Review - Arkon Universal Smartphone Holder with Flexi Tripod

I have been looking for a small tripod for my smartphone and digital camera that I can use when I have to record unboxing of products, record practice drills for my brush lettering, and for my travels. I owned a small tripod for my digital camera before but the legs got loose and wobbly.

I found this Arkon Universal Smartphone Holder with Flexi Tripod at MobileFun. I am happy that I did because it is such a wonderful small tripod that fits my requirements.

What I like:

• I can take it anywhere I go!
• It is compatible to many devices, not just for smartphones, but also for small digital cameras. For full list of all the compatible devices, you may check it at the site
• I am not worried about my shaky hands and blurred captures anymore.
• The screw designs of the various components of this small tripod makes it also perfect for smaller cameras.
• The legs can be bent and are flexible enough to be wrapped around objects such as branch of a tree or a chair's arm to act as holding point for a good shot or new perspective shot.
• The Arkon tripod is lightweight and has its own carry bag.
• The holder that attaches to the tripod by screw has soft rubber/silicone-like guard so it doesn't scratch the smartphone.
• The guard is also adjustable so you can use even slightly larger smartphones.
• It can be set up quickly. 

What I don't like:

Nothing, it is the right small tripod for me and my use.

My recommendations:

If you're like me who doesn't like bulky accessories or has to fidget around to use a tripod, then the Arkon Universal Smartphone Holder with Flexi Tripod is the right one for you. I like the fact that I can wrap around branches or anywhere I can use as a handle for a new perspective or angle shot. Most tripods don't do that. This one is very flexible and it surely fits my requirements. It is definitely going with me in all my travels!


The Arkon Universal Smartphone Holder with Flexi Tripod is available at MobileFun.com. You can also check out the myriad of phone and camera accessories available in MobileFun.com.

Gift The Gift of Gazelle This Christmas

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

   

Have you made your gift-giving list and checked it twice? Well just in case you're still trying to find that perfect gift for someone this holiday season, here are a few items to consider adding to their stocking (or even yours!):

iPhone 6 - The iPhone 6 is Apple's upsized version of its past successes. Iconic and essential, this smartphone has an ultra-thin body that makes it easy to handle and secure in a purse or a pocket. Available in gold, silver, and gray, the iPhone 6 will impress as soon as it's unwrapped.
iPhone 6 Plus - With its 5.5-inch Retina HD display, the iPhone 6 Plus is a fantastic first smartphone for parents or grandparents. The bigger screen will make it easier to see those FaceTime video calls. And they'll love the features of the iPhone 6 Plus' 8MP rear facing camera. The snapper benefits from OIS (optical image stabilization), which will capture sharp pictures of everything from holiday gatherings to birthdays, vacations and more!
iPad Air - This iPad may be light, weighing only a pound, but it's heavy on power and performance. It's A7 processors allows it to run roughly twice as fast as previous generation iPads. Kids love how light it is because it's easier for them to handle while on long car, plane, or train rides. And it's large 9.7-inch screen makes it fun for them to draw on the sketchpad or see how to get to the next level of their game.
iPad Mini 3 - Compact and portable, the iPad Mini 3 is an excellent e-reader, which can make those long holiday journeys home seem shorter. With its fingerprint scanner built for security and bright, Retina Display, the iPad Mini 3 is an affordable gift for the avid reader or the casual gamer.
Samsung Galaxy S5 - The Galaxy S5 is not only a great phone overall, it's also durable and water resistant. And it's dedicated heart monitor makes it a find that fitness fanatics and sports enthusiasts can enjoy from winter through summer.

And remember, you can always add to your gift-giving budget by trading-in your old devices to Gazelle for cash! Check out their trade-in page to see just how simple it is!


This is the perfect time to start with your gift list. And consider these holiday gift giving guide tips from Gazelle!

Buy Certified Pre-Owned Devices From Gazelle

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

 

I was going through Gazelle's website and came across interesting information that I thought you'd find interesting.

Remember the Motorola RAZR? That was actually the first trade-in that Gazelle accepted. Shortly thereafter, Apple released the iPhone 3G, which created the first generation of obsolete phones (iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, anyone?). Since then, Gazelle has paid out more than $200 million to customers for their devices!

Although there are a number of options for purchasing pre-owned smartphones and tablets online, I know first-hand that there are key things that Gazelle offers that helps ensure you won't waste your time or money buying a gently-used device. For instance:

• Gazelle performs a 30+-point inspection on all their devices (iPhones, Galaxy phones, and iPads), which guarantees that every feature of the device is tested and is of the highest quality before it's sold to you. This is also backed by a 30-day return policy.
• Because Gazelle Certified devices mean no contracts or strings attached, you can upgrade your device at up to 40% less than buying a new one and avoid being tied to an expensive two-year contract that you might not need. You can keep your carrier, or go with a new one. The choice is yours.
• You can also easily trade-in your used iPhone, iPad, iPod, MacBook, AppleTV, and other smartphones and smart devices to Gazelle for cash in three easy steps.
  
  Step 1: Select your gadget from a list of options on Gazelle's "Trade-In" page, answer a few questions, and then Gazelle provides you with an offer for your device.
  
  Step 2: For items worth $1 or more, it's free to ship your device to Gazelle. Once your trade-in is received, the device is inspected to make sure its condition matches your evaluation.
  
  Step 3: Payment. If the device matches your description, Gazelle will pay you in the form of a check, an Amazon.com gift card, or via PayPal. Payment takes about a week once Gazelle receives your device.

Have you made your choice? Buy your next smart device through Gazelle Certified

If you want to sell your old phone or device and get a fair, cash price for it, Gazelle is the safest, easiest, most reliable way to go. And if you want to upgrade your device without having to pay retail rates or deal with a poor-quality purchase, make your life easy and shop Gazelle Certified.  This is the place where you can buy Certified pre-owned devices from Gazelle.

Shop Gazelle Now - Click Here

Why Gazelle Is The Best In Smart Phone Trade Ins

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing with you why you'd be wise to trade-in your old smartphone to Gazelle. It's not only super simple, you'll also earn cash in the process. But once you've traded-in your old devices, you'll likely be in the market for a replacement. And once again, Gazelle is the place to turn to. They have an incredible selection of devices that have been gently used, but are in like-new condition because they've all gone through Gazelle's 30+-point inspection process. Here are a few other reasons why Gazelle is the smart place to shop for your next device:

• Price and Affordability - Pre-owned devices typically cost less than their brand new counterparts of the same make and model. At a time when brand new smartphones often cost more than $500 or even close to $1,000, a gently-used smartphone can save you up to 50 percent or more off original pricing. Buy Certified pre-owned devices from Gazelle and you can be assured of the good rate, good quality and great service!

• Test-Drive Advantage - Instead of buying an expensive, brand-new smartphone that you might end up disliking soon afterward, you could purchase a used or refurbished device with a similar brand or operating system to the new phone that interests you. This way, you’ll get to test-drive that type of phone before making a significant investment in the new device of your choice.

• Better for the Environment - When you buy a gently-used device, you’re engaging in a form of recycling. Old gadgets and devices are otherwise disposed of, contributing to pollution. New phones require manufacturers to deplete more of the earth’s raw materials. By buying a pre-owned device, you’re investing in sustainability and a cleaner environment.

• Low Risk, High Reward - Many people want a practical phone that they don't have to worry about how to use or what the consequences will be if it gets exposed to wear and tear. Unfortunately, most carriers don't offer the type of entry-level smartphones that appeal to cost-conscious consumers. The solution is to purchase a certified pre-owned device that will be serviceable and functional without the cost and risk.

• Great for Labor-Intensive Jobs - For most people in labor-intensive fields, getting a gently-used smartphone is a no-brainer. Professionals who regularly perform factory work or operate heavy machinery don’t typically want to sink a lot of money into a fancy, expensive new phone that will be at risk on the jobsite. But even workers who hold office jobs may not want a top-dollar phone model in their pocket or purse all day.

• Less Worry if Lost, Stolen, or Broken - Twenty-five percent of Gazelle’s customers cite a lost, stolen or broken device as the main reason for replacing their phone, making buying a certified pre-owned model not only a practical solution, but also a cost-efficient one.

• Smart Choice for Kids - Today, most kids -- even those in elementary school -- have some kind of smart device, whether it's an iPad, a smartphone, etc. In fact, a National Consumers League study found that 60% of parents offered their children cell phones at ages 10 or 11, a number that continues to skew younger. However, at six, seven and eight years old, most children do not understand the responsibility of owning a new iPad or smartphone, let alone comprehend the cost of replacing it when it breaks. For parents looking to fit their child with their first cell phone or tablet, a brand new, fragile device may not be the best choice – and for good reason. A gently-used device is a no harm, no foul approach to suiting children with their favorite shiny object.

• Can Get Around Contractual Obligations to Carriers - One of the biggest reasons that families buy a certified pre-owned phone is to get around contractual obligations to carriers. Americans keep their phones for an average of two years, but some manufacturers are pushing for more rapid device churn. What's more is that many carriers have limited their smartphone offerings, only selling the newest models from particular manufacturers. So if someone’s phone is damaged before their free or discounted upgrade is available, they’re faced with buying a new phone from the carrier at high cost. By purchasing a certified pre-owned phone, consumers get a high-quality phone without having to deal with contracts or strings attached.

• Carefully Inspected for Quality - A certified pre-owned device is one that has been strictly inspected for any problems or issues that may have developed since the phone was originally shipped from the factory. Highly-trained inspectors look for all sorts of hardware and software issues, aiming to ensure the phone is as functional as when it was originally sold by the manufacturer.

Follow your good sense and Shop Gazelle Now - Click Here.

Gazelle's Best Guarantee Deals Up to 9 Sept.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Do you want an upgrade? Get the best price possible on your iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus and help fund your iPhone upgrade! Now through September 9th, Gazelle is giving you the opportunity to trade-in your iPhone 5s 6, or 6 Plus for cash (not store credit) through their Best Price promotion. During this promotion window, Gazelle will offer you $1 more than the trade-in price that your carrier or Apple might offer.

For example, if you are trading in an Sprint iPhone 5s, Gazelle will best Sprint's price for that iPhone 5s. What's more is that Gazelle's Best Price Guarantee will be offered on iPhones 5S, 6, and 6 Plus that are in "good" condition rather than "perfect" condition, which means that you'll get the best price possible for your phone without it having to be in "perfect" condition.

Here are a few other things to know about this Best Price promotion:

• Offers will be locked in for 30 days after the online offer is accepted.
• The best price guarantee will only be offered on iPhones 5S, 6, and 6 Plus.
• You will able to submit a claim if you find a better price that what Gazelle is offering.
• If a better price is advertised from Apple or a major carrier after the promotional period has ended, Gazelle will not attempt to beat it, nor will they honor adjustments to price after the promotional window.
• Visit http://www.Gazelle.com/bestprice for the full terms and conditions.

So what are you waiting for? Trade-in your iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus at Gazelle today and be guaranteed the best price possible before this offer ends! 

Don't miss this offer! Save money!

Launch of OAXIS - Smart Wellness Line on Pozible

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

If you are into healthy living, a health buff or a fitness fanatic, then you must know the latest gadgets fit for exercising, yoga and the likes. OAXIS is an award-winning consumer technology company and has launched its OAXIS Wellness Line. Read the press release here.

OAXIS’ body analyzer, Bluetooth water bottle, and fitness bands can be ordered now on Pozible, a crowdfunding website now and will be available for purchase at Oaxis.com in September.

The OAXIS Wellness Line aims to empower users to both make healthier choices and make them much easier, with wellness technology that easily integrates into an active lifestyle.

Enter to win products from the OAXIS Wellness Line below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cube Review

I don't have any gadget at home nor in the office where I can display my social photos or stream from my Instagram account. So, I grabbed the opportunity when it arose to review the Cube product.

I received the Cube from Konnect Labs today and instantly opened the box to see what it looks like. I'm pleasantly surprised because looking at the photos in the internet, it looked small but when I actually held it, it's big, about 7.5 in height x 7.5 in wide x 2.5 in thick.

I examined the product carefully and couldn't resist being amazed by it because it's like the Instagram logo n the flesh sans the camera.  It's so cute that I liked it right away, aesthetically.

Then, the amazement didn't stop there. I charged it, setup the settings and synced it with my Instagram to start streaming photos from there. And voila! I now have my very own Cube that displays photos I have been uploading in Instagram.

The Cube boasts of many features such as:

Portable and wireless
Update-able with the latest built-in software
Touch screen/display
Socially connected to Instagram via sync setting

Has a "Favourite" button on the top so when you see a picture you like in the feed, you can instantly like it from the Cube

Realtime and instant - as soon as you posted something in Instagram, the Cube picks it up instantly and displayed in realtime.
Also plays video from Instagram

Specifications: 
768 x 768 LCD
4 hrs. battery life depending on usage
Rechargeable li-ion battery
Wi-fi 802.11 b/g/n
Built-in speaker
3.5 mm audio output

What I like:
Everything in the features of this cute Cube.


What I don't like:
No settings for brightness/contrast


Price:
$149 US


Colours:
White, Black and Classic (with the iconic coloured-stripes like Instagram)


Where to buy:
You can buy this cute and certainly a wonderful gift idea this Christmas from:

www.hashtagcube.com

GITEX 2011

GITEX is known worldwide as one of the most important electronics event in Dubai. It is a week-long event with other major shopping outlets participating through various drop-down mega-sales of electronics and gadgets for consumers to feast their eyes on. For some with the budget to spare, this is the right time to purchase their dream item.

A lot of gadgets and electronics are being sold on low prices during the GITEX. There are nikon cameras  being sold for DHS 3199 with actual price of around DHS 5000. You actually saved more than a thousand. The package also includes other freebies like lens, SD card and even an LCD TV. Other high ticket items are selling like hot pancakes are the laptops and personal computers, Apple products especially the iPad, smart phones, routers and modems, navigational equipment and the big plasmas, LCDs and LEDs and other medical equipment.

People really save up for this event because of the great sale packages the distributors have during the GITEX. There are even raffles of major prices like cars and large amount of vouchers to be used in major shopping outlets. Who would not be enticed in GITEX?

iPhone Applications

The iPhone is such a versatile mobile/smart phone. You can do so many things and download plenty of applications which suit your lifestyle and preference.

I have recently discovered so many functional applications I can use in line with my work and other personal requirements. Those applications are under productivity category. There are more in the Apple App store than just the productivity category. 

You can browse through the various categories in your iPhone's app store and search for free apps if you prefer to not pay. Not only that, some apps have trial offer so you can try them first before you decide to purchase them.

I am fond of the games and other lifestyle apps you can find in the iPhone app store. Although my iPhone is a second hand from my hubby, I try to weigh things first before I download an app. Not all these applications will be used regularly so I only download and use the ones I think will make my life more fun.

So, if you have an iPhone, iPad or even an iPod, check the myriad of choices in your app store and see what you can download for your personal and professional use.

Birthday Gift in Advance

Well, yours truly will turn 39 in few weeks time. I have just been given an advance birthday (and surprise at that too!) by my sweet darling hubby last week.

He knows I do not fancy high-tech smart phones because I barely answer my own mobile. However, as sweet and generous as he is, he took me to the mall last week. He was so casual to just ask me to go with him to buy some grocery. So I just went and even told him I did not want to buy anything because I was saving money. He said it was okay. So, to make the long story short, I went along. The moment we entered the mall, he led me to the mobile section and casually asked me, "Okay Honey, you choose which BLACKBERRY you want." You should have seen the surprised look plastered on my face! I was so embarrassed because I really and sincerely did not want anything for my birthday. I am just happy to get through being 39 and go on with my life. There I was, almost on the verge of crying because my hubby knew I secretly admire the BlackBerry but did not want to buy one. He was planning to buy me for sometime already and he took the right opportunity to do just that because of the Dubai Shopping Festival. I chose the very cheap one but he asked me if that was what I really wanted. I actually had my eyes on the BlackBerry Curve 9300 which was slightly expensive than the older model I was checking out. He asked the sales person to give me the BB Curve 9300 and the rest was history.

I love my advance birthday gift so much. I even sleep with the BB next to me which I normally don't do. Dear hubby has been teasing me a lot lately by telling me how he regret giving me the BB because all I do now is chat incessantly with the BB messenger ;)

Anyway, what more can I possibly want now?

Top pic: My daughter caught and snapped me tinkering with my BB (which I named after a famous gay actor in our country - BB Gandang Hari) and of course, the diva dog had to be in the pic too!

Below is the wonderful BB Curve 9300 hubby bought for me. Oh, what a bliss!

Headphones Abound

Our house is full of gadgets and trinkets and headphones - not just two but almost a dozen!

You can find two or three in my study drawer, two hanging on my daughter's knick-knack rack, two in my hubby's luggage, one in my bag (for my iPod) and two in the living room when they feel like listening to some head-banging music.

We just have plenty of them so where ever you turn or look at, you will certainly see one in plain sight. I like it that way. At least, we don't fight or wait for our turn to use the headphone. Not only that, we all have our varying tastes in music. I love soft and light, my daughter is into Japanese, my brother is into heavy Japanese music, and my husband is into pop.

So, it is just right to have enough headphones to go around. I know, people ask, "Does 8 pairs of ears require a lot of headphones?" My answer is YES.

Canon EF Lens Range for Camera Lovers

My husband is an avid photographer. Our daughter seems to follow his footsteps too when it comes to snapping pictures and taking the beautiful angle of a subject, whether it is nature, an object or a person. I don't seem to have that "eye for beauty" as I just click and click without knowing the value of focusing.

The only camera and lens my husband uses is Canon EOS. He has the extended lens to capture subjects from a great distance. I am amazed! He showed me the effect when he shot a NYC cab from the observatory deck of the Rockefeller. It looked so near!!! And we are 70 floors away from the ground. Talk about powerful lens!

So, if you're one of those avid photographers who just can't live without the camera and its accessories, check this out. And if you have been very good, you may even get this from Santa ;)

Share hosted by Wikio

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Deals

We just had our vacation in New York. If we had delayed it for another week, we could have experienced the Thanksgiving parade, Black Friday sale and even the Cyber Monday deals other shops and online stores offer to savvy consumers.

My husband cousin briefed us on what happens during Black Friday. People actually line up outside the malls as early as midnight to get ahead. She said, the sale is really awesome and one can actually save a lot by buying their gifts on further discounted prices.

So, my curiosity got the better of me and researched about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I am enticed by the cut backs on gadgets and electronics. I told my husband to schedule our next vacation to the great USA around Thanksgiving time so we can experience the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Major Sale during GITEX

Every one awaits the opening of GITEX here in Dubai with much bated breath. It is a yearly event every October where every electronics known to man is being showcased and sold much less than the retail price.

The recently concluded event was a success considering it is still recession. My friends took the opportunity to spend on cheap netbooks, smart phones, MP4s, navigators and home theater system to send back home.

One of our friends even bought 3 smart phones - one for each of his kids! He saved a lot because each smart phone he bought had a free 8 mega pixel camera. Not bad! He can eventually sell the free digital cameras in the Philippines.

So, I'll save money for next year's event and probably buy myself the Macbook Pro I have been dreaming of.

My Husband's Netbook

My husband normally does not purchase any gadgets above US$200. He sees buying as a task that he will only do when required. However, since he has seen his friends with netbooks, he purchased one for himself as a gift. I really do not tell him what and what not to buy because he is good handling budget. I let him do his thing.

He and his Lenova netbook has become inseparable ever since he bought it last year. That netbook is very lucky because it has travelled with us during our trips outside the country. Lucky netbook, it has even crossed the Atlantic Ocean! He even bought it with him on our trip back to the Philippines and Thailand. I can tell that he loves his netbook so much. It is lightweight, compact, easy to carry and small enough to pack inside your hand-carry bag.

Now, who wouldn't love that?

All I Want For Christmas...

I know, there is still recession and money is scarce and the budget is so tight that buying myself an iPhone will be a lucrative "want." Hey, I can dream, right?

Ever since the iPhone came out of the market, I have been dreaming about owning one. I do have iPod Touch and the 1st gen of iPod but nothing beats the features of the iPhone. Imagine having an iPod and mobile phone in one? That's a great deal! Apart from the great features, there are plenty of iphone accessories to choose from like the arm band phone holder which will be very helpful during my running session. I am keen to have one. Maybe not this Christmas but that is all I want. Oh yes, add world peace to that!

Great Gifts for Him

My husband already received a gift from me for his birthday this month. My daughter and I picked it up amongst the many other choices in the mall. It took us nearly an hour just to decide what to give him and finally settled on an MP4 gadget.

It has been a tradition in our family to present "treats or goodies" whenever there is an occasion. Now that Father's Day is just around the corner, my daughter and I are in our pursuit to find unusual gifts for men. We want the gift to be not just special but also unique in a way that I know my husband will truly like and use.

I have just found the right place to search for the kind of items I have in mind for my husband who is a practical man and loves anything functional. With the limited time I have because of personal and professional commitments, I can only peruse the web for great ideas and do my online shopping. Men's Gifts is a one-stop-shop for birthday gifts and other wonderful items you may want to give to your precious better-half or male friends or to your male family members.

The site is teeming with so many gift ideas that I am having a ball! They offer various items from affordable gifts to the luxurious ones. There are gift baskets as well so you can just put all the items you want in one presentable gift basket with various themes.

I like the way the site offers multitude of choices with themes so I can weigh my choices better and what ever will suit the preference of the receiver. With Men's Gifts, I am not limited to just giving my husband a gift for his birthday because they cater to other occasions too like anniversaries, Father's Day, even that well deserved "promotion" gift or just about anything. The site also offers free engraving on orders on personalized gifts and free ground shipping on orders above $25. Not only that they give you these excellent offers, they also provide customer service assistance should you need some advice on what to give by calling their toll-free number.

After going through their numerous gift ideas, I have already narrowed my choice to at least 2 items which I am not telling. It's supposed to be a secret. Oh, just a hint, it is about travel... So, next time you need some great ideas and don't know where to start or what to look for, just check out www.mens-gifts.com and you will be surprised with the variety of great gift ideas you can find.