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The year in review – Favorite gadgets of the Gadgeteer team for 2017 (part 1)

A few days ago I asked the Gadgeteer team to send me a list of their favorite products of 2017. I told them that the products that they picked didn’t need to be restricted to only gadgets that they had reviewed this year, but that they could include any products that they have enjoyed using during the past year. Was there one type of gadget that was the most popular with the entire team or was it a mixture? Let’s find out. Here we go with part one of the Gadgeteer’s favorite gadgets lists of 2017.

Julie Strietelmeier

 

Google Pixel 2 XL Android Smartphone

I’ve been using the Pixel 2 XL as my daily driver for 2 months now and I am confident in saying that it’s my all-time favorite smartphone to date.  The camera is so good that I sold my Canon 70D DSLR (I’m not joking) and am using this phone for all my review photos. The only thing I’d add to the phone would be wireless charging, but even though it doesn’t have that feature, it’s not a huge deal because it charges so fast. You can buy one starting at $849.00 from Google.

SHOTBOX portable photography light box 

This collapsible light box is fantastic. I love it and all the backdrops that make my review images look excellent. I’m using it with my Pixel 2 XL (see above) which makes for a great little photography setup. You can buy the SHOTBOX for $164.00 from Amazon.

SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton jacket

This is my all-time favorite tech clothing item from SCOTTeVEST. I think it’s because it’s so soft and comfortable while still offering lots of pockets to hold all my gear. One of my favorite features of this jacket are the top loading pockets in the handwarmer pocket area. You can see in the image above that I have my phone in one of them. Those pockets make it easy to retrieve my phone without fumbling around. You can buy this jacket for $95.00 from SCOTTeVEST or Amazon.

Michael Strange

Miccus Home RTX 2.0 Long Range wireless Audio Transmitter or Receiver

I literally use the Home RTX every night to listen to the audio from my TV. With Bluetooth aptX, there are no lip sync issues and the sound quality is great. It can be used as both a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter. Priced at $59.99 from Amazon, it’s the perfect compliment to any home AV system.

Monster iSport Freedom Bluetooth headphones

I love my iSport Freedom headphones. I use them at the gym 5 days a week. They’re compact, lightweight, comfortable and produce fantastic sound. They also have cutting-edge touchpad controls and great 20-hour battery life. So if you’re auditioning sub $200 headphones be sure to add the Monster iSport Freedoms to your list. You can buy them for $149.95 from Monster.

Nebula Mars ultra-portable projector

There are so many things I like about this projector. It’s incredibly compact, produces a clear sharp picture up to 120″ on virtually any flat surface, incredible 3-hour battery life makes it extremely portable and it has fantastic sounding built-in JBL speakers. Throw in the fact you can hook it up to an external streaming device like a Roku Stick or Fire Stick via HDMI and this projector is perfect for Netflix binging, movie nights, or even Big game viewing parties. You can buy one for $599.99 from Amazon.

Janet Cloninger

2017 Apple iPad Pro 12.9″

I tried the Pro when it was first released, but I quickly returned it because it was uncomfortable to hold for long periods.  I had used and loved the 9.7″ iPad Pro, but I decided to move up to the big leagues with the latest updates to the Pro line.  The Pro models have a lot of wonderful features, but I find that I like the big, beautiful, sharp screen most of all because it’s very easy on the eyes.  I quickly got accustomed to the bigger size and don’t even notice it anymore. The 12.9″ iPad Pro starts at $799.00 from Apple.

Nest Thermostat

When we had to replace our ancient HVAC unit this summer, we decided to replace the old thermostat with the Nest.  It makes it much easier to keep tabs on the temperature, to turn the unit off, or to adjust the set point from anywhere using the app on our iPhones or iPads.  Plus it has a lock that prevents us from coming home to find our cold-blooded daughter has changed the set point to 80 degrees. You can buy the latest version of the Nest thermostat for $244.88 from Amazon.

Philips Hue WiFi-connected lighting system

We have replaced almost every light bulb in our house with Philips Hue bulbs over the years we’ve been in our condo.  We also have stationed Hue Tap programmable switches above most of the conventional light switches in the house, so we can light up a room with a button press; these are also great for visitors who don’t have access to an app to control your setup.  And we can even tell Amazon’s Alexa to turn off any bulbs we’ve forgotten before we got all snuggly in bed and ready for sleep.  They are very convenient to use and control, and the LED bulbs save energy over incandescent bulbs. You can buy a starter kit for $146.00 from Amazon.

Jacob Haas

BeatsX Wireless Earphones

Ever since their late launch in March of this year, I’ve had these lovely little earbuds on my person almost every day. They’re lightweight, the battery lasts a whole office day, and they sound great. And my favorite part is the fact that they are paired with my computer, iPad, and iPhone and can switch between them with the push of a button. You can buy a pair for $99.00 from Amazon.

Nintendo Switch

This might have to be my very favorite gadget of the 2017. I’ve always been a fan of gaming handhelds and while Nintendo doesn’t classify this device as a handheld gaming system, it’s the only way I ever play it. The hardware is top-notch, the screen is large and crisp and two Switch-exclusive titles, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, were neck and neck for game of the year. My happy place is curling up on the couch with my Switch after a long day and getting lost in another world for a while. You can buy one for $299.99 from Amazon.

iPad Pro Smart Keyboard

This wasn’t necessarily manufactured in 2017, but I obtained an official Apple Smart Keyboard earlier this year and it’s the perfect companion to a 12” iPad Pro. I write almost exclusively on my iPad and I’ve written thousands of words on this keyboard already this year. I don’t mind the low travel of this keyboard (especially compared to the software screen keyboard, heh) and the convenience of having one attached to my iPad is wonderful. You can buy one for $169.00 from Apple.

Andy Chen

Plantronics Voyager 3240 Bluetooth Headset

I don’t talk on the phone much, but when I do, I reach for my Plantronics Voyager 3240 Bluetooth headset. It’s compact and lightweight, plus outgoing audio sounds terrific.

Apple iPhone X

It’s pricey, definitely fragile with a a glass front AND back. I didn’t think the Face ID was going to work, but I do like it better than Touch ID. I don’t have to worry about wet fingers messing things up, and to date, I haven’t had to re-train Face ID, which is something I had to do with Touch ID every so often. Most of all, I really like the size. A little smaller than the Plus, and a little bigger than the “normal” iPhone 8. It feels just right. You can buy one starting from $999 from Apple.

Uniden R3 Radar Detector

I’ve owned nearly every radar detector under the sun, and I have an opinion on nearly every brand. I was a Valentine 1 devotee for DECADES but the new for 2017 Uniden R3 radar detector has enthusiasts buzzing. GPS for nuisance signal lockouts, redlight camera database and false signal filtering are highlights, but I don’t care about any of those things.  The incredible range puts other pricier detectors to shame. You can buy one for $399.99 from Amazon.

Ryan Chapman

The last few years, it has been tough deciding which gadgets are my favorites. This year, however, it was very easy. These three items not only were items I reviewed but by far the items I used most in 2017.

Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament Gaming Headset & Elite Pro Tactical Audio Controller

These defined to me what truly great gaming headsets were about. The sound quality of the headset is great, but combined with the TAC, it took my gaming to a whole new level. It is so great to hear the footsteps of my enemies coming from far away and then when I am done gaming, be able to listen to music as if I had a great pair of headphones. You can buy a pair for $149.95 from Amazon.

Creative Sound BlasterX Kratos S5 2.1 gaming speakers

When it comes to gaming, I use the Turtle Beach headset. These Creative speakers are for listening to music and playing videos during the daytime, when I can turn the volume up. I love the sound quality, the ability to adjust the bass to different levels, and to top it off, the beautiful RGB lighting. The size of the speakers allows them to fit perfectly on my desk as well. You can buy a set of Creative speakers for $119.99 from Amazon.

DripJoy coffee maker

I wake up every morning with a cup of coffee, and the DripJoy coffee maker has been my go-to since I got it at the beginning of the year. It still puts out piping hot coffee, and I love being able to use any coffee pod I want in it. (It has no DRM like the Keurig 2.0 had!) It’s brewed hundreds of cups of coffee already in less than a year, and I hope it lasts for years more, since I won’t want to go back to Keurig after being spoiled by the extra heat this coffee maker brings. You can buy a Dripjoy for $189.99 from Amazon.

Bob Patterson

Happy holidays, everyone!

It’s been a privilege to join The Gadgeteer team this year, and I hope you’ve enjoyed my reviews! With so many great products in 2017, it was hard to nail down my favorites. Here are my top 5. Have a safe and healthy new year!

Saddleback Leather Mountainback Front Pocket Gear Bag

This rugged beauty is my favorite multipurpose bag from 2017. It’s a simple, roomy, floppy messenger with clever pocketing that makes it easy to live with in most situations. The waxed canvas and leather build is on par with Saddleback’s all-leather products while standing out as a unique, functional design. This is my go-to bag for day trips and weekend adventures. You can buy this back for $440.00 on Amazon.

Bellroy Duo Totepack

I use this bag every day as my work commuter. I love the way the design makes a creative statement that looks great on business casual days but still has the style and sophistication to pair with more formal attire. The unique design really dials in intuitive organization for all of your for all of your computing and workday accessories. Super-lux materials and build quality match the bag’s style, too. You can buy one for $289.00 from Bellroy.

Tsumbay HUD Simulated Car Mount Phone Holder

When I am driving, Google Maps is my best friend. My second-best friend is the Tsumbay car mount. The ability to mount my phone as a heads-up-display in my field of vision is a huge plus to avoid distracted driving while navigating to new places (or in my case, places I forgot how to get to). It’s so useful that we bought several more for the other cars in the family. You can buy one for $8.66 from Amazon.

Flowfold Wallets

I have a Flowfold wallet in my pocket every day of the week… usually the Vanguard Bifold, but I’ll switch to the Traveler Tri-Fold if I need to carry a bunch of cards. I really like the unique and interesting material choices and simple, functional designs. Each wallet is also super-thin and lightweight, so you barely notice them in your pocket. You can buy one for $12 and up from Flowfold.

TPLink Deco M5 WiFi System

I didn’t know that I was missing before I installed the Deco system. Consistent WiFi everywhere in the house on a private network is a very good thing. There’s a notable performance difference over the old Verizon-supplied WiFi router system. It’s been running for 7 months and I have yet to have a single glitch, bug, or disruption of service. And management through the app on my iPhone is fantastic. You can buy one for $239.99 from Amazon.

The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 5)

Welcome to part five of our on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for one more Gadgeteer team member, Smythe. Let us know if you enjoy these types of posts.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

Smythe Richbourg

Julie has been after us for a month or so now to declare a favorite gear bag and do an article about it. For me, this is a Sophie’s Choice type decision, because I like several bags equally for different reasons. Add that to the fact that I have almost as many bags as Julie does (about 20 that I can see from this chair with my office closet door open!), and it gets a bit tough. I’m prepared to live with this one, however; the Tom Bihn Medium Café Bag. I bought this bag a few years back with personal funds, and have used it as a fall-back ever since. Let me give you a tour.

We have reviewed Tom Bihn bags on this site before, but I’ve never had an actual review unit from them. I did review a few products from their canine product spin-off, Snookum Dog, a few years back. But I’ve been a fan since my first purchase, which was this bag. I found it searching for a daily driver bag for my iPad and various small bits of tech I need to carry, and I have yet to find one that can haul this much in such a small package. It’s a simple satchel in a vertical orientation (a sadly over-looked category by most bag makers) with a sewn-in strap and a large inner pocket. There are a few pen loops and loose stash pockets in the front wall of that large pocket, as well as a narrow zippered pocket on the outside front. An offset V flap covers both of these and seals with a plastic clip on an adjustable webbing strap.


On the back, a simple slash pocket and a 1″ webbing haul loop complete the feature set. At 12.2″ x 10.6″ x 2.9″ / 310 x 270 x 75 mm, it’s not really a behemoth, but it sure holds a lot. I’ve added the Freudian Slip, a vertical insert that adds pockets and sleeves to organize bag interiors. This is another Tom Bihn innovation that makes their kit unique. They have these for most of their bags, and the difference it makes is huge.


Perhaps my favorite feature of Tom Bihn bags is the “O” rings sewn into bag interiors in various places. I have a clear organizer bag that holds my inhaler, a tin of various NSAIDs, a nail file and clipper, and eye drops. There’s a clip on one corner, and when I attach it to the “O” ring on the rim of my Tom Bihn Café bag, it never gets lost in the abyss.

I usually carry my original-sized iPad in this, along with the day’s supplies (power adapter, headphones, batteries, shopping bag, screen cleaner, iPad adapters for USB, HDMI, and SDcards – the usual stuff). I just purchased the 10.7″ iPad Pro, replacing my iPad Air 2. The new one fits just as nicely, in my MoKo case. In a pinch, I can slide my LogiTech K811 keyboard into the rear slash pocket, even though it sticks out a bit. If I don’t need all that, just the organizer, iPad, and Slip will carry me anywhere easily.

If I have control over my day, the regular-sized iPad has been my go-to travel companion since the day I bought the original. The newest iPad Pro with the thinner bezel still fits in this bag easily, since it’s less than an inch larger on each edge.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 5) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 12, 2017 at 3:49 pm.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

Welcome to part four of our on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for four more of the Gadgeteer team including yours truly. Let us know if you enjoy these types of posts.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

Julie Strietelmeier

My favorite style of gear bag is a messenger bag and the brand that I’ve been carrying for years is Timbuk2. I’ve had four Timbuk2 bags and the one I’ve been carrying every day for 5 years or more is their custom laptop messenger.

The Timbuk2 bag has been on my favorite gear list for the entire time I’ve had it, so it’s not really news. So I thought I’d also talk about a surprising little bag that I decided to take with me on vacation this year.

This bag isn’t even a bag that you can buy by itself as far as I know. It came with a sample of a lap desk for a crowdfunding campaign. When I was packing for my trip, I knew I wanted to keep the tech at a minimum level so I wanted a smaller bag than I usually carry. I saw this one in my closet o’bags and was very pleased when it could hold all my gear without bulging or cutting off the circulation in my shoulder.

It even has a pass-through for a rolling luggage handle which is always appreciated when trying to maneuver multiple bags through the airport. Now I want to find a nicer version of this bag without the iMoov logo and with nicer internal pocket construction. This one has thin satin material which feels a little flimsy (cheap), but having said that, so far it’s not torn or frayed.

Raul Sanchez

My favorite gear bag is the Serbags Army Courier Messenger bag I reviewed four years ago.

I love this courier messenger bag. Since the day I received it I used it as a camera bag that I take with me on all my photo shoots and assignments. I received this bag at the end of January 2013 and I haven’t stopped using this as my main camera bag. I really like the ease and convenience when I need to grab a lens or flash, battery, or earplugs like when I am shooting concerts.

I can reach in this messenger bag without looking and grab what I need. I just like having a messenger bag at my side during my shoots. If I had worn a backpack it would take too long for me to grab a piece of equipment since I would have to take off the backpack, put it down in front of me, unzip the bag and find what I need. Obviously, I would miss a shot. With what I do, speed is a huge factor. This bag has taken a beating in the last 4 years. Even though it has some small signs of wear and tear, the bag is still going strong.

With the Serbags messenger bag, I can literally have my camera in one hand and have the other hand reaching into the bag and retrieving the equipment I need, all at the same time. It is very convenient to have the bag on my hip.

Elizabeth Rodriguez

I’ve had a couple of bags since I reviewed the Incase Reform backpack, but I keep going back to this to hold all of my gadgets! I work in the city now, so it can fit all of the stuff I pack into it, including my laptop, wallets, water bottle, notebook, and reading book. I love how sleek it looks in heather grey with yellow logo and black trim. The details such as zippers and straps have held up incredibly well. It’s been through rain, snow, sun, and keeps it shape. I’ve received many compliments, and it’s nice how gender neutral it is. Anyone can use it, and it will last for a long time!

Steve Holt

This is the last review that I did, and I have used this bag on a daily basis ever since. It is the Mr. Lentz leather briefcase. It looks awesome and it makes me look awesome.

The 2 pockets on the inside keep my pens, flash drives, cables, etc, from rolling around in the bottom of the bag. Also, the buckles are adjustable and allow me to tighten it up or loosen it depending on my needs. And did I mention that it makes me look good? 🙂 Ha!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

Welcome to part three of an on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for five of our writers here on the Gadgeteer team. Enjoy!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)

Andy Jacobs

The GORUCK GR1 rucksack.  GORUCK’s original piece of gear, with its roots in US Special Forces these rucks are built proudly in the USA and proven by special operators in war zones across the world and by GORUCK Challenge participants across these great United States. Made from water-resistant and uber-durable 1000D Cordura nylon, there’s a reason why GORUCK refers to their rucks as “bomb-proof.”  The GR1 is available in two sizes, both of which I own: the 21 Liter which I use for both ruck training and GORUCK Challenges, and the 26 Liter (shown here) which I use for EDC and short travel.  Because GORUCK believes design should be simple and versatile so you can use your ruck in the way that works best for you, their rucks include high-strength nylon MOLLE webbing inside and out to attach items (such as GORUCK’s Field Pouches) and several organizational pockets inside, plus a padded laptop/hydration compartment.  Admittedly, GORUCK’s products are not cheap—in quality or price (GR1 is $295)—but they are easily the best-built, most durable products I’ve ever used, and if you do manage to damage one of their rucks, their SCARS lifetime warranty will fix you up.  I know, because they’ve done it for me (more than once).  For me, GR1 is the ultimate rucksack (AKA backpack).  Full review in the works.

You can read more about this bag at goruck.com.

Jacob Haas

My go-to bag at the moment is the Pioneer 12 Hip Pack from North St. Bags. When I reviewed this back a couple months ago. I liked it for its many interior pockets and expandable width, allowing me to fit a lot more inside than I originally thought I could. I’ve been using it almost daily to carry things that I can’t or wouldn’t want to shove into my pockets, like headphones, cables, and my Nintendo Switch that I like to play over lunch breaks. The bag itself still looks brand new after several weeks of steady use. I added a shoulder strap that I cannibalized from a small messenger bag and turned it into more of a tech-purse, which suits me just fine.

You can read more about this bag at northstbags.com.

Dave Rees

My favorite bag is near a half dozen years old, weighs more than five pounds, and is as non-tech & old school as you can get. Add in the fact that I have reviewed many high-quality bags over the past five years, is a testament to how much I love and enjoy carrying my Colonel Littleton 1943 Navigator bag. It’s a perfect size, able to securely transport my laptop, iPad Pro, and all my EDC gear with me. Its meticulous craftsmanship and classic WWII aviator styling are so me… As you can see, it is aging gracefully and continues to get praise from strangers to this day. I carry it to work every day, on work travel and vacation as well. Even though I have a closet full of very nice bags, I would buy another if it ever became damaged, lost, or stolen.

You can read more about this bag at northstbags.com.

Kathleen Chapman

My preferred type of gear bag is a backpack. For many years I’ve used a Jansport backpack to carry my teaching materials, but I’ve had a desire to upgrade to something attractive as well as rugged and since then I’ve discovered my inner leather enthusiast. Thus, my favorite gear bag is a backpack that I recently reviewed – the Pad & Quill Roll Top Leather Backpack (review has not yet been published to provide the link). I love the fact that it is a beautiful, well-made, high-quality leather backpack that is large enough to carry all of my necessary items and yet is still compact enough for me. It even has an internal pocket (unpadded) for a tablet/laptop which I use to store my portable keyboard. It does take time to access my materials since it is a roll-top backpack that has a two buckle closure, however, it has a quick side access zipper slot (8.75″ long) that allows you to extract small items quickly.

You can read more about and/or purchase the Pad & Quill Roll Top Leather Backpack on the Pad & Quill website.

Howard Sneider

My take on “favorite gear bag” may be a little different than other Gadgeteers. My current favorite bag is a freebie Lufthansa Premium Economy Class amenity kit by Picard I obtained on a recent European flight. This isn’t available in stores; It is only available with a seat from Lufthansa. It originally contained foam earplugs, sleep-mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and over-socks (if you want to take your shoes off but still walk around the cabin). So why is this so great? It is impeccably made; it uses good quality materials, double stitching on the zipper and all the seems are lined.

The best part is that the bag is the perfect size to hold all of my cables, chargers, and a Bluetooth mouse. It has changed my backpack from a mess of cables to a neatly packed and organized kit. At meetings if I need any of these things I don’t have to go fumbling through my bag – I can just pull this bag out and not be distracted, or cause a distraction, during the meeting.

The other benefit of using this bag is that at airports, these items are all collected so that if the carry-on inspector has any questions about the contents everything is organized and in one place. This item is frequently on eBay for relatively little cost. I suggest you get something like this to make your electronics more organized.

You can read more about the Lufthansa Premium Economy Class amenity kit at www.picard-lederwaren.de.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 9, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate!

It’s hard to believe that I started The Gadgeteer two decades ago back in August of 1997.  There are not very many blogs that can claim to be 20 years old and I’m proud of that fact and want to celebrate with a giveaway that includes gear from Audio Engine, Tom Bihn, Waterfield Design, Saddleback Leather Company and more!

Please click through to read the details on the prizes and to submit your entries for a chance to win one of our Gadgeteer 20th birthday giveaway prize packs!

Prizes:

There are 3 price packs, so there will be three winners. Details for each prize pack are listed below:

1st Prize Pack

Audioengine B2 wireless speakers

I reviewed the Audioengine B2 wireless speaker and still use it. In my review, I said:

I hadn’t realized how mediocre the music sounded until I switched to the B2. Now I find that my music sounds so much better. Through this speaker music is full and rich with an excellent bass that isn’t too thumpy, but still easily fills a room.

This is a very nice bookshelf sized speaker that features Bluetooth and aptX.

Price: $225.00
Website: audioengineusa.com

Waterfield Design Bolt Crossbody bag

I’ve been a fan of Waterfield Design bags, pouches, and wallets for as long as I can remember. Their new Bolt Crossbody bag is a vertical laptop messenger bag that has been designed to hold tablets or laptops with their gear in a stylish way.

Price: $119.00 – $219.00
Website: www.sfbags.com

Keyport Essential bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $41.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Terk: OMNITWR

A redesigned multi-directional antenna that serves as a cord-cutters must have accessory for instant access to OTA television like ABC, NBC, FOX and more for free – no monthly fee, no subscription and no contract

  • Functions as an amplified multi-directional HDTV antenna
  • Dual stage amplifier technology, DUALBOOST, provides more HD channels along with the best picture and sound possible
  • Accessories include coax cable, power adapter and removable amplifier for maximum flexibility and performance

Price: $59.99
Website: www.terk.com

YEVO Labs: YEVO 1

A new generation of smart headphones without any wires for total freedom of movement

  • Experience freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 connection and Near-Field Magnetic Induction – NFMI pairing for secure flawless connectivity
  • Excellent music experience: Integrated the latest advancements in audio quality with balanced armatures from Knowles delivering safe, crystal clear audio quality, fine-tuned to hit crisp highs and deep lows for a fully mesmeric experience
  • Audio transparency: Allows users to remain connected to their surroundings by letting sound in with just a tap
  • Two-touch sensors: 4 built-in microphones allows users to take phone calls, control music, and volume, and access Siri or Google Now
  • Battery life: 20 hours of battery life* with the beautifully designed, elegant and slim charge and storage case
  • Available in Jet Black, Ivory White, and Onyx Black

Price: $249
Website: YevoLabs.com

2nd Prize Pack

V-MODA: Remix Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker

World’s First Portable Bluetooth Speaker with a Built-In Headphone Amplifier

  • World’s First Full-Surface 3D Printed Custom Product – REMIXRings™ and removable parts enable the ultimate personalization in a mind-blowing array of materials
  • Easily connect REMIX with Echo Dot via Bluetooth or by the included cable to summon Alexa and enjoy vivid Hi-Fi sound
  • Easy Pairing – Press PAIR to easily connect your Bluetooth device
  • Simultaneous Device Connection – Multitasking users can “multipoint” connect REMIX with two devices at a time, such as smartphone and laptop or smartphone and smartwatch
  • USB-C Charging – Future-proof and safer charging via included USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Long Life Battery – Up to 10+ hours of music
  • Quick Access Control – Top-panel buttons to control volume and playback of your music
  • Built-In Mic for Calls and Voice Assistant – Use the built-in microphone for calls, Skype or summoning voice assistants like Apple Siri or OK Google – but with far superior music quality
  • Available in two finishes – minimal aluminum (Silver) and luxurious vegan leather (Black)

Price: $300
Available at: V-MODA.com

Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is a made in the USA 525 ballistic nylon backpack style bag that can hold up to 4 laptops! This bag is built to last for many years and travel adventures to come.

Price: $200.00
Website: www.tombihn.com

Saddleback Leather Company Leather Pouch Wallet

This is one of Saddleback Leather’s latest wallet designs and like all of their products, it’s going to last forever!

Price: $59.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-pouch-wallet

Keyport Outdoor bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • Pocketknife Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $61.97
Website: www.mykeyport.com

 

BEEM UNITED: BeMe D200

Eye-catching colors and cutting-edge technology deliver customizable sound and high-performing active noise canceling for a unique listening experience

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Each earphone features a dual mic with Active Noise Cancellation and pairs with the BEEM UNITED app to enable a 10-band equalizer control
  • HD Audio for a full digital – not analog – audio experience (Digital 24bit/48KHz)
  • Best-in-Class Bass: With higher sampling frequency compared to competing products, BeMe D200 delivers studio-quality bass for personal use
  • Fashion-Forward Design: Offering a variety of on-trend color combinations including Rose Gold, Rebel Purple, Black and Flash Green
  • Striking LED light display brings the listening experience to life
  • Developed entirely around lightning connector cable technology – allowing for the app connection and superior sound quality
  • Aluminum housing
  • Driver/Dynamic: 10.66mm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
  • Max Input Power: 10mW
  • Lightweight with No Battery Needed
  • Ergonomic Eartips for Secure Fit
  • Includes Carrying Pouch

Price: $169.99
Website: beemunited.com

 

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

 

3rd Prize Pack

SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton

After reviewing the SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton, it quickly became my favorite jacket. It’s soft, comfy, and has 21 pockets that hold everything I need.

Price: $95
Available at: www.scottevest.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Keyport Locator Plus bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • BLE Locator + LED Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $66.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

808 Audio: Turntable

Get killer sound anywhere and get the crowd going with the LED light show, and a built-in pre-amplifier, connecting to any device with or without a turntable input.

  • Built-in phono pre-amp allows a wired connection to any device without turntable input.
  • Includes AC power cord, 4 ft. RCA audio cable, 4 ft. Aux-in 3.5mm cloth cable, 45 RPM adapter, cartridges, and stylus with purchase.
  • Ten multi-color LED light modes for every genre of music.
  • Wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices, or to wired systems via dual RCA or 3.5mm output cables, included with purchase. Anti-resonance, silicone platter.

Price: $149.99
Website: 808Audio.com

Saddleback Leather Company Dominoes set

 

Saddleback is mainly recognized for their leather bags, but this is a dominoes set that is made of …. you guessed it, leather! Just like their bags, your grandkids will fight over this set when you’re dead.

Price: $189.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/dominoes-set

Focal: Spark and Spark Wireless

Mobile in-ear headphones with exceptional Focal sound and performance at affordable prices

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Electrodynamic 9.5mm mylar driver
  • Flat, anti-tangle cable
  • 3-button remote control with omnidirectional microphone
  • Exceptional performance/price ratio
  • Bluetooth 4.1 in Spark Wireless
  • Included with each pair of Spark are three pairs of silicone tips and one rigid carrying case
  • Included with each pair of Spark Wireless are three pairs of silicone tips, a USB cable, one battery clip for sports activities and one rigid carrying case
  • Available now in Black and Silver Spark
  • Blue Cobalt and Spark Wireless Rose Gold will be available mid to late July

Check out our reviews of the Focal Spark and Spark Wireless headphones.

Price: $69 (Spark); $99 (Spark Wireless)
Available at: www.focal.com/headphones

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 08/07/2017 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. How long have you been visiting The Gadgeteer?
  2. What’s your favorite thing about The Gadgeteer?
  3. If you could change one thing about the site, what would it be?

Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.

Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is 20 Yrs old. Join the celebration by winning 1 of 3 gadget prize packs. Entering is easy! http://bit.ly/2vsHIQh

Get a 4th bonus entry by linking to The Gadgeteer home page on Facebook.

Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.

At some point on 08/08/2017, I’ll pick three random winners using random.org. The winners will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my emails in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize packs are claimed.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).

2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.

3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.

4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 7:03 am.

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