It’s now officially the holiday season. That means you have to get in the holiday spirit – it’s mandatory! Need some help? Ok, here’s a contest with a wide assortment of great gadgets that you can win by just writing a simple comment to this post. If you’re willing to jump through a couple of hoops, you can get 2 extra chances to win, for a total of 3 chances. We have a lot of good stuff to giveaway, so don’t waste any time, please click through to see the list of prizes and instructions on how to enter.
Prizes:
Audioengine B2 Bluetooth speaker
With a 24-bit DAC, extended wireless range, and a aptX Bluetooth audio decoder, this speaker combines the great sound quality into a great looking hand built wood cabinet that is available in Walnut, Black Ash or Zebrawood. Winner can choose the B2 wood type they would like.
Prize value: $299
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/Audioengine ; @audioengineusa ; audioengineusa.com
Skylink: SkylinkNet Alarm System Kit
All-in-one, DIY kit offers homeowners a complete alarm system solution, conveniently controlled by a smartphone app
- Alarm System Kit is controlled by the Internet Hub and includes a motion sensor, keychain remote, and 2 door or window sensors
- Comes equipped with back up battery in case of power failure
- Starter kit’s Internet Hub can be easily set up through a wireless Internet router to coordinate the activities of all receivers and sensors
- Monitor and control your home alarm system with your smartphone with sensor activation
- Secure cloud server safely brokers connection with no networking knowledge required
- Works with up to 100 wireless sensors and controllers & 10 wireless cameras
- Track all recent sensor activations and know who armed and disarmed the system
- App allows up to 6 users to monitor one or various locations at the same time
- No additional monthly fees or long-term contracts
- Can be paired with cameras to monitor and control your home with the smartphone app
- Can be customized with additional home security accessories, including a water leak sensor, a garage door sensor, an outdoor solar siren, telephone dialer
- Can be customized and paired with other kits and accessories for home automation, including a telephone dialer for users to be notified during a power failure
- iOS smartphone app sends push notifications when sensors are triggered or if the alarm is armed or disarmed
Prize value: $149
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Saffron: Drift Light Bulb
1 each of:
Drift Light Bulb – Eco-friendly LED smart bulb gradually drifts from light to dark to help user rest easy. Read our review.
LED Light Bulbs – Energy efficient LED bulbs that look and feel like traditional incandescent bulbs
Sense Light Bulb – Outdoor lighting system with sun-aware sensors that self-adjusts with sunrise and sunset
Cost-efficient with automatic on/off feature and 1/8 the average cost to power
Each bulb features a 30,000 hour lifespan
Prize value: $70
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Recoil: Automatic Cord Winders
Retractable cord organizer designed to automatically wind & store cords, keeping them tangle free & ready for use
- Portable winders easily organize cords and cables instantly
- Spring-loaded technology offers the fastest way to manage & organize electronic cords
- Small Winder: Designed for earbuds and headphones without microphones
- Medium Winder: Designed for USB cords, headphones & lightening cables up to 4 ft. long
- Large Winder: Designed for laptops, tablets, phones, gaming & cords up to 6 ft. long
- SML Combo Pack: Features 1 small winder, 1 medium winder, 1 large winder & a Recoil Rack
- MML Combo Pack: Features 2 medium winders, 1 large winder & a Recoil Rack
- Available in 5 stylish colors, including blue, black, green, red, & white
Prize value: $27.99
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Tego: NOVA Mini Wireless Speaker
Bluetooth wireless speaker delivers powerful sound in an ultra-portable package
- Boasts version 3.0 Bluetooth Technology for fast and easy connections with superior sound quality from up to 33 ft. away
- Ability to daisy chain allows an infinite number of NOVA’s to play at the same time for greater sound
- Expanding bass chamber delivers 360° of sound to fill a room
- For non-Bluetooth devices, a 3.5mm audio built-in input is available for maximum device compatibility
- Speaker weight is 5.5 oz., allowing for maximum portability
- Available in Onyx Black, Rubine Red and Cosmic White
- Achieve up to 5 – 7 hours of playback with rechargeable internal Lithium Ion battery
Prize value: $49.99
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Blast Motion: Blast Athletic Performance
The world’s most accurate and consistent motion-capture technology for action sports
- Removable motion sensor analyzes and records motion metrics for 8 hours, allowing users to quantify progress and share highlights via social networks
- Paired iOS app performs Smart Video Capture automatically detecting, capturing and personalizing your video highlights with overlaid metrics, creating ready-made sharable videos
- Intelligently detects metrics like height, rotation, speed and direction and it helps athletes identify trends through stats and graphs
- Sensor has ability to store data when it is out of range from the app
- Proprietary sensing technology maintains accuracy within less than one mile per hour
- Bluetooth® Smart (Bluetooth® low energy technology) connects the sensor mounted on the waist clip attachment to your iOS device
- Blast Athletic Performance app is designed for iPhone 5, iPad 3 / iPad Mini 2 and iPod Touch 5th generation or new
- Charges in 1.5 hours with included wireless charging base
Prize value: $149.95
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Catalyst: Waterproof Sleeves
Stylish and versatile (3 bags in one) waterproof sleeves that carry and protect your electronic devices
- Features EVA foam lining to keep electronics protected from drops
- Seams and zippers heat welded with double lock construction for waterproof protection
- IP66 water tight closures ensure contents stay dry and dust free
- Durable waterproof exterior made from Ripstop Nylon
- Multiple products in one – Sleeves can be used inside a bag as protective covers or quickly transform into a backpack, briefcase or tote by adding removable straps
- Available in small, medium and large sizes to fit the most popular electronics including: MacBook, iPad, Galaxy Note 8, Microsoft Surface and Kindle Fire, among others
Prize value: Small $39.99
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Zivix: PUC
Wireless link connects MIDI compatible musical instruments with iOS devices via Wi-Fi, providing seamless music creation
- MIDI interface directly connects instruments to the iOS device wirelessly without a host Wi-Fi network to create music
- Integrates with MIDI-enabled keyboards, DJ controllers, drum pads, floor pedal controllers and more for ultimate portability and to minimize cable clutter
- Leverage your existing iOS apps to create music and experiment with MIDI devices
- Proprietary MIDI interface is designed specifically for iOS devices
- For use in both studio or live applications to wirelessly connect to Logic, ProTools, Live, Cubase, Sonar, Reaper and Garageband
- Can be switched to function as MIDI input or output
- Features MicroUSB port for charging, or two AA batteries for up to 15 hours of continuous use
Prize value: $129.99
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/
Glider Gloves Touchscreen Gloves
These special gloves will keep your hands warm but you’ll still be able to interact with your phone. Winner can choose the color.
Prize value: $29.99
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/GliderGloves ; @glidergloves ; www.glidergloves.com
Quiver A5 double pen holder for large Moleskine notebooks or the iPad mini
Keep your two favorite writing instruments right where you need them, attached to your notebook. The Quiver A5 double pen holder is made of leather and slides over the hard cover of notebooks 8″ – 9.25″ tall. It also works great with an iPad mini in a flip cover case. Check out our Quiver review for more info.
Prize value: $26.95
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Quiver-Pen-Holders/144458462260661 ; www.quiverglobal.com
How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):
1. Between now and 12/04/2014 11:59PM EST leave a comment on this page telling me the one thing you’d change about The Gadgeteer if it was up to you. Feel free to elaborate or provide even more input. I always love reading your ideas and criticisms.
2. (optional) Get a 2nd bonus entry by tweeting:
Win a huge gadget prize pack from @thegadgeteer http://wp.me/p3LRkH-IhR
3. (optional) Get a 3rd bonus entry by posting on your Facebook timeline (to the public):
Win a huge gadget prize pack from @thegadgeteer http://wp.me/p3LRkH-IhR
Make sure you come back and leave a 3rd comment on this page with a link to your Facebook post.
3. At some point on 12/05/2014, I’ll pick 1 random winner using random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my email in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prizes are gone.
Rules:
1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).
2. Gadgeteer writers, family members and close friends may not enter this contest.
3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages or incorrect shipping addresses.
4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on the contest page, in the comments section and will be emailed. Check your spam folder.
5. Winner must have a US shipping address (sorry, this isn’t my choice…).
Update 12/5/14:
The winner is #48 Azat Salikhov. Congrats to Azat! Thanks to everyone who entered and our sponsors.
Update 12/7/14:
No response from first winner so I drew another winner: #160 Chris Deckrow. Congrats to Chris.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
Shorter descriptions on each item (can always “read more”) so more items fit on the page.
One change to this site: I would make the site completely interactive and live with weekly Hangouts for all to discuss and show off the latest gadgets. I would also try to organize a live gadget conference one a year. Almost like a GadgetCon of sorts… and then the community gets to meet everyone F2F at least once a year. You could have these conferences in different parts of the world throughtout the year…. Have the first one in Boston so i can go!
My Tweet: http://www.twitter.com/sjf
My Facebook Post can be found at http://www.facebook.com/feinstein
The one thing that stood out to me as a mom with limited time to read and search for things. Everything seems very drawn out. I have to know exactly what I’m looking for or I have to scroll and scroll to get a glimps of what’s in each area. Being new to the site, I’m loving the reviews and info I’ve found so far, but having to search or wear out my mouse wheel just to see what article is at the bottom of the page, is too time consuming. A preview list, of say, up to 10 of the most recent posts in each category would be a great!
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/wiscogirl28/status/539350384695717888
My Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.henry.98622/posts/342063545965770
More tech toyz, plz
For me, I’d like to see product comparison tables. When you personally review products where a similar product or one built by a competitor has also already been reviewed by The Gadgeteer, I’d like to see a comparison of where one is better than the other. If it’s a Bluetooth speaker, compare the battery life as well as the speaker size and quantity. They don’t need to be scientific metrics, but it makes it easier than going through both reviews. Also, a scoring system for reviews would be nice as well so that you can tell us you gave something a 4.2/5 as opposed to just a simple pros and cons.
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/Hokie_x3_Hi/status/539400143800655872
A summary at the end of the review, what they pros, cons, liked, disliked, MSRP, street price.
Would prefer to see all the comment in the email and not have to link to a page. I miss you on the days that you don’t publish
I would like to see a numerical rating for each item. 1 to 10 overall and also 1 to 10 for value. I do love reading the morning gadgeteer e-mail.
I would like to see more references to like items, if available.
The simple synopsis of Pro’s, Con’s, MSRP, Retailers
I’d like to have threaded comments instead of the current flat comment list, so that if I or someone asks a question or someone otherwise responds to our comment we can a) find it more easily, and b) only subscribe to that comment subthread. I currently never select the “Notify me of followup comments” option because it then emails me about EVERY subsequent comment for that article.
Twitter post: https://twitter.com/bettywiderski/status/539415524116283392
Overall I really love the site. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like the search does not bring back everything from the past year or so. I tried searching for a cross body bag that I swear you guys reviewed and I could never find it. I was probably not using the correct search terms.
My tweet: https://twitter.com/tammy1999/status/539415814429216768
I love your reviews but would love to see reviews of other larger maybe office items. Printers, etc.
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/bettywiderski/posts/10152863101597398
A limited-time discount offer on the reviewed item or a link to a discount coupon at the end of product reviews, to purchase.
FB share – https://www.facebook.com/rusthawk/posts/765068866875001
Tweet – https://twitter.com/rusthawk/status/539418494740467712
I’d love a login specific page that would demonstrate all of my posts in 1 location. Also, I’d like to be able to see a product ranking page…don’t have to get all CNET…just recommend vs not. In conjunction, a most popular items area as well. Navigating to past articles could be more intuitive via stronger search mechanisms. Now I feel guilty…you have a great site and I read it via feedly daily…thanks.
More and regular use of video would be fun. It wouldn’t have to be extensive, but the occasional on-camera review, unboxing, or demo would make things a little more dynamic. Or maybe a video rundown of the week’s reviews. Either would make for an easy-to-forward chunk of the Gadgeteer. And the creation of a YouTube or Vimeo channel would add a new distribution site for your great information!
https://twitter.com/hershco/status/539420660775145472
https://www.facebook.com/hershco/posts/10152378842711923
Love to see a rating system for reviews and more updates on Julie’s favorite Gear.
You should add a long-term usage review, whether the item holds up over time, if you’ve found add’l uses or is worth the money invested.
Thanks.
Since the website tends to be a long-scroll of info, it would be helpful to have the main menu options as a floating sidebar. Thanks!
More Android stuff, please.
I would like to read more dual reviews (the ones printed in black and blue).
Love you site for reviews. Would like to see an overview of what you are reviewing on the page so I can go to a specific item.
more tech and steampunk combinations!
Comparison among like products, summary indicating pros and cons, and an Automotive page?
More side-by-side comparisons. Also, the site design seems a bit dated.
Threaded comments would be great.
I’d make a new logo!
This one may be a bit specific, and I may be alone in this… I tend to follow the site via the RSS feed most of the time, and it would be handy to have gadget categories included in the article titles. Something along the lines of ‘Wearables: Garmin fenix 2 multisport training GPS watch review’ or ‘Audio: Check to see if the roast is done with this Bluetooth speaker’, to use a couple of recent articles.
I like the shorter description idea so you can fit more on a page.
I’d echo Chris B’s comments.
I love the layout of the website! I like the reviews but would really like a number rating.
I would like to see more side-by-side comparisons and numerical rankings. Also, the search function could be better optimized.
I agree with shorter descriptions for when I am time crunched, however, I do enjoy reading when I have the time. Maybe, bullet points so we can find the pros and cons quickly for those days when we’re short on time. Definitely, though, more defined pros and cons. A lot of times, I walk away and feel like it’s a product pitch rather than an unbiased review. And sometimes, I feel like someone never tried the product, just wrote up a description of what the manufacturer said it could do. I can read the manufacturer website myself, so those are just time wasters. Maybe if it’s a product that just came out you could have a sidebar or another page for new items that have yet to be tested. This way we can see new gadgets (like a “press release” or “breaking news” type thing). This would define the item better, rather than reading partially through something only to realize it’s not been tried and I’m just reading “What this product says it can do” which is not helpful.
Guess that was convoluted. Let me rephrase it better: A sidebar showing new items in gadgets (Love to see what is coming out). Reviews are for items that have been used, not product pitches.
Hope that makes sense.
I do like learning about the products and I love when there are pictures of different angles or close-ups of plug-in locations. You do well there.
Liking the present website as is. Don’t be too tempted to change
It would be nice to know the background of a writer, i.e. if they have two kids, married, a dog. This would help because it would allow readers to know if the reviews are more pertinent to their lives. But I still love the site.
The one thing I’d change about the-gadgeteer.com is HOW you view full article: instead of a link to a page with full article I’d make a short description of it with a button that expands it to a full view of it without leaving the News Stream page – this way I don’t have to jump into and back out of it = faster browsing in our fast-paced times! Convenience and Speed of a better UI.
Here’s a link to my FB post: https://www.facebook.com/azat.salikhov/posts/828986990498931?pnref=story
More pictures of products would be nice.
I’d like to see more consistency with the first few intro paragraphs of an article or review. I am often reading via RSS reader and need to click through to see the full article. Some authors do a great job at setting the tone and expectations; others sometimes spend the initial paragraphs posting pictures, unboxings or assembly instructions.
I would have the categories in a separate frame on the side, instead of a drop-down menu.
Change nothing. It is great as it is.
The only thing I would change is add more gadgets!
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/MajorHavoc/status/539493674862649344?lang=en
So I think I mention this before, but I still think the blog post on the main page a bit large. I have a fairly hi-res monitor (1080p) and sometimes the posts go beyond the bottom of the screen. If I’m interested in a post, I only need like 2 or 3 sentences, a decent picture, and a good headline for me to click in.
I think a dark theme for the site would be a good change 🙂
Love the site. Only thing to not change but rather add, more Android app reviews.
More free giveaways!
More pictures and short videos would be a nice touch and add to the site.
As someone who clicks through a lot of pages in a day, some of the items have a really long description. This is great if I am seriously considering a purchase, but a little more detail in the pros/cons/price section would really help me to decide if I need to read the longer description. Perhaps using a tandem rating system for value, features, usefulness, etc would be even better. Thanks for all you all do, love the site!
I love the set up and the review , i like the 1 to 10 rating. The ads are a little distracting because they take up so much of the page.
Thank you for the giveaway! I would like to see more reviews on fashionable gadgets – Ringly, Stelle Audio, Mighty Purse, etc.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/normawatson/status/539539014307815425
I’d give the website a retro-seventies color scheme and fonts… and once a year do a review of a long ago visionary who’s ideas were way ahead of their time!
Shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.aiton/posts/818041431571917
More simple reviews (rating system, pro’s, con’s, comparison to similar products) and video reviews would be great!
My tweet https://twitter.com/biza5/status/539557030840004609
More android stuff but all and all i love your website it is very informative and stuff that i am interested in.
My tweet https://twitter.com/stephmellott/status/539563872345403392
Shared on facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.mellott/posts/10203347605907199?pnref=story
more modern streamlined interface
I’d like you to see you “cut” long articles so it’s easier to browse the articles on one page. It’d be easier to read if each article had a blurb followed by a “Read more” link.
Happy Holidays!
Tweet https://twitter.com/katiecontests/status/539595381446037504
More giveaways.
Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/katiecontests/posts/545153828955455
I would be fair and show more Android related products instead of mostly iOS when showing items related to smartphones and tablets. Also maybe having videos showing products in use when possible.
More cowbell!!! And Android!! Otherwise I like it the way it is.
Shorter articles.
tweet: https://twitter.com/LindaHP/status/539614014763180033
I WOULD CHANGE NOTHING I SEEM TO FIND WHAT I NEED ON YOUR PAGE
I would add more flashlight reviews and perhaps videos.
There seems to be some sort of problem on this page with the red box that overlaps the latest reviews area. Where it says iPhone 6 coverage! you can barely read the font color. I would change that.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/Joan_1969/status/539624024297316352
I posted on facebook https://www.facebook.com/joankubes/posts/10152891392120775
I’d make a features and capability comparison charts for similar / competing products.
https://twitter.com/jae77BMC/status/539634819421184000
https://www.facebook.com/mostlygenius/posts/806418022732592
I won’t change a thing! Love you guys!!
Change comments to threaded format if possible.
I think more product comparison articles would be helpful. You folks have a lot of experience reviewing products, but it would sometimes help for you to be a little retrospective and compare related items. I remember your site being hugely helpful back in the old Palm PDA days.
https://twitter.com/Nokaoi59/status/539695638691074048
https://www.facebook.com/wikehara/posts/10204078111205923
If I could change the site…
I would modernize it a little by streamlining the feeds by having maybe a slideshow banner on the top of the newest reviewed items, then the blog below that can scroll. Then kinda organize and separate deals & cool items from tested and reviewed items.
overall, ive always love this site and it has come a long way. Your reviews are important to me and is a big factor in my decisions. You are not like most big review sites and your style is more honest. Anways goodluck!
twitter & fb:
https://twitter.com/AnthonyNarte/status/539713164548403200
https://www.facebook.com/n2neee/posts/10152949411624789
twitter
https://twitter.com/AnthonyNarte/status/539713164548403200
facebook post
https://www.facebook.com/n2neee/posts/10152949411624789
It would be nice have threaded comments and some themes.
You should check out Disqus, a commenting plugin which supports Facebook/Twitter signins and all.
Posted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nibras.me/posts/926251234052009
Posted on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nibrasreeza/status/539742515792846848
I’d love to see a yearly gift guide, you may have something like this already, but it would help to put it all in one place, say maybe around November?
If I could change anything about your website, I would use CSS to make your top nav Categories dropdown into a megamenu for larger screen sizes. I would also create Categories of Categories rather than having a long flat list, e.g.:
Portables
phones
tablets
Wearables
activity trackers
smart watches
i would love to see an everyday carry section that gets updated regularly as you try new gear.
Love your website! If I had to change one thing it would be to add a little button that could make the font size smaller or larger – whatever the user needed. Thanks for the chance!
Tweet, tweet, tweet: https://twitter.com/mint_pearls/status/539822387584176129
I’m new to your site so haven’t seen too much except what I am looking at now. I did notice that there isn’t a Pin tab if you liked one of the gadgets you could pin it or pin the page to pinterest so you would have more visibility. Just my suggestion. I have read some of the others and they are pretty good. It’s your site….your in control! We just get to enjoy it! Thank you for the entry!
https://twitter.com/jolucky1/status/539828102709641216 TWEET!
https://www.facebook.com/jodi.boulier/posts/10204543813209732?pnref=story Facebook post
Here we go… No repeat items displayed unless newer release item and review – Reviewed items broken into viewable historical categories – Be critical positive/negative/no opinion – Include opinions to trusted others – If I read “best ever”, it better be or else subsequent reviews are taken with grains of salt – If known, item can be purchased below retail at named site – I know that you incorporate much of this already and love your “home-sey” reviews. B.L.
All the prizes are great, but I’m partial to the alarm system.
I have been checking in on this web site for well over 10 years and have bought several of the items reviewed. The search does not appear to work all that well – just a few days ago I was trying to show a relative the yard laser review (the gizmo that uses a laser to shine a bunch of green dots on your house) and just typing laser into the search box did not bring it up.
Make it easier to search for articles.
Hm.. I think it would be nice to see regular round ups, of gadgets in a similar category being put side by side with pro and con lists for each one in the category!
I am brand new to your site and I look forward to checking it out…. but I want to take my time and still be able to meet the contest deadline.
Not a huge fan of the new iPad/tablet layout. I loved the older blog-style layout.
Tweet! https://twitter.com/knight_cjg/status/539948550084632576
Just really enjoy reading all of the reviews, even though many of them are out of my price range. The variety of items is great too.
I would like to see an iPhone /iPad app of gadgeteer
The one thing I would change if I could would be to showcase more TOYS. Not just baby toys, but real, honest to goodness geek toys. Stirling engine kits or photosensitive paper for example.
1. Your format needs to be blocked to make it easier to read and tell which content goes with what heading. I love your site. I enjoy looking at the new gadgets. A pin it button by each item would be great to show our family and friends your awesome gadgets.
2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/prissyskelton/status/539968147588014081
3. FB: https://www.facebook.com/priscilla.skelton
I really do enjoy the site with a few suggestions. On the main page, the ads and comments on the right margin are large and can be distracting from the original blog posts. I would also like to see the categories broken down into smaller sub-catgeories so the drop down list is not so long. Maybe phones, computers, toys, etc.
tweeted – https://twitter.com/Heatwave316/status/539974417821212672
Would love to see more frequent giveaways from the Gadgeteer!
https://twitter.com/pescokid/status/539982312364965888
Maybe a comparison chart of similar devices that highlights pros/cons, pricing, etc of each item.
Let the giving begin!
When I do research about consumer electronics, I usually do it to compare similar products in order to decide which to buy. So, in addition to the blog-format articles, I’d have pages for common items (digital cameras, laptops, etc.) that were kept reasonably up to date with both subjective and objective information about the products (in chart format, when applicable) so as to make it easy for consumers to figure out what the best product is in a given category when they’re shopping.
PC World does this reasonably well, if I recall correctly. Few other websites do, however, so I have to rely on whichever is the most recent “device X vs. device Y vs. device Z” blog article that has been written. That means I’m going to whichever website has the most recent post on the matter (since new products come out so often) as opposed to going to the same site every time.
Happy holidays!
I tweeted for an extra entry here:
https://twitter.com/LakeHMM/status/540090034821419008
I posted on Facebook for an extra entry here:
https://www.facebook.com/LakeHMM/posts/10204184583029123
This is the first time I looked at the website. I generally read the articles using feedly and so I don’t see the actual website only the articles I am interested in reading. I will say that I much prefer reading the articles on my phone or tablet. I am not impressed with the look of the site. The site has a lot of useful information on gadgets, but it seems very cluttered at the top with the pictures, the ads and the content boxes.
I really like the gadgeteer style and objectivity. My suggestion is to add an index or drop down menu to the beginning of the email to help us all prioritize our interest of that day.
I’d really like an “update”. We all try new stuff. Some of us try more than others, and after a while we develop a liking for certain items. I think it’d be cool if after using something daily for 5-6 months you give a deep dive type readout. “Like this, don’t like that, scratched my cat, washed it in my jeans and….” Know what I mean?
I would be interested in reading about wireless phone plans.
I can’t think of any improvements! When I have thought of one I let you know and you did it!
Nothing to improve. Gadgeteer is my “go to” website/blog for the most complete listing of really cool, yet practical tech products. That’s the good news. The bad news is the amount of money I’ve spent on items I’ve discovered on Gadgeteer!!!!!
I would enhance the search functionality. I would also like to be able to log in and pin/save items and articles so that i could go back and see/purchase them.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/scatyGil/status/474227732700614656
Hey Julie – I like the flow and feel of your site and wouldn’t want to see any hardcore changes. If anything, maybe a section/page of what gadgets to avoid or what’s not worth the money.
Have a great holiday!!
I wish you would make this site a little bit sexier! I know it’s about gadgets, but that doesn’t mean it has to look sooo dull
I have been visiting the gadgeteer since about 1998 and this is my favorite site. I have purchased a number of items that have been reviewed here. I have seen several iterations of the site and this is my favorite version. I don’t have any suggestions right now. Happy Holidays to Everyone!!!
Love the reviews, and a good one would be to have a collection of reviews of the top holiday electronic gifts
No changes to recommend but want to give a big THANKS for the big bold print that makes it so easy for an old timer like me to read the information.
Added tweet @ https://twitter.com/dwmaas/status/540207818515558400
Added facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/dwmaas
I rely on this site to cue me in to eclectic and unusual gadgets. I’d like to see more of them, but not at the expense of the mainstream products you review. Only one answer, do many more reviews!
all I’d change would be to have more frequent posts.
The wood finish on this Audioengine B2 Bluetooth speaker is very classy. Looks really nice. Wonder how it would perform?
Second (or third or whatever) the improve search capability.
I would love to see The Gadgeteer use guest bloggers for reviews. Not necessarily techy bloggers, but more self-described “normal” blogger. A layman perspective is what I’ve appreciated in the past when shopping for phones.
I also don’t like the new horizontal scrolling iPad layout. and I like the idea of a gift guide.
I do like the layout of the site and since I’m a new Windows Phone owner maybe: A great App To Check Out Section.
Also I keep going back to your review and I think I gonna treat myself to the
Audioengine W3 Premium Wireless Audio Adapter for Christmas.
Let me start off by saying the things that I do like about your site. It’s informative, detailed and the pictures are rather large. If I was to change anything it would be the structure of the site and comparing products otherwise good job and thank you!
Great website but the ‘Categories’ dropdown is way too long. The font is also very large, as is the line spacing, which leads to excessive scrolling to access content.
Chance #2
https://twitter.com/huangsonone/status/540289410299088896
More pictures of the product. Perhaps some user anecdotes as well.
Not to be a kiss a$$, but I dig everything except the mobile site. It’s very touchy on my iPhone…unless it’s my fat fingers. Then it’s my problem.
I like the reviews, would like to see long term reviews to see if opinion changes.
Add categories for gadgets. For example: fun gadgets, work gadgets, analog gadgets, and life gadgets for those particular gadgets that you cannot live without.
An easier way to look up or search for articles. I love it otherwise!
Honestly i think its time for a different layout. While i do appreciate the old school blog look of the site, I think it can be modernized a bit and maximized for tablets as well. Also, as others have suggested, better search capabilities on the site could really improve its usefulness. Keep up the good work, reeeeeeeally hope I have the opportunity to win.
I would like to see and April Fools product review. Maybe even from one of the fake products from other sites that post them “for sale” on April 1st. Or maybe something your staff have made up themselves. You could even run an internal contest to come up with a the fake product/review, so you have a full year to come up with a hit product.
I tweeted it here!!!
https://twitter.com/deadcrowisland/status/540434496634376193
I posted it to Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/deadcrow/posts/10204522390393913?pnref=story
THX!!
Hi, love the site and information you provide! The one thing I would add is a category just for pen/notebook related items. Thank you!
I’m not a big fan of one-size-fits-all site layouts. In this day and age it’s straightforward to have different layouts for different device sizes, and one of my personal pet peeves is designing like everything is a mobile device. I want to use my 15.5 inch laptop lika a laptop, not a cell phone! (This is something more people than you are guilty of, so I’ll give you a bonus change.) Also, call me anachronistic, but there are really cool things going on in the world of writing implements and accessories. I know that’s not your main focus, but that was what brought me here. (The pen-format scissors review.) If you could make those more accessible (and even have more of them) I’d appreciate it.
THanks for the wonderful site. I’ll be stopping by more often.
I would shrink the right hand panel’s width to allow for less scrolling of the main content.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/twoloszynek/status/540547686060261376
This is hard, i like so much about the gadgeteer site.
I normally view all email by phone, I’d like to quickly tag things to easily look at when I get back to PC.
Love the reviews; Keep them coming!
It would be great to have some filters built into the search function to help narrow down the results generated.
I’d love to see more audio products reviewed. Thanks…
Please improve “Popular Topics”. I would love to see added categorization and sub-categorization. Also its ability to pick up product tags. For example, currently “Headphones” lists on 21 articles. However, when I clicked there I couldn’t find the excellent reviews you’ve done on V-Moda cans. By chance I thought I’d search for v-moda and BAM found them. Perhaps you could do something like:
Headphones
– New Releases
– On-Ear
– Over-Ear
– In-Ear
etc.
Regardless, thanks for the holiday giveaway and for the quality of your product reviews… perfect for a gearhead like me! Happy Holidays!!
Love the vertical waterproof bag listed in this guide! Pls I look forward to your constant good gadget choices! I have purchased many of them over the years! Great cocktail party info to share!
I wish you had more time to test solar powered gadgets. I get the feeling that most do not work very well.
Thanks for all of your reviews!
I would appreciate if you would label your product announcements as Ads or product announcements. After all your reviewers are not analyzing the products, they are simply passing on the announcement/press releases from the manufacturers.
This would, in fact, save me time when going through your web page looking for “hands-on” reviews.
Thanks.
I am not sure what I would do to improve the site. It seems like I had a suggestion years ago and gave it, but can’t recall what it was now. I usually come to Gadgeteer from @gadgeteer twitter posts when something interests me. It has always worked for me so far.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/swisspotluck/status/540706290775756801
Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/sue.bradford.501/posts/10152866748008427?pnref=story
The Gadgeteer needs more contests like this more often! Good stuff.
I have been a fan of your site for ages. One of my favorite things from the past was the two sided reviews of a product. You and Julie would go back and forth with an almost completely different idea and concept.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the opportunity.
LWC
I would like it for the mobile website format to change, when I view the site on my Nexus 7 2013 I have to scroll the site sideways (not very natural), also the picture get sliced and the “Pros and Cons” are not shown on reviews. Also the comments are dropped, I always have to choose to download the desktop version.
Here is my Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Lakeywhite/status/540731850402967552
Update 12/5/14:
The winner is #48 Azat Salikhov. Congrats to Azat! Thanks to everyone who entered and our sponsors.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Update 12/7/14:
No response from first winner so I drew another winner: #160 Chris Deckrow. Congrats to Chris.