Home Reviews

Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review


REVIEW – I’ve wanted a WiFi controllable thermostat for quite a while now, so when the opportunity to review the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat came along I thought this might just be the answer to my temperature war with my wife.

What is it?

The Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is a color touchscreen WiFi controllable thermostat.

What’s in the box?

  • Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat
  • Instruction Manual
  • Mounting Screws



Design and features

The design of the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is simple. There are no external switches or dials, everything is controlled via the color touchscreen.

Installation was pretty straightforward for anyone that has done thermostat wiring before, but I would recommend having someone install it for you if your wiring doesn’t exactly match up with one of the possible configurations listed in the instruction book. Thermostat wiring can be a bit frustrating depending on how good the installer was and how old the home is. Newer homes probably have the correct wiring. The Venstar website also has some videos on installation and operation that are quite helpful and a support staff that can help you out.

The ColorTouch T7900 has a beautiful screen. It’s easy to read and looks great. The touch response is nice and the user interface is pretty decent. There are a lot of things you can do with this thermostat, but there are only a couple of steps to get up and running quickly.

On the main screen there is a current temperature display, heat to and cool to indicators so you know what you have it set to, “buttons” to change the current temp setting, and a status bar/menu where you can choose home or away, mode, or menu. Mode simply offers the options of Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off.

The menu contains most of the configuration items such as schedule, screensaver, themes, WiFi, etc. More on that later.

The mobile app was disappointing. It has limited functionality. The app has three sections: Control, Info, and Configure. Control allows you to set the mode (Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off), change the current temp, and displays a weather forecast (after you configure your location via the Skyport website).

The Info section has icons for Alerts, Messages, Sensors, and Energy use. The Alerts is kind of self-explanatory. The Messages icon allows you to send a text message to the thermostat display. The Sensors icon shows inside and outside temperature and humidity, although it will hang if you haven’t set your location via the website. The Energy use icon will show you energy use for today, this week, and last week. It doesn’t really show energy consumption but rather how long the heating or cooling was running.

The Configure section of the mobile app allows you to set Home/Away, Schedule on/off (but not edit the actual schedule), and set fan control to On or Auto.

I was disappointed that I could not edit the schedule or upload images via the mobile app.

The mobile app is best used for checking or changing the temperature and turning on and off your schedule.




I found the scheduling feature to be perfect. You can edit individual days, or all of the days at once. You can set a morning, day, evening, and night temperature. This is so much easier to do with a smart device like this than a standard LCD display thermostat.



There is also the free Skyport website that you sign up for to connect via WiFi and also change the settings. The website has all of the features of the mobile app, and additionally has most of the features that the thermostat itself has, such as being able to edit schedules, set screensaver options, etc. This was really impressive because I was not expecting to be able to do all of the things you can do from the website!

The thermostat has built-in background images (themes) for several locations and holidays, but the feature I like the most is being able to put my own images on the device. There’s a background image and screensaver images that basically turn your thermostat into a digital picture frame. You must use their desktop app to configure that though. After importing the images, you export them to an SD card and then on the thermostat you can import settings and/or images. The screensaver can display an analog clock, digital clock, or your images.







The thermostat also has a security feature which may come in handy if you have kids. With the security feature enabled you can lock down all the functions and adjustments with a passcode and to restrict the temperature range. This allows you to let people change the temperature, but only to the minimum and maximum that you set.

One thing I really like is the ability to set a notification for a low temperature. If the temperature goes below the value I set, you get an email. This is reassuring in the winter time.

What I like

  • Website can be used to control and configure the thermostat
  • Screensaver/wallpaper feature is really cool
  • Thermostat/App/Website show not only the temp but if the heating or cooling is actively running

What needs to be improved

  • Mobile app needs more features

Final thoughts

Overall I really like the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat. It’s nice looking, performs well, and has features that a non-WiFi thermostat just doesn’t have. I like the peace of mind that the mobile app gives me when I’m away from home for long periods during the winter.

Price: $268.68
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Venstar.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 8:32 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.

Choetech Desk Charger and Car Charger review

REVIEW – As the market for wireless (primarily Qi-compatible) chargers heats up, I’m starting to enjoy the benefits of this technology. I was sent a different brand wireless car charger a good while back, but am always interested in testing the approach other makers use. I was recently sent two items from Choetech: their desk USB-C wireless charger, and their car dash model with the suction cup. (They also make a car model with a vent clip.) I’ve added them to my life, and am ready to report!

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

CHOETECH Desk Charger

What is it?

The first item is the wireless charging stand. This has a USB-C connection and has nothing but the bottom rail to hold your phone up. I put it on my desk, and it’s been nothing short of fantastic. Before when I would plug my phone in mid-day to get the charge topped off, I would have to find a good place to put it. Amid the soda can, coffee cup, and my usual desk items, there wasn’t really a good place for it to sit. But this stand not only gives it a reserved seat, but it also doesn’t require two hands to put down or pick up. And I don’t have to worry about it getting charged up too quickly because the stand and the phone discuss safe charging practices.

Hardware specs

  • Intelligently identify charge models – fast wireless charge up to 10W for the Samsung Galaxy S9, S9 Plus, S8, S8 Plus, Note 9, Note 8, S7, S7 edge, S6 edge+, 7.5W wireless charging for iPhone x/ XS/ XS Max/ XR/ 8/ 8 Plus ( QC2.0/3.0 adapter needed for fast charge) and 5W standard wireless charge for All Qi-enabled phones.
  • High-efficiency charging stand – built-in 2 coils fast wireless charger stand allows to charge cell phones vertically or horizontally and provide you with a more flexible choice for reading, listening to music, watching a video or work sessions.
  • Case friendly design – our wireless charger can identify your phone sensitive and support phone case within 5mm(0.2 inch) while 4mm(0.16 inch) is the best wireless charging distance (please Note that metal attachments or credit cards will interfere with charging ).
  • Sleep-friendly&safe protection – built-in intelligent indicator shows you charging status, extremely soft Green LED light for well sleeping without distraction during sleeping at night, multi-protection system for all-around protection against over-charging, over-voltage, over temperature and over-current, provide a safe charge to protect your devices.

What’s in the box?

  • 1 x CHOETECH Fast wireless charger stand
  • 1 x 3.3ft USB-C cable
  • 1 x user manual
  • 18-month warranty card

 

Design and features

The desk stand is a single angle (about 30° from vertical) that has a grooved shelf along the entire width to place the phone in. This allows me to glance at it when notifications come in and easily read it from my position behind the computer keyboard. Since I’m using an iPhone 8 Plus, I don’t have FaceID, so I have to touch it to actually turn the screen on (like an animal!). There is a subtle (in office lighting) green LED that is under the shelf the phone sits in, which does not turn off when charging is done. I think this has something to do with Power Delivery, but I have a simple cable that has such an indicator in it, and it turns off power and the LED when the charge is at 100% on my iOS devices. Not sure why Cloetech has the “remove from the charger when charged” warning for iPhones. This LED would probably make for an irritating bedside table unit. (According to the manufacturer, the light goes out when Android phones are fully charged. Go figure.)

CHOETECH Wireless Car Charger

What is it?

The second item I was sent was the “CHOETECH Wireless Car Charger, USB Type C 7.5W Wireless Car Charging Mount Stand Compatible with iPhone XS Max XR X 8 Plus, 10W Fast Wireless Charging Samsung Galaxy S9/Note 9, 5W for All Qi Enabled.” (Just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?) As the name says, this is a stand-type charger for modern Qi-enabled phones. It has a suction cup which affixes to a smooth surface, and your phone is held tightly by side rails.

What’s in the box?

  • Cradle
  • Stand
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • User Manual and warranty card

Design and features

This unit consists of a cradle that connects to a stand via a 4-point keyhole friction lock. The tabs on the lock are mounted to a piece with a ball-joint connection to a mounting stand. This ball joint has full rotation through 360º and tilt/yaw through probably 100º. It’s easy to move yet tightens with a thumbscrew and hold position well. The clutch for the ball joint is on a right angle shaped piece that has a 3” suction cup at the other end. The suction cup is silicone and uses micro-suction to enhance the hold. It also has a lever-activated vacuum enhancement. Due to the 360º rotation, you can easily mount it to the dash or the windscreen and it will stay through rough roads, weather, and all manner of bumps and knocks.


The rear of the cradle has two buttons – one at the top that actuated the side rails, and another at the bottom that releases the bottom spring-loaded rail that adjusts the lower wide of your phone. This lets you tune it to the sweet spot for charging. I found touching the top button releases the side rails just barely, which allows the phone to be removed one-handed. (Well, once I unplugged in the audio cable. I don’t have a BlueTooth infotainment system yet – but the holidays are coming, right?)

Performance

I found both the car and desk units keep my phone topped up with very little effort on my part. It’s good to have a consistent spot to place my phone at my desk, and it allows me to keep it between the 20%-80% recommended charge easily.

What I Like

  • USB-C connection
  • Light indicates active charging
  • Holds unit solidly to avoid losing connection during charging.

What needs to be improved

  • The car charger is a bit bulky.
  • The desk charger should have a way to turn off or cover the charging light.

Final thoughts

Wireless charging is fairly new to Apple product users. It was first introduced with the iPhone 7, which for me was an off year. I had bought the iPhone 6s less than a year before it was released and was very happy with it – and the thought of doing without a headphone port was scary back then. (Still is aggravating, but I understand the tradeoffs and don’t have the animosity some of my friends still bear.) So the 8 Plus that I’ve had for the past year is my first and only item with Qi. Recently, my Lovely Bride left her iPhone 6 on the roof of her car as she left the parking garage. Needless to say, it needed to be replaced when she finally recovered it after several cars ran over it. So her iPhone 8 is another unit using wireless charging. It’s time to get serious. I even invested in a wireless unit for her bedside table. These units from Choetech are not that much more expensive, but with USB-C and PD, they are going to last longer and do a better job than the low-cost knock-offs.

Price: Desk stand – $16.99, Car stand – $26.99,
Where to buy: Stand at Amazon – Car Cradle at Amazon
Source: The samples of this product were provided by Cloetech.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Choetech Desk Charger and Car Charger review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2018 at 9:11 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.

Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station review


REVIEW – For the past few months, I have been working on expanding the versatility of my several workstations so that I have all of the capabilities I need regardless of what platform I am using. I have found that using computer docks is a great way to do so and a great way to accommodate all of the drives and other peripherals that I may use. The Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station is another such device that I got the opportunity to test. Here is my experience with it.

What is it?

The Kensington SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.0 Docking Station allows you to expand your laptop’s connectivity and capabilities to accommodate various types of computer accessories using the included USB Type-C/USB 3.0 Type-A cable.

What’s in the box


1 x Kensington SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.1 Docking Station
1 x USB Type-C/USB 3.0 Type-A to USB Type-C Cable
1 x 135W AC Power Supply
1 x Quick Start Guide and Warranty Booklet

For this review, Kensington also included the 60W USB 3.0 Power Splitter for the SD4700P dock.


1 x 60W Laptop Power Splitter
8 x Power Tip Adapters
1 x User Guide, Warranty Guide, Communications Statement
3 x Power Tip Adapter Retention Rings

Design and features

Specifications

  • Support: USB-C or USB 3.0 Laptops, Ultrabooks and Monitors that support up to 2K
  • Monitors Supported: Single Monitor: 2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz, Dual Monitors: 2048 x 1152 @ 30Hz
  • USB Ports: 5 x USB 3.0 Ports: (1) front with 5V/2.1A fast-charging & (4) back supporting 5V/0.9A
  • USB-C Ports: 2 x USB-C Ports: (1) front with 5V/3A and (1) rear supporting 60W power delivery
  • Audio: 1 x 3.5mm Combo Microphone & Headphone Port (front)
  • Compatibility: Windows 7 or above, Mac OS 10.14
  • Video Output: 1 x HDMI v1.3, 1 x DisplayPort v1.1 ++ (Passive cables/adapters for HDMI or DVI conversion)
  • Plug & Play: DisplayLink driver installation required
  • System Requirements: USB-C host device must support Power Delivery. Power Delivery is not supported on USB 3.0 host devices
  • Mounting Option: VESA Mount Compatible: Mounting plate (K33959WW) for 75mm or 100mm (sold separately)
  • Warranty: 3 Years

On the front of the dock from left to right, there is a LED power light, a combination microphone/headphone jack, USB port, and a USB-C port.

On the back of the dock from left to right, there is the power port, a USB-C port, the HDMI port, the DisplayPort, the ethernet port and 4 USB ports.

The 60W Laptop Power Adapter uses the power supply from the SD4700P to provide power to USB 3.0 enabled laptops with 20V power inputs (20V/60W).


The 8 included Power Tip Adapters provide a variety of connections for laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo and other leading manufacturers. The ones that you use most frequently can be kept connected to the cable of the splitter using the included retention rings.

Performance

I started out by connecting the Power Adapter Splitter to the power supply so that I could power the dock and the HP laptop that I used as the primary computer for this testing.

As shown below, I was able to find the correct size power adapter tip for the HP.

I then connected a monitor via HDMI and my iStorage encrypted secure drive.

I plugged one of the Power Adapter Splitter ends into the dock to power it and the other with the tip adapter that I chose into the HP laptop.

I downloaded the DisplayLink driver from the Kensington website and it installed without any issues. Once installed, the laptop (Windows 7 OS) was able to see the dock and access the devices connected to the dock. However, as you can see in the picture below, it did not work to power my laptop. The laptop remained operational on its own battery.

I was able to successfully connect to a second monitor via HDMI and I was also able to successfully access the USB drive and use a wireless mouse with a wireless dongle all plugged into the dock.

A few of the USB-C docks that I previously tested worked with my iPad even though their specifications did not indicate such support. Just to see what happened I did test it with my 12.9″ iPad Pro (2018) and it did not work. This is not a negative but rather just my exploration.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The number of ports
  • The USB-C Power Delivery capability
  • The included power splitter

What can be improved

  • The size of the dock
  • The relatively large and  heavy power supply
  • The addition of 4K support

Final thoughts

The Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking lives up to almost all of the capabilities that it is designed for. I did not experience any issues other than the inability to power my laptop, and while the large power supply and the additional power splitter means carrying around more with more weight, the use of the two together would be very useful when using laptops that cannot be charged via USB-C. Although in my case, the power adapter splitter did not work to power my laptop, I feel confident that it would for others and this is more of a compatibility issue. Since I leave this dock in place at work, I do not have to carry it around. Overall, this is a very solid product that is very capable and it does provide for a lot of flexibility.

Price: $189.99
Where to buy: Amazon and B&H Photo Video
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kensington.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2018 at 9:00 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.

Amazon says Big Mouth Billy Bass is back and better than ever with Alexa compatibility!

NEWS – Amazon has been expanded the list of items that have Alexa built in.  There’s even a microwave with built-in Alexa.  The Big Mouth Billy Bass is being introduced into the Echo universe as an “Alexa compatible device.”  Billy doesn’t have Alexa built-in, but he pairs with an Echo device you already own.  Once paired, the fish will lip sync with everything that Alexa says.

According to Amazon, Billy responds to inquiries about the weather, your commute, the news, random facts, and more; he reacts to timers, notifications, and alarms; and he’ll even dance to the beat when Alexa is playing music.

The plaque measures 11″ x 3″ x 7″.  Big Mouth Billy Bass is available to pre-order for $39.99.  Never fear, you’ll get him in time for Christmas with no problem, because shipping begins December 1, 2018.  Order yours at Amazon.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Amazon says Big Mouth Billy Bass is back and better than ever with Alexa compatibility! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2018 at 8:16 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.

Bag Branch Folio 5 review

REVIEW – My wife was excited when I showed her the Bag Branch Folio.  She said, “Oh yeah, I need that.”  So we got the 5-pocketed Bag Branch Folio 5 so she could give it a spin.  You see, my wife spends inordinate amounts of time fumbling through her bag/purse to find things.  Where are my glasses?  Oh yeah, in the bottom of the bag.  Where the heck is a pen when you need one?  Oh yeah, in the bottom of the bag.  So she was looking forward to the Folio 5 solving some of her problems.  Let’s see how it turned out.

What is it?

The Bag Branch Folio is a multi-pocketed leather accessory that holds all the essentials inside your bag/purse (glasses, credit cards, lipstick, cellphone, etc) and enables you to easily transfer them between bags/purses.  You can get a 5-pocket or a 6-pocket version.  My wife reviewed the 5-pocket Folio 5.

Product specs

  • Overall size: 4.5″W x 6.5″H
  • 5 connected-pockets: 1 full-height, 2 mid-height, and 2 card slots
  • Removable keychain: 8.5″L
  • Adjustable loop: 4.5 to 6.5″L
  • Rose-gold tone hardware
  • Weight: 5 oz
  • Lightweight Vegan leather
  • Lined
  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

Design and function

The Folio 5 has 1 larger pocket that easily holds a cellphone or sunglasses, although not both at the same time (more on that soon).  It has 2 mid-height pockets that could hold many things such as earbuds, lipstick, money, etc.  And there are 2 ‘card’ pockets, which are designed to hold credit/debit cards.

There is an adjustable loop that is used to attach the Folio 5 to your bag/purse by attaching it around the handle/strap.  There is also a slender chain that attaches inside the Folio 5 with a clasp on the other end to attach to any number of things such as keys.

If used as designed, it works great.  Which means, it is designed to live inside your bag/purse to hold your essentials that usually get lost in the bottom of the bag, making them easily accessible when you need them.  Transferring the Folio 5 to the next bag/purse you are using is a breeze.  Simply remove the loop and attach it inside the next bag/purse.

When my wife first got the Folio 5 it was right before we went out for the day to do some shopping.  She put her cellphone in the larger pocket and filled the other pockets with things she normally takes everywhere with her: A few lipstick/lip gloss items, her cellphone, various credit cards, and cash.  She grabbed the handle/loop and away we went. She quickly discovered that the Folio 5 is not meant to be a substitute for your clutch.  She was constantly worried about the lipstick items and credit cards falling out because the pockets aren’t designed to close (although one of the mid-sized pockets does have a single snap-button to semi-close it).  She was also unable to put both her cellphone and glasses inside the Folio 5 because there was only 1 large pocket.

To be fair, Bag Branch never claims that the Folio should be used as a stand-along bag/purse solution.  And my wife can confirm this.  When she started using it as designed, she discovered the handiness of the Folio.  After several weeks with the Folio 5 she had wished that she had opted for the Folio 6 simply because of the aforementioned issue of not being able to put both her cellphone and sunglasses in the Folio.  The Folio 6 has 2 large pockets to solve this.

My wife did have some small issues with the Folio 5 though.  The handful of bags/purses she currently uses all have zippered openings.  That means she can’t zip the bags closed because the Folio attaches to the handle of the purses.

The Folio is not designed to hold loose change.  So she still has to carry her wallet in the bag to keep track of the change.  She also has literally dozens of credit/debit/gift cards in her wallet, along with old receipts, notes, business cards, etc.  The entire contents of her wallet can’t find inside the Folio, which is not really designed to do anyway.  The same goes with her makeup bag.  She has dozens of items in that makeup bag, all of which aren’t designed to fit inside the Folio.  You are only supposed to fit your most essential items in there.  So she found herself switching items in and out of the Folio quite a bit.

None of those things are deal-breakers for her, but they are worth noting.  And she would recommend the Folio 6 over the Folio 5 for sure.

What I like

  • Ease of use
  • Great price
  • Fits just about any bag/purse

What needs to be improved

  • The Folio 5 can’t hold both a cellphone and sunglasses at the same time
  • No loose change compartment
  • If your bag has a zipper, you probably won’t be able to zip it closed using the Folio

Final thoughts

My wife thinks that the best situation where the Folio shines is when she is traveling.  It is handy for daily use, for sure.  But it really shines when you are traveling because you normally minimize what you carry with you on trips anyway.  She also has to forgo zipping up her purse right now when she uses the Folio, which is a little inconvenient.  But she still recommends the Folio as a great gift for someone because of how handy it is.

Price: $29.00
Where to buy:  Bag Branch or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Brag Branch

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Bag Branch Folio 5 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 29, 2018 at 1:06 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.