Reviews

Zavor Noir Skillet Set Review: A Quality Set of 10″ and 12″ Cast Aluminum Skillets with an Interesting Feature

Over the past few years, I’ve embraced how therapeutic cooking can actually be. I’ve also learned that while you can cook well with any tools, quality skillets make for quality meals. The Zavor Noir Skillet Set includes a set of cast aluminum 10″ and 12″ skillets that are good enough that you can finally throw out that skillet (you, know, the one with the flaking Teflon?) that you were gifted years ago!





Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Rich Sound for Less

As an avid Pixel phone user, I was excited that Google developed its own earbuds. I sat out on their first iteration of the true wireless version but jumped in with the Google Pixel Buds A-Series. The idea of wireless buds designed to work with my phone is an exciting idea for a non-iPhone user. The last week, both my son and I have put them through their paces.



AirVape X Review: An Incredibly Well Made, Sleek, and Easy to Use Vape

We’ve reviewed numerous portable vaporizers, but few, if any, have the style and refinement of the AirVape X. The $139 vape is available in your choice of black or blue and, despite the affordable price, is packed with the latest technology. High-grade materials, state-of-the-art heating technology, and a lifetime warranty make this a great option.


Nomad Leather Loop for AirTag Review: A Simple Yet Essential Accessory

When Apple’s new AirTag’s were released, my Tile Trackers became obsolete. Apple’s approach to locating keys and other everyday daily carries is more tightly integrated with iOS in ways Tile can’t match. But Apple offers no way to attach the pricey trackers to your daily carry. The new Nomad Leather Loop for AirTag elegantly solves that problem.


Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Review: Elevated Essential Charger for Your Everyday Carry Apple Items

When I purchased my iPhone 12 Pro Max back in 2020, one of the highlighted features was the MagSafe Charging. I went out of my way to purchase Apple’s charging puck for it at an astounding $39, but unfortunately, the lack of a dock option made it less useful than I had hoped. To the rescue came the Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W Charging. 



Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam Review: An Essential Work from Home Accessory

Many of us have had the luxury of working from home over the past year which means many of us have been suffering through countless hours of Zoom and Webex conference calls. Historically, built-in webcams are terrible and such low-quality, no one can tell you’re rocking your PJs on the call. But with the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Pro Business Webcam, you might want to shower and dress up, because you’ll come through crisp and clear!





NEXVOO NEXCHAIR Review: The Office Chair That Can Monitor Your Health As You Work

Having a good desk chair was key to surviving months of working from home during the pandemic. Raina and I both use comfortable, ergonomic chairs that have served us well. The NEXVOO NEXCHAIR has a similar design to my current chair, but there’s one big difference. As the company puts it, NEXCHAIR is “the world’s first health monitoring chair.”


OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock Review: A 14-Port Do-All Solution for Working from Home

When I first began working from home, one of the biggest issues I had was that there were too many peripherals needed for my workflow and not enough ports. Then I had the opportunity to check out the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock. Ever since I received it, it’s been the ideal approach to connecting my external monitors and hard drives, creating an “office-like experience” all from the comfort of my home.  The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock is compatible with Mac or Windows, but I’ve exclusively used it for my MacBook Pro and two external monitors for this review. Before having…


FireBoard 2 Review: The Smarter Way to Cook Meat Right, Every Time

Even though I smoke meats year-round, summer is especially busy in my pits. I have used the FireBoard for a good while and was just given the opportunity to try out the FireBoard 2. Since temps are the key to great smoked meat, the FireBoard 2 brings a smart way to impress your friends at your next BBQ.




Brydge Vertical Dock Review: A Versatile MacBook Stand That De-Clutters Your Workspace

To make my already cluttered standing desk a bit neater, I wanted to invest in a docking station that could sit behind my monitors, out of sight, out of mind. But it also needed to be functional and work with my existing setup. That’s how I landed on the Brydge Vertical Dock for the MacBook Pro. There’s a lot to love, but there are also a few things to consider before purchasing. In my opinion, Brydge has never made a bad accessory. I’ve used a Brydge iPad case for years, and other members of the Gear Diary team have good…


Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere Review: It’s Not a Man Purse, It’s a Carrier for My Essentials

I’ve reviewed many bags over the years, but Tom Bihn’s minimalist approach while also looking “adult” has always struck me as stunning. So when I had the opportunity to check out the Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere bag, it was a no-brainer.  The Tom Bihn Le Grand Derriere, or LGD for short, is a reissue of a hip bag designed early in the ’90s. Over the past few years, you may have seen people using messenger bags or shoulder bags to carry their items with them on a day-to-day basis. Many people might take one look at the LGD and consider…