Some months ago, I reviewed two travel charging hubs from Kovol. I took both on a recent trip, and they performed beautifully. The company just sent me their new Kovol Sprint 140W PD 2-Port GaN Wall Charger. It is a total win for someone like me who uses a 14” MacBook Pro as his primary computer. Here’s why.
Before Covid, I rarely used webcams. Calls requiring my video presence weren’t part of my normal day-to-day, but that’s no longer the case. Video conference calls have become my new normal, and that’s why the Lumina webcam seemed like a perfect fit when I was offered a review unit. Lumina is a tiny, premium webcam that claims to provide adaptive color correction, a realistic depth of field effect, and AI features — including adjustable bokeh and cameraman effects — so you’ll always look your best. Intrigued? Read on.
When Apple stopped including AC wall adapters with their products, it was a callous attempt to maximize profits further. At the same time, Apple also unlocked the creativity of companies that stepped in and filled the void. The new Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) is one example of a third-party solution; this foldable wall charger has three ports and offers a maximum output of 65W!
My MacBook Pro is the most powerful computer I’ve ever owned. Most of the time, it serves as my desktop computer, but there are times I want to take it with me. Thankfully, Incase has released their Textured Hardshell in Woolenex and Hardshell Case for the 14″ 2021 MacBook Pro; both promise to keep my laptop looking brand new.
Apple may have reintroduced some extra ports with the new MacBook Pro line, but these laptops are still not as port-rich as they used to be. The Satechi Pro Hub Max is a convenient way to get back some if not all of the ports you might need so you can focus on your work. The Pro Hub Max is small, powerful, affordable, and it’s a purchase that you won’t regret making.
The AnkerWork B600 Video Bar packs a 2K video camera, a microphone array, stereo speakers, and a light into a small package for under $220. After trying more video cameras for Zoom calls than I would like to admit, I can honestly say that Anker is about to have a hit on its hands.
Not long ago, Apple stopped including AC adapters with their phone and tablets. As annoying as it was, that move prompted numerous companies to jump in and fill the vacuum; Kovol is one such company. The Kovol Sprint 120W 4-Port PD GaN Desktop Charger and the smaller Kovol Sprint 65W 4-Port GaN Desktop Charger share a similar compact design; they also put Apple’s old chargers to shame.
I recently picked up the new Apple 14” MacBook Pro. I’m thrilled to see the return of key ports but still, find them a bit lacking. That means I often still need a multiport adapter. Now there is a new Satechi USB-4 Multiport Adapter with 8K HDMI and a new Satechi Pro Hub Max; both offer portable port expansion that’s “just right.”
WaterField is starting 2022 by introducing their newest backpack, the WaterField Tuck Backpack, a streamlined, updated version of a European military rucksack. With its unique look, flexible side panels that expand and contract depending on that day’s carry, it’s a great new WaterField offering. At $299, it’s not inexpensive, but as we’ve always said, WaterField bags are an investment that will last for years.
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.
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.
Apple’s commitment to minimalism has gone too far. For example, my MacBook Air has just two USB-C ports; it’s nuts, and it means I need to use hubs that add the connectivity I need. The new OWC Thunderbolt Hub hits a sweet spot between the massive hubs I’ve reviewed and the smaller, portable ones I keep in my gear bags.
Brydge products are a key part of my productivity. Their Brydge 11 MAX+ keyboard lets me get more from my iPad than ever, and their Stone Pro Docking Station keeps my desktop computer peripherals connected. Now they’ve released two new products- the Brydge SP+ Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro 8 and the Brydge Stone Pro TB4 Universal Docking Station.
I love my M1 MacBook Air. It is thin, light, and incredibly powerful. But the lack of ports on Apple’s current laptops continues to be a challenge. That’s why I always carry an OWC USB-C Travel Dock with me. Now there is an OWC USB-C Travel Dock E; the small, $64.99 hub is a powerful way to get connected.
Logitech is one of the leaders in computer peripherals for a good reason; their products look great and work extremely well. When I was creating my work from home setup, I knew it would only be complete with Logitech behind it, which is why I was so excited to check out the Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3 mouse.
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…
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…
When Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from their mobile devices, we saw explosive growth in the wireless headphone market. Sadly, it was also another step toward prioritizing convenience over audio quality. As we have seen, some wireless headphones deliver exceptional sound but, there are times when you want the BEST sound. That’s where the Periodic Audio Rhodium DAC comes in.
Do you remember the no-button iPod shuffle? Apple removed the buttons, and many of us bought accessories that brought them back. In recent years the same thing is happening with Apple’s laptops. My MacBook, for example, has just one USB-C port. That’s simply not enough. And that’s why moshi just released the Moshi Symbus Mini 7-in-1 Portable USB-C Hub.
With just a few days left before 2020 ends, Nomad is releasing not one but two new products. Their Horween leather sleeve is a thing of beauty. Available for both the 13” and the 16” MacBook Pro, it offers refined protection… for a price. They’ve also announced a new leather mousepad; it’s the MacBook accessory you didn’t know you needed.
Between the pandemic and the election, it’s been an insane year. Now that we have several vaccines on the way and the election results have been declared, we can all look forward to seeing what Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are coming. We’ve put together a few of our favorite deals from some brands you know — and a few you should consider — that you can shop, all from the safety of your home!
