Andy Chen

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

Black and Decker 4v MAX Gyro Screwdriver review

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We all love power tools, but let’s be realistic:  Unless your tools are part of your job or you’re a serious handyperson, most power tools are overkill.  Yes, I’ve been guilty of using a $400 cordless uber-drill to tighten a cabinet hinge.  But what’s this odd-ball, palm-sized thing?  A Gyro?  Isn’t that meat eaten inside […]

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digiZoid ZO2 “Personal Subwoofer” Review

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Two years ago, I reviewed the digiZoid ZO “personal subwoofer” (see related posts) and absolutely loved it.  In short, the digiZoid ZO was a portable, personal headphone accessory that boosted low frequencies to give that fuller, richer sound that many of us enjoy.  I love the original digiZoid zo so much, it singlehandedly ruined music

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Brick Brites Blinking LED Plastic Building Brick Review

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A couple weeks ago, The Gadgeteer had a news post about Brick Brites, clear plastic LEGO-like building blocks.  They’re different from regular LEGO blocks because they have motion-activated blinking lights built-in to add some excitement to your LEGO constructions.  How do you improve upon the LEGO brick?  I had to see what this was all about.

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SpeechWare USB TableMike 3-in-1 Desktop Microphone Review

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Remember those “multimedia” upgrades for PCs years ago that consisted of a sound card, speakers and a desktop microphone?  That’s what the USB TableMike 3-in-1 Desktop Microphone from SpeechWare reminded me of at first, except it wasn’t beige and flimsy.  Why would I need a desktop microphone when my 27″ iMac desktop has everything built

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LandAirSea SilverCloud Real-Time GPS Tracking System Review

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I’ve been playing with several different kinds of GPS tracking devices for a while, including the nu.m8 GPS Child Locator Watch. The nu.m8 GPS tracking system used a GPS receiver to determine location, and would “report” it’s location when “pinged” via SMS or computer to give the latest position.  So for the most part, it

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AntLion Audio ModMic Detachable Boom Microphone Review

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Can’t find a headset/mic combination you like?  Do you have a favorite pair of headphones but no mic?  Wouldn’t it be great to just add a microphone to your own headphones anytime you like?  You may remember my own attempts at using a hot glue gun to attach a microphone to my own comfy headphones…

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Fuji X100 Digital Camera Review

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Digital cameras are great.  They’re convenient, fun, and are becoming idiot-proof.  Then the Fuji X100 came into my life and I realized just how lazy and dependent on technology I’ve been when taking snapshots.  How did this happen? I have a love-hate thing with digital cameras.  First, the technology keeps advancing that lures me into

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