2023 | Gear Diary

3 Speck ClickLock Accessories: Proving That It is Possible to Build a Better MagSafe Mousetrap

MagSafe for iPhones was a game changer for wireless charging. The magic of magnets ensured that the phone and charging plate were always perfectly aligned, meaning no fumbling when laying the phone down to charge wirelessly. Then came the accessories that employed the same magnets to stay in place. But the new Speck ClickLock accessories take MagSafe to an entirely new level, and the first accessories make it clear why.

Gear Bits

The Brand New 98″ TCL S5 98S550G Will Enlarge and Elevate Your TV Watching Experience

Here’s some exciting news from TCL! Not only are they the official TV partner of the NFL, but they’ve just introduced a seriously impressive new TV model – the TCL S5 98S550G. It’s a whopping 98″, perfect for all you movie buffs and sports fanatics out there. And guess what? It’s not the only option – TCL’s got a whole lineup of 98″ TVs to choose from, including the new 98S550G, the 98R754, and the 98QM850G.

Deals

The Tchibo Labor Day Sale Is Sure to Give You a Righteous Coffee Buzz!

If you can’t start your day without a couple of cups of coffee, you’re not alone! But rather than making a daily trip to a coffee shop, why not make your own fresh-ground coffee or espresso right in your own home or office? With the Bean to Brew Coffee & Espresso Machine and their large collection of coffees, you can enjoy an amazing brew. During the Tchibo Labor Day Sale, which runs today through September 5th, you can also enjoy savings on their coffee and coffee maker.

Gear Bits

Unleashing the Power of the Meta Llama 2 LLM: MediaTek Boosts On-Device Generative AI for Edge Devices

The next big thing is always around the corner in the tech world, and artificial intelligence is the newest and most exciting innovation. Sure, AI can power ChatGPT and other engines, but it can also make devices more efficient, learn our habits to adjust our tech to meet our needs, and even improve everything from emailing to photography. MediaTek is looking to help boost that to the next level with their partnership with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to use the Meta Llama 2 LLM (Large Language Model) to bring on-device generative AI to our pockets and homes.

Deals, Outdoors

Save Big on Rad Power E-Bikes Through September 1st!

Judie has the Rad Power RadRunner Plus e-bike on the way for review, and I’ve rarely seen her so excited about an upcoming gadget. Living on a ranch as she does, the RadRunner Plus’s 750W motor should be powerful enough to get her around in style. Speaking of which, there’s a massive sale on Rad Power e-bikes running through September 1st, so if you’re in the market for a new one, you should take a look!

Reviews, Health and Fitness

DNA Vibe Jazz Band Live Review: Promises Red Light Therapy at Home, without the Hassle, Expense, and Travel of Red Light Therapy Centers

I have rheumatoid arthritis and am well-versed in the resulting aches and pains that come with it. In January, I developed significant knee pain and tried red light therapy, and while I’m not sure if that sped up my recovery, it certainly didn’t hurt. That made me curious about the DNA Vibe Jazz Band Live, which Zek has also tried; it conveniently offers red light therapy (RLT) for your aches and pains right at home.

Deals, Outdoors

HeyBike Bikepacking Trip Sale Offers Significant Savings on Bundles on 6 E-Bikes That Will Get You Riding for Less

I recently received the HeyBike Ranger S foldable electric bike for review. I’m just beginning the process, but I’m already impressed. The bike is incredibly well-built, packed with features, and it’s a ton of fun. The review won’t be ready for a few weeks, but I wanted to tell you about the HeyBike Bikepacking Trip Sale that is currently running.

Reviews, Travel

Nomad 130W Power Adapter Review: A Useful Multi Port USB-C Charger with GaN Technology

In my opinion, Nomad makes the best cables on the market. They are rugged, available in various lengths, and transmit power and data quickly. With the announcement of the new Nomad 130W Power Adapter, they now make some of the best wall adapters too. They are fast and powerful, with three USB-C ports and up to 100W output.

The SJCam C300 next to a pair of eyeglasses

Reviews

SJCam C300 Review: A Tiny, Inexpensive Action Camera with Many Accessories

It would not be surprising if many are unfamiliar with SJCam, yet the Chinese company has been making low-cost action cameras since 2011. The SJCam C300 is a recent addition to their product line, and at $159.00, it has quite a lot to offer. Those familiar with the GoPro Hero and DJI Osmo Action cameras will immediately ask how does this much-less-expensive camera compare? The quick answer is not particularly well, but considering those cameras cost three times as much, we need to examine the C300 further.

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear

Viofo A119 Mini 2 Dashcam Review: Drive With Peace of Mind and the Clarity of Video

I drive a lot. My commute to and from work is around 60 miles round trip, most of it highway, and then there are the miscellaneous errands and weekend trips … I spend a lot of quality time behind the wheel. It recently occurred to me that if I’m spending that much time driving, it would be prudent for both insurance and safety purposes to use a dashcam, so when offered the Viofo A119 Mini 2 for a review, I jumped at the chance!

Reviews, Outdoors

LiTime D320 Portable Power Station Review: Perfect for Camping and Charging Your Devices During Power Outages

We recently reviewed the LiTime 100-Watt portable solar panel. The panel pairs well with the LiTime D320 Portable Power Station if you need portable power. The small power station is perfect for camping trips or power outages, keeping devices ready. Weighing in at just under 8 pounds, the D320 portable power station is highly mobile.

Gear Bits

Comcast Preps for Bad Weather While Maintaining Your Internet Connection with Storm-Ready WiFi!

We may not work from home all the time anymore, but we’re still pretty tightly connected to home internet for work, play, and general household operations. It’s also a fact of life that acts of nature do not always mix with our need for connectivity; power can be knocked out at the most inopportune times, but Comcast has the solution with Storm-Ready WiFi!

Reviews, Gear Bits

Pitaka Dreamland ChromaCarbon Band for Apple Watch Review and Giveaway

I recently reviewed Pitaka‘s new ChromaCarbon watch bands. Combining carbon and aramid fiber, the bands are light, solid, and colorful. The Pitaka Dreamland ChromaCarbon Bands are even more stunning. Their intricate designs, inspired by great architecture, are unlike anything we’ve seen. The $129 watch bands even come with a Rubik’s Cube of similar design. And… we are giving one away.

Reviews

Dollar Shave Club Ultimate Shave Trial Kit Review: Brings a Smooth Shave and Gender Euphoria without Destroying Your Wallet!

I just shaved my face tonight. That’s not normally a big deal for someone in their 40s, but I’m transmasculine, so growing facial hair is still a new and exciting experience. Unfortunately, wispy facial hair is only marginally acceptable on teenage boys, so I needed to learn to shave. Enter Dollar Shave Club Ultimate Shave Trial Kit!

Gear Bits, Outdoors

The Anymaka Portable Hammock Stand Sets Up in 3 Seconds, Promising Tree-Free Relaxation Just About Anywhere!

Kev and I have been bitten by the camping bug, as evidenced by our new off-road setup. We’ve got camp chairs, but on every excursion, one of us will mention how nice it would be to have a hammock along. We could buy a packable one, but a lot of times, strapping a hammock to a pair of trees is impossible, impractical, or not allowed, and most portable hammock bases are too large or too unstable for our needs. That’s why the anymaka portable hammock appeals to me.

Crowdfunding, Gear Bits

The $49 Wearable XEdge Flounder Multitool Is the Perfect EDC for People Who Don’t Want to Wear Batman’s Utility Belt

The XEdge Flounder multitool is a little wonder that’s not your run-of-the-mill everyday carry; it’s a little marvel that combines elegance and efficiency in one compact package. I’m impressed by the range of functions this mini-sized titanium, CNC-machined multitool has packed into its sleek design. Not only is it a mini pry bar, but it’s also a bottle opener, bit driver, nail puller, box opener, graphite everlasting pen, firestarter, pocket saw, and more!

Outdoors, Reviews

BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Power Station Review: Empower Your Adventures with Near Limitless Energy!

The BLUETTI AC200MAX is a 2,048Wh, LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) power station that offers a continuous output capacity of 2,200 watts from its pure sine wave inverter (with up to a 4,800W surge capacity) and up to 16 ways to charge and run your gear. Whether you’re looking for a solution that will power your devices and small appliances when camping or during a blackout, or if you’re considering ways to power a small off-grid home, the expandable BLUETTI AC200MAX offers plenty of solutions to keep the power flowing.

Reviews, Outdoors

ELECOM NESTOUT Outdoor Portable Batteries and Accessories Review: Award-Winning Design That Offers Serious Performance

ELECOM is a Japanese firm that makes peripherals for computers, including mice, trackballs, webcams, and headsets. They also make gaming-specific mice and keyboards. The ELECOM NESTOUT product line is a step in a different direction, namely outside.

Reviews

Lume Cube Ring Light Mini Review: A Compact and Brilliant Light Where You Need It Most

When the pandemic forced us to close our building, I needed to get my synagogue up and running, remotely and online, as quickly as possible. Lume Cube’s products were a big part of helping us pivot from in-person services and meetings to being all online while still looking somewhat professional. Their latest product is the Lume Cube Ring Light Mini; let’s take a look.

Yum Log, Reviews

Bib & Tucker Double Char 6-Year Bourbon Review: Dan and Charles Offer a Video Taste Test of an Exceptional Bourbon

I’ve tried countless bourbons since I turned in my scotch glass a few years ago, and the Bib & Tucker 6-Year bourbon we included in last year’s Holiday Gift Guide quickly became a favorite. The sample bottle was gone before the guide went live. Now they have released Bib & Tucker Double Char 6-Year Bourbon. It’s delicious.

Reviews

55″ TCL Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV Review: Affordable Entertainment with a Gorgeous Display

The 55″ TCL Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV pairs cutting-edge technology with a remarkable viewing experience; it offers an array of impressive specifications that will cater to the most discerning tech enthusiasts and cinephiles. From its stunning 4K QLED HDR resolution to its smart features, the TCL Q7 truly elevates the home entertainment experience. Available in 55″, 65 “, 75″, and 85” models and with a list price starting at $749.99 (when not on sale), it’s a great QLED Smart TV for your money.