The Modular Product & System Database
A comprehensive resource for modular products and systems - helping consumers build adaptable, sustainable, and cost-effective product ecosystems with compatibility matrices, upgrade paths, and total cost of ownership analysis.
The ThinkPad T14 Surprised Me More Than Framework Did
I tested 7 laptops at my repair cafe to find real Framework alternatives. The ThinkPad T14's battery swap took under two minutes, and that's just the start.
I Hung 35 Pounds From Each Shelf Bracket. Here's What Held Up.
I tested 7 wire shelving systems with 35 pounds of gear for months. ClosetMaid beat Elfa in durability, install time, and cost. Here's the full breakdown.
I Dragged 7 Tactical Bags Through Lisbon, Saigon, and Essaouira. Only 4 Made It.
I tested 7 tactical bags that claimed to beat GORUCK at half the price. After 6 months across 3 continents, only 4 survived. Here's what actually held up.
Why I Stopped Recommending Burrow After 4 Years
After 4 years of recommending Burrow, I tested 7 alternatives. Albany Park's Kova beat it on comfort per dollar, and one brand ships faster too.
Why I Stopped Letting My $300 Headphones Dangle Off My Monitor
After testing 5 modular headphone stands for 2 weeks each, the Grovemade system won. It's not cheap, but here's why it's worth it for cable chaos.
18 Years in Recording Studios Taught Me How to Test Furniture. These 3 Brands Beat Article.
After 18 years testing audio gear, I applied the same rigor to furniture. Burrow beat Article in our scoring, but it's not right for everyone.
I Tested 7 Triple Monitor Arms for a Month. Only 2 Didn't Sag.
After a month with 7 triple monitor arms, most sagged under real weight. Here's the 2 that held up, and which one's worth your money.
I Lost 3 Jars of Hoisin Sauce in My Deep Pantry Before I Fixed This
After losing 3 jars of hoisin sauce in my 24-inch cabinets, I tested Elfa, ClosetMaid, and wire systems. Here's the 3-zone framework that actually works.
I Watched My $200 Cable Tray Crash to the Floor—Then Tested 12 More to Find One That Actually Works
After my $200 cable tray crashed and burned, I tested 12 more for 60 days each. The winner isn't the priciest one, and it works for renters too.
I Used Software Architecture Principles to Organize My Mudroom. It Actually Worked.
I applied software architecture principles to my chaotic mudroom. Turns out, modular vs. monolithic thinking works for shoe storage too.
We Bought Nursery Furniture Wrong Twice. Here's the Checklist I Made for My Sister.
After buying nursery furniture wrong twice, I made a cost-per-year checklist for my sister. The 4-in-1 crib math actually makes sense when you see it.
I Tested 34 Desk Organizers on My Standing Desk. Only 9 Survived.
Tested 34 desk organizers over 8 months. Most slid or tipped during height changes. Here are the 9 that actually stayed put, and which ones work best for small spaces.