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Samsung S10+, Tom Bihn bags, Topo Designs backpacks, Airdog A5 air purifier, and more – Review updates

REVIEW – You come here each day to read our new reviews, but do you ever wonder what happens long (and sometimes not so long) after we post these reviews? Does the product break or do we continue to use and enjoy it long after the original review has been posted? We want you to know how these gadgets stand up over the long term. Here’s a list of 11 newly updated reviews. You can click on them to load the review and then scroll to the bottom to see the dated updates.

Keysmart Urban 21 Commuter Backpack review by Bob Patterson

Tom Bihn Shadow Guide Backpack and Accessories review by Bob Patterson

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase review by Bob Patterson

PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush review by Bob Patterson

Harber London Slim iPad Pro EVO with Apple Pencil Holder review by Bob Patterson

Saddleback Leather Simple iPad case review by Bob Patterson

Steam Clip review by Bob Patterson

Airdog X5 air purifier review by Julie Strietelmeier

Motiv Smart Ring review by Julie Strietelmeier

Julie’s gadget diary – The Samsung Galaxy S10+ let me down and I’m sad by Julie Strietelmeier

Tom Bihn Maker’s Bag review by Julie Strietelmeier

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Samsung S10+, Tom Bihn bags, Topo Designs backpacks, Airdog A5 air purifier, and more – Review updates originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 12, 2019 at 9:35 am.

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Cotton Carrier CCS G3 camera harness review


REVIEW – I have lost count of how many camera harnesses I have tried and/or purchased while in search of one that is really comfortable and that can be worn for extended periods of time when on a long photo shoot. While it seems somewhat enclosed and possibly restrictive, the Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Grey Harness-2 claims to be adequately up to the task. Let’s see if they put their money where their claims are.

What is it?

The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Camera Harness System is designed to support one or two cameras. The harness and the side holster allow for the versatile support of 2 DSLR camera bodies and lenses and distribute the weight evenly so that it can be utilized for long periods of time while leaving your hands free when you are not shooting.

What’s in the box


1 x Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Grey Harness-2
2 x Safety Tethers
1 x User Guide
1 x Demonstration Leaflet
1 x Wanderer Holster
2 x Camera Mounting –Hubs with washers
2 x Allen Keys
2 x Tether Split Rings
1 x Camera Rain Cover
2 x Camera –Hub Mounting Bolts

Design and features

Features

  • Patented twist and lock carrying system
  • Secures 2 cameras comfortably
  • Made in two colors: Realtree Xtra Camo and Charcoal Grey
  • Allows you to be active while still having your optics accessible
  • Webbing design goes on in a flash. Slips over the shoulder, and then clips around your torso. Easy to put on. Easy to take off
  • Comes with a safety tethers to prevent any accidental drops
    Comes with our slip-over weather cover
  • Includes two stash pockets
  • Fits comfortably under a backpack

On the front of the harness, there is a center mount for one camera, adjustable shoulder buckles, an adjustable side buckle, a clipped on pouch holder that contains the weather cover, and a lens hold-down strap across the bottom. As shown in the pictures above, there are also 2 stash pockets for small accessories.


The back of the harness is flat with the adjustable buckles on each side.


With this harness, there is the ability to add a second camera mount on the side.


The pictures below show the clip-on pouch and the weather cover that is attached to and contained within the pouch.

Performance

The harness is very comfortable and as seen below, it fit my model very well.


The picture below shows the harness with one DSLR and lens on the center mount.


The next 2 pictures show the harness with two DSLR cameras mounted.


What I like

  • The design
  • The build quality
  • The comfort
  • The versatility

What can be improved

  • A better strap adjustment system that is less tedious when micro-adjusting the straps for the best fit

Final thoughts

As an active photographer, I am always looking for easy and comfortable ways to safely carry 2 camera bodies with lenses and to be able to freely move around when doing so. One of the issues with many DSLR harnesses is that after a while they create fatigue on your body including your shoulders and back. This harness works very well, and after using it for a while, I did not feel any of the expected fatigue. While it is not made of leather like many others, it is strong and the material is breathable so that it remains cool while being worn. I give it a well done, and two thumbs up!!

Price: $159.00
Where to buy: The Cotton Carrier website and Amazon
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by Cotton Carrier

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Cotton Carrier CCS G3 camera harness review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 12, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review

REVIEW – As most active outdoor enthusiasts know, many of our personal lighting solutions still rely on replaceable or swappable batteries. These battery-hungry lights always seem to run out of power at the most inopportune times. The Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL offer a solution to carrying and keeping your batteries dry. After having my headlamp die on a recent camping trip, I ordered two CellVault XL (one rescue orange and one clear) and one CellVault (flat dark earth) to hold batteries and supplies for my camping backpack and my EDC bag / day pack.

What is it?

The Thyrm CellVault line of attachable gear storage designed to provide a safe and convenient way of storing batteries. The CellVault is design to store CR123 / AA (LR06) / AAA (LR03) batteries. The CellVault XL will also store 18650 rechargeable batteries.

What’s in the box?

The CellVault and CellVault XL arrived attached to descriptive hang cards. The CellVaults are easily removed from the hang cards by simply releasing the clip / clasp and sliding the vaults loose from the cards.

Hardware specs

CellVault

  • 5.25″ long
  • 1″ wide
  • 1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
  • 1 oz weight

CellVaultXL

  • 5.25″ long
  • 1.875″ wide
  • 1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
  • 2.05 oz weight

Design and features

The CellVault has an oval cross-section with a hinged lid and integral clip. The CellVault XL has a figure-8 cross section with a removable divider (with convenient markings to show you which way to reinstall the divider).  The vaults taper slightly from top to bottom (more on that later). When attached to gear, the lid hinge faces out. The integrated clip also serves as the latch for the lid. The length of the vaults allows the clip to slip through 3 rows of MOLLE webbing (so, two loops on your vest / bag). In addition to the clip, there are lanyard loops on the top and bottom of the vaults that provide locations to attach additional gear and to give additional carry options (you can also attach dummy cords to them if you are prone to dropping things–I have not had to add them to mine, yet).

 

The CellVault and CellVault XL were designed around the 3V CR123  battery commonly used for tactical lights such as those from Streamlight, Surefire, and Inova. The slight taper the vaults is a very clever design feature. This keeps the CR123 batteries from falling out when the vaults are inverted (which is the normal method of opening the vaults when attached to MOLLE panels. A slight squeeze on the narrow sides of a vault releases the batteries. CellVault / CellVault XL is also compatible with AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06) battery sizes. However, the smaller diameter of these other battery types means that the positive retention system does not work for these battery types. Two AA batteries will stack in the CellVault, and four AAA batteries sit comfortably stacked side-by-side two high.

The CellVault will securely hold up to 3 CR123 batteries. Alternately, up to 4 AAA (LR03) batteries or 2 AA (LR06) batteries may be stored in a CellVault instead of the CR123 batteries. The CellVault may als be used to store fire lighting or survival supplies or medications. Small cigars may also fit.

The CellVault XL doubles the storage capacities for the aforementioned battery types and adds the option of storing up to two 18650 batteries. The center divider of the CellVault XL may easily be removed to allow bulkier items, such as keys, memory cards, or first aid / survival supplies (see below) to be stored in the vault.

I have allocated my trio of vaults as both battery carriers and an EDC first aid kit (see below). One CellVault XL is attached to my Mystery Ranch Komodo Dragon pack (to the side MOLLE loops) that I use when camping. It carries AA and CR123 batteries for my headlamp and my Streamlight Polytac 90 flashlight.

Alternate use

I removed the center divider from my second CellVault XL and converted it into my EDC first aid kit (see below). The CellVault currently carries AA batteries as spares for my wireless mouse and my small EDC flashlight. The first aid kit and CellVault are clipped into the MOLLE loops on the side of my Mystery Ranch ASAP which is my EDC / day pack. To attach a CellVault to a strap or to MOLLE webbing, just release the clip / latch by pulling the lower tab away from the lower lanyard hole and slide the clip over the strap / down through the webbing and then clip to re-latch and secure the vault.

The contents of my first aid kit are shown below. I ended up taking the tweezers out of their tube and used the tube to store a combination of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen tablets, but I didn’t photograph the new contents.

Performance

I have found that the CellVault and CellVault XL work very well for carrying CR123 batteries. They also do a respectable job of carrying AA and AAA batteries, but I need to do a little shock packaging to keep the smaller batteries from rattling around. I don’t carry these in tactical situations (I’m an idea rat and computer jockey), but the rattling is bothering me with just daily carrying between my truck and desk. The first aid kit has proved useful several times and has been restocked with bandages once (I had an accident involving a bagel and a Leatherman Wave)

What I like

  • MOLLE-compatible clip
  • CR123 batteries can be removed easily one at a time without the remaining batteries falling out
  • Fits multiple types of cylindrical batteries: CR123, 18650, AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06)
  • Can be used to store items other than just batteries.

What needs to be improved

  • Non-CR123 sized batteries rattle around and are not held in when a CellVault is inverted
  • CellVault cannot be removed from gear without opening the vault (this can also be viewed as a benefit)

Final thoughts

The CellVault and CellVault XL are excellent CR123 battery holders / carriers with many ingenious design features that enhance their function. The CellVault XL also makes an excellent EDC first aid kit, but don’t expect it to serve as your only kit for more than hikes on prepared surfaces. With a few modifications, such as adding a bit of foam padding, the CellVault works well as a AA / AAA battery carrier.

If you are looking for an elegant way to keep your lights supplied with batteries, you would be hard pressed to find a more elegant solution than the Thyrm CellVault / CellVault XL.

Price: CellVault $19.99 / CellVault XL $29.99
Where to buy: Thyrm LLC website and Amazon
Source: The samples of these products were purchased with personal funds.

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Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Keyport Anywhere Tools modular EDC system review

REVIEW – I love seeing how my favorite companies evolve over time. For example, Keyport started out making unique key organizers but now their product line has turned modular to include a system of EDC pocket tools. Let’s take a closer look at Keyport’s Anywhere Tools.

What is it?

Keyport Anywhere Tools is an EDC (every day carry) modular stacking EDC system that can fit in your pocket. Some of the tools include a pocket knife with interchangeable scales, a rechargeable flashlight, USB cable, and more. The Anywhere Tools are designed so that they can snap together so that you can you can bundle them.

Design and features

Anywhere Pocket Clip

I’m going to start out with the Anywhere Pocket Clip. The Pocket Clip is a one piece hardened spring steel clip that is available in 3 colors: black, grey, and spectrum.

The clip is designed to work with the other Anywhere Tools and just snaps on them without needing screws or any other type of fastener. Optional ParaPull lanyards ($1.49 each) round out the look and add a bit more functionality.

The clip itself is about 2 inches long so it’s long enough to clip to a belt, pocket, etc. Then if you need to remove the clip from the tool, you just press the release “button” and slide it. You can see the “button” in the image above. It’s in the last hole of the clip.

Price: $5.99

RuSH Multi-Purpose Tool

You can use any pointy object to remove the Anywhere Tools, Pocket Clip, etc, but the RuSH Multi-Purpose Tool is specially designed for the job and features a few extras like a bottle opener, suspension hook, and ruler.

Here you can see the RuSH tool in action removing a Pocket Clip from an Anywhere Tool.

Too bad that it’s just slightly too wide to be used as a SIM removal tool.

Price: $4.99

NEBA Knife Module

It goes without saying that you have to have a pocket knife as part of your EDC. The NEBA has a 2″ slip joint clip point blade.

The blade does not lock, but it does open and close with a satisfying click and it feels like a quality blade. There’s even jimping on the blade so your thumb won’t slip.

The NEBA is designed as a mid-module which means that you can stack other Anywhere Tools or a side plate on one side and a pocket clip on the other.

For scales, Keyport sent me their carbon fiber side plate/scale and they offer several other styles including camo, wood, and more.

I like the NEBA knife a lot. It has a nice feel to it and the fact that it’s not a locking blade doesn’t bother me.

Price: NEBU $15.99, side plates $5.99

Pocket Flare Module

Along with a knife, you have to have a flashlight as part of your EDC. The Pocket Flare Module is a very minimalist flashlight and is designed to be an outer-module which means that you can only attach other tools to one side.

When you press the button on the side, the LED blub sends out 27 lumens. Yes, I know that 27 lumens is pretty dim when it comes to flashlights, but it can help in a pinch and it will definitely help with close up work.

The cool thing about the Pocket Flare is that when you press the button again, it switches to lamp mode which lights up the handle to create a tiny lantern.

How’s this flashlight powered? With a rechargeable (via micro USB) battery that can provide up to 40 minutes in flashlight mode and up to 45 minutes in lamp mode.

Price: $14.99

WeeLINK Charger Cable Module

You might be wondering how to carry a charging cable for the Pocket Flare Module. It comes with a cable, which you might lose, or you can use the Keyport WeeLINK Charger Cable Module that is available in USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning cable versions.

This module is basically a magnetic holder for a 2.5 inch long charger cable. In other words, it’s a wee charger cable…WeeLINK… get it? 😉

The cable is held in place very securely with magnets and the holder is designed so that you can attach a Pocket Clip or another Anywhere Tool to the other side.

Price: $16.99 – $18.99

MOCA II Module

The MOCA II Module (in the foreground) is designed like the NEBA knife to be a mid-module. That means you can attach other tools or a pocket clip to the sides.

It’s an 11-in-1 TSA friendly multi-tool that features a bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, cord cutter, box opener, rulers, and wrenches.

Price: $14.99

The best thing about Keyport’s Anywhere Tool system is the variety that they offer so that you can create a multi-tool that works for you and if it doesn’t, you can reconfigure it.

Put a flashlight with a multi-tool and a pocket clip. No problem.

Create a multi-tool with a pocket knife and a pocket clip, easy peasy!

What I like

  • Modular
  • Variety of tools
  • Easy to customize

What needs to be improved

  • More tools please! I’d like to see a pair of mini-scissors, pliers, a flash drive, higher powered flashlight, and SIM removal tool

Final thoughts

I’ve been a fan of Keyport since I reviewed their Slide key organizer and I continue to be a fan as they develop new tools and EDC gear. Their products are well made and fun to use. All I can say is I want more of them!

Price: See above for each tool/accessory pricing
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Keyport.

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Keyport Anywhere Tools modular EDC system review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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GJS GEIO gaming robot review


REVIEW – I have never really been into gaming gadgets and quite frankly, the only games I play are usually card type games on my smartphone while I pass the time traveling on the railroad back and forth to work. When I got the opportunity to review a pair of the GJS GEIO gaming robots, I readily accepted because they look like nothing I have seen before and I was intrigued by them. I wonder if they will get me hyped or just bored? Let’s see!!

What is it?

GEIO is an innovative gaming robot equipped with an intelligent visual recognition system. It is capable of high-speed mobility and includes a flexible biaxial battery which allows for more game modes. “It adds a powerful long-range unit to the [mechanized battlefield]. Its small size does, however, not impact its power.”

What’s in the box


1 x GJS Battle Robot (2 were provided by the manufacturer for this review)
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Rechargeable Battery
1 x Instruction card
4 x Totem Game Cards

Design and features

Features


Specifications

Size: 170mm x 170mm x 160mm
Weight: 730g
Turret Angle – Horizontal: 0-160°
Turret Pitch: 0-90°
Material: Aluminum Alloy, ABS
Battery: 7.4V 2000mAh
Supported Mobile Phone System: iOS / Android
Camera Resolution: 300,000 pixels
Visual Identity Range: 50cm-2m
Internal Sensor Infrared Sensors: Magnetic Sensor
Connectivity: WIFI
Operating Frequency: 5GHz
Maximum Transmission Distance: 70 m

The GJS Robots are well designed and very attractive. They have built-in LED lighting all around their frame and they are well built. They utilize Totem cards as a part of some of the games to give gain weapons and health, etc and they actually have the ability to read the cards. The various pictures below highlight some of the design features.



The picture below provides a clear view of the camera that is mounted on the turret and the guns that have built-in LEDs in each barrel. The LEDs in the gun barrel flash like strobes when they are shooting.


The picture below is just another angle showcasing the design and the LEDs that are all over the robot.


Underneath the robot, there are 4 sets of double wheels that allow for great versatility in movement including sideways. In the center, there is a connection for the rechargeable battery.



On one side of the rechargeable battery, there is a micro USB port for recharging. The battery can be charged separately, or while connected to the robot. The micro USB charging port is still accessible when the battery is connected. This is shown in the third picture below.



Performance

Once the batteries are charged and installed, the robot is ready to go. On the back of the robot there is a power button, and once pressed, the robot turns on, makes robot-like sounds, the turret moves around and the “eye” seems to be searching. Once you download and install the GJS GEIO app, and the robot is turned on, it shows up in the WIFI list on your mobile device. You can select a single robot mode or multi-player mode. Controlling the robot is easy but you have to get used to the on-screen controls because they are quite sensitive. The robot can move very quickly, is very responsive to the controls, and can move in just about any direction and orientation you choose. You can also turn the direction of your phone and the robot will respond to your movement. This is especially helpful in the AR mode when fighting virtual robots. When you place the Totem cards within the battlefield, you can focus in on the pictures on the cards for various gains. There are lots of capabilities but they not that easy to describe unless you actually use the robot. The instruction card that is included is not that helpful and since it is also not that detailed, you have to figure out some things on your own. The print on the card is also quite small. The following pictures are of the two sides of the instruction card:


The following is one of several short videos on the GJS website that show the robot in operation:

You can view additional videos here.

App

The screenshots from the app below show some of the choices of operation modes that are available via the app.







The next app screenshot below shows the start screen. You touch red or blue depending on which robot you want to control.


The following app screenshots are of various POV views from within the app.





The video below shows the POV from within the app. It is a bit grainy but the point is to show how it looks with the movement from the screen while controlling it. (It would be clearer with better lighting)

What I like

  • The overall design
  • The attractive LED lighting
  • The versatility to be able to move in just about every direction
  • The speed of movement
  • The interactive capabilities
  • The first-person POV view
  • The realistic and visible weapons lighting
  • The game options
  • The build quality

What can be improved

  • Better instructions for directions and visibility
  • Better battery life

Final thoughts

I am not a gamer, but when I first saw these robots, I was intrigued. I was worried if they could keep my attention long enough and whether they would be more like a toy for my 4-year-old. Well, I was so wrong. This robot is great, designed for older kids and adults, and even better if you have 2 so that someone can play against you. Maybe I am not as advanced as some in regards to Artificial Intelligence, but I find them to be amazing at how they operate and interact, and I can spend lots of time playing around with them until the battery dies. In my “What can be Improved” comments, I mentioned the battery life because, for this type of gadget, I want the battery to give me a few of hours of playing time like a video game. It gets more than an hour depending on use, but I want more time between charges. Maybe the solution is to purchase additional batteries. I will have to see if that is possible. This robot is well built, well designed, loads of fun and just great. Two thumbs up!!

Price: $199.99 each
Where to buy: Amazon
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by GEIO

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GJS GEIO gaming robot review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 10, 2019 at 2:26 pm.

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