Run Mate, A Universal Running Application. Review & Giveaway!

By Cody Fink

Half way through the Couch to 5k program, I’m already looking at taking my game to the next level. But good running apps are difficult to find for the iPhone, and they’re even worse for the iPod touch since you have a lack of GPS capabilities. You see, while you have niche running apps geared towards specific programs, the majority of running apps usually involve tracking distance, elevation, time, maybe speed, and maybe calories burned. I think a good example of a running app that solely focuses on your performance would be Nike’s. But the problem is, apps like this are geared towards people who’ve been running for a while, and just need a tracker. Finding an application that helps you reach a goal or hit a milestone is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

To solve this problem, Run Mate lets you build your own running programs. If you come across a new routine online, simply add it to Run Mate, do a couple stretches, then press the start button. It’s that simple.

Beatport, now Available on iPhone and iPod Touch

By Cody Fink

When Digg’s official app came to the iPhone, it was really stunning. It just pops with color and is incredibly functional. I feel the same way about Beatport, whose new app for the iPhone & iPod touch oozes with brilliant pixels.

TouchPad for the iPad. A Giant Mac Trackpad. Review & Giveaway!

By Cody Fink

You know it had to happen. We’ve already reviewed Edovia’s TouchPad for the iPhone and iPod touch, but now it’s back and better than ever in high def for Apple’s very own Moses Tablet (quoting @patrickrhone). If you’ve ever wanted a touchpad the size of a dinner plate, strap in, because I’m about to blow your mind.

CourseNotes, The Student’s iPad Companion. Review and Giveaway!

By Cody Fink

The idea of using the iPad as a tool in school is an interesting prospect. On one had the tablet form factor of the iPad allows it to be used like an open notebook - the screen is suitable for writing text and taking notes. However, Apple has nearly killed that idea without the option for a stylus, and unless you happen to love sausage or ill-reviewed Pogo Stylus, it ain’t happenin’. While we have a keyboard, what student wants to type on a virtual keyboard? My whole success to taking notes via Evernote on my laptop is because I can furiously type on my Macbook’s keyboard without ere - eyes fixated on the instructor and not on the screen. But the idea is still intriguing: how well does the iPad fair as a note taking device? For this review, I’ll be using an application called CourseNotes. Read more

Complete your Music Collection with Tune Finder

By Cody Fink

When I find a new artist that I really like on iTunes or elsewhere, the first thing I’ll do is check out their current album. For me, I like to keep only music from the past two years and up on my iPad and iPod touch. With such a current collection, there might just be an earlier album I missed from what I think are new and budding artists, so instead of heading over to Wikipedia or Myspace, I’ve come to check out Tune Finder instead. Read more

Split the Bill, Leave a Tip, Checkmate. Review & Giveaway!

By Cody Fink

On the fringe of my college campus exists a slew of restaurants. Chinese. Greek. Mexican. No matter where you go, you’re gonna have to sit down and eventually tip your hot, um, friendly waitress. But if there’s one thing I can’t do in my head, it’s percentages (especially if more than one person is involved). How the heck do you tip? Does each person leave a dollar? What if one person forgets to bring cash? (Damn card carrying bastard!) For situations such as these, there is Checkmate. Read more

Tweetie 2 for Mac Early Preview (Kinda)

By Cody Fink

Loren Brichter has had a lot on his plate recently. After all, the man who crafted the incredible beauty that is Tweetie now sings under the umbrella of Twitter. But before this whole spiel was made public, he led us on to a little preview of of the next version of Tweetie 2 for Mac. Obviously it was a joke, but somebody apparently took it to the next level.
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Dragon Dictation Lets you Naturally Speak to your iPad.

By Cody Fink

For those with symptoms of signs of RSI and arthritis, typing on the iPad’s virtual keyboard is a less than stellar experience. Even Apple’s own keyboard dock isn’t the most ergonomic solution for those who prefer curved or split keyboards. Many of those with aching hands on the Mac have turned to MacSpeech Dictate, and on the iPhone, Dragon Dictation for their computing needs. It’s a blessing to have such amazing speech software that allows you to create documents, send email, and on the Mac, control the machine with nothing but your voice. For those familiar with the iPhone client, you may want to take notice of Dragon’s latest iteration on the iPad. It’s smart, simple, and of great benefit to those who want the portability of the iPad, but are unable to type for extended periods of time. Read more

Photogene, Where Editing iPad Photos is Easy as Pie

By Cody Fink

I’m not even going to premise this review with a short story this time around. Quite frankly, Photogene makes editing photos dead simple. The UI couldn’t be more intuitive. Well, okay, perhaps it could be, but I didn’t have to learn anything before making adjustments I’d normally do with Acorn or Pixelmator on my Macbook. A few tips, a few taps, and a save button later, I had some spicy photos served up for publishing goodness.

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