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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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    WORLD NEWS NOW

    Starting Oct 1 2022:   GO HERE FOR GADGETS I SHOWED ON WORLD NEWS NOW             

      https://www.gizwiz.me/world-news-now

     

    With co-host Rhiannon Ally & Andrew Dymburt.

    "Where more insomniacs get their news than any other source!"

    On these pages are gadgets I've shown over the past few years on the show. 

    To find out when I'm on TV again, or to learn about new gadgets between shows, follow me on Twitter:

    www.twitter.com/thegizwiz

    Want more Dick De?

    The Giz Wiz does a gadget show every week with co-host OMGchad Johnson:

                                                      www.gizwiz.tv

    Monday
    Sep162019

    GET OUT OF MY WAY!

    I'm not a big fan of electronic horns, but with the TOPTREK Bike Bell you will be heard. (Actually, I've heard people say they don't use a horn because they're afraid they'll scare or upset people. Strangely, when I bought this one the description said the sound was up to 120 DB! That's loud, but as of 9/16/19 the description says 100 db. (However, this horn is sold under several brand names, and some of the others still say 120 db, which is loud! This one is USB Rechargeable and is said to sound 2500 times on one charge. It's also said to be IP65 Waterproof. There are two units connected by wire, the horn and the control switch. You have your choice of four sounds for the horn. You install the switch where it's easy to reach, but the actual distance will be determined on how far you stretch the connecting wire. 

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2n5tTV3 - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Monday
    Sep162019

    Another way to alert people you're behind them - plus a place to store lots of small items on your bike.

    If you're older you probably recognize this as a clown horm. It's also called a Bugle Retro Horn Yes, it looks like those retro clown horns, but this classic vintage metal twist hooter is a good way to let people know you're coming without scaring them with a high decibel electric horn. Plus it doesn't require batteries & there's nothing to charge. It use plain old free air found everywhere. Just squeeze the rubber ball to sound the horn. Easy to install on the handlebars of a bike, scooter, etc. I have an older friend who has one on his scooter and not only do people step out of the way, they often laugh & say something like 'great horn!' Available in colors, but I like red the best.

     Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2mZV8jy  - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Need a handy place to carry extras on your bike? Check this out.

    It's the RockBros Bike Frame Bag. RockBros make a large range of bike bags for all kinds of bikes to carry different things. This one is water resistant (IPX4) and mounts to the top tube. It's big enough for tools, mini-bike pump, phone, wallet, etc. The company says the main 840D nylon is highly abrasion proof and durable. Stiff sidewalls help the bag retain its shape. Mounts with the included straps.

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2kXwdwq As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Tuesday
    Aug132019

    These are the unique 'back-to-school" gadgets I showed on World News Now.

     If you missed the spot on ABC News it's here: https://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/back-school-gadgets-64939415

    Theft-Proof Backpack? I Think this one is great start!

    Need we say it? Earphones & smartphone NOT included.Every year for back-to-school I try to find a unique backpack. This year I found one that not only unique, it's very inexpensive. It's the Poruary Anti-theft Backpack. That's what the hangtap on the bag says. I don't think it's mentioned on Amazon. When I first saw it I thought, “This backpack has no pockets! How do you put stuff in it?” Turns out the main pocket zipper is hidden in the back of this bag, the part that is up against your back. That way there's no way a thief can get to it with you knowing about it. There's a USB Charging port and a headphone port on the outside so you can listen to music or charge a device from within the bag. Easy fits 15.6" laptop and probably some 17” laptops too. More than 10 compartments to keep all your things well organized. Made of durable waterproof and dust proof nylon and oxford fabric. I weighed the backpack empty and it was just about 2 pounds 2 ounces. Best of all, amazing low price. I paid under $20 on Amazon. (No, it does not include the headphones & smartphones.)

    As of 8/13/19 the price was $17.99, but that can change at any time. There was also a 5% off check box there. 

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2KJ0FmY - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Tuesday
    Aug132019

    A report on the web says "30 Million Kids Will Be Heading Back To School With A Chromebook."

    Acer has been building a wide variety of Chromebooks for years. Their newest line that come into the marketplace July 2019 are the Acer 514 Chromebooks. The thing I really love about Chromebook is the "instant startup. Open the cover, and in seconds you're ready to work. The Chromebook 514 line has many upscale features like all aluminum chassis and Full HD 14-inch IPS screen. The lowest price Chromebook in the 514 line has a MSRP of $349.99. On World News I showed their top-of-line model which has a MSRP of $499.99. This is a sleek looking machine) with a Touchscreen display and a great backlit keyboard. Do your assignments in a dark room without waking others. It features an Intel Premium processor, 8 GB ram, 64GB of internal storage, micro SD card slot, Webcam/Mic, stereo speakers and USB 3.1 Ports. It offers up to a 12 hour battery life. Great looking thin case which weights  touch over 3lbs according to my postage scale. (Don't forget, although you can do many things with a Chromebook offline, It really functions best connected to the web. If you've never used a Chromebook before there is a small learning curve. Google "difference between laptops & Chromebooks" to learn more about those differences.

    Here are the details of the top-of-the-line Acer 514, the one I had in the studio, Model: CB514-1HT-P2D1:

    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.H1LAA.003

    And here’s an overview of the new 514 line:

    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/series/acerchromebook514

    I see it here on CDW for $505, but there's a 5% discount when you sign up for account, which drops the price like $25 if my math is right. https://www.cdw.com/product/acer-chromebook-514-cb514-1ht-p2d1-14-pentium-n4200-8-gb-ram-64-gb/5363320  (I've bought stuff here, but have no affiliation with the company. Price was as of 8/13/19)

    Tuesday
    Aug132019

    Charge three devices at once & design your own 'fall to sleep' sounds too.

    It's the new Soundcore Wakey Wireless Charging Clock. 

    Never be late for class! Built-in wireless charger. Just lay your Qi equipped device on top and it starts charging. Two more charging USB ports on the back. Connects via Bluetooth to your phone. (There's an AUX in also.) Full-range stereo drivers sound really good for its size. 10 different sounds, including the FM radio lets you set up to 15 individual alarms. Choose from 10 sleep-inducing ambient sounds or compose your own soothing soundscape using the Soundcore app. (I like rain & I like trains, so I mixed my own train in the rain go-to-sleep sound. LED display automatically dims in low light and can be adjusted or turned off using the app. You do need a smartphone to use most of features of the Wakey Clock. It automatically sets the clock time from your phone's clock. MSPR $99.99.

    Company website: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/wakey/A3300121