Andy Chen

Former electronics technician for the FBI, current Fire Prevention Officer. Background in electronics, trained EMT, Eagle Scout/Assistant Scoutmaster and dad.

HONGO 18.5 inch portable monitor review – See more on the go

REVIEW – Have you ever tried to show someone something on your laptop and just spin the screen around? Or do you have to connect a large monitor or projector just to share to a small group? Sometimes I’m just presenting to one or two other people and I need something in between my laptop …

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EPOS Impact 1000 series headset review – Designed for the Open Office

REVIEW – My interest in computer headsets has risen quite a bit since the era of desktop videoconferencing has become mainstream. Wearing a headset can be tiresome, and sound quality varies all over the place. The EPOS IMPACT 1000 series headset boasts a design to reduce wearer fatigue. What is it? The EPOS IMPACT 1000 …

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WaterField Travel Toiletry Bag review – Tip top tiny tote

REVIEW – The first toiletry travel bag I ever had was from the early 1980s. It was a vinyl zip up bag that came with my Remington shaver. It eventually cracked and dissolved from years of use and exposure to DEET bug repellent. I’m not quite as adventurous now but the WaterField Travel Toiletry Bag …

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Dangbei Mars 1080p full HD projector review – Sharp and silent

REVIEW – I’ve seen many projectors online that all claim bright images, “smart” TV functions, and quiet operation. I tend not to believe any of them since there are so many to choose from, and companies I’ve never heard of! Plus, I already had a trusty no-frills Epson projector that was pretty cheap at the …

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Lockly Smart Safe review – One clever box

REVIEW – During my time with the FBI, I remember the keycard access controllers were combined with the incredibly clever Hirsch ScramblePads. Think of your regular ATM keypad, but the numbers underneath the buttons change each time you enter your code. This increases security since it’s harder to “crack” the code just by fingerprint smudges …

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TOZO OpenReal True Wireless Earbuds review – Open ear comfort

REVIEW – I cannot wear “in ear” headphones. They just hurt too much! I even avoid the popular Apple AirPods. Besides bone conduction and traditional over-the-ear headphones, there’s this interesting middle ground of “air condition” headphones that sit just outside your ear. What is it? The TOZO OpenReal True Wireless Earbuds are a stereo, Bluetooth …

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Typhur InstaProbe kitchen thermometer review – Way faster than the rest?

REVIEW – I cook with thermometers all the time because I don’t trust my skills. One day, the sleek Typhur InstaProbe thermometer popped up in my social media feeds. It LOOKS pretty neat but is it good enough to dethrone my reliable Thermoworks Thermapen One? What is it? The Typhur InstaProbe is a battery-operated thermometer …

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Keychron K1 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard – low sound, low profile

REVIEW – I’ve often looked for a nice keyboard that will work with my Mac. Yes, all keyboards work fine, but I prefer those with the MacOS specific keys. I also prefer the smaller tenkeyless design as they take up less room. This time, I got to try the Keychron K1 Pro mechanical keyboard. What …

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TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera review – Can’t hide from the dark

REVIEW – Have you ever wanted to have “Predator Vision” from the famous Schwartzengger movie? The TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera gives you those powers and more in a handheld package. What is it? The TOPDON TC004 is a thermal imaging camera with 12 hour battery life and can record images and motion video onto …

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VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Panini Press Grill review – Level up your grilled cheese game

REVIEW – They say you should never buy groceries when you are hungry. I’m not sure the same when reviewing items, but it didn’t hurt. This time I get to make lunch with the VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Panini Press Grill. What is it? This panini press is equipped with a cast iron grill covered in …

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Helinox Umbrella One review – Fighting off the rain and sun

REVIEW – I live in California where we’ve been in a mega-drought for many years. The idea of having an umbrella seems rather pointless. Of course, this winter has been abnormally wet for some reason! Where can I find a decent umbrella I might not want to lose, and won’t fall apart after two days? …

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Shargeek Retro 67 USB-C charger review – Old school Mac charm

REVIEW – The folks at Shargeek have been on a roll lately. It wasn’t that long ago that the Retro 35W Mac-shaped charger charmed its way into the world, but the Retro 67 takes the nerd factor up a few notches with three USB-C ports and a green phosphor screen inspired display with some “Matrix” …

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