Home Tech

Vivint Made My Home Smarter and More Secure: Part 1

I recently had the good people from Vivint come and install a home automation system/security system in my home. Vivint provides a ton of options and provides professional installation with every purchase. Read on to see how the process and products have transformed my home. 


Be the Boss of Your Grill with the Flame Boss 300

Memorial Day has become regarded as the unofficial kick-off of summer, and with that distinction, the beginning of outdoor grilling season. If you’re a fan of barbecue or low-and-slow cooking in general, temperature control is vitally important to your efforts’ success. I’ve recently discovered an extremely useful tool that has upped my barbecue game, the Flame Boss 300.


The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill Makes You Feel Like a BBQ Pitmaster

The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill is that rare breed of equipment that’s so easy to use; you can feel like a master after your first cook. Although this was the first pellet grill/smoker I’ve ever used, the SmokePro SG made me feel like a championship BBQ pitmaster. Starting at $749.99, the SmokePro SG belongs in every carnivore’s backyard.


Ergo Impact LeanRite Elite Is the Standing Desk Chair Everyone Needs

I bought an L-shaped bamboo-topped standing desk last year. With grand illusions of doing all of my work while standing, I also bought the large Topo Mat to help with fatigue … but after 10 minutes of standing still, my back starts hurting, and I’m back in my chair — gah! And then I got the Ergo Impact LeanRite Elite.


Udoq400: The Aluminum Docking Station That Is Worthy of Your Desk

If you have less than three things that require USB charging sitting on your desk, then I’m impressed with your minimalism! My electronics tend to sit in a “charging pile”; it’s neither pretty nor visually efficient. Now that I have the udoq400, there is no more charging pile; I can see and use my devices as they charge.



Flo Leak Detection System Protects Your Home Using Machine Learning

The I’ve seen many smart home devices, but none of them actively protect your home from danger more so than the Flo leak detection system. Flo is a security system for your home’s water system that constantly monitors to catch leaks, prevent water damage, and save you money. Flo is available for purchase at an introductory price of $499.



Vinyl Care Mistakes You Might Be Making

Vinyl is back. For years, hipsters have ironically foretold the format’s return, but the numbers finally support it. 2017 marked the highest year for vinyl sales since 1991, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But vinyl is a delicate medium. And with so many new people hopping on the vinyl train, many people are inadvertently damaging their records.



Vari ProDesk 60 Electric: Quick to Set Up, Fantastic to Use

I have standing desks in both my home and work offices. I love them. In both cases, however, assembling the desk took quite some time. The Vari ProDesk 60 Electric solves this issue without tradeoffs. The desk, whose MSRP starts at $995, can be assembled in about five minutes yet is an impressive no-compromise standing desk.



Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers Look and Sound Like a Powerhouse System

I think I’ve made it clear over the years that I love Audioengine products. I’ve reviewed many of the company’s speakers and have always been impressed. Honestly, I’m not sure why they aren’t a household name. Now they have released the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers. An update to their impressive A5 speakers, their new offering once again impressed me.





Ring Spotlight Cam Solar Is the Bright Choice in Simple Home Security

Ring, who recently made the news after it was reported that Amazon is acquiring them, has another security camera worth fawning over. The Ring Spotlight Cam Solar is a WiFi security camera that can be mounted almost anywhere and is powered by the sun. Priced at $229, it illuminates the night with built-in LEDs when it senses motion.


Trust your Keys to the KeySmart Pro with Built-in Tile Tracking

If you’re looking to stop the jingle jangle of keys that create a big bulge in your pocket, you’ll love the KeySmart Pro.  It’s a key organizer that fits all of your keys into the size of a Swiss Army Knife, PLUS it’s got built-in smart features like a flashlight, and Tile functionality so you’ll never lose your keys again!



Smile Pronto Brings New Subscription Oral Care Kit to the Market

Smile Pronto launched Smile Club, a new oral healthcare subscription kit that’s designed to deliver a complete ecosystem of oral care products straight to your door. The tri-monthly delivery can include items like Flosstime, a special toothbrush, and “smart mints” that are designed to enhance breath and clean teeth at the same time. Start your subscription for $31.