Reviews | Gear Diary

Front of the WD_BLACK D30 Game Drive SSD in stand.

WD_BLACK D30 Game Drive SSD Review: Speedy Memory Expansion for Most Gaming Rigs with a Few Caveats

Xbox systems come with 512GB to 1TB user memory, and PlayStation systems come with 500GB or 1TB user memory. Even with no games installed on either gaming console, the device’s software and systems will use some of that stated user memory. Considering that the average Xbox and PlayStation games require 40GB of memory for storage, it’s easy to see how memory can suddenly become a very precious commodity once you start loading games to either console. Rather than picking and choosing, or worse, deleting games, the WD_BLACK D30 Game Drive SSD proposes itself as a solution.

Reviews

Take a Look at the New Nomad 30W GaN AC Adapter and Sport Cables

The end of 2021 may be drawing close, but that doesn’t mean our friends at Nomad are done rolling out the new gear. In fact, Nomad’s new 30W GaN AC Adapter and sports cables are here just in time to be welcome stocking stuffers. Here’s a quick look at both.

Reviews

Lenovo Flex 5i 13″ 2-in-1 Chromebook Review: It’s Powerful Enough to Handle More Than You Think!

I’ve always had a soft spot for ChromeOS. There’s something so efficient and appealing about being able to pick up any Chromebook, login, and be ready to go in moments. I was sent the Lenovo Flex 5i 13″ 2-in-1 Chromebook to review, and it’s been such an enjoyable experience that it’s basically been the only computer I’ve reached for the last few weeks!

Reviews

AKG Ara Microphone Review: Easy to Use, and It Sounds Great

Cameras and microphones have become part of daily life for many of us during the pandemic. While most external video cameras have built-in microphones, they’re usually only slightly better than using the microphone integrated into a laptop. Unfortunately, the best external microphones are often rather complicated to use. However, the AKG Ara microphone is an excellent dual pattern USB mic, and it’s easy to use.

Side of the Serta Arctic Premier Mattress

Reviews

Serta Arctic Premier Mattress Review: Checks All the Boxes While Keeping you Cool

What’s the most important thing to consider when searching for a new mattress? Is it foam vs. coil construction, or whether or not the mattress runs cool or warm, or maybe you want a mattress built in the USA? Lucky for you, the new Serta Arctic Premier Mattress checks all the boxes.

Reviews

CBD Living Delta-8 Cartridges Review: Provides a Pleasant and Legal Buzz!

You may have seen or heard of Delta-8 THC in gummy, vape, and other forms. It’s very similar to Delta-9, better known as the compound in marijuana that makes you high. The key differences are that Delta-8 provides a milder high, and it is derived from hemp, making it legal across the US thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. We were sent a sample of CBD Living Delta-8 vape cartridges, and we were very excited to check them out!

Reviews

Uoni V980Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner Review: LiDAR Mapping, Powerful Suction, and a (Mostly) Self-Emptying Dustbin

How would you like to come home to a freshly vacuumed house every day without hiring a housekeeper or, worse, doing it yourself before you leave? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could stretch out the periods between full moppings with occasional wet cleanups? With the Uoni V980Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner, you can do that, and you don’t necessarily have to remember to empty the robot’s bin every couple of days because this robot vac has a large capacity self-emptying dustbin.

Reviews

RiotPWR Rotor Riot Android Controller RR1825A Review: It Turns Your Tablet into a Full Gaming Setup

Mobile gaming has evolved to match touch interfaces, but sometimes a hardware controller makes gaming smoother and more enjoyable. The RiotPWR Rotor Riot Android Controller RR1825A is a wired gaming controller for Android devices; when it was sent to me to review, my son ran off with it immediately. I eventually got it back from him, but was it worth negotiating it away from an 8-year-old? Read on to find out!

Reviews, Travel

20″ LEVEL8 Gibraltar Full Aluminum Carry-On Review: A Beautiful and Very Functional Piece of Luggage

Travel is picking back up again, and that might have you looking at the current state of your carry-on luggage and wishing for something a little bit more serviceable and modern. The 20″ LEVEL8 Gibraltar full aluminum carry-on is a fantastic option that is intelligently designed, solidly built, and, best of all — especially considering that it’s entirely made of aluminum — very affordable.

Reviews

Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro for iPhone 13 Review: Thin and Light Protection

I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to keep my device as slim as possible without totally compromising on its protection, and that is where cases like the Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro for iPhone 13 come in.

Reviews

Proscenic P10 Cordless Vacuum Review: Fantastic for Fast and Easy Clean-Ups

We have slowly converted to all hard flooring in our house and added an adorable black labrador that seems to keep the floors dirty. The Proscenic P10 Cordless Vacuum has become a game-changer for fast and easy clean-up. With tons of features and attachments, the P10 works in just about any cleaning situation.

Reviews

Twelve South PowerPic Mod Wireless Charger Review: A Photo Frame That Hides a Powerful Charger

Some time ago, I reviewed Twelve South’s PowerPic. A traditional wooden frame that doubles as a Qi wireless charger, it’s rather inspired. Now the company has released their new Twelve South PowerPic mod Wireless Charger. It is an elegant lucite frame for a 4″ by 6″ picture that hides a secret; it is also a 10W Qi charger.

Reviews

L’ange Thinning Therapy System for Hair Loss and Thinning Hair Review: Can It Really Make a Difference?

A variation in the EDAR gene1 determines the thickness of individual hairs growing on our heads; how densely hair grows is determined by our race2, age2, and hair color3. It’s normal to shed 50-100 hairs4 each day, and as we age, it’s normal for even the thickest hair to grow thinner and less dense5. Combatting genetics, natural hair shedding, and aging can seem impossible when your goal is a thicker, denser head of hair. The L’ange Thinning Therapy System says it can help correct hair loss and thinning hair, but does it work?

Reviews

Shure AONIC 215 Gen 2 True Wireless Earphones Review: They Stay Put and Sound Impressive

I hadn’t used Shure headphones in quite some time, so I was excited when the opportunity to review the Shure AONIC 215 Gen 2 True Wireless Earphones. This system pairs detachable AONIC 215 sound isolating earphones with Shure’s second-generation wireless adapter set. The sound is impressive, but the unique approach Shure took may not be for everyone.

Reviews

InfinityLab InstantGo 10000 Wireless Power Bank Review: Charge Up to Three Devices Simultaneously

My new iPhone finally arrived, and all the reviews are correct; Apple found a way to improve battery life significantly. At the same time, better battery life doesn’t mean heavy users like me won’t still want to carry an external battery. The InfinityLab InstantGo 10000 Wireless Power Bank ticks all of my boxes; it’s powerful and packed with features.

Reviews, Outdoors

Liteband PRO 1000 Headlamp Review: A Wide, Bright Light When You Need to See Hands-Free

Headlamps are one of the most convenient ways to carry a flashlight hands-free when you are in the dark. Most headlamps have a single focussed beam that aims light directly in front of you, but that’s not the case with the Liteband PRO 1000 Headlamp; it provides a 210º beam, shining a light on everything directly in your path and on both sides. Wondering if this might be an even better lighting solution, especially when walking or working outdoors at night, I asked a long-time headlamp wearer, my husband Kev, to give the Lightband PRO 1000 a try.

Infinity Lab InstantCharger 65W 2 USB Powerful USB-C and USB-A PD charger with US wall plug attached

Reviews

Infinity Lab InstantCharger 65W 2 USB Review: A Powerful USB-C and USB-A Wall Charger

In recent weeks, Harman‘s Infinity Lab has released several different charging solutions; these include high-performance wall adapters and a range of external battery packs. They have sent me a number of their new products to try; this review will look at their new Infinity Lab InstantCharger 65W, a powerful USB-C and USB-A PD charger.

Reviews

SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones Review: Back & Stomach Sleepers Will Love These

There are many nights when I enjoy winding down by listening to music in bed. Most of the true wireless earphones I have worked just fine initially, but the hard material that houses the electronics eventually becomes uncomfortable when leaning on a pillow. That’s where the SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones come in. SleepPhones were designed for bedtime music. But are they comfortable?

Reviews

Moshi Altra Slim Hardshell Case with Strap Review: A Secure, Customizable Case for the iPhone 13

What’s the first thing you do when you get your shiny new iPhone? I put it straight into a case because I don’t trust myself with the latest iPhone models’ slippery metal and glass finish. Moshi has a great lineup of new cases, including my favorite, the Moshi Altra Slim Hardshell Case with Strap.

Reviews

Xiaomi 11T Review: Rock Solid Performance at an Affordable Price

When I reviewed the 4G Xiaomi 11 Lite, I said that Xiaomi is a brand that more of us in the United States should become familiar with and pay attention to, and that has never been more true. The Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro were announced in September; I have the 11T in hand, so let’s take a look at this affordable 5G smartphone, and see if it might be an option for you.

Reviews, Health and Fitness

Perfectly Snug Smart Topper Review: Enjoy Your Most Comfortable Sleep with Dual Zone Warming and Cooling

A few months ago, I had no idea what a bed topper was. Sure, I’d heard of feather beds, but a smart topper? “If you have a good bed why would you need one?” I thought. Then I got the Perfectly Snug Smart Topper; it automatically adjusts temperature while you sleep, and I couldn’t imagine sleeping without it now.