Posts about a variety of topics which are not news and are not reviews.
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
As I was watching the end of today’s Apple Event and listening to Sia sing Chandelier, I had a feeling of deja vu because just like last year, I was having the overwhelming desire to buy the new iPhone 7 and maybe even an Apple Watch. After the Apple event last year at this time,
Julie’s gadget diary – Here we go again, I want an iPhone 7 Read More
I hope everyone has had a great week this week. As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend (if you’re reading this in the US), it’s time to stop thinking about work and start thinking about relaxing. I have just the thing to help. Here are a few interesting links to share that I’ve
A few days ago my post about the new Pad & Quill bags on Facebook prompted a challenge from reader Robert Grenader to share a picture of my bag collection and he would do the same. Robert has shared his picture and here’s mine. Click through for a list of all the bags and what
Julie’s gadget diary – I think I have a bag problem Read More
I have this conversation from time to time with people when they see the name of my iPhone: “Final Fantasy?” “Yeah.” “What’s that mean?” “Well, when I got this phone, it completely checked off everything on my whiz-bang gadget list. I don’t have anything else that I really want a phone to do.” Sometimes I
If you’re watching the clock till it’s time to start the weekend, I have something a little more “productive” that you can do. Click through to see a short list of five sites, products and other interesting things that I have collected this week.
Samsung S7 vs iPhone 6s, NFC payment rings, new Netflix shows and more – Friday links Read More
It’s Friday and you’re probably worn out from working (or playing hard) all week. Here is some quick news to help you unwind and even some deals that can save you a few bucks!
I’ve been doing reviews for several years, and more of them seem to be coming with varying levels of resistance to ingress of foreign matter and water, usually given by an IP rating or code, such as IP64. Curious, I searched for the term and read several articles, and found a couple of charts that explain
IP ratings of devices Read More