I’m the kind of guy who loves a good product that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and does that excellently.  I don’t need frills, and it doesn’t need to be able to check my email, it just needs to do what it is intended to do.

With that in mind, I’ve been searching for a travel mug.  Here’s what I wanted from a travel mug (also these are the reasons why I could never find the perfect one… until now):

1. It should be easily carried (and used) with one hand; this includes opening it, sipping from it, and closing it

2. It should be well insulated and able to keep drinks warm or cold for at least a couple of hours

3.  It should be easy to clean and reuse

That’s it.  Sadly, I’ve tried many different brands (most more expensive than the fantastic one I finally found), and none of them were able to meet my 3 simple needs… until now.  I introduce to you, my new favorite Product that just plain works: The Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug.

This cup is sexy.  It’s simple.  It does exactly what it is supposed to, and looks great doing it.  The lid seals perfectly (you can spin it in the air and it wont leak).  The push-button sipping mechanism is easy to use with one hand and flows perfectly.  Twist off the lid when finished, rinse out the cup and run hot water through the lid and you’re ready to go again.

I tested it this morning for it’s ability to keep coffee warm.  I made a cup at around 7am, and when I took the last sip at around 10:05 am it was still really warm.  Since most cups of coffee don’t last 3 hours (I was really trying to stretch it), I’d imagine the insulation in this mug is more than enough.

So that’s it.  I’ve finally satisfied my desire for the perfect travel mug.   And here is the lowest price I could find online so that you can satisfy that need as well.  Enjoy!

Contigo 16-Ounce Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler – $19.95

Or if you want to get one for yourself and one for a special someone else, here’s a two pack!

Contigo Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Mugs in Silver and Green – 2 Pack $38.95

Do you know of a product that just plain works?  Contact me with details and share your awesome find with everyone else.  If it sounds like something we’d be into, I’ll pick one up and write a review.  And you may just help someone find the perfect product they’ve been looking for.  Click here to recommend a product that just plain works.

Some of us are headed back to school.  Others of us just want some new gadgets.  So what gadgets are hot right now?  TwentiesLife has got you covered.  Now be forewarned:  Most of these gadgets will make you cooler.  Many of them will impress your peers.  Some of them will help out your dating situation.  And one or two might actually be useful when that dating situation progresses to something worth watching over and over, if you know what I mean…  Here come some pretty awesome stuff.

Canon PowerShot A490 10.0 MP Digital Camera

Have you ever used a Canon Powershot?  If you have, you know why I’m recommending it.  If you haven’t, you need to get your hands on one of these.  It’s the only point-and-shoot camera that I could use.  In fact, it’s the only camera I like that isn’t a Digital SLR.  Need something that just works well and takes phenomenal pictures?  This is the camera for you. Price $84.00

Logitech Webcam C210

Are you using Skype?  Google Chat?  AIM?  MSN Messenger?  Yahoo Messanger?  Are you video chatting?  If not, it’s time to get with the times.  Video chatting is so much more fun than text chatting.  You can see and hear your friends/family from all over the world.  It’s awesome!  And this webcam will help you do just that.  Logitech makes solid products that will last you as long as you want to use them.  Don’t think, just buy. Price $29.99

Sanyo HD Waterproof Camcorder

Over the summer I went to Antigua, West Indies.  The beaches were amazing, and I could actually swim with the fish.  How awesome would it have been to be able to capture that for less than $200, and in High Definition?!?  I need to grab this thing, and if you live a life worth sharing with others, you do too.  It’s insane to think that just a few years ago, camcorders were only for rich people.  Now we can all make our own HD movies! Price $179

Apple iPad

I’m going to explain this as simply as possible;  if you are the average computer/gadget user, this product will blow your mind.  If you are the kind of person who doesn’t like the iphone because Apple limits what you can do with it, you’ll still like this product, but you wont love it.  I am the latter, and I still like the iPad because I can watch videos, read books, browse the internet, and even control my desktop computer, all from my bed/car/office/wherever.  It can’t do everything I might like it to, but the things it does do, it does well.  Read more about what I think of the iPad here.  At the end of the day, the product just has to work, and iPad works well.  At $599, it’s a little steep, but when you consider just how often you can use this over your phone/kindle/laptop/desktop/magazines/books/coffee table(?!) it’s worth it’s weight in gold.  Or at least $599.  Price $599

Macbook Pro

At the risk of sounding like an Apple Fanboy, let me preface with this:  I own a mac, but I don’t use it.  It is my wife’s new Macbook, and because she just started medical school and needs something functional, simple, with a long battery life, and without worry, we chose the Macbook Pro.  Sure, we could have found a laptop with twice the hardware for half the price.  Sure we could have installed Linux and figured out a way to make everything work.  Sure we could have installed a bunch of anti-spyware software and hoped for the best.  But we didn’t want to have to worry.  We just wanted it to work.  And since she isn’t as “techie” as me, I knew the Macbook was the perfect solution for her.  If this sounds like you, then it’s perfect for you too.  Just buy the Macbook.  Or don’t.  You won’t hurt my feelings (my laptop is an HP)… Price $1139.89

That’s it for the back-to-school round up.  Did I leave anything out?  What do you have to run out and get before school?  What’s your favorite back to school gadget?  Tell us in the comments below.

When I first heard of the iPad, I wondered why anyone would be willing to pay the price for it.  It’s expensive, and seemingly not nearly worth the cost.  Plus have you ever met an Apple Fanboy?  They are basically the biggest losers of the tech world.  But everything changed when I got one for free (I won a drawing for one at my apartment complex…).  I was excited at first, just because I’ve never really won anything before.  But when I started using it (I’ve had it for a week now), I realized that it could fill holes in my life that I just got used to, but never should have.  As you’ve probably heard before, it fills voids that you didn’t know existed.  Now granted, it doesn’t really do any of them better than a device dedicated to doing the same thing does, but it also means you don’t have to carry 20 devices.  Allow me to explain a few:

Books and Magazines

Plain and simple, books and magazines look awesome on this thing.  This is actually something I could fall in love with, since I’m the kind of guy that loves to have at least 1 book and magazine with me at all times (I love to read).  Sure, I have to pay for them all (or share with a friend), but now I have about 40 books and 15 magazines with me everywhere I go.  My reading productivity will definitely increase.

Videos and Music

Youtube, Netflix, ABC Player, iPod, and iTunes.  Basically you can watch or listen to whatever you want.  The screen is crisp and bright and looks great.  I have the Wifi version and it streams fantastically, as long as you have decent internet service.  I heard that there is even a DJ software that you can use, and the iPad can become the only hardware you need to power your party.  I’m no DJ, but that sounds pretty awesome to me.  And even with the 16 gb version, you can fit plenty of music and videos on this bad boy.

News Reader

As a young professional as well as a citizen of this world, it’s important that I keep up with current events, politics, and other worldly news.  With the iPad and a few trusty news apps (BBC, USA Today, Fluent News, NYTimes, AP News, Newsweek and Wired), I can keep up with everything going on around the world without having to head to my office or boot up my laptop (I’m not a paper reader).  All of these apps are free and will keep you connected to your fellow humans.

References (or B.S. checker)

A perfect bet settler or just reference tool, the iPad has access to apps that can help you reference just about anything you are looking for.  With apps like Wikipanion, Google, Dictionary, Google Earth, and WebMD you can find whatever you need, and fast, faster even than you could with your computer.

Internet Browser

I’ll be honest: I owned an iPhone when the first generation one came out.  I kept it for about a year, then switched to  Blackberry.  I loved the iPhone, but I couldn’t stand typing on a touch screen (responding to emails and such).  The thing I missed most about the iPhone was it’s amazing internet browsing.  It’s unbeatable… unless of course you own an iPad.  This thing is the greatest internet browsing tool I’ve ever used.  It’s faster than Chrome, which in my experience is the fastest browser for PC (I’m not a mac user).  I love browsing on the iPad.  Other than it not having flash (which I’m not a huge fan of anyways), it just works well.

Gaming

I’m a bit of a gamer, so I really wanted to test this aspect.  I haven’t played many games on this thing yet, but the games I’ve played are ok.  They are fun and I’d definitely play them if I was waiting in line or just sitting around, but I haven’t played any that I’d choose over booting up the PC for some hardcore action.  Anyone have an iPad game they love?  Recommend a good one to me.

My Favorite Tools

I’m a computer nerd.  You probably aren’t.  But in case you are, you’ll enjoy these tools which make the iPad really fun for me.  TwentiesLife.com is a WordPress blog; there is a WordPress app for iPad, which means I can now be a mobile blogger.  I invest with Etrade; there is an Etrade app that makes investing and managing my money a breeze.  I am a Dropbox addict, and the ipad Dropbox app is just about the greatest app of all time.  I love Stumbleupon, and of course there’s an app for that.  I also love watching TedTalks, and there’s an app for that.  There are plenty more, but I won’t waste your time explaining them all.

Overall

The hardware of the iPad is great, but it’s not groundbreaking.  I don’t think they’ve squeezed anything super amazing into this thing.  What makes the iPad so amazing is the App Store.  The developers of the iPad apps are the ones who make it something worth having.  Basically you pay $500 (or whatever they cost) for access to the simplest, greatest mobile apps you could get your hands on.

You can grab your iPad here!

Thanks to everyone that entered the contests for the Lenovo computer giveaways.  You all came up with some brilliant entries and made it a very difficult decision.  But without further ado…

The Lenovo A63 with Dual Monitors goes to: Edward Tiburon of Newark, Nj!

And

The Lenovo A70z All-in-One goes to: Rosanna Draper of League City, Tx!

Congrats to the winners of the contest, as you had some stiff competition.  To the rest of you stay tuned as we always have other giveaways coming up at TwentiesLife.  But if you just can’t wait, here are a few more sites giving away some great Lenovo computers.

Gear Live / 11-Jul - 15-Jul
The Art of Accessories / 12-Jul – 16-Jul
HackCollege / 13-Jul - 17-Jul
Neowin / 14-Jul - 18-Jul
Absolutely Windows / 15-Jul - 19-Jul
SDR News / 16-Jul - 20-Jul
Gear Diary / 17-Jul - 21-Jul
ClintonFitch.com / 18-Jul - 22-Jul
OSNN / 19-Jul - 23-Jul
ActiveWin / 20-Jul - 24-Jul

Wow! As if giving away one awesome lenovo computer wasn’t enough, we’ve got another one for you! This one is super cool as well. It’s a Lenovo A70z all-in-one computer (read about it here). It’s sleek, sexy, and free to one of our loyal readers. So how do you win it? Here’s how the contest will go:

1. Subscribe to TwentiesLife here.
2. Become a Facebook Fan.
3. Create a funny theme song for TwentiesLife.  Look over the site, get an idea of what we are all about, and write (and perform if you have the equipment) a funny theme song.  If you have a webcam we’d love for you to sing the theme song, and if not just set the song to a common tune (like mary had a little lamb or old mcdonald had a farm…) and send us the lyrics. ]
4. Leave a comment below telling us why TwentiesLife is so awesome…!

send all entries to admin[at]twentieslife[dot]com

Entries will be judged on how funny, clever, and original they are.  Entries with video will receive higher points.  Good luck and have fun!  I know I will!

Contest ends July 14 at 11:59 p.m. central time.  Good luck!

Here’s the deal folks.  I was recently offered the opportunity to use and review a brand new Lenovo A70Z all in one computer.  Having not heard much from Lenovo in the past few years, I accepted the offer, just to see what they were cooking.  Though I entered into this with little opinion on Lenovo, I’ve left with much more.

First off, this computer is beautiful.  It comes with a 19 inch screen and the entire computer built into it.  The colors of the screen are vivid and the viewing angle is pretty great.  Also, only 1 plug means it’s easy to set up.  My initial opinion is that this is an easy computer to get used to, and a hard one to give up once you have.

Then I got into the hardware of the computer.  It’s a snappy 2.93 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, that out clocks my own AMD tri-core 2.9 Ghz processor.  It comes with 2 Gb ram standard, and is upgradeable to 4 gb.  The geek in me would love 4 gb, but I’ve honestly found no use for more.  It also sports a 320 Gb hard drive, and a pretty great front-mounted webcam for video chatting (which my fiance and I have tested many times).  She loves the quality of the Lenovo camera.

And with stereo speakers and wifi built in, a dvd-burner, and Windows 7 to manage it all, it’s the perfect computer for just about anyone.  It takes up little space on your desk, and can be out of your way when not in use.  I’ve got to say, after not hearing much from Lenovo in the past few years, they’ve really built a machine to get my attention.  I could definitely see this computer being the front end machine for any small business, with it’s small footprint and large power.

I do have one complaint though.  It will probably be minor to most of you, but any super-serious computer user like myself will understand.  It has no secondary monitor option.  There is no video out to plug in a second monitor.  Now for many of you, this may not matter.  But for a user who’s main computer is outputting to a 26 inch monitor with a 20 inch monitor on each side, this is a bit weak.  But as an all in one, you have to realize that that isn’t the ultimate goal of a machine like this.  This thing is a get up and go kind of machine.  And as such, it works fantastically.
If you’ve made it this far in the review, I have great news.  In just a few weeks I’ll be giving this machine away to a lucky ready.  So stay tuned for your chance to win this awesome computer. What would you use this computer for?  Leave a comment below and share with us…

Wanna know more about it?  Check it out here!

First off, let me say this: I am receiving no compensation for this review. I am writing this review because I’ve used this product for over a year, and it is one of the greatest programs I’ve ever used.

For many years the easiest way to transfer files from one computer to another was a disk. Then innovation changed the game with flash media, or USB  flash drives and memory cards. The biggest problem with this is that you must have the media with you when you need it. If you forget your disk or flash drive, you cannot get the media off of it.

The founder of Dropbox realized that this was not the most effective way. Out of frustration of forgetting his drives or losing them, and creativity with software innovation, Dropbox was born.

Dropbox uses cloud computing to create an “internet flash drive” of sorts. You install the software onto your computer, smartphone, or mobile device. Then from any device where your software is installed (or any device that has access to internet) you can add any files to the Dropbox folder and it is automatically synced to every other device that has Dropbox installed.

Forget about carrying your flash drive with the important document on it. Forget about emailing your document to yourself to retrieve later. Forget about connecting your phone to the data cable to transfer files. Just throw the file in your Dropbox, and access the Dropbox from your other device and the file will automatically be there.

But what if your work computer doesn’t have Dropbox? Or what if you are using someone elses computer and you just want to grab a file from your Dropbox? Well, all you have to do is log into your Dropbox online at www.Dropbox.com and you have access to all of your Dropbox files via their web interface.

Never again will you have to carry your files. Your files are on the internet (and every device which you’ve installed Dropbox onto), and you can access them anywhere in the world.

Also you can share “shared” folders with other Dropbox users. This means when you have to work on a project with a fellow student or co-worker, you can share a folder with them and put the files in it. Then you both have access to the files, and they are updated in real time, meaning you wont have to get a new copy from each other every time a change is made. Brilliant!

And there’s nothing to lose. Dropbox offers a free account with 2gb of storage, and when I refer you, we both get an extra 250mb (referral link here). You may not want to use it to store movies, but documents, music, pictures, and even software will fit just fine. And if you decide you love it as much as I do, there are paid accounts that offer much more storage.

So go ahead and sign up for the free account. I’ve used it for more than a year now and have no intention of ever stopping. It’s the greatest software I’ve ever used, and I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with it too!

TwentiesLife is a business.  That’s obvious.  But what’s not so obvious is what is required to run such a business.  I’ve run blog style websites for over 3 years now, and while I’m still no expert (haven’t made my millions yet), I know what it takes to run such a site.

Simply put, you need a lot of geeky computer gear.  Or maybe just one awesome computer packed with all your necessary software.  I recently was given the opportunity to test such a computer, built with the small business owner in mind (Full Disclosure: I was lent this computer, along with two monitors, on a long term loan to do a full review).  Let me start by saying this:  this computer isn’t going to run your favorite hardcore 3D games, nor would I suggest using it for hardcore video, audio, or image rendering.  But for what a business requires, and for the price it’s offered at, this computer does great.

So what computer are we talking about?  Why it’s the Lenovo A63 Desktop computer.  Capable of supporting multiple monitors (two out of the box, but you can add a video card for more), with a fast hard drive (7200 rpm), a lot of space (320 gb) and a snappy processor (AMD tri-core).  It also comes with Windows 7 pre-installed.  And in case you haven’t used Windows 7, it’s the best thing windows has made since Windows 98SE.

So I’ve decided to use this computer for everything I need to run TwentiesLife and my web design company, FinestDesignest.com.  I write my posts on it, create the images, do all the web editing and designing, run the social campaigns, etc.  I even control the computer remotely from work, school, etc.  And I do all of my torrent downloading on this dedicated machine.  This computer is capable of it all.  And with the two 19 inch Lenovo screens that it came with, it does it all with style.

I’ll be honest.  Being a computer nerd, I’d love to have more power.  Not because my work lagged or there were any shortcoming of this computer (because there weren’t).  Just because I am a power hog.  But when it comes to pricing a computer for business use, and you consider that many businesses need multiple computers, you build something with price in mind as much as power.  And the Lenovo A63 is the perfect balance of power and price.  And being backed with the Lenovo name, it’s definitely something worth considering when choosing your small business’s computing solution.

Like all internet reviews, you need to consider what you need and choose accordingly.  Maybe you’ll need more, maybe you’ll need less.  But if this computer fits your needs, I’d suggest picking one up.  You won’t regret it.  You can customize and buy your Lenovo A63 here.

To get a jump start on summer, we decided to do some research and find out what gadgets will really make this the best possible summer.  We’ve come up with some gadgets that will be fun, some to capture the coolest moments of the summer, and some to relax and enjoy some down time.  These gadgets should really boost your summer break.  So grab these awesome gadgets and really enjoy your summer break!

Apple iPad 16 GB

The Apple iPad is the gadget of the year.  Everyone want’s to get there hands on it.  Be the first in your group to have one!

Amazon Kindle

Some might ask, “why get the kindle if you already got an iPad?”  The fact is that it’s easier on the eyes to read from a kindle than an iPad.  Don’t want to carry your books everywhere you go?  Now you don’t have to.

Apple Macbook

Macbooks are pretty awesome.  They are shiny, packed with good hardware, and you don’t have to worry about getting viruses.  Tired of your windows machine running slowly?  Get a Mac.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes

Capture every awesome moment this summer with your shiny new FlipCam.  It records in 720p HD, which means you can even shoot some home-made movies.  Gather your friends and come up with a story.  You could be the next youtube sensation!

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera

Canon SD series point and shoot cameras are the best I’ve ever used.  The pictures come out so clear, the colors rich, and they are just super easy to use.  You don’t even have to mess with any settings.  Just put it on auto and click away!  Summer never looked so good!

Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation)

With the hundreds of thousands of great apps in itunes, how could you possibly afford not to use one of these awesome gadgets?  And you can even carry your music and favorite photos and videos on this awesome device as well.  Don’t think, just purchase!

Garmin nüvi 780 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Now you won’t get lost on your way to the Grand Canyon, or Daytona Beach, or wherever this summer may find you.  This even has traffic updates!  Can’t beat that!

So if you stockpile these awesome gadgets, and add a dash of creativity, you’re bound to have some stories, videos, and pictures of your greatest summer ever.  What will you use these gadgets for?

Have you ever bought a gadget or electronic only to find out days later that there is a better model, cheaper model, or that you just aren’t satisfied with your purchase?  It happens to all of us sooner or later.  Luckily, here at TwentiesLife, you’ve got a techie nerd who loves keeping up with gadgets.  Ibrahim is like that guy you call when your computer breaks.  You know, the one who tells you that it’s because of all the porn you watch (no matter what’s wrong with it…).  That’s him.  And he knows his stuff.  Here are his top picks for this spring.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120min

If you’ve had a chance to play with one of these, you probably realized just how much you need this.  It shoots in 720p HD, can record 2 full hours of video, has rechargeable batteries, and unlike most camcorders, is a breeze to learn and fun to use.  You pull it out of your pocket and within 3 seconds you’re ready to shoot all the girls flashing in Cancun, or your boyfriend about to bust his ass trying to do some stupid bike trick.  Ok, so maybe I’m bitter cause I can’t do any bike tricks.  But still, this camera is awesome.  And the reason I chose this over the other flip hd cams is that this one had HDMI output, which means that with a hdmi cable you can playback right on your TV, to entertain all of your family and friends with your cinematic genius.  Watch out Quentin Tarantino, there’s a new badass in town.

Price: $146.54

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (3rd Generation)

I’m going to be honest.  As a true gadget geek, I try my best to avoid apple products.  Not because they aren’t cool, but because the average person loves them, and everyone knows geeks pride themselves on being anything but average.  The truth is, though, that I just can’t avoid this thing.  I owned an iPhone for about 2 years before realizing that it just didn’t do what I needed as a phone.  But when I switched I realized just how many applications I really missed.  As of spring 2010 Apple still has the market for mobile apps.  Maybe the future will bring a new champ to the top, but facts are facts, and Apple is winning.  Plus, let’s not forget that this is still an mp3 player as well.  You haven’t been treating your huge music collection very kindly lately, and it’s time for a change.  Pick up this iPod touch and do almost everything you can do with the iPhone except make calls (which it doesn’t even do well, but that’s a complaint for another day.

Price $183.99

Kindle

I know you’ve been on the fence about this one.  You wonder if it’s really worth it to pay for books and only have them in digital format.  Or maybe you aren’t ready to read books, newspapers, and magazines on a screen.  Well, let me just tell you that you are wrong.  Plain and simple.  But I’m not just saying this because I’m a genius and thus smarter than you.  No I’m saying this because the Kindle is badass, and if us techies have our way they will all but replace books completely.

They are green (no paper), you can get the book, magazine, or newspaper within 60 seconds of wanting it, and that screen is freaking amazing.  It’s not like anything you’ve looked at before.  It’s not like a tv or computer screen.  It’s like you are reading paper.  I don’t want to get all technical on you, so you need to just see it for yourself.  I could read on this thing all day, and just give up books completely.  Forget about Barnes and Noble, you don’t even have to put pants on to get your favorite book with this bad boy.  Just search, buy, and read.  Can’t beat it.

Price: $259.99

Asus EeePC 10.1 inch Netbook

I owned one of the first Eee PC netbooks.  I loved it.  It lasted 6 hours on a battery, had a huge hard drive (more songs, pictures, and video storage), and could do anything I wanted it to.  Well things have only gotten better since then.  I used this new EeePC netbook and I was so impressed.  It’s thinner (about half the thickness of the one I had), lasts 11 hours (no that’s not a typo), and is sexy!  It’s sexy like a Macbook air, without the arrogance and pretentiousness.  If you don’t have a netbook yet, this is the one you need. Don’t shop around, don’t price compare, don’t do anything but click the button below and get this delivered as fast as you can.

Price: $328.71

Western Digital My Passport 1 TB (1000 GB)

Holy crap, I didn’t even realize they made them this big without needing to be plugged in.  This thing is tiny, sleek, shiny, and fast.  It holds the equivalent of about 500,000 pictures, about 200,000 mp3s, or about 1500 movies.  It could hold more books than your local library.  This thing is serious business.  It’s a little bigger than the average man’s wallet (though it’s much thinner).  If you need portable storage (and trust me, you do), this is the hard drive you need to get your hands on.  It’s relatively inexpensive and is backed by the trusted Western Digital name.  It’s time to backup all those pictures from your high school graduation, previous spring break vacations, family reunions, and the one time you drank a little too much and got frisky with the camera.  Pick this up and it will be years before you need more storage.  Right now they are 25% off, so grab one before the price goes back to retail!

Price: $149.00

So, to wrap things up, you need each of these products to be more tech savy, more interesting, more fun, and basically just cooler overall.  Sure you could get by without 1 or 2 of these, but is that the life you really want to live?  I didn’t think so.  Get um now.

What are your favorite gadgets this spring?  Leave a comment below and show and tell.