“Review” collection
Discover rigorous, hands-on evaluations and real-world testing of the latest consumer electronics and household tools. These “Dad Approved” assessments provide factual, objective insights into device durability, performance, and value to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →September 12, 2011
Moshi’s USB to Ethernet Adapter Makes the MacBook Air Even More Perfect
As I write this post on my Apple MacBook Air, I really struggle to think of things that would make it better. It's pretty much a near-perfect laptop in my opinion. It's lightweight, fast and has a good battery-life. It's a bit pricey but it seems to be holding its own pretty well within this new "Ultrabook" space. Honestly, I…
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September 2, 2011
“Weird But True” iOS App Educates in a Fun Way
Who doesn't like National Geographic? They have been enriching our lives for over a hundred years with photos and quality content from around the globe. And they have brought this content to children of all ages as well. My daughters got copies of National Geographic Kids at school and have saved them in piles on their desks and bookcases. And…
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August 17, 2011
“ESV” Really Stands for “Entertainment System Vehicle” – 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
There seems to be some confusion about what the ESV means in the name Cadillac Escalade ESV. Some people on the Cadillac forums have said "Escalade Stretch Vehicle" or "Extended Service Vehicle." I actually think that it means "Entertainment System Vehicle" or at least that is what I would call the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition. My family and…
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July 20, 2011
I Wish I Had the ContourGPS HD Video Camera about 15 Years, When I Was REALLY Active
Long before I had kids, I did quite a bit of mountain bike riding. Northern California has a ton of really great trails and I was regularly riding 3-4 times a week. There is something to be said about not having technology with you when you are out riding (I would say that a cell phone is probably one exception…
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July 6, 2011
Bare Metal & Raw Leather – FosterWeld – Handmade Belt Buckles and More
I was hoping to do this post in time for Father's Day, but unfortunately (or fortunately) hand-made products take time to produce. And this would have been an ideal gift for Dad. But you know what? It really doesn't matter when you need a belt or belt buckle. I burn through belts about every other year, probably because they just…
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June 27, 2011
My Kids & I Have Fun with the “Cool” Features of the Lincoln MKT
Over the Father's Day weekend, my kids and I had some fun with the 2011 Lincoln MKT AWD crossover. In the past, with other autos like the Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKX, I approached my articles about these vehicles with more of a "reviewer's perspective." This time, I just thought that I would let me kids "drive"...well, not the…
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June 14, 2011
Review of the Perfectly Named Scott E Vest “Expedition” Jacket – An Expedition of 37 Pockets!
37 pockets, that's what the "Expedition" jacket by Scott E Vest ("SeV" for short) has. I almost think that there are more but it could be the hidden conduits and other innovative design elements that were inflating my count. I have sort of a jacket addiction, always looking for that one that will be the one that I go to…
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June 9, 2011
NUU MiniKey Gives your iPhone 4 a Physical Keyboard
Now why would anyone want a physical keyboard for their iPhone? The on-screen keyboard is so easy to use and it's there when you need it and not when you don't. Well, my wife, for one, misses the physical keyboard of her Blackberry. There is now a solution for those people who are craving a physical keyboard for their lovely…
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June 7, 2011
ClamCase Transforms Your iPad into a Netbook with iOS Benefits
I finally got my hands on a ClamCase. When it was first announced, long before there were all of the other hundreds of bluetooth keyboard cases for the iPad, the ClamCase design really intrigued me. Now I have spent a few hours testing it out and I finally have something to write about. Over the past year that I have…
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June 1, 2011
HighTechDad’s 2011 Father’s Day Gift Guide – Products I Have Reviewed & Like
Father's Day is almost upon us and I wouldn't be doing my part for the Dads out there if I didn't put together a Father's Day Gift Guide. Gifts are obviously very personal in nature so I can't tell you what to get your dad. What I can do, however, is provide some ideas on some things that might make…
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May 16, 2011
Traditional Fans are NOT Safe, Fans Have Evolved, And Now I’m a Fan of the Dyson “Air Multiplier” Fan
When you think of Dyson, you think of those techie-looking vacuums that don't have a bag and look like they are an exercise of a engineering design firm coupled with a SciFi set designer. But, did you know that they also made fans? Enter the Dyson Air Multiplier. These aren't ordinary fans though, and I would expect nothing less from…
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May 9, 2011
LocalMind Makes Social Check-ins Engaging, Interactive and Helpful
We all know about social check-in services like Gowalla, FourSquare and even FaceBook Places. These services allow you to announce that you are at a particular venue, event, company or location, quickly and easily all via your mobile device. With some, the more places you go, the more credibility and achievements you get (e.g., badges). Some people might question why…
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