Smythe Richbourg

Reporting on CES, NY Times columnist Farad Manjoo, in an article titled In a World of Phones, Gadgets Must Adapt, speaks to a Gadgeteer's greatest fear: getting a gadget that is no longer needed because of being subsumed by your phone. I saw this meme-type photo the other day and this story reminded me of it. I [...]

I've not seen the need to get a security camera. I neither live in a huge, obviously-full-of-expensive-things home, nor in one of “those” areas where break-ins are common. But I do have this cute little dog, and when I'm gone, I often wonder just what he's up to - when he's not sleeping in his [...]

In case you’ve been living in a cave for the last few years, I have some news for you: there’s this thing called fitness bands (or activity trackers or wearables, depending on what your angle is), and it’s everywhere. Julie has collected the entire set, I believe. She has also offered the team several, so, [...]

As an iPad user, I am always interested in seeing what new covers and sleeves are available. I especially like the "non-form-fitting" sleeves, so that I can use them with other covers, backing cases, etc. Such is the Lorton and Horn iPad sleeve. Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image. Made [...]

In an ever more-crowded field, PhoneSuit has released an interesting charger for iPhones, iPads and iPods. It's not a big brick to plug your official cable into, but a svelte little tube that connects directly to your device and provides about a full charge. I was sent two for review, in black and a deep [...]

Bluetooth speakers are everywhere. I've seen them in the grocery store line, at convenience stores - everywhere but gum ball machines and neighborhood lemonade stands. Many are OK for listening to podcasts or ball games when you're on a bike ride or park or something, but if you want something to stand up to the [...]

I've been an Apple product user since 1987, and wear that badge with honor. So I've never really used Android more than just flicking around on demo models in stores or using a friend’s device. That's why, when Julie offered this unit to the team, I thought I'd take it for a test spin. What [...]

I've reviewed many portable power options, as well as a dock or two, but this is a first, and something that we may see more of: it's a USB charger for up to ten devices! Talk about Nerd Nirvana! It's from a company called Sanrao, who makes industrial-grade USB chargine stations for testing labs and [...]

There's a new-ish technology being used in many items, and I'm kinda digging it. It's the microsuction tech being used by case and stand makers for securing items to smooth surfaces. The folks at Lynktec use it to hold their new GripStand to the back of an iPad or tablet - or even a flat, smooth [...]

Flashlights are a long-time geek obsession. Recently, we’ve had to add USB chargers, just because so many of our devices charge this way. Imagine combining the two into a single, portable device. Mmmmmm… Geek heaven! Well, that's what the fine folks at RAVPower have done. The Dynamo On-the-Go Power Bank is a flashlight, a reading light, [...]

If you visit certain Home Depot stores in California, Illinois, or New York in the next few months, you may notice something new on sale that could prevent you from having to go back there for little widgets and such: they will be stocking three models of MakerBot 3D printers in those states soon! For Gadgeteers, [...]

  There are many types of stands for tablets. Some are a single angle, built for either reading and movies, or for typing and heads-down work.  Others (such as those from Apple and the kickstands on Microsoft's Surface) mandate that you cannot change the orientation - it's horizontal (usually), and that cannot be changed. But [...]

The warmth of real leather pairs so well with the clean, metallic sheen of today's electronics. I never tire of feeling and smelling this old-world material while using cutting edge technology. The folks at BUKcase have added a very simple series to their product line for iPhones and iPads, which they call Cote. I was [...]

Portable sound and power. That's what it's all about today, it seems. Everyone has enough storage, or knows how to access it in the cloud. Everyone knows you need several cases and bags for all your stuff in varying situations. Now, it's how to hear music (or whatever) in your chosen working area, and how [...]

When we're out and about, most Gadgeteers carry a few things: smartphone, wallet, keys, tablet. Maybe a tin of mints. Oh, sure, if we're gone for the day, we'll have a bag of other stuff including power adapters, charging cables and batteries, energy bars, and enough EDC stuff to survive a moon landing. But when [...]

"They sent you an ashtray?" – Every single person in my family, when they saw the AluCup Grande The fine folks at Just Mobile make a lot of cool gadget-centric stuff: styli, iPad and Phone stands, batteries for your USB gadgets, USB chargers for your vehicle's 12 volt system – the works. A while back, [...]

Flashlights come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, and LED technology has enabled blindingly bright units to be smaller than some coins. But, for longer distances, there always needs for a good reflector and lens system involved, in order to amplify the LED's glow. Enter the ArmyTek Barracuda, a powerful, rugged, handheld light with a [...]

Portable speaker systems range in price from $20-30 for the little pocket-sized ones to huge $600-800 units that can become your entire stereo. Where's the sweet spot? We've reviewed many here at The Gadgeteer, and the ones I actually consider for purchase or gifting usually fall somewhere in the $100-$250 range. I was sent Sherwood's [...]

With the always-online connectivity of smartphones these days, the folks making chargers are trying to keep up as much as those developing better battery chemistry. If you're one who can't quite make it through the day on a full charge, or if you travel and need to take along a charger, you've probably been irritated [...]