Author: Jon Walters

Classic 90’s morning cartoon nostalgia with frustrating Controls Weirdly, time seems to become more valuable as we age. Especially when you consider that each second, minute, hour, week, month, and year has the same duration and cadence. As a youth, it seemed that this currency was limitless. I could play what I wanted, when I wanted, and do nearly anything I wanted. Now, as a married father of four kids, each with their own sports, work/study, hobbies, interests, and a full-time job, I have to be more selective about my activities. Since my free time is worth more than when…

Stylish upgrade to protect and carry your XREAL Glasses and accessories. Despite the various features, games, Apps, movies, music, and portability of modern smartphones, sometimes I want to enjoy video or gaming media on a bigger screen. I have tested a few AR glasses and have grown to enjoy the XREAL ONE Pro’s portable theater experience. The glasses provided a comfortable, extended viewing experience, with easy plug-and-play iPhone integration, a convenient USB-C to USB-C cable, and EDC portability. I loved the protective, clamshell-style case, but wished that they had included space for accessories. Thankfully, a quick Amazon search led me…

Lightweight Upgrade for XREAL AR Glasses Whether traveling by airplane for work, spending a weekend away in a hotel, lounging in bed at the end of the day, or walking on my treadmill, I have grown very fond of my  Xreal One Pro AR glasses.  I have recently watched season 4 of The Legends of Vox Machina and Spider Noir on Amazon Prime and absolutely loved the larger screen and the ability to pin it (anchor) while exercising.  However, I have found that the semi-translucent lens allowed a bit too much light to filter through.  It muddied the picture and…

Small, yet mighty. A Portable Powerhouse. Even though we have come a long way from the Boom Box era, the demand for portable, ever-ready media remains. Some may enjoy movies or music at home on dedicated speakers or headphones; some may have dropped a small fortune on super-specialized gear. Some devices may offer some degree of portability, while others remain either too expensive/sensitive to environmental risks, or too bulky. Thankfully, companies like Tribit offer lightweight, environmentally resistant speakers that let the average user enjoy their media wherever they want. Portability was not an afterthought. Rather, the pocketable Tribit PocketGo device…

Cute meets gamer in the Razer Gigantus Mat and Cobra mouse. My daughters and I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Cinnamoroll Ornata V3 TENKEYLESS keyboard. They were excited to have a fun, yet functional keyboard that meshed with their interests, without appearing to be too sciency, futuristic, techie, or STEM driven. Instead, the company products felt more lighthearted, animal-favoring, anime-favoring, and in general softer. We appreciated the pastel blue upon white base, the pastel pink cheek and tongue accents, and wispy, inviting, uplifting vibe. With such a positive experience, they were excited to discover that there was a…

Pocket-friendly, White/UV/Green Laser EDC light One of my favorite Christmas gifts was my Bambu Labs A1 Printer Combo with AMS Lite.  My son and I have printed several gifts, decorations, random household gadgets, costume props, toys, fidgets, printer-specific tools/gadgets, and recently started printing with glow-in-the-dark filaments for some Christmas gifts.  If all I needed was to charge a static glow-in-the-dark print, I likely could get by with a UV black light bulb. However, I also wanted an EDC-friendly UV light that could help with spider tracking/hunting (jumping spiders/wolf spiders) on hikes with my BSA Scouts.  I was excited to learn…

Inflatable seat for upgraded camp comfort My sons and I have grown quite fond of our activities with our local BSA Scout Troop. We have enjoyed service activities, day trips, and overnight campouts, and we have had the privilege of visiting Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a two-week backpacking trek. We started out taking way too much gear when car camping and shifted to a more essentials-only backpacking mindset. When carrying all of our gear within our backpacks, we had to consider the bulk, size, and weight of each item. After 50+ miles and multiple days of hiking,…

This seat helps you avoid hard surfaces with some cush for your tush. I am a fan of outdoor, camping, and scouting-centered gear and look for lightweight and ultralight products to add to my pack.  True ultralight gear is often quite expensive and may shave off mere grams.  Many in the ultralight backpacking community forgo comfort items in an effort to reach an ever-lighter state and secure a hidden trophy, prize, or bragging rights.  I like to think there is a middle ground that offers a degree of comfort without adding too much weight.   My sons and I have…

Joy-Con charging station for extended gameplay One of the most innovative and exciting features of the Nintendo Switch, and now the Switch 2, has to be the ability to play in docked and handheld modes.  Furthermore, the ability to remove the Joy-Con controllers created an exciting console-on-the-go experience. The device enabled a longitudinal gaming experience, allowing me to continue the same game at home and away, a dream since my youth.  Unfortunately, the defining Switch/Switch 2 Joy-Con separation feature also leads to one of the system’s most frustrating aspects.  Namely, it is disappointing to try to start a gaming session…

Colorful, Classy, Comfortable, Customizable Switch 2 Controller I have been a fan of Nintendo since the late 1980’s, when I got my Nintendo Entertainment System.  I loved spending time with my dad, my friends, and remembering countless hours spent with Mario, Link, Samus, and so many more.  My love for gaming was further enhanced by portable gameplay when I got my Game Boy in 1990.   Through the years, I have upgraded both my home and portable systems, and most recently, fell in love with the hybrid home/portable Switch/Switch 2.  I have utilized numerous peripherals, controllers, JoyCons, Pro-style controllers, and…

Inexpensive Glass Screen Protector for the iPhone 17 Pro Max This past summer, my sons and I traveled to New Mexico and spent approximately two weeks backpacking in the mountains of the Philmont Scout Ranch.  I carried my iPhone 16 Pro Max inside a Catalyst case, without a screen protector, within my Osprey Daylite Waist Pack.  I took my phone out numerous times for pictures and put it back in the Waist Pack. Unfortunately, during the trip, an internal zipper pull left a few scratches on my phone’s screen.  I was very disappointed with the screen’s damage, so when I…

3-card MagSafe Wallet with Apple Find My compatibility Have you ever stopped to think about the plethora of features that iPhones offer beyond simple telephony, messaging, and communication? They have replaced and integrated several features of Palm Pilots, BlackBerrys, Media Players, calculators, music tuners, cameras, video recorders, and gaming consoles. It is impressive to think about the tech integration with Bluetooth and the intercommunication with smart tech in our homes, vehicles, and office spaces. Despite all these advancements, I believe MagSafe technology remains an underappreciated feature. More than just a wireless charging feature, the tech enables optimization, integration, and customization.…

Durable, comfortable, inexpensive band for Apple Watch Ultra 3 I have purchased several Apple Watches and have struggled to find the optimal band. I like the Ocean band for scuba diving, the Trail Loop band for everyday comfort, and the black Milanese Loop for more formal outings. However, the prices are a bit steep: ~$100 per piece for the Ocean/Trail/Alpine bands and ~$200 for the Milanese Loop. I liked the look, design, and color of the Milanese Loop’s strap, but did not like the feel when exercising, sweating, or for daily activity. I was afraid I would ding, scratch, or…

Lightweight, Inexpensive, Sporty Apple Watch Band Despite the allure of the Apple Watch’s functions and features, many users often overlook the benefit of upgrading their strap/band. Each cycle allows the user to select their preferred watch version and a single band type. I recently purchased the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and decided to upgrade to the Black Milanese loop strap, even though I had historically used an Ocean Band. I liked the Milenese Loop’s strap, design, and color, but did not like the feel when exercising, sweating, or for daily activity. I was afraid I would ding, scratch, or otherwise…

Quick Connect, Ergonomic, Joy Con Play-N-Charge Grip Even though I enjoy playing with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, I often pair the Joy-Cons with my Joy-Con grip for quick gaming sessions.  I know I am not the only one who has found a few minutes to game, powered up the Nintendo Switch 1 or 2, and discovered a dead pair of Joy-Cons.  I have tried either leaving the Joy-Cons attached to Switch 1 or 2 in the dock to charge, or adding them to a charger like the Snakebyte Twin Charge S2.  However, I still regularly find Joy-Cons that…

Attractive, comfortable, and protective case for iPhone Air If you are in the market for an attractive, protective, upgraded shell for your iPhone Air, consider an OtterBox case.  The company has been around since the early 2000s and has been a major player in the case industry for the past 25 years.  The Sole Series case for iPhone Air arrived in a 4 1/2-inch-wide by 7-inch-tall by 11/16-inch thick hanging-style package. The cover displayed the OtterBox logo at the top left, Sole Series name at the top right, and several product features along the lower left: 5X Military-STD-810G drop rating,…

MagSafe-Compatible, Scratch-Resistant slip-on cover. I enjoy reading and learning about new iPhone features and case designs as the new devices are announced and launched each September. I have several go-to case brands that regularly deliver on form, function, and fashion. Even though I go back and forth on screen protectors, with the high cost of iPhones, I cannot imagine carrying an unadorned phone. Numerous designs offer simple protection, rugged outdoor protection, enhanced waterproofing, drop ratings, color schemes, nostalgic themes, and accessory features such as kickstands, wallets, and MagSafe integration. It can be rather challenging to pick and choose among these…

Elegant Textile look for your new iPhone 17 Air. With the launch of the iPhone 17 line this past September, it is reasonable to assume that Apple will sell 80-90 million iPhones this quarter.  Whether you plan to buy a new line or your upgrade cycle has aligned with this holiday season, a phone case may make the perfect gift.  Do you want simple protection, rugged outdoor protection, a specific color scheme/theme, or are you interested in extra features like MagSafe integration?  It can be a challenge to choose among the various styles, brands, designs, colors, and features available online…

Stylish, Sleek, Attractive, Magsafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max from OtterBox. As we approach the start of the Christmas season, I imagine many will be looking to upgrade to a new iPhone.  Even though some choose to risk it and go au natural, sans case, in the buff, and free, I cannot imagine simply “risking it” with such an expensive device.  I want a drop protective, grippy case with responsive buttons, an accessible USB-C port, and screen/camera protection.  For those looking to upgrade their visual and physical iPhone experience, consider picking up an OtterBox Symmetry case. The OtterBox Symmetry…

Ready, set, go! Accessorize to your heart’s content. When my daughters play dress-up, I am impressed by their fantasy and imagination, especially with their costumes and faux jewelry.  From tea parties to fashion shows to dressing up for date night with me, the colors, designs, embellishments, and the fantasy/imagination are fun to watch.  Do you remember the magic of costume jewelry and imagining that you had the Queen’s jewels?  Are you tired of adulting and the daily drudge?  CASTiFY can help you to rekindle some of that lost excitement and magic.  CASETiFY MagSafe Wallet (~$38) The CASETiFY MagSafe Wallet arrived…

Fashionable and functional MagSafe Wallet kickstand The ESR Aura Wallet Stand arrived in a 4 1/8-inch-wide by 5 1/2-inch-tall by 5/8-inch-thick retail package. The cover panel listed the AURA wallet stand and ESR name along the lower edge and a pink iridescent image of the wallet at the mid/top section. The right side panel featured a fun “Tech Made Easier” slogan, while the left side panel displayed a multilingual product name and contact information.  The back panel listed the Aura Wallet name at the top and three product feature icons along the mid segment: Smart 5-Card Storage, Fully adjustable 2-way…

Best EDC Flashlight. Compact, ever-ready, and powerful. Several of my earliest and fondest memories are of visiting/touring Carlsbad Caverns (NM), Mammoth Cave (TN), Lost River Cave (KY), and Marengo Cave (IN). Additionally, as an adult and scout leader, my son’s and I had the privilege of visiting, touring, and sleeping overnight inside of Cumberland Caverns (TN). Each of these locations and events showcased the planet’s depth and breadth, nature’s wonders, and the power of light. Several of the cave tours showed what it was like to be in a pitch black, complete absence of light environment. Additionally, I learned of…

Ecofriendly, lightweight protection for your new iPhone My wife and kids have gone through several screen repairs over the past few years due to random events. I regularly carry my iPhone within a Nite-Ize XXL holster and within some type of slip cover case. Sometimes, I use a screen protector, and other times I do not. I like the feel of a naked screen, but I worry about the cost of the camera, the camera button, and the outer shell. I cannot imagine carrying around an expensive iPhone without a case. Despite my personal reservations, I regularly see people with…

Every day carry, protective, lightweight, stylish iPhone Air Case from Native Union When considering the price of a new iPhone, a new screen, and the desire to maintain a scratch-free device, I have never understood how someone could comfortably carry, utilize, and enjoy their iPhone without some form of case or protection. Despite this reservation, I still see naked iPhones sticking out of back pockets or slid into a jacket, backpack, or lying on a table. For those who want to protect their phone without encasing it in bulky armor and sacrificing function for protection, you may consider a slip-on,…

Family Friendly Gaming Tech with Kraken and Ornate The Cinnamoroll and My Melody Kraken X Wired Gaming headsets arrived in a 7 11/16 inches wide by 9 1/4 inches tall by 2 1/2 inch’s thick hanging-style packaging.  The cover panel displayed the company name along the top left, product name along the bottom left, and provided a fun cartoony character along the bottom right.  The main focal point of the cover was the large slightly raised, glossy image of the headphones, attached wire-microphone, power cable, and padded headrest.  The left side panel listed five product features: Razer Triforce 40mm drivers…

Easy to install, protective glass for your new iPhone I have utilized services like Best Buy Geek Squad or Verizon representatives to install screen protectors, as the installation process can be a frustrating endeavor. It never fails that a piece of lint or debris will appear on a previously cleaned surface. You may accidentally touch the inner sticky surface and leave a fingerprint or smudge, or the installation is simply catywampus. For those looking to add an extra layer of protection to the screen and want an easy, hassle-free installation process, the ESR Armorite setup may be perfect. The…

Seek What Lies beyond with this unique monocular. My sons and I have been involved with Cub Scouts and BSA for the past ten years.  We have been on dozens of extended day hikes, overnight campouts, and have had the pleasure of visiting the Philmont Scout Range twice in the past few years for 50+ mile, 12-day treks through the North Country.  Early in our Cub Scouting history, we started out with totes full of heavy camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, shovels, etc., while essentially car-camping.  We then learned a bit more about camping and moved into lighter-weight backpacking equipment,…

Protective case with premium look and feel. September through November is one of my favorite seasons of the year. The weather changes, fall themes, upcoming time change, and release of new iPhones and accessories lead nicely into Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the Apple event, latest launch, and seeing what new tech, features, and gear companies provide. Are you a full-armor phone case user, or a lightweight, bumper-style user? Or, are you a naked, au natural iPhone user? I have moved away from the bulkier, heavier, waterproof cases to lighter-weight options. I want form, function, pizzazz, and features for my…

Case provides an upgraded protection, productivity, and versatility The ESR Tough Magnetic Case for iPhone 17 Air arrived in a retail package measuring 3 5/8 inches wide by 6 7/8 inches tall by 3/4 inches deep.  The ocean blue ESR logo was displayed along the top of the cover panel, along with the product name and the 7X Mil-STD drop resistance logo.  The cover’s lower edge provided the Cyber Series name, two product features (7X Military Grade protection, Versatile stash stand), and a photo-quality image of the kickstand.  The main focal point was the large centralized image of the iPhone…

Scratch, Fingerprint, Shatter, and Smudge resistant Despite the resiliency of modern iPhones, the screens remain prone to scratches.  Although cases with raised screen protection can offer some degree of protection, many people still use screen protectors for added safety.  If you have ever tried to install a standalone screen protector, then you know the frustration of trying to clean the screen, removing lint, and then trying to orient the device on your iPhone.  If you want an easy-to-install, frame-supported, struggle-free installation, then consider picking up an OtterBox Glass.  Both the OtterBox Glass for iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro Max…