By Todd Bernhard
It's hard to get excited about a Lightning cable. Apple includes one with its compatible devices, although it's easily frayed, and third parties sell versions for about $10. So why pay more for the Vinpok Duo 2 ($24.99)? Because the Vinpok Duo 2 has a number of features the others don't including one special secret.
It's hard to believe that after all these years, someone could reinvent a USB cable and leave me impressed. But that's exactly what Lander did with its Neve Lightning Cable ($29.99). Lander paid a lot of attention to the pet peeves of most users. The cable is remarkably thin and while I've seen flat cables before and I've seen fabric braided cables before, I've never seen one cable that is both flat and covered with braided fabric. The result is a tangle-free, comfortable cable with an attractive design. It's one of the best lightning cables out there.
After awhile, the Apple lightning cable is bound to fray. Finding the best durable lightning cable for charging your iPhone is a must. Apple switched to lightning cables with the iPhone 5, which means iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 users will be searching for a strong lightning charging cable too. You can get another one from Apple or put that money towards a third-party lightning cable that will be more likely to last a lot longer. We’ll cover the best, most durable lightning cables, the best short lightning cable, and multiple other categories. If you need a new charging cable, this is the roundup for you.
By Todd Bernhard
It's hard to earn a five star review from me, especially for something as mundane as a charging hub. But the Nomad USB Charging Hub (starting at $39.95) does the job of a hub, and hides the cables inside to prevent accidental disconnection and look good at the same time. Speaking of cables, Nomad has some of the most rugged cables you can buy, so when you're on the go, you can take Nomad quality with you.
By Todd Bernhard
Sometimes you need just a little more power, but carrying around a heavy 10,000 mAh power pack is overkill. For those times, the IonGo 5K Duo Portable Battery ($74.95) from Moshi might be the perfect companion. Moshi sent me a review unit and it is compact and comfortable to the touch and stylish, thanks to the hand-stitched vegan leather exterior and aluminum accents, common with many of Moshi's accessories.
Finally! The rumor mill has been buzzing about Apple AirTags since 2019, and their announcement at the 'Spring Loaded' Apple Event was long overdue. These small puck-like tracking devices allow you to attach them to valuables to help locate lost items. AirTags utilize Bluetooth connectivity and operate using the Find My app. But with many other popular tracking devices on the market, the question is: how do Apple AirTags measure up against their competitors?
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Pixie have done a lot of research into lost devices, in preparation of the company's launch of the Pixie Bluetooth tracker and app. The results of that research have been condensed into an interesting infographic, below. Here are some of their findings:
By Conner Carey
Like a turtle, I love to carry my home on my back. If I can depend on a single backpack to organize and carry everything I need, whether for the day or a week, I’m immensely impressed. I’ve used backpacks in the past with pockets for laptops and side pockets for water bottles, but I didn’t realize it could get so much better. The Haven backpack by STM ($99.95) is encapsulated by the name. The designers of this tech bag thought of everything.
By Todd Bernhard
How many times do you find yourself without power and no outlet nearby? Well, if you're trekking in a sunny area, you have a nice and nice looking option. In fact, my daughter will be backpacking in South Africa this summer, so I was excited when I received the Solar Backpack ICONIC ($119.90) from SunnyBAG. It's a backpack with a solar panel built-in to the exterior.
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
I have an Apple Watch, but there are times when I don't always wear it. That's why I was pleased to try the Activity Tracker app (free) from Bits&Coffee. Even as I type this, my Apple Watch battery has less than 10 percent left. This is why I can't always wear it, but I almost always have my iPhone with me. When combined with the Activity Tracker app, I can keep track of steps via the built-in pedometer independent of my Apple Watch.
By Conner Carey
You’ve already spent a pretty penny on the Apple Watch, but you want to buy a different wristband too. The sport band that comes with the Apple Watch sport edition is great and easy to put on, but it’s missing the classic, minimalist style I so cherish. Yet, both Apple and third-party watch bands tend to be around $75 on the low-end and can reach over $250: you’ve got to be kidding. That’s why I set out to build a list of beautiful, classy, and/or radical Apple Watch bands you can buy for under $50.
By Anjerika Wilmer
So you took the initiative to invest in an Apple Watch. Now what? As it turns out, there’s more to your fancy high-tech gadget than tracking your personal fitness and keeping the time. While using your Apple Watch to monitor your daily fist-pumping workout sessions is just fine and dandy, you may be surprised to learn there’s a whole slew of multitasking apps available to you as well. As an Apple Watch owner who’s constantly on the go, I’ve found these six productivity apps are the best at keeping you on task, no matter where you find yourself.
By Sarah Kingsbury
Most Apple fans have more than one iOS device. And multiple devices mean multiple charging cables cluttering your space. This is especially a problem for those who like to charge their iPhone and Apple Watch on their nightstand while they sleep. It's also a problem when traveling since the Apple Watch and the iPhone both need their own cable. The solution is a dual iPhone and Apple Watch charging dock. In this roundup we've gathered three of the best charging stations for iPhones and Apple Watches to meet users' different charging needs, from a handy Belkin mobile charger to one of the best iPhone alarm clock docks we could find to a wood iPhone charger that would look beautiful on any nightstand.
By Anjerika Wilmer
I don't know who needs to hear this, but it’s OK to slow down. Whether you have a case of the winter blues or need a reminder that everything is going to be all right, a digital gratitude journal may be for you. Take some time out of your schedule to appreciate the little things in life: a friendly stranger saying hello or someone paying it forward at your favorite coffee shop. Getting in the routine of writing your own affirmations can prove to be game-changing for your mental health.
By August Garry
Apple’s new AirTag is a device that helps you find those important items you’re always misplacing. You can attach one to your keys, purse, backpack, or even the elusive remote (with the help of some adhesive) and use the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad to locate it. Here, I’ll share my experiences with the AirTag, warts and all, after two weeks of hands-on testing.
By Nicholas Naioti
When Apple announced MagSafe last October, a lot of questions came to mind. How is MagSafe different from Qi wireless charging? Does this mean I need to buy an expensive new charger? I decided to dig in and learn all about MagSafe to see if Apple’s unique new wireless charging system is worth the investment.
The new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros from Apple are incredible. Especially once iOS 11 comes out, you’re going to want to be ready. Make your iPad Pro truly yours with our favorite picks for the best iPad accessories. Whether you need an iPad Pro keyboard, case, or other complementary tech, we’ve got you covered. Not a fan of Apple’s iPad Pro Smart keyboard? Check out the Logitech iPad Keyboard featured below. Don’t want an Apple Pencil? How about a Wacom stylus for your iPad Pro instead? Apple accessories aren’t the only accessories for your new iPad Pro. Here’s all the best iPad Pro accessories we have to offer you right now.
By Sarah Kingsbury
Once you've spent your hard-earned money on an iPad, you'll want to buy a case to protect it with. Whether you have an iPad mini, iPad Air, or the latest iPad Pro, our 2018 buyer's guide to iPad cases has an option for you including drop protection and keyboard cases from companies like STM, Otterbox, and Zagg; we've even included an Apple Pencil charging stand, so your stylus is always ready to work when you need it.
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
A good house cleaning app can be a lifesaver when you're trying to keep your home organized. Not only can it remind you to clean those spots you keep forgetting, but it can also help break down what can seem like insurmountable tasks into bite-sized pieces. Better yet, many can be shared with other household members so that the app can pester them to do their chores and save you the trouble. Here are the best cleaning apps we've found to keep your household running smoothly.
