One Body Gym / Swiss / Fitness Ball

Whether post-Thanksgiving or the very beginning of Christmas season (or both!) exercise is a good thing to think about at this point in time.  Its amazing just how few, well picked swiss ball exercises can result in a huge increase in core strength and fitness, as well as general balance.  There are many out there, and the one thing most people want to know is how much to spend.  If you're unsure, One Body is a good place to start as they are incredibly cheap.  The disadvantages are mostly centred around the same - its a very 'light' feeling gym ball that doesn't entirely hold its shape, and its sticky.  Whilst the stickiness can help when trying to learn to kneel, it doesn't give as good of an overall feel.  

If you have money, I would truly recommend going up in quality to a more standard ball. My current favourite doesn't seem to be sold anymore, but Gaia's tend to be good quality as well.  Still, its got value for money written all over it, and its entirely functional.  If you *don't* have money, you can still invest in this one.  I got mine for less than £3 on offer!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 1
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 4
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

RIP Steve Jobs - Macbook Pro

My publishing date happening just before his death, I was going to wait until next week but decided that I would do an extra one instead. I wouldn't usually have wandered into something moderately controversial, but it seemed fitting that I tote up a beloved product (I also have an iPod touch which I like, replacing previous iPod + poor obsolete palm). Lets be clear, not everyone needs a Macbook Pro, heck not everyone needs a Mac at all, but unless you programme or otherwise work with computers for a living and are confident what you want, or truly budget strapped, I do recommend them.

The operating system is easy to use, and very sleek, as are the computers themselves, the silvery pros more than many of the others. You wouldn't think that necessarily makes a huge difference, but if you spend loads of time a day in front of your computer, that extra feel good factor will really help. I learned this lesson the hard way, over duvets of all things... its worth spending the extra £100 on something that you use constantly even when budget strapped, even if it means giving up lots of things you thought you wanted or needed. You see the benefits surprisingly quickly. If you rarely use computers tho, your return on investment is lower, and you should consider on other factors.

They are however hard to break both physically and software wise, easy to get repaired under warranty, and the metal casing particularly is rather durable, doesn't even scuff too badly. Yes it can get slightly cold or hot, but not as much as I was expecting (and I think I'm unusual at putting laptops on my bare skin!). Things like pages and iMovie are enough for me to love Mac OS brilliantly, and the monitors are great for setting to colour realism... but now I have my pro, finding a particular love for its structure, weight, and looks. Weigh it up, but give it more consideration than you might have at first glance.


Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 9 (I'm not going to recommend much in this price range in the near future, and probably nothing that actually requires replacing with any regularity...)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 7 (Your mileage may vary in this rating, both more or less)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (Its hardly invincible but its not prone to issues)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10 (Its a great computer with a great battery life, its one of the things I use the most)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7 (Again, mileage may vary)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Its not a perfect outfit or "the cutest thing ever" but I never knew electronics that were well made and looked good could cause such general pleasure in life)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 10

*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: MAYBE, BUT I'D BE UNHAPPY (If I had to live without a computer at all, my life would have to have changed rather drastically from what it is right now, but I could theoretically survive with a different computer, even if I'd be unhappy.)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Female, Male, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors, People who use computers a lot or have the money, or seriously are into style

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.