I've had a SCOTTeVEST jacket for several years now and have found it increasingly useful. As the airlines get more stingy about luggage and even carry-ons, it makes sense to try to keep your gadgets on your person when traveling. Plus, I attend a lot of trade shows, including the upcoming CES in Las Vegas, and I like to carry a lot of items, including business cards, battery packs, chargers, and USB cables—not to mention my iPhone and iPad mini. SCOTTeVEST's travel jacket with hidden pockets can handle all that, and more.
Todd Bernhard
Review: UZBL's Kid-Proof iPad Case Is Ideal for Schools
By Todd Bernhard
Review: Catalyst's Apple Watch Waterproof Case
By Todd Bernhard
Apple doesn't claim that the Apple Watch is waterproof, although a number of folks have given it a go with some success. For those of you who want to really keep your Apple Watch safe, under water, and in rugged conditions, there's the Case for Apple Watch ($59.99) from Catalyst.
It's hard to believe that after all these years, someone could reinvent a USB cable and leave me impressed. But that's exactly what Lander did with its Neve Lightning Cable ($29.99). Lander paid a lot of attention to the pet peeves of most users. The cable is remarkably thin and while I've seen flat cables before and I've seen fabric braided cables before, I've never seen one cable that is both flat and covered with braided fabric. The result is a tangle-free, comfortable cable with an attractive design. It's one of the best lightning cables out there.
Review: Epson Projector + Apple TV Make a Great Home Theater
By Todd Bernhard
Before the recently enhanced Apple TV was introduced, rumor sites speculated that Apple might actually make large-screen television sets and embed its Apple TV intelligence into them. I was never a fan of that strategy. TV sets are fragile and bulky, and Apple doesn't need to get into that business. For several years, I have relied on an Epson projector connected to an Apple TV for my home entertainment. I've never looked back since I set up the home theater system. My screen is as large as my wall, which is far bigger than any TV set at Best Buy. I mounted the Epson projector to my wall and painted the screen-side of the wall with a special paint to make the image even better.
Review: Runnur's Over-Shoulder iPad Carrying Case
By Todd Bernhard
I've always admired the RUNNUR bandolier-style messenger bags when I've seen them at various tradeshows. At the recent New York City Comicon, I saw RUNNUR's exhibit and noticed an iPad-specific offering, which I was fortunate enough to try. The Shoulder Sling Case ($60) is a nylon case for an iPad or iPad mini, with the screen exposed for easy access. There are four different D-ring metal loops to connect the included padded strap. There's a handy hand grip that also doubles as a stand.
This Mobile PC Lets You Use Your iPad as a Monitor
By Todd Bernhard
Review: The TravelCard Charger Fits in Your Wallet
By Todd Bernhard
I've reviewed the previous generation of the TravelCard Charger ($34) and I'm happy to report that, as good as it was, it's now even better. As the name implies, it's a compact charger in the shape and size of a credit card. What sets the TravelCard apart is that it's so small, yet still has a Lightning cable built-in (or there's a microUSB version for Android users.) The new version has a USB cable included so the TravelCard can be charged easily from any USB port.
Review: Soft Case by FÜZ Designs Is Both Slim and Protective
By Todd Bernhard
FÜZ Designs makes quality iOS accessories, so I was glad to try the Soft Case ($29.99) for the iPhone 6s. I liked the use of soft, grippy materials and the color choices (bright blue or red as well as black.)
Review: Withings Activité Pop Tracks Sleep, Is Waterproof
By Todd Bernhard
It's a reality today that all wearables will be compared to the Apple Watch, but the Activité Pop ($149.95) from Withings compares favorably. For starters, it's a lot more affordable, at about $150. It's also waterproof, which Apple doesn't claim. The first thing you'll notice is that it's analog. That means the battery life can be measured in months (up to eight), not hours. It's still smart, just don't expect to read your text messages on it. What you can do, though, is track your activity, steps, and sleep, and receive vibration alarms.