Reviews


Element Case Rogue Ducati iPhone 5S Case Looks Sharp, Protects Well

I loved the Element Case Rogue for iPhone 5S we reviewed last month. It is a fantastic rugged case that combines great materials, superb style and plenty of protection. Now the company has released the Element Case Rogue Ducati iPhone 5S Case. The color scheme and Ducati label combine to create a beautiful and unique case. Here’s our video look.


Take Your Phone On the Go with the Ventev Glide for iPhone 5S

Like a pouch-style cases, but hate fighting to remove your phone each time it rings? The Ventev glide for iPhone 5S is the pouch for you! Made from 100% leather, the $39.99 Ventev glide offers a refined look, a secure place to stow your iPhone, and it does the work of removing your phone when you need to use it.


Felix CrossWay for iPhone 5S Is a Cross Between Case and Wallet

If you use an iPhone and are looking to travel light a phone case that doubles as a wallet may be just the thing. We’ve looked at numerous wallet-cases but the Felix CrossWay may be the thinnest, the lightest and the simplest yet. The company claimed the $29.99 accessory is “The world’s thinnest wallet case” and they may be right.


See and Protect with the X-Doria Scene for iPhone 5C

The X-Doria Scene for iPhone 5C is yet another affordable case from X-Doria. At under $25 it offers decent protection for your iPhone 5C while allowing its true nature, and true color, to come through. It is available in four different colors and, thanks to the various iPhone 5C colors, the combinations are numerous. Let’s take a look.


Get a Handle on the Skooba Design iPad/Tablet Courier V.3

I was impressed by the Skooba Design iPad/Tablet Courier V.3. (Read our review.) The $89.95 bag is Skooba Design’s first north/south bag, is a great way to carry your tablet, a keyboard and a few extras. It offers great organization and will last a lifetime. I had one major complaint and with Rev2 of the bag it has been addressed.


The Nyne Bass Bluetooth Speaker Impresses in the Great Outdoors

The Nyne Bass Bluetooth Speaker is a wireless, 20-Watt portable that’s designed for outdoor use.  It’s powered by Bluetooth 4.0, has NFC pairing capabilities, and it has a built-in 10-hour rechargeable battery which can serve as a power bank for smaller devices; the Nyne Bass can also be used as a speakerphone.  You can purchase yours for $149.95.


X-Doria Rapt for iPhone: Protective Wrapping at Its Best

If you are looking for a thin, minimalist case that offers decent protection and doesn’t look like every other minimalist case, then the X-Doria Rapt for iPhone 5C is for you. This case is under $25, comes in three different color combinations, and it does a good job of keeping your iPhone 5C pristine. 



Rayovac Virtually Indestructible LED Spotlight Review

Being an outdoorsman can be taxing on the gear I use. Everything I carry is subject to being dropped and knocked around, as well as the elements. I usually go through several lights a year due to them breaking or getting wet. Rayovac may solve this issue with the Virtually Indestructible LED Spotlight. Can the $39.99 spotlight hold up?


Beyzacases Executive S for iPad Mini with Retina – Beautiful and Protective

If you work in extreme conditions, have a toddler, or have concerns that your iPad might be crushed or cracked due to general klutziness or negligence, then it probably makes sense that you keep yours in a bulky plastic exoskeleton. But if you prefer something protective yet visually appealing and refined, then the Beyzacases Executive S is worth considering.



Kanex Multi-Sync Bluetooth Keyboard Review – Keyboard Multitasking!

Bluetooth keyboards are a dime a dozen; we’ve covered scores of them here at Gear Diary. Most are variations on the same old keyboard, but the Kanex Multi-Sync Bluetooth Keyboard falls into the “how did I live without this” category very quickly. Do you have an iPad and a Mac or PC? Then you need this keyboard.



Harman Kardon Onyx Studio – Power, Quality, & Good Looks

We recently took a first look at the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth speaker system with rechargeable battery. The power, the audio quality, and its sharp looks immediately impressed me. I’ve been using the speaker almost full-time at home since receiving it, and I wanted to do a more complete review. Short version: I love it!


AncestryDNA Test – What Will It Tell Me About My Ancestors?

  Genealogy is more than just a hobby for me, it’s something I tend to get a bit obsessive about. I’ve been curating my family’s tree for over ten years, building upon my maternal grandmother and uncle’s research before me. The latest tool in my arsenal will hopefully be the AncestryDNA test, which I recently completed and sent in for evaluation.


Want Better Comfort and Fit With Your Apple Earpods? Try Acoustibuds

The thing that has made products like Yurbuds successful is the way they rethink the design of in-ear monitors so they feel more secure, offer more comfortable and stay put. The flanges on the tips make all the difference. Acoustibuds take the same approach but do so with a BYOEB (Bring Your Own Earbud) model and cost under $15.


First Impressions of the HTC One M8

Over the weekend I marched into my local Verizon store and snapped up the new HTC One M8. It’s been a few years since I used Android, but the look and feel of the One were calling my name. We’ll have a full review soon, but since this phone is so new, I wanted to share a few first impressions!


Secur Dynamo Spotlight Lantern Review

Hopefully the use of emergency lighting is reserved for camping and outdoor activities, but sometimes inclement weather and other events leave us in the dark. Either way, having lighting options with multiple charging possibilities can help keep us safe and comfortable. The Secur Dynamo Spotlight Lantern is a $35 product that will bring light and help charge your devices.


Grab and Go with the SuperTooth Disco4

We reviewed the Supertooth Disco and were blown away by the unique look and amazing sound. (Read the review.) We reviewed its update a year later, as well as the Disco Twin that offers left and right speakers. Now the company is back with the SuperTooth Disco4. It offers NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, a unique design, and a mind-blowing price.