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We’re back!

MattG — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:48:07 +0000

Thanks for hanging in there; took some time off for the holidays. After an epic day of travel yesterday, I’m back in the AwesomeToyHQ and posting will resume at it’s normal erratic pace .

GelaSkins – iPad Skin review

MattG — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:54:44 +0000

In the weeks leading up to SDCC I received hundreds of press releases, most of which I ignored. One that caught my eye was from GelaSkins; announcing that they have custom skins for electronic devices, including many Marvel designs. Since the iPad is an essential piece of AwesomeToyBlog.com gear, I sent off a note to the fine folks at GelaSkins and they provided me with 3 designs to try out. Now with the convention coverage wrapped up, I’ve skinned my iPad and wanted to share my opinions. Check them out after the jump.

The good: There’s quite a few “goods” to talk about with the GelaSkins skin I tried out but I’ve narrowed it down to 3 key items.

1. There’s a huge number of designs. The website says there’s over 1000 designs for over 100 devices. As I was going through the designs I saw dozens that I liked, I didn’t have any problems and I didn’t have to settle for something that was ok. In then end I put “Finders Keepers” on my iPad with “NYC Spidey” queued up for when I want something fresh. I shared the design “Mod” with sometimes AwesomeToyBlog.com photographer ShutterMike. And if there’s not a design that you like, you have the option to use your own photographs and design your own. I didn’t try that, so I can’t comment on how it works or what the requirements are.

2. Application of the skin was easy. The skin definitely is sticky, but it is easy enough to move and reapply if you put it on a little crooked the first time. Which is what I did (as I said in my AT-AT review, I’m horrible with stickers), but it proved to be no issue as I could peel it back and reapply.

3. The skin gives the device a nice non-slippery feeling and allows me to have a better grip on the device. It makes me feel a little less worried that I’m going to fumble and drop my iPad to the ground.

The not so good: There’s only one thing that I was a little disappointed in; the skin doesn’t cover the screen of the device. It would have been nice if it could have served as a screen protector. Fortunately I already had a screen protector on my iPad, so I applied the skin directly on my existing protector. I’m not sure if this will cause me some issue when I remove the skin (namely my screen protector coming off with it); but with screen protectors being 3 for $2 on ebay, that’s not a huge concern…but it would have been nice if the GelaSkin could have covered the display / touch screen as well.

Summary: All in all, I’m really happy with my iPad skin from GelaSkins and I think its a great product. It would have been great had it incorporated a screen protector for the touchscreen; but not having that isn’t a big deal. The skins do run around $30 for a device the size of the iPad. You can check out their website at GelaSkins.com.

Transformers Universe Deluxes Wave 2 – Galvatron and Acid Storm

admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 05:19:38 +0000

Its been a busy few weeks for new stuff. The latest find are Wave 2 of the Transformers Classics 2.0. I bring you Galvatron and Acid Storm. Acid Storm is particularly interesting as he’s the first time this generic green G1 seeker gets a toy. Of course, in the show he transformed into a pyramid, not a jet. But whatever, he’s a green seeker. Images of these 2 new entries into the Classics 2.0 line are below. Enjoy!

Galvatron

Acid Storm

Transformers Classics 2.0 – Sunstreaker

admin — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:11:08 +0000

Following on the footsteps of last year’s Transformers Classics, the fine folks at HASBRO have reintroduced G1 characters updated with modern transformations, articulation and detailing. The final figure in wave 1 is a bundle of yellowey goodness of Sunstreaker.

Packaging: Packaging is pretty much the same as Prowl and Tankor. I really dig the bubbles, the embosed symbols are just a nice little detail. Though I’ve got to admit, more dynamic artwork would really make the packaging stand out.

Car Mode: As with his fellow wavemates, Sunstreaker is an update of his classic form. As such, he is a yellow Lamborghini. Of note is that no logos or hood emblems, I mean, this isn’t an Alternator. Best detail of the car mode is Sunstreaker’s custom tags which state “WE R 84″.

Transformation: Fun, straightforward transformation sequence. The best part is when you rotate the roof to make the head pop up.

Robot Mode: Sunstreaker is the best of the wave. Only detraction is that the engine block tends to pop off. Not a whole lot to say, except that Sunstreaker is sure to spend plenty of time looking at himself in the mirror.

Overall: Sunstreaker sets a new bar for awesomeness. A perfect update of a true classic. 10/10.

Target Transformers Sale

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:22:00 +0000

If you’re out and about looking for any of the new Transformers: Animated figures Target has Deluxes on sale for $8 a pop. Other size classes are on sale too…and check your aisles and end-caps; Transformer movie toys are being clearanced out.