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The gear you need for your dorm room
Our back-to-school guide wouldn't be complete without a section on dorm living. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of the year there (though hopefully not too much time). To really trick out a dorm room in 2019, we needed to focus on both comfort and convenience. Oh, and space savings, too. We think smart displays make a lot of sense, given how versatile they are. In particular, we opted for products that use Google Assistant over Amazon's Alexa because we think most people already tend to use Google for most services. We also suggested cooking gear that would be allowed in most dorms, including an electric kettle and the multifunctional Instant Pot. And to brighten up your new place a bit, we've also listed a couple different lighting options. From a high-tech smart clock to a basic coffee dripper, we think this is a solid shortlist for making your tiny abode feel like home away from home.
The best portable air conditioner
By Thom Dunn This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to portable air conditioners. If you don't have central air, and a window AC isn't an option, get the LG LP1419IVSM portable air conditioner—the quietest and most efficient unit we've found after researching over a hundred portable air conditioners and testing more than a dozen. Most portable ACs are pretty similar, but the LG LP1419IVSM delivers better cooling performance than other models, yet it uses less energy, makes less noise, and can dial in a more precise comfort level than other models. The difference is in its dual-rotor, DC-powered compressor, a contrast to the alternating current found on most air conditioners. Rather than running only at max speed or nothing, the LG can operate at a continuously variable speed, so the unit has a lot more flexibility in how it reaches a desired temperature in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. The LG had the lowest volume measurements on any machines we tested, and other nice (but not unique or essential) features—like compatibility with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, smartphone control via LG's app, and a remote—give you a lot of options for how to operate it. The Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Portable (FGPC1244T1) might not be the most powerful or quiet portable AC available but it has a very high energy-efficiency ratio (EER), and—if you can say such a thing about a portable AC—it's the best looking. Taller and more slender than most portable ACs, the Frigidaire takes up less space and moves easily from room to room. It's easier to install in a new window than others, with a unique telescoping panel that installs tool-free. Other small but thoughtful design touches include a cloth covering for the exhaust hose and a magnetic holder for the remote. Like the LG, it has smart-home capabilities. The Honeywell HL14CES doesn't boast impressive new technology like the LG or unique design features like Frigidaire—it's just a really solid portable AC. Without being remarkable, its performance is completely satisfying: quiet enough, powerful enough, and easy enough to set up and use. If you'd prefer a basic portable air conditioner without the bells and whistles of the LG or the Frigidaire, or if you find this model at a good price, we have no reason to discourage you from it. The popular, affordable Black+Decker BPACT14WT delivers where it counts—cooling performance—better than anything else in its price range. But it's a little rough around the edges compared with our other picks: its operation is louder, its controls are clunkier, and it lacks the nice details we liked about some other models. But still, it gets the job done and is a fine choice if you need a portable AC at something closer to a window AC price.
iRobot and Black & Decker settle over alleged patent infringement
iRobot, maker of the Roomba vacuum, has taken to challenging its competitors over alleged patent violations in an effort to hold on to its market share. In April, it named a number of companies including Black & Decker, Bissell, iLife and Hoover in a complaint filed to the US International Trade Commission wherein it asked the commission to investigate their supposed patent violations and ban any products that it finds to incorporate any infringed upon intellectual property. Now, however, iRobot says it has reached an agreement with Black & Decker.
iRobot starts a patent war over robot vacuums (update: ITC case)
It's getting nasty in the robot vacuum arena. iRobot has filed lawsuits against Bissell, Black & Decker, Bobsweep, iLife and Hoover for allegedly violating several patents for the concept of an autonomous room-cleaning robot. The company "will not stand by" as rivals "infringe on our intellectual property" by making similar competing machines, according to a statement. We've reached out to the companies targeted by the lawsuits and will let you know how they're responding, although it's safe to say they aren't likely to roll over.
Black and Decker's connected batteries tackle projects for $69
Back at CES, tool company Black and Decker unveiled its Smartech batteries that use an app to keep tabs on power levels and more. Just in time to help with those summer projects, the accessories are ready for use. If you're looking to give them a go, there are a couple of options for putting them to work. First, you can add the Smartech batteries to any 20V Black and Decker Max power tools and small vacuums that you already own. Each of the Bluetooth-equipped packs will set you back $69.
Black and Decker power tool battery talks to your smartphone
When you're using power tools to complete a big project, battery life is a big problem. You probably don't want to find out you need a battery swap when you're in the middle of drilling. Thankfully, Black and Decker has a way to give you a heads-up: it's readying Bluetooth-connected Smartech batteries that talk to your smartphone. They'll let you know when they're running low, and there's a locate feature in case one of the packs gets lost in your workshop. They're useful even when you're not working, for that matter -- a USB port lets them double as mobile power packs.
Black and Decker screwdriver senses your hand movement to adjust speed, direction (video)
Were you feeling the need for new tech to replace the switches that control direction and speed on your cordless screwdriver? Us neither, but we're not the braintrust at Black & Decker, which just launched the Gyro 4V Max, the "world's first motion-activated screwdriver." The company put an InvenSense MEMS gyroscope in the new model, so all you have to do to change the direction or speed is rotate your drilling hand one way or the other in varying amounts. After you've polished off that Ikea shelf, it should be ready the next time you haul it out of the toolbox, with a Lithium-ion battery that stays juiced for as long as 18 months. Judging by the video below the break, it actually looks pretty clever, and at $40, why not start dragging your tools out of the stone age?
Black & Decker's iShred vertical paper shredder (hands-on)
We don't typically take an interest in the thrilling world of paper shredding, but when you bring out a product with a snowy white glossy sheen and a bodacious industrial design, even our cold hearts are warmed enough to ask a few questions. Black & Decker, traditionally a power tool maker and seller, has recently introduced the iShred (yes, we gave them grief for the cringe-inducing name) vertical shredder, which they claim is just about the world's safest since there's no way to get your fingers anywhere near the cutting blades. The big appeal for buyers will be that rather attractive design, however, which does offer some added functionality -- the "fluted" shape of the lower half of this shredder helps disposal by funneling the loose streams of paper into a narrow outlet (when flipped upside down, of course). The price is $99.99 at places like Amazon and Fry's, who are already retailing the iShred. If you care for actual specs, you can cross-cut your way through six sheets of paper at a time and you'll have to empty out the collector once it's accumulated about 100 pages' worth of pulp. Check out our brave attempts to cut our fingers in the name of scientific testing after the break. %Gallery-112584%
Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector finds draft areas in your abode
This one's been around the block a time or two, but sadly, it still won't be available for use as an in-law stocking stuffer. Black & Decker's $39.99 TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector packs an infrared sensor that can detect where cool air is being let in around older windows, doors, etc. You simply aim it at a suspect area on your wall or molding, set the threshold for temperature change and comprehend the readout on the LCD screen. Too bad this will be way less useful when it launches in the Spring, but Old Man Winter's never too far out.[Via Coolest Gadgets]
