April 2017

The Solo Rival Backpack: There’s a Place for Everything

The tagline for the Solo Rival Backpack should be “There’s a place for everything,” because that’s exactly how I felt when I took it on a trip recently. Though plain on the outside, the inside of this bag offers a slew of organizational features waiting to be utilized by the tech-enthusiast traveler. At $79.99, the Solo Rival offers serious value.


Waterfield Syde Is My New Mobile Home Office

I love Waterfield products and am always positively inclined toward them from the start. After using the Waterfield Syde for MacBook Pro for the past weeks, I’m happy to say that the company that makes some of my favorite bags has continued to do just that. The Syde is a fantastic bag for those who are looking to travel light.


V-MODA REMIX Bluetooth Speaker: A Customizable Powerhouse

In a market that is full of options, you’ve got to offer something special if you’re going to come out with a new wireless portable speaker, especially if you want to attract the interest of people who are used to thinking of other brands. The V-MODA REMIX Bluetooth Speaker enters that market knowing full well what needs to be done.


Amazon Underground Goes Six Feet Under

Amazon has tried for years to build their Appstore into a real competitor to Google Play. Part of that strategy was to give away normally paid apps, and insert ads in place of payment; Amazon helped the developers make money via ads, consumers were able to access normally paid apps for free, and Amazon could build their library of apps.


BeMe D200 ANC Compatible Lightning Earbuds Offer Great Music With Style

The BeMe D200 are yet another contender for best lightning earbuds. Although they cost a seemingly pricey $169.99, thanks to their excellent sound, straightforward app and effective onboard active noise cancellation, they are worth serious consideration if you want to up your game from the dismal lightning EarPods Apple includes with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.


LG G6 Review: Part Two

This is a joint review of the LG G6 done with my writing partner of many years, Julie Strietelmeier of The Gadgeteer. To read part one, please click here; after you’ve read that, come back to read this part.







Are ChoeTech USB-C Accessories Worthy of your Devices?

It seems as if USB-C is going to be the wave of the future, with rumors of the next iPhone integrating it and with Apple’s most recent MacBook pro sporting nothing but USB type C ports. In an effort to future-proof themselves, ChoeTech has begun releasing USB Type-C products and allowed us to check a few out. The First is the ChoeTech USB-C Charger, which is a 3 port charger sporting two 2.4a USB port outlets and a single USB type C Port. This has been my daily driver at work when I need to charge up the three devices…




2017 IFA Global Press Conference: The Sign of What’s to Come

For the past few years, I’ve been one of a select group of international journalists invited to the IFA Global Press Conference. A warm-up, if you will, for the yearly IFA convention held in Berlin, the press conference is a great time to check up on the current and future status of the global electronics market.


Focal Elear Open-Back Headphones Prove You Get What You Pay For

“These cost how much?” Raina asked. “Just listen to them,” I urged. Raina put on the headphones and played some of her favorite tunes.“ It didn’t take long for her to become a fan of Focal’s Elear Open-Back Headphones. But at $1000 a pair, she’s not sure they would be a wise purchase.



BuddyPhones are Impressive Volume Limiting Headphones for Kids

When you’re traveling, and your kids want to watch a movie or TV show, you’d do well to have a good set of children’s headphones with you. BuddyPhones fit the bill because they are volume limiting, durable, and comfortable. They also come with fun stickers so your kids can personalize them to their liking. BuddyPhones retail for $24.99.


Home8 is Serious D.I.Y. Home Security Done E.A.S.I.L.Y.

If you are looking for a security system that won’t cost an arm and a leg to install and maintain check out the Home8 Security System. It is a complete package in a box that offers your choice of free or inexpensive monitoring for far less than you might expect. It is truly DIY home security done right.


V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless Headphones Cut the Cord and Let You Run

As I’ve written previously, I love V-MODA products and have anxiously been waiting for the V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless to arrive. They cut the word without compromising on sound or battery life thanks to their “Neckband Headphone” design that wrap the battery and controls around the neck as the earbuds extend from thin wires to reach your ears.