Andy Chen

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




Creative Sound Blaster X1 USB DAC and headphone amplifier review

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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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Kensington SmartView Organizing Laptop Riser review

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REVIEW – One nice thing about laptops: They can serve as your only computer. The downside is they don’t lend themselves to good ergonomics. Most of us use them too low when placed on a desktop. The Kensington SmartView Organizing Laptop Riser aims to fix this. What is it? Built in collaboration with Microsoft, the

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UGREEN 100W USB-C DigiNest Pro charging station review

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REVIEW – Like it or not, the charging world is headed towards USB-C. I don’t consider a desktop charger if it doesn’t have USB-C! Fortunately, the UGREEN 100W USB-C DigiNest Pro charging station is a slick product that has you covered. What is it? The UGREEN DigiNest Pro is billed as a 7-in-1 charging station.

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ESKA H5 Bluetooth computer headset review

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REVIEW – I really didn’t care about headsets until everyone was videoconferencing from home. Generally, headset microphones sound better to your audience than the one built into your laptop, and the on-ear speaker gives you listening privacy. The ESKA H5 headset boasts “AI-Powered” noise reduction in a professional-looking package. What is it? The model H5

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Beyerdynamic SPACE Bluetooth speakerphone review

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REVIEW – I really don’t like using the speakerphone on my iPhone, because I don’t like how others sound when THEY’RE using a speakerphone. I don’t want to sound like I’m “in a cave” or distant. Maybe the Beyerdynamic SPACE speakerphone will put those concerns to rest for me. What is it? I know Beyerdynamic

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Gadgeteer team – gear we’re using in 2022 (Andy Chen)

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ARTICLE – At The Gadgeteer, many of us are choosy about what we everyday carry (EDC). I’m no exception. Let’s take a look at what I’ve chosen to use and carry every day for 2022. When you’re done reading this article, please go check out the rest of the Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear of 2022 articles.

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Vari Essential series standing desk and file cabinet review

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REVIEW – Our dining table was taken over with paperwork, so my wife decided she needed a dedicated workspace in the guestroom. Something nicer than the folding table! Fortunately, Vari had just the answer with the Essential series of Standing Desks and File Cabinets. What is it? The Vari Essential Electric Standing Desk is a

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ITEHIL 500Wh Power Station and Solar Panel review

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REVIEW – I’ve seen portable power stations with lead acid batteries. They’re all pretty heavy! LiFePO4 batteries are more commonplace, and a quick Amazon search will turn up many. Today I’m trying out a 500 watt-hour power station from ITEHIL with a matching solar panel. What is it? The ITEHIL 500Wh Portable Power Station can

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Gift ideas for people who use Apple AirTags

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NEWS – Speck, famous for phone cases, also has a whole line of AirTag holders! Can’t decide? There’s probably a version for you or someone you’re gifting an AirTag to this holiday season. Their Luggage Tag Pro is designed to look like, well, a luggage tag. Looking for something more fun? Keep scrolling! The SiliLoop

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