Misc Gear


ZVOX SoundBase 670 Offers Huge Home Theater Sound in a Slim Package

Some time ago, I reviewed one of the SoundBase products from ZVOX. I was impressed by the relatively inexpensive device, but I did wish it had integrated Bluetooth and even better sound than it did. Well, the ZVOX SoundBase 670 does have Bluetooth along with bigger and better sound, and I’m a huge fan. Let’s take a look.



Try 3D Jewelry Versions First with Brilliance.com

It can be a lot of pressure to get that perfect diamond ring or jewelry piece right for that special someone, especially around the holidays. Now there is an app for that – The Brilliance.com 3D Printing Diamond Engagement Ring Program uses their own “diamond finder” app to let customers try 3D versions of the final rings/jewelry before final purchase.


Liquid Plastic Welder Bondic Is an Incredible Do-It-Yourself Tool

If you need a last minute Christmas gift for a do-it-yourselfer, you’ve got to check out Bondic. It’s the world’s first Liquid Plastic Welder. The full system fits in a package the size of a pen case and can quickly and easily fix, bond, and fill anything and cures within four seconds. The Bondic Complete Starter Kit sells for $21.99.




Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline for iPad Review

I have tested a few different styluses for my iPad, and none of them have impressed me. I was skeptical as to whether the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline would be any different, but it pleasantly surprised me with it’s features and ease of use. Read on to learn what makes the Bamboo Stylus so different!


Shining Some Light on the OxyLED T120 Desk Lamp

In this world of multifunctional devices, the OxyLED T120 desk lamp proves that being a one-trick pony isn’t always such a bad thing. Built for reading purposes and desk work, this lamp can emit cool color light or warm color light and is great for those of us who experience eye fatigue on a frequent basis.


DUBS Acoustic Filters Protect Your Ears and the Quality of the Sound

At CES 2014, Judie and I attended a Linkin Park concert. JBL did a special speaker installation in the theater for the night. We stood at those speakers, and boy was it loud; I couldn’t hear properly for the next day. Next CES I’ll protect my ears, and I’ll bring a pair of DUBS Acoustic Filters everywhere I go.


Epson Expression Photo XP-860 All-in-One Printer Is Small and Social

This holiday season, you will be using your phone, tablet, and (shockingly) your camera to take dozens if not hundreds of photos. Some will go up on Facebook or Instagram, but many will sit on the device waiting. Well, with the Epson Expression Photo XP-860 Small-in-One All-in-One Printer the wait is over. Use it to print pictures now and your memoirs later. This printer looks similar to the Epson All-In-One we reviewed last year. It is but the updates Epson packed into this next-generation printer are impressive. That is especially the case with its ability to let you print wirelessly…


Goal Zero Torch 250 USB Power Hub and Flashlight Review: A Smarter Light

I seem to have been on a disaster-prep kick lately, and that’s a good thing considering that unforeseen events can happen at any time. It’s smart to plan ahead, be prepared, and keep gear that can power itself and other devices ready for when it’s needed. The latest tool in my arsenal is the Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight.


The Wrong Way to Allow People to Quit You

A while ago I signed up with Tresorit, which is yet another cloud-based back up service. I eventually decided to close the account; in order to do so, I had to act like I was signing up for the service again to delete it! Why? I’m not sure, but that’s what they required.


VisionTek USB 3.0 120GB Solid State Drive Review: Portable Convenience

My otherwise excellent 500GB MacBook Pro r serves as my desktop computer, but I wish it had a larger SSD. To compensate, I’ve perfected the art of juggling media around via a collection of external SSD devices of various shapes, sizes, and purposes; the VisionTek USB 3.0 120GB solid state drive (SSD) is the latest tool in my arsenal.


Alcohoot Puts Police Grade Breathalyzer Technology in Your Hand

It is a simple formula… or should be… if you are going out for the night and planning to drink you shouldn’t drive. It isn’t just about avoiding a ticket or jail time, it is about keeping yourself and other safe. That’s where the Alcohoot can come in handy. It, “puts the power of police grade technology in your hand.”


Software Defined Radios Are the Future

Software defined radios are radios that are defined, primarily, with software. What does this mean? That means instead of needing a circuit to do the job, a portion of what the radio normally would do has been replaced by software. Want a different mode or even a frequency? Update the software. This has forever changed how radios are built.


Magnetic Organizational System (MOS) Review: Fab Cables That Stay in Place

I’ve made no bones about my disdain for OEM Apple cables, but I’ll reiterate: they are cheaply made, they fray, they fail, and they are not inexpensive. That’s why I love quality aftermarket cables, and right now I am really digging the Magnetic Organizational System (MOS) I was recently sent. Their quality is outstanding, and the work perfectly.


The Amazon Echo Is Always Connected and Ready to Help

Amazon just announced a device called the Amazon Echo.  What exactly is the Echo?  Well, imagine Google Now or Siri combined with a Bluetooth Speaker and you get the idea.  Is it more than that? Yes.  Will it make it easier to spend money on Amazon?  Undoubtedly. Will it give you the creeps? Maybe, but it depends on your view.


The Hashtag Cube: A Long Overdue Kickstarter Project That Finally Delivered

In late 2012, along with 3400+ other people I backed a Kickstarter project called Instacube (which has since been renamed Hashtag Cube, or #Cube). The premise was simple: it was to be a stand-alone Android-based device that would wirelessly stream and display Instagram photos, when you could only view Instagram photos on iOS or Android devices.  I backed at the early adopter $99 level, and the wait began.


Wink by Kindara Brings Quantified Health Tracking to Fertility

Women’s fertility is rapidly becoming a fruitful and multiplying business. There are medicines to control fertility and plenty of calendars, apps, and other gear to help track it (for both reproductive and non-reproductive purposes). Now there’s even a smartphone accessory to help monitor your reproductive help: Wink by Kindara.


Travel with the VinniBag, and Get Your Wine Home Intact!

It never fails: I travel somewhere that is known for its wine, and I find myself with a bottle to bring home. Packing the bottle safely can be tricky, though. I’ve had bottles break that were inside the bubble wrap bags that some wine stores sell, but I think I have found a solution in the inflatable VinniBag travel accessory! It’s marketed for wine, but you can also use the 22″ x 8″ inflatable VinniBag to safely transport anything that fits inside — things like camera lenses, coffee cups, and other small breakables. Think outside the box, too; the VinniBag floats, so you can…