Reviews

Kindle Paperwhite Review (2015): The E-Reader You Should Buy

The Kindle Paperwhite just updated to a higher resolution screen for the same $120 price. I probably don’t need to tell you it’s better than the last Paperwhite. It definitely is. It’s 2015. Why would I want an e-reader? At its core, an e-reader is a very simple, single-use gadget. Anyone who reads books would…

The Military’s Ranger Panties Are My New Favorite Clothes

People love Soffe Men’s Running Shorts, a.k.a. Ranger Panties. That is evidenced in their 1,250 Amazon reviews, the vast majority of which are five stars. People even like to include images of themselves wearing the comically tiny shorts, bragging about how close to exposed your penis is while flopping around on a jog. I was…

You can now pre-orderthe Pebble Time smartwatch, which was previously only available to Kickstarter backers. Shipments should begin in July. Here’s our preview of the device.

When It First Came Out, Jaws Got Savaged By the L.A. Times

Jaws turned forty this weekend, which led L.A. Times’ Hero Complex to dig up the paper’s original review. Charles Champlin … wasn’t a fan. “Exploitative,” “broad and obvious” are only a few of his choice words. Go read the whole thing here. And say hello to an old friend while you’re there. Contact the author…

The original Moto X (2013) is finally getting Android 5.1 (Lollipop) in the US and Canada. [Motorola via Android Central]

Killjoys Really Is A Most Excellent Space Adventure Show

Do you know how long we’ve been craving new space action on television? Gorram years. That’s how long. And tonight, Syfy is premiering a brand new show called Killjoys, about space bounty hunters. We’ve seen a couple episodes, and we’re here to tell you it’s a blast. Killjoys joins Dark Matter in Syfy’s Friday night…

The Excellent Android Projector You’ll Probably Never Use

I’ve always liked the idea of having a projector, but never actually owned one. It always seemed like too much work: Sure, projecting movies like in theaters would be sweet, but then I’d have to set it up all the time. Isn’t there a better way? Actually, yes: AT&T now carries a projector that’s also…

Samsung Galaxy S6 Active Review: A Smartphone You Can Take Outside

The Galaxy S6 Active takes Samsung’s flagship smartphone and adds waterproofing, protection against drops, a larger battery and unique physical buttons. As the name suggests, it targets active people. Well, I’m active—can it stand up to my abuse? Before we get started, you should know that I’m no gadget expert. If you want to read…

Strange & Norrell Rips Apart Both Jonathan Strange And Our Hearts 

It turns out that no one can ever be happy on Strange & Norrell. While we’ve spent the past few weeks seeing the emotional damage Norrell’s past decisions have wrought upon himself (but mainly others), this time it’s Strange’s turn to go through one hell of an emotional coaster. Warning: This Recap is for the…

Smokio Review: What a Great Way to Get Even More Addicted to Nicotine!

A few months ago, I agreed to review a fancy new vaporizer called Smokio. No, not for fun: It seemed like it was designed to help people quit smoking. As a self-hating smoker, I couldn’t wait to try it. Little did I know this gadget would actually help me smoke more. What Is It? Smokio…

Silicon Valley Had Exactly the Right Ending This Season

“Two Day of the Condor” is one of the strongest episodes of Silicon Valley yet, turning California labor law and server stability into compelling television. It didn’t have the equivalent of last year’s perfect dick joke, but it had something better: Dramatic tension, and sweet lady justice. Last week, Richard admitted that he used a…

The Best Transforming Windows Laptop Under $500

People always ask me which laptop to buy. They want it all—a powerful processor, long battery life, lots of storage, and yes, a fancy way to transform into a touchscreen tablet. And they want it for $400. Usually, I convince them to buy an $800 laptop instead. But what if you’re truly strapped for cash?…

The OnePlus One, which we called The Best Cheap Off-Contract Smartphone, just got a permanent price cut to $250. Our ultra-budget pick, the $180 Moto G, doesn’t seem like such a deal now! We’ll be updating that Bests accordingly. [OnePlus]

LG G4 Review: The Past Is Worth Preserving

Evolution is tedious work. It fashioned us out of primordial goo into the smartest species in the known universe. But that slow work of removing what sucks, fixing what’s broken, and perfecting what’s great takes time. The LG G4 follows in step, creating not the most exciting Android phone ever made—but maybe the best. What…

Art Imitates Life, Silicon Valley Imitates Gizmodo.com

I didn’t get to watch Silicon Valley’s “Binding Arbitration” until this afternoon because of WWDC, so apologies for the late post. In the penultimate episode, we’re treated to some solid courtroom drama, Jared quoting Hitler, and a plotline should ring a thousand bells for anyone who read Gizmodo five years ago. The episode’s action starts…

It’s So Compelling To Watch Strange & Norrell‘s Moral Ambiguity Unfold

For a show with an ampersand in its title — the very implicit acknowledgement of unity between two entities — this week’s Strange & Norrell is all about relationships crumbling in spectacular manners. And yet, it’s completely compelling to watch, because even in the aftermath it’s hard to see who is doing the right thing.…

Typo for iPad Review: Ryan Seacrest’s Tablet Keyboard Isn’t Half Bad

Oh god here we go again. I’m typing on a Typo again. No, that’s not a typo—it’s the name of a keyboard. A keyboard attached to an iPad. I’m writing this whole review on an iPad keyboard case because I don’t have any damn sense. Except, uh, it’s actually not half-bad? My brain is exploding.…

Asus ZenBook Pro UX501 Review: Just Ignore The Word “Pro”

You want a laptop that looks nice. Asus understands that. That’s why the company has tried so hard to build a better MacBook. The ZenBook line has given birth to many beautiful, powerful, desirable machines that offer PC people a chance to preen—even when they’re surrounded by MacBooks at their local cafe. The newest addition…

On Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell War Is Hell, And So Are People

Last week’s episode of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was all about showing the dark side of fantasy. This week however, the darkness on display is very much in the realm of reality, as Strange finds himself on the front lines of war, and poor Lady Pole descends further into madness. Warning: Although the series…

Nvidia Shield Review: Do You Want an Android TV Game Console?

I want you to buy the Nvidia Shield, because I’m a selfish prick. If you buy the Nvidia Shield, perhaps developers will actually make games for it—and then I could buy one too. Why would you buy the Nvidia Shield? Well, it’s the most powerful set-top-box ever made: an Android TV box with a Tegra…