A digital travel diary. · WP v1.08 · Updated
Inna selected the GE Profile PGE29BYTFS, a 28.7 cu ft 4-door French door refrigerator, to replace our failing 2013 LG LFX31945ST (the freezer stopped working). I thought about repairing the LG, but ChatGPT said that the lifespan of a refrigerator is between 10 and 13 years (and ours, being 13 years old, was at the end of its useful life). Repairing the LG might cost…
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When my Nikon P900 started malfunctioning in Iceland, I decided to get rid of it and replace it (eventually) with the latest version of the super zoom. Over the past many years, we have used the P900 to photograph birds and wild animals that were far away. . The P1100 is the latest installment in Nikon's super-zoom line. Although using the same old 16 Megapixel…
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When my DJI Action 5 camera died on Bora-Bora (after the first swim in the lagoon), I needed a reliable replacement (that can work well underwater). . As I had good luck with GoPro cameras previously, I looked at the following possible replacements: . . GoPro Hero 13 Black - $339 (Costco.com bundle with 2 batteries and 128GB SDXC) . GoPro Mission 1 Pro -…
Read More: Review: GoPro Hero 13 Black
To help me work from home more efficiently, I ordered the Dell Pro P 34 USB-C Hub Conferencing Monitor from Insight. . I connected it to my Apple MacBook Air 13' M3, and it's working well. I think the text is a bit fuzzier than Apple's 5K display, which has higher PPI. . I really liked the built-in USB & Ethernet ports on the monitor,…
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I had been using the Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis System for the past 10 years. I had been very happy with the water quality and the system's reliability, but I disliked the yearly filter changes because they often led to leaks. Every time a new filter needed to be installed, the plastic piping previously used on the older filter had to…
Read More: Waterdrop X8 Reverse Osmosis System
My current Apple Series 9 watch was starting to require frequent recharges. Its battery health was 84% (after 2.5 years of use), and it was dying after recording a wing-foiling session. Since I also used the watch to lock/unlock my Tesla during wing-foiling sessions, I needed to be able to count on it. . . . . Since replacing the existing Series 9 battery would…
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After trying various bike computers, including the Garmin 1040, Wahoo Roam 3, and Wahoo Bolt, and being somewhat dissatisfied with the value for the price, I decided to mount my iPhone 14 Pro Max on my 2011 Specialized FRS S-Works mountain bike. However, all the extended front bike computer mounts were either too short or too flimsy to accommodate my heavy iPhone. . I realized…
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After many years of mountain biking, I realized that GPS directions would really help me discover new trails (without the fear of getting lost). . . . I initially considered mounting my iPhone 14 Pro Max on the handlebars. Still, I learned that the mountain bike's jerky motion could damage the phone's sensitive camera system. . I did some research (with the help of ChatGPT…
Read More: Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 Bike Computer
For the past 10 years, I have been using the Sony MDR-7506 headphones for all my audio listening. Having recently upgraded to a Topping DX5 II DAC/headphone amplifier, I decided it was time to upgrade to more audiophile-quality headphones as well.. . . . . After doing some research, I found the Sennheiser HD600 highly recommended by everyone (including ChatGPT, Gemini, and AVScience).. Its one…
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For my newly built Windows 11 PC, I initially planned to install an Xonar Essence STX PCIe audio card, but it is no longer manufactured. As a replacement, I decided to purchase a standalone DAC and headphone amplifier for my Sony MDR-7506 headphones. . Initially, I tried the Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC/headphone amp and achieved excellent results. However, I realized that a newer, significantly improved…
Read More: Topping DX5 II Fully Balanced DAC & Headphone Amp
For my newly built Windows 11 PC, I initially planned to install an Xonar Essence STX PCIe audio card, but it is no longer manufactured. As a replacement, I decided to purchase a standalone DAC and headphone amplifier for my Sony MDR-7506 headphones. . I had read very positive reviews of the Topping DX3 Pro+ on the AudioScienceReview website, where laboratory measurements are conducted in…
Read More: Topping DX3Pro+ LDAC Headphone Amplifier
Our ancient Dyson V7 was still working okay (with its original battery replaced by a 3rd-party version), but there was a large Black Friday sale (50% off), and I thought it might be a good time to replace it. . . . . . . . Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum, Wand, Docking Station, Charger, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Hair Screw Tool, Motorbar Cleaner…
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To enable practicing guitar while traveling, I purchased the Sonicake Travel Guitar QGT-01. It was 30% off during the Amazon Black Friday sale ($209.99) and seemed like an excellent alternative to the Yamaha SLG200s series of silent travel guitars. It had received positive reviews on YouTube and was worth trying. I had tried two Donner Travel guitars previously: Hush I Pro and Hush C, but…
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When I showed Inna the newly available Amazon Colorsoft (Color E-Ink) Kindle ebook reader, she was eager to try it and upgrade from her older Paperwhite. There was an Amazon Black Friday sale that made the new Kindle ($169) an attractive purchase. . . . Read in color – The new 7" Colorsoft display is high-contrast and easy on the eyes, with paper-like color that…
Read More: Kindle Colorsoft 16GB
For silent practice and travel, I decided to purchase the Donner Hush C Nylon Electro-acoustic guitar from Amazon. This guitar can be easily disassembled, fit into a minimal, thin travel case, and be brought with me on flights. It has a built-in headphone amp, powered by a removable 9V battery. . . . . . According to Donner: . 【Comfort & Versatility for All Players】With…
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When my audio system in my 2008 Toyota Sienna died, I looked into replacing it with an OEM system, but it was challenging to find one for an older vehicle. . . I looked around and decided to replace it with an Alpine iLX-507 Digital Multimedia Receiver, as it was well-regarded and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and HD Audio. . I found a well-rated auto…
Read More: Alpine iLX-507 Digital Receiver in Toyota Sienna
After 10 years with my full-frame Canon EOS 5DS DSLR and a variety of lenses, I decided to sell the entire system to fund a lighter, travel-friendly camera and lenses. . . I packed my gear in its original boxes and shipped it out using UPS on July 20, 2025, to Adorama: . . Canon 5DS DSLR Camera . Canon EOS EF 16-35 f/4L IS…
Read More: Canon R8 with 28-70 f/2.8 IS STM
With my 10-year-old Windows 10 Intel Core i7-4790K server nearing the end of its life, I decided to build a new Windows 11 Server for media storage and occasional gaming. . . . . . I purchased the mid-tower Fractal Design Define R7 case to accommodate 4 hard drives. Most newer computer cases lack sufficient space for hard drives, and this one is among the…
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PRS SE CE 24 – Overview . The PRS SE CE 24 combines elements of PRS’s USA-made CE line (notably the bolt-on neck) with the affordable SE series made in Korea (by World Musical Instruments). It’s a modern take on a classic PRS workhorse—versatile, playable, and elegant without the Custom 24 price tag. . . . . . . Key Specs. FeatureDetailsBody Mahogany (back) with…
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To improve my tennis skills, I decided to use the SwingVision software to record and identify areas for improvement in my game. . Here is a SwingVision-processed video of my doubles match: Boris & Dan vs. Katie & Phil: . Here is another SwingVision processed video of my doubles match: Boris & Partner vs. Eyal & Phil: . The cost of the software is $149.99…
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