Jim Merithew, author at Cult of Mac

Gabba 2 jacket prepares you for the worst [Reviews]

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With a zip of the sleeves the Gabba 2 jacket readies you for any amount of inclement weather.
With a zip of the sleeves the Gabba 2 jacket readies you for any amount of inclement weather.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: Gabba 2 Convertible Jacket

If one Gabba is excellent, then Gabba 2 has to be better.

The Gabba 2 Convertible Jacket is just that — Gabba turned up a notch.

Take what was the highly popular and highly functional original Gabba jersey, add some removable sleeves, and the Gabba 2 jacket is the perfect on-the-road companion.

Rugged headphones are on-ear and on-point [Reviews]

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NAD VISO HP30 on-ear headphones offer RoomFeel technology.
NAD VISO HP30 on-ear headphones offer RoomFeel technology.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: NAD VISO HP30 Headphones

I thought I knew myself pretty well by now. Boxer briefs instead of boxers or briefs. Surf before turf. Toilet paper over and not under. And over-the-ear headphones well before on-ear or in-ear.

But the NAD Viso HP30s have me questioning my allegiances to over-the-ear.

Customize your MacBook with precision skins [Reviews]

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Precision-fitted skins from dbrand let you put a personal wrap on your electronic devices.
Precision-fitted skins from dbrand let you put a personal wrap on your electronic devices.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: MacBook Pro Skin by dbrand

The time I spend hacking away on my laptop at coffee shops, hotel lobbies and conference room floors I inevitably spot another MacBook user with a cooler-looking laptop than mine, filling me with envy.

Well, dbrand has the goods to make the other coffee shop patrons jealous.

Killer ski jacket takes you from slopes to chalet

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Helly Hansen updates its resort jacket.
Helly Hansen updates its resort jacket.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: Helly Hansen Alpha 2.0 Jacket

This jacket delivers comfort, no matter the conditions.

They call it the “Classic Resort Jacket,” and if this means I can hit the frontside corduroy, and the backside snow bowl, and also sip hot toddies in the lodge without ever worrying about maintaining or regulating my temperature, then they nailed it.

Gordy’s gorgeous strap will keep your camera in the loop

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Slip your hand into this handcrafted camera strap for secure snapping.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: Gordy’s Camera Straps

Considering my Sony RX100 cost about 40 times more than a garden variety point-and-shoot camera, I’d expect it to come with a quality strap. But it does not. It comes with a shoelace attached to a string.

I wanted a strap I could securely attach to the tiny ring, let hang out from my bicycle jersey pocket, and slip my hand through for easy access.

While sifting through Sony camera internet forums, I discovered Gordy’s. And I’m ecstatic I did.

Twist this giant knob to make your music sound better

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Twist the night away with this headphone amp's gigantic dial.
Twist the night away with this headphone amp's gigantic dial.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: The Element headphone amplifier by JDS Labs

“Take the conn, Jimmy.”

“Aye aye, Captain.”

Every single time I lay my hands on The Element’s giant, super-precise dial of sonic control, that Star Trek scene rolls through my head. Which is a little weird for me, since Captain Kirk and I have the same name, but I overlook this small snag as I dial in the perfect volume on my JDS Labs headphone amplifier.

These high-tech ski gloves will keep your fingers cozy

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With the Lithic ski gloves from Arc'teryx, there's no need to sacrifice dexterity for warmth.
With the Lithic ski gloves from Arc'teryx, there's no need to sacrifice dexterity for warmth.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: Lithic ski gloves by Arc’teryx

It is hard to write an unbiased review about some of the greatest ski gloves I have ever pulled on.

The Arc’teryx Lithic gloves skip leather in the palm and instead use thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU. Its hydrophobic properties keep the gloves from taking on moisture, which in turn keeps your hands from getting cold.

Triple-whammy Bluetooth keyboard connects to 3 devices flawlessly

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Logitech triple threat keyboard
The magic buttons on this Logitech keyboard make connecting to three different devices as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard by Logitech

Not one, not two, but three devices, all commanded by a single keyboard.

Three Bluetooth presets on one thoughtfully designed, battery operated, portable input device.

I’ve been using the Logitech K380 for a little while and I still can’t get my head around why someone would need to hook up a keyboard to three different devices at the same time. However, if you do, this keyboard is a no-brainer.

Ear-hugging headphones deliver good jams for your dollar

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Lust List JLAB
Sometimes what you really need is a well-built pair of inexpensive headphones. Jlab's Flex fills that bill perfectly.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Best List: Flex headphones by JLab Audio

If you are on a budget and routinely trash your headphones, JLab Audio’s Flex is just what you have been looking for: a decent pair of cans built to withstand regular abuse.

The Flex headphones come folded down compactly into their included case, and for $70 deliver pretty impressive sound quality.