Tech Reviews You Can Use
The consumer electronics industry seems to have arrived at a pivotal moment in its history. The tech products on the market right now are what we’ve been dreaming of for decades. Our phones are faster and do more. We are all carrying very high-resolution cameras in our pockets all day and night. We send each other money instantaneously. We take pride in our music collection and the stylish headphones or wireless earbuds we use to listen to that music. Our homes and cars are Smart and that makes everything more efficient.
This holiday season offers smarter wearables, photography gadgets, home security, health devices to help us live longer, storage for your data and dozens of ideas to help make our lives easier and better. Whether you’re shopping for Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, there are so many amazing tech products available that you’ll have no problem finding the perfect something for the techies in your life. Happy Holidays!
OnePlus 6T – There are two types of smartphones available. There’s the higher end phones like the iPhone X, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models and then there are the lower end phones that don’t do as much and don’t have a fast processor. The One Plus 6T is part of the higher end category, but at $549 it is about half the price of the $1000 iPhones and Pixel phones. Once OnePlus releases its 5G phone, this model will likely go down in price even more. Somehow OnePlus as able to sqeeze a nice size (6.41-inch) AMOLED display on this phone, which isn’t too big. The 6T has an embedded fingerprint scanner, the fastest in-display reader in the industry with an unlock time of about .34 seconds, and a display screen that displays beautifully outdoors in the sunshine. Many Americans haven’t been familiar with the OnePlus phones, but T-Mobile is hoping to change. Look for OnePlus to be the great smartphone disruptor of 2019. https://www.oneplus.com
Grado GW100 Wireless Headphone – Grado Labs has been around for 65 years, but the GW100 marks the first time it’s released a wireless headphone. Like all Grado products, the development team ensured that the sound is just right and they made no compromises with the GW100. $249 might seem pricey, but it’s actually a low price point for this level of quality. These are the first open-back Bluetooth headphones. With a classic look, these wireless headphones live up to the Grado name. They’ll make the perfect gift for the audiophiles in your life, who will be impressed with the look and style, but then even more impressed when they play their music through these masterpieces. https://gradolabs.com/headphones
Como Audio Amico – When it comes to Como Audio’s products, you need to forget everything you think about when you hear the term “radio.” This lightweight portable radio is battery powered, beautifully designed in teak wood for weather resistance, and features high high-quality sound. If you have people on your holiday gift list who love their music, they’ll really appreciate this product which will let them access music from all sources including Spotify, Internet, Bluetooth and FM radio at the touch of a button. Como Audio’s products are beloved, but people were looking for a portable radio and that’s why they launched the Amico. The real teak wood veneer (weather resistant) is beautiful and sleek looking. It has marine-grade plywood substrate for additional moisture protection, a slip-resistant bottom silicone pad, a custom 2200mAh rechargeable LI-ion battery providing 8 hours of playback time, a 100-240V external power supply, a rear bass port that doubles as the carry handle, and anodized aluminum knobs that extend an additional 4 mm for easier use. Only $399, which is a good investment for a portable radio of this quality that will last for more than a decade. https://www.comoaudio.com
Rowkin Ascent Charge Wireless Earbuds – Apple’s wireless earbuds get most of the press because so many people believe it has to come from Apple to work with their iPhones, but that’s just not true. Rowkin had one of the first wireless earbuds on the market and they’ve only improved their products in the past few years. The Ascent earbuds come with Qi charging compatibility and Qi charging pad. At this price point, these are the best wireless earbuds on the market. These little guys a have powerful sound and are 100% comfortable inside your ear. Rowkin also offers the Ascent Micro (without the Qi charging) for much less. Check out Rowkin’s holiday sale featuring up to 40% off (and a buy 2, get an additional 20% off). https://www.rowkin.com
jamstik+ Bluetooth SmartGuitar – I always say, “If it’s being sold on The Grommet, it’s a cool gadget.” The jamstik+ SmartGuitar is made by Zivix and will actually teach you how to play guitar. With this wireless, compact smart guitar, you’ll learn the cords to play your favorite songs. A traditional guitar neck with strings and frets plays through your phone, tablet or computer (available for iOS or Android) while free downloadable lessons provide instant instruction and evaluation. Learn the basics or tweak your technique. You can even create your own music through MIDI apps, like Garage Band. Only $299.95 at https://www.thegrommet.com/jamstik-bluetooth-connected-guitar
Roav Electric Pressure Washer – I was sick and tired of borrowing a power washer from my father-in-law every time I needed to give my deck a really powerful cleaning so I got one of these pressure washers from Roav Electric and my deck has never looked as clean. I can’t recommend this pressure washer enough. It’s a life-changer. Metal handles and spray gun ensure greater durability and it boasts 3 nozzles to allow you to select the way you want to clean. Whoever is lucky enough to get this gift this holiday season will be posting photos on Facebook or Instagram about their super clean porch, patio, driveway, or yard. Plus, setup is super easy (less than minutes). Available on Amazon for $159.99 or less. https://goroav.com/products/hydroclean
Trek Bontrager Bike Helmet – Helmet technology has really improved in recent years thanks to the seriousness of the concussion issues in American football. The bike helmet has benefited from this technology and a new bike helmet makes a great gift this holiday season. Whether for a child who needs to protect their noggin (everyone should wear a helmet while biking) or for the adult cycling enthusiast, Trek has some impressive helmets available this year. Trek’s Crash Replacement Guarantee will replace your Bontrager helmet for free if it’s impacted within the first year of ownership. The Bontrager helmets use MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which protects your brain more than any other bike helmet from angled impacts. i will not allow my kids to ride without a Trek Bontrager helmet and I wear one too. It’s the ideal Christmas or Hanukkah gift to show you care about someone’s safety. https://www.trekbikes.com
Honeywell HeatGenius™ Ceramic Heater – Give the gift of warmth on the holidays. This easy to use space heater has digital controls with LED display, a programmable thermostat, 6 heat setting options, a HeatPhase Timer, 4-way tip-over protection and a cool touch handling and housing. Like many other great Honeywell products, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. It sells for $69.99, which is money well spent if your home or office is chilly this winter. https://www.honeywellpluggedin.com
Onelink Safe & Sound by First Alert – This Alexa-enabled smoke detector is also a Carbon Monoxide detector alarm and doubles as a very good home speaker. It also works with Apple HomeKit and Apple Home app, which makes it the ideal smart smoke detector and Cabron Monoxide alarm for those who have their home connected through iOS. It’s a great device in that it takes care of so many different functions — it plays music, lets you use your phone hands-free, and controls your home’s smart devices (lights, locks, thermostat and more) all while keeping your home safe from fire and dangerous chemicals. Only $199 and available at Amazon and local stores. https://www.firstalert.com/product/safe-sound/
Deeper Smart Sonar – If you need to find the perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gift for avid fishermen, look no further than the Deeper Sonar. This impressive product is the world’s only castable with inbuilt GPS. It gives a powerful, stable wireless connection and the best casting range of any castable fish finder. The fisherman won’t need an internet or mobile network connection because Deeper works like a mobile hotspot. With Deeper, the fisherman will be able to angle with the highest spec castable fish finder. The app makes fishing that much more enjoyable and easier. https://deepersonar.com
Disney Beats Solo3 – This is the result when Beats by Dr. Dre joins forces with Disney to mark Mickey Mouse’s 90th Anniversary. The cool-gray, on-ear wireless headphone features an all-over design resurrecting Mickey Mouse’s iconic pose worn by music legends throughout the eras. Whether you’re playing your favorite Disney soundtrack or heading to one of Disney’s parks, music lovers on-the-go will appreciate Fast Fuel that provides 3 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging. The cushioned, pivoting ear cups adjust so you can customize your fit for all-day listening comfort and not have to worry about recharging with an incredible 40 hours of battery life. The Apple W1 chip provides an easy one-step Bluetooth connection and the added ability to toggle seamlessly between iCloud-registered devices. The special-edition headphones also come with a unique, custom felt case inspired by the materials from Mickey Mouse ear hats plus a collectible 90th Anniversary pin and decal sticker. What a perfect gift for someone who loves Disney and also their music.
Scriba Stylus – Scriba gives you creative control to create beautiful art on your tablet. Its flexible body and dynamic squeeze motion respond to touch. It is truly the perfect gift for any tech lover who wants to create impressive art. Other styli mimic pens or pencils, but the Scriba stylus complements the human hand. This radical yet simple approach ensures an enhanced user experience with greater levels of comfort and control. Scriba becomes an extension of your hand. It is defined by its unique ergonomic form. Any artist on your gift list this year will love and appreciate this amazing gadget. http://www.getscriba.com
iStorage Datashur Personal 2 – Everyone has data they want to protect including sensitive financial information and family photos. Giving the gift of data backup is a thoughtful holiday present this year. The datAshur Personal2 is the world’s most secure, easy to use and affordable USB 3.0 flash drive, employing PIN code access with military grade XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption. The datAshur Personal2 incorporates a rechargeable battery allowing the user to enter a 7-15 digit PIN onto the on-board keypad before connecting the drive to the USB port. It has USB 3.0 Flash Drive Capacities up to 64GB and no software is required. https://securedrive.com.au
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs – You might not want to spend the money to get concert tickets for the concert-goer on your holiday gift list, but this less expensive option is ideal. As anyone who attends a lot of music concerts will tell you, it’s so loud that your ears will ring for hours after the band has left the stage. With Vibes Hi-Fidelity earplugs, you’ll be able to protect your friends and relatives from hearing loss. Each set of earplugs have 3 interchangeable fit sizes (small, medium, large) and come with a pocket-sized hard case for easy storage. The bonus is that with each purchase, Vibes makes a generous contribution to Hear The World Foundation. http://www.discovervibes.com
ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Curve Elite – What’s the best gift for that friend who just got a new phone? Answer: Screen protection! The most expensive part of any smartphone to replace is the glass screen. That means it’s a wise investment to protect the screen. You can find cheap screen protectors online, but it’s well worth it to get the best. ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Curve Elite is the strongest, most touch-sensitive glass protection for curved screens. The smooth, strong, tempered glass adheres fully to your entire screen so your phone responds to every tap and swipe. If you already got your kids a new iPhone for Hanukkah or Christmas, don’t forget to give the gift of screen protection along with the phone. You’ll be happy you did. https://www.zagg.com
Pelican Waterproof Hard Cases – There are millions of cases out there for phones. Some look nice, but aren’t very protective. Others are very protective, but lack style. I’ve tested dozens of cases and the best bang for the buck when it comes to a phone case that is secure, sturdy, protective and looks really cool is the Pelican models. When you put your phone into the Pelican case and tighten the three tabs for protection, you just know your phone is protected well. You can drop your phone with the Pelican case on it and nothing will happen to your phone. This makes a great gift this holiday season and your friends will love that you thought enough to help them protect their phoen. https://www.pelican.com
Altigo Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – If you’re looking for an inexpensive holiday gift, I recommend these wireless Bluetooth headphones from Altigo. The company makes phone cases and portable battery packs as well, but they’ve really done a nice job with these low-cost headphones. They have noise isolation to block out ambient noise for deeper bass, clear high tones, and a richer sound. They boast a high fidelity sound so that every note comes through crisp and clear for pitch-perfect sound. The best part is the long battery life (up to 8 hours) before recharging. They are sweat-resistant and have 4 sizes of removable ear tips to choose from (XS, S, M, L). Available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/altigo
Magic Tracks Turbo RC – This is the ultimate Hanukkah or Christmas gift for the kids this year. Magic Tracks Turbo RC is certainly not the racecar track you had growing up. Kids will be able to bend, flex, and curve the track in any direction by simply snapping the pieces together. They will create a custom speedway with track pieces that glow in the dark. The LED light up race cars keep the track glowing. What I really like about this is that it easily rolls up for easy storage and travel. Assembly is simple and it’s made of durable materials even though the price is kept very low. te https://www.buyturborc.com
StarTech’s Dual 4K Monitor Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock – If you have friends or relatives who are always trying to hook up additional monitors at once like me, I’d recommend the gift of StarTech’s Dual 4K Monitor Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock. For under $200, they’ll be able to add dual UHD 4K HDMI monitors at 60Hz to a laptop with this portable docking station and connect devices with 2x USB-A ports – 1x USB 3.0 and 1x USB 2.0. Plus you can add wired network connectivity with the Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port. The design is compact and durable. https://www.startech.com/
Beat Byrd In Ears – These lightweight in-ear headphones have the flattest headphone housing available. They will make a wonderful gift for the athlete who craves a pair of super lightweight in-ear headphones. The comfort level is very hight and it’s matched by dynamic sound quality. These are priced well below what people would pay for these at only $24.99. The name, Beat BYRD, was inspired by jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker who performed in his legendary club “Birdland” in New York. His “Free-Bird” lightness and power mirrors the unique qualities of the new in-ear headphones. Included are three soft silicone ear tips (S, M, L) to ensure a perfect fit. https://www.beyerdynamic.com
Fuse Chicken Gravity Lift – I’ve been using Fuse Chicken products for years. I love their extremely durable chargers and I have the Fuse Chicken Bobine Flex in my car for iPhone charging. The Gravity Lift blends sustainable leather with high strength aluminum into a premium wireless fast charging dock perfectly paired to any environment. From the desk to the nightstand, the exceptional materials provide both the durability and beauty to keep your smartphone easily within view. It has industry Standard Wireless Charging Compatible with iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, Note as well as most other Android phones that support wireless charging. https://www.fusechicken.com
mophie powerstation – Our phones are amazing devices that feel like our own appendages. However, with no battery power, our phones are useless bricks. That’s why it’s essential to have a mophie on you to charge up your phone’s battery when you’re out of juice. mophie has been improving their battery packs each year and the new powerstation offers over 16 hours of battery with a lightning connector for iPhones. It has Dual USB charge ports, boasts Priority+ Charging and looks beautiful with its aluminum finish. Even a large tablet can get over 4 hours on this power pack. https://www.mophie.com
TAP Wearable Keyboard & Mouse – This is the keyboard of the future. TAP’s wearable keyboard is fun to use and the best gift for anyone who loves tech or is craving something fun and original this year. Tap gives “touch typing” a whole new meaning! If you are looking for an exciting new, ergonomic and portable way to type, the Tap Wearable keyboard & mouse is perfect. Tap consists of a series of rings worn over the thumb and fingers that register your hand movements, letting you type and control a cursor on nearly any surface, including your own body! It connects via Bluetooth and is compatible with nearly every major operating system. It works great as a game controller too. https://www.tapwithus.com/
