Nerd Gear: "Samsung Galaxy Note 2 USB Connection Kit"

Link for above VOD http://youtu.be/eRE3EH9enK8 from Himesh's Tech Tips and Reviews http://www.youtube.com/user/himesh123456789

Connection kit like that demonstrated in VOD, Samsung S2 & S3 Multi-functional 4 in 1 Connection Kit : USB /SD Card/Micro SD/Micro USB Inputs, there are also OTG cables like the Micro USB to USB Adapter for Galaxy S3, Note II smart phone and Note Tabs .

I also think these new high cap USB sticks like the Kingston Digital HyperX 3.0 DataTraveler   are usful for OTG cable, you can use external HDD with OTG cable, but you need external power for the HDD then, since OTG can't provide that kind of power.

For more on OTG http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go

You can certainly use a high capacity micro SD card, or SD card with the adapter, but a USB 3.0 flash stick like the Kingston HyperX will be a LOT faster for downloading or uploading movies or whatever from your computer, as long as your machine has USB 3.0

Especially if your wanting to play with HD or Blu-ray!

BTW if anyone knows what that micro mouse might be please let me know, don't think I've ever seen one that small before.

Nerd Gear: Phonebuff's "Samsung Galaxy Note 2: Top 10 Features"

The written version of article can be found at http://www.phonebuff.com/2012/11/samsung-galaxy-note-2-top-10-features/

As I have mentioned before, the Galaxy Note 2 is the smartphone that I am planning to upgrade to, though I keep looking for more information, that is just the way I am, I don't assume there isn't something more to learn.

I liked this review, hope you find it useful as well, if you know of any other really good reviews, either Pro or Con, about the Note 2 please leave a reply.

Nerd Gear: Cool Impact Resistant Material & Case for Galaxy Note 2

Amusing and intersting demo of a fancy material, called D30, used in some phone cases, and other items.

It is putty like under normal circumstances, but under high speed impacts, acts like a solid (or perhaps like a hydraulic fluid?).

 Link to the company that makes D30 http://www.d3o.com/consumer/electronics/

Tech21 makes phone cases using this technology, and they already have one for the Galaxy Note 2!

Link http://www.tech21.uk.com/index.php/news/news_item/New_Galaxy_Note_2_Cases

Like I have mentioned before, I am planning on getting myself a Samsung Galaxy Note II phone for Christmas present.

Ah found Youtube of the Tech21 Impact Snap Cases, this is definitely on the top of my list for case for my Christmas Phone ^_^

Nerd Gear: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Dock lets you add keyboard, mouse, and HDMI display

I didn't know Samsung was going to release this dock http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/EDD-S20JWEGSTA

Though it was displayed at IFA 2012, never really saw much info about it, and assumed it had been dropped.

If you lock at the picture here, http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-launches-galaxy-note-2-smart-dock-yours-100, you will see the dock in it's closed or traveling position.

This dock gives you a total of 3 USB 2.0 ports (there are 2 USB ports on one side, and 1 USB port on the other side), and a HDMI out, as well as 3.5mm stereo audio out.

I am trying to find out if any/all of the USB ports are powered, if not, then you would want either USB flash drive or powered external HDD for data storage with this dock.

With either of those storage options, and a HDMI TV or monitor, you could be watching Blu Ray movies!

I am planning on getting a Galaxy Note 2 as a Christmas present for myself this year, now I am going to have to budget for this dock as well.

Once I have both, I will see if my Das keyboard will work with it, not sure if the Das needs powered USB connections or not, have to say the idea of a dock like this, combine with external HDD, and a mouse and mechanical keyboard is very interesting.

Don't know that I would have a lot of real use for it, more likely to use the dock just for charging and the HDMI out to use full size screen.

But this does mean I could just carry the dock and a keyboard with me, instead of a laptop, and still be able to blog easily while away from home.

Nerd Gear: Anandtech reviews T Mobile Galaxy Note 2

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6386/samsung-galaxy-note-2-review-t-mobile-

Galaxy Note II on T Mobile is what I plan to get myself for Christmas this year, and I am becoming convinced that Anandtech is one of the best places for reviews on electronics.

I wish they had more articles, but pretty sure the reason they have fewer than some other places, is that they actually spend time testing and using stuff before writing about it.

They also have first touch articles, but those are clearly labeled, so you know up front if your getting a real review, or just impressions from a trade show or event.

Most, if not all of their writers, also do a good job at separating facts and observations from opinion and preferences.

Something that I, as a writer, really appreciate, a lot of online sources of so called "information" don't seem to make an effort at that, or perhaps lack awareness of the distinction.

Anyway, I don't have anything objective to add ^_^

I haven't found anything to dislike about the Note 2 so far, other than ridiculous price on T Mobile, not sure why they are $70 more than anyone else, maybe that is typo or something, or they want people to buy the phone elsewhere?

Nerd News: Samsung October 24, 2012 Event

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9231772/Samsung_Galaxy_Note_2_coming_to_U.S._Oct._24_

No one knows for sure, but rumors are this will be launch announcement/party for Galaxy Note 2 in the US, this is the day before Microsoft event for Windows 8 so I wouldn't be surprised if there is something more or different.

I am hoping for more information on Galaxy Note 2, I am looking to switch to Note 2 from my Blackberry Bold 9780 when my current contract ends near Christmas.

Gonna miss all the hot key shortcuts Blackberry has, but RIM seems like it is in a death spiral, Google on the other hand seems rock solid.