Bill Volk

Style Editor

Bill Volk

Bill graduated from West Point with a degree in Mechanical Engineering; additionally, he has earned an MBA. He was, for some 14 years, the owner of a landscape design and construction firm. Bill is happily retired as a writer, SCUBA diver, and backpacker.
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Posts by this Editor

Computers & Accessories

HMDX Audio JAM Wireless Speakers --Tiny Speakers, Big Sound

(Apr 30th 2013 10:13AM) The HMDX JAM Wireless Speakers ($40; were $50) produce amazing sound up to a distance of some 30 feet; hook them to the end of a Bluetooth connection and the 2 1/2 x 2 1/2" speakers are perfect for the beach, back deck, or hotel room if you're on the road. They'll pack easily -- in their original shipping ...
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Cell Phones & Service

The hipKey -- Serious Proximity Protection for Your iDevices

(Apr 29th 2013 2:18PM) Electronic gadgets keep getting more and more prevalent, and more and more clever. And when they are more than just fun stuff, but offer some serious advantages, I'm a big fan. If you own one of the more recent offerings of Apple's iPhones -- the 4 or 5 series -- or the iPad Mini, or iPad 3 or 4, you'll be ...
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Cell Phones & Service

The Samsung Galaxy Reverb -- an Inexpensive, Prepaid Smartphone

(Apr 29th 2013 1:19PM) You want a smartphone to be able to efficiently communicate with business associates, family, and friends, but you don't want to drop hundreds of dollars to do so. Consider a prepaid smartphone -- you get up-to-date electronics, on a month-to-month pay plan. What's not to like? One such smartphone is the ...
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Furniture & Decor

Candelabra -- Don't Wait for a Special Occasion to Use Them

(Apr 29th 2013 10:28AM) You can make an evening repast more special by adding candelabra, but why wait for such an infrequent occasion? It takes little effort to add some flickering ambiance, and it's not necessary to put a multi-branched candelabrum on the table -- a single candle will add a nice touch. For example, this Home ...
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Home Appliances

Dishwashers on Sale

(Apr 28th 2013 1:10PM) Of all the appliances in my kitchen I appreciate my dishwasher the very most; I don't think of it so much as a way to get my dishes clean, but as a sterilizing medium, removing any source of illness-causing bacteria. It's a time-saver, of course, but it also saves water (and a bit on my utility bills), and ...
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For Him

A Trio of Lightweight Computers

(Apr 26th 2013 10:00AM) When you're on the hunt for electronics, it's a good idea to scan the horizon of products to see what you'll get for the cash you lay out. Herewith three easily handled computers, of varying capabilities and prices, that may get you on the road to the perfect digital device. The Lenovo A2107 Tablet ($130 and ...
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Dogs, Cats

Pet Feeders for While You're Not at Home

(Apr 24th 2013 1:19PM) Now that the weather is getting more amenable to vacations and weekends away from your home, it's time to consider how to take care of your pets while you're temporarily absent. While you may ask a neighbor to look in on your pets, why not take care of the feeding and watering processes automatically? It's easy ...
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Computers & Accessories

The Dell Ultrasharp 30" Monitor -- for a Widescreen Experience

(Apr 24th 2013 10:42AM) You may have wished, upon occasion, that you could view your computer documents in (larger than) life size, or watched a favorite video up close and personal. Thanks to Dell -- you may, on their Ultrasharp 30" Monitor ($1100 and free shipping; was $1300). The flat panel monitor features IPS for a wide angle ...
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Kitchen & Dining, Camping & Hiking

A Pair of Very Clever Gadgets

(Apr 22nd 2013 10:47AM) I'm always impressed when the Mother of Invention comes to the fore after necessity calls. A need arises, and somebody comes along with a clever solution. So it is with these two gadgets. For large families, or family reunions that involve a lot of kids, the Klipy Cake and Pie Divider ($14). It's only two ...
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