Review: A kitchen gadget that turns tap water into 'wellness drinks'
Are you drinking enough water? No judgment here because I certainly don’t. It’s just boring, bland … just blah.
Go to any grocery store, and you’ll find endless rows of flavored drinks that are touted as healthy yet often come with at least some strings attached. But what if you could make your own drinks at home that were actually healthier than water?
That’s what is promised in a relatively new machine that uses pods filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to transform ordinary tap water into wellness drinks. It sounds like a great idea, but is it worth adding yet another gadget to your kitchen countertop?
Meet the Vitapod Machine
Vitapod might look a little familiar, resembling a Keurig or similar pod-based machine. But this one isn’t for making coffee …
The product description explains that Vitapod filters water multiple times, cools it to “optimal” drinking temperature, and mixes it with specially-formulated pods. On that note, the mixing chamber is said to blend everything at up to 690 RPMs which is apparently faster than the blades of a military-grade helicopter. Fun fact.
That’s the machine, but the star here is the pod, and there are a bunch to choose from — and it’s not just about flavors.
- Hydra+: Focused on health and hydration with a blend of electrolytes along with vitamins A, C, D, E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and more.
- Enriched+: Covers other pod varieties including Immunity+, Beauty+ and Energy+
The nice thing about Energy+ is that it contains caffeine. The description also says it boosts metabolism 50-100 calories per day with one drink that can lead to losing 5-10 pounds a year. Time will tell on that one.
The Vitapod Machine Starter Kit costs $199.99 and includes an 18.5 oz. bottle and a variety pack of 10 pods. Pods are sold in packs of 30, ranging in price from $34.99 to $44.99.
Clear the cord clutter on your kitchen counters with this clever product
Take a look at your kitchen counters, with all the small appliances and perhaps electronics taking up space. In my house, that includes a coffee maker, toaster oven, air fryer, stand mixer, smart speaker and a small TV.
Review: Tactical wallet, locking case designed for AirTags
Apple’s tiny AirTag trackers haven’t even been available for six months, yet go to Amazon and you’ll find cases of all shapes and sizes. It can seem a bit overwhelming.
Some have great reviews, while others you should definitely stay away from. Tap or click here for a few affordable options, including a couple of AirTag cases to avoid.
Review: Smart locks from August, Yale
Just about everything in your home, from your thermostat to your refrigerator and coffee table, has been given the smart home treatment. While many smart home gadgets are meant for convenience, others are designed with security in mind.
Review: An all-in-one portable projector
The age-old (okay, not really) question: buy a TV with a really big screen, or save some cash and get a projector that throws an even bigger picture. Which do you choose?
For me, it’s been a projector paired with a 100-inch screen for the past eight years and doing so saved me thousands of dollars, even as TV prices have decreased. The trade-off is that the projector is not as bright as a TV and the picture isn’t quite as sharp.
Review: Philips Hue Bloom table lamp
Lighting technology has certainly changed over the years — and no, I don’t mean the evolution of incandescent bulbs to curly fluorescent options or even LED. Today, it’s all about smart lighting and it goes way beyond bulbs, switches and plugs.
Review: Vissles V84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
I think back to my elementary school days in the late 80s, and the single computer in the library that students could take turns using. I’m pretty sure it was a Compaq, but what I remember most is the clicky keys you could hear from a classroom or two away.
Review: SideTrak Solo portable monitor
I remember long ago when having a single computer monitor for work was common. Thinking back, I’m not sure how I was ever productive in those days.
Having at least two monitors has become commonplace at the office. I actually prefer having at least three.
Review: Novostella smart floodlights
Think about the ambiance added to the outside of your home using landscaping lights or full-fledged floodlights. A nice effect, but historically there haven’t been many choices for custom options and control — until now.
Review: Flexispot Pro Series adjustable standing desk
You know what’s a pain? Sitting in front of computer screens for eight-plus hours every single weekday. Even as I write this, I realize I should sit up for my posture’s sake.
So it’s no wonder why trendy standing desks have become all the rage over the past few years. While some products convert your existing desk into a standing version, others are full desks designed to go from sitting to standing positions with the push of a button.
Review: Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid
Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the debut of the world’s very first robotic vacuum? The Electrolux Trilobite was more of a novelty when it hit the scene in 1996, but a lot has changed since then.
For nearly 20 years, iRobot’s Roomba has been the name associated with robotic vacuums, but plenty of other manufacturers have entered the game since then and often at lower price points. That includes Anker eufy and its line of RoboVac cleaners.
Chrome vs. Edge: Which is the better browser to use on a PC?
When it comes to browsers, you really are spoiled for choice. You can go with Big Tech or smaller independent companies. Is customization important to you? How about built-in safety features like password managers and breach alerts?
Review: Einova 63W universal power bank
Over the past few years, one tech accessory that’s evolved into something I don’t know what I would do without is a portable power bank — the backup battery that charges your phone or other gadgets on the go. I make sure to have at least one when traveling, especially when camping, as a way to keep my iPhone ready to use in case of emergency.
Review: Anker Nano PowerPoint III fast-charging wall adapter
Charging your phone shouldn’t be a hassle, but now it goes way beyond simply plugging it in. It’s not even just the differences with wireless charging.
It’s about product specs on USB or USB-C cables and adapters, Lightning connectors, charging pads, watts and amps, compatibility issues and how fast you can refuel your phone. Why can’t it be simple?
We’re hiring right now! Our tips for finding the right person
You get what you pay for, and that’s true when it comes to free job boards, too.
Post a job opening to one and sure, you might get a stack of resumes — but there’s a good chance you’ll spend way more time sorting through unqualified candidates than interviewing your next great team member.
Review: Kasa K400 Outdoor Smart Plug
Smart homes aren’t limited to science fiction anymore, or just for people with money to burn. Just hook up an inexpensive Amazon Dot smart speaker and connect it to a smart bulb or two on the same Wi-Fi and you’re well on your way.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
For under $200, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an absolute steal.
With 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it’s got a fair amount of space if you’re planning on downloading apps, pictures and documents. Plus, it’s easy to carry to school or the office — and it lasts 10 hours. With this laptop, you’re getting a lot of power and decent storage space even when you’re on the go.
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Apple MacBook Pro 16
When the 16-inch MacBook Pro 16 first hit the scene back in 2019, tech critics rejoiced. Finally, Apple’s butterfly keyboard design flew away on a breeze. In its place, Apple inserted a ton of user-friendly features. From a more comfortable keyboard to a physical escape key, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 prioritizes your experience.
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ASUS ZenBook 13
This classy laptop is over $1,000 — but don’t approach it with low expectations. It’s stylish and portable, perfect for working on the go.
It lasts for about 12 hours on a single charge. It has an attractive, lightweight body, along with a few other great features to help you through the day. Check out its specs below.
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ASUS Chromebook Flip
If you like Chromebooks, how about an evolved version? It’s an upgraded version of a beloved computer — and you can bet it has the chops to match.
With a bright screen and a flexible design, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is nifty, portable and powerful. It lasts for 12 hours on a charge and has 16GB of memory. It also has a hefty storage space — 512GB. Check out more of its specs below.
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