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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Alex Birch

ARTICLE – It’s always fun to see what is in someone’s pack. Here’s what I travel with on a daily basis.

What is that and where can I get one?

  1. MacBook Pro

    1. Lego baseplate

      • Allows me to get my lego fix daily as I use any of the items I’ve stuck on there
      • I’ve been running this system for probably 10 years and it’s started more conversations than anything else
      • Trimmed by hand and held on with Nitto double stick tape
      • All connected items have flat-top lego pieces stuck on the bottom with 3M VHB tape
    2. Seagate Backup Slim 2GB USB 3.0 drive with Cable Creation USB 3.0 to USB-C cable

      • 1GB partition for a full time-machine backup and the other for data storage and music library
      • Swapped out the one that came with the Seagate so it would work directly on MacBook if needed
    3. Satechi Aluminum TypeC Hub Adapter

      • 2 USB 3.o, 2 USB-C, micro and SD slots and HDMI
      • Ports also serve as cable/drive storage spots when not in actual use
    4. 32GB Leef USB drive with a zipper pull from Solo NY backpack
    5. Thinoptics Reading glasses

      • I’m getting old and now need reading glasses. This keeps them on me.
  2. Lamy Swift pen

    • Love the way this thing writes
  3. Fisher X-Mark Bullet Space Pen

    • Works when everything else won’t
  4. United Bees Meeting Notebook

    • Also usually have their Gantt and ToDo notebooks on me as well
    • Found these in a Singapore mall stationary store
  5. Crank Brothers Y16 Multi-tool

    • I ride a bicycle multiple times a week and this has the tools I need
  6. Yoobao battery pack with Anker Powerline II USB cable
    • Inexpensive and works, but no longer available with Lightning
    • Had to upgrade the cable
  7. Airpods with ACOUS ear gels and Elago Cable Button

    • I really like my Airpods, but they don’t fit my ears at all (not even close)
    • The ACOUS ear gels solved that problem completely
    • The cable button sticks to the Airpods case and gives the gels a home
  8. MacBook Power adapter and Power Trend Magnetic USB-C Charging Cable
    • I really missed Apple’s magnetic connector
  9. Stanley water bottle with requisite stickers
  10. iPad Pro 9.7″ in iVapo folio case with Apple Pencil
  11. Marmot PreCip Jacket

    • Lightweight rain/wind jacket.
    • San Francisco is notorious for sudden weather changes.

The Bag it all goes in

Mission Workshop R6 Field Pack

This is a great modular pack with interchangeable pouches and pockets. The Commuter is closest to what I’m running here. It’s crazy comfortable even when overloaded. The Arkiv hardware is metal which is awesome but compounds the empty weight when you keep adding pouches. @MissionWorkshop – Please make some glass-filled nylon hardware!

Other items that find themselves in/on the bag frequently…

Bern bike helmet, Various bike locks, Patagonia hooded puffy, Dainese moto gloves, Ten-One Mountie Plus, Assorted carabiners, A’s ballcap (Go A’s!)

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Alex Birch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 2, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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This tea infuser isn’t cute, but it doesn’t require washing

NEWS – Over the years, The Gadgeteer has featured a lot of cute tea infusers for making a cup of tea.  The T-Sac Tea Filter isn’t cute like those infusers.  It’s a single-use, disposable paper bag that’s suitable for steeping all types of loose teas.  The bag is made of paper fibers that don’t interfere with brewing but prevent sediment and small leaves from passing through into your cup.  You can blend teas to make your own flavor, or you can add spices for brewing.  Fill the bag, fold over the top, steep, then toss the infuser bag.

T-Sac bags are made in Germany from all-natural, unbleached paper with no chemicals or artificial ingredients to taint the flavor of the tea. They are environmentally sensitive, completely biodegradable, and fully compostable.  A package of 100 1-cup T-Sac Tea Filter bags is $6.64 at Amazon.

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This tea infuser isn’t cute, but it doesn’t require washing originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 2, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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TREBLAB X5 Earbuds review


REVIEW – As the beat goes on along with what has now become my obsession with finding the absolute best wireless Bluetooth earbuds that work for me, I jump at every opportunity to test and review these devices. Here is another experience. Let’s see what happened!!

What is it?

The Treblab X5 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds are similar in function to other such devices, but these have a form factor that is more like the Apple Airpods design, and they use Beryllium speakers to produce their sound.

What’s in the box


1 x Pair of Treblab X5 Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
3 x Pairs of Ear-fins
3 x Pairs of Eartips (I got 6 pairs in my set)
1 x Micro USB Charging Cable
1 x Instruction Booklet
1 x Warranty card

Design and features


Specifications:

  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • Chipset: CSR Qualcomm
  • Noise-Cancellation: Passive, cVc 6.0
  • Playtime: up to 6 hours + 4 additional charges with Charging Case
  • Charging time: 2 hours
  • Water resistance: IPX4
  • Phone Calls: Built-in Mic
  • Signal range: 33 feet
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz

The earbuds come in a nice compact charging case, that has internal contacts for charging and an on/of button for charging the earbuds. With the case facing you as in the picture below, the right earbud charges in the left slot and the left in the right.


Each earbud has 2 charging contacts and 2 function buttons.


On the front of the charging case from left to right, there are 2 charging indicator LEDs, one for each earbud, a micro USB port for charging, and an on/off button.

Performance

These earbuds arrived fully charged. I took them out of the case and turned them on while holding down the power button the right earbud that put them into pairing mode. Pairing is straightforward and easy.

Functions:
Right Earbud:
Power button (+): Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Volume Up/ Answer Phone Call
Mode button (-): Volume Down, Reject Phone Call, Hang Up Phone Call, Siri/ Google Voice Assistant

Left Earbud:
Top button: Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Previous Track
Bottom button: Next Track

These earbuds are really great sounding. the highs, mids, and lows are well balanced, and there is enough of a volume range for just about every type of listening situation and genre. I tested them with jazz, easy listening, gospel, soul, rock, and reggae and they were outstanding in every way and for each genre, There is very little to no distortion, at least none that was the fault of the earbuds. One important factor to enjoy the full potential of these earbuds is to make sure that you try the various ear tips and choose the right ones that not only fit comfortably but also provide a seal with your ears. Not only will this allow you to enjoy the full frequency range of the music and potential of the Beryllium speakers, but also you will gain the full effectiveness of the Noise Cancelling ability.

Treblab specifications boast playtime up to 6 hours with 4 additional charges via the charging case. It has been my experience, that the specs are not only true, but I likely got a bit more out of each charge. The X5 earbuds are also water resistant. Contrary to my personal issues with using earbuds for phone conversations, these earbuds performed well for me and I was able to not only hear the other party clearly, but they could hear me albeit that I had to speak a bit louder than my normal volume. I always reiterate in my reviews that I think my issue with earbuds and phone use are personal and not truly reflective of the ability of most earbuds.

The picture below shows the case while being charged with the earbuds in it also being charged. The blue LEDs oscillate back and forth while the red LED remains steady.


The following is a video showing the LEDs movement back and forth as both the earbuds and the case are being charged. If the power button is pressed off to stop charging the earbuds, the red LED remains on indicating that the case alone is being charged.

What I like

  • The number of included ear tips to accommodate comfort
  • The sound
  • Did I mention the sound?
  • The compact size and weight
  • Charge lasts a long time

What can be improved

  • The form factor is still a bit dorky much like the Airpods
  • Could be slightly more comfortable: Because of the form factor, you always feel their presence in your ears

Final thoughts

When I first saw these earbuds, I was intrigued because of the design, and the similarity in style to the Apple Airpods. I have to be completely honest, that based on the price and the brand name that I had never heard of, I did not expect much. Boy!! was I wrong!! These earbuds come with enough ear tips to ensure a perfect fit, and they sound absolutely amazing for anything less than what is considered to be “true” Audiophile. So far on this testing journey of mine, I have reviewed some major and well-known brands and models. While several of them are really good, when comparing them in categories like “most reliable connectivity”, and “sound”, these most reasonably priced earbuds have edged out all others to currently occupy the pole position all by themselves. Very well done and two thumbs up!!

Price: $79.97
Where to buy: treblab.com  or Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Treblab.

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TREBLAB X5 Earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 2, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Decorate your home with the beauty of our solar system

NEWS – I have a fascination with various ways that humans have attempted to model the universe.  I’d love to have an orrery, but those are very expensive, so I look for smaller, simpler representations.  This Scale Solar System Model Deluxe is my latest find.  The set comes with a “sun” that’s 53″ in diameter.  The planets are all sized in relation to each other, and the kit includes a laminated scale and distance chart to show you how to place the planets so they are the appropriate distance apart.

The planets are mounted on pine boards that have a “starry night” finish.  All the moons and the smallest planets are made of steel.  The mid-sized planets are made of wood, and the large planets are made of high density, expandable polystyrene (plastic).  Planets are shown with their major moons.

The Scale Solar System Model Deluxe is available for $184.95 from Scientifics Direct.

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Decorate your home with the beauty of our solar system originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 2, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Kathleen Chapman

ARTICLE – My EDC hasn’t changed much from last year. I no longer carry around my iPod Touch 6G and I have added a couple of things. Here is a list of my current EDC. The links for each item will lead you to the review of that item (if there is one) within which you can then click on the link at the end of the review to purchase the item if you are interested.

1. Colonel Littleton No. 18 Leather Hunt Bag

I’ve been using the Colonel Littleton No. 18 Leather Hunt Bag for about 1.5 years and it has held up well. It is very well made using full grain leather, is durable, and holds all that I need it to.  It also saves me from having to go shopping for a new purse every year which I loathe having to do.

2. Small trash bag

Just in case I need one, which happens every now and then.

3. OLALA 7800 mAh Power Bank

This portable charger has saved my phone a few times while running around town. It has built-in micro-USB and Lightning cables which frees me from having to carry around additional cables.

4. Ancicraft Simple Classic Vintage Soft Genuine Leather Pencil Pouch

This leather pencil pouch (7.75″ L x 4″ W) carries all my makeup as well as tweezers and fingernail clippers. It’s not made from the best leather, but I haven’t been able to find a full grain leather pencil/makeup case in this particular size.

5. Lotion/hand sanitizer/pill bottle

I periodically need hand lotion especially in the wintertime, hand sanitizer especially during flu season, and a small pharmacy packed inside my pill bottle for various needs.

6. Loop High Fidelity Earplugs

This is a new item that I carry around with me. I use these to help dampen the sound level of our church service music each week which helps immensely with my hearing issues.

7. 60 inch/150 centimeter retractable tape measure

I use this tape measure all the time. It’s so handy that even my husband uses it while we’re out and about.

8. Microfiber cloth

I use this to clean the various screens/lenses that I carry with me (my phone’s screen and camera lens and my clip-on microscope lens). Underneath the cloth is a wallet-sized card that summarizes the Gospel which lifts my spirits on bad days and reminds me how much I’m loved and that I’m never alone.

9. My First Lab STEM Starter Kit: Smartphone Microscope

This is another new item. I carry this small clip-on microscope around just in case some interesting insects cross my path (I’m an entomologist – I like bugs!). I place the microscope’s lens over my phone’s camera lens to magnify the object. I can then take photos of the object too. Awesome.

10. MPOW Swift Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones

Although the Jaybird X3 earbuds are my primary use headphones while at home, I use the MPOW Swift headphones when I’m away from home just in case I want to pass the time while in line at oh, say, the DMV or something (I might as well learn on YouTube how to build a house while I’m waiting). These headphones are really comfortable, inexpensive and sound great.

11. Anker USB-C to Micro USB Adapter/SIM card tool

Since I upgraded my phone to the Google Pixel 2 XL, I needed an adapter to use with my OLALA portable battery which has the built-in micro-USB cable. I like the adapter and it works well. I also keep a SIM card tool with me just in case I might need a small pointy object.

12. Polar M400 sports watch

I’ve had this watch for years now. It works with my Polar H7 heart rate monitor chest strap and calculates the stats that I’m interested in when I exercise. I also use it to alert me to texts messages and other notifications on my phone. It doesn’t have any other smart features, but it provides enough to keep me happy.

13. Pixel 2 XL phone/Caseology Legion Pixel 2 XL case

I love my Pixel 2 XL phone. It receives OS updates almost immediately which is of utmost importance to me. In addition, the camera is AWESOME – I use it to photograph all my review items. Furthermore, the screen is large enough to watch videos and the fingerprint sensor works really well.

I use the Caseology Legion case on my Pixel 2 XL phone (shown above) to protect it from drops (it’s a military-grade drop tested case). I’d rather not have any case on this beautiful phone, but since I paid $850 for it and I tend to be clumsy, better safe than sorry.

14. Small notepad

You never know when you might need some paper…

15. Garzini Essenziale Finestra wallet

This is my primary use wallet. It is a leather wallet which carries all my necessary cards (6 plastic cards and 5 paper cards) and dollar bills. I’ve used it for almost two years and it looks virtually new. I love it!

16. Benjamin Bott Design Chickadee English Tan ultra minimalist wallet

This is a “full grain English tan Dublin Horween leather (4.5 oz or 1.8 mm)” wallet. This wallet is an awesome durable minimalist leather wallet. It’s gorgeous to look at and incredibly well made. I use it to carry around my restaurant cards, coupons, bandaids, and alcohol wipes.

17. Writing Utensils (in order from left to right in the top photo)

I keep things like the Sharpie highlighter and Twin-Tip permanent marker on hand for highlighting reading materials and for mailing packages.

The Big Idea Ti pens are my favorite pens. The Ti Arto pen (the silver pen) accommodates over 200+ refills and is a nice length pen that also has a great weight and feel to it but requires you to unscrew the cap and post it on the end of the pen. The Ti Pocket Pro (the black pen) automatically adjusts to the length of 80+ different refills and twists open when you need a pen in a hurry.

The Pentel Twist-Erase pencil (the black pencil) is my favorite mechanical pencil because of its simple design and the fact that it contains a replaceable twist eraser. My husband and I have used this pencil since our college days and that was in the last century. You might say it’s vintage.

18. Colonel Littleton Pencil Case

As you can see, I love leather. I love this leather pencil case. It is simple and very well made using full grain leather. It keeps all my writing utensils upright in my purse and easily accessible. It is rather tall (6.5″ H x 3” W), but it fits well in my Colonel Littleton No. 18 Leather Hunt Bag.

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Kathleen Chapman originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 1, 2018 at 10:15 am.

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