple products, and the TuneFlex Aux is another of their great creations. The product is intended to be used in cars with an Aux in for the stereo. The TuneFlex plugs into your car's 12v power adapter to power your iPod of choice (the TuneFlex comes with 7 iPod adapters - see below - to securely connect your iPod). The adapters lock into the neck with two ball bearing like mechanisms . . . your iPod isn't going anywhere. It has a gooseneck-like arm to adjust the positioning of your iPod. The neck is quite thick and firmly stays in whatever position you adjust it to.

The Aux location is built into the base where the TuneFlex Aux plugs into your power adapter and also has a volume control there as well.

I would have been very pleased with the TuneFlex Aux if it correctly fit in my car. In the picture above you see the 12v power location is unobstructed so the TuneFlex can easily fit in place. In my car, the power adapter is recessed which leaves limited clearance from left to right. The Aux location on the base of the power adapter is too thick preventing the TuneFlex from properly sitting in the power socket . . . this renders the unit useless . . . no power and all is a deal breaker. I can't really fault Griffin for this design, and they can't really cater to all makes and models of cars (mine is a Subaru Legacy) but should serve as a warning to anyone with limited clearance where your 12v source is located . . . this item very well might not fit.

Overall Rating: B+ (despite returning the product)
Pros: Adapters for multiple iPods, robust neck
Cons: Thick base at the power adapter makes fitment challenging for some makes and models of cars

iSports for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

It's a busy time in the sports world, as the NFL heads into the playoffs, the college bowl games are just off in the distance, and the NHL and NBA are in full swing. How's a sports fan supposed to stay connected to everything that's happening? And, can you do it for free? iSports for the iPhone and iPod Touch provides the latest scores for several sports (NHL coming soon) along with news, and "superfan" services.

The interface is straightforward, and provides at-a-glance look at scores. It can be a little sluggish to load, but the info is well worth it. Take a look:

Raging Thunder for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

At launch of the App Store, the choice of racing games was slim. Now there's more to choose from, but that doesn't mean they've necessarily gotten any better. Today we're looking at Raging Thunder. A racing game that would probably be acceptable if no other racing games existed, and if we didn't know the capabilities of the phone. Raging Thunder feels like a cell phone port with some accelerometer control of steering. The most jarring cell phone gaming-like experience has to be the annoying sound when two cars collide. I had to check to make sure I didn't pick up my old SonyEricsson T68i. Here's a full look at Raging Thunder:

Disney's Fairies Fly for iPhone and iPod Touch Review

Disney has made its foray into the world of iPhone and iPod Touch gaming with Fairies Fly. We'll give them kudos for bringing a girl-centric game to the App Store. The graphics are great, and the gameplay is fine, but simplistic. Here's a full look: