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WyzeCam security cameras, PortraitPro image editing software, and more – Review updates

REVIEW – To provide even more value to our product reviews, we like to update our past reviews on a regular basis so you will know how the products stand the test of time. Today we have a new batch of review updates so click through to see the list of updated reviews and you’ll find the updates at the bottom of each review.

WyzeCam security camera review by Julie Strietelmeier

VentiFresh small space air purifier review by Julie Strietelmeier

PortraitPro 17 Studio Max photo editing software review by Julian Perry

Lapinator Laptop Desk Review by Julie Strietelmeier

Olight S2R Baton flashlight review by Julie Strietelmeier

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WyzeCam security cameras, PortraitPro image editing software, and more – Review updates originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 16, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Brando Smart Fingerprint Padlock review


REVIEW – As a self-confessed gadget nerd, I am always looking for the unique gadget that provides a balance between technology and usefulness. Sometimes it can just be a gimmick that I like, and if that gimmick lets me do something automated and techie, then I am good. For this review, I am testing the Brando Smart Fingerprint Padlock. Let’s see if I get excited.

What is it?

The Brando Smart Fingerprint Padlock is a biometric lock that eliminates the need for using a key to gain access.  Your fingerprint is your password via the fingerprint ID function.

What’s in the box


1 x Smart Fingerprint Padlock
1 x Micro USB Charging Cable
1 x User Manual

Design and features

Features:

One touch open
IP65 rated waterproof and dustproof design
Supports up to 380 kg weight
Supports up to 10 fingerprints recording
USB charge: With the feature of Low power consumption and long standby time
Support 360-degree arbitrary direction press type fingerprint recognition
Built-in 300mAh lithium battery, with a maximum standby time of up to 2 years, and a maximum number of unlocking time of up to 2500 times
Dimensions: 47 x 15 x 75mm (approx.)
Weight: 120g
Note: If the battery is short of power, it can be unlocked in an emergency. After charging, you can directly press the fingerprint to unlock it

On the front of the lock, there is a black overall finish that you can see is a magnet for fingerprints. On the lower half of the lock there is a fingerprint biometric pad and to the left of it is a LED that provides access indication/confirmation.


On one side of the padlock, there is a USB charging port with a rubber waterproof cover.

Performance

Biometric access for this lock is set up with an administrator set of fingerprints and up to 10 user fingerprints. See the setup instructions below.


Once you follow the instructions, setup is very easy and the biometric access has worked as indicated. I have been using it every day a few times daily for about almost one month and I have not had to recharge so far. I will admit that I do not have it attached to anything that I need critical access to because I am unable to get over my fear of some electronic failure and no manual override key.

What I like

  • The biometric feature
  • The build quality

What can be improved

  • Addition of a non-electronic emergency unlock capability like a proprietary key

Final thoughts

I have always been intrigued by biometric access for many types of devices but I have always been a bit apprehensive to trust the safekeeping of anything critical to such devices. My concerns have included possible failures of the biometric functions at a critical time and the vulnerabilities associated with the abilities of hackers or such relevant criminal types if the device is connected online. In the case of this lock, there is the additional concern of no mechanical type override key, with the override function also being electronic. While I really like the build quality, and while it has functioned pretty well even considering the times when repetition is needed to open the lock, my personal fear of being locked out at a critical time, makes me want to overlook the positives and pass on this one.

Price: $45
Where to buy: Brando
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Brando

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Brando Smart Fingerprint Padlock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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OWC USB-C Travel Dock review

REVIEW – Multitaskers are the road warrior’s best friend, and that’s what the USB-C Travel Dock by OWC offers. It’s a single device that includes an assortment of ports for your charging and peripheral needs! Leave the extra gizmos and doodads at home… but stay for the review!

What is it?

It’s a USB-C travel dock with a USB-C port, 2 USB ports, an HDMI port, and an SD Card Reader.

Hardware specs

  • 1 USB-C Port, fully compatible with all Thunderbolt 3 equipped Macs and PCs
  • 2 USB 3.1 (Standard-A) Ports
  • USH-II SD Card Reader
  • HDMI 2.0 Port
  • Supports 4K display resolution – up to 4096 x 2160 at 30Hz

What’s in the box?

The dock, and nothing but the dock.

Design and features

The Travel Dock is a 3.2″ by 3.2″ by 0.7″ block that weighs in at a mere 3.2 ounces, perfect for tossing in just about any pocket in your bag. You can get it in a choice from four finishes to match your MacBook (Gold, Silver, Space Grey, or Rose Gold). It looks and feels like a natural accessory. While it’s a bit chunkier than some other USB-C adaptors on the market, there’s actually a lot of subtle and very functional usability built into the design.

For starters, it’s got a dedicated 9″ UBC-C cable, which is great for uncramping the immediate space around your laptop. The 3-sided port setup also helps with managing your chords because you’re not fighting to plug a bunch of stuff into a small space. There’s plenty of room to work.

Once you’re plugged in, a blue indicator light shows you that you’re drawing power:

The USB-C port is on the opposite face from the dedicated plug, which allows your power cable to keep running without interfering with the other ports. You can plug your power into this port, and the pass-through feature enables you to take full advantage of integration with the rest of your devices. You can charge your laptop, your accessories, and link your iPhone or iPad to the MacBook at the same time:

One face has a standard USB port and an HDMI port. This faces towards the back of the unit when plugged into the left side of your laptop, which is handy if you have a permanent location for your monitor or are trying to hook up to a projector in a conference room:

The other face has a second USB port and an SD Card Reader, which faces the front if you’re plugged in on the left-hand side. That extra USB port is lovely when you’re trying to charge multiple items at once:

The base also has some soft tabs on the corners to keep it from scratching your desk, which is a nice touch:

As someone who doesn’t have a permanent desk these days, I’m loving the convenience that a single dock offers. I can tap into whatever power and video sources are available in any conference room or hoteling station at work, and still have ports to spare to charge my iPhone and iPad (or other USB-compatible peripherals) as needed. The roomy dock also means less fumbling when you’re trying to plug things in, a plus over some of the more compact adaptor solutions.

As an added bonus, you can plug the dedicated USB-C cable into your MacBook power brick and use the dock as a dedicated charging station. Not only is that great for when you crash in a hotel room, but that means less stuff to manage when traveling. I’ve been running with the MacBook power brick and USB-C cable and two extra USB cables for charging stuff, leaving the other assorted power bricks at home. It’s ideal for the minimalist traveler.

What I like

  • 9″ dedicated USB-C cable uncramps your workspace
  • Well-spaced ports make for easier management of cables
  • Also works as a dedicated charging station with your MacBook power brick

What needs to be improved

  • None to be found

Final thoughts

I’m really liking the OWC USB-C Travel Dock as a do-it-all accessory. It’s well designed, well built, and has some nice design features that make it easy to manipulate while giving you some extra room to work with. Some may prefer the more compact adaptors, but I like the added features an extra USB port for all the gadgets I typically carry. It looks great and comes at a great price, too.

Price: $39.00
Where to buy: Go to the product page on the OWC web site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by OWC.

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OWC USB-C Travel Dock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 15, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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IQAir Atem Car air purifier review


REVIEW – With my family, it is all about air purifiers to help us with our allergies. We are doing pretty well with in-home air purifiers, but until now I have never been able to try an air purifier in my car.  Usually, when I am in my car, I become very aware that I am continuously clearing my throat to the point that it is annoying. So, when I got the opportunity to test and review the IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier, I gladly accepted.

What is it?

The Atem Car Air Purifier provides a solution for in-cabin gas and odor elimination as well as eliminating other types of pollutants that cause allergies. It combines two types of media that adsorb odors and gases, and that change pollutants to an oxidized form.

What’s in the box



1 x Atem Car Air Purifier
1 x Car Mount
1 x Belt and Buckle
1 x Car Power Adapter
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x User Guide

Design and features

Features
Mobile applications: iOS and Android
Display languages: automatic language selection based on phone system language: English, German, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, French and Spanish
Intelligent filter life monitor: yes (mobile app; LEDs at air outlet flash red twice when filter must be changed)
Advanced fan speed selection: yes (use the mobile app or tap on Atem logo on the unit to control fan speed; LED indicator)

On the back of the round Atem Car device, there is an interface to connect to the power port and latches located on the car mount.

The photo below shows the car mount that connects to the Atem device. It has the latches on the exterior parts and in the center is the power interface that connects to the Atem device. On the side of the car mount, there is a power port for the car DC power adapter and a release button on each side that allows you to separate the mount from the Atem Car device.


The photo below shows the car mount connected to the Atem Car device.

The web belt and buckle are used to attach to the loopholes on the car mount and secure around the poles of the car headrest.


On the entire circumference of the Atem device, there are air fins that allow the flow of air into and out of the Atem Car device so that the air passes through the internal filter and performs the purification function.

Performance

Attaching the Atem device to the headrest is quite easy. You first attach the belt and buckle of the car mount and then loop the belt around the poles of the headrest. Once secured tightly, you attach the Atem device.

Once you connect the car DC power adapter to the power port on the car mount the Atem powers on with a red LED light, and then the LED light turns to blue one it is fully operational. According to the specifications, the LED flashes red twice when the filter must be changed.

App

There is an app for Android and IOS that works with the Atem device. It allows you to adjust settings, including the power level of the fan/blower in the Atem device and it also provides information regarding the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle and an indication of the filter life and when it needs to be changed. You can also access additional instructions and the user guide from the app.


What I like

  • The effectiveness as an air purifier
  • Build quality

What can be improved

  • The car mounting options
  • The cost of the replacement filter
  • The design makes it look like a dorky satellite antenna attached to the back of my seat and it is highly visible

Final thoughts

To be honest, I was not quite sure what to expect from this air purifier since I had never tried one in my car and before trying this device, I was definitely a doubter. The Atem Car device has changed my mind. My throat clearing that was the result of my allergies had become such a normal occurrence when I was in my car. When I started using this device it decreased significantly to the point that it actually stopped being an issue for me. It was so obvious that I had to take notice. While this device is relatively expensive and while the replacement filter is as well, it really works for me. Keep in mind that I cannot assure everyone that it will work for them, but as I stated, it works for me. My only unanswered question is how long will the filter last before I have to replace it and therefore how expensive will it be to maintain. When the app tells me that it is time to change the filter, I will post an update to this review. Until then, I give it two thumbs up!!

Price: $399 – Replacement filter: $69
Where to buy: IQAir website and Amazon
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by IQAir

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IQAir Atem Car air purifier review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 15, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Knack Pack expandable backpack review

REVIEW – I have always had the drive to find the perfect backpack. Between travel and daily use at school, I’ve tried countless backpacks only to find them too small, too big, or without the right features. The Knack Pack intrigued me the moment I set eyes on it. Not only did it look the right size for school use, but it also could expand to supposedly work for travel as well. I had to take a look and see for myself.

What is it?

The Knack Pack is a backpack that can be used as an everyday bag on one day and small suitcase for travel on the next.

Features & Specs

  • Separate padded side-zip pocket for laptops up to 15″
  • Fits carry-on requirements when expanded, even under most seats
  • Separate packing compartment for suitcase use
  • Water Resistant
  • Dimensions: Expanded: 19″ x 12″ x 9.5″ – Unexpanded: 19″ x 12″ x 4.5

What’s in the box?

Nicely packaged in the box you’ll find the Knack Pack and instructions on what it can all do.

Design and features

A few years ago I reviewed a backpack that was the size of a carry-on suitcase. While it seemed nifty, the bulk of it made it so I never used it as a backpack after my testing trip. I was really hoping the Knack Pack would be different and thankfully, it was.


Let’s start with the different pockets. Having a dedicated side pocket for laptops is a great idea. Not only does it allow for easy access, but I feel it keeps it safer than when it is strapped inside of the main pocket. It fit my MacBook Pro with ease.


The bottom pocket can be used for charging cables, adapters, and more. I placed my small purse inside so that I could easily access it without digging through the clutter of the main compartment.


The water bottle pocket fits a 24 oz Hydro Flask water bottle in height, and could potentially fit something a little wider, though it will not zip closed if you do. My water bottle just barely fits with the zipper closed. As you can see above, a standard plastic water bottle fits without issue.


I used the triangle shaped pocket on the front of the bag to store extra pens and pencils for the kids, as well as items I need to pull out quickly. I didn’t use it at first, since I had a plastic pencil case and went with that, but once I switched over I was very happy.


On the top of the bag, there is a pocket for your phone and any other small items. One section has soft fabric within to protect your screen while the other is there for perhaps a backup battery, keys, sunglasses, or in my case, my lanyard with my work badge.


The main compartment of the backpack portion is well protected with padding on the sides and front. I was fine with tossing my Nintendo Switch and accessories in there to take along. During the school day, I kept my lunch box and coat in this compartment. It will fit these two things just fine but there is not room for much else. That’s fine with me since the laptop is in a separate compartment.


Inside of the main compartment houses two smaller zippered mesh pouches, key leash, and tablet sleeve. I use the tablet sleeve for my notebooks at work, but it fits my iPad Air just fine. I put extra odds and ends that I rarely use, such as deodorant, gum, and a few dollars in the mesh area while at work.

Now let’s talk about the suitcase compartment of the Knack Pack. On a normal school day, I don’t really use this section, but it is so hidden away that I never notice it when opening zippers. When I stayed for a weekend at my sister’s, I used this bag solely for my suitcase. I had enough room for two pairs of clothes, my Switch and accessories, cords, laptop, toiletry bag, and a twin fleece blanket. This made it packed to the brim, but I was very pleased that it fit everything, zipped up easily, and felt comfortable wearing back and forth to the car.


There is a single large mesh zippered pouch in the suitcase compartment just like you find in most carry-on bags, along with a strap to hold your clothing down. I really like that this strap is easily adjustable and still was able to be clasped together with the bulky blanket within.


The back side of the backpack is well padded and comfortable to wear. My back did not sweat at all while wearing this around school. The straps are comfortable, and I always like having the chest strap just in case I need to walk for a while (such as in an airport) or if I am carrying anything heavy. If you prefer, you can also detach the straps and tuck them into a zippered compartment just behind the padding. This would make storing it easy, but the only way to carry it is to use the top handle, which while sturdy, would get awkward since it would be held in a vertical position.


The fabric that makes up the Knack Pack is tough and water resistant. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we get lots of rain during these winter months. Everything has been safe and dry within the backpack. All of the zippers work well and seem to be durable. I was sent the medium model that fits a 15″ laptop, and it is a perfect size. Will it fit under the seat on a plane when jammed to the brim with blankets and clothes? Probably not, but if I took the blanket out it would.

What I like

  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Versatile
  • Lots of space

What needs to be improved

  • Maybe a little pricey for some

Final thoughts

Overall, I will be keeping the Knack Pack as my everyday school bag and taking it with me on my next flight. With the ability to expand and pack more inside, I will have no need for a checked bag. The front pocket works great for easily accessing small items and the cell phone pocket at the top keeps my phone secure and easy to grab on the go. Lastly, the water-resistant fabric has kept my things dry in the rainy months here in Seattle. While the price may be a little steep for some, The Knack Pack is definitely a backpack worth looking at.

Price: $165
Where to buy: Knack Bags Website
Source: Knack Bags

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Knack Pack expandable backpack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 14, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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