Todd Bernhard

CLCKR Review: A PopSocket Alternative for Grown Ups

By Todd Bernhard

While kids may flock to PopSockets, the colorful collapsible stand that you may have seen on the back of people's iPhones, there's an alternative that may appeal to kids as well as older folks who need to keep a secure grip on their mobile devices. I had the opportunity to try the CLKR Phone Grip and Stand (starting at $14.99) as CLCKR sent me some versions to try. Like a PopSocket, they can attach to an iPhone or you can buy iPhone cases with the CLCKR built in. I tried both.

Best iPhone Power Banks: ChargeHubGO+ Portable Charger Review

By Todd Bernhard

I have reviewed many portable battery packs over the years and I'm always on the lookout for the best power bank, one that can charge all of my devices without adding too much weight to my gadget bag. Limitless Innovations may have hit the mark with the ChargeHubGO+ Power Bank ($39.99) it sent me to try. First, it's lightweight and compact, smaller in fact than today's iPhones; it's about the size of an iPhone 8, so it is well suited for travel.

Review: Track Your Passport with this Tile-Enabled Wallet

By Todd Bernhard

Longtime readers of my reviews know that I like the juxtaposition of traditional materials like wood and leather with the latest in technology. A great subscriber to that philosophy is Nomad, and the company has numerous technology products featuring their high-end Horween leather. Nomad sent me its newest example, the Passport Wallet (79.95). The higher priced option includes a slim Tile Tracker as described below.

Review: Stylish Leather Cell Phone Purse from Allett

By Todd Bernhard

I am all-in on the digital economy. I use my Apple Watch and Apple Pay and Apple Card to conduct commerce. I try to carry as few credit cards as possible. But my wife still uses a checkbook and assorted credit cards, including store-specific payment and loyalty cards. But she also needs her iPhone when out and about. A cell phone purse is a great way to combine her old and new requirements, so I let her try the sample the Mule Clutch Wallet ($66.50) that Allett sent me.

Best iPhone Car Chargers: Moshi QuikDuo Car Charger with USB-C

By Todd Bernhard

I recently added a dashcam to my car, so I'm running out of USB ports. Fortunately, Moshi sent me the QuikDuo Car Charger (starting at $24.95) to try. I tried the higher-end model, which has a USB-A port and a USB-C port. The entry-level model has two USB-A ports. The USB-C option is great for my iPhone as I can use a USB-C to Lightning cable for fast charging (up to 50 percent in 30 minutes!). The other USB-A port is fine for my dashcam, which runs off microUSB.

Review: The GameSir i3 Is Both a Bluetooth Game Controller & an iPhone Case

By Todd Bernhard

I have reviewed a number of gaming controllers from GameSir but the i3 Gaming Case ($39.90) the company sent me to try breaks the iPhone Bluetooth game controller mold. Instead of a plastic Xbox-like controller fitted to work with and house an iPhone, GameSir started with an iPhone case and added buttons to it. 

Review: Kanex GoPower Stand Charges Both Apple Watch & iPhone in a Small Space

By Todd Bernhard

As I acquire more Apple gear, such as my Apple Watch, iPhone, AirPods, and iPad, I'm always on the lookout for ways to charge my numerous gadgets while taking up as little space as possible on my nightstand. Kanex sent a review unit of its new GoPower Stand ($69.99) and it is tailor-made to do triple duty! First, and most noteworthy, it charges an Apple Watch without requiring Apple's $30+ cable. So while it's not cheap, that is a plus.

Review: Asobu Bluetooth Water Bottle Speaker

By Todd Bernhard

These days, a water bottle is not just a common accessory, it's a fashion statement. But why spend more on a water bottle than you'd spend on an iPhone case if all it does is hold water? The folks at Asobu came up with the BT60 Wireless Beat Bottle ($34.99) that does something more. The "Beat" refers to that extra feature; the water bottle comes with a Bluetooth speaker built-in to the cap!

Review: Air Pal Brings Wireless Charging to Older AirPods

By Todd Bernhard

If you already own a set of AirPods that do not have built-in wireless charging, don't despair. Pitaka sent a review unit of its Air Pal ($99). It comes in two finishes; the premium uses Aramid fiber, which looks like carbon fiber. The Air Pal adds Qi-based wireless charging to non-wireless charging AirPod cases Additionally, there is a built-in battery pack delivering up to three charges. This is great for traveling.

Review: LucidSound Wireless Gaming Headset Does Double Duty for iPhone Users

By Todd Bernhard

If you're not all-in on Apple Arcade, and still use a dedicated gaming console like the Xbox One, you might want a gaming headset that can support chat via a removable boom microphone. But before you spend nearly $200 (as much as or more than the console) you should get one that also works with your iPhone. LucidSound sent me a review unit of their LS35X Rose Gold Wireless Gaming Headset ($149.99) to try and Apple users who like to game will find it is a perfect fit, especially if they use Rose Gold Apple gear.

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