Andy Chen

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

Milessey D9 PRO laser measurement tool review – now with more lasers

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – How do you improve upon a laser measurement tool? Add a color touch screen? Add a flashlight? How about more lasers? The Milessey D9 PRO laser measurement tool has done that and more. What is it? The Milessey D9 PRO is a laser distance measurement tool featuring dual side firing lasers to …

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Monoprice 44220 Benchtop CNC Router Kit review – DIY engraving

REVIEW – I remember reading a Time magazine article in the 1980s about computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing. I never thought decades later, I’d be able to have that kind of power at home in a DIY kit from Monoprice, of all places. I also never thought I’d burn three days trying to figure out …

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Quntis 82ft 1000 LED string lights review – Light up your holidays

REVIEW – Several years ago, I strung together lights along my backyard fence with varying results. One strand wasn’t really for outdoor use and failed. The next  strand I tried required me to daisy chain several together, and eventually failed. As luck would have it, I got my hands on the Quntis 82ft (25m) string …

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iDOO Electric Compressed Air Duster and Vacuum review – no more canned air

REVIEW – I stopped buying canned air for dusting because at $5 to $10 per can, it just didn’t make sense. I have an air compressor in the garage, and a small rubber bulb for dusting small things like camera parts. I think the iDOO electric compressed air duster and vacuum might fit nicely in …

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Slimca Here rechargeable tracking card review – wafer thin device tracking

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – When Apple Airtags were introduced in 2021, I immediately thought of all the usual things I might lose. Unfortunately, the Mentos candy-shaped Airtag doesn’t slip well into a wallet. The Slimca Here is a credit card-sized tracker compatible with Apple’s “Find My” function and is USB-C rechargeable. What is it? The Slimca …

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HONGO 18.5 inch portable monitor review – See more on the go

REVIEW – Have you ever tried to show someone something on your laptop and just spin the screen around? Or do you have to connect a large monitor or projector just to share to a small group? Sometimes I’m just presenting to one or two other people and I need something in between my laptop …

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EPOS Impact 1000 series headset review – Designed for the Open Office

REVIEW – My interest in computer headsets has risen quite a bit since the era of desktop videoconferencing has become mainstream. Wearing a headset can be tiresome, and sound quality varies all over the place. The EPOS IMPACT 1000 series headset boasts a design to reduce wearer fatigue. What is it? The EPOS IMPACT 1000 …

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WaterField Travel Toiletry Bag review – Tip top tiny tote

REVIEW – The first toiletry travel bag I ever had was from the early 1980s. It was a vinyl zip up bag that came with my Remington shaver. It eventually cracked and dissolved from years of use and exposure to DEET bug repellent. I’m not quite as adventurous now but the WaterField Travel Toiletry Bag …

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Dangbei Mars 1080p full HD projector review – Sharp and silent

REVIEW – I’ve seen many projectors online that all claim bright images, “smart” TV functions, and quiet operation. I tend not to believe any of them since there are so many to choose from, and companies I’ve never heard of! Plus, I already had a trusty no-frills Epson projector that was pretty cheap at the …

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Lockly Smart Safe review – One clever box

REVIEW – During my time with the FBI, I remember the keycard access controllers were combined with the incredibly clever Hirsch ScramblePads. Think of your regular ATM keypad, but the numbers underneath the buttons change each time you enter your code. This increases security since it’s harder to “crack” the code just by fingerprint smudges …

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TOZO OpenReal True Wireless Earbuds review – Open ear comfort

REVIEW – I cannot wear “in ear” headphones. They just hurt too much! I even avoid the popular Apple AirPods. Besides bone conduction and traditional over-the-ear headphones, there’s this interesting middle ground of “air condition” headphones that sit just outside your ear. What is it? The TOZO OpenReal True Wireless Earbuds are a stereo, Bluetooth …

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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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