Vaping Diaries #9: Apollo E-Cigs eGo VV Review

One of the vaping devices in my current rotation is the eGo VV from Apollo E-Cigs. This is a straightforward variable-voltage battery that’s backed by an unusually high level of service. For those new to variable-voltage vaping, this is a great device to start out with. It’s also a compelling choice for vaping veterans. I’ll explain it all as I break it down (cue the Degeneration-X music).

What’s in the Kit: This is a barebones kit that includes a battery, a UC-E6 to USB cable, instructions, and a certificate of inspection. As of this writing, it lists for $26.95 on Apollo’s web site.

Form Factor: Like the packaging, the form factor and looks are totally straightforward. This is a grey eGo-style e-cig that’s given a bit of flash with the Apollo logo. The threaded tube is topped with a connection that accepts 510 and eGo-threaded parts. I used it with a CE2 clearomizer, a Kanger T3 clearomizer, and a Cirrus Vapes tank — all of them worked just fine.

With the CE2, I’d say the device is pocketable. With the T3, it’s borderline pocketable. As for the tank…well, I don’t really recommend walking around with a large glass e-juice tank in your pocket (but perhaps that’s just me).

Performance: The eGo VV can be adjusted from three volts to six volts in increments of 0.10v. Considering how much this vaping device costs, I was impressed by its accurate and consistent performance. Using the clearos and tanks mentioned above, I vaped anywhere from 3.5v to 4.4v. The voltage was on the money and stayed that way for the majority of the battery’s life. It tuckered out towards the end, but that was totally expected.

Battery Life: I was getting about five hours of battery life per charge with the eGo VV. I’m a fairly regular vaper, so your mileage may vary. With my habits, I was going through a little less than three full batteries per day. Obviously I was getting more battery life at lower voltages and less at higher voltages. If you’re a heavy vaper that’s considering picking up the eGo VV, I’d suggest getting a few.

Two Issues: I had two problems with the eGo VV — one minor and one somewhat major. The minor problem was the USB passthrough charging. While it’s true that you can vape while the battery is charging, you can only do so if there’s sufficient power in the battery. If the battery is low or totally depleted, the unit will not draw enough power from a USB connection to charge the battery and allow you to vape at the same time. To be fair, a lot of USB devices — not just e-cigs — are like this.

The bigger issue I had was with the unit’s firing button. The slightly raised rubber button is too subtle. In conditions with bright lighting, you either have to feel up the battery for a few seconds or briefly look at it to locate the firing button. Low-light situations are more problematic. When I brought it with me to that PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale party last week, I was constantly holding it up to my face for several seconds so that I could find the firing button. While I wouldn’t say the firing button is a deal-breaker, it can be very annoying.

Service and Warranty: The eGo VV is available for a bit less through other vendors, but I highly recommend going with Apollo for this device. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is fantastic for those that are just starting out with variable-voltage vaping. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty, which makes this device attractive to novices and veterans alike.

Apollo’s support is also noteworthy. The company offers customer support Monday through Friday, with phone agents available from 8AM to 5PM PST and online-chat agents available from 8AM to 11PM PST. I had a few issues with another Apollo product I’m using and the online support solved my problems (two occurrences) in a snap.

For a relatively small company, I was very impressed with Apollo’s support service, guarantee policy, and warranty policy.

Verdict: If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toe into the world of variable-voltage vaping then the eGo VV from Apollo is a great way to go. It’s a good device, but if it’s not your cup of tea then you can take advantage of the company’s 30-day guarantee. If you’re an experienced vaper looking for a solid but low-cost variable-voltage solution, then picking a couple of these units is a compelling option. The eGo VV is a good vaping device backed by a generous warranty and great service.

If you have any question about my experience with the Apollo E-Cigs eGo VV then please fire away in the comments section.

Google Nexus 4 Coming in Novmember, $299 Unlocked

The Google Nexus 4 by LG is now live on Google Play. Google was supposed to unveil the Nexus 4 at a press event in New York today, but had to cancel due to Hurricane Sandy. The unlocked prices are $299 for the 8GB model and $349 for the 16GB model. Google’s upcoming flagship phone boasts:

  • 4.7-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 2 screen
  • 1,280 x 768 resolution (320 ppi)
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 2,100 mAh battery capable of wireless charging
  • Eight-megapixel rear camera
  • 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
  • Android 4.2

Due to Google’s issues with CDMA/LTE carriers, the Nexus 4 will only be available as a GSM/HSPA+ model, initially.

Early hands-on reports claim that the screen is competitive with the iPhone 5’s and that the camera is greatly improved over the one in last year’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

I’m a little bit split on this phone. It sounds great on paper and I love what I’m hearing about the screen. While I’m disappointed that an LTE model won’t be available, I understand that carriers like Verizon are complete ass-hats when it comes to timely updates; Google wants to keep the Nexus experience as pure as possible by providing updates directly to Nexus customers. 16GB of storage also seems low, but so much is moving to the cloud and $349 for an unlocked 16GB phone is a pretty sweet deal. None of those deliberations matter though; as a tech nerd, of course I want a Nexus 4!

How about you? Any of you guys and dolls interested in the Google Nexus 4?

Source

 

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Preview / Interview

Please check out the video interview above with Josef Fares, game director of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, and read my preview-ish thoughts below. This downloadable game is set to hit PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in Spring 2012 courtesy of Starbreeze and 505 Games. I checked it out a few weeks ago and was really enamored with its art style and gameplay. The controls are simple, but used in a unique and compelling fashion. In some ways, it reminded me of a cross between Ico and Heavy Rain, but with a refreshing originality that was all its own. Continue reading “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Preview / Interview”

Coffee Talk #530: Your Daily Driver Videogames

Today I’d like to talk about games you play every day. Sometimes there are videogames we all go back to, either due to a sense of habit or familiarity. There’s nothing surprising about these games (anymore), but there’s something comfortable about these daily drivers. For some people, these games have become a habit along the lines of eating, bathing, and brushing your teeth.

As for me, for most of the last three years, Civilization Revolution for iPad has been my daily driver. The gameplay is always fun for me, even though I know that every game I play will end with Queen Elizabeth conquering the world. Sure, there have been stretches when Civ was ignored in favor of games like Final Fantasy: Dimensions, but…more

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the San Francisco Giants’ World Series victory, your favorite park, or James Harden going to the Houston Rockets, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Today I’d like to talk about games you play every day. Sometimes there are videogames we all go back to, either due to a sense of habit or familiarity. There’s nothing surprising about these games (anymore), but there’s something comfortable about these daily drivers. For some people, these games have become a habit along the lines of eating, bathing, and brushing your teeth.

As for me, for most of the last three years, Civilization Revolution for iPad has been my daily driver. The gameplay is always fun for me, even though I know that every game I play will end with Queen Elizabeth conquering the world. Sure, there have been stretches when Civ was ignored in favor of games like Final Fantasy: Dimensions, but I knew I would eventually go back to it and I imagine that will be the case for the next few years. The game just makes me happy and all of us should do something every day that makes us happy. Since it’s probably a bad idea to eat bone-in ribeye steaks every day (and I can’t afford to), I’ll stick with Civ.

Now it’s your turn! Do you have any daily-driver games? If so, please let me know what they are. If not, why isn’t there a game you keep coming back to on a daily basis?

Vaping Diaries #8: Vaping Side Effects

Ever since I made the switch from tobacco cigarettes to vaping, there are a number of changes I’ve noticed with my body. Most of them were positive and some of them were surprising. Keep in mind that my medical knowledge is pretty basic, so some of the things that I found surprising might have you going, “Well duh!” Now click on the video below of the Brady Bunch singing “Time to Change” as I discuss some of the side effects of switching from smoking to vaping. Continue reading “Vaping Diaries #8: Vaping Side Effects”

AT&T, Richard Mourdock, and Credo Mobile

Indiana senate candidate Richard Mourdock was criticized for a statement he made regarding abortions in the case of rape. Those sensitive comments about a sensitive issue have made their way into the competitive world of mobile tech. For those of you not familiar with what Mourdock said, here’s the quote via CBS News:

I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize life is that gift from God and I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.

One of Mourdock’s corporate contributors is AT&T. Competitor Credo Mobile has started an advertising campaign condemning AT&T and Mourdock…that also happens to give new customers 40 percent off voice fees for a year.

No matter what side of the issue you’re on, doesn’t it seem in questionable taste to promote discounts on mobile phone service using such a touchy subject? It just seems tacky that Credo’s boast of, “We’re a staunch supporter of reproductive rights, and we’re proud to be the largest corporate donor to Planned Parenthood, with more than $2 million in donations over the years,” is capped by, “Call 877-346-0516 and mention offer code 402204 or join online today.”

On the flip side, it’s not like AT&T has a campaign stating that it proudly supports political candidates against abortions in the case of rape. If anything, I imagine AT&T supports Mourdock and other candidates that will help the company smooth things over on FCC matters.

Now, I rather not get into a political discussion on Mourdock’s stance. Rather, I’d like to hear your opinion on Credo Mobile using Mourdock to promote service discounts. Certainly it’s the company’s right to advertise its service to liberal consumers in such a manner, but isn’t the whole campaign a bit…uncomfortable? Please share your thoughts on Credo Mobile’s ad campaign in the comments section!

Source (Thanks to Tom Seery for the link!)

Arnold Schwarzenegger to Reprise Conan Role

Legendary action star Arnold Schwarzenegger will return to one his earliest roles, Conan the Barbarian, in the upcoming movie The Legend of Conan. The film is being produced by Fredrik Malmberg and Chris Morgan. Remember that iconic scene of Conan sitting on a throne looking pensively grim? The new movie takes place after that. Malmberg told Deadline:

The original ended with Arnold on the throne as a seasoned warrior, and this is the take of the film we will make. It’s that Nordic Viking mythic guy who has played the role of king, warrior, soldier and mercenary, and who has bedded more women than anyone, nearing the last cycle of his life. He knows he’ll be going to Valhalla, and wants to go out with a good battle.

Sadly, the 1984 sequel Conan the Destroyer is being ignored as Conan canon. It would have been fun to see an old Grace Jones and the now-MILFy Olivia D’Abo.

Seriously though, I’m intrigued by the premised of a movie about an old Conan but fear this will turn out to be garbage. John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian was a dramatic and powerful action movie. I worry about this sequel being too soft and light.

What do you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger taking up the sword again? Are you interested in The Legend of Conan?

Source

Coffee Talk #529: Where Have All the Jobbers Gone?

One of the few things I hate about pro-wrestling’s rise to mainstream popularity is that it has killed the traditional jobber. I’m talking about guys that looked ordinary or out of shape or ugly. Fancifully referred to as “enhancement talent,” these guys had one purpose professionally: make the stars look superstars. These days, a typical jobber is someone like Heath Slater. He’s a handsome young man with a fantastic physique. In the ’80s, there’s no way this guy would have been a jobber. Sadly, modern television dictates that plain-looking or unattractive people can’t be on the air, even their sole purpose in life is to lose while making their opponent look like Hercules…more

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, how stunning Kiera Knightley looks without makeup, the Tigers’ impotent World Series performance, or LeBron-to-the-Lakers speculation, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

One of the few things I hate about pro-wrestling’s rise to mainstream popularity is that it has killed the traditional jobber. I’m talking about guys that looked ordinary or out of shape or ugly. Fancifully referred to as “enhancement talent,” these guys had one purpose professionally — make the stars look superstars. These days, a typical jobber is someone like Heath Slater. He’s a handsome young man with a fantastic physique. In the ’80s, there’s no way this guy would have been a jobber. Sadly, modern television dictates that plain-looking or unattractive people can’t be on the air, even if their sole purpose in life is to lose while making their opponent look like Hercules.

I didn’t realize how much I missed jobbers until WWE brought some in for Ryback’s push. While those guys were still more polished and better looking than the jobbers of yore, they seemed like a different class of people than WWE Superstars. I miss that. I miss guys like Mike Jackson (video below) that could go toe-to-toe with Ric Flair, but could also be mistaken for a disgruntled accountant. I miss guys like Bill and Randy Mulkey (pictured above) that fought against some of the best tag-teams in pro-wrestling history, but also looked liked brothers that offered landscaping services. While these guys had ring skills, their bodies were “normal” and their facial features were ordinary. Their plainness helped make guys like Flair, Magnum T.A., Lex Luger, and Nikita Koloff look larger than life.

Do you miss classic pro-wrestling jobbers? Who are some of the members of your personal Jobber Hall of Fame? Leave a comment and let me know (please!).

Watch Axl Rose Butcher “Welcome to the Jungle”

Check out this live performance of Guns N’ Roses performing “Welcome to the Jungle” at a show last week at Bridge School…and prepare to weep. Axl Rose was completely awful. From greeting the crowd with a “Yee ha!” to his horrendous voice to his heart-attack mimicking mannerisms, everything about this live torture session performance was pathetic.

I remember the first time I saw the video for this Apetite for Destruction classic. I was amazed that something that raw and hard and heavy was on MTV. Axl’s now-wretched voice paired with an acoustic guitar have almost ruined the song for me. It’s so, so bad.

Slash was right to leave this bum.

[Thanks to Justin Killian for the link!]