Reviews

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. 


Revisiting the Toshiba Transmemory Pro USB Drive’s Security Software

Dan took a look at the Toshiba Transmemory Pro USB drive recently, and after he’d finished with it I had the chance to test out its security features. You can partition and secure parts of the drive to keep private files on it, which is great in theory; the execution, however, left quite a bit to be desired.


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.


Leave Your Wallet at Home with the Beyzacases PocketBook for iPhone 5S

If you love the look, feel and smell of leather, want a way to protect your iPhone 5S, and want to leave your wallet at home, then the Beyzacases PocketBook for iPhone 5S may be for you. It holds up to 12 different cards, some cash, and a few others items inside while offering an exterior slot for your phone.


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.


From Plastic Bottle to Awesome Bag, the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack

Bluelounge does a great job of creating innovative products that are both useful and impressive; their line of bags is no exception. The Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack is made from post-consumer PET plastic bottles. In the hands of Bluelounge waste becomes a practical and unusual backpack for under $160. Here’s a look…


Harman Kardon CL On-Ear Headphones

Judie recently reviewed the Harman Kardon SOHO on-ear headphones. She was impressed. These on-ear headphones are, to a certain degree, an update and replacement for the Harman Kardon CL on-ear headphones. The CLs aren’t a new product but they still offer terrific comfort and great sound. And these $199 headphones can be found at a steep discount here on Amazon.


Grain Audio IEHP Wooden In Ear Headphones

The other day we took a high-level look at Grain Audio’s history and products. I came away from my interview in possession of two of their initial products. One of those products, the Grain Audio IEHP Wooden In Ear Headphones were out of the box in minutes. I’ve been using the $99 headphones since then.  


Zumba Fitness World Party Review for Nintendo Wii U

Zumba Fitness World Party continues the popular dance/fitness game series from Majesco. This excitable experience involves an included fitness belt (neon green and black) and uses a Wii remote (required to play). Zumba Fitness World Party has amazing gameplay and exercise opportunities. Move to over 40 new songs amid seven worldwide locations that anchor over 40 classes and 14 outstanding instructors.



Use an 11″ MacBook air? Check out the booq Viper hardcase 11

If you have an 11″ MacBook air or Chromebook, you likely take it with you more often than not. That means you need a way to keep it safe and protected. The MBA is, after all, a pricey laptop.The booq Viper hardcase case 11 is a refined but inexpensive way to protect your air; it is just $45!


Element Case Solace Chinese New Year Edition for iPhone 5/5S Review

Legend says that long ago, Buddha asked all the animals to gather with him on the new year. Only twelve came, and to honor them Buddha named a year for each. January 31st ushered in the year of the Horse, an event which is commemorated by the Element Case Solace Chinese New Year Edition for iPhone 5/5S.


Put 2TB in Your Pocket with the Seagate Backup Plus Slim Portable Drive

The other day we took a look at a massive 4TB Seagate portable hard drive. That’s a tremendous amount of mobile storage capacity, and it’s possibly overkill for many. Today we’re taking a look at a far thinner drive, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim Portable Drive. It’s slimmer, but it still offers plenty of storage – 2TB to be exact.