Tools and Toys » Home http://toolsandtoys.net Hand-Picked for Work and Play Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:20:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3 Lume Cube “Edge 2.0” LED Desk Lamp http://toolsandtoys.net/lume-cube-edge-2-0-led-desk-lamp/ http://toolsandtoys.net/lume-cube-edge-2-0-led-desk-lamp/#comments Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:45:32 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=48111 A versatile, space-saving lighting solution that adapts to your needs and illuminates your video appearance on team meetings or live streaming.]]>

If your on-camera appearance during video calls and/or livestreams has been somewhat dim and lackluster, you should look into installing a Lume Cube Edge Light 2.0 on your desk to brighten things up.

This thing illuminates your workspace in a natural, easy-on-the-eyes way, whether you decide to use it as a simple desk lamp or as a studio-style light for Zoom meetings and such.


Since it clamps onto the end or back of your desk (anything up to 3.3” thick), it doesn’t really take up any of that valuable space, meaning you can “Keep. Your station. CLEAR!” and better focus on the task at hand. It’s constructed pretty solidly too, so you don’t have to worry about it going anywhere even if you’re using a height-adjustable desk.

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You also have a number of ways to configure and adapt the light for your setup, from its flexible five-point arm/head articulation system to its brightness level and 2700K–7500K color temperature range. What’s more, it has built-in USB-C (5V) and USB-A (2V) ports for unobtrusively keeping your stuff charged.

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Get this superb desk lamp for $140 on Amazon in your choice of black or white. If you need more than one lamp and want to save a few bucks, check out the $260 two-pack.

If you’re willing to drop an extra $20 and aren’t concerned as much about desk real estate, they offer a version with a base on their own website.

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Linkind Matter-Enabled 1600LM 100W Smart Light Bulbs http://toolsandtoys.net/linkind-matter-enabled-1600lm-100w-smart-light-bulbs/ http://toolsandtoys.net/linkind-matter-enabled-1600lm-100w-smart-light-bulbs/#comments Thu, 29 Aug 2024 23:15:45 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=48072 Some of the brightest smart bulbs around, and with all the bells and whistles you could ask for.]]>

With their intense 1600-lumen output (equivalent to 100 watts, with the actual usage being only 14W), these Matter-enabled smart light bulbs from Linkind are among the brightest you’ll find on the market, which is awesome when you’re trying to light a particularly large room or workshop and you still want all the latest bells and whistles the smart home industry can offer.

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Like any smart lights worth their salt, Linkind’s A21-shaped (E26 base) bulbs can shine in 16 million potential colors, or you can set them to pure white light at any “temperature” between 1800K (warm) to 6500K (cool).

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Either way, you have the option to dim them to anywhere from 1% to 100% via app or voice control (however, they don’t recommend using a traditional dimmer wall switch, as it can cause buzzing or flickering.) You can also set up automated schedules, create light “scenes,” and even have the lighting effects synced to the rhythm of your music.

💡 Note: To use these bulbs with services like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, you’ll need a Matter-compatible hub (HomePod, Echo, Nest, etc). However, if you use Linkind’s official AiDot app, no hub is required.

Get a pack of two bulbs for $23 on Amazon. Meanwhile, a pack of four is $42, so you save a few bucks there.

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Anker Prime 8-in-1 Charging Station (240W) http://toolsandtoys.net/anker-prime-8-in-1-charging-station-240w/ http://toolsandtoys.net/anker-prime-8-in-1-charging-station-240w/#comments Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:45:33 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47991 Charge all your tech simultaneously with this slim-yet-robust GaN power strip.]]>

Released as part of their “Prime” lineup, Anker’s new 8-in-1 Charging Station is a slim yet robust GaN-powered… er, power strip designed to keep all your devices charged simultaneously, with up to 240W of total output across two AC outlets (which pop up as needed), four USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports.

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When using any one of those USB-C ports alone, you’ll get up to 140W of fast charging output, while using either one of the USB-A ports alone grants up to 12W for less power-hungry devices.

On top of providing efficient, high-speed charging, this is also a smart device that can be controlled over Wi-Fi via smartphone app, where you can manage power distribution, get real-time usage data, and schedule shutdown and power-on timers. A built-in digital display on the strip itself helps you monitor this information even when your phone isn’t nearby.

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Get this 8-in-1 power strip for $165 on Amazon.

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Dalykate Laundry Bag Backpack http://toolsandtoys.net/dalykate-laundry-bag-backpack/ http://toolsandtoys.net/dalykate-laundry-bag-backpack/#comments Fri, 09 Aug 2024 22:30:03 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47979 The cleverest way to carry and store your laundry.]]>

Anyone whose living situation requires them to walk to a laundromat or communal laundry room — college students, apartment dwellers, RVers, etc — will appreciate this drawstring backpack laundry bag from Dalykate.

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It holds two or three loads of laundry, about 44 lbs worth, and can be hung on a wall or door to collect those dirty clothes (in place of a standalone hamper) before being easily transported on your back to wherever you do your laundry. It’s made from waterproof and tear-resistant 600D oxford cloth, backed by reinforced stitching at the joints to ensure a longer lifespan.

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On the front of the bag is a mesh pouch with its own drawstring enclosure, where you can stash your detergent and/or fabric softener. Inside the main compartment is a zipper pocket that’s ideal for laundry quarters/tokens, machine cards, or your phone.

This is a relatively small purchase that makes a big difference in the daily lives of certain people. Get it for $18 on Amazon in a variety of colorways.

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Poroso “SOBO” Portable Sound Booth http://toolsandtoys.net/poroso-sobo-portable-sound-booth/ http://toolsandtoys.net/poroso-sobo-portable-sound-booth/#comments Mon, 05 Aug 2024 22:40:33 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47952 Transform any space into a recording studio, at home or on the go.]]>

Alright, you picked up a fancy new audio interface and you think you’re ready to record…but instead of getting a dynamic mic that naturally cuts out background noise, you opted for a condenser mic because you wanted to pick up every little detail of your recordings.

Normally your options would be to rent out a studio recording space somewhere or concoct some home-brewed audio treatment setup. However, those of us living in small spaces may not have that luxury, and other people may just not feel like going to all that effort.

That’s why Eric Chiu started a company called Poroso, where he sells a product invented out of his own frustration: the SOBO portable sound booth.

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Essentially, the SOBO is a PVC pipe-and-joint frame covered by sound-diffusing thick blankets that attach with velcro straps, and it comes with a couple wireless LED lights, a phone/tablet holder, and a duffel bag. Nothing you couldn’t assemble yourself if you wanted, but it sure saves you all the time and effort of sourcing materials and tools, cutting pieces to size, sewing on straps, etc.

Fully assembled, it stands at 80″ (6 feet 8 inches) tall, with a width of 38″ (3 feet 2 inches) in all directions. The whole thing goes up in just a few minutes, and after recording, you can simply deconstruct it for storage.


This is a perfect solution for musicians, podcasters, voice actors, and voiceover artists who require pristine, professional-level audio for their work assignments and personal projects, but don’t have access to a full studio space (especially while traveling).

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Get the SOBO for $400 on Amazon.

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EPOMAKER “Macaron” Coiled Mechanical Keyboard Cables http://toolsandtoys.net/epomaker-macaron-coiled-mechanical-keyboard-cables/ http://toolsandtoys.net/epomaker-macaron-coiled-mechanical-keyboard-cables/#comments Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:45:43 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47946 Lend your desk a refreshingly airy and whimsical flair while keeping things neat and tidy.]]>

Computer users everywhere love to drool over their dream mechanical keyboard, but let’s not forget that pairing a keyboard with the right accessories is just as fun and makes your workspace all the more enjoyable. These coiled “Macaron” keyboard cables are a perfect example of what I mean.

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Available in a handful of pastel colorways, these vibrant cables derive their name from those colorful sandwich cookies often displayed in bakery windows, lending your desk a refreshingly airy — dare I say whimsical — flair, all while keeping things neat and tidy.

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Despite the cables’ delicate-seeming coloration and relatively low price point, the manufacturers didn’t skimp on build quality or convenience. Each cable features a TPU outer coating surrounded by a durable PP fiber braid, meaning it offers rubber-like flexibility while protecting against tangling, stretching, and fracturing.

The cables also boast a two-piece design, with coiled and straight sections merged by a 4-pin aviation connector that allows for quick disconnects and cable swaps. Out of the box, the coiled side ends in USB-C and the straight side ends in USB-A.

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Each cable is $20 a pop on Amazon and comes in your choice of green, purple, pink, yellow, or blue. (The only one missing from the photos above is the red version, which you can buy directly from the EPOMAKER site.)

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Rockport “Lobster Rope” Handwoven Weather-Resistant Doormat http://toolsandtoys.net/rockport-lobster-rope-handwoven-weather-resistant-doormat/ http://toolsandtoys.net/rockport-lobster-rope-handwoven-weather-resistant-doormat/#comments Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:45:00 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47919 A quality, durable outside doormat made from nautical-grade lobster rope, meaning it can withstand the elements for years.]]>

Add a nautical flair to your outdoor space with Rockport’s Lobster Rope Doormat, which is handwoven in Maine from upcycled marine-grade polyolefin (specifically, polypropylene) rope — the type used by real working lobstermen to tether and haul in their heavy lobster traps at sea.

Those guys use this type of rope because it’s able to withstand extreme weather conditions and defy rough waters year-round. In the form of a doormat at your home, you can trust it to repel moisture, dirt, sand, snow, salt, and harsh sunshine for years to come.

These mats also work quite nicely for gardening purposes!

These mats also work quite nicely for gardening purposes!

In addition to being nigh-indestructible, the mat material doesn’t retain water and dirt falls right through the rugged weave, so it’s super easy to keep clean and never gets weird and squishy underfoot. All you have to do is shake it off and give it a quick hose-rinse once in a while.

The 24″ x 36″ size mats are around $90–$96 each on Amazon depending on which colorway you choose. Meanwhile, the smaller 18″ x 30″ versions go for $65 each.

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BEAUTYPEAK Full-Length Arched Mirror with Floor Stand http://toolsandtoys.net/beautypeak-full-length-arched-mirror-with-floor-stand/ http://toolsandtoys.net/beautypeak-full-length-arched-mirror-with-floor-stand/#comments Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:20:18 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47865 Can be set up practically anywhere in your home — bedroom, living room, entryway, hallway, etc — so you have a full view of your 'fit before you head out the door.]]>

Every home should have at least one full-length mirror somewhere, so you can check out your entire ‘fit before you head out the door. If placed correctly, it can also make a given room/space (bedroom, living room, entryway, hallway, etc) feel naturally larger.

If your place doesn’t already have one, you might pick up this arched mirror from BEAUTYPEAK. You can lean it against a wall, use the built-in U-shaped floor stand to set it up wherever you like, or hang it on a wall or door. Wherever you put it, you’ll have a great view of your whole self so you can more easily make any necessary style adjustments.

As I write this on July 18th, 2024, the 24″ x 65″ mirror with black aluminum alloy frame is on sale for $90 on Amazon (down from $130). They do have some other sizes and frame options to choose from though, so definitely have a look at those as well.

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V1Tech x Donnie Art Neon Plexiglass Wall Art Series http://toolsandtoys.net/v1tech-x-donnie-art-neon-plexiglass-wall-art-series/ http://toolsandtoys.net/v1tech-x-donnie-art-neon-plexiglass-wall-art-series/#comments Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:00:14 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47853 Retro-Japanese artworks that have the vibrant, super glossy look of glass prints, except way more shatter-resistant.]]>

There’s an illustrator (and budding animator) named Donnie Art who specializes in retro-Japanese and kawaii art styles, and as far as I can tell, they’re arguably best known for their sweet-looking “neon sign” wall art series.

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While you can find these prints in various forms online — such as regular framed prints and magnet-mounted metal posters — my vote goes to the brilliant plexiglass wall arts they made in collaboration with V1Tech. They have the vibrant, super glossy look of glass prints, except way more shatter-resistant!

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Now, it should be noted that these are not actual neon signs that glow, even if they give the illusion of such. However, true to V1Tech’s origins as makers of PC mod parts, they are 100% backlight-able so you can add that effect yourself if you like. They also sell an RGB LED frame that can add some cool lighting effects to any plexi print they make.


You can get most of the prints in this series for $80 on Amazon (24″ x 16″ only as of July 2024) or any of the full collection from the V1Tech site directly. (three sizes available).

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S’well 68oz Vacuum-Insulated Ice Bucket with Tongs http://toolsandtoys.net/swell-68oz-vacuum-insulated-ice-bucket-with-tongs/ http://toolsandtoys.net/swell-68oz-vacuum-insulated-ice-bucket-with-tongs/#comments Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:45:48 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47830 Uses triple-layer insulation to keep ice colder for longer while staying condensation-free.]]>

The next time you’re hosting a summer barbecue or cocktail/dinner party, here’s a pro tip to help keep your guests happy: Always have a supply of cold ice that’s easily accessible, so that every drink served is perfectly chilled from start to finish.

Filling an ice chest is fine for larger events, but for those smaller, more intimate gatherings, I recommend an ice bucket like this one from S’well.

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It’s essentially like the ones you’d find in hotel rooms, except it’s constructed from two layers of vacuum-insulated 18/8 stainless steel and a layer of copper, the result being that your ice stays cold for up to 48 hours without condensation getting all over the place.

Not only is it convenient having a bucket full of ice nearby while you’re hanging out with friends, I find it’s a handy way to empty out a countertop ice maker and keep the cubes stable for serving while the machine makes more. You can also use it to chill a single bottle of wine or champagne.

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As of July 12th, 2024, you can get a solid-colored S’well ice bucket on sale for $41 on Amazon in your choice of Azurite (dark blue), Onyx (black), or Angel Food (white). If you’re willing to spend the usual full price of $50, they also have more stylish patterned designs like Teakwood, Calcutta Gold, and Dipped Metallic.

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Buy Now

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LUXE Bidet “NEO 185” Toilet Bidet Attachment http://toolsandtoys.net/luxe-bidet-neo-185-toilet-bidet-attachment/ http://toolsandtoys.net/luxe-bidet-neo-185-toilet-bidet-attachment/#comments Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:30:08 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47818 A no-nonsense cold water bidet equipped with dual nozzles, knob controls, and self-cleaning functionality.]]>

When it comes to installing a bidet in your home bathroom — and I do recommend it, they’re awesome — there’s the expensive washlet route that involves replacing your entire toilet seat with a MUCH fancier one, and then there are simpler and more affordable bidet attachments like the LUXE NEO 185 that install beneath the existing seat.

While the NEO 185 doesn’t offer bougie electric-powered features like a heated seat, warm air dryer, automatic deodorizing filter, or separate remote control, it handles the basic job of cleaning your behind after going #2 quite well. You’ll feel refreshed and clean after every use, in a way toilet paper can never imitate (although you should still keep some around just for drying off with, using only small amounts).

The only downside, if you can call it that, is that once you try it you’ll never again want to use any bathroom but the one in your home.

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The two control knobs that extend to the side allow you to (1) adjust the water pressure to your liking, and (2) switch the water flow between rear washing, forward/feminine washing (softer flow), and the self-rinsing function to keep the bidet nozzles clean.

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When not in use, the water nozzles automatically retract behind a built-in guard gate to protect against unwanted splashback or debris, keeping them pristine until they’re needed again.

Get the LUXE Bidet NEO 185 for $46 on Amazon. There’s also a NEO 185 Plus model ($58) that has all the same features mentioned above plus an advanced 360° self-cleaning mode and a slide-in hinge design that allows for easier installation (and later, cleaning) without removing the toilet seat.

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Trintec 30th Anniversary 3.5″ Altimeter Desk Alarm Clock http://toolsandtoys.net/trintec-30th-anniversary-altimeter-desk-alarm-clock/ http://toolsandtoys.net/trintec-30th-anniversary-altimeter-desk-alarm-clock/#comments Sun, 07 Jul 2024 23:50:03 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47803 An excellent gift for any pilot, aerospace engineer, or aviation enthusiast in need of a suitable way to stay on time.]]>

Trintec is a Canadian company that’s been making aircraft-instrument-inspired watches and clocks for a few decades, and their 30th anniversary altimeter desk clock is an excellent gift for any pilot, aerospace engineer, or aviation enthusiast in need of a suitable way to stay on time.

It has the authentic look of a three-pointer altimeter and has an alarm feature that can wake you from a deep sleep without startling you out of bed. Place this clock on your desk and it’ll immediately feel like an airplane cockpit.

Get the 3.5″ desk clock for $30 on Amazon. They also have a 6″ wall clock for 35 and a 10″ wall clock for $45.

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Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole-Room Air Circulator Fan http://toolsandtoys.net/vornado-630-mid-size-whole-room-air-circulator-fan/ http://toolsandtoys.net/vornado-630-mid-size-whole-room-air-circulator-fan/#comments Sun, 16 Jun 2024 20:30:18 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47713 Moves air up to 70 feet away, circulating it throughout an entire medium-sized space to keep it cooler than an A/C might accomplish alone.]]>

It’s hotter than blazes where I am right now, and in my experience RV air conditioners always struggle to keep up in these kinds of conditions, so keeping cool even indoors is high on my list of concerns at the moment.

I’ve found that one of the keys is having a high amount of airflow in addition to what the A/C puts out, and for that, the Vornado 630 three-speed fan is a champ. It has deep-pitch fan blades that move a lot of air up to 70 feet away, and it does so in a vortex pattern that eventually circulates the air throughout an entire medium-sized room rather than only cooling what’s directly in front of it.

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When the sun goes down, you almost don’t need an A/C running at all with this thing active. Aim it towards yourself even at low speed while you sleep and you’ll see what I’m talking about. And when winter rolls around, you’ll still find it useful to have around because it can disperse heater warmth more evenly throughout your space.

Get the Vornado 630 for $70 on Amazon and enjoy your newfound temperature comfort. They also have the Vornado 133 for desk/nightstand usage, the Vornado 460 for small rooms, and the Vornado 660 for larger rooms.

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Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers http://toolsandtoys.net/edifier-r1700bt-bluetooth-bookshelf-speakers/ http://toolsandtoys.net/edifier-r1700bt-bluetooth-bookshelf-speakers/#comments Tue, 21 May 2024 00:35:01 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47595 The immersive sound you expect from any good set of bookshelf speakers, with the breezy setup that wireless connectivity allows.]]>

Bookshelf speakers are an excellent way to immerse yourself in your favorite music albums, films, video games, and more. However, dealing with running cables to audio jacks isn’t always what you want to be doing.

Which is what makes the Edifier R1700BT speakers so appealing. They’ll still fill a room with warm, punchy sound that seems rather surprising given their relatively humble size and price, except they also have Bluetooth connectivity for a ridiculously smooth and breezy setup.

Whether you want to clearly hear the dialogue in movies or you enjoy pumping some bassy tunes you can dance to, these speakers do it all admirably.

Get them for $180 on Amazon in your choice of black/walnut, plain black, or white/silver.

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Math Wall Clock http://toolsandtoys.net/math-wall-clock/ http://toolsandtoys.net/math-wall-clock/#comments Sun, 12 May 2024 21:25:27 +0000 http://toolsandtoys.net/?p=47563 The next time a kid asks, “What am I ever going to use this math for???” you can simply answer, “So you can tell the time, silly!”]]>

Perfect for use at home or in a classroom, this math wall clock displays simple equations in place of mere numerals for each hour. Instead of 3 o’clock, you get “9÷3.” In place of 7 o’clock, it shows “9+(-2)”. Perhaps most cleverly, 1 o’clock reads as 30°, since that indicates the angle between each hour (at least on a circular 12-hour clock like this).

The next time a kid asks, “What am I ever going to use this math for???” you can simply answer, “So you can tell the time, silly!”

Get this neat wall clock for $22 on Amazon.

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