Product Reviews Features Archives

Grown Ups Just Want to Have Fun: 10 Kids' Items We Wish Were for Adults

By Paula Kerrigan, dealnews Assistant Editor

Ah, the golden years of being encouraged to sleep, eat, and burp whenever possible. And those pirate-themed beds, treehouses, LEGOs! Do kids even know how lucky they are?! When was the last time you got to wear your batman suit to dinner, hmm? And how handy were bibs!? In our opinion there are some things that really should come in adult sizes. And no, we don't mean diapers.

Published 2 days ago

3 comments

How to Buy a Road Bike: Deals, Bike Basics, and Beyond

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Many of us never lost our love for the two-wheeled bicycle adventures we first found as kids, and many folks have adopted biking as their major means of travel. If you have a yearning to pedal on in adulthood, we'll help you choose the right road bike.

Published 2 weeks 2 days ago

2 comments

The Most Energy-Efficient TVs Won't Necessarily Save Much Money

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

We all know that it pays to be green in our lives, and there are a number of variables that determine how energy efficiency impacts one's bottom line. But when it comes to TVs, what are the energy savings like, and are they substantial enough to justify a higher price tag for an efficient model?

Published 2 weeks 2 days ago

3 comments

The Great Grill Debate: Charcoal vs. Gas

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

The outdoor cookout season is just about here, and we can almost taste the flame-broiledness. But, if the warm spring has you drooling to buy a new grill, you may want to do your research first. To help you pick the perfect grill, we've explored the charcoal vs. gas grill debate, looked at the cost of both, and weighed a number of grilling variables.

Published May 27, 2013

4 comments

Get Cycling this Spring with the Proper Biking Gear

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Skip the gym and enjoy the fresh air a la a bicycling regimen. Of course, you'll soon find that cycling longer distances can present a physical challenge, manifested in sore feet and hands, a sweaty body, and a tender posterior. That's where the proper cycling clothing and equipment specially made for bicycling can come to the rescue.

Published May 21, 2013

The Best Bird Feeders and Seeds for Backyard Bird Watching

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Spring is here, and with it comes that familiar morning sound of birds chirping. As our feathered friends build nests and lay eggs, these fascinating avian become voracious eaters. To enjoy the show, all you have to do is offer the right food in the right way, throw in some water and housing, and voila!

Published April 30, 2013

An Expert in Mobile Devices at PCMag Dishes on His Favorite Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

Mobile has come a long way since flip phones with LCD screens. Nowadays few can keep up with all the latest developments in mobile with the savviness and stamina of Sascha Segan. He is PC Mag's lead analyst for mobile, and one of the nation's top experts on mobile phones and tablets. We're privileged that he's shared the five gadgets that are part of his high-tech arsenal.

Published April 22, 2013

1 comment

Wait to Order the OUYA: Early Reviews Are More 'Oh No' Than 'Oh Yeah!'

By Simon Hill, dealnews contributor

Are you hankering for some Android gaming action on your HDTV? The OUYA debuts June 4, priced at $100, but based on preliminary reviews, you should hold off on investing in this first-gen console.

Published April 17, 2013

1 comment

An Android Mini PC Can Make Your HDTV Smarter for $50

By Simon Hill, dealnews contributor

The market for miniature flash drive-sized Android PCs is really taking off, and these devices are growing more powerful with each new release. For about $50, these petite computers plug directly into your HDTV, and provide web connectivity while also acting as a game console, workstation, and set top box that can stream movies, TV shows, and music.

Published April 2, 2013

10 comments

BlackBerry Z10 Review: Can It Compete with iOS and Android Rivals?

By Marcy Bonebright, dealnews Senior Staff Writer

BlackBerry needs its new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone to be flawless and revolutionary enough to get consumers excited. But can the Z10 save BlackBerry? We turn to the expert reviews to find out.

Published March 27, 2013

Swipe or Type: Get the Best of Both Worlds with an HP Hybrid

The HP ENVY x2 11.6" Convertible Touchscreen Laptop is a strong addition to the hybrid world with its above-average design, snappy tablet performance, and all-day battery life. But is the ENVY x2 the ultimate hybrid, or another contender in an already-crowded arena? We pored over a wealth of reviews from well-respected tech sites to see how the bite-size offering from HP stacks up.

Published March 26, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One: Which Android Phone Reigns Supreme?

By Simon Hill, dealnews contributor

The past and present champions of Android smartphones, HTC and Samsung, go head to head as we compare the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. These contenders are well-matched, and a wealth of tech followers and writers have already fawned over their features. So when it comes to the crème of the 2013 crop of phones, which reigns supreme?

Published March 19, 2013

7 comments

Music on the Run: How to Choose Headphones for an Active Lifestyle

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Who doesn't workout better when paced by a good beat? Thankfully we live in the age of the MP3 player and the smartphone, so we're able to carry our music with us 24/7. Whether you need tunes for a run at the gym or jaunt around the yard on a riding mower, we've compiled some guidelines to help you pick the perfect pair of headphones for an active lifestyle.

Published March 19, 2013

4 comments

A Techie's Top 5: A Gaming Editor Dishes on His Favorite Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

Contributing Joystiq editor Mike Schramm was formerly a senior editor at WoW.com, and was one of the founding editors of Massively. Today, we're grateful to add Schramm to our ongoing series, a Techie's Top 5, to see what gadgets this gamer can't live without.

Published March 18, 2013

Roku 3 Review: A New Remote and Snappy Performance Receive High Marks

By Jeff Somogyi, dealnews Media Editor

It's been almost two years since Roku refreshed its set-top box. With minor UI and hardware improvements, is the new Roku 3 the only streaming device you'll ever need? Should you choose the Roku 3 over the Apple TV? Is it worth the upgrade from your current Roku box?

Published March 14, 2013

7 comments

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

As the winter melts away into a soggy spring, daylight savings has required us to push our clocks ahead an hour, and it's always a difficult thing at first, no matter its annual occurrence. To help get you going an hour earlier, we recommend an excellent cup of coffee each morning. Luckily, brewing the perfect cup of coffee doesn't require a degree in rocket science and isn't all that pricey, either.

Published March 12, 2013

6 comments

Sony VAIO Laptop Reviews: The Pros & Cons to 4 Different VAIO Models

By Shawn Sanders, contributor from GadgetReview

The Sony VAIO turns 15 this year, and the brand is still going strong. To celebrate the model's success, we've compiled reviews on four VAIO series that are consistently available at budget-friendly prices. Which Sony VAIO laptop is right for you?

Published March 6, 2013

For Some, Nothing Beats Beats Headphones

Headphones and earbuds are our portal out of the present and into a world of music, podcasts, radio, and beyond. Dr. Dre, of all people, certainly knows that, and his line of Beats headphones have become ubiquitous with sound and style. Not sure which pair of Beats by Dre is right for you? Inside we look at the six latest models and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Published February 26, 2013

2 comments

A Techie's Top 5: ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley Lifts a Toast to Microsoft Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

Despite Microsoft's image crisis, the PC maker still has some loyal followers, one of which runs a blog all about the company. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley is a Microsoft user by choice and in this week's techie top five pays hommage to the purveyor of Windows with her favorite non-Apple gadgets.

Published February 25, 2013

Moving Service Sites Think Outside the Cardboard Box to Save Time and Money

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

If you've ever hired a moving service before, how did you do it? Did you take the time to price out all competitors, based on your very specific inventory and distance to be traveled, thus requiring each company to visit your home and give you a quote? Probably not, even though that would be the only way to ensure that you're paying the best price possible. Unpakt and Moveline, however, aim to streamline the moving process and make it more cost effective.

Published February 18, 2013

Tax Software Reviews: Free Tax Filing, State Price Comparisons, and more

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Tax season is upon us, and — according to the ads that we're inundated with — there are web sites and software packages that can turn filing your own returns into a day at the beach. ~Do they work as easily as they promise? How much should you plan to spend in order to earn all the refunds that they propose to uncover?

Published February 12, 2013

Noteworthy Retailer Apps That Save You Time and Money

Ready to use your phone to save time, energy, and money? Several retailer apps have integrated novel features that help you shop more efficiently, like simulated home renovation and grocery lists categorized by store aisle. Start streamlining your life with our favorite, most useful retailer apps.

Published January 30, 2013

1 comment

A Techie's Top 5: A MacRumors Editor's Favorite, Not-All-From-Apple Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

We love to pick the brains of our favorite tech writers, to see what electronics they simply can't live without. This week, we spoke to MacRumors Editor, Marianne Schultz, about her five favorite gadgets — and despite her Apple allegiances, only one iDevice made the list!

Published January 28, 2013

Choosing a Generator: What Features You Need for Portable Power

By Tom Barlow, dealnews contributor

Having a portable generator is a great investment for dialing up the quality of your tailgate party with video and audio on a sumptuous widescreen TV, or just being prepared for winter power outages. But generators come in many shapes, sizes, and (most importantly) price points. Thus, we've created a helpful guide to picking the portable generator.

Published January 22, 2013

6 comments

Going Nowhere Fast and Loving It: A Treadmill Buying Guide

Now is a great time to begin an exercise regime, which should involve cardio: walking, jogging, or running. However, given the harsh conditions of winter, a treadmill is a wise way to go about achieving your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. Plus, fitness deals abound this season! Here's what you need to know about buying a new treadmill.

Published January 15, 2013

A Techie's Top 5: Slate Contributor Fruzsina Eordogh's Favorite Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

Look all over cyberspace and you'd be hard pressed to find a writer with as much biting wit and journalistic daring as Chicago's own Fruzsina Eordogh. She calls herself "a weird luddite" even though she writes about technology, which makes her top five gadgets an unusual list.

Published January 14, 2013

1 comment

Starbucks Verismo Review and Price Breakdown: Is It Worth It?

By the dealnews staff

This past fall, Starbucks debuted the Verismo line, its first series of automatic coffee and espresso makers that purportedly allow you to make drinks just like the international coffeehouse. Since the dealnews staff has its fair share of Starbucks coffee drinkers, we figured we were well suited to see how well the Verismo actually works.

Published January 3, 2013

6 comments

A Techie's Top 5: iFixit's Kyle Wiens's Favorite Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

As a guy who spends his days breaking down gadgets galore, Kyle Wiens of iFixit has seen the good, the bad, and the unrepairable. But he somehow managed to decide upon five favorite consumer electronics and gadgets amongst all the techie toys that vie for his affections.

Published December 31, 2012

3 comments

The Nest Learning Thermostat: A High Tech Way to Save on Heating Costs

As winter settles over much of the country, some folks may find themselves wincing every time the furnace kicks on. That's because for many homes, the cost of heating and cooling is a major monthly expense. To combat these costs, energy experts recommend a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, which can make almost every home more energy efficient and thus save money.

Published December 31, 2012

1 comment

Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance: Helping Safe and Savvy Drivers Save Money

We hear you're a safe driver, but you're probably paying too much for car insurance. But that may soon change, as the industry is dipping its toe into the water of pay-as-you-drive insurance, also known as usage-based insurance. So what's it all about?

Published December 4, 2012

Wine Accessories: Worth Pouring Your Money In To?

Whether for gifting to friends this holiday or sipping a celebratory glass post-holiday shopping, having wine around is essential this time of year. But having the wine on hand is only the first step in presenting it with the dignity it deserves. There are a number of gadgets and wine-related devices on the market today that serve the purposes of uncorking, aerating, and chilling wine — but which are worth your money?

Published December 4, 2012

A Techie's Top 5: Jon Mitchell of ReadWrite Calls Out His Favorite Gadgets

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews contributor

The folks at ReadWrite cover breaking technology news with ample zest and zeal, and their San Fran-based writer, Jon Mitchell is our latest gadget guy to talk about his five favorite gadgets.

Published December 3, 2012