December 2022 | Gear Diary

News & Features December 26, 2022

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 December 26, 2022

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 December 21, 2022

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 December 21, 2022

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 & Features December 20, 2022

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 December 15, 2022

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 December 12, 2022

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 December 8, 2022

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 December 6, 2022

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 December 6, 2022

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 December 5, 2022

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.