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Mousetrapper 2.0 alternative mouse review


REVIEW – By now, many of us that use computers frequently and as part of our daily lives have felt the discomfort that can occur when using a conventional mouse. The Mousetrapper Advance 2.0 is classified as a Wellness mouse that alleviates the inherent stresses of using the conventional mouse. Let’s see if this is true.

What is it?

The Mousetrapper Advance 2.0 is designed for ease of use, and to eliminate the stresses that are inherent with the use of a standard/conventional mouse. It is available in two versions with stylish accent colors: white or turquoise. There are six programmable buttons that allow you to customize the settings according to your needs. The reconfiguration of the buttons is accomplished via the MT Keys software which is available for download via the manufacturer’s website. The software lets you easily reconfigure all the button functions, add standard texts, create user profiles and more. MT Keys software is available for both Mac and PC.

What’s in the box


1 x Mousetrapper Advance 2.0
1 x Mini USB Cable
1 x User Manual

Design and features

Features

  • Super-slim, ergonomic design
  • Accent colors in white or turquoise
  • Control pad with click and scroll functions
  • 6 programmable buttons for customization to your needs, using MT Keys
  • Replaceable wrist supports
  • Height adjustment with folding non-slip surface
  • 2000 dpi

Specifications

  • Control pad with click function and scroll on the right side
  • 6 programmable buttons
  • USB connection
  • 2,000 dpi
  • Compatible with all PC and Mac computers with a USB port. MT Keys requires Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS 10 or later
  • Width: 480 mm; Height: 20 mm; Depth: 110 mm; Weight: 670 g

In the immediate mouse control area, there is the mouse in the center which is a ribbed control pad surface that moves as the mouse, and it is surrounded by the six programmable buttons.


On the bottom of the Mousetrapper, there is a rubber pad that can be used in a few ways such as a surface grip, for height adjustment or in my case I extended it under my laptop. On the hard surface of the bottom, there is a basic instruction diagram.


On the left side of the Mousetrapper, there is a mini USB port that allows you to connect to the computer, The device is USB powered.

Performance

The laptop that I tested this mouse with has Windows 7 installed. Once I connected the Mousetrapper, Windows automatically downloaded and installed the driver. For my use, I placed the rubber pad under the laptop and I was ready to go.

No matter how much I try, I find the control mouse pad to be stiff when moving it and its movement is also very jerky and inconsistent. The control pad does move in every possible direction just like you can a conventional mouse, but to me, it feels really strange and it is a feeling that is a bit difficult to explain. In my mind, it feels somewhat like moving a piece of silicone on a smooth and somewhat lubricated surface. Using it along with the buttons just seems completely awkward to me. Nevertheless, I continued testing and proceeded to the next step to download the software that allows you to program/reprogram the buttons. As shown in the picture below, there are 3 options to download the appropriate MT Keys software. Since I am using Windows 7, I selected the middle option.


No matter how many times I tried, the picture below shows the result I get when I select the Windows 7 option shown in the middle. I was able to get to a proper download screen if I selected the Windows 10 option, but that is not the OS that I am using, and Windows 10 uses a Windows app.

What I like

  • Ease of install
  • The built-in wrist pads

What can be improved

  • Functional application and use as a mouse
  • Website support options/availability

Final thoughts

When I first saw this mouse, I was very eager to try it and to experience its functionality. While I have a feeling that some people may have a better experience than me, I find it awkward and not very practical or functional. There are a large variety of mouse styles and options available to consumers, and based on the Kensington mouse I currently use, in my opinion, many of the available options work better and cost way less. This device is expensive.

Price: $245.63
Where to buy: Amazon
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by Prestige International

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Mousetrapper 2.0 alternative mouse review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 21, 2019 at 12:22 pm.

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totallee iPhone Xs Max screen protector review

REVIEW – I am definitely a firm advocate for the use of screen protectors, going back to the cr@ppy thin plastic films I applied on my Palm Vx. I even pressure many friends and family members to use them. I even go so far as to supply and apply them…obsessive, compulsive I know. Today’s multilayer, precision-crafted tempered glass screen protectors do an incredible job protecting your smartphones and have become impressively inexpensive/cost-effective to use. For this review, totallee has sent me their new edge-to-edge screen protector for the iPhone Xs Max to see how it compares to an insanely crowded field of competition.

BACKSTORY – I’ve reviewed and used all types of tempered glass screen protectors over the years, ranging in price from $2 all the way up to an eye popping $50+. The one you see in this picture is a generic one I purchased from Amazon.com for all of 3 for $10. I’ve had it on my iPhone Xs Max since day one and it has done a fine enough job…though thankfully never truly tested. But as you can see, it doesn’t cover the entire screen, sitting several millimeters off all four of the edges. I actually felt bad taking it off, more or less destroying it in the process, to do this review…hopefully this totallee edge to edge screen protector makes it worth the effort/carnage 😉 .

What is it?

This totallee screen protector is an edge to edge piece of tempered glass, engineered specifically for the iPhone Xs Max.

What’s in the box?

  • Tempered glass screen protector
  • Installation card
  • Alcohol prep pad
  • Cleaning cloth

Design and features

As I mentioned, this screen protector is made from a very thin (0.33mm) sheet of glass that has been precisely cut to fit over the entirety of the iPhone’s OLED screen. Other than its edge-to-edge fit, the only two design features of note are the speaker cutout at the top and 2(ish) millimeter black band encircling protector’s edge.

Setup

Installing the totallee screen protector was easy enough. You more or less lineup the speaker cutout and sides correctly and then let go (see video here). Though like any glass screen protector, you have to be careful to not have or let any bits of dust sneak between the two pieces of glass during installation. I did have to use scotch tape to remove a few myself and the screen protector withstood the force of me lifting an edge or two several times to get it perfect. The only thing I might suggest is that totallee include an installation tray which would help place the screen protector more precisely since it is so exactly fitted. If you’re off just a fraction of a millimeter, you may need to reseat the thin sheet of glass which could break or get dust under it.

The totallee screen protector fits the iPhone Max perfectly. The black bezel makes the screen protector almost disappear (much more so than the previous one I had on my smartphone).

The totallee is relatively thin, thinner than some other tempered glass screen protectors I have used in the past. There has been no impact to screen sensitivity or FaceID accuracy.

Performance

While I haven’t tested its strength, hardness, or protection factor, the totallee screen protector is doing a perfectly fine job protecting my screen. It marks off all the typical boxes for a tempered glass screen protector these days: completely clear, extremely thin, 9H hardness rating, and oleophobic coating. Add in the fact it covers the entire screen, the totallee screen protector does not disappoint.

What I like

  • Perfectly fitted for the iPhone Xs Max
  • Edge-to-edge protection
  • Easy to install
  • Oleophobic coating

What needs to be improved

  • Expensive
  • Lacks installation tray

totallee makes tempered glass screen protectors for a multitude of smartphones, ranging from the Pixel 2 to the latest and greatest iPhone Xs Max. They offer a 30-day money back guarantee and 2 year warranty on all their gear.

Final thoughts

With countless screen protectors under $10 on Amazon, justifying a $25 screen protector is pretty tough these days. That said, the totallee tempered glass screen protector certainly isn’t the most expensive one on the market either. totallee has created a very well done, nicely thought out iPhone Xs Max accessory that does an excellent job protecting your $1000+ smartphone. With its edge-to-edge design and oleophobic coating, you hardly know it’s there while providing solid protection.

Price: $25
Where to buy: The totallee tempered glass screen protector is available directly from their website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by totallee.

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totallee iPhone Xs Max screen protector review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 21, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave oven with sensor cook & inverter technology review

REVIEW – When it comes to a microwave, you might think there’s nothing very tech/gadgeteer worthy about them. But the CMW-110 microwave from Cuisinart has a couple of features that might change your mind. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The CMW-110 microwave from Cuisinart looks and performs like a traditional microwave, but it offers a few extra features that make it a better choice than a cheap alternative from Walmart and other big box stores.

Specifications

Capacity: 1.1-cubic-foot capacity
Power: 1000 watts
11 power levels (0%-100%)
Turntable diameter: 12.4in
External dimensions: 20.2″ x 16.9″ x 12.1″
Weight: 24.7lb

Design and features

The Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave oven is a nice looking microwave that has a mainly black metal exterior with some stainless steel accents on the door’s edges and the handle.

This microwave doesn’t have a push button to open the door which I think is preferable they can break like my last Sharp microwave did.

The interior of the CMW-110 is grey, unlike white which all the microwaves I’ve used in the past were. The darker color makes it more difficult to see the foods while they are cooking and also makes it harder to clean up because you can’t see food splatters as easily.

Although the interior of this microwave oven is a bit dark, the Cuisinart’s display is the opposite. It’s so bright that it lights up my bedroom which about 25 feet down the hall from the kitchen. I’m considering getting some dark film to put over the display to cut down the brightness.

Depending on where you plan to place the microwave, you may need a special extension for the power cord.

What makes the Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave better than other microwaves in its price category? The CMW-110 features:

  • Inverter Technology for quicker, more even cooking, less noise, and lower energy consumption
  • Sensor cook which automatically adjusts the time and temperature to cook certain foods
  • Auto cook function allows for cooking preprogrammed foods
  • Express cooking
  • 3 Memory functions to save your favorite one and two-stage cooking procedures
  • Two-stage cooking operation

Most microwaves cycle power on and off to adjust for the power level setting. The CMW-110 uses inverter technology delivers a steady stream of power at the level you specify.  This helps foods cook more evenly so you don’t have overcooked edges like while defrosting.

The CMW-110’s sensor cooking feature measures the oven temps and humidity level which changes with the moisture of foods as they cook. The sensor’s in the microwave adjust the time and temperature for quicker and even cooking of certain foods which include: veggies, potatoes, pizza, meat/poultry, fish, and reheating leftovers.

The Auto Cook feature allows you to cook popular foods like soften/melt, popcorn, rice/grain, and beverage.

Express cooking that lets you press numbers 1 through 6 to cook that many minutes. For example, pressing 2 will cook on high power for 2 minutes

The Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave has 3 memory functions that will let you save your frequently used procedures. This is helpful if you often use the two-stage cooking feature. But be aware that if there is a power outage or you unplug the microwave, the memory will be reset.

Two-stage cooking lets you program the microwave to automatically switch from one function to another. For example, you can begin cooking food at an 80% power level for 4 minutes and then switch to cook at a 60% level for an additional 2 minutes.

I’m hungry, let’s nuke something!

I tested all the features that the CMW-110 has to offer and I’m happy to say that I have been enjoying cooking and reheating my favorite foods with this microwave. My favorite features are the 2 stage cooking feature and sensor cooking.

I use the two-stage cooking feature to cook steel cut oats which first has to come to a boil and then has to cook on a lower power setting for another 5-6 minutes.

The sensor cooking has worked great for reheating leftover pizza and reheating other leftover foods that usually turn out with the texture of cardboard when I’ve tried reheating them with my old microwave.

What I like

  • Adjust cooking time to make sure foods are thoroughly heated
  • Quiet
  • 3 memory slots/presets
  • 3 year warranty

What needs to be improved

  • Dark interior makes it hard to see inside while cooking and to see splatters for clean up
  • Display is VERY bright

Final thoughts

I think the Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave oven with sensor cook & inverter technology is the perfect choice for someone who doesn’t need a huge microwave. The CMW-110 may be small but the inverter and sensor cooking features along with two-stage cooking and memory settings make it one of my favorite kitchen gadgets so far this year.

Price: $199.95
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Cuisinart.

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Cuisinart CMW-110 microwave oven with sensor cook & inverter technology review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 20, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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JooJoobs Leather Biker Wallet review


REVIEW – Over the years I have purchased many wallets of various sizes, capacity and build quality, and much like my gear bags, I can never seem to find one that works for every occasion in terms of my outfit and carrying capacity. I now have the opportunity to test and review a different type/style of wallet. The JooJoobs Leather Biker Wallet is an entirely new adventure for me. So let’s see!

What is it?

The JooJoobs Leather Biker Wallet is crafted using premium full-grain distressed cowhide leather. It features several card slots and inside pockets. It also features a zippered pocket and is built to last.

What’s in the box


1 x JooJoobs Leather Biker Wallet

Design and features

Features

  • 4 large pockets
  • 4 card slots (12+ cards)
  • Zippered pocket
  • Smartphone pocket
  • Cash pocket for unfolded bills
  • Secure snap closure
  • Leather snap belt closure
  • 20″ Chain
  • Full grain distressed leather
  • JooJoobs signature Hand-Stitching
  • Size: 3.5″ by 7.5″

This well made and well-stitched wallet has a security chain attached to it via a lug and screw. The chain is 20 inches long and has a leather strap with a clasp attached to the other end.


When you open the wallet, there are clasps that allow it to be closed and secured either by itself or over a belt. There are also credit card/ID slots and a zippered pouch.


Below the credit card/ID slots there is a cell phone pocket.


On the side opposite the credit card slots, there is a zippered pouch, and below the zippered pouch, there is a pocket that can be used for money, etc.


Performance

This wallet is very well made and well stitched. It leather also feels very good in my hands. In my opinion, it has enough slots and compartments to accommodate the EDC cards and money for most people. I am one of those people that carries extra “stuff” in my wallet that I really don’t need, so whenever I use this wallet, I will have to be selective of what I include.


The cell phone slot does hold my iPhone 10 XS Max, but only with a slim case as shown below.

The wallet clasps together so that it is able to be worn on a belt, and the chain can also be tethered to the belt via the leather loop and clasp.



What I like

  • The build quality including the leather used and the stitching.
  • The option to put it in my pocket or wear it on my belt
  • The capacity that the wallet has to hold money, cards, and a cell phone

What can be improved

  • The chain seems a bit long, but this is just my opinion

Final thoughts

When I first took this wallet out of its packaging, it seemed a bit clunky and impractical. However, as I tried it out for a while, it has grown on me. I like its ability to be carried on my belt, but I am concerned about how the curvature of my belt around my body will affect it over time. It can also be carried in my back pocket, and although it might be awkward, it can be carried in my jacket pocket albeit that the chain cannot be easily detached. Regardless, this wallet is manufactured primarily as a biker wallet, and in that capacity, it is my opinion that it would be absolutely fantastic.

Price: $120
Where to buy: JooJoobs website
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by JooJoobs

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JooJoobs Leather Biker Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 20, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad review

REVIEW – As a gadget nerd, my gadget obsession is very apparent when you look at any of my workstations. I usually have as many devices as possible connected for my work process, some that make my process more effective and efficient, and some just because they are cool. There are also others that only met the criteria for temporary use, whether it was because they lost their cool factor, their usefulness, or were upstaged by a better model or version. This Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad just entered the fray. Let’s see which pile it ends up in!

What is it?

This Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad has 34-keys that allow for multiple shortcuts that make it a convenient device to enhance your productivity. It is made of aluminum and is lightweight yet solid. It also features an ergonomic tilt design and pairs with your apple magic keyboard and Bluetooth devices.

What’s in the box


1 x Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x User Manual

Design and features

Specifications

  • 34 keys
  • Bluetooth v3.0
  • Bluetooth IC Chip: Broadcom BCM 20730
  • Operating Distance: up to 10M
  • Built-in 110mAh rechargeable battery

Features

  • SLIM ALUMINUM DESIGN: Constructed of solid and premium aluminum materials for long-lasting use, the ergonomic tilt for comfortable typing and good look, slim style appearance, perfectly matches your MacBook, MacBook Air / Pro, iMac, PC, surface pro, laptop or desktop as the side external numeric keypad
  • Bluetooth 3.0 technology provides a cable-free & clutter-free connection; the external 34-keys full keypad extends your existing keyboard, operating distance 10m
  • Built-in 110mAh rechargeable battery
  • Includes shortcut keys and low profile quiet scissor-switch keys so you can work comfortably on your computer or laptop. Compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Android, iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, Surface Pro 4 / Pro 3, Samsung Tablet Smart Cellphone PC Desktop laptop, etc.
  • Dimension: 146 x 114 x 9mm (approx.)
  • Weight: 128g
  • Colors: Silver + White or Black
    The bottom of the keypad is a flat surface with 4 rubber feet, one at each corner, to prevent it from sliding while in use.

    On the back edge of the keypad there from left to right, there is the LED status indicator that shows when the keypad is charging (lights red) and when it is in pairing mode (lights blue), the micro USB port for charging, the Bluetooth pairing button and the on/off switch.

Performance

This keyboard is very easy to install, and only takes a couple of minutes from unboxing to being connected. It pairs very easily and is immediately fully operational. The keypad functions much as you would expect with the numeric part working as numeric keypads do, and the additional function keys adding flexibility and efficiency to your workflow process. The following illustration shows the capability of some of the functions keys.

The picture below shows the keyboard connected to my Windows 7 laptop. It works nicely with full functionality.


While this keypad is not designed for use with IOS, it does connect easily via Bluetooth to my iPad Pro, and it does have some functionality like search and typing numbers within the message app. I am sure that I will find more functionality as I continue to play around with it.



As shown below, I was able to connect the keypad to my MacBook Pro. Once again, the pairing process was easy and like with the PC, the functions worked as expected.


When I first added the keypad to my MacBook Pro it showed up as a MAC address and then as a Bluetooth keypad once connected.


What I like

  • The build quality
  • That is it lightweight
  • That I can use it on multiple platforms
  • The functionality

What can be improved

  • It does what it is supposed to do so I am ok with it

Final thoughts

The Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad is a nice addition to your workstation if you have a need for it and if it fits into your process. It is lightweight and yet well built. The keys are soft and I would prefer a different clicking action, but that is a personal preference. I use the shortcut keys quite frequently, but I still seem to end up on the numeric keypad of my main keyboard when using the number keys. This is more out of habit. Regardless, I like this keypad.

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

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Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 19, 2019 at 11:34 am.

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