Reviews

Hello Fresh and The New iPad App Might Turn Me Into a Cook!

Reviews, Yum Log August 15, 2015

Hello Fresh and The New iPad App Might Turn Me Into a Cook!

When I moved into my own apartment back in January I initially planned to eat all of my meals either out or as prepackage, already prepared food. I quickly found that this was not healthy nor financially wise. That’s why I was excited to check out Hello Fresh, their food delivery service, and their new iPad app. I’m a fan! As you may know the company provides a number of different recipes each week. You order from them and they deliver all of the items you will need to prepare your food. It’s all properly packaged and ready to go…

I Love My New Ergotron WorkFit-T Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation

Reviews August 13, 2015

I Love My New Ergotron WorkFit-T Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation

This is the time of year when I do more writing than any other. In addition to my normal sermons and Gear Diary reviews, this is the time of year when I have to write my high holy day sermons. That’s where something like the amazing Ergotron WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation comes in more than a bit handy.

GoalZero Venture 30 and Nomad 7 Take You and Your Devices Off the Grid

Reviews, Travel August 13, 2015

GoalZero Venture 30 and Nomad 7 Take You and Your Devices Off the Grid

A goal of nothing – zip, zilch…zero. Quite ambitious, don’t you think? That is mantra over at GoalZero – getting the world off the grid and relying on absolutely no fossil fuels or infrastructure for electrical sustainability. Recently I got to test a small part of their mission in the form of the Venture 30 Recharger complete with Nomad 7 solar panel.

ProtectorXT Review: A Biometric Quick Access Gun Rack

Reviews August 12, 2015

ProtectorXT Review: A Biometric Quick Access Gun Rack

As an avid owner and user of firearms and father of two young sons, safety is always on my mind. Whether it is protecting my family from intruders or keeping weapons out of the hands of my children, the safety of my firearms is important. The ProtectorXT ($359) is a biometric, quick open gun rack with both issues in mind. 

Moshi iVisor for 2015 MacBook

Reviews August 12, 2015

Moshi iVisor for 2015 MacBook

The folks at Moshi recently provided Gear Diary their iVisor for MacBook, a clear (matte) anti-glare screen protector for the new 12” MacBook.   Moshi gives a 100% guarantee that the screen protector will install bubble free and I have to say that it installed flawlessly for me. Once it was on, I hardly noticed it was there, except for the fact that the screen now had a matte look rather than the normal glossy look. The fit was clean and simple and can easily be removed and re-applied as needed. Moshi recommends you retain the backing sheet in case…

LiveScribe 3 from an Android User's Perspective

Reviews August 11, 2015

LiveScribe 3 from an Android User’s Perspective

LiveScribe has long been loved by Dan and Michael. I finally took the leap last year buying the LiveScribe Sky, as I needed a way to take notes during conference calls. I recently upgraded to the LiveScribe 3, as it now supports Android. While the support and basic functionality are there, I am a bit underwhelmed with the app.

Munitio Pro40 Headphones are the Best Headphones I've Ever Used

Reviews August 11, 2015

Munitio Pro40 Headphones are the Best Headphones I’ve Ever Used

The Munitio Pro40 is an ultra high-performance set of headphones that sports fantastic audio performance with deep bass. These rugged over-ear headphones are built to last and even come with a 2-year replacement warranty. At an MSRP of $349.00, they’re not cheap, but they perform better than any other set of headphones I’ve ever tried.

Waterfield Design Vitesse Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag Review

Reviews August 11, 2015

Waterfield Design Vitesse Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag Review

I’ve made little secret of the fact that I am a huge fan of all things Waterfield. Truth is, I use one Waterfield bag or another pretty much every day. That’s why I was excited to check out their latest offering, the Waterfield Design Vitesse Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag. It didn’t disappoint. The $159 bag is yet another Waterfield winner. The Waterfield Design Vitesse Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag is available in brown, navy, burgundy waxed canvas. It is definitely one of the less structured bags I’ve used from Waterfield. That’s not a criticism however. The lack of structure means it…

Distil Union Wally Sleeve Takes Minimalist Wallets to the Extreme

Reviews August 11, 2015

Distil Union Wally Sleeve Takes Minimalist Wallets to the Extreme

The other day we reviewed the Wally Bifold slim wallet from Distil Union. Today we are taking a look at the smaller, thinner, even more minimalistic sibling, the Distil Union Wally Sleeve. This super-thin leather wallet sleeve retails for $29.99. It is for the person who wants to take their minimalist wallet to an entirely new, and thinner level.

You Don't Have to Be an Athelete to Love the Jabra Sport Coach Bluetooth Headset

Reviews August 11, 2015

You Don’t Have to Be an Athelete to Love the Jabra Sport Coach Bluetooth Headset

The Jabra Sport Coach Bluetooth Headset are great for athletes but you don’t have to be one to appreciate all these sub-$150 wireless headphones have to offer. I can’t run without music and these Bluetooth headphones are, by far, the best way yet to cut the cord and go for a run. They are comfortable, stay put and sound great. The Jabra Sport Coach Bluetooth Headset are, “wireless sports earbuds with intelligent audio coaching optimized for cross training and indoor workouts. With integrated cross training app.” In this review I’m going to focus most on the headset simply as a…

Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones Sound as Good as They Look

Reviews August 10, 2015

Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones Sound as Good as They Look

If you like using on-ear headphones you owe it to yourself to check out the $119 Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones. Not only are the well-built and comfortable but they offer amazingly good sound with plenty of bass. The fold up into a small package and, unlike other on-ear headphones, don’t put too much clamping pressure on your head. Marshall describes the second generation Marshall Major headphones this way: An impressive second act, the classic Major kicks up its performance a few notches. Updated sound, looks and durability, as well as improved ergonomics, give way to a whole new level…

Stop Running to Outlets to Charge Your MacBook with This External Battery

Reviews August 10, 2015

Stop Running to Outlets to Charge Your MacBook with This External Battery

While traveling, once thing that I’ve always hated is sitting in an airport, or on a long train ride somewhere and not having an outlet to plug up my MacBook Air. So I started looking for an external battery pack that was in my budget that wasn’t too gaudy, but would charge up my MacBook in the event I cannot charge my laptop when I get that red 5% alert. There aren’t many of said products on the market, but I did stumble upon the BatteryBox from GBatteries Energy. The BatteryBox certainly isn’t cheap. At $220, it’s cheaper than Lenmar’s…

Griffin's Identity Cases Protect from Drops, but Keep It Stylish

Reviews August 8, 2015

Griffin’s Identity Cases Protect from Drops, but Keep It Stylish

Griffin is one of our favorite accessories companies here at Gear Diary so when I received Griffin’s Identity cases for the iPhone 6 Plus, I pretty much already knew to expect a quality product, but got much more.   I had the opportunity to get three different models of the Griffin’s Identity series: Tennis ball Green, Blue with a clear back, and a black wallet case. Now usually I’m not a fan of wallet cases because I think they are a bit corny, and I feel strange having my credit cards exposed when I have my phone out to text,…

Running Out of Outlets with All of Your Gadgets? iClever's Wall Charger Fixed That

Reviews August 8, 2015

Running Out of Outlets with All of Your Gadgets? iClever’s Wall Charger Fixed That

We have a lot of gadgets. And they all need to be charged. Sometimes at the same time. Why? Because we use them. So when the iClever USB travel Wall Charger came to my door, I instantly was excited. The travel wall charger is yet another great item from iClever, who is known for creating products that you wouldn’t typically think you’d use, until you actually find out you need them. Having multiple battery packs to charge, as well as a smartphone and a tablet, on top of now an Apple Watch that needs to be charged daily, iClever’s six…

Lucrin's Apple Watch Bands Let Your Wrist Make the Statement, for a Price

Reviews August 7, 2015

Lucrin’s Apple Watch Bands Let Your Wrist Make the Statement, for a Price

There’s already plenty of Apple Watch bands out there on the market, in all different types of makes and colors. Some things that you might have to consider is how much you’d want to spend for one, and if you’ll actually get quality for the price you pay. Apple’s own bands are pretty nice, but, to be honest, when I saw them in the store I wasn’t really in love with any of them minus the sports bands. 

The Distil Union Wally Bifold Wallet Is Minimalist Without the Minimal

Reviews August 6, 2015

The Distil Union Wally Bifold Wallet Is Minimalist Without the Minimal

Distil Union describes the Wally bifold minimalist wallet as the “super-slim leather billfold wallet.” There’s actually truth in advertising here. The Wally bifold is super-slim, made of leather and includes a money-clip built right into the wallet. It is, by far, the best minimalist wallet I have tried. I’ve been using one of the $59.99 wallets and love it.