MrMobile (Michael Fisher)

A "Shocking" Wearable, A Tiny E-Book, and A Phone With Something To Prove – Gadget Grab Bag!

In this May 2026 episode of Gadget Grab Bag, host Michael Fischer reviews four niche products: Pavlock’s Shock Clock, Extinct’s X3 ultra‑compact e‑reader, Oppo’s Find X9 Ultra smartphone, and Wand Company’s Star Trek Triorder replica. Each device pushes a specific boundary—pain‑based habit training, pocket‑sized reading, premium mobile photography, and fandom‑driven hardware design. The Shock Clock delivers up to 600 V jolts to break habits, priced at $160, but its glossy plastic band and limited strap security draw criticism. Extinct’s X3 weighs a feather‑light 58 g, offers weeks of battery life, 250 PPI ink, and magnetic attachment to MagSafe phones, yet suffers from weak magnets and a cumbersome file‑loading process. Oppo’s Find X9 Ultra impresses with a high‑end optics module and a 300 mm telephoto add‑on, though its software feels derivative of iOS and its price rivals foldable flagships. Finally, Wand’s Triorder is a meticulously crafted Star Trek prop that doubles as a sensor suite, reflecting six years of development and a premium price tag. Fischer notes the Shock Clock’s “aversive conditioning” as a novel alarm concept, while his hands‑on test of the X3 shows how a tiny screen can turn doom‑scrolling into reading time. He praises the Find X9 Ultra’s camera hardware but laments the lack of tactile rotation and iPhone‑like UI quirks. The Triorder’s authentic CRT‑style LCD and aluminum housing receive a nod for honoring the original series, even if its functionality is limited. Collectively, the roundup highlights a market trend toward hyper‑specialized gadgets that prioritize unique experiences over broad appeal. Early adopters may embrace the novelty, but mainstream success will hinge on design polish, ecosystem integration, and price justification.