Posts about a variety of topics which are not news and are not reviews.
A few weeks ago I asked everyone on the Gadgeteer team to make me a list of their favorite products from this past year. I told them that the items that they picked didn’t need to be restricted to only gadgets that they had reviewed in 2016, but that they could include any items that […]
The year in review – Favorite gadgets of the Gadgeteer team for 2016 (part 1) Read More
CROSS is currently running a promotion called My Long Story Short… Where people tell their story of a significant moment in their life or message for someone special boiled down and captured in a few meaningful words. For some, this may be difficult or impossible but for others vividly easy. For me instead of reaching into the past,
My Long Story Short… @CrossPens #WriteGift #ad Read More
I’ve been using a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for almost a week now and I’ve enjoyed it significantly more than I thought I would. The size and weight make this convertible laptop perfect for everyday and travel use. I’m even seriously considering switching from MacOS to Windows 10 if you can believe that! Having said, that,
Julie’s gadget diary – Using the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (Day 4-7) Read More
A few weeks ago I complained about the weight and bulk of the gear that I take with me when I travel. On my last trip to Florida, I took a 13″ laptop, 10″ tablet, my phone, various cords and AC adapters. Combine that gear with the weight of the bag that holds all of
Julie’s gadget diary – Using the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (Day 1-3) Read More
If you’ve been following my recent gadget diary posts, you will know that I’ve been trying to decide what my next travel computer will be. I’m set on it being very light weight (including the charging adapter) but still capable enough to handle the desktop browser version of Gmail, and Photoshop photo editing software in case
Julie’s gadget diary – It’s time for me to try a Surface Pro 4 Read More
There seems to be a disturbance in the Force because I haven’t been able to bond with any new gadgets that I’ve tried in the last couple of months. First, it was the iPhone 7, which I tried for a few weeks and ultimately returned to Verizon. Next up was the Google Pixel XL which I
Julie’s gadget diary – The iPad Pro isn’t going to be my next travel companion after all Read More
SmartKlear is a screen cleaner that uses carbon pads wipe the crud off your smartphone’s display. It’s exactly like a Swiffer mop for your smartphone only it’s tiny and isn’t like a Swiffer mop at all. Sorry SmartKlear and all those other screen cleaning gadgets out there… but how many people are THAT worried that
Don’t wear pants? Then use SmartKlear and NASA technology to clean your phone’s screen Read More
I’m not a frequent traveler, but we do go on at least two vacations a year which usually involve air travel. Preparing for these trips involves decisions about the gear to take with me and I always have the same dilemma each time: weight and bulk vs. usability. I know vacations are for relaxing, but I’d
Julie’s gadget diary – I may have found my next travel companion Read More
I’m sure you guys are getting tired of my whining about how the current crop of smartphones isn’t as “fun” as devices were back in the good old days of PDAs when new features and technology was being developed every few months. I even get tired of listening to myself because I’m starting to remind
Julie’s gadget diary – What comes after the smartphone? Read More
After almost two months of spontaneously combusting drama, it’s official. Samsung has finally stuck a fork in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and it’s been declared dead. My guess is that we’ll never see another new Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone model because that name just has too much negativity attached to it. So, what do
I wrote a gadget diary post a few day ago talking about the Google Pixel XL that I have on order. Mark Ryan left a comment that really resonated with me. He said: I have to say that both Apple and Google are really lost when it comes to mobile phone innovation. Pixel is not
Juile’s gadget diary – Why can’t Apple and Google be more like Sony used to be? Read More
As I wait for my Pixel XL to arrive, I have been thinking about whether or not I want to buy a case for it. I’ve been using a thin snap-on case for my Nexus 6P for the past year. I’ve been using a case not because I particularly like cases or am afraid of
Julie’s gadget diary – Naked or cased? Read More
As details about Google’s new Pixel flagship phones trickled out over the past few days and weeks, I’ve been consistently saying to friends that I would not (probably) be buying one. I’d already gone through the whole spontaneous purchase experience with the iPhone 7 only to return it a week later due to not loving
Julie’s gadget diary – Yes, I ordered a Pixel XL, are you surprised? Read More
I decided not to write a traditional smartphone review because you can read any one of the eleventy billion iPhone 7 reviews on the internet right now. I thought it would be more interesting to write about my experiences using the iPhone 7 and trying to adjust to iOS after using Android for the last several years.
Julie’s gadget diary – My iPhone 7 saga has ended (for now) Read More
Julie and I have been discussing what new smartphones are on the horizon for years now. Always hopeful of the next one peaking our Gadgeteer interest enough to pull the trigger. Most recently we focused on the iPhone 7/7+, both of us drinking the Kool-Aid Tim Cook was pouring during the announcement event. I, like
Apples or Pixels, which will it be? Read More
It’s been two days since I stood in line at my local Verizon store and walked out with a new 32gb Apple iPhone 7. The phone was intended for Jeanne, but I planned to use it for a few days to help me figure out if I want to buy another iPhone 7 for myself
Julie’s gadget diary – I’m starting to rethink my iPhone 7 purchase Read More
I upgraded my first generation Apple Watch the night after updating all my iOS devices to iOS 10. (For those who have never done it, you have to have the watch charged to at least 50% and it has to be on the charger. Also, your phone has to be on wifi.) While the initial
First impressions: Apple’s watchOS 3 Read More
If you’ve read my recent gadget diary posts about pre-ordering the new iPhone 7 Plus, you’ll know that I made a mistake doing that through Apple’s site and will end up sending back the iPhone that’s heading to my doorstep as I type this. I’ve spent the last week trying to figure out a way
Julie’s gadget diary – iPhone 7 procurement mission completed Read More
Last Friday (9/9), I got up before 3am EST so I could pre-order an iPhone 7 Plus through Apple. I was really surprised and happy when I saw that I could order one for $419 because I’d been saving my Verizon upgrade for years for just such an occasion. Well, if things seem too good
Julie’s gadget diary – Be careful how you order your new iPhone 7 Read More
Last week I ordered a cute little Android pin from Dead Zebra. When it arrived, there were a couple of Android stickers also included in the package. I was so excited that I took a picture and shared it with Dave Rees (my Gadgeteer BFF). What he said next made me both laugh and think.
Julie’s gadget diary – Is there such a thing as being bi-OS? Read More