Andy Chen

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

Slimca Here rechargeable tracking card review – wafer thin device tracking

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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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