Reviews by maddogsurrender

maddogsurrender says "Full-featured Windows Mobile 6.5 Smartphone" about HTC - tilt 2 Cell Phone

maddogsurrender — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:21:25 GMT

The Tilt 2 is one of the new generation of Windows Mobile 6.5 SmartPhones. I had trouble with the soft keys on the Pure, and the wider screen on the Tilt 2 resolved that. Plus, having the hard keys available makes this a great device if you are looking for an "office on the go". It includes the Office Mobile apps, and is the first phone that made OneNote mobile a killer app for me.

The camera is high quality as well. The Pure had a 5Mp camera, and the Tilt 2 has only a 3.2Mp. But the pictures seem to come out as nicely as the Pure. I thought that there would be a way to post a picture directly to Facebook or Spaces, etc. As of yet, I have not figured out if that is possible.

The reason that they call this the Tilt is that the slide-out keyboard tilts to face you. It makes the unit feel like a tiny netbook in your hands. This makes it a pretty comfortable experience if you do a lot of email on your phone. I honestly wouldn't say that this is the number one feature...

...

maddogsurrender says "starting to forget what life was like before it" about Amazon - Kindle

maddogsurrender — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:38:18 GMT

...

maddogsurrender says "Worth every dollar for the comfort" about Bang & Olufsen EarSet 2 Bluetooth Headset

maddogsurrender — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:34:35 GMT

OK, I know it is expensive...really expensive...but there has to be other people out there like me who have had a very hard time finding a comfortable headset. I have struggled with headsets that have flimsy ear loops, and those that have ear buds that invariably fall off mid conversation if you as much as turn your head. This is secure, comfortable, and the sound is perfect. Every time. It lasts for days on a charge, and it charges quickly.

I have used the EarSet with both my cell phone and my computer. I use it with Office Communication Server for VOIP conferencing, and it is pretty much flawless.

...

maddogsurrender says "Very disappointing baggage handling service" about United Airlines

maddogsurrender — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:44:27 GMT

I will spare you the details, and I understand that bags are lost from time to time. But the handling of the situation was abysmal. On a trip from Chicago to Paris, my luggage was delayed by about 36 hours. I was told over the phone that my replacement clothing would be reimbursed up to $150 (hardly enough for two days of clothing in Paris). I was also told that my entire cost of toiletries would be reimbursed (46 EUR). I was even given an address where I should send the receipts.

I received the $150 check, and received a separate letter that they would not honor their baggage service reps committment to reimburse for toiletrie items. Obviously, no phone number of email was provided so that I could discuss my claim. I reiterated in writing that United had already committed to reimbursement, and again they wrote me declining to provide what was promissed.

Disappointing to have them lose a lifetime customer.

...

maddogsurrender says "As fun as it is fuel efficient" about Smart ForTwo - 2008

maddogsurrender — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:34:18 GMT

I first fell in love with the Smart Car when I saw them all over Europe about ten or twelve years ago. About 2/3 the size of a Mini Cooper, it is the ideal city car. You can park it just about anywhere, even the tightest of spots (and semi-legal spots). So when I heard that they were coming to North America, I jumped on the waiting list. Two years later, they were under production and we got our Smart Car. We purchased the convertable, since we planned on using it pretty much just around the city (Chicago). It has been a really fun car to drive. It does not drive as smooth as, say, a luxury car. And it certainly doesn't take bumps as well. But the fact that it is quite peppy and gets us about 45 mpg makes up for all of that and more.

A couple of neat little features:

1) If you get tired of the color of your car, you can take it back to the dealer and have them replace the panels for about $1000.

2) There is actually trunk space. I have had a passenger, two dogs, and a...

...

maddogsurrender says "Good lunch spot near the loop." about Naniwa - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:18:08 GMT

...

maddogsurrender says "A classic!" about Kamehachi Old Town - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:17:27 GMT

...

maddogsurrender says "Beautiful view of the river" about Japonais - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:17:06 GMT

...

maddogsurrender says "great plumb wine" about Bob San Sushi - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:15:53 GMT

...

maddogsurrender says "Flavor, service, and ambiance!" about Casbah Cafe - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:44:56 GMT

If you live on the north side of Chicago, you have probably passed this place dozens of times. Now it is time to stop in! The place is small and charming. The food can only be described as eclectic Mediterranean. The brochettes are prepared with couscous, apricots, pistachio sauce, and (when in season) pomegranates. Vegetarians are very welcome here, and the owner will go out of his way to make you feel at home. My favorite item is the Jerusalem Salad, which is prepared with their own unique dressing recipe. The staff are extremely affable and knowledgeable and they make this place a hidden treasure. If you go, plan on spending the evening since you will not want to leave!...

maddogsurrender says "The most professionally run salon I have ever seen" about Salon Buzz - Dina and Andreas - Chicago, IL

maddogsurrender — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:26:33 GMT

On first blush, you think "wow, this place is beautiful, I'm going to be pampered". And after coming in a few times and wondering how it is that they always are able to anticipate your needs, you realize how much effort and detail must be going on behind the scenes to make an operation like this work the way it does.

The hair stylists are professionals in the true sense of the word. They go all over the world to get the best training and to understand the latest emerging trends. Dina, who does my hair, embodies that professionalism. And, may I add, she is a doll.

The owner, Andreas, is the fine combination of a craftsman, visionary, and business man. He has built an incredible business based on providing his customers with the best combination of pampering and style.

They also have another location at 310 W. Superior.

...