OK, so I’ve said I’m over 40 and you’re saying “of course you like the XL, you’re eye sight sucks.”  Let me crush that first.  While I do wear contact lenses, I am near sighted and have no problem seeing my DS Lite (yes, I still have my Zelda TriForce limited edition DS Lite).  But, being an adult, carrying it in my back pocket isn’t an issue.  So that’s why I’m not in the “it’s TOO big” camp.  The bigger screen has proven an excellent investment for me as I tend to play more puzzle games.  I’ve played both Picross DS and Picross 3D on the DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL and I can tell you that the XL’s bigger screen really helps.  It brings a precision to the games that you have to experience to appreciate. Other than size, the XL’s screen does feel a little brighter than the DSi.  Since the screen has the same number of pixels as the original DS, one would assume that the larger screen would pixelate games.  This is not necessarily true.  While some older games, such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros, do indeed pixelate a bit, once the action starts, it’s hard to notice.  Lastly, the screen has a wider field of view, which allows your friends and family an easier view of what you’re playing without them leaning on your shoulders.  The only other improvement over the DSi is the sound.  I’ve found the XL’s speakers to be both louder and brighter than the DSi.

So, if I already own a DS Lite, and had a DSi, why did I feel the DSi XL was worth the expense?  Well, the screen is the obvious reason, but the actual size of the console was a close second.  While my hands aren’t massive, they are big enough to feel cramped after playing on the DS Lite and DSi for several hours.  The DSi XL’s increased size is a lot more comfortable to me.  Of course keep in mind that I am writing this review on a 17″ MacBook Pro, so I obviously prefer my electronics to be more functional than portable.

So how do younger players feel about the DSi XL?  My two daughters, both under 10 years old and both original DS players, prefer it to the other DS consoles.  If the 3DS wasn’t coming out next year, they would both beg Santa for DSi XLs for Christmas.

Lastly, will I be making the jump to the 3DS in March 2011?  I’ll be the first in line for a midnight launch!  Will I keep my DSi XL or trade it in for the 3DS?  That will depend on if Nintendo will figure out a way for my to transfer my investment in DSi Ware.

Comments are welcome and I will answer all questions.

This is a unique headset.  It starts as a standard bluetooth earpiece. And for phone calls it does a great job.  It has adaptive noise reduction and multipoint technology to connect to multiple phones.  7 hours of talk time and 160 hours of standby.

Where this product shines is its ability to stream audio via the A2DP protocol.  When connected to my iPhone 3GS, I can listen to podcasts and music through the single earpiece.  This is extremely convenient when you want to keep an open ear to hear your environment.

But it gets better.  Attach the secondary earbud, drape the light, cloth cable around the back of your neck and you’ve converted this earpiece into a full stereo headset.  There is a fit kit with 3 sizes of earpieces.  For me, the medium gels fit great and provide good sound isolation.  Since the secondary earbud and cable are so light, you can pop it out temporarily to hear your environment.

While this isn’t a full review, it covers the highlights.  Here comes the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Ultralight
• Versatile – A2DP in either mono or stereo
• Audio Quality – On par with my current favorite, the Motorola S9HD
• Inexpensive – I was able to purchase this headset for under $35 ($120 retail)

Cons:

• No hard case – Only a soft pouch (which doesn’t fit the charger)
• Micro USB Charger – Everything else I have uses Mini USB
• Doesn’t include a travel charger – Since it is Micro USB, I need to purchase one separately

That’s it for now.  If you have any questions, leave a comment.

Preview: Compatible with the Nintendo DSi, has nice advanced menu features,  decent/timely open-source firmware/loaders, but lacking in game compatibility.

Come back soon for the full review.

Overall, props to PopCap Games. They’ve shown that it is possible to make a decent iPhone game on the web. I’m looking forward to what other software developers are able to deliver.

So if I already own expensive in ear monitors, why use the Whoomps with the stock Apple earbuds? Because they are easier to put in and take out. There are many times when I am listening to the iPhone (work, chores around the house, etc) where it is important that I be able to hear a little of my surroundings and react to them. These give me that functionality. Also, I don’t lose the convenience of the play/pause/answer button that Apple so cleverly put on the stock earbuds. This is an advantage compared to first generation iPhone earbuds such as the V-Moda Duos.

Bottom line: At $19.95 for two pair, Comply’s Whoomps! are a highly recommended accessory for any iPhone owner.

Coming Soon: A review of Shure’s Music Phone Adapter.