Category Archives: Gadgets

I Made The Switch.. From an iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+!

Electronics, Gadgets, Smartphones, ,

I was standing in the AT&T store Friday, when I very hesitantly handed my iPhone 4S to an AT&T employee and whispered “I need to transfer my phone number to this HTC OneX+ phone”. I literally had tears in my eyes. Call me crazy. Some would call my iPhone, my 3rd hand, but I knew I was ready to take the leap after having using this phone on wifi only for a couple of days.  Even after reviewing several other Android devices, I never felt as ready to switch to an Android phone as I did with the HTC OneX+. Before this week and for the last several years, I was always either holding my iPhone or it was in my pocket, and at night my iPhone was under my pillow. For the last few years I have been connected to the world via my iPhone.

This week, I made the leap from iOS to Android.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

HTC requested that I review the HTC OneX+ smartphone, but did not request or require that I stop using my current phone.  However, in the interest of my readers I felt that I needed to fully immerse myself in the HTC and Android world in order to give you the most accurate and honest review of the HTC OneX+.   This would be a huge step for me as I live and breathe Mac when it comes to technology.  I have two MacBooks, an iPad, and most of my immediate family have an iPhone.

HTC One X+ for AT&T review
My HTC One X+ Homescreen

I have reviewed several Android phones and have enjoyed them all but the HTC OneX+ for AT&T is one that I found very easy to use and found using it for every day tasks like checking email and posting to and reading my social media streams, the first day I had the phone.

Three days later..

This post is the first in a series of three or so about the HTC OneX+ so stay tuned and subscribe to my feed to get updates as I learn more about the phone.

Let me start the review off with a list of my top 5 Smartphone must-have features.

My Top 5 Smartphone Feature Must Have’s:

  • Great graphics
  • Multitasking
  • Incredible photos
  • Sync with my iTunes music library
  • A lot of storage space

My iPhone 4S has all of those features.  The HTC One X+ has these ADDITIONAL features:

  • Quad-core processor vs iPhone 4S’ Dual Core processor
  • Graphics Accelerator
  • 1.6 megapixel front facing camera vs. 0.3 megapixel on the iPhone 4S
  • The Battery capacity is 2,100 mAh vs the 1,432 mAh that the iPhone 4S has
  • The CPU speed is 1.70 GHz vs the iPhone 4S’ 1.00 GHz CPU speed
  • HTC OneX+ has 64GB vs. 16GB in the iPhone 4S
  • While the HTC One X+ is the larger of the two phones, it weighs less than the iPhone 4S by 2 ounces.
  • Screen size.  Are you ready?  The HTC OneX+ sports a 4.7″ screen while the iPhone 4S has a 3.5″ screen.

Am I having any issues transitioning to the HTC OneX+?

I’m glad you asked.  Read on to learn about the transitions I’m facing while switching from the iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+. Continue reading I Made The Switch.. From an iPhone 4S to the HTC OneX+! →

I’m a Moleskine Notebook Addict But Should I Consolidate Or Collect?

Gadgets, New posts, , , ,

Isn’t that frustrating?

And aren’t these beautiful?

Moleskine Notebooks
Moleskine Notebook Collection

If I had to say that I collect anything, it would be Moleskine notebooks.  They are not cheap to collect however and that makes me sort of a closet collector.   At Barnes and Noble or Target, a small and/or medium size Moleskine notebook is at least $10.     Compare that to another brand’s small notebook with 50 pages and about the same size, and you might experience sticker shock.  Moleskine’s larger notebooks are upwards of $20.  But they are worth it.

Here’s a comparison:

6X8" Greenroom Recycled Spiral Notebook
6X8" Spiral Notebook - $2.49 at Target

I asked myself this morning as I was admiring my Moleskine collection, why do I prefer Moleskine notebooks so much if I think they are too expensive?

The answer is because they are familiar to me, easy to find when I need a fix, and they are collectible because they are so darn good-looking.  Mostly it’s a comfort thing I think.  I am comfortable with Moleskine. I appreciate the consistency of the notebook design and page styles.  I can buy them on Amazon.com, at Barnes and Noble, and now at Target.  I like the different sizes and the colors are so fun!  I buy pink notebooks for my daughter, blue notebooks for my son, black for my husband, and I vary the colors that I buy for myself. I like to switch it up.

Why Moleskin?

Moleskine notebooks are strong, sturdy, and The Moleskine notebook is, in fact, the heir and successor to the legendary notebook used by artists and thinkers over the past two centuries: among them Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Bruce Chatwin.

I have my favorite Cross and Mercedes-Benz pens that I carry with me everywhere to use with my Moleskine notebooks.  they are a combo deal.  Cross and Moleskine = happy note taking.

Moleskine notebook addiction collection

Here’s the problem.  There is no rhyme or reason to how I use my Moleskine notebooks.  I don’t have a certain color for a certain topic.

I should/could have

  • one for The Mommy Insider work notes
  • one for Atlanta Moms work notes
  • one for the kids and to-do lists
  • one for travel notes
  • one for doodles (link to Moleskine Doodles collection at Target!)
  • you get it

But I don’t.  Instead what you’d see if you were to open one of my Moleskine notebooks, is a compilation of notes about both of my websites, the groceries I need to pick up this week, reminders about the kid’s school events, and so on.  That is why I feel very strongly that I need to start my Moleskine collection from scratch.

This is where I need help.  

Do I choose a different color notebook for each topic?

Do I use one notebook for everything and just use labels to section out a notebook?

Do I buy different sizes based on what the topic is or when/where I’m going to use that notebook?

What would you do?

 

In the grand scheme of things this is all very trivial, I know.  But since I am in the process of organizing and re-decorating my home office (for the first time in 8 years in this office!), getting my Moleskine notebook situation figured out seems like a natural step in the right direction.  And a bit of a distraction from the other stuff I suppose.

I was not compensated for this post in any way by anyone. I am sharing one of my passions with you.  Your opinions my differ but I know you’ll love Moleskine when you give them a try!  Some links in this post are affiliate links.

Graco® True Focus™ Digital Video Monitor Review

Bedtime, Gadgets, Safety, , ,

Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is an exciting experience.  You want to do everything you can to make sure that your baby is safe and secure in your house. The Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor, available at Walmart, will help assure you that your baby is safely sleeping in her room without you having to go in his room and risk disturbing her sleep.

My daughter is six-years-old and we still have a video monitor in her bedroom.  She has what we think are night terrors and will cry out or whimper in the night.  Before we had a video monitor either my husband or I would get out of bed to check on her.  When she was about 2 1/2 years old her pediatrician told us that parents shouldn’t wake a child who is having a night terror.  We have had a video monitor in her room since.  Having a video monitor in her bedroom is a must for us and  allows us to check on her without actually going into her room and risking waking her.

Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor
Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor
A typical baby monitor only allows you to hear the baby. The advanced technology in this video monitor allows you to see your baby in real time. The digital zoom provides a clear, close-up view of the baby on a high-resolution, 2.4″ color video screen.

Monitor Screen and Vision Modes

There are different vision modes built in, including a night mode, so you will always have a clear picture. For convenience, there is a built-in clock so you can check the time while you are checking on the baby.

Graco True Focus™ Digital Video Monitor
Photo taken at night when my bedroom and my daughter's bedroom were dark - The lines are not on actually on the monitor but are a result of photographing a monitor.

Features active parents will love

For active parents, there is a belt clip on the video monitor so that you can keep it with you as you take care of things around the house. You can bring it with you to any room and you will never feel like you are too far from your baby. With this monitor, there will be nothing to worry about if you decide to close yourself in the bathroom for a bubble bath or head down to the basement to use the treadmill. Your baby will be in your sight at all times. The child unit even comes with a battery back-up so will not lose sight of your baby during a power outage.  This Graco monitor operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, so there will be no interference from other household electronics.

This digital video baby monitor provides new parents with a worry-free experience while their child is sleeping. New parents want to be able to watch their baby at all times. With this video baby monitor, parents can do that. While the baby is sleeping, parents have the benefit of being able to go about their normal routines and baby is never out of sight.

Connect with Graco:

Alicia Hagan, Editor
Disclosure: I received a Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor for review.  Graco asked for my honest opinion about the product and did not influence my statements in any way.

How #Skype Can Make Your Life Easier – and – A Moms and Technology Infographic

Brand Ambassador, Gadgets, New posts, Technology, , ,

[simple_series title=”All posts in the Skype Series”]

Skype Brand Ambassador - Mother's Day

Technology has changed the world we live in. Especially when it comes to being able to communicate and maintain relationships where geographical proximity is an issue. One of the leading tools in the evolution of technology is Skype.   I live hundreds of miles away from my Dad and sister but they see my kids regularly on the computer or iPhone.
In case you don’t already know what Skype is, it is a program that you download onto your computer, laptop, or mobile device, which gives you the ability to talk to, video chat with, and text chat with others who have  Skype.

A painful separation that often occurs for various life circumstances is the distance between grandparents and grandkids.  Often grandparent, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends don’t live as close to their loved ones as they would like, thus missing out on milestones such as a baby’s first step or a first homerun. But with technology the way it is today a connection is just one click away, and grandparents can be right there with their family at the ball park or in their grandchild’s home via a Skype video chat. Grandparents don’t have to miss their grandchild’s ball game because of proximity.  Skype video chat allow grandparents to cheer on a loved one.
I’ve been using Skype quite a bit the last couple of weeks and have learned how Skype can make life easier and help me reconnect with people in my life like never before.

Here are some unique ways Skype can make life easier (and more fun!):

Have a virtual tutor for your child via Skype during summer break

Earphones with Skype
Use earphones for a more private Skype conversation
Among the unique ways to use Skype also includes the ability to have a tutoring session or study time with someone who would otherwise not be around.
If your child needs to study math or has homework you just can’t help with, Skype with someone who can, for one on one attention. These tutoring sessions can be done from the comfort of your own home and you can save time and money while getting your child homework help or summer tutoring.

Use Skype while shopping – get advice on that fabulous dress or shoes while you’re at the mall

Take a best friend with you as you go shopping.  I have been known to send my sister a photo or two while I’m in the dressing room at the mall. She lives hundreds of miles away but I almost always get her advice on the dress I’m trying on or a pair of shoes I adore, before buying.

Here’s a tip: Have your child use earphones during the tutoring session so she can better concentrate on the conversation.  Earphones are also great to use while you’re at the mall trying on clothes for your sister via Skype and you don’t want the lady in the next dressing room to hear everything your sister is saying about your choice of clothes. 🙂

Skype is available to on many devices

Another wonderful feature of Skype is it’s accessibility.  Skype is able to run on PCs, mobile phones, android devices, iOS devices, iPhones and Mac computers. This means that wherever you are and whatever you want to share with a loved one, you can do it on your mobile phone.

Do you have important timely information that is best communicated face to face? Don’t regret not living close to your family, it’s a fact of life, just make sure you bring your iPhone and your family can be right their with you when you need them most.

There is no comparison to actually seeing the person you are talking to be it your grand parent or your parent. Skype brings someone who may be a world away into your living room via your Mac, PC, iPhone or Android device.

Skype allows users to catch up with mom who  you might not haven’t seen since the holidays. Skype makes all these things possible where they never were before, and it can help you connect with the world in a brand new way.

Here are some very interesting research findings around Moms and technology

Skype Moms and Technology
Skype Moms and Technology Infographic


[simple_series title=”All posts in the Skype Series”]

More about Skype:

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclaimer: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Win a Nokia Lumia 710 Windows Smartphone!

Contests, Gadgets, Giveaways, New posts, Smartphones, Technology, , ,

Nokia Lumia 710 Windows smartphoneWe are giving away another Nokia Lumia 710 Windows phone!

The winner of the Nokia Lumia 710 giveaway here on The Mommy Insider was Melissa T.!

If you didn’t enter our last contest and even if you did, you can enter to win a Nokia Lumia 710 smartphone on our gadget review blog, GadgetGoddess.com, here.

Past Nokia Lumia 710 blog contest winners not permitted for contest re-entry, and will be disqualified if selected.

Alicia Hagan, Editor