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Choetech T535-S 5 Coil Wireless Charger Review

REVIEW – Ever since Apple decided to wander into the wireless charging club, I haven’t looked back to corded chargers. This time, I’m looking at a wireless charger with a whopping 5 coils, big enough for two phones at once.

What is it?

The Choetech T535-S is a wireless charging pad with 5 coils, and is fast-charge compatible (10W for certain Samsung phones, 7.5W for certain iPhones).

What’s in the box?

  • Charging pad
  • User manual
  • USB-C cable
  • Note: No charging “brick”.

Hardware specs

From the Choetech website:

【Powerful 5 Coils, 360°Charging】Built-in 5 coils provide a wider charging area to boost charging efficiency; no need to fumble with your smartphone for a better charging position.
【7.5W 10W 5W Charging】3 Charging mode meets all your needs, this iPhone x wireless charger provides 7.5W fast wireless charging for iPhone XS Xs Max XR iPhone X 8 8Plus, 10W for Samsung Galaxy Note 9 S9 S8 serious Note 8 and 5W for all qi enabled devices.
【Premium & Stylish Design】Designed with anti-slip PU leather surface, not only provides sleek and modern style but also prevents your smartphone from sliding. The anti-slip pads on the bottom help keep your pad in place.
【Lightweight, Portable Build】The wireless charging pad is almost the same size as iPhone X. It packs powerful yet features in one compact and sleek design that fits any space. It looks great and functions perfectly in any environment – from home to office to hotel room and anywhere else you care to name.
【Type-C Input】The dual wireless charging pad has Type-C input to support up to high-speed input for fast wireless charging.
【Heat Dissipation Design】To achieve good heat dissipation effect and avoid the intermittent charge, we design heat dissipation holes at the bottom to keep your phone cool while charging.
Compatible Devices (Partial List)
-Fast Charging(10W Max) Samsung S9, S9+, Note 9, Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5.
-Fast Charging(7.5W Max) iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR, iPhone 8, 8 Plus
-Standard Charging Samsung S6, S6 Edge, Nokia 9, Nexus 5/6 and more Qi-enabled devices.

Design and features

This is probably the biggest charging pad I’ve ever seen. Even with a case on, it is slightly taller and wider than my iPhone XS. I measured 170mm long by 80mm wide.
The bottom of the charger features four rubbery feet and some ventilation slots. The wired charging port is on the long side, and is USB-C. Don’t have a USB-C cable? No worries, Choetech supplies one.  I almost missed it, but there is an LED indicator that glows green when charging your device. It’s just bright enough so it’s not terribly distracting at night. I don’t know if it changes color when your phone is full, because Apple doesn’t support that feature yet.

Setup

Choetech does not supply a power supply. If you want to take advantage of the fast charging feature, you’ll need your own Quick Charge 3.0 compatible charger. A “normal” one works fine, albeit slower.

Performance

Works great charging one phone, or even two at a time! Here’s an iPhone XS (left) and the slightly smaller iPhone 8 (right). Both charging simultaneously.

What I like

  • Fairly low profile without too much branding
  • Big enough for two phones
  • USB-C cable included
  • Green LED isn’t super bright, keeping you awake at night.

What needs to be improved

  • No charging brick included.

Final thoughts

If you’ve got your own QC 3.0 charger, this is the wireless charger to get if you’d like to charge two phones at once.

Price: $39.99
Where to buy: Choetech
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Choetech.

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Choetech T535-S 5 Coil Wireless Charger Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife review

REVIEW – Sometimes I get to review products that just feel like magic right out of the box. The Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter is one of those cases. These guys set out to make the perfect chef’s knife, and I think that they may have accomplished that. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a chef’s knife made in the USA.

What’s in the box?

My sample came with the knife and a leather sheath. Additional package options are available with the Kickstarter campaign.

Hardware specs

8.6″ blade, 13.6″ overall length
15 degree cutting angle with a 50/50 bevel
160 grams total weight
Elmax “Super Steel” Construction
Richlite composite handle with G10 liners

Design and features

I’ve recently been working on educating myself on the finer points of what makes a good chef’s knife. It’s a complicated subject full of terms like “steel composition” and “blade geometry.” Here’s what you need to know: the Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife is an amazing piece of work.

My sample knife came with a custom leather sheath. It’s just gorgeous. Seriously. Just look at it. You just want to show it off.

The knife is handcrafted in the USA, with industrial-strength Elmax steel from Sweden. The goal was to produce a knife that’s thin and nimble like Asian chef’s knives, yet has the durability for heavy commercial use. Check out how the steel composition is proudly imprinted on the opposite face of the blade.

But there’s more than just good steel going on in the finished product. The folks at Artisan Revere paid close attention to the blade ergonomics and finishing to make sure it would be comfortable & durable for all day use. Check out the contoured handle.

That handle is made from a recycled wood & resin composite that’s made to take a beating. See that little design in the rivet? Details like that speak to craftsmanship in the final product.

The handle is sealed with G10 liners sandwiched between the steel and the handle to prevent moisture from getting into the crevasses. That’s a big deal if you’re making an investment in a good knife.

And check out the hand finishing in the bolster. There are no sharp edges and a bit of a scoop out for your finger. That means that it’s comfortable to use in a pinch grip, or a “pistol” grip as I show in the pictures below.

The spine has also been gently rounded with no harsh edges. While this may not seem like a big detail, it means a lot when you’re murdering large quantities of proteins or produce for an extended period of time. Little things like this show that these guys are thinking about both the home cook and the professional chef in the design.

When you put it to work, you’ll quickly appreciate how all of this comes together. It feels like a natural extension of your hand, with a super-thin blade that can tackle the most delicate tasks with incredible agility. Here I am breaking down apple slices that are nearly transparent. I could get them thinner with a bit of practice.

Turning to some denser root vegetables, I blasted through a carrot like it was wasn’t even there. The knife just feels amazing, gliding through the vegetable like paper.

For some finer work I attacked a pepper I was dicing for dinner. The thin, nimble blade makes short work of carefully removing the cheeks from the core.

And dicing? Please. I had this pepper broken down from start to finish in about 90 seconds. The balance is perfect, giving you a ton of confidence in handling both finer tasks and bigger slicing/chopping work.

The overall blade length is 8.6″, which is slightly longer than your typical chef’s knife. I prefer a longer knife personally for the leverage (my favorite is a 10″ model), but it can get clunky when it comes to little projects. I think the folks at Artisan Revere have hit the perfect combination here. In addition to vegetable prep, I used the knife to trim up about 10 pounds of chicken today for a large event. I never looked to grab another knife for any of the work from start to finish. And I did not want to. It just feels good to use, and had me looking for more stuff to cut up even after spending hours in the kitchen.

What I like

  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Nimble, agile handling.
  • Excellent construction and attention to detail.
  • Durable enough that you don’t need to baby it.

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing to be found yet.

Final thoughts

The Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife is not cheap. You’re looking at a minimum $259 investment if you act quickly on their Kickstarter campaign, which has met it’s initial goal and is filling up fast. But if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, I have no qualms about recommending this knife. From steel composition to finished design, these guys are making a product well worth your consideration without cutting any corners.

Artisan Revere has posted a ton of information on their Kickstarter page about their process from sourcing the materials to final design & construction. Take a wander over to the page for more information by following the link below. But don’t wait too long… the Kickstarter ends on April 18!

Price: Kickstarter packages start at $259.00. Lower buy-in options are available for a custom leather sheath and knife sharpener, while higher packages are available for multiple knives and accessories.
Where to buy: Go here to get in on the Kickstarter program!
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Artisan Revere.

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Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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AZIO RCK Retro Compact Keyboard review

REVIEW – Do you like a minimalist keyboard with shallow keys and a modern style to go with your high tech computer or do you like to change things up and go with an eye-catching keyboard that has a vintage style but modern tech hidden inside. The AZIO RCK Retro Compact Keyboard is all that and more. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The AZIO RCK Retro Compact Keyboard is a Steampunk-styled retro mechanical keyboard with modern features like Bluetooth or USB, multi-device connectivity, a rechargeable battery, and backlit keys.

What’s in the box?

  • AZIO RCK Retro Compact Keyboard
  • Palm rest
  • Interchangeable feet
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Dust brush
  • Drawstring bag
  • User guide

  • Mac & PC replacement keycaps

Design and features

The AZIO R.C.K. is available in four styles that include a top plate made of wood or leather. The style I chose to review is the Elwood version with gunmetal trim. Wow it is stunning.

At not quite 13 inches wide x 5.5 inches high, this is a compact keyboard that won’t take up a lot of room on your desktop, but still feels very roomy to type on.

The keyboard is heavy, so that and the large round feet mean that stays put on your desk which is a good thing.

As is, the keyboard has a slight ergonomic rise to the back edge, but if you want the angle even steeper, you can change out the back feet with the taller second set included with the keyboard.

The R.C.K. can be used wired with the included USB-C cable which doubles as a charging cable. If you prefer wireless, you can connect it to up to 3 devices using Bluetooth. I did all my testing with my 12inch MacBook paired via Bluetooth.

The AZIO keyboard supports Mac and PC layouts which you can toggle with the switch on the back. Included with the keyboard is a selection of keycaps that you can swap out for the preferred operating system.

One thing to be aware of is this AZIO keyboard is very tactile and with that comes noise. It’s a clicky keyboard and that will be something you’ll either love or hate as will anyone in the same room with you. This isn’t the type of keyboard that you’ll want to use in a bedroom if there are others trying to sleep.

Here’s a quick soundbite so you’ll know what I mean: azio-keyboard

The slightly concaved backlit keys are round with a matte finish. They are large and comfortable to press.

But another thing to keep in mind is the key travel. Unlike many laptop keyboards and modern desktop keyboards that have slim keys with shallow travel, the keys on the AZIO keyboard press down a LOT. Like a vintage keyboard from days gone by. It can feel like you’re giving your fingers a workout if you’ve never typed on such a keyboard before. The first day or so felt a bit awkward, but I soon become accustomed to it.

The keyboard comes with a matching palm rest which I thought would be uncomfortable, but it wasn’t at all. The wood is smooth and warm and really does add to the overall look of the setup. Speaking of which, AZIO also offers matching mice and mouse pads as an optional purchase.

The keyboard’s battery is 5,000 mAh and will last for about 9 months with the backlight off. With the backlight on, it will last for about 1 to 2 months depending on the backlight intensity setting.

AZIO Retro Classic mouse and leather mouse pad

These accessories are not included with the purchase of an AZIO keyboard, but if you want a cohesive look, they have you covered with their wireless mouse that is available with a black or white leather covering that has a copper, gunmetal, or black scroll wheel.

Like the keyboard, the Retro Classic mouse charges via USB-C and can be connected to your computer with a USB RF receiver or via Bluetooth.

That mouse has a built-in high-capacity 1000mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable battery that will provide up to 4 months of use on a single charge.

The mouse looks nice but I’m pretty fond of my Logitech MX Master 2S which allows me to turn off the ratcheting scroll wheel which I am not fond of. Unfortunately, the AZIO mouse doesn’t have such a feature.

The large 11 x9 inch leather mouse pad is very nice and comes with an adhesive gunmetal and copper ring that you can stick on the logo stamped into the pad.

Isn’t it pretty? And yes, I did figure out that I have the mousepad upside down. Their logo is an A for AZIO.

I haven’t used a mousepad in years and this one has been a nice change. It’s smoother than my semi-textured desktop surface, which makes all my mousing activities faster.

What I like

  • Gorgeous look
  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Vintage style with modern features
  • Multi-device pairing

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

Keyboards like the AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard (R.C.K.) are not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people won’t like the clickity clackity sound that the keys make while you’re typing. Some might find the key travel to be too extreme. But for mechanical keyboard fans, the AZIO keyboard could become their new favorite. The modern features paired with the look, feel, and luxury construction really do make this keyboard stand out from other mechanical keyboards on the market.

Price: $219.99 (Keyboard), $99.99 (Mouse), $49.99 (Mouse pad)
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by AZIO.

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AZIO RCK Retro Compact Keyboard review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 31, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Rakōt75 cloth towels review

REVIEW – I’m a self-admitted paper towel addict. I use them for everything, it’s an expensive and wasteful habit. I kept track of my paper towel use for a week. In that week alone I used 64 paper towels, an average of about 9 a day. To try and cure myself of this malady I opted to review a new multi-purpose cloth towel, the Rakōt75. 

What is it?

The Rakōt75 is a multi-use cloth towel that comes on a roll like a standard paper towel.

Design and features

The thing that attracted me to Rakōt75 was the fact that they came on a roll like regular paper towels. In fact, there are exactly 75 – 11” x 16” perforated sheets on each roll.

The roll fits on a paper towel holder keeping it within reach when you need it. Being on a roll also makes it easy to take them from room to room while cleaning.

Rakōt states that one roll will last up to six months depending on what you use them for.

How does Rakōt75 differ from a standard paper towel?

  1. Highly absorbent ( it can hold up to seven times its weight in water. )
  2. Superior strength wet or dry
  3. Tear resistant
  4. Can be used with any chemical
  5. Hand rinsable
  6. Scratch resistant
  7. Lint-free

What can Rakōt75 towels be used for?

All of this sounds great but how do they perform in a day to day life scenario? After spending the past few weeks using them, I can tell you they faired pretty well. I used them to clean up spills, wash & dry dishes, dust furniture, clean the bathroom, and even wipe my dog’s muddy paws. In each case, the Rakōt75 performed as well as a paper towel, and in most cases even better.

I gave a few sheets to my mom to try, and she couldn’t stop raving about them. She loved how absorbent they were and said she would never use paper towels again to clean the mirrors in her house. You know if your mom likes something it must be pretty good.

Absorbency

To test absorbency, I used a single sheet of the Rakōt75 vs. a single sheet of paper towel to wipe up a coffee spill. As you can see from the video below the Rakōt75 easily beat the paper towel.

And the great thing about the Rakōt75 is that you can simply rinse it out and reuse it. Try doing that with a paper towel.

Durability

One thing I like about the towels is how durable they are. For example, I used them to wipe off my dog’s muddy paws. In the past, I would’ve gone through sheet after sheet of paper towel or several rags. With Rakōt75, I was able to use one sheet several times. When it got dirty, I rinsed it out with warm water and a little soap. See the pic below.

You can even toss them into the washing machine for a more thorough cleaning.

Durability is certainly not a problem for these towels, even when they’re wet. Depending on what I was using them for I got a good 4-6 uses from each towel. After that, they seemed to lose a little absorbency and started to fray. Your mileage may vary.

You can even cut them into halves or quarters if you don’t require a full sheet to do a particular task.

What I like

  • The roll is convenient
  • Super Absorbent
  • Durable even when wet
  • You can use them for just about any task you can think up
  • Eco-friendly

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

Although I don’t think they’ll cure me of my paper towel addiction when it comes to multi-use towels, Rakōt might just be the G.O.A.T. And, you don’t have to take my word for it, you can try them yourself. Just head over to the Rakōt75 website and get your Free Sample. What will you use them for?!

Price: $19.95
Where to buy: Rakōt75 website and The Grommet.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Rakōt75.

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Rakōt75 cloth towels review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 31, 2019 at 9:14 am.

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Moshi Tego Sling review

REVIEW – More sling bags! The only thing better than More Cowbell! Just kidding. But the more I test and carry these bags for a week or two at a time, the more I am convinced this is the bag everyone should be carrying for EDC nowadays. I wrote a news article here a while back about the Moshi Tego, and the company offered us one to test. When it arrived, I was stunned at how spacious it is inside and how well it fits into my “big-flat-slab-of-glass” lifestyle. Let’s check it out!

What is it?

A stylish sling bag made from slash-resistant materials with zippers for all pockets against your body. Great for crowds, touring in dangerous areas, and for just taking your iPad and lunch to work. It’s available in three colors – Stone Grey, Charcoal Black, and Vintage Brown. I was sent Vintage Brown

What’s in the box?

  • The bag itself.
  • A dust-proof storage sack

Hardware specs

  • Padded compartment for laptops up to 13”
  • Padded compartment for iPad 12.9-inch
  • Proprietary ViscoStrap™ alleviates shoulder strain by up to 30%.
  • Quick-release strap for fast access to belongings
  • Adjustable Airmesh crossover strap with accessory loops
  • Removable ActiveStrap for added stability
  • Crossbody design that is wearable on the left or right shoulder
  • Concealed, anti-theft rear zippers
  • RFID Shield pocket to protect personal data

Materials

  • Cut-proof and lightweight fabric
  • 3M Scotchlite reflective strip for safety at night
  • Padded Airmesh support for breathability and comfort
  • Weather-resistant surface treatment
  • Zinc alloy hardware and studs

Dimensions

  • Length: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)
  • Height: 12.01 in (30.5 cm)
  • Width: 4.72 in (12 cm)
  • Weight: 1.87 lbs (0.85 kg)

Design and features

The Moshi Tego is designed with security in mind. The zippers are both tight against your body when being carried. The materials are cut-resistant. By being able to slide the bag around in front of you while wearing it in crowded situations or on public transportation, you have better control and awareness of anyone attempting to access your bag.

The outside of the bag is made of a synthetic woven water-resistant material that resists cutting. The top has a shaped roof-like covering that is made from a similar material but is coated in a vinyl-like material. Under the edge of that roof is a strip of Scotchlite reflective fabric. (The flash from my camera set it off in the shot above. I originally snapped it for the raindrops beading up on the fabric.) When you’re cycling, bent over the handlebars, this stripe is squarely in the headlights of approaching vehicles.

The strap is 1.5″ wide seat belt material for most of its length. Each end is sewn into a custom molded spinning clip with the company name molded in, and attached to the bag with solid molded D-rings of the same matte-finished zinc alloy. The wearer can swap which ring it’s clipped into to wear it over either shoulder. The long end of the strap has a cam-release that makes it a breeze to tighten or loosen your strap with one hand. When tightened, there is a management loop for the free end, but it is sewn in at the end of the strap next to the lower clip. (It’s visible on the right center of the photo below. I’m debating cutting it free, but that may cause it to come apart and I don’t have a way to sew it back.)

The part you wear on your shoulder has an 11″ long x 3″ wide Airmesh cushion. This is attached to the clip with a dual-thickness, 1.5″ wide elastic band. This allows the bag to give slightly as you’re moving along so that the load doesn’t feel quite as heavy. In use, I found this very comfortable. (It’s visible on the left center of the photo below.)

There’s also a removable crossbody band that goes from a removable loop on the strap to a thinner D-ring on the bottom center. Great for stability if you’re cycling, running or need the extra security. (It’s attached in the two photos at the top of the article, but you can see the center D-ring below.)

The only opening into the main compartment zips out with a double-headed zipper from the side that fits flat against your back (or front) when you’re wearing it. The zippers pull down to about 3″ from the very bottom of the bag. On the outside of that flap opening, which is against your body while wearing, is an RFID-shielding pouch large enough for passports, credit cards, and other items that you may need fast access to. At 9″ x 5″, with no actual width (see photo below), it’s not going to be a place for your eReader or phone (although either of mine fit in there), but it’s great to have a secure place for travel documents, credit cards and ID. It’s also padded with an open Airmesh material that will aid in ventilation since it rides on the center of your back.

Inside the main compartment, against your back, there is a thinly padded laptop/tablet sleeve with a 1.25″ wide velcro strap closure. It will hold my original 12.9″ iPad Pro in the Moko case, but it’s a tight fit. The Lovely Bride’s MacBook Air fits in the main compartment, but is a touch too large for the padded sleeve. On the outside of this are two flat pockets 7″ x 4.5″. There is a little extra fabric to allow items of depth to be carried here (passport, Moleskine, power banks and the like). Across on the outer side are two more such pockets, 3.5″ deep x 6″ wide. 

What I like

  • Huge main compartment
  • Secure opening
  • Large RFID pocket
  • Great materials and design

What needs to be improved

  • Main strap has a great management loop, but it’s sewn in

Final thoughts

This is a fine bag for those carrying large, flat items but also needing some bulky item storage space.

Price: $149.95
Where to buy: Moshi store or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Moshi.

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Moshi Tego Sling review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 30, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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