October 2014

Top Closure Zip Tie Bandages Could Save Lives!

I admit, I don’t know much about stitches. What I do know is that doing them right requires doing them carefully in a sterile environment, and in an emergency where someone needs stitches quickly you may not have either. However, an Israeli plastic surgeon may have fixed this by mixing band aids with a zip tie for Zip Tie Bandages!


Anker Astro Mini 3200 External Battery Review: Power in a Tube!

I’ve written about many external battery packs that hold 9,000mAh or more, but I haven’t covered much in the sub-5000mAh area, and that’s a shame. If I’m going out for the evening, I’ll inevitably need a boost, but I won’t want to carry a bulky battery pack; that’s where the lipstick-sized Anker Astro Mini comes in. It’s evening bag friendly.


The TravelBuddy Is a Tiny Travel Charger Without Cables

If you want the smallest iPhone and iPad travel charger possible, and you don’t want to fool with cables, then the TravelBuddy is going to be your perfect solution. This compact wall charger makes it possible for you to plug-in anywhere and charge your iOS device. For as little as $30 you can get in on this Kickstarter project. The makers of TravelBuddy have already made it through one successful Kickstarter charging product, and they will be producing it in an Apple-Certified Chinese factory. Apple has already approved their initial design, so you can back this product with confidence — it’s not some fly-by-night…


Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker

We reviewed the Harman Kardon Esquire a short time ago and were impressed; it sounds as gorgeous as it looks. I was thrilled to see that the company was releasing the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker. This smaller version of the Esquire is under $150, and it has the same refined look and feel as its big brother.


Juno Power Konnect Two 9000 External Battery Has Power to Spare

Lesson 1: External batteries are a must-have item when traveling. Even if it just for a day. Lesson 2: Pay attention to lesson 1. Each time I disregard Lessons 1 and 2 I have issues. Most recently I DID have an external battery, but it was too small for my needs. The Juno Power Konnect Two 9000 External Battery isn’t.


Genius DVR-FHD568 Dash Cam Review – A Solid Budget Option

The Genius DVR-FHD568 is the new dash cam powerhouse on the market today. This high-def vehicle recorder can record up to 1080p resolution with a 140-degree lens and crisp 2.4” LCD screen on the back. This dash cam also has a built-in G sensor, which detects a crash and will protect that specific video file. The Genius DVR-FHD568 retails for $169.99.


Our Long National Nightmare is Over, Sleater-Kinney Are REUNITING!

I will never forget the moment I popped my first Sleater-Kinney CD into my stereo and heard the opening chords of “Dig Me Out”. From that sound forward my musical tastes were fixed in a specific hierarchy: Sleater-Kinney, and everyone else a distant second. I was heartbroken when they disbanded in 2006, but today they’ve announced a surprise reunion and album!


2014 Nissan Titan PRO-4X and a Salute to Project Titan

Some vehicle models just seem to come around often here in the GearDiary test driveway, and the Nissan Titan pickup seems to be one of them. I drove it when it first launched more than a decade ago, punished it on a wet off-road track in North Texas and most recently saw my third Titan in the past five years.


Marshall Monitor Headphones Music on My Ears

Marshall, Marshall, Marshall…sorry, couldn’t resist. You see, I have three Marshall sound reproduction devices sitting in front of me in the form of Minor in-ear headphones, Major on-ear headphones and new Marshall Monitor headphones. Marshall, long known for its electric sound reproduction equipment for stage and studio now offers a full line of wearables for our digital lives.


I Can Hear You Now Thanks to the IPEVO VX-1 Internet Conference Station

My synagogue’s executive director recently asked me to look into purchasing a conferencing device so Board members unable to attend our monthly meeting could still be part of the conversation. I’ll admit it never would have occurred to me to check out the IPEVO VX-1 Internet Conference Station were I not offered one for review. I was and am impressed.


Evutec Karbon Osprey S Series for iPhone 6 Review

If you are looking for thin, light and inexpensive protection for your iPhone 6, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Evutec Karbon Osprey S Series for iPhone 6. Evutec isn’t a familiar name to many, but it should be. Their cases are Kevlar reinforced, feather light, supermodel thin, and they offer terrific value.


10 Worst Things from the October Apple iPad Launch

This week Apple held its second product announcement meeting in as many months, this time focusing on the iPad and Mac and Mac OS X. While the September meeting featured the major announcements of large-screen iPhones and the Apple Watch, the October announcements were more subdued – but let’s focus on the disappointing Apple iPad announcements.


Thoughts on the Nexus 9

Last year’s Nexus 7 is a great device, but it does have some limitations.  Namely, the 16:9 screen is not optimized for work as it’s really short when in landscape mode.  The Nexus 9 no longer has this issue, as it has a 4:3 formatted screen just like the iPad.


Ghostbusters Renaissance with Fruit Ninja and a Potential New Movie!

Remember Fruit Ninja? That oddly zen game of thwacking fruit that we all got hooked on in the early days of iOS? Well there’s something strange in the Fruit Ninja Dojo…guess it’s time to call Ghostbusters! Of course, do you call the Famous Original Ghostbusters ,or the future rebooted all-women Ghostbusters? It’s a Ghostbusters renaissance! (A ghostaissance? A renaibust?)


Waterfield Outback Slip Case for iPad Is a Lesson in Contrasts

If you are planning to pick up a new Apple iPad you’ll want to make sure your investment is well-protected. The new Waterfield Outback Slip Case for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 are a great option… and a lesson in contrasts. The tablets are sleek and refined. The cases are rough and ready. It’s a great combination!


Destiny Review on PlayStation 4/Xbox One

Destiny has come calling to gamers everywhere as Bungie, the game producer that brought the world Halo, offers several game elements, styles, and genres in one action role-playing, first-person shooter (FPS). Though the story gets deeper than needed, players can easily find amazing experiences, challenges and victories amid a post-apocalyptic world set 700 years into the future.


Element Case Soft-Tec Case for iPhone 6 Is Affordable Luxury

One of the best things about the release of a new iPhone design is the commensurate release of new Element Case cases. We’re huge fans of their products and the Element Case Soft-Tec Case for iPhone 6 is a reminder why. The folio-style case is thin, light, highly protective, nicely functional and, perhaps best of all, it is under $50.



Google Announces Nexus 6 – Too Big? Too Expensive?

Google today announced their widely anticipated Nexus 6 Android flagship smartphone. They  unveiled two additional devices – one a Nexus 9 – a 8.9″ IPS screened tablet sporting 8MP rear camera, 1.6MP front camera. The other a Nexus Player featuring apps, games and more for your TV. Both the tablet and smartphone will run the latest version of Android 5.0 – now known as Lollipop.


Altego Lunar Mirror Messenger Bag Totes the Load

When selecting a messenger bag, especially to actually use on a bicycle like they were originally intended for, balance is everything. It’s important to maintain a proper balance between being big enough to hold your stuff and not too bulky to ride with. And the actual balance of the payload is critical. The Altego Lunar Mirror Messenger has it all!