News & Features


Alcatel 1X Proves You Can Get a Decent Phone for Under $100

We recently reviewed the Alcatel 3V. It’s a large, impressive Android phone for under $150. If, however, you want to spend even less but still get a decent Android device, check out the Alcatel 1X. The 5.3” display is on the small side, and it runs Android Oreo Go Edition, but it is surprisingly good.



Roku Jumps from Streaming Box to Webpage with the Roku Channel

Roku is a company that has defied all conventional wisdom to become a household brand. They’re in the streaming business and up against Apple, Amazon, and cable companies, yet they just keep ticking away gathering more and more loyal users. Now they’re making a jump from hardware to software by expanding their Roku Channel and bringing it to computers and tablets in the USA.



VIZIO WatchFree Takes Cord-Cutting to the Next Level

I recently completed my review of the amazing VIZIO E-Series 65″ Class 4K HDR Smart TV. (Read my review.) I love the television and, now that VIZIO has rolled out their new WatchFree service there’s even more to love. It takes streaming to a new level and, best of all, it’s a free update.





Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Pack: Redesigned and Ready to Power

Are you looking for a high-capacity battery pack that can charge your laptop, tablet, DSLR camera, phone, and almost anything else you might carry? Take a look at the redesigned Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Pack. It has two USB Type-C ports, 2 USB Type-A ports, an AC outlet, wireless charging, and it includes all the cables you might need!


Can You Breathe Your Way to Weight Loss with Lumen?

What if I told you there was a device that you could blow into multiple times a day that could then read your breath and tell you what you need to eat to meet your dietary goals — to effectively hack your metabolism? Sounds crazy, right? Well, that’s what Lumen says it can do.



Google Brings Android Messages to the Desktop!

One thing I have missed using Android, rather than iOS as my main phone, is the ability to send and receive messages on my phone, tablet or laptop. And while Android still has a long way to go to get close to the functionality or usability of iMessage, they have taken a step in the right direction with Android Messages for Web.



Gear Diary Visits PocketNow’s PNWeekly Podcast

Judie and I first met while we were guests on a podcast. I loved chatting with her and am grateful that I was able to begin writing for Gear Diary. Last week I was a guest on Pocketnow’s podcast PNWeekly. A longtime Pocketnow reader, I was excited. The conversation was lively and covered a lot of ground. Check it out.



Flo HomeProtect Will Reimburse Your Insurance Deductible for Major Water Damage

Flo is an all-in-one security system that detects micro-leaks and other vulnerabilities in your home’s water supply. Perry reviewed it last month and found that it was able to detect even the smallest of leaks in his home’s water system. Now you can get Flo HomeProtect which will reimburse your insurance deductible if your Flo-equipped home suffers major water damage.


Huawei MediaPad M5 (WiFi version) Is Now Available for Purchase!

Easily one of the best portable tablets I have ever used or reviewed, the Huawei MediaPad M5 (WiFi version) is now available for purchase. Whether you are looking for the 8.4″ version I reviewed, the 10.8″, or the 10.8″ MediaPad M5 Pro, you’ll be able to get yours from Amazon or NewEgg for $319, $359 and $449 respectively.


Lenovo Legion Gaming PCs Are Stylishly Savage

Anyone who tells you there’s no innovation or growth in the PC market isn’t paying attention to gaming. Companies are finding new ways to cram power, heat management, and serious displays into smaller and sleeker cases. Lenovo is all-in with a whole slew of new Legion gaming PCs ranging from super-portable to super-powerful.



BlackBerry KEY2 Updates an Instant Classic

If you prefer the feel of physical keys under your thumbs when you’re tapping out emails or posting on Instagram, you’re going to love the BlackBerry KEY2. Sleeker and with dual-lens optics, the BlackBerry KEY2 is a welcome update to last year’s KEYone.