2015

808's Performer Bluetooth Headphones Are Best Used With It's Cable

Reviews

808’s Performer Bluetooth Headphones Are Best Used With It’s Cable

It’s always fun being able to review Bluetooth headphones over here at Gear Diary, so it was exciting to be able to review 808’s Over-The-Ear Audio Performer BT Bluetooth Headphones.   I will be the first to say this…I hate cords. Wearing a sling bag daily to and from work, I really despise having to pull my phone out of my pocket to change a tune or check a notification. Yes, first-world problems. The 808 Audio Performer BT’s are able to be used wirelessly for those of us who enjoy being cable free, or if you just have to have…

Know When to Fold 'Em: Jorno's Folding Bluetooth Keyboard

News & Features

Know When to Fold ‘Em: Jorno’s Folding Bluetooth Keyboard

After following their Kickstarter a few years back, I was actually surprised when I got the opportunity to review Jorno’s tri-fold Bluetooth keyboard. I’ve used quite a few Bluetooth keyboards for my devices, but none quite like this one. And to be honest, that’s a good thing.   The first thing you see after ripping open the packaging is how compact and sleek the keyboard truly is. Jorno’s selling points back in 2012 when they first launched their Kickstarter was how it is the world’s smallest, pocket-able keyboard. They certainly didn’t lie. After close to $105,000 in pledges and a…

Up Your Keurig Game Thanks to Starbucks Single Origin Coffees!

News & Features, Yum Log

Up Your Keurig Game Thanks to Starbucks Single Origin Coffees!

My second Starbucks Blogger Box arrived some weeks ago and it was a delightful package of Keurig K-Cups and coffee accessories. This time, however, Starbucks filled the box with their rare Starbucks Single Origin coffees from across the globe. They are delicious and, thanks to a coupon at the end of this post, you can save some money when you try them yourself!   GUATEMALA LAGUNA DE AYARZA The first coffee I tried was their Guatemala Laguna de Ayarza. It has a rich flavor and offers “balance with lively flavor notes.” As the company explains “This smooth, medium-bodied coffee thrives…

Nubia's Borderless Z9 Smartphone Is Ahead of The Curve

News & Features

Nubia’s Borderless Z9 Smartphone Is Ahead of The Curve

There’s no shortage of innovative smartphones these days, but there is a shortage of one particular feature that not many devices get correct, and that’s screen retail. But as of today it seems that Nubia, a high-end Android smart phone manufacturer, has officially solved that problem for folks looking to get more screen and less bezel. Today, Nubia unveiled their flagship 2015 device in the US, the Nubia Z9, which they call a leap forward in styling in ease for Android smartphones. The borderless phone is the first of it’s kind in the US, but with features like grip and…

Urbanears Launches Their Plattan ADV Wireless Headphones, Win A Pair!

News & Features

Urbanears Launches Their Plattan ADV Wireless Headphones, Win A Pair!

We here at GearDiary have always liked Urbanears. The affordable line of headphones come in vibrant colors, and their sound quality is great for the bargain you receive. So its no surprise how delighted we were to see the newest offer from their lineup! The makers of one of the more recognizable due to it’s simplistic and stylish headphones, Urbanears has introduced the Plattan ADV Wireless headphones. This is a first for the company, and well overdue. Now you are able to move around freely and listen to your music without tangled cords! Available now for $100 from select retailers…

EasyAcc 3200mAh Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6 Provides Double Duty

Reviews

EasyAcc 3200mAh Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6 Provides Double Duty

The batteries in new devices seem to be stabilizing in daily life span, but continued use still takes a toll on the stored energy. Accessory companies like EasyAcc offers solutions to this power dilemma with items like the 3200mAh Extended Battery Case. This unit provides double duty as an everday protective case while more than doubling your device’s usage time.

Infinity Reference 1200S Subwoofer Is All About The Bass

Reviews

Infinity Reference 1200S Subwoofer Is All About The Bass

While not an homage to Meghan Trainor, this review is all about that bass–specifically, the Infinity by HARMAN Reference 1200S Subwoofer. An award for unique style and design should go out to the Infinity car audio engineers that came up with this unique, space-saving, low-profile subwoofer that brings excellent bass reproduction, selectable impedance, and small enclosure requirement.

Huawei TalkBand B2 Now Works with Jawbone UP Software

News & Features

Huawei TalkBand B2 Now Works with Jawbone UP Software

Do you love the Jawbone UP ecosystem but hate that the UP bands don’t perform basic duties like tell the time or show how many steps you’ve taken without syncing? If so, then you need a Huawei TalkBand B2; this smartband packs a ton of features into a slim package, and as of today it now has Jawbone UP compatibility!

The Huawei P8lite Is a Smartphone That Everyone Can Afford

News & Features

The Huawei P8lite Is a Smartphone That Everyone Can Afford

If you are tired of paying higher data rates for your under-contract cell phone, then you might want to look at paying full price for an unlocked smartphone. But if a $500+ phone isn’t in your budget, you don’t have to buy a crappy cheap phone just to avoid making monthly payments; instead check out the $249.99 Huawei P8lite.

Bard’s Tale IV

Crowdfunding, Game Diary

Bard’s Tale IV on Kickstarter-Free Games for 24hrs!

I’d planned to write about the launch of The Bard’s Tale IV on Kickstarter anyway, but today I’ve learned of an incentive that makes it a ‘must pledge’ recommendation! InXile Entertainment announced that backers in the first 24 hours of the campaign will receive a free copy of Wasteland 2, CD Projekt’s The Witcher, or Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.

The Best Professional Advice I've Ever Received

Editorials

The Best Professional Advice I’ve Ever Received

Dan and I were chatting last night about the gorgeous Maxwell Scott briefcase he reviewed, and he was surprised to hear I don’t carry a work briefcase. My office is business formal, so it would fit, but I was given rock solid professional advice once on why a briefcase isn’t the best choice for business meetings!

2015 Chevrolet City Express: Nissan Wearing a Bowtie

Vehicles & Gear

2015 Chevrolet City Express: Nissan Wearing a Bowtie

Sometimes when the weekly review vehicle arrives in my driveway I just sit and scratch my head and wonder why it is in the press fleet. Case in point, the new 2015 Chevrolet City Express. Similar to the Ram Promaster City Wagon we reviewed recently, automakers are addressing the urban utility van segment, which apparently was underserved.

Mobile Edge Verona Laptop Tote Is Fashionable Functionality

Reviews

Mobile Edge Verona Laptop Tote Is Fashionable Functionality

While it may be functional to grab a backpack to carry all her stuff to the office, my wife prefers something a bit more stylish for her personal and work items in her professional environment. Enter Mobile Edge For Her and its new Verona Laptop Tote that offers combines fashion-inspired styling with real world functionality.

Inbetween Land

Game Diary

G5’s Inbetween Land Is FREE on All Platforms This Week!

When I reviewed Inbetween Land for iPad more than two years ago, I echoed sentiments from the Mac review-it was a game I liked but did not love, a fun experience that didn’t match the quality of other G5 releases. But it is still a solid and fun game, and this week it is FREE on all platforms!

Maxwell Scott Paolo2 Classic Leather Briefcase Review

Reviews

Maxwell Scott Paolo2 Classic Leather Briefcase Review

At $568 the Maxwell Scott Paolo2 Classic Leather Briefcase isn’t for everybody. But if you like classic design, amazing craftsmanship, gorgeous leather, and money is no concern, you’ll love this bag. Most of the bags I use are a bit on the casual and sporty side while this bag screams, “I’m all business.” And that’s a good thing. The Paolo2 isn’t designed as a laptop bag. You won’t find a padded compartment for your computer or tablet. You won’t find a slot for an external battery. And you won’t find fancy passthroughs for running cables. No, this bag is a…

2015 Subaru Legacy Midsize Sedan Perfect for All Four Seasons

Vehicles & Gear

2015 Subaru Legacy Midsize Sedan Perfect for All Four Seasons

Midsize sedans dominate the list of best-selling vehicles each year right after pickup trucks. Names like Accord and Camry are household institutions. But did you know Subaru has been selling a vehicle in this segment too? It’s called Legacy, and it is completely redesigned for 2015. It features the largest interior in its segment and all-wheel drive is standard.

Amazon's New Kindle for Kids Bundle Is Great for Everyone!

News & Features

Amazon’s New Kindle for Kids Bundle Is Great for Everyone!

Amazon really wants to capture the family media market. They’ve already pushed the Kindle Fire as a great kid-friendly tablet, and now they’re selling a similar bundle using the entry-level Kindle. When you look at the whole package though, it’s great for more than just kids-anyone interested in a Kindle should look at the Kindle for Kids bundle!