Latest Posts

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition Review: The First Windows Laptop That Compares to a MacBook

I’ve used MacBooks for years, so when the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15p Aura Edition showed up for review, I was mostly curious whether a Windows machine could hold up in daily use. This is the 15-inch, Panther Lake version of Lenovo‘s redesigned flagship, and it spent the last month as my main computer: at my desk researching and writing reviews, on my lap at night, and in an economy seat on the way to cover the John Deere events in Iowa.

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Smartphones & Gear

ORICO MG7 8-in-1 Magnetic Hub Review: A Handy iPhone Dock with One Hot Issue

I’ve tested plenty of USB-C hubs and portable SSDs, but the ORICO MG7 8-in-1 Magnetic Hub takes an interesting approach by combining both ideas into one little MagSafe-compatible accessory. This compact aluminum square sticks to the back of an iPhone (or any MagSafe-compatible phone/case), adds a collection of useful ports, and has room inside for an optional M.2 NVMe SSD.

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Home Tech

Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Power Station with Smart Transfer Switch Review: Serious Backup Power for When the Grid Goes Dark

I’ve lived deep in the mountains of the American West for nearly a decade, and while I adore our remote life, I don’t love the lack of running water during power outages! Our 20-kilowatt propane Generac generator keeps the party going when the grid goes down, but it doesn’t power our shared well, which is on its own meter. As quaint as bucket flushing might sound, it’s still gross, and I’ve wanted a way to keep the water running since we moved in. Enter Jackery and their Explorer 5000 Plus power station with its little friend, the Smart Transfer Switch.

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