Adam Z. Lein

256 posts
Adam has had interests in combining technology with art since his first use of a Koala pad on an Apple computer. He currently has a day job as a graphic designer, photographer, systems administrator and web developer at a small design firm in Westchester, NY. His love of technology extends to software development companies who have often implemented his ideas for usability and feature enhancements. Mobile computing has become a necessity for Adam since his first Uniden UniPro PC100 in 1998. He has been reviewing and writing about smartphones for Pocketnow.com since they first appeared on the market in 2002. Read more about Adam Lein!
Microsoft Surface Duo Review: Beautiful Hardware, Terrible Software
Finally Microsoft has come back to the smartphone mobile space that they invented 20 years ago. The Surface Duo has some gorgeous hardware, but it has some issues, too.
Xbox Xcloud Game Streaming on the Surface Duo is Awesome
Today’s the day when Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Streaming is officially available. It…
Microsoft’s Surface Duo would have been great with Windows 8
What would the Surface Duo be like if it was running Windows 8 instead of Android?
Microsoft Surface Duo Unboxing (Video)
You may have already seen some unboxing videos of the press-version of the Microsoft Surface Duo, but this is the retail version.
Cosmo Communicator Review: the dual boot pocket PC phone
Have you ever dreamed of having full desktop computing power in a device that fits in your pocket and also still makes phone calls? The Cosmo Communicator running KDE Plasma Debian Linux might be it.
I got to hold the Samsung Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra
Today Samsung announced the new Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra via the Galaxy Unpacked Livestream web broadcast. What are they really like to hold in the hand?
Urbanears Luma Wireless Earbuds Review
The Urbanears Luma wireless earbuds are now available for $99 which includes the wireless charging case.
Looking for a morally good laptop? Try the Librem 14
Ethical, secure, freedom-friendly technology gear is becoming increasingly rare. Thankfully, some are prioritizing that; like the new Librem 14.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) review
If you’re on a budget, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is a great choice for couch consumption of content.
Collaborative notes and tasks come to Spike Messaging
Spike messaging, the least technologically segregated chat app, adds collaborative notes and task management features that still work with anyone who has a web browser.
TCL 10 Pro Review
The TCL 10 Pro has a ton of features and capabilities and it’s under $500.
Google Chromebook vs. Gallium Chromebook
Why would you want to run Gallium Linux on a Chromebook, when Chrome OS has Crostini Linux support built in? Read on for the answer.
Spike Video Chat is a great new free option for group video conferencing
Some of the other video conferencing options out there have been a security/privacy nightmare. Spike Video Chat is a new one with some very welcome advantages and improved simplicity.
How to have a Safe Video Call Party while Quarantined
Staying in because of the coronavirus outbreak? Learn how to have a Video Call Party that doesn’t violate the privacy of you and your friends.
Purism Librem Mini is a Freedom Friendly Home Server or Desktop
Purism’s laptop computers start at $1249, so a mini desktop that starts at $699 but gives you all of the same security features is a welcome addition.
Be careful about buying refurbished Chromebooks
When buying a refurbished Chromebook, be aware that some things might not work even after a hard reset.
A $99 Chromebook is so much better with Gallium Linux installed
Chrome OS is okay if all you need is a web browser, but upgrading a Chromebook to Gallium Linux turns your Chromebook into a much more powerful, serious computer.
Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G family
Did you hear? Samsung just announced its trio of Galaxy S20 5G smartphones. We were there and this is our hands-on. Check it out!
Wacom’s new MobileStudio Pro 13 is now available
The 2020 version of the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 is now available with updated specs an upgradable body and included stand.
Why you should probably avoid Google’s RCS Text messaging chat feature
RCS is being promised as the upgrade to text messaging that we’ve been waiting for, but… why can’t we just use the internet for this?
Building your own mobile phone is serious fun
Making your own mobile phone sounds like a daunting task, but it’s actually really fun! We’re not talking about a fancy iPhone here, but it is still quite an excellent learning experience.
Kai OS impressions: the world’s #3 smartphone OS
Kai OS is rising from the ashes as the world’s 3rd most popular smartphone operating system. How does it stand up so far?
Pinebook Pro Review: A $200 laptop that’s only for cool people.
A Chromebook alternative where you don’t have to install Linux yourself? And it can also run Chromium OS or Android off an SD card? Sign me up!
Nokia 7.2 Review
Nokia’s new 7.2 Android One phone is priced for the midrange market and includes a 48Mp camera. How does it stack up?
Why are we still using phone numbers?
Often if you take a logic-based critical look at something that society has long taken for granted, you might see that it really doesn’t make sense in modern society.  It may have made sense many years, or decades, or centuries ago, but it clearly doesn’t make any sense today. In the age of the internet, phone numbers are another one of those things.