“Hardware” collection
Explore the physical components and high-performance peripherals that power the modern digital environment. This category features rigorous testing of computing hardware, advanced power solutions, and durable equipment built for demanding tech enthusiasts.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →July 20, 2012
Dropcam HD is the Ultimate Home Monitoring Webcam Now with HD Video, Night Vision & 2-Way Audio
Almost two years ago, I reviewed a new wireless webcam that I felt was a clear winner, especially for families - the Dropcam. It was by far the easiest to set up and use, wireless web-connected video streaming camera that I had used. Over the past 2 years, I used it pretty much every day. It allowed me to have…
Read more →July 9, 2012
A Vacation on Wheels! Review of the 2012 Volvo C70 Convertible
Test driving cars is truly a lot of fun and only over the past couple of years has it become regular content on HighTechDad.com. For me, I believe that cars are an important part of the family dynamic. They can be both utilitarian but also define the family persona. There may be one car that you use to do the…
Read more →June 12, 2012
Looking for a First Car for your Teenager? The 2012 Kia Rio SX Might Be A Good One!
Most of the cars that I have reviewed to me seem to be more geared towards the established business person with some disposable income and possibly a family (especially with some of the larger SUVs or crossovers). These cars tend to be more expensive in many ways, from initial cost to the gasoline that they consumer (lower gas mileage). This…
Read more →June 11, 2012
HighTechDad’s Father’s Day 2012 Reviewed Gift Buying Guide
Rev up those Father's Day gift engines, it's that time of year again! Yeah, I'm a bit late in getting together my list of products that you might want to consider for your dad for Father's Day, but you will still have a few days to get those gifts (or write up a nice IOU card). Anyway, this is a…
Read more →June 6, 2012
Powerless Cooling Technology in your Bed? Check Out Sleep Number’s In Balance Bedding Solutions
If I told you that my bed was now high-tech, would you believe me? I would think that you would as there are all sorts of devices and electric beds that adjust firmness or contour. But what if I told you that the technology doesn't require any electricity or batteries. You might be a bit more intrigued, wouldn't you. So…
Read more →June 5, 2012
Playing the ECO Game in the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid – Saving the Environment, One Road Trip at a Time
I've reviewed a pretty good handful of automobiles now and there seems to be something common about all of them, they didn't really have that good gas mileage. Some even made me embarrassed to drive down the street in, because I knew that they were gas hogs. So, I must say that I was really happy when Kia asked me…
Read more →May 31, 2012
Ease of Set-up & Use Powers the VueZone Webcam Solution
Remember how a few years ago setting up a streaming webcam was something that you left to the geek in your house? And even then, it probably didn't work all the time or required the webcam to be attached to a computer that was on all of the time? I sure do. I even remember when setting up a security…
Read more →May 24, 2012
Mother’s Day Motorola RAZR Madness with the Cast of Dads – Brady Bunch Style!
As part of the forces driving the Cast of Dads to greatness, we are always looking for corporate sponsors who are looking to have engaging, innovative and even funny promotion of their products or services. For Mother's Day this year, Motorola sponsored our most recent episode of the Cast of Dads (we even hosted a giveaway). As part of our…
Read more →May 21, 2012
Does the Blackberry Playbook Have Another Play Up Its Sleeve? Potentially!
I remember when the Blackberry Playbook was first announced, in fact, I was at the CES 2011 where it was revealed. Everyone was saying what an amazing piece of hardware it was but then over time, the details emerged about how closely tied it was to having a Blackberry smartphone. Also, during the 1.5 years between the announcement and now,…
Read more →May 16, 2012
We’re NOT Shaving with a Motorola DROID RAZR, We’re Giving One Away! – “Mother’s Day Special” – Cast of Dads Podcast
While Mother's Day has come and gone, and yes, all of the Cast of Dads were able to plan ahead to treat the moms (and wives) of our lives to their special day, we do have a "Mother's Day Special" after the day went by. And, this episode marks a great milestone for the Cast of Dads - we have…
Read more →May 15, 2012
Seagate Storage Review Roundup: Thunderbolt Adapters for the GoFlex Line & the Satellite Wifi Portable Storage Solution
I have been evaluating 3 different storage solutions from Seagate for the past few months, two of these involve the new super high-speed Thunderbolt connection and one is designed to provide a huge amount of portable hard drive space for mobile devices via a Wifi connection. As we, as consumers, are creating more and more large sets of digital data…
Read more →May 9, 2012
The 2012 Chrysler 300S Exudes Confidence & Style with some Technology & Performance Thrown In
I have driven a sedan now since 1998. It's a great form factor for a 4-5 person family, especially if your children are younger. As they grow up, sedans might not be a preferred choice, until the kids have flown the nest. But as a second car, a sedan is a definite solid addition to the family fleet of cars.…
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