IRL: Dell’s U2713H monitor and the X-Arcade Dual Joystick

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

IRL: Dell's U2713H monitor and the X-Arcade Dual Joystick

A fleet of fancy cameras deserves a high-end monitor to match, right? And do we really need to explain why an Engadget editor would impulsively buy an arcade-style controller?

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IRL: Skullcandy Crusher headphones and ASUS’ G74SX gaming laptop

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

It’s true; most Engadget editors would prefer some sort of Ultrabook-type laptop for attending pressers and schlepping around trade shows. But at least one of us has chosen a nine-pound gaming laptop for hitting posts. (It even says “Republic of Gamers” on it.) Speaking of schlepping, Michael has taken back (almost) everything he’s ever said about over-the-ear headphones after swapping in the Skullcandy Crushers on his long commute. Hit the break to find out what he thinks of them.

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IRL: Bluelounge Messenger and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

How do you make our one-man French bureau really, really happy? Obviously, the answer is to give him sparkling wine, a baguette and maybe a striped boatneck shirt. And also, hand him a $3,000 camera to tinker with. If you’re at all interested in the three-grand Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Mr. Steve Dent has some detailed impressions (and complaints) after the break. And if you’re not, we’re still on the hunt for the perfect gear bag.

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IRL: Moshi’s Digits gloves and the Nokia Lumia 620 on Telus

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Spring may have sprung two weeks ago, but believe us, it’s still winter somewhere. (Ed note: I’m typing this from underneath an NVIDIA Snuggie — Dana.) In fact, Darren’s had a reason to test out some touchscreen-friendly gloves, even in his southerly state of North Carolina. Up north, our own Jon Fingas has been playing with the Lumia 620 on Canada’s Telus networks. No complaints from him about the 40-degree temps, though.

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IRL: IOGEAR GearPower GMP10K, SteelSeries Free Mobile Gaming Controller and the Metabones Speed Booster

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

IRL: Timbuk2 Commute bag, SteelSeries Free Mobile Gaming Controller and the Metabones Speed Booster
Anyone out there a fan of Sony’s mirrorless cameras? How about Canon’s premium glass? Good. We knew there’d be some of you. In any case, with this week’s IRL, we’ll be sharing everything you ever wanted to know about the Metabones Speed Booster, which fastens your full-frame EF lenses onto Sony’s E-mount NEX cameras. And, of course, what would an IRL column be without an external battery pack? (Seriously, we can’t live without ’em.)

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IRL: Bing Translator, ioSafe N2 and the Mophie Juice Pack Air

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Yes, again with the mobile battery packs. (We’re power users, okay?) In this week’s roundup, Joe ditches his Elecom charger for the Mophie Air, and tells you everything you may wanted to know (and maybe a few things you didn’t). Rounding things out, Darren kicks the tires on ioSafe’s durable, “disaster-proof” NAS box, while Dan uses Bing Translator to avoid offending the lovely people of Germany.

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IRL: Clocks for Mac, Pong Research iPhone 5 case and the BlackBerry Z10

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Is saying you need to keep track of six timezones a humblebrag? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but either way, don’t expect an apology from Mr. Darren Murph — the man is positively giddy about his new $3 Clocks app. You know who else won’t be issuing any apologies? Jon Fingas, our resident Canadian smartphone nerd, who says the BlackBerry Z10 isn’t half bad.

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IRL: Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and the full-frame RX1

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Not too long ago, full-frame digital cameras were cumbersome, heavy and very expensive. They’re still a long ways from making a home in the bargain bin, but Sony’s new RX1 definitely has size in check. In order to reduce the model’s footprint, the Japanese camera maker added a fixed 35mm lens to this point-and-shoot-esque digicam, modeled after the company’s gorgeous and versatile RX100. Both of these flagship Cyber-shots offer tremendous bang for your buck, but they’ll thin out your wallet faster than they’ll capture 10 consecutive 20-plus-megapixel frames. Still, as you’ll read after the break, our resident camera reviewer Zach Honig is very much in love.

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IRL: Mailbox, Behringer iNuke Boom Junior and the Fujifilm X-E1

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

You may have heard that a little app called Mailbox launched a few days ago. You may have also heard it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. As it turns out, Darren hates it. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom this week: Jason’s impressed with the miniaturized iNuke Boom Junior speaker, and Philip is just happy to answer questions about his new camera.

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IRL: Skooba Cable Stable, Kanex mySpot and the HTC One X+

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we’re using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

We’ve got some practical considerations on our minds this week. Sensible things, like managing a mess of cables or getting online from hotel rooms. We’ve found some products that serve us well on both fronts, but there’s still at least one conundrum we can’t quite resolve: is it better to get a cheapie One X or a slightly faster One X+? We’ll hash that one out after the break — and you can do the same in the comments.

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