chargers Archives

Hackers want you to make this mistake

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If you’re about to take a flight, pause for one hot second before you slide your phone into that shiny airport USB port. Both the FBI and FTC are waving red flags: Public charging stations can be straight-up hacker bait.

The scam has a name, juice jacking, and no, it’s not a new energy drink. That’s where hackers use those public USB ports to sneak malware onto your device. Once they’re in, they can lock you out, steal your passwords or worse.

And no, this isn’t some fringe theory. Here’s how to charge without turning your phone into a hacker buffet:

⚠️ Skip the sketchy USB ports

If it’s a USB port you don’t own, don’t trust it. Charging via a USB cable can transfer data, not just power. If there’s a regular wall outlet, use it with your own plug. Safer and faster.

✅ Go wireless when you can

Many newer public charging stations offer wireless pads, and they’re way safer. No data is exchanged, so malware can’t hitch a ride. It’s slower than wired charging, but worth the peace of mind.

🔌 Bring a charge-only cable

If USB is your only option, use a charge-only cable. These handy little cords ($10) only deliver power, no data transfer possible. They’re a must-pack for frequent travelers.

🚫 Never tap “Trust this device”

If that pop-up shows up on a sketchy plug like a clingy ex asking for a second chance? Slam “No,” or “Don’t allow,” or back away slowly.

You’re not here to fall in love with malware, you’re just trying to hit 35% battery.

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Amazon-made cheaper versions of all these popular products

Photo © Javiindy | Dreamstime.com

You can buy anything on Amazon, from kitchen supplies and electronics to clothes and even tiny homes. Just make sure you never buy these items from Amazon. One way to spend less online shopping is to buy Amazon versions of popular products.

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Little luxuries that go the distance

Weekend getaway coming up? Let’s pack light and keep your style tight.

😴 Travel neck pillow (36% off): Sleep like you’re in first class even in the middle seat. Comes with an eye mask, earplugs and a handy bag.

Hair straightener brush (30% off): Heats up in 30 seconds to straighten, style and add shine all at once.

🧳 Hanging toiletry bag (33% off): No more messy counters. Zips up and hooks on towel racks, doorknobs, you name it, like a mini shelf.

Foldable travel umbrella (32% off): Weighs just over a pound but holds up in 85 mph winds. 4.5 stars and 102K+ reviews.

💕 My favorite earbuds (20% off): 32-hour battery life, fabulous sound, noise cancellation, and since every ear is different (obviously), they come with 6 different-sized gel tips to fit any size.*

Promo code of the day: Use BEAUTY5 for an extra 5% off these beauty brands. Hurry, redemptions are limited!

✈️ Ready for takeoff? Head to my Amazon shop for more smart little lifesavers that make life smooth sailing.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Chargers and cord frustration will be over soon

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Do you have many different kinds of cords and chargers lying around? It can be hard to find what you need right away. Listen to this one-minute podcast for a useful fix.

🏈 Free NFL on YouTube: This year, YouTube is streaming the first Friday game between the Chiefs and Chargers on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch on the YouTube home page or the official NFL channel. Bonus: month-to-month NFL Sunday Ticket plans. New fans: $85/month. Returning fans: $115/month with YouTube TV, or $145/month on YouTube. New is better, obviously.

58%

That’s how many American homes are too messy to charge an EV. We could unlock millions of home chargers if folks just cleaned out their garages. Instead, most are less “charging station” and more “where clutter goes to die,” hoarding broken printers, forgotten hobbies and a suspicious number of extension cords.

🔌 Cable management: When cords are dangling around your desk, tie them up with Velcro straps. It’ll look neater and keep naughty pets from chewing on them. You can also use them to wrap laptop chargers and accessories when you’re on the move. Found a pack of 40 under $14.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Prime Day must-haves

🛒 I’ve sifted through the fake reviews. Here are the real winners.

🍽️ Chopped price: From veggies to charcuterie, these bamboo cutting boards (29% off, four-pack) got you covered.

🫒 Oil be back: Spritz your favorite foods with a sprayer bottle (20% off). No Skynet needed.

🫖 Tea-riffic kettle: This electric kettle (15% off) boils fast, is BPA-free and has 4.4 stars and 63,000+ reviews.

🔌 You’ve got the power: Playing outlet Tetris? A wall charger (29% off) gives you six outlets and three USB ports.

🪛 Just screw it: A pocket-size electric screwdriver (33% off) with a set of 12 metal bits? Yes, please.

😁 Show off your smile: This Oral-B electric toothbrush (40% off) has three cleaning modes and a travel case.

🧽 Your grill’s clean slate: Scrub off yesterday’s burgers with a griddle cleaning kit (21% off).

🪲 Bye-bye, bugs: Finally, some ant & insect spray (44% off) that handles pests without harsh chemicals.

🧼 Handy sanitizers: These travel-size Purell bottles (15% off) are TSA-friendly and fragrance-free.

📅 These deals end Friday: Load up your cart before they disappear, and head over to my Amazon storefront for more Prime Day savings.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💸 Apple’s $100B “core” investment: Sweet news! Apple’s about to pour another $100 billion into U.S. manufacturing. Analysts say it’s likely headed toward high-end gear and AI labs, not iPhones and chargers. Either way, I’m glad to see this kind of big bite coming back to our shores.

🔥 Baseus charger recall: Over 55,000 portable chargers are being recalled after reports of them catching fire. Look for model BS-30KP365 with a serial number ending in 0 to 9 or D (check the bottom). If that’s you, get a free replacement on their website.

Power banks on blast: Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines wants your power bank out and visible while charging. Lithium batteries are tiny arsonists with 19 in-flight incidents already this year. Portable chargers are the second most flammable vibe onboard after e-cigs. Reminder: “Unattended fire” is not a boarding group. Pro tip: Buy a reputable portable charger like this one (21% off)!

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🧳 TSA bans chargers: Portable chargers and power banks now have to go in your carry-on only. Why? Most use lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire in a plane’s cargo hold (paywall link). Easy rule to remember: If it can spark, leak, ignite or explode, it doesn’t belong in your suitcase.

⚡ Dodge ditches the Charger Daytona: The EV base model flopped so hard they sold less than 2,000 of ’em in the first few months of the year. But don’t worry, you can still pick up the Scat Pack version if you’ve got $73,985 lying around. Gas-powered Chargers are coming soon.

⚡ Free of charge: Check out PlugShare’s map to find free EV stations near you. Filter by “free” on their site, or download the app (iOS, Android). Pro tip: Your local library might have Level 2 chargers for faster top-offs, so you can charge your EV while pretending to read Tolstoy inside.

🔥 Power pod meltdown: Casely is recalling its Power Pods 5000mAh MagSafe wireless chargers because the lithium-ion batteries inside may overheat, expand or literally catch fire. Hit this link to see if it’s listed on your Amazon account recall list.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Fix anything on the go

🧰 Bring these nifty gadgets to fix:

Hiccups, with a straw that stops them instantly (need this for the studio).
Bad breath, with pre-pasted disposable toothbrushes.
Glasses, with a mini screwdriver that fits on your keychain.
A dead phone battery, with a battery-powered charger.
Everything else, with pocket-size, go-anywhere duct tape. It just works. Sure wish I invented that!

🚘 Barry loves this: He uses heavy-duty tape to keep the trickle chargers on our classic cars. It can hold up to 30 pounds.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Savings on lock

📦 Special deliveries to give you a little more peace of mind.

This package delivery box (30% off) keeps porch pirates at bay. (I know you laughed).
Safely open up your haul with this six-pack of $10 box cutters.
This travel-size doorstop (25% off) is perfect for apartments.
Slide this bathroom organizer under your sink to tidy that chaos.
Baby (and pet) locks ($8.49) for cabinets are 15% off right now.

🔌 Need more outlets? This wall changer (35% off) gives you six, plus two USB charging ports and a night-light. Yay, no fiddling around in the dark!

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Prep your home for emergencies

Boy, will you be thankful if you ever need to use this gear! It’s all about peace of mind.

Flashlights (25% off) and batteries are both musts.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is perfect in case there’s no cell signal.
Don’t forget a first-aid kit … which you should already own, really.
Grab a manual can opener (20% off) if yours is electric.
Make sure you have a cooler (this one keeps ice for five days!) and lots of ice packs (20% off).
I like to keep around a solar charger, too. It’s a good time to buy, with this one now 28% off.

💩 You take your phone to the bathroom. Sanitize it the right way! This top-rated UV model gets rid of 99% of germs in 10 minutes.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Clean up your car

🚘🧽 A spotless car makes me wheel-y excited.

Ever get pulled over and have to dig through a messy glove box? Save yourself from future embarrassment with a glove box organizer ($12).
This car coin holder ($8) is genius. Plus, it’s 43% off right now.
I’ll admit it — I’ve absolutely tripped over a phone charging cord while getting out of my car. A retractable car charger ($20) probably would’ve prevented that.
Keep your leather seats clean and free of scratch marks with a backseat dog hammock.
A road trip isn’t a road trip until someone desperately needs a tissue. A sun visor tissue holder ($14) comes in handy for all snot-related emergencies.

Bonus find: This drink cover looks like a scrunchie you wear on your wrist but stretches to cover your glass so no one can spike it. Buying these for all the college kids in my life …

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🪫 It’s not just you: Apple’s new iOS 18.2 update is draining iPhone batteries. If it’s happening to you, don’t panic. Turn down your screen’s brightness and turn off apps refreshing in the background. Apple says to give it a few days to settle. Or you could get this portable charger for just $17.75 (26% off; click the box for an additional 5% off).

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.