Todd Bernhard

Review: Why Bluetooth Keyboards Aren't Always Better When It Comes to iPads

By Todd Bernhard

Review: Why Bluetooth Keyboards Aren't Always Better When It Comes to iPads

I work with a lot of schools, and increasingly, iPads are replacing iMacs. That's great, but many of those iPads need keyboards in order to be practical in class, especially if students need to do a lot of typing. But wireless keyboards present their own set of problems. First, being wireless, and expensive, they can be stolen or misplaced. They need to be charged. And each keyboard needs to be paired with a specific iPad. This can be difficult as most iPads are locked away in a charging storage cabinet when not in use. They would have to be paired up with the same keyboard each time and that's not always practical.

Review: This Fashionable Clutch Doubles as an iPad Bag and Portable Charger

By Todd Bernhard

Review: This Fashionable Clutch Doubles as an iPad Bag and Portable Charger

Too many carrying cases for tablets look like bicycle messenger bags and backpacks. What is a fashionista to do? Well, Knomo of London has the answer. The company offers a variety of fashionable cases, but the Elektronista Leather Clutch ($299) is quite special. It serves as a clutch, so you can carry it by hand or throw it over your shoulder with the optional strap. But you will probably want to carry it by hand thanks to the Soft buttery leather, which feels luxurious to the touch.

Review: In Search of the Best Portable Wall Charger for the iPhone

By Todd Bernhard

Review: In Search of the Best Portable Wall Charger for the iPhone

I am always on the lookout for the best iPhone charger, as my iPhone never seems to have enough battery life. One of the things I look for is an integrated Lightning cable. Another thing I like is an integrated wall plug. Ideally, I'd like an iPhone charger that has both Lightning and wall chargers. The ReCHARGE+ ($69.99) from Thinium fits the bill. And it also has a USB port for another device, as long as you provide your own microUSB or Lightning cable.

Review: Water-resistant Bluetooth Wireless Speaker from Turcom

By Todd Bernhard

Review: Water-resistant Bluetooth Wireless Speaker from Turcom

There are a lot of Bluetooth wireless speakers to choose from, so it's always interesting to see one that has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeve. Such is the case with the water-resistant HR-903 Wireless Speaker ($129.99) from Turcom. Of course the battery-operated wireless speaker offers serious sound thanks to the 30 watt speaker with extra emphasis on bass, but it also includes a USB port. This allows you to charge your iOS (or Android) device using the speaker's built-in 8,000 mAh battery. If you just use the battery for music, it should last about seven hours. 

Review: MagMount iPhone Car Mount for iPhone 7 and More

By Todd Bernhard

Review: MagMount iPhone Car Mount for iPhone 7 and More

Gone are the days of a dedicated GPS device in your car. Now, thanks to smartphones and apps like Waze, you have a much better chance at getting somewhere on time with a phone as your navigational system. But where do you put your phone when driving? Doc Artisan offers the MagMount ($30) which is a very reasonably price for an iPhone car mount. The MagMount iPhone holder for the car uses a suction cup to stick to your dash or windshield and a magnet to hold your iPhone.

Review: Make Your Home Smarter with Wink Relay and Compatible Accessories

By Todd Bernhard

Review: Make Your Home Smarter with Wink Relay and Compatible Accessories

I've been using Wink products to make my home smarter for over a year. My favorite use case is opening and closing my garage, from my Apple Watch. This comes in handy when walking my dog. I can close the door if I end up going farther than I planned to, and I can open it just before I get to my house, all without digging my iPhone out. But Wink products do so much more. You can monitor your propane tank level, and access your thermostat, security system, and lighting. I also have a door lock and Ring video doorbell that are Wink compatible.

Review: Leather Portfolio Integrates iPad for Business in the Tech Era

By Todd Bernhard

Review: Leather Portfolio Integrates iPad for Business in the Tech Era

Thanks to the iPad, the days of paper-based note taking may be coming to an end. But paper is still with us. I find I need to carry a briefcase or portfolio along with my iPad, to classes, business meetings, and more. That's why I need the Business Leather Portfolio ($49) from Sunrise Hitek. First and foremost, it's a quality buttery soft leather portfolio, with a paper notepad, storage for papers, pens, business cards, and more.

Best iPhone Car Accessories for Your Commute

By Todd Bernhard

Best iPhone Car Accessories for Your Commute

Having the best iPhone car accessories for your iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and earlier iPhone models can make your daily commute significantly smoother. Whether you are looking for the best iPhone car mount or the faster iPhone car charger or just wondering what is CarPlay and should you get it for your car, this roundup has everything you need when it comes to iPhone accessories for you car.

Get a Free Apple TV with DIRECTV NOW

By Todd Bernhard

I switched to satellite-based DirecTV a while ago, when AT&T (owner of DirecTV) offered unlimited wireless data for DirecTV subscribers. It was a good deal, as we were anxious to leave Time Warner but not ready to cut the cable cord yet. But for those who prefer watching TV using apps, the company just announced DIRECTV NOW, an app-based streaming service that includes live TV as well as on-demand shows. It could be a bargain and it just got better.

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