Give the Gift of Music This Holiday with the SOL Republic PUNK Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a PUNK wireless speaker sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our giveaway prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been privileged to have reviewed so many SOL Republic products over the last couple of years. I am always excited to see and test the next one. So far every SOL Republic product I have tested has received an outstanding review from me and I would be lying if I said I was not partial to their products, but frankly they have earned that bias from me. SOL Republic makes great personal audio electronics and their pricing is always better than the competitor for comparable items. However I always try to find at least one imperfection when I do a review for them. I am not always successful….

I received the SOL Republic PUNK Bluetooth speaker in black for review. And as always, I was excited to get it as I love my DECK and wanted to see how a smaller speaker compares. The basic rule of thumb with speakers is that bigger is almost always better. Could the PUNK sound as nice as my larger DECK?

I wont keep you in suspense: The DECK has a bigger and richer sound, but wowee the PUNK wireless speaker sounds extremely good for a 3-1/2" speaker and I was impressed. It boggles my mind how much sound SOL Republic can jam into a speaker that can fit into your palm.

The bass is better than I would expect from such a small form factor (SOL Republic signature bass) and the rest of the range was pleasantly complete. At max volume there was no cracking or static. This is no quickie-mart-as-seen-on-TV speaker that I see everywhere. I tested a few different genre’s of music to hear a variety of sounds as well as some video to really test the PUNK. It all sounded fantastic.

The PUNK is also water and dust resistant, something that even my DECK can't do! The exterior is rubbery and soft offering some light shock resistance and toughness. The PUNK is so tough, it doesn't come with a case like its peer does. Just grab and go.

You can plug the PUNK into analog and USB ports for wired audio and charging. Not that you need to plug it in for audio, the Bluetooth connection was as easy to set up as can be and the range is superb. Although I have yet to prove if the PUNK can go for 8 hours on a charge, I hardly doubt it as my DECK can play all day long. SOL Republic knows how to do wireless batteries!

Are there better sounding Bluetooth speakers out there? Sure. But not one as small as the PUNK and certainly not as inexpensive. I also bet none are as tough as the PUNK or can get wet and keep playing.  The PUNK is truly designed to just grab, throw in a bag or big pocket, and go. With the punk you can have quality music anywhere you go.

And guess what? I don't have a single negative thing to say about the PUNK. I failed to find my obligatory imperfection. At $69.99 you simply cannot go wrong with this speaker. It's tough and easy to use, perfect for teenagers, college students, and anybody who needs great sound that's easy to take with you.

The SOL Republic PUNK wireless speaker comes in 7 colors.  To see them all or to learn more about this compact Bluetooth speaker, visit www.SOLRepbulic.com.

CYBER WEEKEND SPECIAL:  Order a PUNK speaker and get a pair of JAX in-ear headphones for FREE. (Valid thru December 1st, 2014 @ 11:59p Pacific Time.)  Also, $1 from every order over $50 from the SOL Republic website will be donated to the Children's Cancer Association.

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. Although every effort will be made for the winner to receive the prize by December 24th, 2014, delivery in time for Christmas is not guaranteed. The color of the prize to be sent will be based on availability.

"Music Made Me Do It" . . . Share Your Story with SOL Republic!

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing the Music Made Me Do It prize pack for our #MMMDI giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Music is a time machine.

Almost every memory I have ever had has a soundtrack to it, the good times and the bad. How many times has a song on the radio teleported you back to a time in your life? How many people have you known that you think of whenever a certain song comes on the radio? Many for me.

When I hear Journey, Zeppelin, and Hall & Oates, I am sent back to the 70’s riding on the school bus (with the coolest driver ever!) and hanging out with my brothers in Tennessee.. Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, U2, and Run DMC send me back to high school and all the lifelong friends I made there. As I got older I realized how much music I had missed before my time and started listening to CCR, The Beatles, Elvis, Cream, Hendrix, and on and on.

I am convinced every phase of my life is represented by the music I was listening to at the time. I think back to all of the things I used to do when listening to music. Drawing, studying Karate, driving, spending time with friends at the beach, and bicycling. Oh boy, the hours and hours I spent on my bike when I was younger listening to music that shaped my attitude and spirit.

I would ride up and down the Charles River all day long listening to the entire albums by U2, Pearl Jam, and anything else I could get my hands on. Of course, back then I listened on my portable CD player….. but that's another story. There is nothing like blasting Pearl Jam’s Even Flow while speeding 30 miles an hour down a steep rocky hill or catching a little air to Van Halen’s Jump.

Today I listen to everything, whether it's through my SOL Republic Relays on my bike or with my Master Tracks at the office. As I age, I start to appreciate skill and talent over genre. I appreciate the quality of the sound. If its good music by a talented artist then I like it, whether its opera, rap, country, death metal, or ska it doesn't matter. And with thousands (millions?) of songs just a touch away, I can teleport back into any time of my life in an instant.

This year, music made me get back on my bike. Something I haven't done in years and years. I have a thousand reasons to get up and do something, but only music can do it every time.


Does the video above make you think of the amazing things you've done in your lifetime?  Find more Music Made Me Do It stories on www.solrepublic.com.  3G2S readers are invited to share your stories for a chance to win ALL the SOL Republic products listed below (colors may vary) . . .

Our 'Music Made Me Do It' SOL Republic Prize Pack (ARV $700+) includes:

• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Deck speaker (ARV $129.99)
• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Punk speaker (ARV $69.99)
• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Air wireless headphone (ARV $199.99)
• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Tracks on-ear headphone (ARV $99.99)
• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Relays in- ear headphone (ARV $79.99)
• 1 SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks over-ear headphone (ARV $199.99)

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Good luck in the drawing!

TERMS & CONDITIONS:  This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. Although every effort will be made for the winner to receive the prize pack by December 24th, 2014, delivery in time for Christmas is not guaranteed. The prize pack image found in the contest post is only an example. The products in the prize pack may vary from the colors shown in the image and will be sent based on availability.

SOL Republic Relays In-ear Headphones for Students, Athletes, or Anyone Constantly On-the-Move

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing sample Relays in-ear headphones for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our giveaway prize. All opinions expressed are our own.

I received a pair of SOL Republic Relays to test and review. If you have read any of my previous reviews, you will know that I am a SOL Republic fanboy and I rave about their products. Most of the time, I can hardly even find a single flaw (partially why I am such a nut for them!). This time, however, in between my raving, I will point out the biggest flaw I have found in a SOL Republic product, then tell you why you should buy them anyways.

I was sent the Relays in Horizon Blue and as always, they look amazing. Unlike other earbuds I have ever used (ever seen?), the Relays have a soft-ish plastic ring around the Sound Engines to keep the buds securely in your ear. In fact, that is the primary difference between the Relays and other SOL Republic earbuds. The Relays are designed to stay put, no matter how you are using them. They will stay in your ear as you run, bike, or work out at the gym. Although I did not try them doing any of those activities, it is clear that the Relays stay securely in my ear. They fit very snugly even if you tug on them. The Relays would be a great choice for the adult or student athletes in your home as they stay in and are quite durable.

Like most SOL Republic products, the Relays come with a 3 button control on the cord allowing you to adjust your volume and answer calls if using them with your phone, although a single-button version is also available. Another SOL Republic signature feature, the cord has a thick rubber coating that resists tangles. The Relays come in 5 vibrant colors to match your style. Also included in the box is a small ripstop case and a variety of different sized ear pieces to perfect the fit.

But how do they sound? Amazing. Like all the other SOL Republic products I have reviewed, they sound terrific. The sound does not compare to my Master Tracks, but for an earbud I was pleasantly surprised. That is getting increasingly hard to do, as I have been blown away with every SOL Republic device I have tried and my expectations are high. I will say, if the Relays are not properly seated in your ear, the sound may be tinny. And this is the segway to my problem with the Relays….

I have very sensitive, slightly narrow ears and earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for me, even the best ones will start to hurt after prolonged usage and the Relays were no different. The very feature that keeps the Relays snug in my ear is what was triggering my sensitive reaction and leading to discomfort. But I am a unique example, nobody else in my family suffers from my ear sensitivity. I also need to mention that after some time fine tuning the placement, my discomfort is improving. I feel my ears will adjust eventually as I use them. After reading other reviews, this issue seems unique to me so this may not be a factor for most.

Aside from my unique issue, the SOL Republic Relays are every bit as nice as I thought they would be, and frankly expect from SOL Republic. Each time I review a SOL Republic product I am more impressed, but my expectations are also increased. The Relays met my increased expectations and I fully recommend them. They look fantastic, sound amazing, and they have the quality I have come to expect. And for $79.99, they are very competitively priced for a high end in-ear headset. With back to school upon us, the Relays would make an excellent gift for the students (or the teachers) in our lives.

To learn more about the Relays and other SOL Republic products, visit www.solrepublic.com.

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Tech Tip: What to Pack in Your Mobile Tech Kit

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing sample Tracks Air Wireless Headphones for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our Father's Day giveaway.  All opinions expressed are our own.

I am a gadget and tech nerd. I love all things mobile, connected, and electronic. In this day and age it is so easy to stay connected, and as a result be productive and entertained just about anywhere. I’ve carried a laptop with me for years, but recently I swapped that out for a tablet and reduced the size of my bag. After going this route, I started to become addicted to seeing how much tech and capability I could pack into my small tablet bag. So I started my “Mobile Tech Kit” challenge.

The goal was simple: Create a kit that could fit in the smallest bag possible and could replace every function (and more) that a full featured desktop and workbench could, both in entertainment and productivity. Recently I was sent the very last component to complete my Mobile Tech Kit challenge and I can't wait to tell you about it.


To satisfy my need to cover all the functionality possible, I decided my kit needed to contain everything necessary to work, entertain (video and audio), stay connected, and keep everything powered up . . .

1.  Tablet - At the heart of my kit is the Microsoft Surface Windows 8.1 Tablet. The Surface is capable of offering me a full Windows desktop environment, unlike many other tablets. The value to this feature is that I can work as if I am sitting at any other Windows based PC. The Surface has the ability to interact with all of my other devices and keep me connected. The Surface pretty much provides all of the functionality I need for work related computing.

2.  Tech Tools - To round off the kits ability to support work related tasks, I carry various screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and a carbon fiber Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool.

3.  Portable Hard Drive and Thumb Drive - To make sure I can get at any information that I may need to on the go, I carry various ways to hold, gather, and transport data. At the heart of my data storage is a Samsung 1 Terabyte hard drive with USB 3.0. In addition to the hard drive, I carry a 16 gigabyte thumb drive and a SATA adapter to access any loose hard drives that may need data recovery. I can pretty much access and store anything I need to with this arrangement.

But all that stuff is about work, what about play? . . . 

4.  Wireless Speaker and Headphones - The Microsoft Surface is capable of playing any audio or video you have available, both from a file or via streaming. The screen is bright and sharp and video looks fantastic. But in the end, a tablets speakers are only so good, if I want to rock out the room I needed more. The SOL Republic Deck wireless speaker was the perfect solution. The Deck is loud, tough, has amazing sound, and the battery lasts for hours (see full review here). For those times when I need to keep the noise to myself, I use my new SOL Republic Tracks Air. The Tracks Air are sleek and sound great (see a full review at the end of this article).

5.  Credit Card Reader - Another function I have, which was not an original requirement, is the ability to take credit card or Visa gift card payments from my phone via a PayPal card swiper and app called PayPal Here. If I am ever in a situation where I need to collect payment or an owed debt, I can take a payment on the spot and send an email receipt!

6.  Portable Battery Pack and Adapters/Cables - With all of this technology, power is a major concern, if not the number one concern. In my bag I need a number of adaptors to make sure I can charge up all of my devices whenever I can. But sometimes a wall outlet just isn't available, at those times I use a NewTrent PowerPak+ high capacity charger. This beast can charge my phone more than 4 times between charges or a tablet 2 times. Honestly? I haven't ran out of juice yet and I only charge it once per week. A portable battery pack is a must have for any tech kit.

I really had a lot of fun jamming as much capability in my Mobile Tech Kit as I could. In addition to all the cool tech gadgets in there, I keep some comfort items such as tissues, hand sanitizer, pain reliever, first aid, etc. After all of that I still have some room to grow my kit as more needs arise. I can literally say that I am prepared for just about any "geek emergency" that may come up in my travels!

More about the SOL Republic Tracks Air headphones . . . 

I have been using, loving, and very much enjoying my SOL Republic headphones for some time now. I have used and reviewed a few sets right here on this site and loved every single pair. It is no secret that I am a very big fan of SOL republic products.

SOL Republic sent me a pair of Tracks Air wireless headphones in black to try out. Like all of my SOL Republic headsets, the Tracks Air are very good looking and come with SOL Republic's signature indestructible headband.

The Tracks Air look just like a pair of Tracks at first glance. The sleek style and lines are identical.  But at closer inspection, you can see that there are buttons added as well as a charging port and some additional elements on the headband. The Tracks Air are a little bit heavier (not much) than their Tracks cousins due to the battery, but much lighter than the larger Master Tracks. I did not have any problems with discomfort after long sessions with the Tracks Air.

Just like their Tracks cousins, the wireless Tracks Air can be used to make and answer phone calls if paired with a mobile phone. In fact, the Tracks Air will make the change seamlessly with a press of a button to answer a call, and transition back to music after the call ends!

SOL Republic states the range of the Tracks Air is as far as 150 feet. I was able to go about 20 meters in a steel and concrete office. I have not tested them out in an open space but it hardly matters:. All I want to do is walk about my office or home without having them yank off my head because I leaned too far from my PC! A 20 meter range inside is more than enough.

In addition to the buttons for answering and controlling a phone call, there is an easy to find and user-friendly volume button. I found it easy to change without any thought at all, your fingers just find it.

One of the most amazing things I have discovered about my Tracks Air is the battery life. The headset has an incredible 13 hour battery (product description says 15 hours)! And mind you, that is 13 hours of listening time, not standby. I can listen all day long at work and barely use more than half of the battery. Simply incredible.

So, the big question: How do they sound? Amazing to put it simply.

My Tracks Air sound every bit as good as my corded SOL Republic Anthems, which have the the V10 HD Sound Engines on them. Do they sound as good as my higher end Master Tracks? No. But they sound very very good and the difference is very slight. Just like my other sets, the Tracks Air have a nice bass and a full range. SOL republic does an amazing job of providing that bass without sacrificing the rest of the range and the Tracks Air are no exception.

I can honestly say I have no negative issues with the Tracks Air and as a result, SOL Republic has won me over…. again. At this stage I find it hard to believe they can produce a bad product. The Tracks Air look great, sound great, and have a superb battery life.  I just can't think of a more perfect set of headphones for somebody who likes to rock out without any restrictions. At $199.99, the Tracks Air are priced in line with premium corded headsets, so in my opinion an exceptional value. I easily and wholeheartedly recommend the SOL Republic Tracks Air.

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This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Start off the New Year with the High Quality Sound of SOL Republic's Deck Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a complimentary Deck Speaker sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sometimes we fall in love with a brand and our opinions about it are always biased. For me, one of those brands is SOL Republic, I just love their products. This year SOL Republic sent me two more items to try out and review, and as always I was very excited to do so. As biased as I am towards SOL Republic, I still do my best to point out the flaws as I see them, even for products I otherwise love and recommend.

One of the products I was sent this year was the Deck Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. I was dying to get my hands on one the moment they were announced. With the prior SOL Republic products I have reviewed, I always found one or two things that were less than perfect to mention in my otherwise glowing reviews . I can tell you I have yet to find a single negative thing to say about my Deck. Sort of.

The Deck is handsome and has an asymmetric pattern of lines across its surface. As always with SOL Republic products, the Deck is offered in an assortment of fun colors . . . Electro Blue, Gunmetal, Lemon Lime, and Vivid Red. The unit feels heavy and solid when held, an important feature for a speaker with a subwoofer. The heft of the unit combined with a rubbery base keeps the unit from vibrating when reproducing SOL Republic's signature deep bass. The Deck is about the size of a small paperback novel. The unit could easily fit into a jacket pocket, but not comfortably in a pants pocket unless they are cargo pants. Mine sits perfectly next to my tablet in my bag inside the included soft case.

I feel like a broken record talking about SOL Republic's sound quality, but consistency is consistency: The Deck sounds wonderful. It generates decent bass from its subwoofer, a real treat for such a small speaker. And as always with SOL Republic, the range is not sacrificed for the bass. My tastes in music include everything from opera to death metal and the Deck keeps pace nicely.

The Deck manages to broadcast its sound 360 degrees from the unit, an excellent feature allowing you to place the unit anywhere and still hear the quality sound. Another feature that really stood out to me was the volume, the Deck is LOUD. Trust me when I tell you my office co workers have been enjoying the Deck as well…… whether they liked it or not (When it’s time to rock out, it’s time to rock out!). The Deck is an excellent choice for listening to music outdoors where a bit of volume is required.

SOL Republic claims the Deck has a 300 foot range with its Superpower Wireless feature. Although I was not able to prove or disprove that, it did start to get choppy about 60 feet away in my office. But I hardly take issue with that, Bluetooth is only advertised to work up to 30 feet and my office is made of concrete and steel, the bane of wireless devices.

Pairing to the Deck was as easy as can be, just point your device to the Deck and pair, no password required. Another unique feature is Heist Mode that allows up to 5 devices to send music to the speaker. What a great idea for parties, anybody can be a DJ with the Deck! As cool as Heist mode is, I can see it being equally annoying and fortunately you can turn it off.

The Deck comes with all the accessories required to charge its 10 hour battery (tested and verified by the way) and hook directly up to your device when wireless isn't an option.

The closest thing to a fault I can come up with for the Deck really isn't a fault. As amazing as the Deck sounds, it is still a compact speaker. Big speakers will almost always sound better than little ones. Now of course technology and quality play a big part in this, but assuming those are equal, bigger is always better. Having said that, the Deck sounds every bit as good as a speaker of its size should, MUCH better in fact. If you compare its sound to a larger and equally quality speaker you will be disappointed. But for me, if its too big I won’t bring it with me unless I know I need it. The Deck goes with me everywhere, even if I don't plan on using it. I LOVE that. Can you buy a better sounding speaker? Yes, but it’s going to be much larger and certainly more expensive.

If you want to bring high quality sound with you, in my opinion, there is no better option than the SOL Republic Deck. There are lots of great wireless speakers out there, but SOL Republic gets it right... Again. Great sound, fantastic quality, compact, and at $199.99 priced similarly or better than its competition. Yet again SOL Republic wins my heart through my ears.

If you haven't guessed by now, I recommend the Deck wholeheartedly. The Deck would make an excellent gift for yourself or any travelling audiofile.  Visit www.solrepublic.com to learn more.

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

SOL Republic Tracks V8 On-Ear Modular Headphones

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a complimentary Tracks V8 Headphones sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you have ever read any of my reviews, you already know I am smitten with SOL Republic products. This year I was sent the Tracks V8 On-Ear Headphones to try and review. I will cut to the chase and tell you I loved them (surprise!). I promise to come clean with one imperfection however! As the proud owner of two sets of higher end SOL Republic headphones already, I was very curious to see how the entry level set compared to their pricier offerings.

The Tracks look great and come with the signature indestructible headband that all their sets do. I absolutely love the classic and simple lines of the Tracks, but they somehow also seem to convey a wilder side. The set I chose have a flat red headband and glossy black ear cups. Sizzle. The thick rubber cord is also red with a black volume control mirroring the look of the headset itself. Hot.

If you are not familiar, all SOL Republic headphones are modular and can be broken down for travel. And like all other SOL Republic sets, you can mix and match the components to create a custom pair unique to your tastes and personality (extra components sold separately). The Tracks feature SOL Republics signature thick rubber cord that does an excellent job resisting tangles. Fear not placing the cord in your pocket, for it will emerge untangled!

How do they sound? Great to put it simply. I was surprised to hear how well they compare to my Anthems and Master Tracks, both more expensive models. I can hear a difference for sure, but for $99 headphones the sound is fantastic. The Tracks feature SOL Republics deep bass and the rest of the range is superb.

I see so many celebrity endorsed headphones out there on the market and wonder why people buy them, how much of your money is going to the brand and not the quality of the product? Don’t get me wrong, SOL Republic works with some celebrities too, but they aren't the brand. Every SOL Republic product I own is far better than its higher priced competition and the Tracks aren’t an exception. I don’t know how many times I have tried $300 headphones in stores and think to myself, “My Tracks sound as good (or better!) and cost a fraction of this price.”  This is all my own opinion of course, but I challenge you to go try them for yourself. Compare the $99 Tracks against any Beats by Dr Dre or the Sony X series, regardless of their price.

So what is wrong with the Tracks? I promised one imperfection: The cord is too short! I would love to see an extra foot of cord. The Tracks are designed to work with mobile devices, but a longer cord would be better suited for people using them on their PC’s or sound systems. That’s it, the very worst thing I can say about them!

Big surprise: I highly recommend the SOL republic Tracks with the V8 Sound Engines. They sound nearly as good as my more expensive sets and they are an excellent choice for budget audiophiles. If you appreciate great sound and your budget is tight, you will not be disappointed with the Tracks.  You can purchase this SOL Republic product at Best Buy, Amazon.com, RadioShack, GameStop, and most places where quality electronics are sold.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

2013 Holiday Tech & Gadgets Gift Guide on 3G2S

Product samples of some of the items featured below were provided to facilitate this gift guide.  All opinions expressed are our own.


1. SOL Republic Deck Wireless Speaker ($199.99) - The Deck wireless speaker by SOL Republic and Motorola combines style and performance. The Deck is the only wireless speaker that has Heist Mode, a feature that allows up to 5 users to stream music to the speaker for a dynamic listening experience. Another exclusive feature unique to the Deck is Super-Power Wireless, allowing connected devices up to a 300 foot range from the speaker. The unit boasts an extra loud volume for outdoor use and a rechargeable battery that provides many hours of listening between charges. The speaker broadcasts in all directions providing a 360 field of music supported by a deep bass. The Deck can also be used as a speakerphone when paired with your smartphone.  The Deck is the perfect gift for music lovers who like to bring their music with them and share.

Keep an eye out for my full review of the SOL Republic Deck coming soon.  To learn more about the SOL Republic Deck, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

2.  VTech InnoTab 3S Wifi Learning Tablet ($99.99 Now $69.99) - The InnoTab 3S by VTech is a tablet made especially for kids yet is full of features found in many tablets made for adults. The InnoTab 3S connects to you home's wifi and offers a completely controlled web experience. Parents can add approved websites to the units pre installed list of kid friendly sites. The InnoTab 3S is chock full of preinstalled learning activities, games, books, and art applications. Parents can go online to the Learning Lodge and add content at any time, some free and some for purchase. The unit boasts a 5” screen, rotating 2 megapixel camera, SD card slot, and 4 gigabytes of onboard storage.  The InnoTab 3S is a full featured tablet packed in a kid friendly package. This kid tablet is no toy. The unit offers extensive parental controls as well.

If you aren't ready to spend $300 or more for an adult tablet for your child, the InnoTab 3S is a great bridge tablet. The InnoTab 3S is the perfect choice for kids ages 3-9, who are asking for a tablet this holiday season.  This tablet comes in Blue, Pink, and a special edition Dora the Explorer model.

To learn more about the InnoTab 3S, visit www.VTechKids.com.

3.  Mobile Edge Mini Messenger Bag  ($49.99) - The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is designed for tablet or netbook PC users who do not want to carry a full sized laptop bag. For anyone who needs to carry IT tools and related items in addition to a tablet, the Mobile Edge Mini is a perfect solution. The bag is made from rugged nylon and mesh with large zippers and plastic clips. This Mobile Edge messenger contains two padded compartments that can easily house any full size tablet or 13” ultrabook computer. The outer compartment has many divided sections for other gear. There is a small zippered outside pocket that is perfect for keys. This unisex tablet bag also has a bottle pocket and a second buttoned compartment (perfect for a flashlight) on each side of the bag. The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is the perfect gift for the mobile professional.

To see color choices and more detailed information visit Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.

4. Jabra Freeway Bluetooth Speakerphone  ($99.00) - This speakerphone by Jabra allows for complete hands free calling in your car and much more. The Freeway automatically turns on and off when you enter or exit your car using its sensitive motion detection. The battery boasts a 14 hour talk time with a 40 day standby and can recharge from your car's 12 volt outlet with a provided charger. The unit can also charge using an included USB cable. The Jabra Freeway Speakerphone doubles as a bluetooth speaker by playing music through your car's FM stereo, as well as streamed from your mobile device. The Freeway is sleek in appearance and looks equally at-home in your car or on an office desk. The unit is small and light and attaches easily to a car's visor. This bluetooth speakerphone offers excellent sound clarity and microphone sensitivity. The Freeway is a perfect gift for anybody who likes to chat in the car or requires high quality hands free communication. It also makes an excellent speaker for your mobile media.

Visit www.Jabra.com for more information, including a product video.

5.  SOL Republic Tracks On-Ear Interchangeable Headphones V8  ($99.99) - The Tracks headphones by SOL Republic are handsome and simple in design. The Tracks are modular and the components (available for purchase separately) can be changed to suit any taste creating a truly unique set of headphones. The sound is rich in bass without sacrificing the rest of the range suiting many tastes in music. The ear pads are soft and the headband is virtually indestructible.  At $99.99 the SOL Republic Tracks offer a high quality experience at a fraction of the cost of its peers.  These headphones would be the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the sound of high quality audio.

To learn more about these on-ear headphones, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

6.  Jabra Style Bluetooth Headset  ($49.99) - The Jabra Style is a small and svelte bluetooth headset. It may very well be one of the smallest headsets you have ever seen for a mobile phone. The earpiece fits almost entirely in your ear and the clip is clear so the unit is fairly inconspicuous. The Jabra Style is very easy to use as most of the features are automated. The unit detects the ambient noise and adjusts the volume automatically. In fact, the only button on the Jabra Style is the off/on button that doubles as the answer button. It is refreshing to find a top end headset that is so easy to use. The Jabra Style would be a great gift for anybody who likes to chat while they drive, workout, cook, or just about anything else that requires them to keep their hands free.

For more information about this and other Jabra products, visit www.Jabra.com.

7.  Lightscoop Deluxe  ($36.95) - Lightscoop is a swiveling detachable mirror you can put on your D-SLR camera to bounce the light from your flash off other surfaces, such as the ceiling or a wall.  This results in photos that have lights and shadows that are soft, rather than the harsh ones resulting from using a direct flash.  This little gadget slides right into the slot where you would normally attach an external flash and works best for cameras with nice bright flashes.  The Lightscoop is most effective when used with ceilings that are approximately 14ft high or lower and walls that are no more than 4ft away.  The Lightscoop Deluxe folds for easy storage.  Also available is the Lightscoop Jr. ($18.95), which comes with a storage pouch and works well on many compact cameras with bright flashes.  Remember to visit the product pages to be sure which Lightscoop product will work best with your type of camera.  Both products would make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers for that special photographer in your life.

To learn more about these and other Lightscoop products, visit www.lightscoop.com, Lightscoop on Facebook, and on Twitter.


More tech and gadget gift ideas will be added to this Holiday Gift Guide through December.  Remember to check back often and to follow @_Karen on Twitter to keep up with what's new!

SOL REPUBLIC Jax In-Ear Headphones Offer High End Sound for an Affordable Price

Thank you to SOL REPUBLIC for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this in-ear headphones review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you have read anything I have written on this blog then you already know I love my SOL REPUBLIC products. I own the Master Tracks and the Track HD Anthems and love them both, however, I cannot always use a big set of headphones. Sometimes I need something more discreet like earbud style headphones. For those occasions I have a very nice pair of Monster Lil’ Jams. My Lil’ Jams are $100 earbuds, a big sum of money in my opinion for earbuds, but well worth it if you appreciate great sounding music.

When I was given the opportunity to try SOL REPUBLIC Jax earbuds I had mixed feelings. I am a diehard SOL REPUBLIC fan, but the Jax are priced like entry level earbuds at $39.99. Can $40 earbuds be as nice as my $100 earbuds?

For a fair comparison, I will tell you a little bit about my Monster Lil’ Jams first. The Lil’ Jams are all machined billet steel. They have a heft to them and are clearly of fine quality. They sound great and have nice and soft silicon plugs. The Lil’ Jams are exactly what I would expect for a set of $100 earbuds.

So how well do the SOL REPUBLIC $40 Jax stand up to the $100 Lil’ Jams by Monster? They stood up very well.

I am not going to pretend that the all-plastic Jax are as impressive to hold and look at as the machined billet Lil’ Jams are, because they aren't. That's not to say they aren't good looking and sleek. Plus, appearance is also not what is important about a set of earbuds: It is the performance that counts.

The Jax sounded fantastic (as I expected them to, being a giant fan of SOL REPUBLIC’s sound). They sound at least as good as the $100 Lil’ Jams which is no small feat in my opinion. The Jax also come with a thick and grippy no-tangle cord like their big brothers, Master Tracks and Track HD’s, do. You would think for $100, Monster would figure out a way to keep the cord from tangling. The Jax also comes with a set of buttons on the cord to control your music or your call if you are using them with a phone. They are in fact the same controls that are on the $200 Master Tracks. Impressive.

Ironically, the fact that they are all plastic makes them a great deal more comfortable to wear for prolonged listening than the metal Lil’ Jams. I love the feel of the machined steel on my Lil’ Jams, but I need to be honest and state they get tiresome and uncomfortable to wear because of their weight. I guess sometimes plastic is better than metal!

The Jax come with an assortment of silicon ear plugs to fit any ear size, some may even fit a young child. The mid-sized set were perfect for my ears.

The Jax are light and comfortable to wear and sound at least as good as my far more expensive set of earbuds. I think at $39.99 you simply cannot go wrong with the Jax. I cannot imagine how great SOL REPUBLIC's more expensive earbuds are if this is what they are putting out there this affordably!

For the third time SOL REPUBLIC has won my business and delivered an amazing product at a more than competitive price.  Visit www.solrepublic.com to learn more about the Jax in-ear headphones and the wide array of other SOL REPUBLIC high definition headphones.
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Block Out the World with the SOL Republic Master Tracks Over-Ear Headphones

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Warning: This article contains blatant gushing and adoration for my new headphones. You have been warned. I do promise however, to disclose a few imperfections to help this review be as objective as possible!

I was recently sent a pair of SOL Republic Master Tracks over-ear headphones. I already own a pair of SOL Republic Tracks HD Anthem on-ear headphones (which I love) and was very excited to try the Master Tracks. Because I love my old pair so much, my expectations were very high . . . the Master Tracks had better be good. I will cut to the chase and say that the Master Tracks not only met my expectations, they exceeded them.

I will start by saying my new Master Tracks are stunning in appearance. I chose the Electro Blue color with black and dark metal trim. They are fantastic looking. I really can't stand so many of the larger over-ear headphones on the market. It is as if they are trying to be as big and gaudy as possible. SOL Republic went the other way. The Master Tracks are sleek, yet small for over-ear headphones, and somewhat conservative. They suit my tastes perfectly.

The first thing you will notice about your Master Track headphones is that they are modular. They break up into components for easier carrying when not in use (in an included nylon case). You can also mix and match parts (available to be purchased separately) to create a truly custom set of headphones.

The second thing you will note about your Master Tracks (or any SOL Republic headphones) is that the cable is thick and rubbery. At first it feels a little odd, but you quickly realize why they do it: They simply do not tangle. By adding the thick rubber coating, the cables are springy and repel being bent together. Such a simple and effective way to solve a problem everybody has with earbuds and headphones. Amazing! The cable also has a mic and controls for use with your phone.

The Master Tracks are mostly plastic with a metal cap over each ear. The headband is wonderfully springy and keeps just the right amount of tension on your noggin. I found my Master Tracks to be comfortable even after long sessions. One of the reasons why I wanted to try an over-ear headphone was for this very reason. Using headphones while wearing glasses sometimes is uncomfortable for on-ear models. The Master Tracks spread the pressure out nicely and provide a much more comfortable experience.

But how do the Master Tracks sound? Well, I loved my Anthems as they sounded great, but the Master Tracks sounded even better. The larger earcup and extra cushion did an excellent job of covering external noise (a little too well if you ask my wife). You should be warned that SOL Republic likes a deeper bass sound in their headphones and the Master Tracks were no exception. This is not to say the audio range is limited, because it isn’t. SOL Republic wants you to feel the music through the bass. They manage to do this well without sacrificing the quality of the rest of the range.

So what didn't I like about my Master Tracks? The list of cons is very small, just two things and one of them may even end up being a benefit in disguise. Although the Master Tracks are technically over-ear headphones, they really do not go over your ear, or around your ear rather, like you would expect. My set still rests on my ears. If you are looking for true around the ear headphones, these won't fit your needs. BUT, they are large enough and have enough cushion to block out everything and are quite comfortable. They are a great deal smaller than their peers, which may be a benefit to you (it is for me). They would not be out of place at all on a walk or at the gym.

The second issue I have is that the cord is not overly long. I don’t think it’s too short at all, and is perfect for use with mobile devices. But when plugged into your PC or stereo, you will wish they were a bit longer. I need room to bust a move after all!

I drank my SOL Republic kool-aid when I fell in love with my Anthems, but now the Master Tracks have earned my soul. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anybody considering a competitor's set. At the very least, give them a try before making your purchase. I promise you will not be disappointed. I know this coming Father's Day I will be rocking out enjoying some quiet time with my Master Tracks!

The SOL Republic Master Tracks retail for $199.99 and can be purchased in White, Gunmetal, or Electro Blue on solrepublic.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, and other major electronics retailers.

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SOL REPUBLIC Anthem Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones

As you may well-know, having visited my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Men, my husband cannot say enough about the SOL REPUBLIC Anthem Tracks HD Headphones!  The sound quality, comfort, durability, and stylish appearance all make these headphones worth twice their retail price of $149.99.


More about the Anthem Tracks HD V10 Headphones . . . 

These headphones were actually inspired by Olympic athlete, Michael Phelps.  The proceeds from each Anthem headphones sale benefits the Michael Phelps Foundation, which works towards promoting swimming as a sport and as one of the keys to healthy active children.

Every pair of Anthems comes with the following:

• V10 HD Sound Engines with SonicSoft™ Speaker Pads
• Interchangeable Cable with Mic + Music Control
• Interchangeable and Virtually Indestructible Headband
• Slim-Fit Carrying Case

To learn more about the SOL REPUBLIC Anthems, visit solrepublic.com, who offers Free Shipping on this item along with a 1,000 day headband guarantee.


Thank you to SOL REPUBLIC for providing a complimentary product sample for our holiday gift guide and for providing a second sample for our contest prize.

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