Contents
This is 2018; geeks and nerds are cool now. You’re quirky, weird and smart, that’s nothing to be ashamed of! Write that fanfiction, go to that convention, wear that cosplay. Geeks change the world with their passions, usually making it a better place. There are many different types of geeks and nerds, and this roundup will include a bit of nerd and geek shopping for everyone. Whether you’re an audio nerd, appreciate modernized remnants of the past, enjoy 3D printing in the future, or just want to show off your fandom with geeky gear, I think you’ll be happy with the gear you’ll find below. So please go create. Let your passions take you; the world needs that genius.
Related: PopSockets Review: Handy iPhone Accessory or Silly Distraction?
Libratone Track+ In-Ear Headphones ($199)
I tried the Libratone Track+ headphones at CES this year and found a space of calm amidst the noise of the crowd. I immediately wanted a pair. Adjustable noise cancellation lets you decide how much of the outside world reaches your ears. The soft cable connecting the two earbuds houses an eight-hour battery and is the softest I’ve ever tested; it’s easy to forget it’s there. The headphones are sweat and splash proof, plus they come with five different ear cushions so you can find the most comfortable fit, whether you’re listening to a podcast on the train or blasting music while running a 10K. The Libratone Track+ quickly became my go-to headphones; I could easily hear the difference between his amazing sound and his poor quality headphones. If you’re an audiophile nerd on a budget, don’t pass these up.
Qwerkywriter S keyboard ($249)
Typewriters are a remnant of the past, but do they have to stay there? The Qwerkywriter S brings the feeling of typing on a mechanical typewriter to the modern world. Connect with USB or Bluetooth to your computer, iPhone or iPad. Then enjoy as the nostalgia rushes in. Knockoff Bluetooth typewriters abound, but none bring the high-quality materials and attention to detail like the Qwerkywriter S. Lithium battery lasts up to a full month on a single charge, ***** work for scrolling and volume, and even the return bar does its job. One reviewer put it perfectly when he said, “Silly as it sounds, it makes me want to write!” That’s a nerd to say, “I’m freaking out right now, and this is awesome.” He couldn’t agree more.
BookBook Twelve South Case for iPad Pro ($79.99)
Book nerds rejoice! Hide your beloved technology under the guise of an old book with BookBook. This case is available for various models of iPad, MacBook and iPhone. To my surprise, my BookBook actually fools people a lot more often than I expected. Plus, it acts as the perfect slim case for your devices. The BookBook for iPad Pro doubles as a stand, angled for comfortable drawing and lounging with a movie. I have been a huge fan of Twelve South for years and have never been disappointed. BookBook is my favorite of all the Twelve South products. Keep your iOS device looking awesome, classic and elegant while protecting book haters.
Game of Phones Deck of Cards ($20)
Instead of meeting up with friends just to look at their phones, why not use your phones to play a group game? Game of Phones challenges you to find, share, create or do something with your phone in a Cards Against Humanity style game. After a card is drawn, the group has 60 seconds to produce, after which the judge for that round decides who won and the winner collects the card. The game ends when a player has ten cards in total. It’s a silly and fun adventure that asks you to explore new levels of humor and confidence with your friends. Of course, everyone needs a smartphone to play games, so maybe don’t invite your woodsy friend with a flip phone to this particular party.
Sculpto + 3D Printer ($630)
Home 3D printers have come a long way, but they still have a long way to go. For someone who isn’t ready to drop thousands but wants a printer that works as well as it claims, I highly recommend checking out the Sculpto+. Essentially, it’s a machine that melts plastic into any shape you can imagine. The included app gives you a massive library of printable shapes, as well as the ability to upload your own file for printing. I would be withholding information if I didn’t mention the problems I had getting Sculpto+ to work, even though the company expressed that my experience was an anomaly. Fortunately, I was eventually able to resolve the issue with the help of the Sculpto team, who were incredibly patient and helpful. There’s nothing like seeing something come to life in 2D, and Sculpto+ is the perfect place to start your 3D printing adventure.
Casetify ($39–$45)
We all need a protective case; Why not use yours as an opportunity to appreciate what you’re passionate about? Casetify is fantastic at featuring a wide variety of graphics, images, and themes that you can print on any case you like. From a simple snap-on case to a drop-resistant model, Casetify offers multiple options. My current favorite is the blue glitter Star Wars case Casetify sent me, but there’s sure to be a design for (almost) everyone.
GameVice iPhone Controller ($79.95)
Too often, the enjoyment of the best games on your iPhone is held back by the lack of a driver. GameVice solves that problem, putting your iPhone snugly in the center with a traditional controller sticking out from the left and right sides of your screen. The only very minor hiccup I faced was that I had to remove my iPhone X case (which I expected) and my screen protector (which I didn’t expect) in order to use GameVice. But that was a small price to pay for the eight hours of gameplay that followed. When you remove the iPhone, the two sides of the controller stay attached with a magnet and fit neatly inside your backpack. GameVice is perfect for lazy weekends at home and long trips. For the iPhone gamer, this is an absolute must.
Harry Potter PopSocket ($15)
As a Ravenclaw, it’s my duty to let you know that PopSockets offers designs of all the houses in the world of Harry Potter. Show off your lucky Gryffindor stripes, declare your proud Hufflepuff roots, or subtly remind others of your higher education in Slytherin. If Harry Potter isn’t your fandom of choice, you’ll also find your favorite Pokemon and superhero emblems on PopSockets. A PopSocket is the unofficial must-have accessory for all iPhone users. Its awesomeness can’t be overstated: use it in bed to prop up your phone without it falling on your face, use it as a kickstand to prop up your phone to watch a video, or wrap your headphone cord around it to keep those knots at bay. It may seem trivial, but I will never go back to the life of an iPhone without my PopSocket. And once you’ve tried it, I doubt you’ll want to.
