Apple iPhone Gear

AT&T FinderCodes Electronics Lost & Found Kit Review – Lose (and Find) Yourself

FinderCodes is a QR-code based lost and found system that can be used with just about anything to which you can attach a sticker. The folks at FinderCodes — which is now a brand partner with AT&T, as you’ll notice from the logo on the box in the photo above — were kind enough to provide Gear Diary with a sample kit, which contained stickers and tags of several different sizes, as well as a set of instructions. The tags also came with a couple of small rings, so they can be easily attached to a set of keys or a…

News

The ChargeCard USB Charger for iPhone and Android Review

If you own a mobile phone, then you inevitably have needed to charge it when away from your desk or car. USB ports seem to be everywhere anymore, but not everyone wants to carry a loose Lightning or MicroUSB cable with them; the ChargeCard fits in your wallet or makeup bag, and it makes carrying an extra charger easy to do. Just stick it in and forget about it … until you need it. Originally a Kickstarter project started in July 2012, the ChargeCard raised almost $162K after asking for $50K. Obviously there were plenty of people other than me who…

News

Astronomy-Class 100X Telescope and Back Case for iPhone 5

A few weeks ago, we experienced a “super moon.” This is where the moon is full while at the closest proximity to the earth. My boys have a beginner telescope so we spent most of the evening in the back yard looking at the moon and discussing all of the markings and features. We were even able to see the rings of Saturn which surprised me using that particular telescope. While we took turns admiring the majesty of the moon, my oldest said, “Dad, I wish you could hook your iPhone up to the telescope and take a picture.” Following…

Outdoors, Reviews

Porter the Dog v iPhone 5, Thanks to the LifeProof LifeJacket!

The LifeProof case for the iPhone 5 is a terrific way to keep your phone safe from life’s bumps, bruises and mishaps. In addition to all the other protection it offers, the LifeProof case is waterproof. That means you can dump it in the toilet or leave it in the rain and feel confident it will still work. But what if, for example, you are spending time at a lake and don’t want to worry about your phone getting wet? Moreover, what if you want your iPhone safe from water damage AND able to float? That’s where LifeProof’s LifeJacket comes…

Reviews

The JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Stand Review

I’ve long been a fan of JOBY’s various products. They tend to be simple, effective and well made. In fact, the very first GorillaPod tripod I reviewed is still going strong! For the past year or so, I have keeps a JOBY GripTight Micro Stand on my keychain. Just last week a person I was with said, “I wish we had brought a tripod…” I reached in my pocket, pulled out the GripTight Micro Stand and said, “Here, try this…” It worked perfectly. That’s the beauty of JOBY’s products- they solve simple problems in a variety of ways. Now the…

Reviews

ZAGG Origin 2-in-1 Bluetooth System Review- Cool Gear or Total Gimmick?

When I first saw the ZAGG Origin 2-in-1 Bluetooth speaker I was intrigued. The Origin looks like a large gray plastic desktop speaker with the ZAGG name proudly displayed on the front. It is, in fact, a large gray plastic desktop speaker with the ZAGG name proudly displayed on the front. But that is only part of the story. Grab the middle portion of the large gray plastic desktop speaker’s back and the ZAGG Origin breaks into two pieces. You see, the ZAGG Origin is both a large desktop speaker and a small portable speaker. When the two pieces are together they…

Reviews

Griffin Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 5 Review

Let me start off this review by admitting that I am somewhat biased when it comes to iPhone cases. I carry my phone in my pocket at all times, I rarely drop my phone, and I rarely bring it near water. With that in mind, I’ve always leaned towards bumper-style cases that are small enough to protect my phone and do not to add too much bulk to my pocket. Still, I think I’ve found a great option for those who carry their phone in their pocket and also want great drop and water protection. The Griffin Survivor + Catalyst…

Reviews

Scosche RH1060 Bluetooth Headphones Review – Cut Cords Not Corners

We recently reviewed the Scosche RH1056md Headphones. I was impressed with the wired, over-the-ear headphones and thought them to be a decent value at under $150. Scosche was good enough to also send a pair of their RH1060 Wireless Bluetooth headphones for review. The RH1060 headphones look quite similar to the RH1056md sample we have been using; in fact, then you use them in wired mode they are pretty much the same. Comparing the specifications of the two headphones reveals that both have 40mm drivers and an impedance of 32?. The frequency response of the RH1056md headphones is slightly better,…

Reviews

Accell Powramid Power Center and USB Charging Station Review

Surge protectors are not the most interesting of accessories. At the same time they are an important part of getting your gear up, running and protected. Most of the time power strips with surge protection come in a straight line of outlets, but that is not the case with the Powramid Power Center and USB Charging Station from Accell. It has a most unusual shape, and it is designed for today’s multi-device setups. Let’s take a look. First and foremost, the Powramid Power Center and USB Charging Station has room for six different plugs to connect at the same time….

Reviews

Satechi LED Desk Lamp Review – See What You Are Working On

It has been some time since I felt the need for a task light while working at my desk or at our kitchen island. The reason for that is quite simple, my house was renovated by my father-in-law, and he has a thing about putting tons of lights in any room has designs and rebuilds. Still, there are times when I really could use some easily directed light. That was the reason I took an interest in the Satechi LED Desk Lamp. This didn’t look like any desk light I had ever used, and it is not. No, the Satechi…

How to Do It Yourself!

How To Replace an iPhone 4S Battery

Carly was having huge battery issues with her iPhone 4S. It would run down in a matter of hours and, as a result, it was pretty much useless. That’s when she went out and picked up her Nokia Lumia 928. (Read her first impressions.) I asked Carly what she planned to do with the almost-non-functional iPhone now that she had a new super phone. That’s when it took up residence in my home. I put iOS 7.0 Beta on it, and while I have been rather impressed by the upcoming iOS update, I have found the same battery life issues…

News

iLuv Gets You Connected with a Host of New Cables

Cables aren’t all that exciting but they are an important part of any mobile life. iLuv recently announced a new line of cables that will help make sure your myriad devices stay charged and in sync. As the company release notes, they offer “an abundance of new power and cable accessories, complete with more Lightning products and colorful options suitable for all users”. Let’s run down the new products. The iAD1517 Wall Charger w/ Lightning Connector This Lightning wall charger: Quickly charges iPhone, iPod and iPad Has an integrated Lightning cable for new iPhone 5, iPod and iPad models Offers…

Reviews

Sir Lancelot’s Armor Holy Grail Screen Protector Review

Screen protectors. They aren’t the most exciting of smartphone accessories. They are, however, rather important if you want to keep your smartphone’s screen pristine. The Holy Grail of screen protectors? One that is easy to install, nearly invisible when in place and uber-protective. After all, replacing an iPhone 5’s screen can cost well over $200. That’s where Sir Lancelot’s Armor Holy Grail Screen Protector comes in. This screen protector, which started as a Kickstarter project, is made of bullet proof glass. Is this a screen protector worthy of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table? Read on to…

Reviews

SETA Smartphone Stand Review

When I first set eyes on the SETA Smartphone Stand, I was initially underwhelmed. Not knowing anything about the product before receiving the review sample, I saw the simple stand thought, “What’s the big deal?” Then, I did my research and realized that this stand is more than just something to lean your smartphone against. Once I peeled off the plastic protective cover and placed my phone on the pad, I was instantly impressed. The SETA Smartphone Stand may be one of the best smartphone stands on the market.

Reviews

Scosche RH1056md Headphones Review – They Will Rock Your World

To say that I have been impressed with the Scosche RH1056MD Reference Grade On Ear Headphones with tapLINE Remote and Microphone would be an understatement. It is not that these are the best sounding or most comfortable over-the-ear headphones on the market; they aren’t. But they do look good, fit and sound quite good, and for under $150, they are an excellent value. The RH1056MD reference headphones, which ship with an abundant collection of accessories that add even more value to an already impressive package, have 40mm drivers and are designed with a custom blend of mylar, precision wound copper…

News

Shutter Release Grip and Remote Shutter Release Make iPhone Photography Even Better

While I do own a decent DSLR and love to use it, the best camera you can use is the one in your hand. Most of you have heard that phrase, and it is true. Obviously no image can be captured if there is no camera to see it. These days almost everyone has a camera with them in the form of their cell phone; I have an iPhone 5, and I have become pretty proficient at creating amazing images using it. From understanding controls to a great post image workflow, the iPhone can take some pretty stunning pics. With…

News

Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning Offers Multiple Ways to Connect to Your Music

If you are looking for a small speaker that gives you maximum flexibility, then you will want to check out the new Sound Step Lightning from Soundfreaq. The Sound Step Lightning not only lets you dock your Lightning-equipped iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, but it also offers the flexibility of Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The speaker features a 2.1 speaker configuration with a dedicated sub-woofer and Soundfreaq’s proprietary UQ3 spatial sound enhancement. The result is the ability of the speaker to “deliver natural bass and stereo separation, unique for a compact speaker”.

Reviews

iStabilizer Glass Car Mount Goes Along for the Ride

If you are looking for a windshield mount that will hold your smartphone with ease while offering a good degree of flexibility you will want to check out the iStabilizer Glass windshield mount for smartphones. It is part of the company’s growing line of smartphone and tablet accessories and, like all of the other products from iStabilizer, I’m rather impressed.

Reviews

Blue Microphone’s Spark Digital Review – Brings Clarity to Audio Recording

If you are looking to record good audio with your computer AND your iOS device, then you will want to check out Blue Microphone’s Spark Digital. The company is proud to note that the Spark Digital is “the world’s first studio condenser microphone to offer both USB and iPad connectivity”. What that means to us as consumers and content creators is simple — if you want one microphone that does an excellent job of recording audio on both your Mac and your iPhone this is the microphone for you. At $199.95 the Spark Digital is not inexpensive but when you consider…

Reviews

Designed by M AL13 AeroSpace Aluminum Bumper for iPhone 5 Review

This is my kind of iPhone case. I absolutely hate bulky, oversized phone cases. This is a very personal feeling, of course, being that I don’t tend to drop my phone very often. I lean heavily towards bumper-style cases since I always keep my phone in my pocket and do not want any added bulk in the pocket of my jeans. As soon as I started opening the shipping box that this bumper came in, I was impressed by a packaging design that signified the product was designed with care. The AL13 AeroSpace Aluminum Bumper by Designed by m is…

Reviews

Ampjacket for iPhone 4S Review

The iPhone has some amazing multimedia features, but you need headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, or some other sort of stereo system to really appreciate them. The built-in speaker is ok, but nothing mind-blowing. What if you need a sound boost, but don’t want to lug around a full speaker system? The Ampjacket aims to deliver boosted sound in an iPhone case, but does it live up to the promise? The Ampjacket is a simple case made of a soft plastic material. Inserting the iPhone is simple, and the Ampjacket is quite protective with a slight lip around the edge for…

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