Lofree is back with another new hardware accessory on Kickstarter. This time, they’re bringing their nostalgic design chops to a category we’re all familiar with: Bluetooth speakers. The new Lofree Poison packs a punch for its size and we got to go hands-on before its official debut.
I like new tools. In particular, tools that make doing a job faster or easier, which is why I was so excited when I got the Bosch Professional GL 100 G laser level. No more fooling around with a box level in one hand and a pencil in the other, trying desperately to create a line as close to vertical or horizontal as possible.
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This is Ground has long been known for its exceptional handmade leather accessories, covering just about every product category from iPad to Nintendo Switch. We’re big fans of its Mod carrying case which is now on the third-generation.
Based out of Los Angeles, many of This is Ground’s accessories are made here in the United States from top-grade materials. That includes the Tech Dopp Kit 2, a unique 21st century take on an old-school travel necessity. Head below for a few quick thoughts, a gallery and more.
Buy NowBack in March, Philips unveiled its latest 40-inch 4K display with a curved design and a bevy of inputs. Well, except for USB-C. Since then I’ve been tinkering with it as a second monitor for my 27-inch 5K iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
I just had to try out this massive display that is bigger than the first flatscreen TV I ever owned by about 25%. My experience with Philips’ 40-inch display has left me with more than a few opinions on the viability of this monster. Head below for more.
$149Summer is in full swing and with it, some awesome opportunities for photography. For those of us looking to get that perfect shot, it usually requires taking a camera or two, our favorite assortment of lenses, some spare batteries, and maybe even a drone.
That’s not exactly an easy group of things to carry on a hike, not without the right backpack, that is. Recently I’ve been testing out Incase’s new DSLR Pro Pack and Capture Sling Pack, two bags that are ideal companions to your camera and even your drone.
Last week we unboxed Acer’s Predator 21 X, a rare super-laptop with a $9,000 price tag to match. While the unboxing discussed some of the particulars related to the initial boarding process, we wanted to take another opportunity to go a bit more in-depth with this unique offering. In the following hands-on video, we discuss 10 features that make the Predator 21 X the outrageously-special beast that it is.
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When it comes to your Apple Watch, the world of accessories seems endless. Bands, cases and docks frequently appear on 9to5Toys as our reader’s favorite deals and today we’re highlighting a new one. iPM has a range of Apple Watch add-ons including its sleek Charging Dock. Alongside its metal design and integrated MFi charging puck is a pair of USB charging ports. Head below for a quick overview and an exclusive deal for 9to5Toys readers.
For the last few weeks I’ve been using the Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker by JBL, which features a waterproof design, great sound quality, and solid battery life.
The Flip 4 sits in JBL’s lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers as larger than the Clip 2 and smaller than the Charge 3. Keep reading after the jump for our full review of this $99 full-featured speaker.
We rely on our smartphones and other mobile devices too much these days to have accessories that only get us an extra few hours of battery. While you may already have an external battery pack lying around, iClever’s new BoostCell Eco Power Pack sports a 15,000mAh battery to keep all your gadgets charged.
If you’re in search of a quick way to read the contents of a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drive, then StarTech has a desktop dock offering that may meet your needs. The unit, a top-loading dual-bay desktop dock that connects to your computer via USB 3.1 Gen 2, affords fast access to the contents of up to two SATA drives in a convenient package.
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Last fall, Nomad unveiled its Silicone Strap for Apple Watch and we called it “the Sport Band that should’ve come from Cupertino.” Fast forward to this week, and they are back again with a new silicone Sport Strap that blends the same soft materials with bright colors. We jumped at the chance to go hands-on following our experience last go-around. Head below for a quick look at the new $50 Sport Strap for Apple Watch from Nomad.
There are some strange unique accessories out there for Amazon’s Echo Dot. From owl, penguin and rubix cube stands to hanging outlet mounts and decal skins, there are a lot of loud choices.
But what if you’re looking for a more refined and subtle option that will complement your home? Enter Kaizen Woodworks, a company making affordable handmade Echo Dot stands that also offers custom engraving. Follow along after the break for a hands-on look.
As we covered back in March, a new product called the Hideez Key was looking to change how passwords and personal information were stored. After spending some time putting it to the test, we’ll see how the Hideez Key holds up when faced with the rigors of every day life.
Huawei has proven it is a very capable company when it comes to smartphones, but few of the company’s other products have ever taken off. Its tablets have never been super popular, and its first Windows device, the Huawei Matebook, wasn’t exactly impressive.
I can honestly say that when it came to a Windows machine, Huawei was the last place I expected to find something I could enjoy using day to day. That is, until Huawei announced its second generation of Windows devices. Over the past month I’ve been using the “flagship” of that collection, the Huawei Matebook X, and it’s been one of the best Windows experiences I’ve ever had…
Acer sent us one of its limited edition Predator 21 X laptops, which afforded us the opportunity to go hands-on with it via an unboxing. The term “laptop” should be used loosely in this case, as the unit weighs over 19 pounds, features a 21-inch curved display, dual GTX 1080 GPUs in SLI, and 64GB of RAM. Have a look at our hands-on unboxing inside for a look at what to expect from this $9,000 beast.
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If you’re a video editor working with large files or someone who likes rip and stream 4K content, then QNAP’s TVS-882ST3 may appeal to you. This is a NAS machine that largely focuses on speed, with I/O options like Thunderbolt 3 and 10Gb Ethernet in tow. Perhaps more interesting, this is a NAS that only features 2.5-inch bays, which work with traditional spinning hard drives, but are obviously geared towards faster solid state storage.
With eight bays, the TVS-882ST3 is capable of hosting a large amount of storage for a variety of different workflows. It can be used as a traditional NAS machine, a DAS (Direct Attached Storage), or a combination of both. Check out our brief hands-on video inside for a closer look at the TVS-882ST3.
Update: This post has been updated with additional details regarding Thunderbolt connectivity.
As we covered last week, Amazon has expanded its line of Alexa-enabled devices with a new barcode scanning wand that is supposed to make it easier to order your favorite foods and more from the company. Deemed the Dash Wand with Alexa, Amazon has now lowered the barrier of entry to trying out its voice assistant.
Continuing our coverage of LEGO’s line of Collector Series sets, today we’ll be building the UCS Slave 1. Despite his brief appearances in the original Star Wars films, Boba Fett is still a fan favorite amongst the cast of other characters. Which means fans of the armor-clad bounty hunter will be pleased to hear that LEGO gave his ship the attention it deserves. Head below to see how the bricks stack up….
Earlier this month, Mophie unveiled its new wireless charging case and accessories line for iPhone 7/Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8/Plus. At the heart of the new system is the charge force case which allows your iPhone/Android device to connect with a series of add-on accessories for wireless charging and more. This is the first time the company has removed the battery from the actual case to provide fully wireless charging via a simple magnet system. Head below for some quick hands-on impressions of the iPhone version of the charge force case and the charge force powerstation mini…
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Buy NowSpending the right amount of money on a decent speaker isn’t always the easiest thing to do. If you know exactly what you are looking for in a speaker, that definitely helps. For example, some people prefer bass like in Archeer’s A320, but others would rather their music be more balanced. Otherwise, you may want to consider looking into which specs are suitable to your needs before you go ahead and make your purchase.
Buy NowA few months back V-Moda rolled out its new Remix Bluetooth Speaker littered with intriguing features in hopes that it would stand out from the competition. Aside from the 3D-printed designs that V-Moda has been hawking lately, there is also a built-in headphone amp and a few other goodies here.
I’ve been playing around with the Remix for the last while as the weather has gotten warmer. It has been a trustworthy companion by the water or while gardening outside. And while the features list is nice, I’m a big fan of its design…despite the hefty price tag.
Dell’s XPS lineup has always appealed to me from a pure power perspective. The company continues to stuff its laptop line with power-user features like Thunderbolt 3, 4K displays, and the like.
Prior to the 2016 MacBook Pro refresh, I was considering the purchase of a 15-inch XPS machine for my video needs. That would mean switching over to DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro, and as a die-hard Final Cut Pro X fan, that was something I was honestly dreading.
Thankfully, Apple has reversed its course and is now strongly considering the needs of its professional users again. It’s almost like its done a 180-degree turnaround with products like an 18-core iMac Pro on the horizon.
Although I’m no longer outright forced to consider switching to a Windows machine thanks to Apple’s change of gears, that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what companies like Dell are doing. The 2017 XPS 15 (9560) is a beast of a machine with a built-in 4K display that’s perfect for editing UHD video. Have a look at my brief hands-on walkthrough as I discuss 10 things that I appreciate about the XPS 15.
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I’ve used a fair share of Lightning cables over the past few years, from Apple’s official Lightning cable, to some lower cost options. So when I saw a Syncwire’s new UNBREAKcable, a new accessory which very evidently proclaims its own indestructibility, I was very intrigued to say the least. After spending a month putting the cables to test, I’ve finally reached my verdict of if they truly are unbreakable.
Buy NowLess than a month ago, Logitech unveiled its latest addition to the company’s computer peripherals lineup, the K840 Mechanical Keyboard. Fast forward a few weeks and the keyboard is now available for purchase, meaning we got our hands on one for an in-depth review.
Buy NowOne of the first things that any new Panasonic GH5 owner should invest in is a set of extra batteries. The GH-series of cameras have always had good battery life with the included stock battery, but as we noted in our hands-on overview of the camera, the GH5 is a tad more power-hungry than its predecessors.
In my experience, some of the third-party battery options that I’ve tried haven’t been nearly as good as official stock batteries, but Newmowa’s battery doesn’t fit this mold. I find that it actually performs just as well as the official stock Panasonic battery included with my Lumix GH5.
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For the last few weeks I’ve been testing out the VAUX Speaker by Ninety7, which features a place to dock the Echo Dot that provides portable power and an audio upgrade in one package.
Whether you already have a Dot you’re looking to enhance or are debating between the various Echo speakers, keep reading after the break for our full review of this affordable accessory.
Buy NowLogitech has today announced the latest generation of its popular MX Master mice alongside an intriguing software feature called Flow. The MX Master and Anywhere 2S introduce a handful of hardware upgrades in a familiar package.
I was a huge fan of the previous generation models, so I was anxious to go hands-on with the latest rendition. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been able to spend some time using both new models and the Flow feature as a part of my daily routine. Full details on both devices as well as my thoughts on each can be found below.
Buy NowFollowing the release of Nintendo Switch this spring, Amazon and other retailers were flooded with accessories for the new hybrid console. We’ve already told you the best way to protect the screen from unnecessary scratches. Today I’ll be checking out a new $20 Nintendo-licensed Switch case from RDS that’s perfect for taking your gaming on the road. Because, after all, that’s what Switch is all about!
Buy NowIn early April Logitech unveiled its Z537 Bluetooth 2.1-Ch. Speaker System as the latest addition to its audio lineup. Since that time, I’ve been using it as a supplement to my MacBook Pro in hopes of beefing up my music and gaming experience. At $130 it comes in at a higher price tag than other desktop speaker systems you’ll find at Amazon, but it aims to make up for it with more power, and an attractive design…
If you’re a new GH5 owner and still debating on which lenses to get, then this post is for you. Of course, much will depend on your personal needs and budget, but in many cases it’s hard to go wrong with the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II.
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Ensuring that all of our devices are charged is a never ending struggle. From your phone, computer, external battery packs, the list goes on. Depending on your home, you probably don’t have as many outlets as you’d like, which is where iClever’s new 12-port Surge Protector enters to lend a helping hand.
Buy NowUpdate: The Gold Box offer has now expired.
Anker’s spin-off brand focused on home goods, Eufy, has been cranking out new products for nearly a year now. Amidst its lineup of LED lights and humidifiers is the RoboVac 11. This automated vacuum brings all of the key features you’d find on a Roomba for a fraction of the cost. And thanks to today’s Amazon Gold Box, you can grab one for even less. Head below for more details and a quick look at its features.
Have you heard this before? The official bands for Apple Watch are way too expensive. We’ve told you that. A few times. And while there are plenty of options out there, finding the balance between affordable and quality materials can be difficult.
After years of success creating handmade accessories in LA, This is Ground has decided to turn its attention to Apple Watch. It’s playing up this new line of Band Connoisseur for Apple Watch as having the same attention to detail as we’ve come to expect while going abroad for Italian craftsmanship. If you’re a fan of This is Ground’s natural handcrafted looks, you’ll feel right at home with one of its new Apple Watch bands on your wrist.
With the popularity of consumer drones soaring sky high, we’ve seen an entire secondary industry of accessories and services created just for quadcopters. That’s to be expected with any emerging product category as we all need bags, extra batteries and other add-ons. And while Amazon has you covered with all of those, it’s hard to know what to do when your drone needs serviced.
A few weeks back I found myself in this very situation. Having flown my DJI Phantom into a patch of trees (the shot was epic!), I began scouring the interwebs for a solution to getting my drone back into the sky. Turns out, I didn’t even know where to start. Enter Drone Nerds. One of the few DJI authorized retailers and repair centers in the United States. So, with broken drone in-hand, I made my way to the Post Office in hopes that the kind fellas and gals in Florida could get me back up and running sooner rather than later…
As we learned in March, LEGO would be expanding its Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series lineup with the T-47 Snowspeeder. Following the set’s release on May 4th, we here at Toys got our hands on the iconic brick-built vehicle. While Star Wars fans know how important the ship was in Empire Strikes Back, we can certainly say that the LEGO model lives up to the iconic Rebel Speeder. Head below for an in depth look…
Buy NowBlue is well-known as the company that offers quality microphones for devices like iPhone and Mac. Today you can finally purchase one of its first over-ear headphones. The Blue Satellite Wireless Headphones were released yesterday.
With its retro design and built-in amplifier, it is meant for high resolution audio via wireless Bluetooth connection (up to 10 meters of range). Most traditional noise cancellation removes some of your music, and according to Blue, Satellite is the only wireless, noise-cancelling headphone that eliminates unwanted sound without compromising your music.
As I opened up the Blue Satellite packaging, I thought the headphone case was pretty sleek. By doing so I unleashed that new car smell, which made it feel like I just acquired something really nice and expensive. Also included were 3.5mm and microUSB cables for charging, which have their own unique mini-case. Looking at the headphones themselves I noticed that it seems pretty big. It feels slightly heavy as well on my head. That aside, it sits comfortably over my ears, and even while my glasses are on.
Buy nowWhile Nintendo has struggled to keep its new Switch gaming console in stock, we’ve seen a steady stream of accessories come to market over the last two months. Trusted brand Anker is one of those companies that has pushed out a couple of add-ons for Nintendo’s latest handheld. Today, I’ll be taking a quick look at its GlassGuard screen protectors that are designed specifically for Switch.
As our own Ben Schoon noted in his review, Nintendo Switch is prone to scratches as a mobile console that regularly gets tossed into your backpack. As well, the constant removal from its dock can also cause the occasional nick and bump. One of my favorite features of Nintendo Switch is its portable functionality, thus a giant scratch across the display would be heartbreaking. Anker has taken its popular GlassGuard iPhone screen protectors and re-designed it for Switch with a few key features…
A couple months ago, our Ben Schoon reviewed the 43-inch model LeEco’s Super4 TV powered by Android TV, and while it worked for him, he did give a stern warning to anyone looking to pick up the television for themselves. After taking a look at the 65-inch model for the last few weeks (and my colleague Stephen looking at the 55-incher), we share many of Schoon’s same concerns. While the LeEco Super4 are decent TVs by themselves, there are a still some little problems that make it less-than-amazing in terms of overall value…
Buy NowAt the end of March, Logitech announced its new MK850 Wireless Multi-Device Keyboard and Mouse. Designed for Apple users at heart (but compatible with PC and Chrome OS, as well), Logitech hoped to strike a chord with those working on a Mac one minute and iPad the next. We’ve long praised its lineup of multi-device keyboards as some of the best options on the market in terms of price and quality. Head below to find out how the MK850 stands up in comparison.
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DODOcase says that its Leather CARDcase for iPhone is its lowest profile iPhone case available. After going hands on with it, it’s clear that this claim is true, but I think it’s also the slimmest iPhone case I’ve ever used from any company that can also stow cards on the back.
The minimal and clean design of the Leather CARDcase allows for an as close to a naked iPhone feel in-hand as possible while providing protection and wallet or business card storage. Read on for our full review.
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It’s often difficult to decide which case we should wrap our coveted smartphones in. When searching for that perfect accessory, many of us look for stylish ones that offer added protection, while still complementing the design of our device. For the past two weeks, I’ve been using the Yesgo iPhone 7 case, and can already say that it checks off all three of these points.
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Anker is responsible for some of our favorite smartphone accessories on the market today. And while you may think of its portable batteries or Lightning cables first, it also has a massive backup power supply in tow as well. The Anker PowerHouse delivers 120,000mAh of juice in a portable design that weighs less than ten-pounds.
In day-to-day use, you likely won’t find yourself reaching for the PowerHouse to charge your iPhone or iPad. But as a backup generator or energy source while camping, it brings more than enough power to survive a weekend away. I’ve been tinkering with the PowerHouse over the last month, taking it on trips and using it outside and around my house. At $499, it’s a hefty investment but the peace of mind return is well worth the upfront cost.
Pad & Quill’s hand-made Apple device accessories are easily among the best in the category. The small company takes great pride in the materials and craftsmanship that goes into everything it makes from wooden iPhone 7 cases, to gorgeous leather MacBook sleeves and more. There is even an interesting full-grain leather Apple Pencil Grip, but the company’s dedication to organic and well-made products extends well beyond items specifically made for Apple gear. We recently detailed the new Pad & Quill men’s leather wallets, but it is the company’s Roll Top Backpack that caught my eye.
Head below for our hands on impressions and a chance to get one for up to 25% off…
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I’ve had the privilege of going hands-on with the new 14-inch LG Gram over the last month, and wanted to share my impressions. The Gram is a very lightweight traditional-style Windows laptop with a touch screen. It doesn’t do any of the fancy 2-in-one stuff that a lot of Windows machines do these days, but for those of you who don’t necessarily want or need such things, it’s a solid laptop.
The Gram’s headlining feature is its weight, or lack thereof. LG says that the 14-inch Gram weighs in at just over two pounds, which is just under 1 kilogram. Dubbed as an ultra-lightweight machine, I can vouch for the fact that this laptop is ridiculously light in the hand. If you’re used to carrying around a 15-inch or even a 13-inch MacBook Pro, you might be taken aback by the feather-like characteristic of the Gram.
But is being lightweight enough to warrant consideration? Have a look at our hands-on video walkthrough as we briefly explore what this machine has to offer.
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Now that AirPods have been on the market for a few months (although they’re amazingly still six weeks out on Apple’s website for new orders), there are a lot of accessories to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best products to enhance, protect, and prevent the loss of your AirPods.
We’ve told you plenty of times before about our favorite Apple Watch bands. Adding one of these third-party accessories can be an excellent way to change up the look of your timepiece. It can also save money in comparison to buying Apple’s official bands.
Another nifty way to add protection and style is with a case. If you’re someone like myself or the other writers here at 9to5 that use Apple Watch as a fitness tracker, a little extra shielding can help provide peace of mind.
Today, I’m taking a look at OULUOQI’s new Apple Watch case that’s designed to match Nike’s popular bands. It’s available in Volt Yellow or Gray and we even have a nice exclusive discount for you as well. Head below for more…
I for one have never been a big fan of covering up Apple’s gorgeous product designs with cases and sleeves. Unfortunately, these kinds of devices are just too big an investment to leave out in the open to get scratched and scuffed, or even worse, damaged. Choosing which cover-up to suit my needs and tastes isn’t easy to say the least, so I’m generally quite tough on product reviews in this category.
While I’ve personally opted to go with one of Apple’s slim-line leather cases for my iPhone, I decided to take a closer look at the MUJJO MacBook sleeves for protecting my coveted notebooks…
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As soon as I saw FluidStance’s decks with beautiful designs, materials and a goal to bring motion to standing desks and other settings, I knew that I wanted to give them a try. For the last week I’ve been using two of the three models they offer, and without a doubt, I’m totally hooked.