Reviews

Ekster Aluminum Cardholder Review: A Minimalist’s Dream

Some months ago, my friend David turned me on to Ekster wallets. He had just gotten one and loved it. Soon after, I got an Ekster Parliament Wallet, and I’ve also become a fan. Now they’ve released the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder. It’s excellent and has a few unique features I love; it’s also currently on sale.



Cleer Alpha Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: Cancel the Noise and Enjoy Your Music

There are a shocking number of choices available for headphones right now — over the ear, in-ear, true wireless, fitted for weird ears, fitted for normal ears, fitted for ears you wish were weirder — as I said, there are a lot of options. The Cleer Alpha Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones look fantastic and have an over-the-ear form factor, but are they good enough to stand out in a sea of headphone choices?



Realme GT 2 Pro Review: Blazing Fast Performance, Excellent Display, and a Battery That Will Last All Day

Realme has built a loyal following by offering higher-end features not generally found on moderately priced smartphones, and with the realme GT 2 Pro, they’ve created a true flagship that won’t break the bank. Loaded with features, including the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform, a large AMOLED display with an adaptive 1~120Hz refresh rate, a massive battery, and plenty of RAM, the GT 2 Pro is one of the best Android smartphone options available anywhere.



Artilect Review: Offers a New Take on Merino Wool Base Layers

When I first started getting into merino wool clothing, I was a purist and only purchased clothing made from 100% merino wool. Recently I’ve discovered companies that do some magic with fabrics that, while not 100% merino wool, offer all the same benefits with fewer downsides. Artilect is one of those companies, and it is doing some interesting things.


Escort MAXcam 360c Review: Excellent All-in-One Radar Detector and Dashcam Hindered by the Tragically Buggy ‘Drive Smarter’ App

My first Escort radar detector was a boxy black contraption that had a volume dial, analog radar signal strength meter, highway/city toggle switch, and an alert light on its front … and that’s it. Thirty-six years later, I’ve got the Escort MAXcam 360c in for review. This current generation Escort may still be a bit of a boxy black contraption, but it offers useful features above and beyond simply detecting police radar that can help improve a driver’s situational awareness and safety, both on the road and in some cases, even when their vehicle is parked.


Nomad Base One MagSafe Charger Review: Brings Elegance to Wireless Charging

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Nomad‘s products. Their cables are among the best you can purchase, and their cases have saved my iPhone and iPad more often than once. Their charges are also excellent, and their most recent offering, the Nomad Base One MagSafe Charger, is their most refined yet. It’s beautiful… and that’s just the beginning.



MGear Gadget Wallet 3.0 Review: Create an Everyday Carry That Is Tough, Attractive, and Uniquely Yours!

I tend to go through cycles with my wallet. Sometimes it’s bursting with receipts, business cards, and every card I’ve ever thought I might need, but every once in a while, I get the urge to slim down my everyday carry to a more reasonable level. I was recently given a chance to check out the MGear Gadget Wallet 3.0, a customizable minimalist wallet, and I figured it might be worth a try.


Satechi Pro Hub Max Review: Your 14″ MacBook Pro Needs This

Apple may have reintroduced some extra ports with the new MacBook Pro line, but these laptops are still not as port-rich as they used to be. The Satechi Pro Hub Max is a convenient way to get back some if not all of the ports you might need so you can focus on your work. The Pro Hub Max is small, powerful, affordable, and it’s a purchase that you won’t regret making.



28″ LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk Review: This May Just Be the Perfect Checked Luggage

Heading to the airport after the Snapdragon Summit in December, a friend noticed that my 6-years-old (and very well-traveled) Rimowa trunk had a massive new crack just below the handle on its front side. Thankfully, the luggage and its contents made it home without self-destructing, but it will need to be sent in for repairs (assuming they are even possible). With many upcoming trips planned, I was thankful for the opportunity to review the  28″ LEVEL8 Luminous Trunk. How does it stack up against the more than twice as expensive Rimowa trunk? Read on to find out.


FEND Airway Cleansing Mist Review: Should It Be Part of Your Arsenal Against Covid?

The messaging about Covid has been a mess; people don’t understand the role vaccines play (i.e., they don’t cure Covid or even prevent catching it), and many have stopped appreciating the importance of masks and social distancing. But why wouldn’t we use every possible tool to fight this? FEND Airway Cleansing Mist wants to be part of that arsenal. But should it be?




Nomad Pen Review: Bring a Taste of Analog Luxury into Your Life

Nomad has made a name for itself by releasing some of the best mobile accessories on the market. Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Nomad has something for you. Now, with their new Nomad Pen, they’ve gone in a new analog direction; sure, it’s “just” a pen, but it is all Nomad.


Liteboxer VR and Oculus Will Bring the Boxing Gym to You

Like most people, I’ve managed to get pretty well settled in my home gym. I have a good arsenal of kettlebells, some dumbbells, a rowing machine, and other ancillary equipment. Everything I have has to be relatively compact to be stored away in my small space. As a result, while I love boxing, it’s hard to find the space to hang a bag or set up a stand. This is a pretty common issue, and the folks at Liteboxer have a creative solution — box in virtual reality with Liteboxer VR and Oculus!



Google Pixel 6 Case Round-Up: Protective Options from Incipio, Vena, and Gear4

Have you got a Google Pixel 6 series? If so, I’ll bet you love its flagship build, the pure Android experience, the Pixel exclusive features, and the excellent cameras. It may seem like a shame to cover up such a beautiful device, but a naked Pixel 6’s glass body is slick, slippery, and just waiting to be dropped. With that in mind, we’ve got five protective Pixel 6 case options for your consideration, including the Incipio Dual, the Vena vCommute, the Kate Spade New York Defensive Hardshell Case, the Gear4 Havana, and the Incipio Grip.