Reviews

Google Pixel 5a Review: The Best 5G Android Phone You Can Buy for Less Than $500, but There Are Some Caveats

As you may recall from my Google Pixel 5 review, I wasn’t a fan of not having an XL version option, and I didn’t care for the under-display ear speaker. The Google Pixel 5a addresses those complaints well with its 6.34″ display and a more conventional ear speaker; it also introduces IP67 water resistance to the budget-friendly a-series. If you don’t mind giving up wireless charging, the Google Pixel 5a has a lot to offer — including the largest battery found in any Pixel device yet.


Nomad Rugged Case for Pixel Buds Review: Ruggedly Stylish and Protective

The Pixel Buds A-Series has become a much-used daily carry device for me. Since I carry my Pixel Buds in my front pocket full of keys and a wallet, the white plastic case takes some abuse. For extra protection and a better look, I’ve been using the Nomad Rugged Case for Pixel Buds for a few weeks, and I’ve been very happy with it.


Master & Dynamic MC100 Wireless Charge Pad Review: Delivers Elegant Wireless Power

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport True Wireless Earphones; they are fantastic. As a bonus, the MW08 Sport battery case is Q1 wireless charging-enabled. It only made sense then that the company also released a wireless charging pad, and they have. The Master & Dynamic MC100 Wireless Charge Pad is elegant, well-built, and perfect for charging your M&D MW08 Sport earphones.


Flexispot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair Review: Lets You Stay Productive and Keep in Shape

A few years ago, I purchased an exercise bike with a small desk large enough for a laptop. The exercise bike was uncomfortable, and the desk surface was too small; I never liked it enough to use it regularly. Recently, I’ve been trying out the Flexispot Sit2Go 2-in-1 Fitness Chair. The Sit2Go is a desk chair and exercise bike combination that works with your current standing desk; it’s turned out to be an excellent option for staying active even as I sit writing!




Sportneer Elite D9 and Mini 2 Massage Guns Review: Bringing Affordability and Power to the Portable Massager Space

We cover many permutations of massage guns here at Gear Diary. I often get asked what makes one stand out from another. It’s not always bells and whistles; rather, it’s about making a solid and easy-to-use device that brings relief. Sportneer has nailed that with their massage guns. Today, we’re looking specifically at the Sportneer Mini 2 and the Sportneer Elite D9 massage guns.






Beyerdynamic PHONUM Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone Review: Hands-Free Conference and Video Calls Perfected

Conference calls are a fact of life, whether you work in a cubicle, a corner office, a home office, or a camper van on the road. During calls, it is important to hear, be heard, and be able to interact naturally as the conversation flows. That’s not always possible on a phone or laptop, especially when you have multiple people on your end of the call. The Beyerdynamic PHONUM Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone can help with that.




Eggtronic Sirius 65W Universal Charger Review: A Powerful 65W USB Type-C GaN Charger for All of Your Gadgets

It seems that most devices I use as of late are charged via USB-C. From my phone to laptop and everything in between, one charging solution works for them all. I often find myself stranded in various places needing to charge, so having another charging option strong enough for everything, including my laptop, is a game-changer; the Eggtronic Sirius 65W Universal Charger does just that.


Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro Review: Aramid Offers Protection and Functionality in a Slim Form Factor – -UPDATED

I’ve used an assortment of Pitaka products with my iPhone over the years but only recently had the chance to check out some of their impressive iPad accessories. In this, the first of three Pitaka iPad accessory reviews, we’ll look at the Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro 2018/2020 and iPad Air 2020. Although priced at $69.99 on its own, the MagEZ Case 2 is only available as part of a bundle when sold with the MagEZ Stand, the MagEZ Folio, or with the MagEZ Stand and Folio.


Realme GT Explorer Master Edition Review: Good Looks, Performance, and Value

The realme GT Explorer Master Edition has a solidly built glass slab design with an aluminum frame, as we’ve seen from just about every other brand’s flagship smartphone, or you can opt for something a bit different if you get it in the Voyager Gray option. As I catch myself admiring this smartphone’s expensive feel, brilliant display, and curved edges, I have to remind myself that with starting price of $499 for the 8GB RAM with 256GB user memory version, the GT Explorer Master Edition is a very decently priced flagship device. Who is realme? And why should you consider…


Caliper Swiftsticks Lemonade Flavored CBD Powder Review: Convenient, Fast Dissolving, and It Tastes Great

I’ve taken CBD supplements for a couple of years, and doing so has made it easier to manage aches and pains and daily stress. I’ve tried various CBD softgels and tinctures, but I’m not always fond of the way they taste. Caliper’s flavored CBD powder Swiftsticks are fast-acting CBD powder that’s clinically verified as THC-free; even better, it actually tastes great. For summer, they’ve released limited edition Caliper Swiftsticks Lemonade flavored CBD powder packets; they’re the perfect daily supplement that you’ll actually look forward to taking.


Nomad Leather Keychain for AirTag and Glasses Strap for AirTag Review: Keep Track of Your Keys and Glasses with Integrated AirTag Holders

A few weeks ago, I reviewed one of Nomad’s new AirTag accessories, and more than once, it has already helped me locate my keys. Today we’ll take a look at their latest AirTag accessories, the Nomad Leather Keychain for AirTag and the Nomad Glasses Strap for AirTag. Both look great, but more importantly, both options offer handy ways to incorporate AirTags into your everyday items to help keep track of your stuff. The fact that AirTags are basically useless without accessories like this is troubling, but thankfully, Nomad has stepped up.



Airthings View Plus Review: A Fantastic Air Quality Monitor for your Home

Airthings, known for their great smart home tech, released their latest air quality monitoring device, the Airthings View Plus. The View Plus is a simple yet powerful device that continuously monitors your home’s air quality to help keep your family safe from allergens, radon, pollution, and more. The first batch has sold out, but you can pre-order yours for $299.