Reviews



OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock Review: A 14-Port Do-All Solution for Working from Home

When I first began working from home, one of the biggest issues I had was that there were too many peripherals needed for my workflow and not enough ports. Then I had the opportunity to check out the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock. Ever since I received it, it’s been the ideal approach to connecting my external monitors and hard drives, creating an “office-like experience” all from the comfort of my home.  The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock is compatible with Mac or Windows, but I’ve exclusively used it for my MacBook Pro and two external monitors for this review. Before having…


FireBoard 2 Review: The Smarter Way to Cook Meat Right, Every Time

Even though I smoke meats year-round, summer is especially busy in my pits. I have used the FireBoard for a good while and was just given the opportunity to try out the FireBoard 2. Since temps are the key to great smoked meat, the FireBoard 2 brings a smart way to impress your friends at your next BBQ.




Brydge Vertical Dock Review: A Versatile MacBook Stand That De-Clutters Your Workspace

To make my already cluttered standing desk a bit neater, I wanted to invest in a docking station that could sit behind my monitors, out of sight, out of mind. But it also needed to be functional and work with my existing setup. That’s how I landed on the Brydge Vertical Dock for the MacBook Pro. There’s a lot to love, but there are also a few things to consider before purchasing. In my opinion, Brydge has never made a bad accessory. I’ve used a Brydge iPad case for years, and other members of the Gear Diary team have good…


Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere Review: It’s Not a Man Purse, It’s a Carrier for My Essentials

I’ve reviewed many bags over the years, but Tom Bihn’s minimalist approach while also looking “adult” has always struck me as stunning. So when I had the opportunity to check out the Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere bag, it was a no-brainer.  The Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere, or LGD for short, is a reissue of a hip bag designed early in the ’90s. Over the past few years, you may have seen people using messenger bags or shoulder bags to carry their items with them on a day-to-day basis. Many people might take one look at the LGD and consider…



BlendJet 2 Portable Blender Review: Be Anywhere, Blend (Almost) Anything

The initial thought of a portable blender was, why? Then all of the possibilities came flooding in. Mix up a shake for the gym, breakfast on the go, or even some nice margaritas at the pool or the beach. The BlendJet 2 Portable Blender is a powerful, rechargeable option that will bring the freedom to blend shakes and drinks anytime and anywhere.


Scosche FrescheAir Portable HEPA Air Purifier and Deodorizer Review

For those that suffer from allergies, whether dust, pollen, pet hair, or just want to eliminate pet, food, or smoke odors, the Scosche FrescheAir purifier has come to the rescue. The filter collects 99.5% of small particles with a two-speed fan and touchless operation. The filter is designed to fit in your vehicle’s cup holder or set up easily on a desk.


Cleer Enduro ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review

I recently reviewed the Cleer Ally Plus II wireless earbuds, and they are a fantastic choice for anyone on the go. The Cleer Enduro ANC Noise Cancelling Headphones provide a more robust sound profile and a staggering 60 hours of battery life for over-the-ear fans. This battery life is with using active noise canceling and with some fantastic audio performance. Let’s take a look.





ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO N8 Pro Plus Robot Vac Review: A Powerful Vacuum & Mopping Combination with an Auto-Empty Station

Over the past few years, I’ve personally reviewed so many robot vacuums that I’ve truly lost count. But there’s one constant brand that, no matter what new products they unveil, seem to push the envelope in innovation, and that brand is ECOVACS. The latest ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO N8 Pro Plus is pretty amazing. ECOVACS latest is their DEEBOT N-Series, highlighted by the N8+ and the N8 Pro+. Both robot vacs promise unmatched features that you can’t readily get from some other brand in your local brick and mortar. It’s been a few years since robot vacs made first became trendy,…



Opolis Optics Largo Sunglasses Review: Perfect Shades for the Summer

Finding the perfect pair of glasses for your face isn’t hard, depending on your face shape. But with Opolis Optics’ latest Bio-Collection, there’s something for everyone, whether you have an oval, round, rectangular, square, or diamond shape to your face. I was sent the Opolis Optics Largo Sunglasses for review; let’s check them out.


Dreametech Dreame T30 Cordless Vacuum Review: Makes Cleaning Easy and Almost Fun!

I have never once uttered the words “I love this vacuum” until the Dreame T30. Using a vacuum is usually an ordeal — my full-size vac is bulky, I have to haul it out of a closet, and it never seems to suction as well as it should. Apparently, I’ve just been using the wrong vacuums all this time because the Dreametech Dreame T30 Cordless Vacuum lives up to its name; it is an absolute dream to use!


Coalatree Switchback Shirt Review: Comfortable, Cool, Eco-Friendly Shirt Made from Coffee Grounds and Plastic Bottles

“I’d like a shirt made from old soda bottles and coffee grounds,” said no one ever. That is, until Coalatree, purveyors of “Eco-Minded Goods,” created their Switchback Shirt. At $79.99, the Coalatree Switchback Shirt is not inexpensive, but it’s an unusual shirt with a lot going for it. Available in several colors, the Switchback Shirt is currently on sale for just $67.99.


Oura Alta Towel Review: Proves You Really Do Get What You Paid For!

If you asked me two weeks ago if I had a preferred towel at home, I would have probably stared at you blankly. Or pointed out that “preferred towel” was a really fancy way to say “whatever towel is clean and available.” That was before the Oura Alta Towel arrived; now I understand why Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy strenuously suggested you never forget your towel … because a good towel is a game-changer.