2022 | Gear Diary

Outfit Your New Google Pixel 7 Pro with the Best Accessories, Cases, and Charging Solutions

Did you get a Google Pixel 7 Pro over the holidays? Lucky you; it’s safe to say that you’re in for a treat! Not only does the 7 Pro offer a pure, uncluttered, and frequently-updated Android experience with all of the Pixel-exclusive features and apps that users have come to expect and appreciate, but it also offers one of the (if not the) best cameras available on any smartphone. If you just got a Pixel 7 Pro or already have one and are interested in new gear, here’s a great selection to keep it stylish, protected, connected, and conveniently charged!

Reviews

Tatefield Stone Gray Comforter Review: This 3-Piece Set Helped Me Find the Softer Side of Home Depot

When people hear “Home Depot,” they usually think of a few things; for some people, it’s an exciting place full of the tools to make anything, and for others, it’s that stop you make on the weekends so you/your spouse can buy 15 bags of mulch because “this spring we’re really going to get the backyard looking nice.” You probably don’t give Home Depot much thought when you climb into bed at night; late I have been because I’ve been testing the Home Depot Tatefield Stone Gray comforter!

Crowdfunding, Gear Bits

Highly Customizable and Powerful Rook EDC Flashlight Now on Kickstarter

Vosteed has joined forces with ReyLight to produce the Rook, a triple LED high-output compact EDC flashlight project on Kickstarter. The Rook has six brightness levels and 3 specialty modes and is excellent for various scenarios. It can be adjusted from moonlight mode of .5lm to turbo mode of 1800lm; in other words, there is a brightness level for any situation.

Reviews

BODEGA R50 Cooler Review: A 12-Volt, 45-Liter Smart Refrigerator and Freezer That’s Perfect for Long Trips, Camping, and RV Use

Whether on a long road trip or camping for a long weekend, keeping food fresh is imperative to help save money and make the journey enjoyable. The BODEGA R50 Cooler is a 45-liter refrigerator-freezer option packed with features that make it an excellent addition to an RV or vehicle. The R50 runs off of 12v/24v power, so it should be easy to use on the go.

News

New Lenovo ThinkPads, IdeaPads, Chromebooks, Monitors, and More Announced Ahead of CES

Sure, you might be bracing for all new devices in January, but Lenovo has so many new things coming they couldn’t wait that long! So whether you need a new laptop, desktop, monitor, or accessories, read on for what Lenovo can do for you!

Reviews

ThermoPro TempSpike Wireless Probe Review: App-Based Temperature Management Done Right

Many people ask me how long it should take for certain items to cook or smoke, and my response is always not to worry about the time but to cook by the meat temperature. The ThermoPro TempSpike promises to help manage cooking temps with the wireless probe and companion app. That means no more time spent opening and closing the lid and checking temps.

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Escort MAX 360c MKII Radar Detector Review: Another Fantastic Radar Detector Hampered by the (Still) Buggy Drive Smarter App

The Escort MAX 360c radar and laser detector were released five years ago. Made to integrate perfectly into vehicles with their own WiFi hotspots for real-time alerts and ticket threats, the Max 360c gave drivers 360º protection with intuitive onscreen arrows that displayed the direction of threats relative to the driver’s vehicle. It was a hit! The Escort MAX 360c MKII builds upon the original’s success with an all-new internal platform and more powerful components, including a new Blackfin DSP chip that provides faster response times and a 50% improvement on the original model’s detection range.

Game Diary

Against the Storm Review: Excited to See More

You gaze into the sunrise as the blightstorm and barrier fade away. Terrible yet beautiful, it has once again scoured the land and reduced all you have toiled for into naught but ash and ruin. The cycles are unending, an inferno that knows no mercy. But it’s time; time to set out into a world striving to repel your very existence and forage fuel to keep the fires burning. You are not deterred. You are loyal to your people and to your Queen. You are the bending reed amidst the hurricane. Against the Storm, you will not be broken.

Gear Bits

Vivint Smart Energy Brings Solar Production Data Their Smart Home App

Alternative energy sources have become more affordable and reliable and are also a passion of mine. With them, it is essential to be able to monitor energy input to regulate usage. Vivint has announced a new feature allowing their app users to view production data from their solar panels. This is a significant step forward in encouraging renewable energy sources and integrating solar energy into the Vivint Smart Energy and Smart Home experience.

Reviews

Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X Review: A Portable Package That Packs a Punch

My oldest son is about to graduate high school and needs a computer to attend college; as a result, I’ve spent a lot of time looking at prices and specs, looking for something that can handle some light gaming as well as coursework. Perhaps you’re in the same boat? If that’s the case, the Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X is an excellent choice.

Editorials, Gear Bits

Targeted Ads Are Making Me Wonder Who the Internet Thinks I Am??

I have an odd issue going on, especially on Instagram and Reddit. There are some weird and wildly inaccurate ads following me around. Yes, targeted ads are how these sites make money, and I don’t begrudge their advertising. I do think they might need to tweak their algorithm because they’re a touch off in their assessment of me.

Gift Guides & Round-Ups

Gear Diary’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Something for Everyone and Every Budget!

If you’ve got a list of people you’d like to buy gifts for and are wondering where to even start, we’ve got you covered. Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone and every budget. Many of these items have special holiday pricing, so be sure to click the links to check for discounts if something catches your fancy. So grab a drink, get comfortable, and have fun perusing our mega-guide!

Gift Guides & Round-Ups

Gear Diary’s 2022 Holiday Toy Gift Guide: Let’s Have Some Fun Together!

This year, we’ve gathered up a collection of gifts that offers everything from games to play to things to make, personal care products, and books to read. It’s good to slow things down a bit and unplug every now and then; these items will offer the young and young at heart some fun ways to do just that! Welcome to our 2022 Holiday Toy Gift Guide!

Reviews

BougeRV Yuma 200W CIGS Flexible Solar Panel Review: This Power Solution Is a Game Changer

In the last six months, I’ve covered and studied a lot of alternative energy products. BougeRV recently invited me to look at their Yuma 200W CIGS Flexible Solar Panel. This is my first time using a truly flexible thin film solar panel, and I have to say it exceeded my expectations. Is it something that would work for your setup? Read on to find out.

Outdoors, Reviews

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Review: A Compact Cooker That Can Do It All, with Smoke!

If home is an apartment where the use of open-flame grills is banned on patios and balconies, you can still enjoy cooking outside with the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. Billed as a portable and compact electric cooker, the Ninja Woodfire’s primary function is grilling; however, it’s also a wood-infused BBQ smoker, air fryer, and outdoor convection oven that can bake, roast, broil, and even dehydrate. If the Ninja Woodfire actually delivers an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience anywhere with electrical power, then I can think of quite a few other uses for it, too. Let’s take a look.

Game Diary, Reviews

Control Ultimate Edition Review: How to Get a Director Job in 30 Seconds

Control Ultimate Edition is a bit of a strange one; I’ll come right out of the gates with that notion. Numerous people in my life applaud Control, and others have gotten very frustrated with it. As I played it for my review, I could absolutely see both camps’ merits. It’s a detailed narrative/world that didn’t engage with me; it’s intricate yet simultaneously straightforward in terms of progression, and it has a few satisfying gameplay elements that failed to hook me for more than a few hours at a time. I beat this game in 25.1 hours; here are my thoughts.

Deals

Upgrade Your Home with Shark Ninja Black Friday Deals

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade some of your home or kitchen’s small appliances, look no further than the Shark Ninja Black Friday Deals. The specials have started, and the savings can be quite significant!

Deals, News

BN3TH Black Friday Sale Offers Big Savings on Base Layers

About two years ago, I became a fan of BN3TH’s underwear and base layers. Between their quality materials, their “MyPakage” comfort pouch, and their fun designs, the company offers a wide range of boxers and base layers. BN3TH products can be on the pricier side, but I’m convinced they are worth the cost because they are well made with quality materials, long-wearing, and so comfortable. During the BN3TH Black Friday Sale, you can save big when shopping.

Deals, Gear Bits

Nomad Limited Edition Full Leather Desk Mat Ushers in Black Friday Savings

We love Nomad’s products. We love them even more, when special savings are involved, which is exactly what’s happening during their annual Black Friday sale. Even though the savings are terrific this year, Nomad decided to do something extra special. So not only are they announcing this year’s deals, but they’ve just introduced the Nomad Limited Edition Full Leather Desk Mat.

Events, Gear Bits

Only a Live Human’s Face Can Unlock a Smartphone Protected by trinamiX Face Authentication

We keep everything on our smartphones anymore — our personal files, photos, email, and messages — we also use them to store sensitive info like our credit cards and passwords. You’ve likely heard horror stories about how facial detection on Android smartphones can be less secure than using a fingerprint or a PIN, but trinamiX Face Authentication aims to change that.

Reviews

Vivint Spotlight Pro and Gen2 Doorbell Camera Pro: You’ll Enjoy Improved Security with the Latest Features

I have used Vivint’s home security and smart products for a few years and have loved everything about the company. Recently, they installed the new Vivint Spotlight Pro and 2nd generation Doorbell Camera Pro for me to review. These replaced the older versions of the doorbell and outdoor camera and have proven to be a considerable upgrade.