By Todd Bernhard
I grew up during the transition from typewriters to computers and used both for many years. Even early computers used the clickety-clackety mechanical keyboards that are hard to find these days. If you long for those days, you will want to back the Rymek Keyboard (TBD) when it launches on Indiegogo. I don't know what the price will be, but if you sign up and are an early adopter, you could save 40 percent.
By Todd Bernhard
I love it when a plan comes together. And I love it when I give a good review to a product and then the manufacturer makes a new version that's even better. The latest DockAll from Azpen deserves recognition for an excellent update to an already impressive product.
By Todd Bernhard
Solo isn't just the name of a swashbucking scoundrel from the Star Wars movie of the same name. It's the name of a New-York-City-based bag manufacturer whose products you've probably seen in Staples or Best Buy. But you might not see the Kilbourn Leather Backpack ($229.99) in person, as it is only available in limited quantities from select retailers, or online at www.solo-ny.com.
By Todd Bernhard
Some of the biggest annoyances of wireless earbuds is that if they have wires (between the left and right piece), they can get tangled; and if they don't have such wires, they can get lost easily. Not to mention the hassle of keeping them charged in the first place. The Cocoon Earbud Charging Case ($29.99) from IFROGZ remedies these issues. It's a case for your earbuds, with a built-in battery to make sure they are ready to use.
By Todd Bernhard
If you're like me, and most Apple users, you probably have multiple iOS devices. But even if you and your household have a mixed environment of Android and Apple gear, the Udoq (starting at $124.80) universal docking system has you covered. This beautiful, award-winning, aircraft-grade aluminum docking station hides away charging cables so there's just one cable running to the A/C outlet. Speaking of aircraft, it even looks a bit like an airplane wing.
By Todd Bernhard
I don't normally recommend Kickstarter projects, because they are not always reliable, but Baubax has already completed a successful crowdfunding campaign and delivered. Now the company is at it again with an improvement on the original, namely the World's Best Travel Jacket 2.0 ($109+). I have the first generation of the Baubax sweatshirt hoodie and am quite happy, so I am really looking forward to the upgrade.
By Todd Bernhard
While Apple did not announce a new Apple Watch at the World-wide Developers Conference this year, it did announce several software enhancements that make some of the existing Apple Watches more powerful. If you have an original Apple Watch, as I do, then you will not be able to run watchOS 5 without getting a new Apple Watch Series 1, 2, or 3 (and presumably Series 4 later this fall). Or, if you have not yet purchased an Apple Watch, these features may be the inspiration you need to take the plunge. Speaking of plunge, the most recent version of the Apple Watch, Series 3, is waterproof and not just splash-proof like the original Apple Watch.
By Todd Bernhard
I'm always looking for the best wireless charger, now that my whole household has Qi-based iPhones. The Power Pad ($60) from Case-Mate could be a contender. First, I like that it has 7.5 watts for fast charging. It accommodates phones via the included angled stand in portrait or landscape or it can be used in flat mode. It has a nice rubberized non-slip surface.
By Todd Bernhard
Traditional earbuds can pop out of your ears during a workout. That's why there's the Surge Charge ($119.99) from Rowkin. These wireless earbuds have over-the-ear grips to stay put. They also deliver noise reduction abnd have buttons for Siri, volume and playback.
By Todd Bernhard
I've used digital photo frames, almost since the beginning of digital cameras, but they often had drawbacks. Memory cards were required, which made updates a hassle. Poor quality or improperly formatted photos would ruin the experience. The PhotoSpring Digital Photo Frame ($149) is the digital picture frame I've been waiting for.