REVIEW – Five years after reviewing my first string of LED lights from Twinkly, I got to play with a new strand called Dots. While most “Christmas lights” feature bulbs that dangle off the side, the Twinkly Dots feature tiny, circular pinpoint LEDs inline with the cord, opening up a new ideas for decorating with […]
Twinkly Dots app-controlled LED string lights review – decorate with dots! Read More
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
Milessey D9 PRO laser measurement tool review – now with more lasers Read More
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
Monoprice 44220 Benchtop CNC Router Kit review – DIY engraving Read More
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
Quntis 82ft 1000 LED string lights review – Light up your holidays Read More
REVIEW – Cable types have come and gone, but cable clutter remains with us no matter what. Cable ties are nice but sometimes, cables just want to make a rat’s nest all on their own. The Magtame cables use the power of magnets to tame your cables. What is it? On the surface, Magtame cables
Magtame cables review – conquer coiled cable clutter! Read More
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
iDOO Electric Compressed Air Duster and Vacuum review – no more canned air Read More
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
Slimca Here rechargeable tracking card review – wafer thin device tracking Read More
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
HONGO 18.5 inch portable monitor review – See more on the go Read More
REVIEW – I bring my laptop to Scout meetings, but sometimes power outlets are hard to find in some older buildings. Enter the XBA 10ft retractable cord reel. Now I’ve got an extension cord that tucks away neatly in my bag with plenty of outlets to spare. What is it? The XBA 10ft cord reel
XBA 10 foot Cordreel review – Just unroll and plug in Read More
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
EPOS Impact 1000 series headset review – Designed for the Open Office Read More
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
WaterField Travel Toiletry Bag review – Tip top tiny tote Read More
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
Dangbei Mars 1080p full HD projector review – Sharp and silent Read More
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
Lockly Smart Safe review – One clever box Read More
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
TOZO OpenReal True Wireless Earbuds review – Open ear comfort Read More
REVIEW – I’ve been using nonmetallic Apple watch bands for a long time. I’ve tried the Apple-branded Link bracelet, but it was really expensive and rattled a lot when the watch vibrated. I got a chance to put the Nomad Stainless Steel Apple watch band to the test. What is it? The Nomad Stainless Steel
Nomad Stainless Steel Apple Watch band review Read More
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
Typhur InstaProbe kitchen thermometer review – Way faster than the rest? Read More
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
Keychron K1 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard – low sound, low profile Read More
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
TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera review – Can’t hide from the dark Read More
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
VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Panini Press Grill review – Level up your grilled cheese game Read More
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?
Helinox Umbrella One review – Fighting off the rain and sun Read More