Editorials

Bitcoin Sounds Exciting, but Beware the Many Risks

Do you know what Bitcoin is? You’ve probably heard of it, and maybe you’ve seen the zigzagging of potential value and wondered if you should own some for yourself. It’s important to be educated before you buy, and that’s where Gear Diary is hoping to help.


LG Repair Service Has Completely Failed My Household

We have an LG washer/dryer set in my house. Overall, they’ve been fantastic, but a week ago the washer started having issues. It’s out of warranty, but according to LG, I could purchase a flat fee repair to get it fixed. Our other option was to call a local appliance repairman. I assumed that going through the manufacturer would be the more prudent solution. As it turned out, I was very, very, very wrong. Avoid LG Repair Service at all costs.




Clutter Lets You Keep the Stuff That Won’t Fit in Your Apartment

Sometimes, it’s not obvious how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years until you move to another place and frantically try to fit all your possessions in boxes or plan a long-delayed spring cleaning day. It’s tough to realize that, no matter what you do, the space won’t ever look tidy because it’s too cluttered.





Android Flagships Need to Be Cheaper

I am in the middle of trying to work with Verizon to change my phone from a Z Force Droid to an iPhone. It’s not by choice, but certain things I need to access for my day job recently went iPhone-only, so I need to switch to iOS. This process did lead to one big realization, which is that Android phones are significantly overpriced for the value.


How Would a Siri Speaker Match up Against the Amazon Echo?

It’s no secret that Amazon’s Echo devices are popular. The AI that powers the system, named Alexa, allows owners to do a lot of unique things, like ordering new products with voice commands or even controlling smart home technology. The space is really starting to get competitive with Google Home, and now what is rumored to be an Apple-branded smart voice assistant. That’s right — rumors claim Apple will be launching a smart speaker that will house Siri, the company’s own AI personality.


Are Digital Assistants a Gateway to a Hacker’s Paradise?

Digital assistants have come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Starting with Apple’s clunky early iteration of Siri in 2011, it’s only taken a few years to get here, with multiple competitors in common use (including Cortana and Google Now) and dozens of new versions to come.





The Minimalist, Ugly Bullet Journal Is My Favorite Gear

I have always had dreadful handwriting. Most of my elementary school memories are of teachers trying all kinds of techniques to improve it, from handwriting drills to those funny triangle holders on my pencils. Nothing worked, and I sought out digital writing and typing as soon as technology and school allowed.



This Gadget Turns Food Scraps to Compost in 24 Hours

Many eco-minded people argue if you want to get serious about reducing your waste, it’s necessary to have a compost pile for the food waste. However, composting can be complicated, and it could take over a year to bring a compost heap to fruition depending on how involved you are in the process.



Your Fitbit Alone Won’t Help You Lose Weight

Fitness trackers are one of those gadgets that sound really great on paper; they will motivate you to move by telling you how sloth-like you are! Some people swear by them. Others think they’re a gadget destined for the fad junk drawer. Unfortunately, even if they have staying power as a trend, a new study indicates they probably aren’t helping you lose weight!



Finally – A Keurig for Beer

Beer is getting smarter, there’s no denying it. First commercial taprooms introduced network-aware tap systems, then came pour-your-own tasting bars that charge by the ounce.