For the longest time I’ve had an old desktop running as a Plex Media Server and I’ve always meant to swap it out with something more efficient. The shortages, RAM, storage, PC prices, and everything else just kept climbing in cost and nothing ever really made sense. I’ve actually been after a Mini PC for..
Candid Review: Ultraloq Utec Bolt Fingerprint Matter smart lock
I can confidently say the Utec Bolt smart lock is one of the best I’ve had the pleasure to use, bar none. Usually, I hesitate to say things like that. Especially if I haven’t used a lot of different devices. But I have gone through a few smart locks on my front door, including Schlage..
Some Ways to enjoy modern tech without hurting the world around you
I love tech. It's always fun to get new gadgets, tinker, and try new things. But technology, in general, can be expensive, which isn't the best for your wallet or budget. There are also some pretty gnarly connotations around the industry, like rare earth minerals pillaged in dizzying quantities, massive power consumption, data tracking and..
Why does it seem like you take so long with Techigar reviews?
I've had a few responses in my inbox from PR teams requesting prompt reviews or coverage. Some brands have even tried to dictate how long I have to review a product. I understand where they are coming from and it makes sense why they'd want to secure faster coverage for their clients and products. However,..
Candid Review: Man Labs Titan Skincare Kit
I know not everyone will agree, but I believe in aging gracefully and that’s how I plan to spend my older years. By that, I mean no botox, no fillers, no plastic surgery, but allowing my body to age the way it does naturally, wrinkles and all. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not invested in..
Candid Review: AquaSonic Precision toothbrush and Precision flosser
I’m not the best at brushing my teeth when I should. After I smoke a cigar or two I brush every time, for sure. I brush almost every night. Sometimes, in the mornings I’ll skip. I’m not great about flossing. Some of that changed when I got myself a nondescript electric toothbrush. For some reason..
Why don’t you create more video content for Techigar?
The other day someone asked me why I don't create more video content. The straight answer is that I'm a writer, not a videographer or a photographer. I might enjoy creating other media, sometimes, but it's not what I'm really about. That's a shame, because today's society is all about short, quick snippets and bite-sized..
What is a DAC — Digital-to-Analog converter?
The other day I was reading through some content from HIDIZS about its AP80 Pro-X streaming music player and something dawned on me. It's a two-way USB DAC. What the heck is a DAC? How is it any different from a portable music player? What do they actually do, and why would anyone want one?..
Candid Review: PuttAIM+
I am not a skilled golfer; more of a casual enjoyer. I used to have a full set of clubs, but I play so infrequently I gave them away. To complete the trifecta of anti-golf, I don’t usually play full-size courses. When I do play, it’s not competitive, by any means. I’m not obsessed with..
What’s up with your reviews? Are there any products you don’t recommend?
I'm not one to trash things unnecessarily. The internet tends to be very negative. Tech pundits and reviewers claim to be honest, but a lot of times they just like bashing things for sport. That's not to say everything out there deserves praise. There are definitely some products lacking in quality and meaning. But one..
What is an IP address — Internal Protocol address?
Every device that connects to the internet is given an IP address, or Internet Protocol address. They are assigned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). That includes computers, tablets, phones, game consoles, smart devices, routers, you name it. Your IP is a unique identifier. Although you are not usually assigned a static IP — an..
What is browser fingerprinting — Cookieless tracking?
Most people understand that companies, third-parties and data brokers can track you using browser cookies. But what happens when you disable cookies? Does that stop tracking altogether? No, not really. You may be surprised by this answer, you may not, but there are a lot of other ways to track you, even across platforms. Resourceful..
Candid Review: FurZapper pet hair remover
We’re a pet household. Probably to an extent that most would consider over-the-top. At one time, we had four dogs living under one roof. Unfortunately, three of those four dogs passed on, but that was years ago. Today, we have two dogs, two cats, a bearded dragon, and, despite many protests from me — the..
I’m going to try (and review) the Card on Guard tube in my pool
Not too long ago, I covered the Card on Guard Tube for one of Techigar's tech blurbs. The idea is to help reduce chlorine in pools and spas by up to 50% or more. That's because, while we still use chlorine in pools to sanitize water, those chemicals aren't ideal for our bodies. Using natural..
What Is a VPN — Virtual Private Network?
With everything on the web tracking our movements, what we watch, what we browse, and much more sensitive information, it makes sense to take action to protect our privacy and anonymity. A VPN or virtual private network allows that to some degree. It masks your primary IP address by assigning a remote one and connects..
Candid Review: Limitless 10000mAh fast-charging power bank
This one is going to be short and sweet. That’s not a bad thing, and it’s not because I don’t have much to say about the product. But it’s a power bank. There aren’t a ton of complex features packed in, it does exactly what it’s supposed to, and it’s an accessible, reliable stand-in for..
How we are handling Prime Day this year
Amazon Prime Day is usually around the beginning of July. That's pretty much the same each year. But for Prime Day this year, they've extended it to four days — instead of its usual two — which, in my opinion, is ridiculous. No one needed an extra two days to shop. Running from July 8..
What are affiliate links, exactly? How do they affect you?
I've been wanting to do this write-up for a while. I see a lot of misunderstandings about affiliate links across the internet, and one I see a lot is that sites or people who use them are grifters. I wanted to address that, specifically. Affiliate links by themselves are not shady, and as long as..
VEVOR Electric Composter: A compact electric composter for your kitchen countertop
This odorless and quiet electric composter is meant for indoor use and placement on your kitchen countertops. Two sharp blades grind up the materials you drop in before they're composted to reduce waste. The LCD screen displays compost-progress in real-time with environmental impact tracked for your benefit. Then you can use the waste to fertilize..
Candid Review: Worx WX240L 4V 3-speed cordless screwdriver
I had been planning to buy an electric and cordless screwdriver for a long time, so when I finally pulled the trigger, let's just say it was way past the deadline. And nothing can prepare you for that first time you get your hands on one. If you've ever used a traditional elbow-grease-powered screwdriver at..