Reviews

Reviews about interesting gadgets, gear, mobile technology and lifestyle products.

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X soundbar review – Compact system, big sound

Creative Soundbar 4

REVIEW – As it turns out, this is the sound system we didn’t know we needed. My son and co-reviewer Mason picked this out after having a good experience with Creative speakers for a previous review. Our main TV already has a nice soundbar, and I have a portable speaker to use around the house, […]

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Firewalla Gold Plus review – A way to stay safe while connected to the world

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REVIEW – Several years ago, not long after I started writing reviews for The Gadgeteer, I got the opportunity to review the Firewalla Red firewall device. This small device appeared unimpressive and simple in its design, but it turned out to provide powerful firewall control for my network and became a permanent part of my

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Vertplanter hydroponic planter review – Grow seeds and plants without soil

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REVIEW – As you can see from the image above, I live with someone who loves houseplants. Having beautiful plants in our home is nice, but watering all of them can become a bit time-consuming. Is there a way to enjoy growing plants without the need to manually water them all the time? That’s where

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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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ProtoArc EKM01 wireless ergonomic split keyboard and mouse combo review

Protoarc EKM01 Review 1

REVIEW – Products designed around ergonomics tend to carry an ‘ergonomic tax’ which make them more expensive than their traditional counterparts.  Finding a quality ergonomic product in the goldilocks zone of value can be tricky with so many options vying for our attention.  The ProtoArc EKM01 is a mouse and keyboard bundle that is at

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Velotric Nomad 1 e-Bike review – ‘Kid in a candy store’ adult bike fun

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REVIEW – The Velotric Nomad 1 e-bike is a new model from Velotric Bikes. Its fat tires are matched by a well-built, substantial frame. Plain road bikers with their synthetic bike shorts and featherweight bikes they can lift with two fingers may scoff as I pass, as I sit comfortably upright, not sweating, not pedaling

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Mophie updates their wireless travel kit to wired with their SpeedPort 120W charger

mophie 120w gan travel kit

NEWS – Back in the Spring, I reviewed a new product from Mophie, their MagSafe travel charger kit. It was one of my favorite products for the year. With MagSafe for iPhones, AirPods, and the Apple Watch, it’s the trifecta of wireless power. There is a whole other world out there, however. What about those who

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Zibra Open It! review (2022) – Do-it-all package opening multi-tool just in time for the holidays

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REVIEW – In 2008 I reviewed the Zibra Open It! and now 14 yrs later they have launched an updated version of this ultimate package opening tool just in time for the holidays when there are many package opening opportunities. Let’s see if the updates make this already useful tool even better. What is it?

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EarFun UBOOM L portable Bluetooth speaker review – will it bring fun to my ears?

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REVIEW – Bluetooth speakers – they’re everywhere.  This new one from EarFun intrigued me for a couple of reasons.  Let me explain.  I use a Bluetooth speaker in my golf cart – my primary form of transportation here in the world’s largest retirement community.  I place it in an overhead tray just above and behind

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Moonbird Breath Coach review – Simple, easy breath training

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REVIEW – Breath training is a hot trend right now to help manage stress, to reduce anxiety, and to improve your sleep. But how do you get started? Enter the Moonbird Breathing Coach! This system combines a handheld device with an integrated app to teach you how to manage your breathing to reach all of

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XIDU PHILBEAM S1 projector review – It projects more than just video!

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REVIEW – I’ve reviewed a couple of projectors in the past. However, there were a couple of things with those projects that I didn’t like. The review offer came along for the XIDU PHILBEAM S1 projector, and according to the description, I should address some of the issues I had previously. Let’s find out if

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reMarkable 2 paper tablet review – Can it replace your paper notes?

remarkable remarkable2 2

REVIEW – I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect paper notebook replacement. I’ve tried a couple of other e-note devices and thought I found the one I liked. Since then, I was given the opportunity to review the reMarkable 2 paper tablet. I have since changed my mind about which device is right for

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Das Keyboard 6 Professional mechanical keyboard review – das ist gut

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REVIEW – I’ve been slowly amassing a mechanical keyboard collection through my own purchases and through review offers sent to us at the Gadgeteer. I’ve tried clicky and silent mechanical switches, metal and plastic builds, tiny ten-keyless versions, wired and Bluetooth, and even swapped out switches and keycaps on multiple boards. The great thing about

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Lululook GaN 100W 4-port USB-C charger review – A little charger with mighty power

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REVIEW – We all need to power stuff.  Traveling complicates matters as we tend to bring along power-hungry things like laptops, tablets, phones, headphones, cameras, well, you get the idea. Trying to bring chargers for everything complicates matters and takes valuable packing space.  The recent move to gallium nitride (GaN) rather than silicon for charger

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Tineco TOASTY ONE Smart Toaster review – Is a $300 toaster better than your cheap one?

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REVIEW – Who likes perfectly toasted bread slathered in butter, jam, peanut butter, etc? If someone didn’t raise their hand to that question, you’re not human and I banish you! For those who did raise their hands, welcome to the toast club where today we’re going to check out the Tineco TOASTY ONE Smart Toaster.

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Mojawa Mojo 2 bone conduction headphones review – Mojowa brings the bass in round 2

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REVIEW – Just about a year ago, I reviewed the Mojo 1 bone conduction headphones from Mojawa. It was my first experience with bone conduction headphones and I was impressed.  Mojawa released Mojo 2 – the next generation of their headset.  Let’s check out what’s changed and what hasn’t. What is it? The Mojawa Mojo

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