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Belkin Active Pro Backpack review

Commuters. City-walkers. Road warriors. Office samurai. Whatever you want to call them, there’s a good chance if you find yourself working in an office, you have a bunch of stuff to carry with you on a daily basis. There are thousands of options for containing those items, but does your bag hit the perfect trifecta of comfort, content and looks, all at a great value? Belkin’s Active Pro Backpack aims to check off that whole list.

What is it?

The Active Pro Backpack is an unassuming, padded backpack built for protection, organization and on-the-go convenience. It’s well-suited for commuters carrying laptops, tablets and other mobile accessories in a variety of travel conditions.

Hardware specs

  • Dedicated protection for laptop (up to 15”) and tablet
  • Adjustable mesh padded shoulder straps
  • Padded back panel
  • Water-resistant coating on base
  • Reflective strips for visibility in low light
  • Top loading, upright design stands without support
  • Internal organization for ancillary items
  • Vertical pockets allow fast access on-the-go
  • Hidden high security pocket
  • Loop for a bike light
  • Luggage strap fastens bag to trolley or case
  • Knapsack opening for visibility and easy access
  • width x height x depth: 11.8” x 17.3” x 6.7” depth / 30cm x 44cm x 17cm
  • weight: 1.7lb / 776g

What’s in the box?

  • 1x Active Pro Backpack

Design and Features

Whenever I asses the usefulness of a backpack or other bag, I usually split my thoughts into three categories: Looks, Organization (which includes carry capacity) and Comfort. Let’s dive in!

Looks

The Active Pro Backpack is relatively unassuming, in a good way. It doesn’t look expensive, but it doesn’t look cheap, either. It looks like the kind of bag you’d see on the back of a regular commuter or city walker that sort of blends right into the rest of their outfit, and to me, that’s exactly what it was designed for. The logo on the outside of the bag is relatively small.

There’s a rubberized coating on the bottom just in case you set your pack into something unseemly.

The bottom of the bag is coated in a rubberized, water-resistant texture. It seems like the bag could handle being set down in a puddle for a bit while protecting the contents, but I wouldn’t call it super-rugged, and certainly not something you’d want to leave out in the rain.

There are a couple of reflective strips on the back and on the shoulder straps to be more visible in a dimly-lit crosswalk.

Overall, it’s not flashy and doesn’t advertise “hey look at me, I got some ‘spensive stuff inside.” It’s forgettable, which is perfect.

Being a black backpack with a rough texture, it did pick up quite a bit of lint and cat hair from the couch-side area I usually store my bag. The material felt a bit more clingy than you’d expect.

Contents / Organization

I get a little thrill whenever I explore a new backpack and find a multitude of pockets and zippers and compartments. Belkin’s Active Pro Backpack has plenty to spare.

Behold! Cavernous space.

First off, I love the top-loading main compartment. The entire top of the backpack unzips to reveal a wide entry point to the main compartment, which is itself divided into 3 vertical compartments — one padded area for a laptop or tablet, one smaller area for an e-reader or other small books, and a wide main area, flanked by a zippered, netted pocket.

Plenty of dividers and the little mesh, zippered pocket toward the front.

It’s worth mentioning that the bag stands up on a flat surface and doesn’t slump over or fall to one side if the contents are properly balanced. Nothing worse than having to contend with a tipsy backpack while trying to get something out of it.

Probably best not to put anything heavy in this top pocket.

The top flap of the backpack has a zippered pocket. I do appreciate more organization, but this pocket could become somewhat annoying depending on how much stuff you put into it. It basically has to flip the contents of that pocket 180º in order to get into the main compartment. It does easily flip over to the back of the backpack, but all I can think about is all the items in that pocket tumbling over themselves every single time.

The vertical zippered pockets are actually two separate compartments and are meant to be accessed quickly by swinging the backpack around to the front of your body.

The vertical side pockets are actually two separate areas.

Additionally, there are two narrow side pockets. One is simply an open pocket for storing an umbrella or thin water bottle, and the other has a more secure velcro flap.

Wait… what’s that on the back, is it…?

Finally, there is a super-secret, zippered and padded security compartment on the backpack right where it would meet your lower back while wearing it. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s the perfect fit for my Nintendo Switch. I don’t always go looking for a Switch-sized compartment, but I do often take it with me, so when there’s any sort of padded area that can accommodate it, bonus points.

ANOTHER pocket?! This one good for securing something tightly against your back to thwart thieves.

Just for some real-world application, I’ll include what I was carrying in my bag when I took these photos:

  • an umbrella
  • iPad Pro 12.9” size with Smart Keyboard
  • Legal pad
  • 5th Edition D&D Players Manual
  • A multitude of pens and cables
  • A book of writing prompts
  • Small stack of papers

Carry Comfort

All of these features would be practically useless if the bag itself was uncomfortable to wear in a typical commute. Fortunately, the Active Pro Backpack lives up to its namesake and is very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, thanks to its heavy padding on the shoulder straps and back.

Looks right at home on the back of a regular fella.

I wore the backpack on several hikes around the business park where I work, some of those walks on warm days. My back did get warm, as you’d expect, but not stifling… it still felt like it had breathability against my back.

Your mileage may vary from exactly how much weight you add to the pack, but at least the initial weight of the bag is light.

If you’re a cyclist or are rolling some luggage behind you, there are sturdy luggage straps on the backpack as well.

The straps are stitched on very well and the bag itself seems plenty durable.

Final thoughts

The Active Pro Backpack checks all my boxes for looks, comfort, and organization while also maintaining durability and a fair price. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of a commuter bag.

Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Belkin or Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Belkin. You can find out more and see their full line of products on their website.

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Belkin Active Pro Backpack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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The MusicLens Audio Glasses – sight and sound all in one!

Whenever I am out and about setting up for a photography or videography gig, I love to listen to music and “block” the world out as I focus on the task at hand. I also do the same when traveling by plane or by railroad. As an Audiophile, listening to music under any convenient circumstances gives me both pleasure and relaxation. All of the earbuds or headsets that I currently own allow me to also answer or reject phone calls, and get right back to my music without any significant effort. Now that the summer has just about arrived in NY, my wireless earbuds and my sunglasses are my mandatory accessories. Occasionally, I will forget one of the other at home, and that usually has a negative impact on my day because of loss of function and because of custom.

Today I learned that Kibey Culture has debuted MusicLens Audio Glasses with Built-In Beats. The MusicLens are bone conduction eyeglasses that are stylish, and according to the manufacturer, they produce high-quality sound while also incorporating the function of either eyeglasses or sunglasses. As an all-in-one solution, you can play music, listen to the radio, answer and reject phone calls, and because of the bone conduction technology, there is always safety because it allows you to hear any ambient sounds.

Features include Bluetooth 5.0, Smart Facial Recognition which restricts the features to your face, Smart Touch controls, automatic call answering, and FM radio, all in a design that is ultra light and water and dust resistant. The MusicLens comes in 3 styles, VOGUE or MODERN sunglasses and GEEK eyeglasses, and for the eyeglasses, you can customize your own prescription lens online for only $99. The rechargeable battery life is approximately 9 hours.

If you would like to learn more about the MusicLens Audio Glasses, check out their Kickstarter campaign. You can purchase at the early bird price starting at $69, and expect delivery in August 2018.

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The MusicLens Audio Glasses – sight and sound all in one! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Give Dad his favorite stadium for Father’s Day

And you won’t need billions of dollars to buy it, either.  These Laser Cut Stadium City Maps recreates some of the most famous stadiums and the roads, buildings, and geographic features surrounding them.  The map is made by “layering laser-etched Baltic Birch wood pieces that each capture different details—like rivers, roads, and buildings – in the neighborhood around each stadium.”

Each arial map is handcrafted and laser cut, and the stadiums are laser cut with 3D detailing.  The map includes a matte black metal frame, with hanging hardware and wall protectors included.  These maps are made in Toledo, OH, and they require 10-14 days for processing.  Most cities are 12″ x 12″, but Cleveland is 12″ x 18″ and Ann Arbor is 8″ x 12″.  The 12″ x 12″ maps are $150, and the other two are $125.  There are 27 different stadiums from which to choose.

Purchase the Laser Cut Stadium City Maps at The Grommet.

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Give Dad his favorite stadium for Father’s Day originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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MIOU Solar Motion Sensor Light Review

It never fails.  I always seem to forget to take out the trash until after the sun has set.  It also figures that the place where my trashcans are located is a very dark side of our house.  Most of the time I just stumble around hoping to get to the proper trash can (we have 3 – each for a different kind of trash).   Lucky for me I just got the opportunity to review the MIOU Solar Motion Sensor lights.

What is it?

The MIOU Solar Motion Sensor Light is a solar powered light that has 30 LED bulbs inside.  It has a built in Lithium-Ion battery that converts solar energy to power and stores it for use at nighttime.    No external wiring is necessary, you just need to make sure the solar panel on the top of the light has several hours of direct sun access.

Hardware Specs

  • It is IP64 waterproof certified.  I personally tested this by accidentally leaving the unit on the ground where I was initially charging it right where my sprinkler system could easily give it a good shower.
  • It has an automatic motion sensing function that will turn the light on when it senses people or animals coming within 10-26 feet of the light with a 120 degree lighting angle.
  • It has 30 LED bulbs.
  • Internal Lithium-Ion battery that stores energy from solar power.

What’s in the box?

The box itself was a rather plain cardboard box.  Inside the box and very tightly packed there was the following:

  • 2 solar powered lights
  • 2 packages of mounting hardware.  The mounting device for the light, 2 wood screws and two anchors for mounting the light in sheet rock.
  • 1 user manual

Design and features

The first thing I had to do before I could use the lights was to give it an initial charge.  There is an on/off button on the bottom of the light that I pressed on to make sure it would light up properly.  Once I confirmed the light was working I then had to place it outside in direct sun for an initial 8 hours.  I did this for both lights and actually spread it out across 2 different days.  While the lights were getting their initial charge, I installed the mounting hardware.   The above picture shows you how simple it is.  Simply have the arrow facing up (although I will admit the light will mount in either direction).  When installing in wood I did drill a small pilot hole first.  That made the install much easier.

Once the lights were charged, I simply slid the back of the light which had two matching grooves onto the mounting hardware.  You should note that you do want the screws screwed all of the way in or it will interfere with mounting the light.   The picture above shows the light mounted above my trash can area.  I purposely tilted it so that it would better illuminate the area and catch the sun’s rays.

I mounted the second light right above my storage shed door.  That area is also rather dark and I figured the light would make it much easier to find the keyhole when trying to open the shed.   Both pictures above will show you the location of that mount.

I left the switch on the bottom of both units in the ‘on’ position.  When it is ‘on’ the unit will go into standby with a light glow like the picture above.  It was much darker than what the picture shows, but my camera is trying to do me a favor by adjusting for the light.

When I approached the gate, the light saw the movement and activated the brighter LEDs.  You can see how well the entire trash can area is lit up.  I am really happy with how it is lit.

The next two pictures show the lights in the low standby position in the first picture and on bright in the second picture.  Once again you can really tell a difference.

What I like

It was super easy to install.  Having a cordless drill certainly made the job even that much easier.  It is pretty hard to mess up the installation of the mount and the light.  They give you all of the necessary hardware.   I also like that it came with 2 lights.  I had no problem thinking of additional places I would install future lights.

What needs to be improved

The only suggestion I would give is to have an option for the lights to come in white instead of black.  In south Texas, the lights will get extremely hot during the day.  Only time will tell how well the plastic will hold up to the heat.  I had replaced an older solar light in my trash can area and it had been white.  I will be sure to try and give an update on how well they have held up after our predicted super hot Texas summer.

Price: $24.99
Where to buy:  Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by MIOU.

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MIOU Solar Motion Sensor Light Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello offers great remote control for your DSLR


When I am working on Macro Photography, or when I need to place my camera some distance away from me and remain out of the way to get a photo, a wireless remote shutter switch is the ideal tool. It is also great to use to start and stop programmed time-lapse photos.

The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello is just such a device. It works on the 2.4 GHz frequency range, and the transmitter and receiver can communicate at up to 250 feet apart. It allows you to perform the basic function of triggering your camera remotely, as well as long exposures, and “elaborate time-lapses”. It has 99 channels built in and can be programmed for an infinite number of shots. It also features a delay setting and multi-exposure mode, and long exposures up to approximately 100 hours. While its wireless capability is the main feature, it can also be used as a wired remote.

The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello is compatible with several camera models from Canon, Nikon, Sony Olympus and Panasonic, and can be purchased from B&H Photo Video for $99.

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The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello offers great remote control for your DSLR originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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