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Nomad Base Station wireless charging dock review

REVIEW – Back in September, I wrote a news story about the Nomad Base Station wireless charger. As someone who has a lot of devices, I was glad when Nomad recently sent me one to review.

What is it?

The Nomad Base Station is a wireless charging hub capable of charging up to four devices simultaneously.

Hardware Specs

  • 3 coils with 10W output per coil
  • USB-A 7.5W port
  • USB-C PD 18W port
  • LED wireless charging indicators
  • Ambient light sensor dims LED’s at night

What’s in the box?

  • Base Station wireless charging dock
  • AC power adaptor
  • International EU & UK adapters

Design and features

The Base Stations design is highlighted by a black soft padded leather charging surface. The chassis is made of aluminum, making it almost impossibly light.

It also has a low profile, with a height of just half a centimeter.

On the bottom of the device, there are two no-slip grip rubber feet.

The Base Stations clean and simple design makes it perfect for use on an end table, nightstand or desktop.

On the front of the dock, there are 3 small LED wireless charging indicator lights.

On the back, there’s an ambient light sensor that dims the LED’s at night. It’s also where you will find the power and two charging ports.

Let’s charge some stuff

With 3 high-power coils, Base Station Hub charges one or two devices simultaneously at up to 10W each.

When wirelessly charging your phone the LED indicator on the front of the dock glows orange, when charging is complete it glows white. There are 3 lights, one for each coil. This feature comes in handy when charging two phones simultaneously.

The padded leather surface is exactly the same size as my iPhone Xs Max when it’s placed on the charger horizontally. And even though I use a case, I like the fact that it provides extra protection for my phone. The10W charging coils did a great job of quickly charging my iPhone, on par with other fast wireless chargers I have used.

The only issue I found was when placing your phone on the charger vertically (as you would if you were charging 2 phones simultaneously), it’s hard to find the sweet spot on the coils to charge your phone.

USB-A 7.5W charging port

The USB-A 7.5W charging port is perfect for plugging in an Apple Watch charger, a non-wireless charging capable phone, charging a pair of wireless headphones, or any other device that uses a USB-A charging cable.

I used it mainly for charging my 10.5” iPad Pro, and although it doesn’t charge as fast as the included iPad charger, it does the job. And if I need to, I can always plug my Pro into the hub while I’m using it.

USB-C 18W charging port

Having a USB-C port is great. Along with being able to charge a MacBook or MacBook Pro, it also assures that the Base Station is future proof.

I love being able to charge my MacBook Pro from the Base Station. Again, charging here isn’t as fast as with the included MacBook Pro charger but, it still charges my MacBook pretty quickly.

As an added bonus USB-C can now be used to charge the new iPad Pro.

What I like

  • Solid build quality
  • Padded leather wireless charging surface
  • Charges up to 4 devices simultaneously (including fast wireless charging)
  • Easy to use
  • Eliminates having to use multiple chargers and cables

What needs to be improved

  • When charging 2 phones or placing a phone on the charging pad vertically, you have to move it around to get it to charge

Final thoughts

The Base Station wireless charging dock is the kind of high-quality product I’ve come to expect from Nomad. I love its clean, elegant look and the ability to charge all my devices from a single hub. I also like that it eliminates the need for multiple chargers and cables. The Base Station now sits on an end table next to my recliner as the central charging hub in my house.

Note: Nomad recently introduced the Base Station Apple Watch Edition which I will be reviewing soon. Stay tuned.

Price: $99.95
Where to buy: Nomad’s website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nomad.

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Nomad Base Station wireless charging dock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Nyrius ORION streaming device review


REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box


1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.


On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.


Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.



When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.


The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

  • Size of Transmitter and Receiver
  • Operational range
  • Eas of set up and connectivity
  • Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

  • In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

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Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Nyrius ORION streaming device review


REVIEW – Devices with wireless capability have become an assumed feature in today’s technology word. However, some wireless capabilities present more challenges than others. The ability to transmit audio and video wirelessly from source to a display has usually been offered with a large price tag attached to it. The Nyrius ORION streaming device promises the same capability but with a reasonable price tag. Let’s see what it delivers.

What is it?

The Nyrius ORION streaming device is a component package consisting of a transmitter and receiver and offers 1080P HD wireless transmission of video and any associated audio between the two components up to a 40′ range within line of sight.

What’s in the box


1 x Digital Wireless HD Transmitter
2 x External IR Remote Extender
1 x Digital Wireless HD Receiver
2 x AC Power Adapters
1 x 5ft HDMI Cable
2 x Screws/Screw Anchors
1 x Instruction Manual

Design and features

Specifications

Supported Video Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p (will support 4K content that has been downscaled to 1080p by source device)
3D Compatible: Yes
Audio Formats Supported: PCM 2CH, Dolby 5.1
Transmitter Ports: HDMI input, HDMI Loop-Through (Output), Micro USB (for power), 2.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Receiver Ports: HDMI Output, Micro USB (for power), 3.5mm Jack (for IR Emitter)
Wireless Range: 40ft (streaming line of sight results in maximum range)
Transmission Frequency: 802.11 a, b, g, n; 5.8GHz (Band 1 & 4)
System Latency: Less than 500ms (average 150ms)
IR Frequency: 30-60 KHz
Wireless Technology: ORION GigaXtreme
Source Compatibility: Any source containing an HDMI output port
Display Compatibility: Any high-definition television or projector with HDMI input
Wall Mountable: Yes, Transmitter and Receiver have built-in keyhole slots
Multiple Receivers: Yes, Maximum of 4
Adapter Compatibility: Nyrius does not recommend using Digital to Analog Adapters with their Orion products. However, HDMI to mini-HDMI/micro-HDMI adapters are compatible
TX/RX Channel: 1 TX / 4 RX

This system consists of one Transmitter and one Receiver device that accept HDMI connectivity. They are identical in size, and measure approximately 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 1″. On the connectivity side of the receiver as shown below there is the HDMI Out port, an IR In port and a micro USB AC adapter port. The HDMI Out connects to an external display.


On the Transmitter as shown below, there is the HDMI In port, the HDMI Out port, an IR Out port, and a micro USB AC adapter power port. The HDMI In port is used to connect the source device to the transmitter and the HDMI Out allows for the direct connection to another monitor/device. This is a loop-through feature.


Both components have the pairing button as seen below that you press to make the connection between them.

Performance

The connection of these devices was straightforward and easy, and within a couple of minutes, I was transmitting wirelessly between my laptop and an external monitor.



When the Receiver is connected to the output display, the screen below is displayed as it awaits a signal from the Transmitter.


The LED indicator on each component lights steady white when the 2 are successfully connected and blinks red when they are not.

There is a slight lag between the source video and the remote display and there tends to be a bit more lag the further away from the source you are. Overall, it works quite well especially within the 20′ to 30′ range that I was able to perform my tests. I tried it on streaming devices, a PC laptop, and a MacBook.

If you are streaming from a media source that is in a different room than your display and you are receiving the audio/video signal with no problem, the IR extender feature allows you to control your streaming/media device like a streaming box from the display, by simply pointing the media device remote and the IR Extender and using the remote as you would when in front of your media/streaming device.

What I like

  • Size of Transmitter and Receiver
  • Operational range
  • Eas of set up and connectivity
  • Consistent connectivity

What can be improved

  • In terms of its specification and what it promises to do, it works as intended.

Final thoughts

The Nyrius ORION streaming device seems to be perfect for sitting on your couch with a laptop or even another streaming device and watching the content on a larger display without having to run wires between the source and the display. The fact that it is able to do so while displaying content at 1080P HD is also a nice feature. While there is a bit of lag, it is not noticeable if the output display is not compared to the input via another display that is connected to the source or the loop-through port, so this is really not an issue. The Nyrius Orion certainly has its niche, and for the features, the price, and how it performed during my tests, it is a good value.

Price: $149.99
Where to buy: Nyrius website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nyrius.

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Nyrius ORION streaming device review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Aurochs Space Long Wallet review

REVIEW – What the heck is a long wallet, you ask? It’s a wallet designed with extra room for all of your stuff, but the dimensions are taller rather than thicker in order to keep a lean profile. We’re looking at the Space Long Wallet from our friends at Aurochs today, which brings the size in a luxurious vegetable tanned leather. It’s also very user-friendly. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a long weather wallet sized to fit all your cash, cards, and your phone.

Hardware specs

  • Full-grain vegetable tanned leather
  • 3.5” by 7.5”

Design and features

The Aurochs Space Wallet uses full-grain vegetable tanned cow leather as the primary material, and it’s lovely. The hand feel is soft & supple. The leather is just thick enough to provide nice density without feeling like a massive brick in your pocket.

On the interior, the Space wallet offsets the dark brown leather with tan secondary interior flaps to provide some contrast. This also adds a bit of usability by visually separating the slots when you are managing your stuff.

I previously reviewed the Aurochs Gravity Wallet, and was very impressed with the build quality then. It looks like Aurochs is getting even better with their finishing work in the new wallets. It’s precise, with nary a bad stitch or exposed seam to be found. Check out the close ups:

Nice, right? Even the little divider in one of the pockets is made 100% from leather. It’s only about an inch and a half long… that’s some nice precision work:

The form factor is a long bifold design that measures 7.5” tall by 3.5” wide. Other than an embossed company logo, you won’t find any additional ornamentation or design elements on the exterior. The leather just speaks for itself.

The left panel includes 4 card-sized slots, each of which has beveled edges to help you sort out your assortment of credit cards, business cards, and the like. I’d estimate that 8 cards can be kept there comfortably, and you could get to 12 cards in all with some stretching.

Behind the card slots is a vinyl-lined pocket for your big bills. No folding required! This pocket runs the height of the wallet, and is generous enough to pack a small stack of bills while allowing easy access. There’s no pinching your fingers to get into the bill slot (or any pockets on this wallet, for that matter).

Moving to the right panel, the front pocket is kind of a multipurpose slot. It’s got a magnetic strip closure and a small leather separator in the pocket so that you can use this space for assorted items like a USB card, a key, or your spare change. I didn’t find the magnetic strip to be super powerful, but it clips just enough to keep that loose stuff from falling out.

Behind the multipurpose pocket is another big pocket intended for your phone. This pocket is designed for a 6” phone, like the iPhone Xs. Check out the fit shots below for an iPhone Xs in its case:

The iPhone Xs Max and it’s 6.5” display will fit (barely), but it is a tight squeeze. Check out the pics below to see the Xs Max in the same space:

See that? It’s doable but very tight. I think you’d want to stick to 6″ phones to make the best use of this feature.

Performance

As far as daily use goes, the Space wallet is as simple and usable as it gets. Every pocket and slot is easy to manipulate, with soft leather that doesn’t pinch your fingers or make you work too hard to get to your stuff. The layout is well-sorted out to make maximum use of the large size and doesn’t gunk things up with fancy gimmicks. This is a wallet that’s really easy to live with on a daily basis.

The leather is just outstanding. The rich, supple texture makes it a nice product to handle. It slips easily in and out of your pocket. I also expect it to break in quickly, and the patina should be lovely as it ages.

My only real issues with the Aurochs Space Wallet are purely around personal preference. It’s a big wallet at 7.5” by 3.5” and can get thick with the phone in it’s slot. If you’re a front-pocket wallet person, you may find this wallet to be too big for you.

There are, of course, alternatives to carrying your wallet in your front pocket. I’ve worn it with dress pants that have deep front pockets, and it’s just fine. It’s perfect for slipping in the breast pocket of a sports coat (or jacket), or keeping in your bag or purse (it is a unisex design). I actually see this as a great travel wallet, especially since I seem to carry a bunch of extra cards and such when I am on the road. I’m also always carrying a bag when I travel.

What I like

  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • High quality vegetable tanned leather
  • Simple usability

What needs to be improved

  • Doesn’t fit larger phones
  • Long wallet form factor may not work for some people

Final thoughts

I continue to be impressed by both the quality and the design work coming from Aurochs on their small leather products. If you like keeping your pockets clutter-free, the Space Long Wallet is ideal for keeping all your essentials organized in one place. The leather is beautiful. The design is user-friendly. If you like the form factor of a longer wallet, this is a good one.

Price: $109.00
Where to buy: Aurochs Web Site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Aurochs

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Aurochs Space Long Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Audew Cordless Air Compressor Review

REVIEW – When I was given a chance to review this, I thought I was getting some kind of canned air that recharges. You know, the kind you use to blow dust out of keyboards? Nope, the Audew Cordless Air Compressor is a handheld rechargeable tool that lets you inflate automotive tires, bike tires, pool toys, balls, etc.

What is it?

This is a cordless, handheld air compressor for tires, bikes, balls, air mattresses, or anything else that needs inflation. Also comes with a 12v DC adapter for use in the car.

Hardware specs

-Rated voltage: DC-12V
-Rated power: 120W
-Max pressure: 150PSI
-Maximum current: 10A
-Maximum continuous working hours: 10mins ( 0~35Psi )
-Cable length: 118 inches
-Air hose length: 7 inches
-Size: 9.4*7.5*3.1 inches
-Weight: 2.8 lb

What’s in the box?

The package comes with the inflator, rechargeable battery, multiple tips/nozzles, and a 12V car adapter base.

Design and features

On the bottom of the base is a clever storage compartment for the flexible nozzle. It stores in the hollow portion of the “finger guard.”

The rechargeable battery also has a built-in storage for two nozzle tips. The black tip is a plain cone, and the familiar needle tip for balls. There’s a USB recharging cable that plugs into the base of the battery. An LED on the cable “box” lights up when charging.

There’s a 12V car adapter option included as well. This clever “battery” is actually hollow, and the cigar lighter plug stores in the empty base.

The tool has a lock, a trigger to turn the compressor on and off, and an LED area light.

Setup

You need to attach the flexible hose to the tip of the compressor. Here, I’ve used the needle tip to inflate a small ball.

Performance

I noticed that the LCD display indicates the current pressure. You can use the buttons to set the automatic shutoff point. Once the preset pressure is reached, the compressor turns off automatically. Yes, the compressor works with car tires as well.

If you’ve never used an electric compressor before, it does make quite a bit of noise. It’s definitely not a stealthy tool.

What I like

Clever storage for all the tips and adapters. The ability to program a preset pressure shutoff is a nice touch.

What needs to be improved

The plastics feel slightly cheap, but it keeps the weight down.

Final thoughts

If you’re tired of the traditional bike pump, or you don’t feel like traveling to the gas station to get air for your tires and pool toys, look no further than the Audew Cordless Air Compressor. I have a shop compressor in my garage, but it’s not portable and lightweight.

Price: $64.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Audew.

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Audew Cordless Air Compressor Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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