PalmAddicts

Review: Astraware and Digital Eel's Big Box of Blox

Overall rating: 10/10
Game Play: 9/10 -- takes a few minutes to figure it out but then you're golden
Sound: 10/10
Controls: 8/10 slightly confusing but are reconfigurable
Fun-factor: 10/10
Innovative: 10/10
Addiction Level: 10/10

Now here's a game that you can get hooked on. Big Box of Bloxdeveloped by Digital Eel and Astraware is a Tetris-like game on steroids. The sound effects, music and game play are amazing. Astraware always manages to put out some of the best programs made for any game system. Big Box of Blox has various game and skill levels and will definitely have you playing on your Palm all day long.

Big Box of Blox is block stacking fun taken to outrageous extremes!

* Highly addictive blox stacking fun
* Five exciting game modes
* Cool user-adjustable graphics
* Custom game creation mode
* Atmospheric soundtrack and effects

Big Box of Blox is a block stacking game taken to outrageous extremes! Using stylus or button controls, arrange the three-blox-high stacks as they fall. Match blox in groups of three or more, vertically or horizontally, to eliminate them - but that's not all!

Don't just stack the blox. Smash them, blast them, mutate them or explode them in a shower of flames! Use special blox including jokers, bombs, frogs, mushrooms, fireballs and slot machines to clear the board before it reaches the top!

If you act now you can get Big Box of Blox for just $14.95 USD instead of the regular price of $19.95 USD. Just sign up for the free Club Astraware membership. And get ready for some fantastic game play.

The Best Noise Cancellation for Both Ears

The Best Noise Cancellation for Both Ears is a new editorial over at TreoCentral. "Recently I reviewed UmeVoice's incredible theBoom headsets: the ear gel and hook style theBoom, and the over-the-head theBoom "O" with padded earpiece. I expressed my preference for wired headsets over Bluetooth units and tried to convey just how spectacularly effective both Booms are at canceling out virtually ALL background noise so you can, as UmeVoice says "whisper and be heard.""

[TreoCentral]

iRex iLiad invites for every (European) MobileReader

Boy have I got good news for all of you! Today I contacted iRex about some matter, and in the answer they sent me, they made this interesting offer: Anyone who is a fellow MobileReader and happens to be from Europe can receive an invitation - remember, an invitation is currently obligatory if you want to purchase the iLiad iRex e-book reader.

[MobileRead]

Review: Brando screen protectors. I used to be a Boxwave man

Hi all.

Over the years I have used different screen protectors (no-names, Palm-branded, Boxwave, others I can't remember) on different PDAs (Toshiba e740, Palm T3, Zire 72, LifeDrive, two Treos, a couple of iPaqs).

I had concluded that Boxwaves were the best, after a very good experience on my T3. However, I've been less impressed lately. I ordered a Boxwave for my wife's Zire 72, and the fit seems too loose — too much space around the perimeter. And it doesn't really adhere around the edges as well as I would like. Still, when I needed a protector of my iPaq 6955, I bought Boxwave.

And it's been a big disappointment. The protector does not stick well around the edges; for about 30 per cent of the perimeter the protector refuses to hold. It was noticeable enough that I was reluctant to show off the PDA.

Then someone here, and sorry, I can't remember who, recommended Brando screen protectors. I quite like Brando products (see my case review here) and the price is right: US$12, which includes worldwide shipping. So I ordered a protector for the iPaq.

And it's great. It is very easy to get on and off, yet it clings beautifully. The screen image is bright and clear. And with every other protector I've owned I always had at least one or two small air bubbles; with Brando, not one, and on the first try. Now, I need one for my Treo.

The protector has a slightly different texture than most, it seems a little thicker, but that does not impede the screen's functionality at all.

Brando's extensive list of supported models is here.

Screen protectors are a really good idea. The next time you need one, get a Brando.

ROK Player goes Windows Mobile

Caught over on the Engadget website. "It's been a while since ROK and their ROK Player declared they were going after the mobile video market selling MMCs loaded with shows; they eventually came back claiming they were going to launch their BLCX SlingBox killer, which is certainly slightly more practical for getting your TV onto your wireless device"

[Engadget]

Special Offer: 1 GB SD Card for $10 AR

Zipzoomfly has the Ultra 1GB 40X Secure Digital Media Card for only $10 after rebate and with free shipping. This is the lowest price I have seen for a 1 GB SD card.

Review: Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars

Overall Rating: 10/10
Game Play: 10/10
Graphics: 9.5/10
Interactivity: 10/10
Addictiveness: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Fun factor: 10/10

All I have to say is what a fantastic game. Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars is full of nonstop action and adventure. The developers over at Astraware have outdone themselves once again.

An RPG/Adventure game with amazing graphics Broken Sword - The Shadow of the Templars takes place is Paris. You are a tourist who is witness to a killing by a crazed clown. As the "choose your own path" story unfolds you must choose your path wisely or less something bad might happen

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is an epic adventure which takes you around the globe in a desperate race to unlock the ancient mysteries of the Knights Templar.

Originally created for PC and PlayStation®, and now available for PalmOS® handhelds, Broken Sword is the story of George Stobbart, an American tourist on vacation in Europe, who becomes embroiled in a terrifying conspiracy when he witnesses the theft of an ancient manuscript and the assassination of its owner. The manuscript, created in the 14th century by the order of the Knights Templar, points to where their legendary power has been hidden for over six hundred years. Befriending a photojournalist, Nico Collard, the two find themselves on a global trail that ultimately reveals a deadly secret that will change their lives forever.

Just as in many modern mystery books, you will become immersed in the unfolding story as you guide George through the game, looking for clues, talking to witnesses, and following the trail as it takes him from Paris to Ireland, Syria and beyond.

Though it's a little pricey at $29.95 USD it's worth every penny because you can play this game over and over and never get bored. Each location has a twist and the father you go into the story the danger level picks up and the suspense builds. If you're into a good mystery game Broken Sword is the game for you.

“The Best of the Best Palm Accessories”- Krusell’s MultiAdapt System

Accessories bring the unique dimension of personalization. We can accessorize and amp up our PDA’s appearance or functionality simply by changing the case or clip; or popping out the latest Bluetooth keyboard or by the choosing the type of stylus we use. Over the next few days, I’ll be reviewing some of my favorite PDA accessories. Accessories have added to my Palm’s life some stylish panache, purposeful practicality, elevated efficiency and peerless protection. I’ve entitled the series of reviews: “The Best of the Best” Palm Accessories.

This is the fourth of four reviews focusing on Krusell’s product line.

One of the most unique features of Krusell’s line of products is that they have a patented Multiadapt system that allows users of their products attach their PDA in a variety of ways to fit their active lifestyle. Only Krussel’s Multiadapt system allows users to adjust and adapt to life on-the-go. For example, a PDA that you carry and use in the office can be easily placed in this special carrying system on your bike for a little off-road biking. The same PDA can be mounted onto your car afterwards on your way back home.

The Multiadapt System meets the needs and versatility of your PDA. Many PDA’s today have a wide variety of software ranging from business-related software, exercise logs and GPS-enabling applications. Only the Multiadapt System allows your PDA to be securely mounted or carried to meet these growing and varied needs.

Each of Krusell’s cases have a female clasp. This clasp easily locks onto its male counterpart on the belt, bag, car, bike, etc. This opens up an endless realm of possibilities for maximizing the usage of your PDA without worrying about how it will be mounted or carried. You can attach any kind of clips, swivel kits or vehicle holders.

You can find out more about Krusell’s products here.

Palm Addict Reader Award 2006

The Palm Addict Award nominations are well underway and we want you to take a minute to cast your vote please on the best in the Palm community. Either click the image to the left or click here and cast your vote.

Treo Editor's Choice: itzKitz for the Treo 700 series

itzKitz made a name for themselves by offering a high-quality knock-off of the Vaja T65 hard shell leather case for both the Treo 600 and Treo 650. What made these 'Kitz' as opposed to simply cases, is that along with the case, you got a belt clip, transparent screen protector, retractable USB sync/charge cable, and a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm earphone adapter. While not at the same level of fit/finish as the Vaja original, these were still well-built cases; and, at their retail price-point, a fantastic bargain for the Treonaut looking to pimp their wireless ride.

The latest addition to the itzKitz family is the TreoKitz for the 700 series, which I've had the opportunity to test over the past 2 weeks. This Kitz is an innovative evolution of the original concept; and, one that is sure to find favor with fiscally prudent Treonauts everywhere. The Kitz is really a combination of 2 leather cases that fit into each other.

The first, is a leather soft 'shell' case, that fits nicely around the Treo 700, and is lined with a soft faux-suede. The case leaves the screen and keyboard exposed, with reinforced protection on the backside. The Treo goes into the case through the top, which has a strong, magnetic closure (which also protects the SD card and IR port). The front and back speaker openings are covered with a soft mesh, and all major switches, connectors, buttons are readily accessible with the case on. One very nice touch is that rather then have an opening for the volume buttons on the side of the Treo, itzKitz opted to emboss the outline of the buttons into the case. They line up perfectly, keep the buttons protected, yet do not impede their ease-of-use.

The second case is a sturdy, leather side-pouch case, with a large magnetic flap closure. There are a few things that make this case different then your average side-pouch:

First, the case is larger inside, then most others...specifically to allow your Treo to sit inside, while still in the itzKitz soft shell case that comes with the Kitz.
Second, the case has a mesh-covered opening for the Treo's back speaker (to facilitate alerts, reminders and rings). In addition, the flap has a generous enough opening, so that you can have your earphones plugged in, while the Treo is inside both cases.

Although (as usual), I decry the lack of a screen cover built into the soft shell case, this is very well thought-out package. The 'piggyback' arrangement is a standout idea, both cases are attractive (with nice touches usually found in much more expensive cases), the leather seems to be of high quality, and the fit and finish is quite nice. The TreoKitz begins shipping on August 19th; and, at a retail price-point of $39.99 (with Free Shipping), this is a tremendous value for any Treonaut with leather on the mind. Without a doubt, the TreoKitz for the 700 series is a Treo Editor's Choice.