Reviews

The Oneadaptr Twist Plus World Travel Adapter Is the Perfect Power Source

Having just returned from my trip to the IFA Global Press Conference in Malta, I’ll cut to the chase and suggest this to every one of you who is even considering traveling abroad: buy a Oneadaptr Twist World Travel Adapter. Both versions are under $50, and either would make a very thoughtful gift for yourself or your favorite road warrior.


The Cambridge Bluetone Speaker Fills the Room, but It Needs a Power Source

Back in 2013, Cambridge Audio released the Minx Air 100, in efforts to make good use of Apple’s new AirPlay feature. Now it could have been a fault on both parties, but they didn’t do the best job. But late in 2014, they bounced back with what was a more sophisticated model in the Cambridge Audio Bluetone 100 Bluetooth Speaker.


The SpiderPro Hand Strap is the Best Camera Accessory on the Market

The SpiderPro Hand Strap is a breakthrough product in the photography market. It’s an ergonomically designed hand strap that hugs your hand and allows you to comfortably hold your professional DSLR camera while taking photos, adjusting camera settings, or while looking for the perfect shot. The totally adjustable SpiderPro Hand Strap is brand new and retails for $65.


All In With Apple? You Need a Twelve South PlugBug World

My workflow is pretty much all Apple these days. I have an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPad Air 2, and a MacBook Pro. (I returned my 2015 MacBook but that’s another post.) For someone like me the Twelve South PlugBug World is an indispensable accessory. I charged my computer AND an iOS device at the same time. PlugBug World is a number of accessories in one. On the one hand it is a standalone 2.1-Amp USB wall charger for your iOS device. “Fast charge for your iPad: PlugBug World packs 2.1-Amp of charging power, which is enough to charge your iPad…



Inateck HB4008 Portable USB3.0 Hub For (Work) Life in the Fast Lane

Too many peripherals and not enough USB ports. Sound familiar? That is what I had been facing in my home computer station on a daily basis with my iMac, until Inateck sent me its new Portable USB3.0 Hub, which has an integrated SD card reader. This device works with PCs, laptops, Tablet PCs and Ultrabooks, and it works great.


A Week with Alcatel’s OneTouch Idol 3 Smartphone

You’ve read a few articles we’ve written about the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, but we finally have a hands-on sample to review and enjoy. Alcatel’s flagship phone is a beauty. I received it at my doorstep about a week ago to the day, and I’ve had the pleasure of using a T-Mobile SIM card, and I’m super excited about it.


Twelve South HiRise Deluxe Is a Must-Have iOS Accessory

I love my iPhone 6 Plus but find the battery to be lacking. I’ve tried a host of settings tweaks to optimize battery life but still run low by early afternoon. Having a strategically-placed charging dock is key for me. The Twelve South HiRise Deluxe is just such a charging dock. I reviewed the original HiRise and was impressed. This deluxe model takes things to an entirely new level. I love it! Here’s what Twelve South has to say about it: “HiRise Deluxe is a beautiful metal pedestal for charging and hands-free use of your iPhone or iPad. Set HiRise…


Amzer Kristal Edge2Edge Black Screen Protector for iPhone 6 Plus

I like to keep my iPhone as pristine as possible both for the sake of aesthetics and resale value. That means I almost always have my phone in a case. It also means I ALWAYS have a tempered glass screen protector on it. The Amzer Kristal Edge2Edge Black Screen Protector for iPhone 6 Plus is a great option and offers an added twist. The HD Screen protector offers edge to edge protection.” It has an oleophobic coating, is fingerprint proof, offers 9H protection and is easy to install. And because it is just 0.3mm thick you will barely know it is there….


Mitsubishi Outlander Sport-Fun to Drive, But a Fail as a Family Hauler

I have reviewed several cars for Gear Diary, and they’re usually my favorite reviews to do. Cars are probably the biggest purchase most people make, besides a house, and they are technological tools as much as they are transportation methods. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport excels in one of these areas and fails miserably in the other!



Treat Yourself to Better Selfies With the GoTech ION Bluetooth Selfie Stick

My time in Israel last July was a bit stressful  as we constantly waited for the next “Red Alert” warning us about an incoming missile. My friends Menachem, Robyn, and I broke the tension (and stayed entertained) by taking selfies. The new GoTech ION Bluetooth Selfie Stick I have for review would have come in quite handy. Let’s take a look. Menachem, Robyn, and I took selfies in Jerusalem, on the Golan Heights (a missile from Syria landed near our stop about an hour after we left) and before and after various meetings (this was a “business” trip for us.)…


Inateck Protection for iPad Air Has ‘Something Up Its Sleeve’

I found myself searching for a sleeve/case for my iPad Air recently and my efforts led me to Inateck. The Protection for iPad Air sleeve is a stylish gray felt sleeve that fits nicely over my device even when my Logitech Bluetooth keyboard is attached. Inateck also designed the sleeve to function as a nifty little device stand.


Totallee’s Scarf Case for iPhone 6 Plus Is BARELY There

I’ve been through plenty of cases, but one thing that I always look for is the minimalism. There’s so many options; waterproof, shock-protection, you name it. But one that honestly intrigued me, the guy who wants ultimate protection, is labeled the “thinnest”. And I like it. At only 0.355mm thin (yes, it’s truly that thin), Totallee’s Scarf Case for the iPhone 6 Plus is actually lighter, thinner, and more comfortable to hold in my hand than even Apple’s Leather case. It’s made of polypropylene, which is a flexible material that means even though it’s virtually as thin as your fingernail, it can still be damaged…


Nixplay Edge 13 Inch Digital Cloud Frame Is Picture Perfect

At $249.99 the 13 inch Nixplay Edge Digital Frame is pricey. But for that price you get a gorgeous high-definition display, the ability to pull images from the cloud, send images directly from your mobile device or side load them from an SD card. The frame offers plenty of settings and delivers stunning images. And that’s just the beginning.


Mike Osborne – ‘Dawn’ Celebrates a Jazz Great and a Life Cut Short

A year ago when I reviewed the previously unreleased album ‘S.O.S.’, I didn’t single out each player for their amazing contributions because the album was more about bringing together three amazing musicians for an even more amazing outcome. Now with the release of Mike Osborne’s earliest solo works as ‘Dawn’, we can single out his amazing contributions to jazz.


Harman Kardon Soho Wireless Cut Cords for Music on the Go

I don’t want to even try to count the number of headphones that, between the two of us, Judie and I own. And when she reviewed the Harman Kardon Soho Headphones I’ll admit I was a bit jealous. We both have the Harman Kardon Soho Wireless Headphones and I absolutely love mine. She does too. Here’s a look.


The UAG Case for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Offers Great Protection

UAG makes one of the most rugged cases for the iPhone, so I was excited when I received two different UAG cases for my iPhone 6 Plus to review.   Urban Armor Gear is a popular accessory company that makes tough yet featherweight cases for smartphones and tablets. I had the option to pick two colors, and I went with clear and the popping color of orange.  The Urban Armor Gear Case is marketed as military-grade protection for your iPhone ,which pretty much means clumsy folks who have a habit of dropping their phones from average text height are safe from…



Native Union’s JUMP Is a Cable/Battery Combo I Don’t Leave at Home

One thing I end up dealing with often when out at happy-hour is my phone mysteriously dying. I don’t use my phone frequently when out, but over the course of the night, I keep bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, which obviously drains the battery. So when I was asked to review Native Union’s Jump Cable for the iPhone, I was stoked.


Bayan Audio soundbook GO Sounds Great on the Go and at Home

The portable Bluetooth speaker market has exploded in recent years and it is more and more difficult to stand out in such a crowded field. Bayan Audio has found a way to do just that with the soundbook GO, however. This small speaker sounds great, has a built-in stand that doubles as a cover and is under $140!