Andy Chen

Former electronics technician for the FBI, current Fire Prevention Officer. Background in electronics, trained EMT, Eagle Scout/Assistant Scoutmaster and dad.

Typhur InstaProbe kitchen thermometer review – Way faster than the rest?

REVIEW – I cook with thermometers all the time because I don’t trust my skills. One day, the sleek Typhur InstaProbe thermometer popped up in my social media feeds. It LOOKS pretty neat but is it good enough to dethrone my reliable Thermoworks Thermapen One? What is it? The Typhur InstaProbe is a battery-operated thermometer …

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Keychron K1 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard – low sound, low profile

REVIEW – I’ve often looked for a nice keyboard that will work with my Mac. Yes, all keyboards work fine, but I prefer those with the MacOS specific keys. I also prefer the smaller tenkeyless design as they take up less room. This time, I got to try the Keychron K1 Pro mechanical keyboard. What …

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TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera review – Can’t hide from the dark

REVIEW – Have you ever wanted to have “Predator Vision” from the famous Schwartzengger movie? The TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera gives you those powers and more in a handheld package. What is it? The TOPDON TC004 is a thermal imaging camera with 12 hour battery life and can record images and motion video onto …

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VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Panini Press Grill review – Level up your grilled cheese game

REVIEW – They say you should never buy groceries when you are hungry. I’m not sure the same when reviewing items, but it didn’t hurt. This time I get to make lunch with the VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Panini Press Grill. What is it? This panini press is equipped with a cast iron grill covered in …

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Helinox Umbrella One review – Fighting off the rain and sun

REVIEW – I live in California where we’ve been in a mega-drought for many years. The idea of having an umbrella seems rather pointless. Of course, this winter has been abnormally wet for some reason! Where can I find a decent umbrella I might not want to lose, and won’t fall apart after two days? …

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Shargeek Retro 67 USB-C charger review – Old school Mac charm

REVIEW – The folks at Shargeek have been on a roll lately. It wasn’t that long ago that the Retro 35W Mac-shaped charger charmed its way into the world, but the Retro 67 takes the nerd factor up a few notches with three USB-C ports and a green phosphor screen inspired display with some “Matrix” …

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Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 power station review – Shocking capacity!

REVIEW – Where I live in California, the threat of power outage due to earthquakes, wildfires, or heat emergencies is very real. Is there a non-gas generator that can step up to the task? We’re talking far beyond charging up smartphones or tablets. What about higher-draw appliances? I put the Zendure Superbase Pro 2000 Power …

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FOXWELL BT705 car battery tester review – Stay current on your battery health

REVIEW – Not too long ago the car wouldn’t start. Dreaded dead battery! Fortunately, I have an automotive battery charger and I was able to nurse the battery back to health. But is the battery still OK or on the way out? Is it something other than the battery? Before taking it in or swapping …

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Creative Sound Blaster X1 USB DAC and headphone amplifier review

REVIEW – Since headphone ports on mobile devices are a dying breed, I’ve been using a cheap adaptor for my iPad Pro, which uses USB-C but no headphone jack. And no, I don’t like using Bluetooth! Today I get to try the Creative Sound Blaster X1 USB DAC. What is it? The Creative Sound Blaster …

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