June 2018



Timbuk2 Lightweight Launch Backpack Is Ready to Go

Raina and I are getting ready for a trip to the Galápagos Islands next month. We are doing our best to pack wisely, and that begins with our backpacks. The Timbuk2 Lightweight Launch Backpack is the first of two backpacks we’ve received for review; the $129.00 backpack is light and ready to go.


Google Brings Android Messages to the Desktop!

One thing I have missed using Android, rather than iOS as my main phone, is the ability to send and receive messages on my phone, tablet or laptop. And while Android still has a long way to go to get close to the functionality or usability of iMessage, they have taken a step in the right direction with Android Messages for Web.


Video Games Can Be Good for You: 5 Pieces of Gear to Help You

Video games are no stranger to criticism. Over the years, they’ve been blamed for encouraging laziness, fostering the development of brain rot (or other cognitive limitations), and even increasing violence (despite no real evidence to back up the claim). But like any technology, video games aren’t inherently good or evil; all that matters is how you use them. There are actually several benefits to playing video games regularly, and with the right gadgets and devices in tow, you can enhance those benefits significantly. The Benefits of Video Games How exactly can video games be good for you? Spatial reasoning and…




Upgraded Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet Brings Your Art to Life

The newly updated Intuos pen tablet from Wacom builds on the brand’s great history of digital illustration tablets, bringing their top-tier pen-to-PC technology to an entry-level price range. With small and medium size options, wired and Bluetooth connectivity options, the Wacom Intuos is a great fit for beginners and experienced illustrators.



Rowkin Surge Charge True Wireless Earphones for Workouts

I’ve enjoyed reviewing “true wireless headphones” that completely cut the cord. Unfortunately, most have some issues. For example, the Rowkin Bit Charge earphones sound great but their 2-3 hour battery life is disappointing, and they can lose their stereo connection. I was curious if the Rowkin Surge Charge fixed these issue and I’m happy to report they do!







Huawei P20 Review: You’ll Want It if You Can Find It

I’ll start this review by saying that the Huawei P20 isn’t going to be as simple to buy as most other current phones in the United States, and that’s a shame. You can’t just walk into AT&T or Verizon and get one with an easy payment plan, and let’s be real, that’s going to turn the typical cellphone buyer off.


Gear Diary Visits PocketNow’s PNWeekly Podcast

Judie and I first met while we were guests on a podcast. I loved chatting with her and am grateful that I was able to begin writing for Gear Diary. Last week I was a guest on Pocketnow’s podcast PNWeekly. A longtime Pocketnow reader, I was excited. The conversation was lively and covered a lot of ground. Check it out.


Will Streaming Services Mean the End for Cable and Satellite TV?

Cable and satellite television companies have long had the practice of setting high rates for their services because they had no one to compete with. But now that online streaming services are growing swiftly in popularity, the situation is changing. These trends threaten the kingdom that cable companies have reigned over for decades.


MUUL RuckBucket Really ‘Packs’ the Punch

If you have been looking for an ultra-durable, insulated, food safe backpack, look no further than MUUL and its new RuckBucket. This new rig will allow you to carry just about anything into or out of your destination – be that mountain, desert, racetrack…anywhere.


MyCharge UnPlugged 10K Gives You Wireless Charging on the Go

I’ve made no secret of the fact that the wireless charging on the iPhone X is one of my favorite features of Apple’s current flagship phone. I love having wireless chargers around the house, at my office, and now — thanks to the myCharge UnPlugged 10K — I can have 10,000mAh of wireless charging goodness on the go.