3D-printed products are all over the place, but 3D-printed shoes still feel a little futuristic to me. PollyFab sent over two styles for me to try: the Aero Pro and the Airpuff One. After wearing both pairs around the house, on hardwood floors, on stairs, and even on a treadmill, it became clear that these 3D-printed shoes are definitely unique. But they also come with some real limitations.
Some work lights are all business, and some have just enough gadget appeal to make you want to use them all the time. The HOTLIGH Worklight definitely lands in the second group. It looks a little like a tiny folding lightsaber, but it’s actually a rechargeable multi-mode task light with a light bar, a spotlight, UV lighting, a magnetic body, and a built-in hook. After a quick hands-on test, this is the kind of light that feels just as useful for a toolbox as it does for desk work, wiring projects, or poking around under the hood of a car.
If you travel with an action camera, drone, or any other gadget that uses SD and microSD cards, it’s easy to end up with loose memory cards floating around in your gear bag. The Llano F-17 Card Reader aims to fix the issue that by combining a USB-C card reader with a tiny storage case that slips into a pocket. It can read full-size SD and microSD cards, and it also has dedicated spots inside to stash them when they aren’t in use. Let’s take a closer look.
The Keychron B11 Pro folding travel keyboard is one of those gadgets that sounds more practical than exciting. That is, until you need to respond to a long email on a tablet, take notes on the go, or pack light for a trip. Then it starts making a whole lot of sense. What makes this one interesting is that it doesn’t just fold for travel. It also opens into a genuinely roomy keyboard with a shape that feels far less cramped than most portable options. I’m a bit of a keyboard snob, so let’s check it out and see what…
It’s been a while since I’ve played with an RC car, so opening up the DEERC 1205 BRUSHLESS RC Car felt like jumping into a hobby from the beginner side of the learning curve. The good news is that this brushless RC truck turned out to be a lot of fun right away. It’s quick, looks great, includes some nice extras, and was easier to get running than expected. It also has one design choice that’s more annoying than it should be. Let’s open the box, check out the features, and see how it does on a gravel driveway.
If you like the idea of an outdoor security camera but don’t want to pay ongoing fees just to use it, the Baseus S2 4K Security Camera is an especially interesting option. It’s a wireless outdoor camera with local storage support, app access, motion events, person and animal detection, and one feature that immediately stands out: a built-in solar panel on top that rotates to follow sunlight for better charging.
If your current wallet is starting to feel a little boring, these three wallets might give it a serious case of envy. Two are Kickstarter projects, and one is from an established brand. One mixes a reusable notebook with EDC essentials, one is all about slim-and-clean card carrying, and one is designed to help you grab the right card super fast. They’re all quirky, clever, and just different enough to make you seriously think it’s time to upgrade. Let’s check them out.
The MOFT Dynamic Folio iPad Case is one of those accessories that looks simple at first glance, but gets more interesting the more you use it. It’s designed for iPads and uses a foldable, magnetic, origami-inspired cover to create multiple stand positions. Add in the optional modular Apple Pencil holder, and you end up with a case that’s trying to do a lot more than basic front-and-back protection.
If you’ve ever stared at a suitcase and wondered how your clothes multiplied overnight, vacuum travel bags can feel like a pretty tempting solution. For an epic 14-day trip to Ireland, I tested the VollyC EZYPAK system to see whether these vacuum travel bags really make packing easier, more compact, and more organized. After trying them at home and then using them throughout a two-week trip with frequent hotel changes, I’ll let you know what I think.
If you like mobile gaming but don’t want to carry a full-size controller everywhere, a keychain gaming controller like the CRKD ATOM is a fun idea. It’s tiny, Bluetooth-enabled, and small enough to slip into a pocket or bag when you’re traveling or just heading out to an appointment. I took a look at what comes in the box, how the controller is laid out, how pairing works with an iPhone, and whether this miniature controller is actually usable in a real game.