Reviews Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Review: iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit

Posted on May 21, 2019

Back in the golden age of technology, you really didn’t need all that many tools in order to build, upgrade or repair computers and many other tech items.

If you owned a couple of screwdrivers, an anti-static wrist strap and a nut driver or two you could work on most any tech item. But today, things are a lot more complicated.

The way modern computers, monitors and mobile devices are constructed makes it virtually impossible to work on some items without specialized tools that can “crack open” a case or extract a part without causing physical damage to the item.

As you probably know, finding a kit with all the tools required to safely and efficiently work on a piece of tech hardware is pretty difficult without spending a small fortune.

I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in tech tools and equipment at affordable prices, so when I saw an advertisement for the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit I decided to check it out. [Read more…]

Review: Metro ED500P DataVac Electric Blower Duster

Posted on May 16, 2019

I have written several posts explaining why it’s important to keep the dust blown out of your computer, so I won’t rehash the reasons here.

There are several safe options for removing dust from a computer’s innards, including the tried and true method of wielding a can of compressed air.

Just be sure to never use air compressor for the reasons mentioned in this post.

In the past I have always preferred using a “data vac” since cans of compressed air are so expensive, but I’m happy to announce that I’ve found something I like a lot better.

I recently received a Metro ED500P DataVac Electric Blower Duster for review and I found that I like it even better than my trusty data vac. [Read more…]

Review: BESTEK 150 watt DC to AC Power Inverter / Phone Charger

Posted on May 16, 2019

I review portable USB chargers on here all the time, and I’m always on the lookout for a car charger that does a little something extra for its owner. Today I’m going to tell you about a real gem of a charger from BESTEK.

The BESTEK 150w AV Power Inverter/Phone Charger will keep your smart phones and tablets charged and ready for use as well as any of them, but this nifty charger also includes a 150 watt DC to AC inverter for charging your laptop as well. [Read more…]

Review: Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Printer

Posted on May 11, 2019

There was a time when even a basic laser printer cost a small fortune, but that’s no longer the case. You can now easily buy a good monochrome laser printer for less than what you’d pay for a quality inkjet.

I’ve been researching what’s available in laser printers recently, and I found an excellent model from Brother that will do a great job in any home, office or even a dorm room.

It’s the Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Printer, and it packs a lot of features and utility into a small package..

[Read more…]

Review: CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS 1500VA 900W

Posted on May 7, 2019

If your home or office is in an area that’s prone to frequent power outages or receives fluctuating power levels from the main grid, you are surely aware of the need for a high-quality Battery Backup System or UPS.

But you might not be aware of the need for many modern PCs to have a clean source of power that consists of true sine waves instead of the clipped square waves produced by most cheap battery backup units.

If your computer has a modern Active PFC power supply, it’s best to feed it sine waves just like the electricity that’s delivered by the power grid.

The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS 1500VA 900W will keep your expensive electronic gear running safely during brief power outages and automatically shut your system down during longer outages when you are away from the computer and unable to do it yourself. [Read more…]