Home 2018 October

Buckle & Seam Ralph Leather Portfolio review

REVIEW – I’m a big fan of the style and practicality of the business portfolio. This week we’re looking at a good one: the Ralph Portfolio from Buckle & Seam. Not only is it a nice piece of leather with excellent usability, but you can also personalize it a bit to match your style. Buckle & Seam also donates a portion of their sales to a very worthy cause. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a leather business portfolio and organizer for your meeting essentials.

  • Hardware specs
  • Vegetable tanned leather with custom fabric lining
  • Padded laptop compartment fits up to 14” laptops
  • 14.2” by 9.8” by 1.2”
  • 1.5 Pounds

Design and features

The Buckle & Seam is a classy piece of office gear. Vegetable tanned cow leather is the primary fabric, with a minimum thickness of 1.6mm throughout the build. It’s also padded for extra protection of your electronic bits. You can personalize the front cover with your embossed initials in the lower right corner if you like.

Dual zips run the perimeter of the portfolio to keep your stuff from falling out as you run between meetings. There’s some nice, simple finishing detail in the construction that doesn’t distract from the leather:

The Ralph Portfolio also has excellent usability for managing your essential meeting requirements as you run about doing businesslike things. Open it up, and you’ll find all of your gear organized and ready for action:

The right side is a sleeve, sized for up to a 14″ laptop. I’ve got a 13″ MacBook Pro in here for size reference, but it will also fit a 12.9″ iPad Pro with the Apple cover & keyboard. The portfolio is *just* a bit oversized, so slipping your moneymaker in and out of the sleeve doesn’t become a wrestling match:

The organizer panel features 7 different spots for your gear. The size of the portfolio also works in your favor here, as the different pockets and slots are well-spaced for quick access to the thing you need at the moment.

Walking around the organizer panel, you start with business card (or credit card) holder site below the logo. I found that my business cards fit here, but it did need some stretching at first. This spot is probably better served for your essential credit cards or a keycard.

Below this is a 3.75″ by 3.75″ fabric pouch that seals with a magnet. You get to choose your fabric color from 6 different patterns, which are also used to line all the portfolio’s pockets. This pocket is gusseted for some extra expandability.

The top center of the panel has two leather strips fastened with buttons, designed to wrangle charging cables or your headphones.

Below the chord ranger is a 4.75″ by 2.75″ pouch that bellows a bit for thicker items. My iPad power brick is in this slot for reference:

Three pen loops sit below the pocket. I appreciate the sizing on these, which work for thicker writing instruments as well:

Moving to the right of the organizer panel, there’s a 3.25″ by 3.75″ bellowed pocket that will fit a smart phone. My iPhone 6s in its case fits with some room to spare. You’ll want to check the dimensions for larger phones. Smaller notebooks (like Field Notes) will fit nicely in this space, too.

Finally, you have another card slot below the phone pocket. This one is ideal for business cards.

Made in Pakistan, the assembly is tight throughout. The leather has a smooth burnished finish. While it’s not the thickest leather I’ve seen, additional padding and reinforcement throughout the build give it a nice balance of substance and flexibility. As you can see from the pics it quickly pics up character marks from daily use, but I’m not seeing any signs of wear that would impact the portfolio’s functionality. I expect the patina to age nicely as I continue to use it.

With an overall depth of 1.2″, you won’t get a lot of extra stuff in the portfolio beyond what fits in the organizer areas. But this is for minimalist carry, and not meant to be a replacement for a regular bag. I’ll add a small notebook that sits in there when I am carrying it about, or maybe some folders with my laptop… but that’s about all you need.

I should note that there’s not really a good place in this setup for a laptop power brick. My MacBook Pro brick is just too bulky to fit comfortably in any of the organizer spots. I’m not as worried about that given the battery life, but it is something to consider if you need access to power all day for your laptop.

Buckle & Seam is also dedicated to a great cause. They’ve developed a partnership with Anum School, supporting girl’s education in economically challenged neighborhoods in Karachi, Pakistan. A portion of all sales go towards the school.

What I like

  • Excellent quality in the build and materials
  • Great organization for common business tools and accessories
  • Perfect sizing for easy carry, but big enough to give your gear room to breathe

What needs to be improved

  • Smartphone pocket may not be big enough for plus-sized devices
  • No space for a laptop power brick

Final thoughts

There’s nothing worse than shuffling between meetings with a bunch of stuff under your arm while juggling your coffee, phone, and tech. The Buckle & Seam Ralph Portfolio makes for an ideal work companion for those who don’t want to haul a bag through the halls all day. It’s got just enough organization to keep your bits and doodads in order in a sleek, professional package. The leather is good. The quality is good. And the company is supporting a great cause. Overall I call this one a winner.

Price: $214.00 USD
Where to buy: Buy it at the Buckle & Seam web site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Buckle & Seam

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Buckle & Seam Ralph Leather Portfolio review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 26, 2018 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Walmart and Kobo have launched an eBook and audiobook store

NEWS – Julie just recently reviewed a Kobo Clara HD eBook reader.  If you were inspired by her review to purchase a Kobo reader for yourself or as a gift, you’ll need a source for eBooks, and Walmart and Kobo’s new eBook store is just what you need.  Kobo’s library features 6,000,000+ titles, and you’ll be able to purchase Digital Cards (pre-paid gift cards) in Walmart stores as an easy way to purchase or gift eBooks.

Of course, Walmart is also offering Kobo eBook readers and accessories both in stores and online.  And they have eBook reader apps for both iOS and Android so you can read your book on your smartphone or tablet, as well as your Kobo reader.  You can start reading on one device and switch to another to continue the story without losing your place.

In addition to eBooks, the Walmart store also offers an audiobook subscription.  For $9.99 a month, the subscription includes one audiobook per month.

Learn more at the Walmart Kobo eBook website.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Walmart and Kobo have launched an eBook and audiobook store originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 1:37 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

GORUCK launches GR2 26L, a smaller option for travel or EDC

NEWS – It began with the GR2, a large 40L ruck (AKA backpack) that GORUCK designed and built for travel (but also great for EDC).  A few years later, the GR2 34L arrived, a slightly smaller, shorter ruck for folks of lesser height and frame who really wanted to use the GR2, but found the 40L version a bit cumbersome.  Now, the trifecta is complete (?) with GORUCK’s recent launch of their GR2 26L, an even smaller and shorter ruck for the smallest-stature fans of the GR2.  The GR2 26L is the same volume capacity as GORUCK’s original flagship and most popular ruck.  As with all of GORUCK’s gear and especially their rucks, the new GR2 26L is built in the USA with military-grade materials—such as 1000D Cordura and high-strength webbing—and the GR2 series includes a load of compartments and pockets that are super useful for securely organizing your gear, clothing, and other items.  As an owner of a GR2 34L that I’ve been using for one-bag travel for a few years now, I’m excited about this 26L version, especially for folks that found the 34L a bit too large for their liking.  The GR2 26L retails for $495 and includes the GORUCK SCARS Lifetime Warranty.  Visit GORUCK.com for more info or to order.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

GORUCK launches GR2 26L, a smaller option for travel or EDC originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review

REVIEW – So here we go again. One of the most exciting testing series for me has been the earbud challenge and that battlefield where I enlist all earbuds to try out for the top spot. It is the battle to see which pair can be the best of the best for me and my personal taste. While individually subjective, it continues to be a great way to compare the various brands and what they offer. Now the Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds have entered the competition. Let’s see how they perform.

What is it?

The Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are like most earbuds that handle audio listening as well as phone call functions. These earbuds feature Balanced Armature Drivers and a charging case that includes a built-in speaker.

What’s in the box



1 x Pair of Phiaton Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
1 x Micro USB Cable
4 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Instruction Manual
1 x Warranty Leaflet

Design and features

The Phiaton earbuds are not tiny but not large either. They come in a charging case that is approximately 3 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 1 1/.2″. The left side of the case is longer than the right because there is a  speaker that is housed in the left side.

On the right side, there is a Bluetooth button, 4 blue led lights for charging status and remaining charge, and the micro USB charging port.



On the other side of the charging case, there is a built-in speaker.

Performance

Specifications:
Communication Network: Bluetooth 5.0
Driver unit: Balanced Armature
Impedance: 40 Ohm
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Driver Unit Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz
Max. Input Power: 40 mW
Operating Range: Within 10 m / 33 ft.
Call Time: 5 hrs Max.
Music Play Time: 5 hrs Max.
Standby Time: 94 hrs Max.
Full Charge Time: 2 hrs (2.5 hrs including Charging Speaker Case)
Fast Charging: Support 10 min. Charging= 1 hr Playing
Audio Codec: SBC, AAC
Operating Frequency: 2.4 GHz(2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz)
Earbud Weight: 6.5 g
Charging Speaker Case: Input Power: DC 5 V / over 1 A
Battery: Lithium Ion, DC 3.7 / 750 mAh
Full Charging Time including Earphones: 2.5 Hrs
Number of charges with the case: 3 times (4 X 5 Hrs + 20 hrs with fully charged earbuds)
Speaker Output: 3W Max.
Music Play Time via earbuds & Speaker: 8 Hrs Max.
Standby Time: 220 Hrs Max
IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant

In terms of music, these earbuds fit comfortably in my ears, and they function quite well. They have a nice volume range that works for me for all of my favorite genres, with a maximum volume that does not overwhelm and will not cause any damage to my hearing. The lows, mids, and highs are good and without distortion, but if you want to experience the lows in their full capability, it is very important to use the correct size and properly fitting ear tips.

For phone calls, these earbuds work ok even for someone like me that has had issues with all of the earbuds that I have tested except for one set. These are decently clear for both parties as long as I raise the volume of my voice just a bit for the other party to hear me clearly.


The earbuds automatically pair with the Bluetooth connection when removed from the charging case, and the connection is consistently solid and did not once disconnect involuntarily. These earbuds like most others have voice commands that confirm the connectivity. You should keep in mind that because there is a speaker built into the case and because it also operates via Bluetooth, the earbuds do not automatically disconnect when returned to their respective place in the charging case. A standard function of earbuds is to disconnect when placed in the case and the charging contacts are engaged. With these earbuds, I can place them in the case, close the case and they will not disconnect until you press the Bluetooth button on the side of the case to disconnect them, or you disconnect via your phone settings. Otherwise, and as I experienced, when you receive a phone call, you are unable to hear the other party on the line until you realize that the earbuds you put away a while ago are still connected.



In terms of the built-in speaker, it sounds surprisingly pleasant albeit closer to a full range sound as opposed to the earbud sound that provides the easily recognizable separation of lows, mids, and highs.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The sound
  • The comfortable fit

What can be improved

  • The ability to disconnect the Bluetooth connection when the earbuds are placed in the case without having to press the case button to power off/disconnect.
  • The manual is in such fine print that it is almost impossible to read

Final thoughts

The Phiaton earbuds do a great job with sound for all of the genres I tested including, jazz, R&B, Easy Listening, Reggae, Gospel. etc. They are well built and quite comfortable. They stay securely in my ears irrespective of any vigorous head movements, The only issue that bothers me is that they do not disconnect the Bluetooth connection when placed into the charging case. I quite understand the intended logic behind this design, but I would prefer them to automatically disconnect and I would re-engage them should I want to use the speaker that is built into the case. Since this is a challenge for the best of the best for me (my taste), this feature takes them out of the race for first place. It this issue does not bother you,  these would be a great buy and they still get two thumbs up!!

Price: $139
Where to buy: Currently available on Kickstarter with shipping in December.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Phiaton.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 9:43 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review

REVIEW – So here we go again. One of the most exciting testing series for me has been the earbud challenge and that battlefield where I enlist all earbuds to try out for the top spot. It is the battle to see which pair can be the best of the best for me and my personal taste. While individually subjective, it continues to be a great way to compare the various brands and what they offer. Now the Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds have entered the competition. Let’s see how they perform.

What is it?

The Phiaton Bolt BT 700 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are like most earbuds that handle audio listening as well as phone call functions. These earbuds feature Balanced Armature Drivers and a charging case that includes a built-in speaker.

What’s in the box



1 x Pair of Phiaton Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
1 x Micro USB Cable
4 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Instruction Manual
1 x Warranty Leaflet

Design and features

The Phiaton earbuds are not tiny but not large either. They come in a charging case that is approximately 3 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 1 1/.2″. The left side of the case is longer than the right because there is a  speaker that is housed in the left side.

On the right side, there is a Bluetooth button, 4 blue led lights for charging status and remaining charge, and the micro USB charging port.



On the other side of the charging case, there is a built-in speaker.

Performance

Specifications:
Communication Network: Bluetooth 5.0
Driver unit: Balanced Armature
Impedance: 40 Ohm
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Driver Unit Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz
Max. Input Power: 40 mW
Operating Range: Within 10 m / 33 ft.
Call Time: 5 hrs Max.
Music Play Time: 5 hrs Max.
Standby Time: 94 hrs Max.
Full Charge Time: 2 hrs (2.5 hrs including Charging Speaker Case)
Fast Charging: Support 10 min. Charging= 1 hr Playing
Audio Codec: SBC, AAC
Operating Frequency: 2.4 GHz(2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz)
Earbud Weight: 6.5 g
Charging Speaker Case: Input Power: DC 5 V / over 1 A
Battery: Lithium Ion, DC 3.7 / 750 mAh
Full Charging Time including Earphones: 2.5 Hrs
Number of charges with the case: 3 times (4 X 5 Hrs + 20 hrs with fully charged earbuds)
Speaker Output: 3W Max.
Music Play Time via earbuds & Speaker: 8 Hrs Max.
Standby Time: 220 Hrs Max
IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant

In terms of music, these earbuds fit comfortably in my ears, and they function quite well. They have a nice volume range that works for me for all of my favorite genres, with a maximum volume that does not overwhelm and will not cause any damage to my hearing. The lows, mids, and highs are good and without distortion, but if you want to experience the lows in their full capability, it is very important to use the correct size and properly fitting ear tips.

For phone calls, these earbuds work ok even for someone like me that has had issues with all of the earbuds that I have tested except for one set. These are decently clear for both parties as long as I raise the volume of my voice just a bit for the other party to hear me clearly.


The earbuds automatically pair with the Bluetooth connection when removed from the charging case, and the connection is consistently solid and did not once disconnect involuntarily. These earbuds like most others have voice commands that confirm the connectivity. You should keep in mind that because there is a speaker built into the case and because it also operates via Bluetooth, the earbuds do not automatically disconnect when returned to their respective place in the charging case. A standard function of earbuds is to disconnect when placed in the case and the charging contacts are engaged. With these earbuds, I can place them in the case, close the case and they will not disconnect until you press the Bluetooth button on the side of the case to disconnect them, or you disconnect via your phone settings. Otherwise, and as I experienced, when you receive a phone call, you are unable to hear the other party on the line until you realize that the earbuds you put away a while ago are still connected.



In terms of the built-in speaker, it sounds surprisingly pleasant albeit closer to a full range sound as opposed to the earbud sound that provides the easily recognizable separation of lows, mids, and highs.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The sound
  • The comfortable fit

What can be improved

  • The ability to disconnect the Bluetooth connection when the earbuds are placed in the case without having to press the case button to power off/disconnect.
  • The manual is in such fine print that it is almost impossible to read

Final thoughts

The Phiaton earbuds do a great job with sound for all of the genres I tested including, jazz, R&B, Easy Listening, Reggae, Gospel. etc. They are well built and quite comfortable. They stay securely in my ears irrespective of any vigorous head movements, The only issue that bothers me is that they do not disconnect the Bluetooth connection when placed into the charging case. I quite understand the intended logic behind this design, but I would prefer them to automatically disconnect and I would re-engage them should I want to use the speaker that is built into the case. Since this is a challenge for the best of the best for me (my taste), this feature takes them out of the race for first place. It this issue does not bother you,  these would be a great buy and they still get two thumbs up!!

Price: $139
Where to buy: Currently available on Kickstarter with shipping in December.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Phiaton.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Phiaton Bolt BT 700 wireless Bluetooth earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 25, 2018 at 9:43 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.