As we begin returning to the office, people are beginning to swap their sweatpants for something comfortable but more appropriate for the office. The same goes for footwear. After a year of wearing slippers, we deserve something equally comfortable on our feet. That’s exactly what I’ve found with the Rockport Total Motion Active Mesh Sneaker.
For over a year, my office has been here at home. Now, though, I’m preparing to return to the office part-time in the next few weeks. Many days that means carrying MacBook and an iPad. Since each serves a different purpose, thankfully, the new WaterField Double-Take iPad + MacBook Sleeve is the perfect solution!
When Apple released the M1 processor, they first brought it to the Mac Mini, the MacBook Air, and the MacBook Pro. We knew this was just the first step in a new era of Apple computing. At today’s event, they introduced new products, including a new iMac and new iPad Pros. They, too, have the M1 processor, which effectively ushers in a new era for Apple and computing.
During most of the year, my Apple Watch is dressed up in Nomad’s Titanium Band. It’s great for both business and casual wear but a bit on the heavy side. Now that it’s warming up, I wanted something lighter. The Nomad Active Strap Pro fits the bill. Made from waterproof leather, the $79.95 strap and comes in either black or brown.
JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers have always been impressive, and each successive model has gotten better and better. The JBL Charge 5, the latest generation of their wildly popular portable speaker with a powerbank, is their best portable speaker yet. It blasts music, recharges phones, and it’s ready to hit the beach, the mountains, or your next backyard barbecue.
My first HD TV was a Sony. It was packed with the latest technology available at the time. Now, pricing and availability for the new 65” Sony BRAVIA XR A80J 4K HDR OLED TV has just been announced. The new BRAVIA looks great, and it offers bleeding-edge technology. It’s not inexpensive but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
I had one of the first Roku streaming devices when they first came on the scene but, over time, had moved to Apple TV. Last fall, I bought one of Roku’s current streaming devices, and was impressed by how much the platform has evolved; it’s fantastic! Never one to rest on their laurels, Roku has just announced Roku OS 10 as well as their latest hardware, the Roku Voice Remote Pro, Roku Express 4K+, and Roku Streambar Pro.
Some weeks ago, Jabra did something amazing. When they released the Jabra Elite 85T, they also released a firmware update that brought ANC to the Jabra Elite 75T. It was a small touch that showed the company’s commitment to its consumers. Now they’ve done it again with a Jabra Elite 85T firmware update that delivers one-touch access to Alexa.
My 11″ iPad Pro was a fantastic tablet right out of the box. The Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad I reviewed made it even better. Now, the new Brydge 10.2 MAX+ is ready to do the same thing for the less expensive 7th and 8th Generation iPads. Available for preorder, the $129.99 accessory arrives the week of April 12.
Greg recently posted news about the new Master & Dynamic MW08 ANC true wireless earbuds. I’ve been using a pair for the last two weeks, and I’m more than a bit impressed. In fact, I am happy to report that I have a new favorite pair of wireless earbuds. They are comfortable, offer excellent hybrid noise cancellation, and sound fantastic.
In 2015, I reviewed the All Over Shorts, a pair of reenvisioned gym shorts from a new company named Olivers Apparel. The company has updated the All Over Shorts and has significantly increased its apparel offerings since then. In 2015, Olivers All Over Shorts were $68; they still are, but now they’re better than ever.
The iPad Pro is a remarkable tablet that has become an indispensable productivity and content creation device for many of us. And while it is amazing, the right accessory makes it even better. The new Kensington StudioDock is one such accessory. It holds your iPad, charges all your devices, and connects your peripherals. At under $400, the StudioDock adds ports and other functionality that takes the iPad to new heights.
The iPad is great on its own but becomes exponentially better when paired with the “right” accessories, and the new Twelve South HoverBar Duo is one such accessory. Much more than a simple tablet stand, this smartphone/tablet holder works with a variety of devices, is future-proof, and holds your device in the perfect position for your work or viewing.
InvisibleShield has long offered some of the best smartphone screen protection on the market, and they’ve recently announced new offerings for all iPhone 12 models. The InvisibleSheild GlassFusion VisionGuard+ with D3O is $59.99, while the new GlassFusion+ with D30 is a bit less at $49.99. In both cases, the new D30 technology makes them stronger and more protective than ever.
WaterField bags, backpacks, and pouches are some of my favorites. Pre-COVID, I carried something WaterField daily. Recently, WaterField has released a line of WooferField dog accessories, including the Wag Dog Collar, the Wag Hip Pack, and the Wag Dog Leash. I just got back from a walk with Goldendoodle Nava; here are my thoughts on the WaterField Wag Dog Leash.
Jabra’s headphones have helped many people who have needed to work from home for the past year. (They are great in the office too but… you know.) Unfortunately, a good headset for Zoom meetings can be pricey. Now, thanks to the new Jabra Evolve2 30, that’s no longer the case. It’s a Jabra, and it’s under $100!
Do you remember the no-button iPod shuffle? Apple removed the buttons, and many of us bought accessories that brought them back. In recent years the same thing is happening with Apple’s laptops. My MacBook, for example, has just one USB-C port. That’s simply not enough. And that’s why moshi just released the Moshi Symbus Mini 7-in-1 Portable USB-C Hub.
Nomad’s phone cases are some of the best, most refined, and most protective on the market. But when Nomad first introduced their iPhone 12 cases, they weren’t specifically designed to work with Apple’s new MagSafe charging system. The company has now released a line of Rugged Cases specifically designed to work with MagSafe for iPhone 12.
Raina and I have been trying to get out and hike in the woods near our home each weekend. It’s an important part of how we are getting through this pandemic winter. The new JBL Clip 4 is a great way for us to take our music with us. It is small, it is under $70, and it sounds impressive.
Greg reviewed the very first pair of Master & Dynamic headphones. He swore by them and, in the years since, Judie and I have also become fans. The company’s MW65 Over-the-Ear headphones are among the best ANC headphones I’ve tried. It’s why they are one of only a few items we have ever designated as a Gear Diary Editor’s Choice. Apparently, we aren’t the only ones who appreciate them.
True wireless earbuds have gotten dramatically better since they made their first appearance a few years ago. New models offer improved connectivity, increased battery life, and better sound. Many even offer active noise cancellation and battery cases that are Qi-wireless charging enabled. The new Jays t-Seven True Wireless earbuds offer all of these advances at an accessible price.