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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

Welcome to part four of our on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for four more of the Gadgeteer team including yours truly. Let us know if you enjoy these types of posts.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

Julie Strietelmeier

My favorite style of gear bag is a messenger bag and the brand that I’ve been carrying for years is Timbuk2. I’ve had four Timbuk2 bags and the one I’ve been carrying every day for 5 years or more is their custom laptop messenger.

The Timbuk2 bag has been on my favorite gear list for the entire time I’ve had it, so it’s not really news. So I thought I’d also talk about a surprising little bag that I decided to take with me on vacation this year.

This bag isn’t even a bag that you can buy by itself as far as I know. It came with a sample of a lap desk for a crowdfunding campaign. When I was packing for my trip, I knew I wanted to keep the tech at a minimum level so I wanted a smaller bag than I usually carry. I saw this one in my closet o’bags and was very pleased when it could hold all my gear without bulging or cutting off the circulation in my shoulder.

It even has a pass-through for a rolling luggage handle which is always appreciated when trying to maneuver multiple bags through the airport. Now I want to find a nicer version of this bag without the iMoov logo and with nicer internal pocket construction. This one has thin satin material which feels a little flimsy (cheap), but having said that, so far it’s not torn or frayed.

Raul Sanchez

My favorite gear bag is the Serbags Army Courier Messenger bag I reviewed four years ago.

I love this courier messenger bag. Since the day I received it I used it as a camera bag that I take with me on all my photo shoots and assignments. I received this bag at the end of January 2013 and I haven’t stopped using this as my main camera bag. I really like the ease and convenience when I need to grab a lens or flash, battery, or earplugs like when I am shooting concerts.

I can reach in this messenger bag without looking and grab what I need. I just like having a messenger bag at my side during my shoots. If I had worn a backpack it would take too long for me to grab a piece of equipment since I would have to take off the backpack, put it down in front of me, unzip the bag and find what I need. Obviously, I would miss a shot. With what I do, speed is a huge factor. This bag has taken a beating in the last 4 years. Even though it has some small signs of wear and tear, the bag is still going strong.

With the Serbags messenger bag, I can literally have my camera in one hand and have the other hand reaching into the bag and retrieving the equipment I need, all at the same time. It is very convenient to have the bag on my hip.

Elizabeth Rodriguez

I’ve had a couple of bags since I reviewed the Incase Reform backpack, but I keep going back to this to hold all of my gadgets! I work in the city now, so it can fit all of the stuff I pack into it, including my laptop, wallets, water bottle, notebook, and reading book. I love how sleek it looks in heather grey with yellow logo and black trim. The details such as zippers and straps have held up incredibly well. It’s been through rain, snow, sun, and keeps it shape. I’ve received many compliments, and it’s nice how gender neutral it is. Anyone can use it, and it will last for a long time!

Steve Holt

This is the last review that I did, and I have used this bag on a daily basis ever since. It is the Mr. Lentz leather briefcase. It looks awesome and it makes me look awesome.

The 2 pockets on the inside keep my pens, flash drives, cables, etc, from rolling around in the bottom of the bag. Also, the buckles are adjustable and allow me to tighten it up or loosen it depending on my needs. And did I mention that it makes me look good? 🙂 Ha!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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Casetify Magnetic Apple Watch band review

I recently went thru my Apple Watch Band collection and one thing really stood out, all the bands I own are either black, grey or a combination of the two. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, however, I felt the need to add a little color to my collection. Casetify’s Magnetic Apple Watch band allowed me to do that in a simple and stylish way.

I was given a choice to review several different styles of Casetify Apple Watch bands. The reason I chose this particular band was its magnetic loop design. No more fussing with snaps or buckles. The band simply loops around your wrist. I chose the blue band because it’s my favorite color. But if you don’t like blue there are three other colors to choose from. They include red, black and grey. And the price is a reasonable $50.

The Casetify Magnetic Apple Watch band arrived packaged in a nice white box. Inside the band was nicely displayed on a velvet cushion and there was even a nice “Thank You for your purchase” card inside.

Attaching the band to the Apple Watch is easy. Using the bands built in adaptor simply slide the band into the Apple Watch until it clicks into place. It also makes it easy to quickly switch to another band.

Once on, the band’s seamless design makes it very comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight, soft and comfortable against my skin, definitely designed for all-day wear. The band’s magnet is surprisingly strong, it never felt like it was going to come undone or fall off my wrist.

The loop design allows you to adjust the band to precisely fit your wrist. Perfect for when you’re in a rush to put on and take off your watch. And since there are no snaps or buckles the band lays flat against your wrist, giving it a clean elevated look. Perfect to wear for just about any occasion.

Casetify doesn’t specify what the band is actually made of, but it does do a very good job of mimicking the look and feel of genuine leather. My only concern with it not being leather is how well the band will wear over time.

I really like the Casetify Magnetic Apple Watch band. It’s truly one of the most comfortable Apple Watch bands I’ve ever used. The combination of its simple, yet luxurious looks and the ease of the magnetic loop design make it a great Apple Watch band. Plus it injected just a little bit of color into my otherwise drab Apple Watch Band collection. Thank you Casetify.

The Casetify Magnetic Apple Watch Band is designed to precisely fit both the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch and is available for $50 through casetify.com.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Casetify. Please visit their site for more info and to purchase.

 

Product Information

Price: $50
Manufacturer: casetify
Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Easy to put on and take off
Cons:
  • Not genuine leather

Filed in categories: Reviews

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Casetify Magnetic Apple Watch band review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2017 at 9:05 am.

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Newsflash – Razer Electra V2 Gaming Headsets provide high-end features on a budget

On October 19th, Razer announced two new gaming headsets for value-conscious gamers: the Razer Electra V2 and the Razer Electra V2 USB. Razer has designed this headset to offer great sound, fit and features at a budget price. The sound is generated by custom-tuned 40mm Neodymium drivers. The comfortable fit of the Electra V2 is achieved using a lightweight, flexible aluminum frame with a suspended headrest and plush leatherette ear cushions. Features include a 3.5 mm unified audio and mic connector (on the V2 headset) and a removable boom microphone for enhanced communication during gameplay or in phone conversations. Read on for more info!

Removing the boom mic allows for streamlined use. The USB version allows users to activate Razer green back-lighting on the ear cups, and experience virtual 7.1 surround sound digital audio quality by Razer Synapse – Razer’s cloud-based configurator.

Specs:

Earphones
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 32 ± 15% Ω
Sensitivity: 105 ± 3dB  (115 ± 3 dB on USB model)
Max input power: 50 mW
Drivers: 40 mm with Neodymium magnets
Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft.
Approximate weight: 278 g / 0.61 lbs. (294 g / 0.65 lbs. on USB model)

Microphone (Removable boom mic)
Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 50 dB
Sensitivity (@1 kHz): -38 ± 3 dB
Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional

Controls on headset
Volume up / down, mic mute

The Razer Electra V2 (U.S. $59.99 / EU €59.99) and the Razer Electra V2 USB ($69.99 / EU €69.99) are available now from Razerzone.com and worldwide Q4 2017.

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Newsflash – Razer Electra V2 Gaming Headsets provide high-end features on a budget originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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MYMUG indestructible mug, Mindful Notebook, Neofit collapsible foam roller, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week I’m bringing you five crowdfunding campaigns that include two products that shrink in size when you need to travel. Click through to see more info about these crowdfunded products as well as three others.

MYMUG: The Last Mug You’ll Ever Need. Century Guaranteed!

What is it?
MYMUG is an insulated beverage holder that is made of a virtually unbreakable composite material that 100% FDA approved, BPA and BPS free, dishwasher safe, can be used in the microwave, and is guaranteed for a century.

Why do I like them?
Making Modern sent me a sample of the MYMUG and I really like the modern look and feel. I also like the slots in the base that allow water to drain when you wash it in a dishwasher. The fact that you can drop it without worrying that it will break is a big plus too. It’s also great that it’s made right here in the US and each mug features a lifetime warranty against defects. The $5 drink-through lid is a nice touch too.

Where can I find more info?
The MYMUG campaign ends in 26 days and they working on reaching their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a MYMUG starting at $10. After the MYMUG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Mindful Notebook by Corso

What is it?
The Mindful Notebook is a hardback notebook that helps you unplug and write down your thoughts and task lists.

Why do I like them?
Corso sent me a sample of the Mindful Notebook to check out and I was impressed by the look and feel. Each lined page has a thought or quote at the top and there’s a section at the bottom that is dedicated to listing what you’re grateful for that day.

Where can I find more info?
The Mindful Notebook campaign ends in 18 days and they have already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Mindful Notebook starting at $28. After The Mindful Notebook campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Neofit Roller: The Foam Roller That Goes Anywhere

What is it?
Neofit is a portable version of a foam roller that you can use for self-massage to help with tight muscles and sore areas that are also known as “trigger points”. The Neofit opens to 12 inches and collapses down to a super compact 4 inches.

Why do I like them?
First of all, I don’t personally use foam rollers, but my better half does ALL THE TIME. We have 2 of them in our basement living room and they are each over 3 feet long and 6 or so inches long. They are like a log and take up space. I’d love to get Jeanne one of the Neofit rollers to take the place of the regular rollers that she has because they look like they will do the same thing but take up a fraction of the space.

Where can I find more info?
The Neofit Roller campaign ends in 29 days and they have already met their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Neofit Roller starting at $49. After The Neofit Roller campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

MagC: Wireless MacBook Charging

What is it?
MagC is a wireless charging case that has been designed to clip to the bottom of a MacBook. It will charge your iPhone 8 and iPhone X devices and other Qi devices too.

Why do I like them?
I’ve been a fan of Qi wireless charging for years and would love to have that capability for my MacBook too. The MagC wireless charger looks really interesting and it’s being made by the same people who created the TarDisk so at least you know that it’s not from a company who has never made a product before.

Where can I find more info?
The MagC campaign ends in 56 days and they have already met their funding goal of $1,000. You can pre-order a MagC starting at $139. After The MagC campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Jammy – Super Portable Digital Guitar

What is it?
Jammy is a travel-sized steel stringed digital guitar.

Why do I like them?
I’m a sucker for small musical instruments. I have owned small keyboards, travel guitars, ukuleles, and even other miniature digital guitars like the Jamstik. I think the Jammy looks like it might be better than the Jamstik because it opens to a larger size. The Jamstik was cool, but it was really small and slightly awkward to use. The Jammy looks like it might solve that problem while remaining very portable and travel-friendly. You don’t even need an app to play music on it because it’s a MIDI instrument. Just plug in headphones and play.

Where can I find more info?
The Jammy campaign ends in 56 days and they have already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Jammy starting at $349. After The Jammy campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

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MYMUG indestructible mug, Mindful Notebook, Neofit collapsible foam roller, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2017 at 4:44 pm.

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AtmosFX digital decorating kit review

My family and I love decorating the house during the holidays. Whether it’s animatronics, inflatables, or just good ole’ fashion lights, there are few things as fun as dressing up your home for the holidays.

On the flip side, there are few things less enjoyable than putting away all your holiday decorations. It’s time consuming and a terrible reminder the holiday is over.

One company, AtmosFX, has created a digital decorating kit that allows you to decorate your home without all the terrible cleanup.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play with the decorating kit for the last few weeks.

In the box

  • Standard definition projector
  • Mounting tripod
  • Remote control
  • Power adapter
  • Standard window projection material
  • Digital decoration SD card with 14 scenes

Specifications

  • Display Technology: 4” Single LCD Panel Display
  • Color: 16.8 million, 24-bit RGB
  • Brightness: 300 ANSI LM
  • Lamp: LED 24W
  • Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
  • Native Resolution: 800 x 480
  • Lamp life: 30,000 hours
  • Projection Distance: 3 feet to 20 feet
  • Projection Size (diagonal): 40” to 180”
  • Throw Ratio: 1.37:1
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3 / 16:9
  • Keystone Correction: + or – 15 degrees
  • Power Supply: 100-240 V
  • Power Consumption:  60 W
  • Input: USB/SD/HDMI/Composite
  • Audio Output: 3.5mm or built-in speakers
  • Projection Material:  4’ x 6’ — 86.5” diagonal

Design

The kit is essentially an A/V projector and an SD card with various scenes on it.

The projector resembles a typical, standard definition projector that you’d find in a school classroom.






The top of the projector has several function buttons and focus adjustment dials. The bottom contains a threaded input for a tri-pod. The front holds the projector lens, while the back contains several input ports, the power port, and an IR receiver. One side of the projector contains a second threaded tri-pod input and the other side has venting.




The kit also includes a remote control, a tri-pod, window projection material with adhesive, and an SD card with 14 digital scenes.

There really isn’t much to go over in regards to the design of the kit; as I said, it’s identical to just about every projector I’ve ever seen. The accessories are also pretty standard fare.

Performance

Using the digital kit is easy; you insert the SD card and plug in the projector. Once it’s powered up, you aim it at your “target” and adjust the focus.

“Advanced” setup involves placing the window projection material on your window. This takes a few minutes and requires you to fold the material to fit into your window and use adhesive to secure it. Once you’ve set up the material, you’ll have a surface perfect for projecting your effects onto.

The SD card I was provided contained 14 different scenes. Some scenes were for Christmas, some for Easter, but most were scary Halloween effects.

Using the effects is no different than selecting music to play on your phone or computer; you select the proper media and hit play.

Since it’s almost Halloween, I focused on the scarier effects. I recorded video of the effects from outside my house; unfortunately, the video doesn’t do the effects justice, but I’m going to post them anyway.



Close up




Far Away

After testing the kit on my window, I decided to try using it on my storm door. It was difficult to get the angle just right, but once I did, the effect was pretty amazing. Again, the videos I took don’t do the effect justice.




 

My only issue when using the kit was when trying to adjust the angle of the projector. The tri-pod that’s include in the kit isn’t very strong. If you try to use the projector at an angle other than perfectly level, the tri-pod “slips” and the projector ends up pointing straight up or down. Other than that I experienced absolutely no issues with the kit.

Conslusion

The AtmosFx is a really fun way to decorate your house for the holidays. The 14 scenes included with the kit are fun, but AtmosFx sells even more on their website.

The kit is easy to setup and just as easy to take down.

The kit isn’t cheap at $199.99, but you can purchase media for almost every holiday. If you can afford the kit, I would definitely recommend it.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by AtmosFx. Please visit their site for more information and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $199.99
Manufacturer: AtmosFx
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • None
Pros:
  • Easy to set up
  • Fun effects
Cons:
  • Tri-pod weak
  • Expensive

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AtmosFX digital decorating kit review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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