August 2019



Lenovo Refreshes Their ThinkPads to Be Newer, Faster, Thinkier

Lenovo makes an incredible slate of computers, but the ThinkPad line is their flagship. Anything and everything you could want in a PC, you’ll find somewhere in the ThinkPad line. And the new, refreshed lineup of computers showcases how many different ways Lenovo can take laptops to the next level.




A Review of the Cleer Ally Truly Wireless Earbuds

There’s certainly a lot of competition in the truly wireless headphone market, but a lot of the latest have attempted to up the ante in terms of features, more specifically battery life. But the Cleer Ally True Wireless Headphones are doing just that, and more.


Introducing Vivid Seats Rewards Program

I’ve been a fan (and user) of Vivid Seats for a few years now. They manage to have some of the most affordable tickets on the market, and North America’s leading independent ticket marketplace is introducing a rewards program that’s aim is to save you money not just for that once in a blue moon concert, but on all of the live events you plan on attending.


AvoSeedo Lets You Grow Your Own Avocado Tree (Toast Not Included)

I’ve never really given much thought to the seed in an avocado, except to the extent that I’m always worried I’ll lose a finger doing that whole “chop it with the knife and twist” move. But apparently, you can use the seed to grow your own avocado tree. This is normally somewhat complicated, but AvoSeedo 2.0 aims to make it both easy and fun to grow your own pet avocado tree! It’s a little unclear why their Kickstarter calls it a “pet” tree. However, unlike a pet rock, this pet at least needs actual care and shows growth? Also, small…




My Initial Thoughts on the Tom Bihn Synik 30 Bag

Being someone who’s never truly found the perfect bag, I always find myself looking for a bag that doesn’t think too much of itself, one that will fit into every situation. I’ve had people throw out various names of overpriced backpacks that either have little to no storage, very little organization or put so much of an emphasis on being stylish that they end up being ugly.




Gear Diary’s 2019 Back to School Guide

September is almost here, and you’re probably seeing endless “Back to School” commercials which can only mean one thing — people are headed back to the classroom. We’ve found quite a few products that you might enjoy, whether you are a parent, a student, or even a teacher.



A Review of MXL’s AC-404 LED USB Microphone

As a podcaster, I’m typically of a simple mindset — Absolutely no USB Microphones. They are a hindrance when recording as well as editing, picking up every single noise possible. But MXL’s AC-404 USB Conference Microphone actually surprised me; here are my thoughts.



Yes, Speck Makes Luggage… and It’s Great

“What’s in those?” My wife Raina asked me when two large boxes arrived at the house. “Oh, that’s review samples of Speck’s new luggage.” “Speck?” she asked, looking at me strangely, “Don’t they make iPhone cases?” “They make some of the best and now… Speck makes luggage.” So let’s check it out.


The All-New 2019 Audi Q3: You’d Never Know It Was Entry-Level

You’d be forgiven for not knowing that the all-new 2019 Audi Q3 is actually Audi’s entry-level compact crossover SUV; after all, the Q3 is aggressively styled, attractive, and loaded with tech features first seen in the flagship Audi Q8. The Audi Q3 is a good lesson on how “entry-level” doesn’t have to be synonymous with “bare bones” or worse — “missing out.”


Yield Co’s Willow Candle Brings Good Scents and Good Vibes to Any Space

CBD, or cannaboidal, is a big buzzword in health. It’s in the same plant family as marijuana, but without the tetrahydrocanibol (THC), aka the main psychoactive component. So it’s sort of like non-alcoholic beer, but unlike O’Douls,  CBD is more than just a pretty face-it is purported to have health benefits from anxiety soothing to pain relief. Enter Yield Co’s Black Dahlia Collection with CBD.


ThermoWorks IR Gun Thermometers Are Perfect for Many Uses

An accurate IR (infrared) Gun thermometer like the ones made by ThermoWorks can be an invaluable tool for a number of different activities. An IR Gun thermometer measures surface temperatures from a distance, so it’s great for the kitchen and BBQ, HVAC repair, construction, and maintenance. ThermoWorks offers a range of accurate IR Gun thermometers starting at $69.00.