This is 2018; geeks and nerds are cool now. You’re quirky, weird, and smart—that’s nothing to be ashamed of! Write that fanfiction, go to that convention, wear that cosplay. Geeks change the world with their passions, most often making it a better place. There are many different kinds of geeks and nerds, and this roundup will feature a little nerd and geek shopping for everyone. Whether you nerd out over audio, appreciate modernized remnants of the past, enjoy 3D printing the future, or just want to show off your fandom with geek gear, I think you’ll be happy with the gear you find below. So please, go create. Let your passions lead you; the world needs that genius.
Reviews
These days we have a plethora of options when it comes to finding a Qi wireless charger that best suits our needs. While these convenient charging pads have many similarities, no two are the same. In fact, one of the biggest differences I find between charging pads, aside from obvious variances in style and appearance, would have to be the charging wattage that they deliver and therefore how fast they charge. In my testing I found that all of these Qi chargers work well even with iPhones in rugged protective cases.
Review: Premium Docking Station for Multiple Devices
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.
It's that time of year again, when families want to travel and adventure together, school children and college kids are all out for the summer, and warm weather beckons everyone to the waterside for good times. It’s also the time when your chances of damaging your iPhone increase; whether from dropping your device in the water or from something happening to it while you're out and about on miscellaneous summertime escapades. To better protect your precious devices this summer, a heavy-duty, rugged iPhone case can most definitely be an asset. All of the cases included in this roundup provide superior protection for your iPhone, year round, with varying levels of insulation from dust, snow, mud, impact and water intrusion. Which one you decide to go with will depend on personal taste and how you intend to use your iPhone. Worth mentioning: Along with providing exceptional protection for your iPhone, all of these cases allow Qi wireless charging. Also worth mentioning, unless otherwise specified, all of the cases featured here that are compatible with the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus will be compatible with the older iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Jabra, one of the early market leaders in the Bluetooth wireless headset space, has manifested its wealth of audio engineering and communication expertise in the Elite 45e Wireless Stereo Headset ($99.99). How does this high-end headset compare to the sea of other wireless stereo headsets on the market? Read on to find out.
Review: G-Hold Can Prevent You from Dropping Your iPad
By Todd Bernhard
If you like PopSockets but wish there was a larger version for iPads and other tablets, there is good news from Safetray Products. The G-Hold iPad Holder ($29.95) is similar to a PopSocket, but it is larger and it can be more easily repositioned because it uses Micro Suction not adhesive. Safetray, as its name suggests, is known for similar adapters to help waitstaff keep a grip on serving trays; so this is right up the company's alley.
Is Using an Adhesive iPad Pro Cover a Good Idea?
By Daniel Rasmus
I have always been leery of adhering a cover to my iPad. It isn't that I'm worried the adhesive will damage the device or leave it marred, it’s more about convenience. When you review cases you need to take them off with some frequency so you can test the next one. Well, I bit the bullet when two different cases arrived, both with adhesives. Here are my experiences and thoughts about the Twelve South SurfacePad and the Toast for iPad Pro.
Review: MyCharge AdventureMax Portable Power Bank
By Daniel Rasmus
Once a technology, in this case, backup batteries, becomes a free give away for marketing purposes, it gets harder and harder to find products that warrant a review. MyCharge has managed to create a new backup battery worthy of your attention. The $49.99 MyCharge AdventureMax packs a 10050mAh battery into an attractive but rugged compact portable charger that weighs just half a pound. The plastic case looks great and the material offers a secure feel when it's being held. The AdventureMax will charge two devices at a time via its 2.4A standard USB ports.
7 Best Free Cooking Apps Every Foodie Should Try
By Abbey Dufoe
You rely on your iPhone for everything, so why not for dinner tonight? If you've been in a recipe rut, or just want help to become the best home chef you can be, download these free cooking and step-by-step recipe apps to get you started. Some of these cooking apps require a trip to the grocery store, while others help you find recipes to work with ingredients you already have in the fridge. As a bonus, if you lack motivation, check out our top foodie Instagram account choices to get all the culinary inspiration you need.
Best Productivity Apps: Top Picks from the iPhone Life Team
By iPhone Life Team
WWDC Rumors Point to New iPad Pro with Face ID
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 80th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, Sarah, Donna, and David go over all the latest rumors leading up to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Will we be seeing a new iPad Pro with Face ID? What about a more affordable MacBook Air? Listen in to find out.
Apple HomePod Review: 5 Things We Love About Apple's Smart Speaker, & a Few We Don't
By David Averbach
Should You Purchase the HomePod?
iPhoneLife CEO and writer David Averbach reviews audio quality, "Hey Siri" performance, the HomePod's fit into Apple's ecosystem, five of his favorite HomePod features, and who should and shouldn't purchase a HomePod.
Best iPad Cases for Kids: Cute, Cool & Kid-Proof Accessories
By Leanne Hays
Kids love iPad time as much as the rest of us, but am I the only one who can almost see my iPad cringe at my child's enthusiastic appreciation? My standard protective iPad case can handle the wear and tear of adult and teenage use, but isn't up to the task of drops, bangs, and spills that a younger child dishes out. Therefore, I've set about to find the very best iPad cases for young children so that I can safeguard my iPad and my nerves from the perils of our preschooler in residence. I'm looking for three key features in my search for the best iPad case for kids: it must be drop proof, easily cleaned, and cute. Let's get started on our review of my findings so you can decide which of these iPad-saving cases you'd choose!
Best Waterproof iPhone 8 & 8 Plus Cases:
- Lifeproof Fre for iPhone 8 & 8 Plus ($89.99)
- Catalyst Case for iPhone 8 & 8 Plus ($79.99-$89.99)
- Dog&Bone Wetsuit Impact iPhone 8 ($79.95)
- (2Pack) Universal Waterproof Pouch ($7.95)
Best Protective iPhone 8 & 8 Plus Cases:
- Underwater Casetify Case for iPhone 8 or 8 Plus ($40)
- Otterbox Defender Series for iPhone 8 or 8 Plus ($49.95)
- Aknacase Glamour Series - Blue Wave for iPhone 8 or 8 Plus ($20)
Don’t Leave the House without This Rugged Solar Charger for Your iPhone
By Anonymous (not verified)
We've teamed up with StackCommerce to bring you iPhone Life Deals, showcasing unique discounts on some of the top gadgets and software from around the web. This post does not constitute editorial endorsement, and we earn a portion of all sales.
It’s frustrating when your iPhone dies on you when you’re nowhere near an outlet. Maybe you were expecting an important call while out for the day, or perhaps you were on a long hike about to reach the ideal spot for a beautiful photo—and then your phone dies. It’s situations like these that reveal the utility of a portable battery charger.
Best New iOS 11.3 Features Coming This Spring
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 79th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, the team shares the best features coming to your iPhone and iPad this spring with iOS 11.3. Learn why this software update will make a difference for you, from battery performance settings to messages that sync with iCloud. Other topics include the never-ending Apple Maps versus Google Maps debate, mortifying tech mishaps, and a quick-and-dirty trick for deleting tons of emails in a snap.
Review: Pionears Are Fun & Functional True Wireless Earbuds
By Todd Bernhard
One of the coolest gadgets I saw CES, according to myself, my friends, and my family, was the Pionears Wireless Earbuds ($69.99) from Origaudio. At first glance, it looks like an oversized Zippo lighter (about the size of a deck of playing cards), but it's really a charging case for two remarkably tiny earbuds. And the lid snaps open and closed (thanks to magnets) just like a lighter, but for a much healthier use case! The storage case itself has a 4,400mAh battery; and what is really cool is that it slips into a charging dock with integrated A/C wall plugs, so no cables are needed.
Review: VogDuo 30W Travel Wall Charger
By Daniel Rasmus
I have a new travel companion. VogDuo has delivered what is perhaps the ideal travel charger. The VogDuo Charger Pro 3-Port USB Wall Charger ($49.99) is thin, powerful, and adaptive. And my evaluation unit is cherry red, just like Elon Musk’s car heading out to the asteroid belt.
I have to admit I have a new addiction. Well, not an addiction so much as a way to while away my time during on-demand NBC television show commercials you can't fast forward through even though Comcast owns NBC. The game is called Word Flow (free with in-app purchases).
I recently tried out Solo New York's Cameron Rolltop Backpack and Shorewood Leather Briefcase. Solo New York gets the urban vibe and understands the practicality of modern work. The design of both bags takes into account that briefcases and backpacks often travel with other luggage. The design includes panels for sliding thebags over rolling luggage handles. For someone who travels a lot, that feature alone makes these bags far more appealing than any who skip or skimp on this feature. Read on for more details about each bag.