Todd Bernhard

Over the years, I've reviewed the different iterations of Jamstik portable guitars from Zivix so I was interested to see the latest model, the Jamstik 7 Fret Edition ($199.99). when Zivix offered to send a review unit. As with previous models, the Jamstik is lightweight, comfortable to hold and use, and battery powered. The Jamstik 7 Fret Edition lasts for 72 hours using four AA batteries, included, which is a nice touch. It's small, at just 18 inches, but you can buy the Add-On Body to make it more like a full-size guitar, if desired. Since the neck is shorter, the touch-sensitive rubberized buttons can be used to move up or down in both Capo and Octave. 

If you're like me, you have probably seen and maybe even purchased those rugged, foam-filled shipping crates from Pelican. I use them all the time to ship computer and audio equipment. Well, what if you could have that level of protection for your iPhone? That's the idea behind the Pelican line of iPhone cases. The company sent me the Adventurer Case ($39.99) to try.

If you're like me, you hear the name Mophie and think of its iPhone cases with built-in batteries. So I was intrigued when the company sent me the powerstation PD (starting at $59.95). These are standalone power packs, about the size of a deck of cards, that have both USB-A and USB-C ports. The pack itself is charged via USB-C to USB-C (cable included) but you'll need your own A/C brick or a laptop with a USB-C connector. They also shipped me a USB-C to Lightning cable, so you may want to add one of those, especially because the iPhone will charge much faster when the source is a USB-C device like the Mophie powerstation.

Solo sent me the Active Vector Slim iPad Case ($44.99) and it fit my 9.7-inch iPad from 2018 quite well. It is available in two color choices, all black or a gunmetal blue with black accents. I found both to be quite stylish, with a rubbery textured geometric pattern that also helps with grip.