2015

Just for Procrastinators: Some Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Somehow — in between travel, office parties, and life — the holidays have snuck up on you, and you’ve no time left to purchase a gift. That’s okay, thanks to the internet and its own special brand of instant gratification, we’ve got you covered. Every one of these last-minute gifts can be sent via email, and each is awesome.



2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country: The Station Wagon Transformed

A few months ago we introduced you to a few new midsize vehicles from the Volvo portfolio, namely the S60 Inscription and Cross Country sedans and the V60 Cross Country wagon. The sedans were all new at that time while the V60 actually snuck in here midway through last model year, and recently we spent some more time in it.


Actionproof’s SP-06 Provides Sleek, 360-Degree Protection for Your iPhone

Actionproof is back with another great silicon protection case for your Apple products. This time, they’re offering the SP-06 which gives 360-degree protection for your iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, and 6s Plus. It’s a simple, slip-on, thin case that provides protection for all parts of your device. The SP-06 is on sale now starting at $29.99.


Go Anywhere with the Hercules: WAE Outdoor 04 Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

We’ve reviewed a lot of different Bluetooth speakers over the years. Some have been inexpensive. Some have been rugged. Some have sounded great. The Hercules WAE Outdoor 04 Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker brings all those qualities together for under $70! It is, “perfect for when you want to use music to pump you up during any activity or riding.” In the box you will find: the IP66 Bluetooth speaker, a USB charging cable, a Wrist strap, a warranty certificate and a user manual. “Designed for Riders. Perfect for experiencing all of your rides with even more intensity, accompanied by your…


Power Toothpaste Has Been Turbocharging My Mornings!

Recently, I wrote about Power Toothpaste, which takes normal, everyday toothpaste and gives it some oomph with a dosing of caffeine. I’ll be honest-the idea made me laugh, because who thinks to put caffeine in toothpaste? Power Toothpaste was kind enough to let me indulge my inner guinea pig, and I’ve been testing the toothpaste for the last few weeks!


Synology Adds Two New Exciting Products to Their NAS and NVR Lineups

Synology, one of my favorite NAS manufacturers, has announced two new additions to their product lineup. The DS216 NAS targets small workgroups and offices, featuring 111.18 MB/s read, 112.79 MB/s write. The NVR216 Network Video Recorder targets offices and retail spots where space is at a premium and features a dedicated 1080p output and supports up to 9 IP cameras.


Get a Real Minimalistic Wallet Courtesy of Wocket

To start out this review, let me just say: I’ve wasted a LOT of time trying out minimalistic wallets, and “combination cards” (ahem.. COIN) that simply didn’t understand what I wanted when it came to consolidating all of my cards/information. But the Wocket Wallet is the CLOSEST I’ve come to something perfect. The Wocket Wallet is the wallet that actually blends technology, sophistication, leather, and credit cards all in one. They sent me over their wallet to review, and I’ve been doing just that for the past month or so, and I can actually be the one to say this…


UAG iPhone 6/6S Case: Pretty in Pink

When I was a freshman in college, I got my first iPhone as a Christmas present. After having an old-school BlackBerry through high school, the iPhone 5 was a whole new world. Now I’m about to graduate from college, and I have an iPhone 6. That experience is still the same, but one thing that has changed is how we safeguard those devices. Urban Armor Gear is another company that makes and sells protection cases for the iPhone. One of their newer products is the Valkyrie Case for iPhone 6/6S, a case that has the rugged look of an OtterBox…


Links-IT Makes Your Pet’s Collar Safe and Stylish!

Sometimes we get pitches for gadgets that solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Other times, we get pitches for products that solve a problem that we didn’t know could be fixed. Links-It is solidly in the latter category, as it solves the issue of split-rings and pet collars, an annoyance all pet owners know too well!


Enerskin Compression Sleeves are the Skin You Wish You Had!

I have what I somewhat affectionately call a persnickety knee. It has earned the right to be picky after a torn ACL in 2008 and a torn meniscus in 2014. So while I was excited to test out the Enerskin Compression Sleeves, I knew they had to pass an often grumpy and slightly arthritic critic!


Saying Goodbye To Google Project Fi

I joined Project Fi in August of this year. Project Fi is essentially a prepaid phone service for which Google acts as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This is just a fancy term for a company which doesn’t own the cellular towers but merely purchases a bulk block of service from the carrier(s) and resells it.


Add Some Personality to Your iPhone Case with SwitchEasy’s Monster Cases!

Switcheasy is known for making simple, minimalistic cases that not only protect your case, but keep the identity and beauty of your phone just as it would be without the protection. So when they sent me over their SwitchEasy Monsters Case for the iPhone 6s Plus I was pretty stoked to see that they updated the funky looking case they once made for the iPhone 5 for the most updated Apple smartphone. Included in the case itself you’ll receive a screen protector, and a microfiber wipe to clean your screen prior to placing the protector on. Now to be honest I never actually…


Protect Your Apple Watch from the Elements with the Catalyst Case

It’s winter, and you know that means one thing: Snow is bound to happen any day now. Why not weatherproof your fancy new Apple Watch with the Catalyst Case for Apple’s gadget for your wrist? Luckily for me, Catalyst sent me over a model for my Apple Watch 42mm and I love it!   Now before I get into it, I know it might sound ridiculous. Who would possibly want a “waterproof” case for their Apple Watch. And I’ll say this. Everyone wonders why they need things, until they are put in a situation in which they need them. Anyone…


Preserve Your Wines This Holiday Season with Napa Select Products

With Christmas coming up in less than a week, there’s one thing that you’ll surely see at either a Holiday party, or even just at one of your relatives homes: Wine. So why not gift them the best accessories to complement their wine collection with two products by Napa Select that they are certainly going to love? Napa Select sent me over two of their special sets that are also available on Amazon, which is perfect if you’re in the need for a gift for the in-laws, a friend, or even just a gift for yourself. The first set I…


2015 Nissan Murano Sharpens the Cutting Edge

One of the most polarizing vehicles since its original launch has been the Nissan Murano crossover utility vehicle. While it practically invented the midsize crossover segment its unique styling has always pitted consumers against one another and for the new third-generation model things are no different, and it introduced the world to Nissan’s new V-motion design direction.


iRig Acoustic Makes Mobile Guitar Recording Possible

Today’s technology brings many ways for musicians to record and play their instruments. These options are often expensive and difficult to use. IK Multimedia has introduced the iRig Acoustic to solve this issue. The iRig Acoustic ($49.99) is a high quality microphone pickup system that allows acoustic guitar and ukulele players to record and play anywhere. Let’s take a look!


Original Pebble and Pebble Steel Receive the Timeline Update!

Pebble promised when they rolled out a new user interface that it would reach the first generation Pebble and Pebble Steel by the end of the year. They’re cutting it a bit close, but with two weeks to go they’ve finally announced that the original Pebbles could share in the new software with their Time siblings!


Speck 40% Off Sale Ends Today!

Speck makes some of the most solid and best-fitting cases I’ve used. Today is the last day to save 40% on just about everything they offer – as well as receive free shipping which enables your gift to arrive in time for the December holiday.


Rokform Predator Case and Docking Station Are Out of This World

Arriving just in time for everyone’s favorite new sci-fi flick, Rokform announces its new Predator Series phone accessories with the launch of the Predator iPhone 6/6 Plus Case and Predator iPhone Docking Station. These unique items feature X-pattern styling of 6061-T6 aluminum for what may be the coolest new phone case this holiday (and movie release) season.


The Monowear Silver Ceramic Apple Watch Strap: Unexpected Femininity

Most of the bands I’ve tried on my Apple Watch have been leather or sportier rubber styles. I’ve stayed away from the metal bands because they either looked too fussy, clunky, or masculine. The Monowear Silver Ceramic Strap is a lovely change of pace; it’s a feminine metal and ceramic combo that elevates the 38 or 42mm watch’s appearance.