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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
If you’re anything like me, traveling these days is a mis-matched adventure of cables, chargers and adapters. I’m currently rolling about five deep on the required accessories for powering up all of my devices. While our smartphones and watches have come a long way, the charging situation has not.
Belkin is looking to remedy this with its Valet Charger Power Pack for Apple Watch and iPhone. Designed with weekend warriors in mind, this battery pack is perfect for a two-night stay away from the comforts of your own home. It simplifies your life with a built-in Apple Watch charging puck and a USB port that has access to its 6700mAh battery. How does it stack up? Head below for more.
Without a doubt the best aspect of the Nintendo Switch is the ability to bring it along with you wherever you go. However, since the entire device is a bit scratch-prone, you’ll probably want to carry it around in a case. If you’re looking for something premium, or just gorgeous, look no further than the CitySlicker case from Waterfield Designs.
Generally speaking, I don’t play on consoles. I’ve got a PC built with gaming in mind so when I want to have fun for a few hours, it’s spent on the PC. However, the one brand that has always had a spot plugged into a TV in my family’s home is Nintendo. We’ve bought the Wii and Wii U, and never regretted either one bit.
Then, came the Switch. When it first debuted, I was giddy with excitement just from the tech demoed alone. Then, I saw the gameplay. Still, I was somewhat skeptical. The Wii U didn’t quite meet my expectations, and it seemed like Nintendo was promising more than it could deliver with the Switch. Then, I got my hands on one… Long story short, I haven’t done much else since…
Standing desks have made impressive headway into home and professional offices in recent years as the market has been flooded with different options. One such brand making a mark is Autonomous, who claims to have made the world’s best convertible workspace.
As someone who spends hours at a time slouched in a chair in my home office, I was anxious to finally see what the standing desk phenomenon was all about.
The Autonomous SmartDesk 2 did not disappoint.
Update: The special pricing at B&H has expired.
SmallHD produces some of the best on-camera monitors in the business, but pricing may be a barrier, as most products in the lineup tend to trend closer to the $1000 mark (and above) than not. The good news is that SmallHD’s most affordable monitor, the 701 Lite, is on sale for only $399 shipped at B&H — that’s a whopping $300 off the regular price for today only.
But why should you consider a monitor from SmallHD? Watch my brief hands-on video with the SmallHD 501, a smaller unit with higher resolution, for a quick look into what makes these monitors so special.
Deemed as being a phone away from your phone, The Light Phone is designed to operate as distraction free as possible, yet still provide the necessary functionality to make and receive phone calls.
It’s an interesting concept that can serve to complement, not replace, an iPhone. It’s a secondary phone that’s built to be an extension of your existing smartphone — a phone that allows you to leave your iPhone at home, yet still maintain some vestige of basic communication.
Normally, I’d use a cheap Android phone, or an old iPhone as a secondary phone, but The Light Phone adds a new twist to the idea of having a second device. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough as I explore The Light Phone and discuss who might be in the market for one when the $150 device officially launches later this year.
We first introduced you to Audioengine a little over a year ago with our review of its HD6 speakers. At the time, the combination of sound and wireless connectivity made that pair one of our favorites on the market. Fast forward a year later and many of the same features can be found in the smaller HD3 Wireless. The Texas-based Audioengine is responsible for a wide range of powered and passive audio solutions. How does its latest stack up? Hit the jump for more…
Haiku Home first rolled out its residential line of fans in 2016 as a subsidiary of Big Ass Solutions, the brand behind those huge air-movers you’ve probably seen at a local gym. Designed with maximum efficiency in mind, these fans aim to marry high-end looks with lessons learned from the industrial space.
There are four different models in the Haiku residential line with prices starting at $550 and going up to $1,550. Sure, these are pricier than your standard ceiling mount from Lowe’s, but these aren’t your average fans. A slick blend of design and technology are what make Haiku standout from the competition…
Since the Apple Watch was first unveiled, accessory makers flooded the market with third-party add-ons. From watch bands to docks, the options are nearly endless, yet Elago has managed to standout from the competition with its W3 Stand that looks like a vintage Macintosh 128K.
By leveraging Nightstand Mode on your Apple Watch, Elago is bringing back memories of the iconic Mac. And at $15, it’s affordable too…
We first featured the Fabriq Wireless Speaker last fall as one of our New Toys of the Day. What particularly struck us about this product was its wide range of connectivity. We aren’t just talking Bluetooth here. It is also has AirPlay, multi-room connectivity, and support for Amazon’s popular Alexa Service. And at $50, it has big-time value.
The question is, can its compact design hang with the big boys like JBL and UE?
When Apple unveiled Apple Watch Nike+ last fall, many of us were instantly attracted to the neon band that shipped with this model. We were equally disappointed when Apple announced that this strap would not be available for purchase on its own. Thus, we were left to find alternatives on the third-party market.
Accessory maker OULUOQI has developed a nearly identical version which is now available for purchase on Amazon, alongside a new Metal Stainless Steel band. Over the last month, I’ve been living with both on my wrist throughout the day, including various workouts. Hit the jump for more including an exclusive discount for Electronicsforward readers on both models.
It was three months ago that DJI first introduced the second generation of its OSMO camera and gimbal. The latest model includes a unique combination optical and digital zoom system. With a promise of delivering professional-grade video, DJI is hoping to turn GoPro-enthusiasts into OSMO believers. But at $649, buttery smooth 4K footage doesn’t come cheap.
Hit the jump for our full video review with comparison footage between the OSMO+ and its competitors.
Back in September, TiVo introduced the Bolt+ DVR, perhaps the most luxurious set-top box ever created. With a monstrous 3TB hard drive, 4K and six tuners, it staked its claim as the king of the hill. TiVo maintained the sleek design of the previous generation despite upping the price tag to $499. Over the last month, I’ve lived with the Bolt+ as my everyday DVR and now it’s time to share some thoughts. Does TiVo’s high-end feature list justify the price tag? Head below to find out…
Nomad is known for its unique and handsome Apple accessories made from top-notch materials. This focus extends across the entire lineup of products, from Mac to iPhone and more. Its latest creation is the Silicone Strap, designed specifically for Apple Watch.
After being unveiled earlier this month, we’ve spent some time with this Sport Band alternative. At $40, it’s not only 20% less than Apple’s official options, this Strap packs much more in the area of design too…
A few weeks back, Twelve South introduced the newest rendition of its popular iPhone dock, the HiRise 2 Deluxe. The focus this time around was on a heavy design that took up less room on your desk or nightstand. In fact, the latest model is 33% smaller than the previous generation. One area of focus was to expand its compatibility with third-party accessories like battery cases. Hit the jump to see how Twelve South’s latest accessory handles the new iPhone and more.
It was nearly two years ago to the date that we first showed off This is Ground’s original Mod Tablet carrying case. Since then, it’s gone through two extensive revisions resulting in the release of the new third generation model last week. We’ve been able to spend some time with the Mod 3 over the last while in an attempt to apply it in real life scenarios.
Wrapped in Italian Leather and geometrically designed, this carryall screams attention to detail with Mad Men design cues. The latest version is slightly bigger, includes a Tile Bluetooth tracking device and ships with all inserts.
How’d it do? Head below to find out.
A few weeks ago we rounded up some of the most popular LED desk lamps on Amazon with a focus on Apple-friendly designs. After much reader interest, we decided to take a deeper look at two models from TaoTronics. These are some of the very best-selling lamps at Amazon. Alongside today’s review, we’re also offering an exclusive promo code for Electronicsforward readers…
The $180 Amazon Echo is a friggen game changer. Put it in your kitchen or living room and after about 5 minutes of setup you have an intelligent speaker that you can ask for news, sports, audio books, and of course music. You can also ask the Echo any question you can think of and more often than not (but less often than Google) it returns a good answer. The magic is in the always-on, far field speaker which happens to be able to understand language as good as any natural language processor out there – even from way across the room. You don’t need to have your phone on and nearby – you are hands free anywhere within earshot.
Amazon has added a ton of services that connect the Echo over the past year to just about anything in your home. Most smart thermostats, garage door openers, etc. etc now work with Alexa, Amazon’s assistant. Additionally, Amazon has worked with other partners to do things like order delivery pizza, get rides from Uber, and of course buy stuff from Amazon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Hz9qjTDfw
I’ve been using the Amazon Echo Dot which went on sale today (for delivery in October with new colors and combinations now only $50) for the past 3 months and I love it for its portability and its expandability even more than the $130 more expensive original. Let me explain:
I’ve seen Hacker’s Brew — a cold coffee drink geared towards making you more productive — discussed online for quite some time now, but I never got to try it for myself until recently. I’ve always been attracted to the look of the product, so I was thrilled when the team reached out to me to take it for a test drive.
The whole premise behind the drink is that it goes beyond the boost of caffeine obtainable by a typical trip to Starbucks, and provides a more sustained energy increase that can help with productivity.
The problem with most espresso-based drinks, at least for me, is that the effects tend to be very short-lived, and the crash that occurs thereafter can actually hurt my productivity for the rest of the day.
Hacker’s Brew, on the other hand, seeks to combine coffee with other ingredients for a more sustained cognitive boost of energy and mental stamina. Does it work? It’s hard to speak authoritatively based on my six-drink trial, but I can definitely attest to the fact that it makes me more productive than a typical espresso-based drink at Starbucks does.
Back in May, Grado Labs introduced the GS2000e over-ear headphones, the latest creation to come out of its unassuming Brooklyn factory. These new cans sit atop the Statement Series with a fresh design that marries two woods – mahogany and maple – with a hefty $1,400 price tag. But as they say, you get what you pay for…
Today we’re taking a look at Microsoft’s new Xbox One S. The “S” stands for slim and holy crap does this console live up to its name. There are quite a few reasons to love this version over the OG Xbox One, but we’ll let you be the judge of that…
It’s summertime and that means the arrival of new outdoor Bluetooth speakers from all your favorite brands. JBL has been at the top of the chain in terms of quality, design and sound for the last couple of years. Today, we’re taking a look at its latest release, the Charge 3. Much like its predecessor, this speaker is made for outdoor fun with an IPX7 splashproof rating and compact footprint. An improved internal battery brings a whopping 20 hours of playback. We loved the Charge 2+ last summer for its top-notch sound and this rendition follows that trend…
Towards the end of last month, Mophie announced a new line of Juice Pack battery cases for iPhone with wireless charging capabilities. These fresh products bring a lustworthy feature that Android users have been enjoying for some time. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been tinkering with the new Charge Force lineup. Mophie has long been known as one of the most reliable brands in the accessory world and its latest release continues that trend…
Last month, Jaybird announced the Freedom Wireless earbuds to much fanfare thanks to their Apple-friendly looks. It’s no surprise as Jaybird’s headphones have continually ranked high amongst consumers for its active lifestyle design. This new pair sits alongside the popular X2’s but have a 20% lighter design and a new battery pack system. At $200, you’re also seeing a price bump too. Head below for an in-depth look and a video that dives further into the Jaybird Freedom Wireless headphones.
The reality is, Apple’s pricing strategy for its Watch Bands is pretty ludicrous. We can’t recommend paying that kind of money when there are cost-effective alternatives for nearly every style available at Amazon. After all, you came to Electronicsforward for a deal, right?
We’ve already broken down the benefits of third-party Sport and Milanese bands in our previous review. Today, I’m taking a look at a Leather Loop option from OULUOQI that clocks in at just $24…
Despite having our iPhone in our pockets and an Apple Watch on our wrists, my custom desk clock made with vintage Soviet Union-era Nixie tubes still gets a ton of attention. Anyone that sees it in person is immediately drawn to it, likely because there’s something about the vintage, steampunk-esque look that you’ll never get from the cold modern industrial design of your smartphone or smartwatch. It’s the coolest desk clock you can buy, but you can debate that in the comments if you dare. I get dozens of inquiries about the clock each week because it’s pictured in the photo of my desk used in our weekly Top Stories post on 9to5Mac. Here’s how to get one…
Pelican has spent decades providing the military and emergency services with its protective cases and more. The company is known for making tough and durable gear. So when I came across some of its luggage products looking for a new suitcase, the personally appealing design and pedigree of the company had me interested. Pelican recently sent over its BA22 Carry-On model from the Elite Luggage line so we could take a closer look and it was certainly a joy to use. But does its lifetime guarantee and high end features match its healthy price tag?
On my recent trip to San Francisco, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my iPhone wall charger. It wasn’t the end of the world because I had a selection of other phones with me, but I had some key info — like boarding passes etc. — on my iPhone, and I needed to charge it.
Grabbing a new charger would only take $20 and a trip to the local convenience store, but I realized that I had a portable charger in my backpack — one with a Lightning port and plenty of juice to power up my phone. I ended up going a full four days using nothing but the Olala 13000mAh portable battery charger for my energy needs…
DJI has long been known for its high-quality drones and accompanying software. A few months back, the fourth generation of its Phantom lineup was released. With new autonomous features and an impressive sensor-laden design, this quadcopter has all the specs we’d dream for in a drone. Now it’s time to share our Phantom 4 experience. Head below for an in-depth look.
This has got to be one of Samsung’s most beautiful creations in the TV space. Meet the 9500 series 65-inch Curved SHUD TV and it’s basically a work of art. Though not the cheapest option, it’s a great looking TV, but you can also find some pretty sweet deals on other curved Samsung TVs here…
If you’re looking for a gaming keyboard built around responsiveness and competition, then you should lend consideration to SteelSeries’ most recent release — the SteelSeries Apex M500. The M500 is the sequel of sorts to the SteelSeries 6Gv2, and is much leaner and compact than some of the other keyboard offerings in its class. The result? A mechanical gaming-centric keyboard that doesn’t occupy a lot of desk real estate.
When the Apple Watch launched nearly a year ago, one of the most intriguing aspects of the design was the ability to interchange bands to match your style. While there are a variety of options available direct from Apple, they are rather costly depending on the type. Even the simple silicone sport bands cost $50. Naturally, third-party manufacturers took note of this and started pumping out alternatives at lower price points.
The trouble is, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of knockoff options available on Amazon. It’s tough to know where to start and what the quality of these third-party bands will be. Over the last two weeks I’ve been wearing two different styles of watch bands from OULUOQI, a new brand for sale on Amazon. Its silicone option is available in ten different colors and retails for $10.99 Prime shipped, which is down $41 from Apple’s official band. I also looked at the Black Milanese Loop style for $18.99 Prime shipped. Were they any good? Head below for a few quick thoughts on each.
Despite wearing a Moto 360 with fitness tracking features for the past year, I continued to use a Fitbit on a daily basis. A fitness tracker from the San Francisco-based company has been on my body for the better part of the last four years, and in February, Fitbit announced a fashion-oriented fitness band called the Alta that particularly caught my eye. I had to give it a shot.
After just a week of usage, the $130 retail Fitbit Alta has completely replaced my full featured Android Wear device and I’ve come to realize that less is more. At least for me, the Alta has proven — and this has been echoed many times over at 9to5Google — that the fundamental features of actionable notifications and apps on a smartwatch are a convenience that can easily be lived without.
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a new pair of speakers for your home audio setup. The market is flooded with options at different price points to meet every need. From Bluetooth to traditional 2-channel, you’re bound to find something to fit your budget.
Audioengine, a speaker-focused brand out of Texas, recently released its HD6 powered speakers. These 2-channel bookshelf speakers are packed with nearly every mainstream connectivity medium. We’ve spent the last month testing and cranking tunes on our way to delivering a recommendation for our readers. At $749, these speakers are at the higher-end of the Bluetooth market. Were they able to perform? Head below for more.
Anker is one of a few big names in USB accessories, and there’s a reason for that. This week I had the chance to use several of the company’s PowerCore+ power banks (there are a lot of different offerings spanning many capacities), as well as a PowerPort+ wall charger, and a few different PowerDrive+ car chargers. There are many brands of chargers and power banks out there, and while the experience you get may be similar across the board (yes, there are many chargers and power banks out there just as good as these), Anker goes above and beyond to bring you a package that’s just very high-quality…
GoPro has enjoyed a massive amount of success over the last few years as its name has become synonymous with action cameras. Because of that popularity, the accessory market has boomed as well. We’ve already rounded up the best gear for your GoPro in a separate post. Now the question is, how do you manage it all? We recently got our hands on the new Kelly Slater Action Pack Bundle from Incase. The iconic surfer hooked up with one of our favorite brands to release a kit with GoPro users in mind. Head below for a full breakdown.
Every few months, a new category of technology products emerge at unthinkable prices. Whether it is because of a new chipset or fresh manufacturing techniques or other inventions, it takes the market by storm. A few years ago it was Bluetooth speakers dropping in price and which are now almost ubiquitous for a few bucks each. Recently, I’ve seen LED desk lamps with USB ports from a few different manufacturers (current favs: Omaker and Anker) drop drastically in price and get USB ports alongside a variety of designs.
Probably the biggest “category buster” going on right now are USB batteries that have been retrofitted with heavy-gauge jumper cables to be able to start cars. It is a great secondary use for a USB product that is already ubiquitous. (Solar is another). Batteries that can jumpstart a car were previously heavy and used dangerous lead acid, with costs hitting over $100.
My favorites in this product category is from Bestek, a company that is also one of my top auto-inverter manufacturers – and probably why they are so good at this.
I’ve been using two of their products for a month in each of my cars. Apply the color-specific promo code to lock in a special discounted price.
(un)Fortunately, I haven’t had a dead battery situation to test its capability. I did disconnect my car battery and was easily able to start my car (2012 Prius) with each of these batteries – which seems to fit the bill. If you have larger than a 3L engine, you’ll want to opt for the bigger 600A capable battery. Each of these is rated in the double digits in starts but hopefully just one will be enough.
Both chargers will also keep your USB devices charged in an emergency. If you have the extra money, I’d throw down for the larger, rugged battery. The 600A battery has an extra fast USB charging port, is more rugged, will start a much larger car and the LED light (that also comes in handy in an emergency!) is much brighter. The larger model also comes with a very nice carrying case.
But USB Batteries serve a secondary purpose in a car: I keep a battery permanently connected to my car plug which means it is always charged. When I need my phone charged, I simply plug it into the secondary battery. That means that it keeps charging at a 2.1A rate even when the car is off. If I need to, I can grab the battery and take it with me for an power supply.
Like I said before, Bestek isn’t the only player in this game, and this being Electronicsforward there are some really good deals on this category below:
Last month, I received the EasyAcc 7.2A 3 USB Ports Charging Desktop Power Strip with 2 Electrical AC Power Sockets Surge Protector Charging Station Power Supply which is at Amazon for $35.99. Electronicsforward Coupon code XM2RCCXO drops it to just $25 shipped (Reg. $35)…
Today we’re taking a look at the new limited edition Star Wars Battlefront Playstation 4. Obviously, there’s not much to say here as far as functionality goes, because well.. It’s a PS4. Pretty straightforward in that department, but the design is on another level…
