2014

2014 Lexus LS 460 Shows Germans It Can Be a Good Sport

In 1989, Lexus introduced its flagship sedan to the world, dubbed LS. Over the past 25 years the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales has tweaked and honed this impressive alternate choice to the German hierarchy into its current form of the LS 460, and offers it in standard, long wheelbase, hybrid and, as we tested, F Sport forms.


The Golden Notebook Nails Why Paper beats eBook

We are on vacation in Woodstock, NY, and the local bookstore had a very entertaining comic in the window. If the picture isn’t clear, it shows a 90lb weakling getting stronger from reading the complete works of Plato in hardcover, then smacking for using an ebook reader on the beach. Certainly one advantage to hardcover!  



7 Reasons an #Intel2in1 Might Be Ideal for College #ad

This is a sponsored post; we received compensation from Intel, but all opinions are the author’s. I’ve been using a Mac for more than 5 years and never thought I would go back to using a Windows laptop or desktop. When Intel offered me the opportunity to become part of the #Intel2in1 program,  I couldn’t say no. I’m impressed by the device and think it might be ideal for someone heading off to college. Here’s why.



Squatty Potty: A Gear “Dare-iary” Review

It’s an age-old question: (put delicately) does a bear go to bathroom in the woods? Of course the answer is yes, but until a few generations ago, so did humans. The makers of the Squatty Potty toilet stool believe the progress that is indoor plumbing may be harmful to your colon health. Here’s a quick look at their proposed solution: First a little background. The team here at Gear Diary has a pretty lively online chat community where we discuss tech trends and possible review topics. But we also are friends who like to support each other when someone needs…


Mario Kart 8 Review on Nintendo Wii U

This entertaining Wii U exclusive motors through multiple modes on the way to a satisfying racing experience. Mario Kart 8 continues a grand tradition in the game series with racing, friendly thwarting, and performance boosts featuring Gamepad play (as a second screen), outstanding graphics, and gameplay highlight sharing all in impressively colorful HD graphics.


Facebook Has a Nomenclature Problem. I Have a Solution

Until recently Facebook was, for me, mostly about communicating with Judie and the Gear Diary team. In the past few weeks however that has changed. And as I have used Facebook more and more I’m finding the “Like” button to be a fundamental flaw in Facebook’s approach. When strong emotions are involved the “like” button simply doesn’t cut it.


Incipio FREQUENCY Case for Sony Xperia Z2

While Judie continues to use her Sony Xperia Z2 sans case almost all the time I continue to look for the case that will be “just right.” Yes, I want something that is the right balance of protection, refinement, great looks and sharp, complimentary design. I hoped the Incipio FREQUENCY for the Sony Xperia Z2 might be it.


Ultimate Ears UE Boom Limited Edition Announced

The Ultimate Ears UE Boom is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers we have had the opportunity to review. (Read my review.) Perhaps the most compelling aspect of it – besides the great sound, battery life and superb build quality – is the fact that ultimate ears has continually found ways to update the speaker since it was first released.


TYLT ENERGI+ BACKPACK May Be Perfect for Back-to-School

TYLT offers some of the more interesting smartphone and tablet accessories on the market today. The TYLT ENERGI+ BACKPACK With Built-in Battery applies that same design talent to something that just may be the perfect backpack for anyone heading off to college next month. At just under $200 it may look pricey but it is actually a great deal.


Blue Microphones Announces Mikey Digital with Lightning

I’m constantly on the hunt for new ways to grab better video and audio with my iPad mini. And while there have been a number of different external microphones that have come to market I have yet to find one that I wanted to use consistently. That may change with the release of the Blue Microphone Mikey Digital with Lightning.


Synology DS415play 4-bay NAS System Coming Soon!

Synology has recently announced the new DS415play, a four-bay Network Attached Storage system targeted at home media streaming. The DS415play has built-in video transcoding so that you can stream your media to any media streaming device much more easily. This powerful NAS system can accept up to 20TB of raw storage! The DS415play will be available in August for $539.99.



2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is Bowtie’s Best Yet

With each passing model year the field of fullsize SUVs has grown smaller as many automakers have chosen to go to a large crossover utility platform. Not so at GM. Chevrolet has redesigned the 2015 Tahoe inside and out looking to make the model more functional and refined while also keeping the vehicle relevant for consumers wants and needs.



The Narrative Clip, A Gadget I Really Wanted to Love

When the Narrative Clip arrived I was excited. Sure, having a small 5MP wearable camera that takes a new picture every 30 seconds would have been great during my recent trip to Israel but it sadly arrived the day after I left. Still, I could see many ways this unobtrusive gadget might make a great photographic diary going forward.


The Sims 4 Gameplay Preview Video Releases

Electronic Arts has released a The Sims 4 gameplay preview video featuring raw video footage to prime players for the worldwide September 2, 2014 release on PC and Mac computer. In the future, players might also likely see eventual The Sims 4 console versions, similar to the widely popular The Sims 3 that launched in June 2009.



The Incipio OffGRID Thin iPhone Battery Case is the Total Package

I love iPhone battery cases. They’re convenient because they provide an extra boost when your phone’s battery inevitably wears down, but most battery cases are bulky and heavy. Introducing the Incipio offGRID, a thin battery case for the iPhone 5 and 5s that provides an extra 180% battery capacity with minimal bulk. The Incipio offGRID retails for $79.99.


IOGEAR Wireless Mobile and PC to HDTV With WiDi and Miracast Review

Apple TV lets you access iTunes or view content from a Mac or iOS device on the big screen. The same holds true for Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV. Unfortunately, each only works with devices in that company’s ecosystem. Looking for something more platform agnostic? Check out the IOGEAR Wireless Mobile and PC to HDTV With WiDi and Miracast.