Smartphones & Gear


Bodyguardz iPhone Protection Products Live up to the Brand Name

The Bodyguardz Ace Pro case for iPhone 7 Plus provides excellent drop protection while staying light weight and maintaining a slim profile. When you add the Bodyguardz Pure 2 screen protector, you’ve got 360-degree protection for your iPhone that won’t break the bank. The Ace Pro case retails for $14.95, and the Pure 2 screen protector retails for $44.95.


Hercules WAE Outdoor 04Plus FM Portable Wireless Speaker Review

It would be easy to go into this review with a list of negatives, simply because the Hercules WAE Outdoor 04Plus doesn’t have the depth and power of some of the other portable Bluetooth speakers I’ve reviewed. But let’s back up for a sec and acknowledge that this is a multi-featured, water-resistant, and versatile portable speaker that only costs $79.99!


A Review of the Incase Level Case for the iPhone 7 Plus

The Incase Level Case for the iPhone 7 Plus ($49.95) is a shock-absorbing bumper case that’s not only original but adds to the beauty of Apple’s latest flagship phone. We had an opportunity to check out the case, and it’s personally a favorite. To be completely honest, I don’t think there’s an Incase iPhone 7 Plus case I haven’t enjoyed. Compared to others on the market, Incase tries their hardest to make their cases not only form-fitting to the iPhone itself, but all the while giving your particular case a bit of flair that you might not see the person next to you…



Is the RunIQ Smartwatch Truly a Watch for Runners?

Over the past month or so, I’ve been running exclusively with my RunIQ, the first ever Android smartwatch created by popular fitness cross trainer company New Balance. Announced earlier this year at CES 2017, the RunIQ has been putting my love for the Apple Watch to test in both practicality, and honestly… looks.


Skybuds Cut the Cord for Good

After owning an iPhone 7 plus, no longer having the 3.5 mm headphone jack has really changed my listening habits. I do not want to use dongles, so my search is for everything wireless. I recently got a chance to try out Skybuds truly wireless earbuds ($219.99) and they are a good entry into the world without wires. 


The Nokia 3310 Goes Back to the Basics

The Nokia 3310 was a phone with an iconic look that was as striking as it was simple. Now Nokia has brought it back- at least from an anesthetic perspective. As they put it, the 2017 Nokia 3310 is “A modern classic reimagined.” If you love retro gear you are going to love this phone.





BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL: The Most Smudgeproof Protection Ever?

I’ve been using a BodyGuardz Pure 2 for Google Pixel XL for about two weeks. While that’s hardly enough time to test the claimed 3-5x improvement in scratch resistances or the 25% improvement in drop performance (resistance), I can say one thing; the visibility on this AlumiTech Accessory Glass 2 by Corning screen protector is about the best I’ve used.


Huawei Honor 6x Smartphone Review

Huawei’s focus has been making affordable smartphones with top-notch features for the past few years now, and a lot is the same with the Honor 6x, their latest smartphone that’s targeted at users who don’t want to spend a lot of money for premium features.




Pioneer Rayz Are Lightning Smart

Pioneer describes their new Rayz earphones as “Lightning smart” and “The iPhone’s perfect accessory.” After using them since Judie brought me a pair from CES, I would agree with that and add they are “brilliant at noise cancellation” and “among the best deals around.” Priced at just $99.99 and $149.99, they are worth every penny.


PITAKA Aramid Fiber iPhone 7 Case: Beautiful, Bulletproof Protection

It would be impossible for me to guess how many iPhone cases I’ve reviewed over the years, but I can count the number that have genuinely impressed me on one hand; the PITAKA Aramid Fiber iPhone 7 Case makes that list. It’s incredibly light and thin, and it provides minimalistic protection with no compromises.





Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 SE Headphones: The Best Pair for the Money

I recently reviewed the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 headphones; now I’ve got their slightly more upscale brother, the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 SE, in hand. Everything I enjoyed about the BackBeat PRO 2 is present (do check out their review if you haven’t already), but with the PRO 2 SE headphones, there is even more to love.