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
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
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
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
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
If you’ve never heard of geocaching, it’s a high-tech game of hide and seek that is played with a smartphone or handheld GPS unit. It gets you outdoors in the fresh air and helps build your observation, puzzle solving and navigation skills to find caches. Caches are small containers that have been strategically hidden all
Julie’s gadget diary – Geocaching adventures or lack thereof Read More
This is going to be a quickie… I just wanted to share a fun new use for the Amazon Echo Dot that I discovered yesterday. Easy workout timers! What’s that? If you workout and need to do timed exercises, it’s a pain to use a stopwatch. In the past, I’ve either tried to count in
Julie’s gadget diary – A new use for the Amazon Echo Dot Read More
In my neverending quest to find the best and most useful EDC gear, I’ve decided to focus on the items that I carry in my pockets. Since I don’t carry a purse or wear a belt, the items have to be small, lightweight and serve more than one purpose.
Julie’s gadget diary – Refining my pocket EDC Read More