(This column written for JoeSentMe, the informative travel newsletter for professional travelers) I just returned from a delightful trip to Kaui with my wife and daughter. Unlike many trips this year, this one was smooth and trouble free. We were fortunate to travel on Alaska… Read More »Hawaii calls
One of the first rules of experienced travelers is to avoid checking bags at all costs. That usually means using the most efficiently-designed baggage to maximize what you carry on. The default large suitcase has become the 22-inch rollerboard that’s as big as you’re allowed… Read More »A new carry-on and compact wallet
Sometimes you need to believe what’s in front of your eyes. If something is so obvious, then perhaps it’s just as it seems. That’s especially true with regard to Elon Musk. If we follow all of his actions, decisions, and statements with regard to Twitter,… Read More »The idiocy of Elon Musk
While our customer experience is generally poor when it comes to many companies, I’ve encountered an area where the service and support have been outstanding. That’s the area of home connected devices, including home routers, connected audio systems, and security cameras. Now I can’t speak… Read More »Hi-tech systems that come with great customer support
I’ve been shopping for a new large screen TV to replace a twelve year old Samsung, and it’s been quite an ordeal. Remember the book, Paradox of Choice? It’s about when there are too many choices it’s impossible to reach a decision. That’s what I… Read More »Shopping for a TV
Now that Apple has introduced and shipped their new iPhone 15 series, I have some initial impressions. While I don’t own any of the models, I have tried an iPhone 15 Pro Max and currently own a 3 year old iPhone 12 Pro Max. They… Read More »Thoughts on the new iPhones
Over the years, the home audio industry has attempted to come up with ways to replicate the sound we hear in concert halls, theaters, and intimate venues. Decades ago the industry promoted adding more speakers to create sound all around us. It was accomplished by… Read More »Audio parlor tricks
Those that travel know that bargains can be found in other countries, but rarely have I found one like this that didn’t require any travel. With the help of their website, Alibaba makes the process simple and with reduced risk. I have a hobby of… Read More »Shopping in China
Apple will be announcing their new iPhone 15 series this coming Tuesday morning, 10am California time. One of the biggest little changes will be replacing the Lightning port with a USB-C port. Both connectors are similar in size and both can be inserted either way.… Read More »Apple loses the Lightning connector
After traveling internationally for so many years mostly on my own for business or with my wife on vacations, we always planned our own itinerary, hotels, and details along the way. But as we are getting older, we’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps it’s… Read More »Outsourcing your dream vacation