REVIEW – One of the unexpected but truly beneficial results of the pandemic has been the new focus some companies have placed on the mental well-being of their employees. My employer for instance goes to great lengths to provide us with tons of resources for bettering and maintaining our psychological well-being. Personally, I’ve found that […]
REVIEW – Some knives are just inherently cooler than others. For me, it doesn’t get much cooler than an automatic OTF (out-the-front) knife. There’s something about flicking a switch and having a razor-sharp blade spring forward that makes me feel like a secret agent, or a notorious hitman named John Wick for that matter. The
Tekto Skar OTF Knife review – Release your inner John Wick (just not with this knife) Read More
REVIEW – As my collection of portable batteries and power packs grows, the need for cheap (or free) electricity to keep them topped off increases as well. To avoid forking over my paycheck to Seattle City Light each month I’ve been looking for an effective solar panel kit to address this need. I may have
REVIEW – When the Gadgeteer team decided to do another round of “Gear we’re using” posts I was concerned because I’ve been using pretty much the same gear for the last two years. I documented my Work from Home setup exactly a year ago as I write this and that hasn’t changed at all. Since
Gadgeteer team – gear we’re using in 2022 – Shooting Range Edition (Joe Porletto) Read More
REVIEW – Since “cutting the cord” years ago I’ve had the opportunity to try out pretty much every TV media box. I’ve run my media collection and streaming apps through Rokus, TiVos, Amazon Fires, Chromecasts, Xboxes, Playstations, Macs, PCs, Smart TVs, and my all-time favorite, Nividia Shields. Just know, the Nividia Shield hands down outshines
UGOOS UT8 Pro Android TV Box review – A buggy powerhouse that’s not ready for prime time Read More
REVIEW – Even though I’m using my webcam more than I ever thought I would, I can’t bring myself to invest in better lighting for my frequent video meetings and chats. Further complicating the problem is my cramped work area which doesn’t have much room for additional equipment like a large ring light. Fortunately, I
SANNCE 2K 4MP Super HD Webcam review – I’m finally ready for my closeup! Read More
REVIEW – One of the many hobbies I picked up during my pandemic downtime is the bass guitar. I’ve played guitar since I was a kid but was always a bit intimidated by the bass. Having been in the same band for about twenty years now (insert shameless Spotify plug here) I’d frequently pick up
Donner DBA-1 15W Bass Guitar Amplifier review – Big sound in a little package Read More
CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – As a huge advocate of Bullet Journaling, and journaling in general, I take a lot of notes. I go through several of my favorite Leuchtturm1917 notebooks each year and even more Schmidt ink refills. I’m also a proponent of paying more for higher-quality versions of the items you use most often. This
RIIND Compact and Slim Pens review – Simple tools with advanced designs Read More
REVIEW – Spending long hours in front of a computer, whether for business or pleasure, necessitates a really comfortable chair. Preferably, an ergonomic, sturdy chair designed to support over extended periods of time. A lot of gaming chairs achieve this but aren’t exactly what I’d call subtle, boasting huge ridiculous logos, bright garish colors, and
Mavix M4 Gaming Chair review – You don’t always get what you pay for Read More
ARTICLE – The year 2020 was a difficult one for pretty much everyone on the planet. We saw some seriously major catastrophes, some planetwide, some more localized. There were also innumerable minor personal tragedies, things like missed graduations, weddings, birthday parties, etc. For me, the cancellation of an in-person 2020 New York Comic Con, while
New York Comic Con 2021 trip report Read More
REVIEW – Even in uneventful times everyone should own or have access to a good first aid kit. In many emergencies being able to respond quickly with the appropriate gear is one of the few ways to prevent catastrophe. Having worked briefly as a first responder, I know that having the right resources available in
My Medic Recon & MyFAK First Aid Kits review – Always be prepared! Read More
REVIEW – In my never-ending quest to always be prepared for any eventuality I’ve accumulated quite a few portable power units. Large and small, these power packs are strewn about my apartment, stored in pockets and backpacks, or stashed away in bins patiently awaiting the apocalypse. None of the many battery packs I own though
Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station review – Power all the things! Read More
REVIEW – Ever since bushcraft knives first came to my attention, I’ve been a big fan, mainly because of their incredible versatility. Bushcraft knives are designed specifically to tackle a ton of difficult tasks and are purpose-built for strength and durability. Swedish knifemaker Morakniv has been in the business of making some of the toughest
REVIEW – When assembling a kit for home defense, one of the most important considerations to make after deciding on a platform, is lighting. Whether you opt for a handgun, shotgun, carbine, or another platform altogether, your choice of a weapon-mounted flashlight is vital to the effectiveness of your setup. Every piece of equipment in
ThruNite TW10 Weaponlight review – USB-C rechargeable tactical light Read More
REVIEW – Since long-distance travel has been off the table for a while now, I’ve been making plans for shorter, closer-to-home trips. Inevitably, those trips involve long drives and off-the-grid locations. My usual EDC battery packs work fine to keep my power-hungry travel devices fed, but I have to pack three or four if the
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank review Read More
REVIEW – Now that the pandemic restrictions are slowly being lifted across the country it’s time to get back out there and travel. For me, travel means jumping into my Toyota FJ with my adorable canine co-pilot, Addy, and hitting the road. While we’re out adventuring, keeping our food and drinks cold is a constant
AstroAI Electric Cooler review Read More
REVIEW – An integral part of any Everyday Carry (EDC) is a dependable flashlight. After all, if you can’t see what you’re doing the rest of your gear is pretty much useless. Over the years I’ve accumulated a good number of flashlights, most of them practically bombproof and reliable, some of them not so much.
Acebeam PT40 Multipurpose Work Flashlight review Read More
REVIEW – Ever since the Vinyl Revival began around 2007, I’ve been trying to convince myself to buy a new turntable. I’m a child of the 70s and 80s, so growing up I had a pretty big collection of LPs and 45s. I vividly remember the excitement of hearing a needle hit a new record
Victrola Eastwood Bluetooth Turntable review Read More
REVIEW – I’ve acquired quite a few new hobbies in the past year. The reasons for that are simple; global pandemic, boredom, no social life to speak of, etc. But what I can’t figure out is why each new hobby seems to be more costly than the last. There’s a clear, indirect relationship between my
Fix It Sticks – The Works Gun Field Maintenance Kit review Read More
REVIEW – Since working from home became the standard for me, along with millions of others, I’ve started to upgrade a lot of the equipment I use most frequently for my job. One item that has long needed upgrading is my webcam. I’ve been working remotely and attending endless daily video meetings for close to
AVerMedia PW315 1080p Wide Angle Webcam review Read More