ARTICLE – I hope you have enjoyed reading about the team’s and my favorite gadgets this week. I’ve already posted Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series and today we have the final entry.
David Moore
SwitchBot S10 Robot Vacuum and Mop
I’ve owned and reviewed dozens of robotic vacuums over the past decade. So far, my favorite is the SwitchBot S10 Floor Cleaning Robot. It requires far less intervention than other robots, autonomously emptying, refilling, and draining dirty mop water. It seldom gets stuck, is excellent at cleaning floors, and the retracting mop doesn’t dampen my carpets. It only needs cleaning and a bag change about once a month, or if it manages to grab a wayward pen or find a piece of yarn the cat has been playing with. It can even fill the new SwitchBot humidifier. The S10 does a commendable job cleaning and even dries the roller mop. Great job, SwitchBot!
Where to buy: SwitchBot and Amazon
Longer B1 40W Laser Engraver with Air Assist
I have been dabbling with laser engravers for a few years and love the Longer 40 Watt B1 engraver. The power and speed make most engraving jobs quick work. It’s performed well with virtually no maintenance, zipping through 10mm of wood, etching steel, and quickly knocking out a few dozen annual Christmas ornaments. Thank you, Longer!
Where to buy: Where to buy: Amazon and Longer (Save $100 off the price when you use this code: Laser40W$100) (Save $100 off the price when you use this code: Laser40W$100)
Theresa Villeneuve
Reviewing things remains my number one favorite hobby and I have had some winners this year. Here are my favorite things that I reviewed in 2024:
Manta SOUND sleep mask
The Manta SOUND sleep mask is a relatively new item that I reviewed in November, but I still use it daily, and if it broke, I could confidently say I’d buy another one right away because it’s just that good. This thing has speakers you can’t even feel, positionable eye cups and great battery life. It blocks out all the light, is infinitely adjustable and the best part is that you can launder it without taking all the wires out! It’s hooked together with Velcro and you just pull part that you want to wash (the part that touches your face) away from the part that has the technology and throw it in the wash. That is genius, and eliminates a lot of hassle. I have to say, this is the best item of 2024 for me!
Where to buy: Manta Sleep and Amazon
Baseus Blade 2 Power Bank
The Baseus Blade 2 is a portable battery. I know you will wonder why a simple battery pack would get my #2 favorite gadget. I mean, it’s a battery pack. Lots of them are on the market. Lots of them do basically the same thing. Why is this one special? The shape. This thing is slim. It fits in all my handbags and doesn’t make a lump. It slides neatly into my work bag without leaving a hole next to it. It’s essentially the width of a pencil and it charges my stuff quickly and efficiently. It’s a simple item that I use all the time and I love it.
Where to buy: Amazon
Vego Kitchen Composter
The Vego Kitchen Composter does what a lot of others do but it has a cycle where you can continually add kitchen scraps to it, and that’s a game changer for me. With other composters, they filled up quickly, and I had to wait to add scraps until the cycle finished and I took it outside to empty it. I found myself with two composting pails, the one that was inside the composter and the one that held the stuff waiting to go in the composter. Not good. This ongoing composting thing is the way to go!
Where to buy: Vego Garden (Save 10% with code: Gadgeteer10%OFF)
Danny Welsch
Relxtime Inflatable Spa
My wife has always wanted a hot tub. Whenever we travel, it’s a “must have” on the airbnb listing. But I was always resistant because of the 220V wiring, size, and permanence. When I reviewed the Relxtime Inflatable Spa earlier this year, I really thought we’d be selling or gifting it after the review. But I came to really look forward to using it. I reviewed the spa in the summer, which is not a great time for hot tubs. So after the review, we packed it up and put it in the garage, with the promise to get it back out once the weather got cooler. I set it back up on October 1, and to my surprise, we used it just about every evening. I did make a two-inch thick foamboard lid, and placed 1-inch foamboard underneath for some added insulation in the cooler weather. We only recently put it away again with the onset of the really cold weather, but we are looking forward to getting it back out for the spring! Because the tub uses standard household wiring (get a very beefy extension cord if you need one) and can easily be put away when not in use, the Relxtime Inflatable spa has overcome most of my apprehension about hot tubs and has become a surprising favorite among the products I reviewed in 2024.
Where to buy: RelxTime
James Garris
Otterbox Defender Series Pro XT iPhone 16 Case
This fall I picked up an iPhone 16 Pro Max. While I love the phone and am glad I bought it, it cost way more money than a smart phone should cost. For some peace of mind, I reviewed the Otterbox Defender Pro XT phone case, and it has been my favorite gadget of the year. The air-gapped design provides a level of protection for my iPhone that ordinary cases do not. I admit that I snipped off the little protector for the USB-C port, as I don’t really have to worry about dust or water getting in, but other than that detail, I am super happy with this case and recommend Otterbox to anyone wanting extra protection for their phones.
Where to buy: Otterbox and Amazon
Kenneth Woodham
TCL 65″ Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV
I have to say my favorite gadget of this year is the TCL 65″ Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV. It’s my first 4K TV and it replaced an aged 55″ LED Samsung. It has been great to watch movies on a larger screen with a higher resolution and higher refresh rate. Gaming on it is better since it makes the screen movements so much smoother and crisper. I love the fact that it’s a smart TV with Wifi, something the old TV definitely was not. We don’t have cable or an antenna, so we stream everything so not having to use an add-on device to get to our streaming services is fantastic. This TV is definitely a winner in my book.
Where to buy: TCL, Best Buy, Amazon
DIY Mechanical Keyboard
I also have to add a keyboard into my favorites list, because of course, I do. My favorite keyboard is the one I got to build myself. I had a generous budget to work with and got to order the individual parts to make my end-game keyboard. I’ve reviewed a ton of other keyboards and have used several I really like but I always go back to this one. It feels and sounds great and it’s perfect, for now. There’s always room for improvement. In fact, in kind of a twofer deal, I got to review some keycaps later that I put on this keyboard and now I like it even more.
Ryan Chapman
I went scouring through my brain trying to figure out anything that I may have purchased that is worthy of this list. Since I was moving in 2024, I did my darndest to not buy anything! However, I did have two solid review items that were definitely favorites. Without further adieu:
Vari Studio Lamp
Hands down, the Vari Studio Lamp is the most clutch and useful item that I acquired in 2024. I keep the light folded upward at the ceiling, but turn this thing on every morning when I wake up to light up my basement office. It just provides the perfect amount of light! When I need to take pictures with better lighting, it has come in handy to just set up, adjust to the perfect angle, and get some better quality shots. I held out on getting any lamp for so long and the Vari Studio Lamp definitely made me thankful that I did.
Where to buy: Vari Store and Amazon
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro keyboard case
After finally upgrading my iPad Air to the newest iPad Pro, I was lucky enough to get to review the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro case. It had everything I needed, with the Apple Pencil still able to stick to the side, safe coverage without the keyboard, and a keyboard that actually FEELS like you are typing on something. I am able to type nearly as fast as I normally would on a keyboard. It gets tossed around my desk frequently and looks no worse for wear. The toddler in the house has also yet to get it open, so my iPad has stayed well protected from a tiny twister. A bonus? The stand holds up to binge watching YouTube while lounging in bed in the morning.
Where to buy: Logitech Website and Amazon
Shawna Nester
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner
One of my favorite purchases this year has been the Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner. As a REALTOR, I’m always focused on ensuring my listings look their absolute best, and clean carpets play a crucial role in creating that polished, welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, I’ve cleaned countless carpets in my listings, using several different models, but this one has truly stood out. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a breeze to transport around the house. The Hoover SmartWash+ is not only affordable, but it also simplifies the cleaning process—just push forward to clean and pull back to dry. No need to measure cleaning solutions or water; the machine handles it all! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to clean up afterward. This is a tool I’ll be using for years to come.
Where to buy: Hoover, Amazon, and Target
Steve Holt
KEFEYA S2 screen extender
I never knew how much I needed a laptop screen extender that provided me 2 extra screens until I had one! The KEFEYA S2 was a game changer for my work productivity on the go. Portable, easy to use, and affordable. Highly recommend!
Where to buy: KEFEYA website and Amazon
GOKOZY heated gloves
Entry level heated gloves that provide you much more than you would expect at this price point! When your hands get wet and cold while skiing, your day is pretty much almost over, so these heated gloves can save the day for you. The GOKOZY heated gloves performed admirably on my ski trip this past winter. Comfortable, easy to use, at a great price! And an easy choice for a Christmas present for that skier in your life.
Where to buy: Amazon
SoundPEATS Breezy Open Ear Wireless Earbuds
This year I reviewed 2 earbuds that are considered “open ear”, and interestingly, both were from SoundPEATS. I decided that my favorite open-ear earbuds were the Breezy Open Ear earbuds. I use some sort of earbud for many hours a day. I use them at home, in the office, walking in the morning for exercise, and walking the dog numerous times a day. And when it comes to walking outdoors, I prefer an open-ear design so that I can sort of hear what is going on around me, like car noises, people talking, etc. I love the SoundPEATS Breezy earbuds because their design has a hook that goes around my year, so they never fall off regardless of what I am doing. Also, unlike the SoundPEATS RunFree open-ear headset that I also tested which wraps around the back of your head, the Breezy earbuds are true earbuds that are independent of each other, so I can use just 1 of them if I want.
Where to buy: Amazon
Patrick Henderson
Engwe Engine Pro 2.0 eBike
I’ve reviewed 5 e-bikes for The Gadgeteer over the last couple of years, and specifically two this past year. By far, my favorite e-bike has been the Engwe Engine Pro 2.0. It’s not the sleekest, fastest, or most gadget laden e-bike on the market, but man for what it does, it’s the best in my eyes. It’s the perfect size for me (I’m 5’ 6”), goes fast enough, and is compact. Of all the e-bikes I have, I ride the Engine Pro 2.0 several times a week. All the others are gathering dust in my garage.
There was a recall on the battery (possible fire hazard) soon after I reviewed it. Engwe handled it professionally and I received a new battery relatively quickly. Engwe is my favorite e-bike manufacturer. Their quality and customer service are excellent and this e-bike is the best they make in my opinion.
Where to buy: Engwe or Amazon
Frank Myers
iVANKY FusionDock Max 1 Thunderbolt docking station
I was able to review the IVANKY FusionDock Max 1 this past March and the Kensington SD5000T5 Docking Station early in October. On one hand, the IVANKY docking station has a lot more ports than the Kensington docking station, but the Kensington supports the latest Thunderbolt 5 technology. If your computer supports Thunderbolt 5, then I would recommend the Kensington. Otherwise, I prefer the IVANKY as long as you use an Apple silicon computer.
I would chose the IVANKY for two reasons; the number of ports, and the layout of the ports. The IVANKY docking station has 2 HDMI ports, but the Kensington requires an adapter from Thunderbolt to HDMI. This is inconvenient on two levels, needing an adapter, and then also taking up a port.
Another reason I prefer the IVANKY is the the number of ports available on the front of the docking station. There are 4 USB-C ports and 2 USB-A ports, along with a SD and micro SD card slots, and a headphone jack. The Kensington has 1 (usable) USB-C port, 1 USB-A port, SD and micro SD card slots, and a headphone jack. For me, having these ports available on the front is a lot more convenient than having to connect cables on the back of the docking station.
And the last reason I would choose the IVANKY is that all the required connections are located on the back of the docking station, making for a clean desktop. The Kensington requires the cable to the host computer is connected to one of the USB-C ports on the front of the docking station. On my desktop, that means I’ll always have a cable visible along the top of my desk.
In summary, if you have a computer with Thunderbolt 5 technology, the Kensington docking station is the best choice. But if you have an Apple silicon computer, the IVANKY docking station is my choice.
Where to buy the IVANK: Amazon
Where to buy the Kensington: Kensington.com and Amazon
Andy Chen
JMGO N1S Ultra 4K and the NEBULA Capsule Air projectors
This year, I’ve reviewed two exciting video projectors, the JMGO N1S Ultra 4K and the NEBULA Capsule Air. I like them both, but it’s like comparing apples to… a smaller apple.
Unlike the projectors of yesteryear, these projectors are WiFi enabled with Google TV built right in. Both projectors are pretty quiet, and both have seemingly magical automatic image adjustments, such as focus and keystone correction. But which one is right for you?
If portability is a priority, then you can’t beat the soda can-sized NEBULA Capsule Air. Weight in at 1.43 lbs, this projector doesn’t even need a power cable thanks to its built-in 10,000 mAh battery, good for up to 2 hours of playback. Double your runtime with the Transformer-like Power Bank Tripod. Even the remote is backlit!
If the Capsule Air’s brightness (150 ANSI lumens) isn’t enough, the JMGO N1S Ultra 4K swoops in with a flash of light at a whopping 3000 ANSI lumens. You’ll enjoy razor-sharp visual and text with the 4K resolution which the Capsule Air’s 720P can’t touch. Of course, all this power weighs in at 9.92 lbs in a size you definitely can’t slip in your cargo pants. This is definitely a luggable, and not a pocketable.
Two super cool Google TV projectors, two totally different uses! If you want to go small, grab the fun NEBULA Capsule Air ($399). If you want a brilliant image regardless of the time of day, the JMGO N1S Ultra 4K ($2499) would be my projector of choice.
Where to buy JMGO: Amazon
Where to buy: NEBULA by Anker and Amazon
Matt Gregersen
Xtracycle Swoop Electric Cargo Bike
The Xtracycle Swoop Electric Cargo Bike has taken over as a complete car replacement for 9 months of this year. The higher quality components throughout has resulted in a bike with hundreds of miles on it that still rides like it did right after I put it together. I purchased a cargo bike trailer, and have done home improvement store runs that rival the cargo haul of our compact SUV! It’s also an excellent platform for our toddler, who loves to honk his horn and point out trucks and busses on every ride. The range estimate on the bike computer remains incredibly accurate every time, something that no other e-bike I’ve used can do.
Where to buy: Xtracycle
Ausom DT1 Pro scooter
The Ausom DT1 Pro is a giant leap in speed and power over the many previous scooters I’ve reviewed or owned. It can accelerate shockingly fast, which always brings a grin to my face (and surprises many cars I outpace while in the bike lane next to them…). It’s more power and speed than most people need, but I love it nonetheless. It also has the best suspension system I’ve used on a scooter so far, so I continue to grab this scooter from my collection whenever I want to go on a ride.
Where to buy: Ausom
Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC
The Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC is a surprisingly powerful little Mini PC that I liked so much that it’s been pressed into service as our home media streaming server. It also doubles as a backup/loaner gaming PC when friends or family are over, since the Intel Arc graphics can run just about anything (though like most other mini PCs I have to set game graphics to low on demanding titles to get playable framerates). The AI hardware will be nice when I get around to playing around with creating my own chatbot or AI generation program someday as well!
Where to buy: Geekom
NEBULA Cosmos 4K SE projector
I’ve owned and reviewed many projectors over the years, and the NEBULA Cosmos 4K SE is the current top-of-the-pile for me. It has the best picture I’ve seen on the models I’ve used so far, while also remaining somewhat portable and sporting a tripod mount, which makes it ideal for anything from home theater setups to backyard movies and everything in between.
Where to buy: Nebula and Amazon
Xiaomi Mini LED Gaming Monitor G Pro 27i
I was lucky enough to review a couple of monitors in 2024, and the Xiaomi Mini LED Gaming Monitor G Pro 27i is my pick for the year. The size and resolution are perfect for most people, the high refresh rate is excellent for gaming, and the Mini LED technology results in a rich, vibrant screen that can also display nearly OLED level blacks in dark scenes.
Where to buy: Walmart
Also please be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series.
