A few months back, I asked folks on Twitter and LinkedIn for recommendations for a desktop amplifier for a pair of bookshelf speakers. I ended up with a Topping VX1, one of the many "Class-T" digital amps lauded by audiophiles for their excellent sound reproduction. Boy am I impressed! It's rare that such an inexpensive gadget (around $100!) delivers so much … [Read more...] about Rocking Out With the Topping VX1 Desktop/Bookshelf Amplifier
reviews
Review: TP-LINK TL-SG2424 Smart Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Home or Office
For the most part, inexpensive Ethernet switches are interchangeable. You buy whichever gigabit switch is cheapest and has the right number of ports for you. And they're amazingly cheap - I picked up an 8-port D-Link gigabit switch the other day for under $40! They're all the same inside anyway, and they're all merely adequate at sending packets hither and yon. But … [Read more...] about Review: TP-LINK TL-SG2424 Smart Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Home or Office
A Watch Guy’s Review of the Apple Watch
Note: This article is cross-posted to both my technology blog, Pack Rat, and my watch blog, Grail Watch Is the Apple Watch a personal communication revolution like the iPhone, a well-executed gadget like the Apple TV, or a total miss? Does it mark the end of the the world as we know it for watches? And what's it like to use one? I'm a watch guy and a gadget guy, so perhaps my … [Read more...] about A Watch Guy’s Review of the Apple Watch
Canon Vixia HF M50: Hands-On Review
Although I love my Sony NEX-7, it's not ideal for the sort of videos I've been recording for Foskett Services. So I recently picked up a pair of decent HD camcorders to add to my road video kit. The Canon Vixia HF M50 was ideal for my needs: A good sensor and optics in a compact and affordable package. But the extras, especially the built-in WiFi, offer little value. My … [Read more...] about Canon Vixia HF M50: Hands-On Review
Review: 2013 Ford Flex
I usually review gadgets on this blog, but my latest acquisition is a little larger than most. The 2013 Ford Flex wagon is a huge, expensive, awesome gadget. But like all gadgets, not everything is perfect. Let me take you for a ride, and maybe you'll see what I mean. Copious Space For a Family of Five I have three growing kids, including one who is rapidly approaching … [Read more...] about Review: 2013 Ford Flex