Smythe Richbourg

So, external batteries are something that everyone who uses a smartphone is aware of needing. Ventev has released a new take on the battery pack, the ChargeStand. What makes it different? Take a look. Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image. The ChargeStand comes with a flat USB to microUSB cable… Read More

As good as the speakers on some smartphones and tablets may be, there are times you want more depth to the sound. Bluetooth speakers bring this sound to you, but sometimes there are tradeoffs - the speakers are too large, too twiddly, or run out of power too quickly. In an effort to try and… Read More

I doubt there's anyone reading this who doesn't have at least one multiport power cord in their work area. Between computers, monitors, task lights, phone chargers, headset chargers and the like, it's almost impossible to have enough outlets. Add to that the fact that most of those things are sensitive electronics that need to be… Read More

With the iPhone 7 series leaving out the headphone jack, the market for wireless earbuds has exploded. There are two types of wireless earbuds/earphones out there: tethered and free. Apple's Airpods are the most visible expression of the free variety, but there are others. The tethered camp, however, is very crowded. I've reviewed several pairs… Read More

We are in the middle of a popular photo explosion, in case you've been hiding under a rock for the past decade. Not since the introduction of the Brownie camera in 1900 has there been such interest in photography by the general public. For $1 (about $30 in today's money), normal everyday people could make… Read More

Carrying around enough potential energy to fuel our increasing appetite for connectivity is a never ending balancing act. Hardware engineers make energy-efficient phones and tablets, and Developers respond with ever-increasingly sticky apps and websites. Engineers make better, lighter, more efficient batteries, and we leave them on longer and whine that the device is larger. Into… Read More

The first phone earpiece I got was from a company called Jabra. I thought it a funny name, but due to the build quality and excellent functionality, I came to trust that name. I was recently sent my third product from the company, the Jabra Speak 710. It's in a crowded category, but, to me… Read More

We all know the logic: the larger the speaker, the better the bass. With headphones, this means that over-the-ear units are going to sound better than similar quality on-ear or earbud units. So I was really excited when I was offered the SoundMagic BT100s to test. Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a… Read More

(Updated 30 March 2017 to reflect ability of Hammo TV to connect to two headsets at once.) There are times you want to watch TV, not the computer, and those in the general vicinity don't really want to hear the sound. (This is known as an opportunity for innovation, or the start of an argument… Read More

How many of you wake to sounds from your smartphone, charging on or near your bed? How many of you still have a clock in your bedroom for timekeeping (not for decoration)? These two questions will determine your interest in the latest gadget to cross my review desk: the Sandman Alarm Clock. Note: Photos may… Read More

We all need to listen to things on our devices from time to time without the distraction of other noises, or without causing interruption to those around us. Earbuds are the quick-and-dirty solution, but if you're watching a movie, or sitting down for a good long study/work session, you're going to want something a little… Read More

From almost the very first day selling iPads, I was asked some version of this question: "Can I control my Mac with it?" Over the half-decade since the launch of the iPad, that answer has moved from "sorta" to "yes, and there are a few solutions, but they are really hinky" to, finally, "Yes. Full… Read More

Cases for smartphones are a constant subject of review here on The Gadgeteer. The latest craze I've seen in the case market is adding a place to store a few ID/Credit cards and some cash. The Slider, from DesignSkin, is one such case recently sent to me for testing. Note: Photos may be tapped or… Read More

Power for USB-charged devices has been the subject of many discussions surrounding the growing "mobile-first" mindset. Since we can (and do) use these devices pretty much anywhere, it's a safe bet that a power outlet is not going to be near where we need one. Solution? Enter the large capacity portable power source - a… Read More