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Since I’ve reviewed quite a few batteries and also mentioned rebuilding cordless power tools, I often get private messages asking about various details of these conversions. People ask all sorts of questions, and they’re often much the same, so I decided to put together a short overview and answer some common questions about choosing components and rebuilding batteries.

A few months ago, I published a review of a small engraving machine. In that review, I pointed out the design flaws and mentioned that I planned to fix them. In this review, I’ll cover the parts for the machine, add a little theory, and show the upgrade process.

I get asked about various video surveillance systems in private messages quite often. The questions vary, but I’ve noticed that most of them boil down to explaining the basics. People also ask for help choosing an inexpensive, simple system for a summer house, a private home, or a small shop. For this review, I picked a basic kit and will use it to explain what’s what and what you need it for.

Not long ago, I reviewed a small computer, and commenters said it would have been better with passive rather than active cooling. I didn't mention at the time that I'd just bought a small computer with passive cooling and similar specs. So today I'm reviewing that computer. We'll test it, heat it up, and take it apart.

I got my hands on a rather interesting charger—or, more accurately, a power supply. But this name has become so firmly associated with this category of devices that it’s probably easier to call it a charger. As always, the device has its pros and cons, which I’ll show you. I’ll also take it apart and give you some information on how to choose power supplies and chargers properly.

Last month I reviewed a Milwaukee cordless drill/driver. I also mentioned then that it wasn't the only tool I had for the M18 battery system, and now it's time to take a look at the next one. If you're interested in a tool that's not exactly cheap but is definitely interesting, read on.

Continuing my series of reviews of various tools, I’d like to tell you about a drill from STANLEY, one of the best-known tool manufacturers. This won’t be a very long review, but I’ll still do my best to tell you as much as I can about this tool.

I enjoy writing reviews of all kinds of DIY projects most of all, but small computers would come in second. I'm less interested in Android devices, but Windows is a different story. That's partly why today's review is of a small Windows 10 computer—and it's definitely not the familiar Atom-based kind. A look around, tests, teardown, more tests, and conclusions—all after the jump.

Today I'm reviewing a smartphone that stands out a little from the crowd of devices made in China. It has a lot in common with phones I've reviewed before, but while preparing this review I came across some interesting features.

Not long ago, there was an "unbelievably generous sale" of set-top boxes with an Amlogic S905X processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of flash storage. I couldn't resist either, and picked up a few.

In my previous review, I mentioned that I’d also review a second set-top box based on Amlogic’s new S912 processor. Performance is almost identical, but the design and software are different, so today I’m reviewing the second TV box. Teardown, tests, and conclusions are all below.

Around the end of last year, two new processors (SoCs) for TV boxes were announced. They were made by Amlogic. The weakest model, the S905, came out first, followed by the S912—but its release was heavily delayed, and TV boxes with this chip have only started appearing now, almost 10 months later. So today I'm reviewing a TV box based on the new S912 SoC. Inspection, tests, teardown—the usual.

These scales won't weigh a person or a stick of sausage, but they can (or at least should be able to) weigh things their “big brothers” can't. So today we're taking a look at and testing a miniature scale for weighing very light objects.

Some time ago, I reviewed the Netac N5M SSD. I really liked it, but my plans changed and I needed it for another computer, so I had to buy another one, this time with 120GB. As usual, there are tests and conclusions.

Some time ago, one of my readers contacted me privately and asked me to do a small comparative test of several thermal interface materials. I was interested in doing a test like that too, especially since I'd already done something similar, so I decided to help out. But as it happened, the idea grew into a somewhat bigger test, albeit a rather unusual one.

I’ve already reviewed a couple of inexpensive cordless drills, and in the comments people told me I’d be better off sticking with products from reputable brands. Well, this time I’ll show you a product from the opposite end of the spectrum: a tool from one of the best-known brands in the US, and a fairly well-known one here too—Milwaukee.

This won’t be the first review of this phone on the site, and I don’t think it’ll be the last, since the phone has its pros—as well as its cons, of course. Either way, it certainly draws attention. Inspection, teardown, tests, conclusions.

About six months ago, I reviewed a small but interesting TV box called the Mini M8S. Not long ago, an updated version of this device was released, featuring an S905X processor. I was curious to see how it differed, so I bought one, took a look, and took it apart. Details under the spoiler :)