I travel a lot and am always looking for the ideal battery pack, and the Mophie Powerstation Plus XL Wireless ($99.95) comes close. The company sent me a review unit to try. There are a few features that set this charging battery apart from the rest. First, it charges via Lightning. This means iPhone owners can carry one less cable. In fact, the second differentiator is that it has a Lightning cable built-in, so you can charge your iPad (not Pro) or iPhone. But you would still need a separate standalone Lightning cable and wall plug to recharge the Powerstation.
Todd Bernhard
Review: Affordable Trackeroo AirPods Case Accommodates Most Trackers
By Todd Bernhard
If you're worried about losing your expensive AirPods you will want to connect a Bluetooth tracker to the AirPods case, but there's no practical way to do so. Fortunately, the folks at Trackeroo have developed the simple but brilliant Trackeroo AirPods Case (starting at $6.95). Trackeroo gave me a case to try, but at that price, the company probably paid more for postage sending it to me! It's truly a bargain given that it could save you $150 on a lost set of AirPods!
Review: Create Your Own Unique Apple Watch Band with Skinit
By Todd Bernhard
Over the past few years, I have used Skinit for custom adhesive skins and even phone cases, but I recently noticed they also let you create a Custom Apple Watch Band ($45). This is not a sticker, but a faux leather watch band with whatever image you conceive of printed on the surface. I ordered one for Valentine's Day. It was a big hit with my wife and makes for a truly unique present.
Review: Nomad Base Station Charging Pad Now Has USB-C Power Delivery
By Todd Bernhard
I love when a product I've reviewed in the past gets better, and even the folks at Nomad found room for improvement in their high-quality, high-end Base Station. After I visited them at CES, Nomad sent me the updated Base Station Apple Watch Edition ($149.95) and the upgrade hits all the right high notes.
Review: Air Omni Multi-Device Charger for Your Nightstand
By Todd Bernhard
Over the past dozen or so years, I have reviewed hundreds if not thousands of products. One of my favorite aspects of this is when a product I previously reviewed gets better and I get a chance to cover the newer version. I also appreciate multi-function devices. I have so many gadgets already so the more functions a single device can perform, the better, as long as there are no compromises. This is the case with Pitaka's Air Omni (starting at $119). While it is available on Kickstarter, and I hesitate to recommend crowdfunded projects because of the uncertainty, Pitaka is a well-established, longtime Apple accessory maker and this product is real, as Pitaka sent me a review unit to try.
A Tale of 2 Apples: Is Tim Cook Building on the Legacy of Steve Jobs or Creating His Own?
By Todd Bernhard
Steve Jobs had a singular vision for his company, his computer, and even his customers. His leadership led Apple to become the company it is today, and his successor, Tim Cook, has leveraged his supply chain expertise to usher in an even more profitable and successful Apple. Each was a CEO for his time. Cook would be the first to tell you he stood on the shoulders of a giant.
Review: Moshi's SnapTo Wireless Charger with a Magnetic Twist
By Todd Bernhard
I'm always looking for the perfect wireless charging accessory, and with so many gadgets to charge, one thing I look for is the smallest footprint possible. Fortunately, Moshi sent me the SnapTo Magnetic Wireless Charger $49.95) to try, and it offers something impressive, no footprint. That's because it uses a combination of magnets to keep your phone in contact with the rubberized charging pad, plus an optional swiveling wall-mount that attaches via the included 3M adhesive strips.
As Apple has made advancements in waterproofing the Apple Watch, one thing was holding it back. Leather bands are not meant to be used in the water. Finally, Nomad, the makers of numerous high-quality leather accessories for Apple devices (and others), has developed a leather watch band that's up to the task. I picked up an Active Strap for Apple Watch ($69.96) at the recent Consumer Electronics Show just in time for a trip to Florida and the Bahamas. Ordinarily, I would have left the Apple Watch at home, but not this time.
I know the latest iPhones are water-resistant thanks to their IP68 rating, but I don't trust them. Besides, if you're on the lake or ocean and your phone ends up in the water, it won't float! Fortunately, I found the H2O Proof Floating Phone Holder (starting at $9.99) from WOW Watersports. These are the same folks who made the waterproof floating speaker I reviewed.
Review: Nomad's Quality, Rugged Leather AirPods Pro Case
By Todd Bernhard
If you own the high-end $250 AirPods Pro, you probably have an affinity for quality accessories. That makes the Rugged Case for AirPods Pro ($34.95) from Nomad an attractive companion as it adds fashion, luxury, and protection at an attractive price.