TrackR is ‘Find My iPhone’ for keys, wallet and more [REVIEW]

TrackR
What if you could get that “find my iPhone” capability with your wallet, keys or car? You can with TrackR, a small device that lets you locate anything it’s attached to, and sounds an alarm to let you find it.

I paired a PhoneHalo TrackR to my iPhone 5 and evaluated its capabilities here at the Midwest Test Facility. Let’s see what this wafer-thin Bluetooth gadget can do. Continue reading

5 perfect gifts under $200

5 perfect gifts under $200
The countdown to Christmas marches on, with a mere eight days left (six if you’re shopping online). If you’re planning to splurge on a gift that costs $200 or less, I’m here to help you make a quick and easy decision.

I might even save you some money on one of these gifts, all of which look and perform like they cost a lot more than $200. You can’t go wrong with any of these five perfect gifts, guaranteed. Continue reading

Keizus Quadrapod holds up a smartphone anywhere [REVIEW]

Keizus Quadrapod
Move over Gorillapod, because here comes the Keizus Quadrapod, a tough little camera mount and stand that looks like an action figure. It bends every which way, letting you place your smartphone, tablet or camera just about anywhere.

The company sent me one for review, and I put it through its paces on a frigid day here at the Midwest Test Facility. Continue reading

JBL Pebbles computer speakers: hot sound, cool price [REVIEW]

JBL Pebbles review
JBL has been getting creative with its speaker design lately, and the JBL Pebbles Plug and Play Stereo Computer Speakers are certainly no exception. Just look at this attractive pair of USB-powered speakers that look like oversized hockey pucks, standing on end and plugging into your Mac or PC’s USB 2.0 port.

Do they sound as cool as they look? Let’s give them a close listen. Continue reading

2014 Buick Regal GS is a sporty wolf in sheep’s clothing

2014 Buick Regal GS
The 2014 Buick Regal GS is bristling with high-tech and performance features, aimed squarely at European luxury sport sedans such as the Audi A4. It promises the speed, handling and comfort of those coveted Audis, Mercedes and BMWs for a lower price.

The company brought a 2014 Buick Regal GS with almost every available option to the Midwest Test Facility, giving me a week to put it through its paces. How does it measure up to those fancy European sedans? Continue reading