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Atmos Portable Vacuum Pump review

REVIEW – I may have mentioned this already, but I travel a LOT for work.  Because of that, I am always on the lookout for gadgets which will make my travel easier or which reduce what I have to carry.  I’ve tried packing cubes, roll-up bags, and many other clothing compression options but so far all have come up short.  The Atmos pump is a small, lightweight, battery-powered option that I hope will do the trick…

What is it?

The Atmos Portable Vacuum Pump is an inflation/deflation pump that lets you either pump up a volleyball for a day at the beach or compress clothing to let you carry a single bag to the beach.  Although these devices have been around for a while, Atmos is running a Kickstarter project to fund a smaller and lighter version of a vacuum pump.

What’s in the box?

  • The Atmos Vacuum Pump
  • An 11 inch micro-USB charging cable
  • 1 plastic space bag adapter (for deflating)
  • 4 inflation needles of varying sizes
  • 1 medium space bag (19.7 inches by 27.5 inches)
  • Instruction sheet

Contents will vary depending on the pledge level.

Design and Features

The Atmos pump is a 3.1 oz. device that is 3.6″l x 1.4″w x 1.6″h. The pump in its final delivery model sports 8-1000mAh Lithium batteries – I was sent what appears to be a pre-production unit because the battery life is not close to the advertised specs.  As the pump is just going into production as I type this, I am assuming the pre-production state.  Delivery of the production units to backers is scheduled for September of this year.

Looking at the first picture in this review, you can see a small hole above the logo on the front of the pump.  This is the connection for deflating and as you can see there is no screw attachment here.  The port relies on a pressure connection, and the supplied plastic adapter for space bags fits snugly in this port.  I am concerned that over time the friction of inserting and removing in this fashion will cause the adapter to lose the seal and will end up becoming less effective.  Hopefully, replacement adapters will be available for sale.  More on the adapter in a minute.

On top of the unit there is a screw-mount for the inflation needles.  The needles supplied in my kit fit pretty much any type of sports ball you want to throw at it (pun intended).  Missing, however, are any sort of attachments to inflate pool floaters, most air pillows and similar products.

On the bottom of the unit is the micro-USB charging port.  The Atmos does not come with a wall charger and the 11 inch cord is VERY short.  I started off because of the size of the plug by charging via a USB port on my Surface Book 2, but after 4 hours of seeing the red charging light on the Atmos, I decided to try a different approach.  I plugged the supplied cord into an Anker charging block but could not get the unit to charge – no red light or for that matter, any light at all.  I tried a Samsung travel charger with the same result.  So I changed to a different cord and all chargers worked – and worked much faster.  Fully drained battery to fully charged using the Anker charger and alternate cable was just under 3 hours.

The left side of the pump has the on/off switch.  A right light glows through the plastic housing when the pump is charging and changes to green when fully charged.

How does it work?

In two words, not well.

For inflating a ball or two, the Atmos is an adequate solution if time is not a factor.  At a 3 liter per minute flow rate, you are not going to win any speed contests.  The Atmos team claims that on a full charge the pump should be able to inflate 25 average balls.  Assuming I have a pre-production unit, I can’t confirm that.  At best, I could get maybe 3 balls inflated before the performance was so degraded that I had to put it back in charging mode.  And I learned that the pump does not function while charging – you must have a charge on the battery in order to use it.

As I said, though, my primary use case is for reducing storage while traveling, so that is where my focus is.  With the size of the storage bag sent, I grabbed 2 pillows from our guest bedroom to use as an experiment.  Here’s where we started:

Before being stuffed into the bag, I was looking at just over 14 inches of pillow to compress.  I moved the sealing cap from the bag, attached the adapter (it just screws on like the sealing cap does) and then stuffed the pillows into the bag.  As with any Ziploc-style bag, sealing it was quite the chore, even with the supplied plastic clip meant to help speed up the process.  Eventually the bag was sealed and I was ready to deflate.

I plugged the fully charged Atmos pump into the adapter and hit the on button.  The pump made some noise and it looked like a little air was starting to come out.  After about 3 minutes, however, there was little evidence that the pump was working.  I turned it off and checked the bag for leaks – and none were found.  I put the pump back on charge and opened the bag to let the air back in.  I fully sealed the bag again, and once the pump said it was charged, I started over.  This time, I let the pump go until it sounded like the charge was mostly exhausted.  This is how far in 10 minutes I was able to deflate:

I was able to compress about 4.5 inches on a single charge.  After removing the pump, the bag was stable – it did not reinflate for over an hour, so it would appear that the pump did all it could for this experiment.  According to the campaign, however, the pump should be able to compress 8 storage bags (although the sizes of those 8 bags are not specified).

I wanted to be sure this was not a problem with the bag – just trying to be fair here – so I grabbed a pump I already own.  The ZK190 is a powered pump with a 5 liter per minute flow rate.  The adapter for this pump was just a tad too large for the port so I had to hold the adapter against the bag while deflating.  Using the same bag, fully inflated, this is what it looked like 90 seconds later:

Just over 5.25 inches.  Without a good seal to boot.

One last shot – I intended to use a small Ziploc branded bag with the now fully charged Atmos.  Problem was that the adapter diameter was too small – I just could not get it to fit on any size of the other space bags I had, where the ZK190 adapter fit all of them perfectly.  This may be a solution that works with only their bags.

What I like

  • The size and weight of the pump

What I’d change

  • Pretty much everything else

Final thoughts

There are a few other considerations, some targeted at this device while others are more generic of the devices in this category.

First, there are TSA regulations against carrying Lithium batteries in checked luggage.  As a travel device, you would have to carry it onboard your flight to be compliant with regulations.  The Atmos could only be packed in a suitcase if it was rendered inoperable – for example, if the device could not power on, so batteries fully depleted.  With this restriction, I cannot recommend the Atmos as a travel device.

Then there is the wrinkle factor.  If you use any compression device for travel, at some level you will have wrinkled clothing to deal with at your destination.  I have found that compression cubes and rolling space bags (the kind where you roll up the bag rather than use a pump to remove the air) yield less wrinkled clothes.  The more air you remove, the more wrinkles you will end up with.  And so-called wrinkle relaxing sprays do little to help with the situation, so you are pretty much assured you will be spending quality time with an iron before you go out in public.  In the end you trade space for effort – given the cost of checking a bag on airline flights these days, that might be an acceptable trade-off.

Finally, you have to consider the size of the bag and the average suitcase.  The medium bag I received when fully compressed barely fits width-wise inside a 26 inch Samsonite suitcase.  I can pack probably 4 days of clothes in a medium bag, but with an average trip length of 10 days, I have to take 2 medium and a small – and, fully compressed, I still need to bring 2 bags to fit that plus toiletries and other essentials.  I just have more empty space nothing else will fit in because of the bags themselves.  So, for me, this really isn’t a good solution.

Price: Varies depending on the pledge level.  Pledges start at $24 for the pump alone.
Where to buy: You can contribute to the Kickstarter campaign here.
Source: The sample of this product was supplied by Flextail Gear.

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Atmos Portable Vacuum Pump review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 18, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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iNA minimalist titanium containers review

CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – Small metal vials are a convenient way to store small items such as medication, matches, dollar bills, and more. If you like titanium, look no further than iNA minimalist titanium containers which are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

What is it?

iNA minimalist titanium containers are small vials made of food safe grade 5 titanium.

Design and features

The iNA storage containers are available in the 4 sizes that you see above. I’ve placed a quarter next to the vials to give you an idea of their size.

Each vial has a perfect satin finish that is smooth and doesn’t attract fingerprints or smudges. They are also corrosive resistant.

These storage containers have been expertly machined so that you can’t feel or even see the seam between the two parts of the container.

The top and bottom of each container are threaded and the top section has an adjustable braided cord loop.

The bottom section has an O-ring to keep the interior waterproof.

What I like

  • Well made
  • Waterproof
  • 4 sizes

What I’d change

  • Individual containers are expensive

Final thoughts

The iNA minimalist titanium containers are a simple product that is well made and attractive. If you add one of these containers to your EDC, you’ll be able to use them for years to come.

Where can I find more info?

The iNA campaign ends on 8/12/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $2,245. You can pre-order an iNA titanium container starting at 49€ ($55). After the iNA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aokimade.

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iNA minimalist titanium containers review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 8, 2019 at 12:23 pm.

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ElevationShelf adds storage without clutter

NEWS – ElevationLab has an attention to detail that’s been present with all their products since the launch of their original phone dock in 2012. The latest product to come from their focus is an under-shelf to help declutter your workspace.

The ElevationShelf mounts under your desk where you may already have their “Anchor” managing your headphones. The shelf comes with pre-applied 3M tape and a cable management clip to make installation simple (screws also included if you’re looking to really lock it down).

Made of a reinforced polymer, it’s extra light and stiff to help carry the load, keeping your workspace clean and pristine. Available now at ElevationLab for $24.95 and you can find more of their products on Amazon.

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ElevationShelf adds storage without clutter originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 21, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Get it all together, organized, and take it with you with the YETI Loadout GoBox 30

NEWS – It is no go getting to your destination and find that your gear, paperwork, life savings, etc. has been damaged or lost due to a poorly-constructed or built storage box.

To date, your best option for a rugged, waterproof case for your gear has been Pelican cases, but there is a new contender entering the arena.

YETI has answered the requests from their fans has created a line of non-insulated, rugged organizers to their already impressive lineup.  The GoBox is the latest in this new Loadout line. The Yeti Loadout GoBox 30 takes the rugged exterior and gasket technology that has made their hard-side coolers so popular and adds organizers to make a go-box for your extraordinary and everyday adventures.

Measuring a generous 20.5″ long by 14.625″ wide by 11.125″ deep (exterior) and weighing in at 11.8 pound (empty), the GoBox includes a removable central divider, an organizer tray, and a lid organizer to help keep you organized. However, the GoBox forgoes insulation for storage space, so you will still need a place to keep your libations cool.

The four large rubber feet on the bottom of the GoBox nest inside the recessed area on the lid to allow you to safely stack multiple boxes together, if you are, like me, unable to travel lightly.

The GoBox 30 is available in 3 colors:

  • tan
  • white
  • black

The Loadout GoBox 30 has a MSRP of $249.99. You can find the Loadout GoBox 30 at most full-line YETI  dealers like REI or directly from YETI.

 

 

 

 

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Get it all together, organized, and take it with you with the YETI Loadout GoBox 30 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 10, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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BunkTrunk PhD footlocker review

REVIEW – This fall my daughter will be heading off to Liberty University—go Flames!— for her first year of college.  I know her dorm room will have a bed and desk, but when BunkTrunk offered a chance to review their signature product, a desk for your bed, my daughter and I jumped at the opportunity to take a look.

What is it?

A BunkTrunk is a footlocker that allows college students to securely lock up their laptops and phones while recharging them.  It’s designed to be used either over the foot of the bed, which provides an extra place to study or watch movies, or underneath the bed.

What’s in the box?

  • The footlocker
  • The legs (2 metal bars, 2 wooden slats, 2 pins, 4 zip ties, 2 velcro ties)
  • A shelf (with 4 shelf pins)
  • Mini USB for emergency lock power
  • 4 AAA batteries
  • 1 instruction manual in English

The default model is called The Bachelors, and it includes the bulleted items listed above.  The next model up is called The Masters, and it adds a power strip.  The high-end model is called The PhD, and it adds a power strip, a Bluetooth speaker, and an LED light.

Hardware specs

The footlocker by itself is 36” wide, 12” tall, and 11.5” deep.  When the legs are attached, it is 31” tall and weighs approximately 31 lbs.

Setup

BunkTrunk did a nice job with the packaging of their product.  Everything had plenty of padding and protection, helping to ensure that nothing was damaged during transit.  The first thing I really noticed was the manual; three and half full-sized pages of English instructions.  Now I know that as an engineer, I’m not supposed to be the kind of person who bothers with a manual, but given that “some assembly is required,” I was glad for the help.

The manual begins with instructions for setting the master code and the user code on the locking mechanism.  The master code is a longer code and is only used for setting the user code.  The user code is a short code and is used regularly for unlocking the footlocker.  The manual doesn’t state why there are two types of code, but if I had to guess, I’d say that if your user code is compromised—your roommate looks over your shoulder and sees you enter it in—it can’t be used to change to a new user code, thus permanently locking you out of your BunkTrunk.  Only the master code can do that, and it should be stored somewhere safe and secure and never used near prying eyes.

The manual then goes on to describe how to add the legs.  They are a pair of metal bars that are used to hold the footlocker above the mattress.  The top side slides into pre-cut holes in the bottom of the footlocker and are held in place by cotter pins.  The bottom side are held together with a pair of wooden slats that are attached to the bars with zip ties.  The legs also come with 2 Velcro ties, which can be used to secure the back of the legs (the vertical part of the bars) to the bed.  If my daughter were on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed, this would be perfect.  In her dorm, however, there are no bunk beds, so there’s nothing on which to use these ties.  I’m a bit concerned that the BunkTrunk will be wobbly.

The manual doesn’t have any instructions on how to set up the shelf on the left side, but it’s not very difficult.  Just push the shelf pins into the sides—ours required a little extra persuasion with a mallet—and put the shelf on top of them.  You can pay extra to add another shelf on the right side.

When it’s all assembled, the bunktrunk looks like a wooden box with legs.  Once in her dorm, my daughter will lift up the end of her mattress and slide the legs and slats under the mattress, which should hold it in place.

Design and features

The BunkTrunk will be a useful place for charging up all my daughter’s electronic devices.  While in college, she’ll have a phone, a tablet, and a laptop, so they can all come to one place at night for charging.  As BunkTrunk will be over the foot of her bed, it will also function as a night stand.  She’ll keep an alarm clock here, a cup of water, her glasses, and anything else that she wants to keep nearby while sleeping.

It will also be a wonderful help when she’s ready to kick back, relax, and watch a game of Dota on Twitch, a Brave Wilderness video on YouTube, or an episode of Knighfall on Netflix.  She’ll just need to prop up her tablet on a Humixx stand, crank up her fav Bluetooth speaker, lean back on a comfy pillow, and enjoy the show!

Although BunkTrunk bills their gadget a secure storage solution, they are also quick to note it’s not a replacement for a safe.  The footlocker itself is very sturdy, and it has a nice locking mechanism, but it won’t stop a determined thief.  A small crowbar and a bit of brute force are all that is necessary to break in, assuming that the noise didn’t attract too much attention.  Is the secure solution really secure?  Sure it is!  It’s secure in the same sense that the locks on the doors and windows of your house are secure.  They won’t prevent a determined, professional thief from breaking in, but they will stop the casual opportunist.  The BunkTrunk is just like that.  It’s perfect for stopping the unscrupulous girl on the hall who sticks her head into an empty room and looks for something easy to make off with.  When my daughter’s electronics are locked in the BunkTrunk, the thief will have to move on to easier prey.

BunkTrunk is described as “a private place to study.”  It allows my daughter to sit on her bed and do some school work, maybe working on her Accounting class using her laptop or maybe doing some College Algebra problems in a notebook.  It supposed to be like having a second desk in the room, which sounds great, except that there are two problems.  The first problem is that the locking mechanism is bolted to the middle of the desk in the worst place possible!  I understand why it is where it is: it’s perfectly placed for locking.  But a 4.5 x 2 x 1-inch chunk of plastic that is right where my daughter is trying to work is a terrible idea.  BunkTrunk’s engineers need to head back to the drawing board and design a better locking mechanism, one that still securely locks but doesn’t get in the way of the desk.

The second problem is that the BunkTrunk is not sturdy enough to use as a desk.  The footlocker itself is super sturdy; it’s made from half-inch plywood whose ends are beautifully dovetailed together.  The hinges that hold the front door in place are heavy duty; it’s not going to sag on anyone.  The weak link is the metal legs.  Once they are attached to the rather heavy footlocker, they bend when any pressure is applied to the work area, and this makes the whole thing rather bouncy.  I don’t think there is any risk of it breaking or falling into my daughter’s lap, but a desk needs to be a solid, steady, sturdy place to work, and these legs don’t accomplish that.  It might be fine for touch-typing on a Chromebook or an iMac Air, but it’s not really suitable for leaning on or resting on while doing work.  The bottom line is that the BunkTrunk is not a good replacement for a solid desk.

BunkTrunk was gracious enough to send us the PhD trunk for review, so we got 3 extra items.  The USB power strip is the perfect little device for powering my daughter’s various gadgets.  It’s only 5.5 inches long and comes with 3 power outlets and 2 USB charging ports.  The cord is very short, only 11 inches long, which is just long enough to poke through the hole in the bottom of the BunkTrunk.  You’ll want to purchase a 3-prong extension cord to get power to this strip.

The LED light is perfect for working or studying at night when my daughter is trying not to disturb her roommate.  It’s a clip-on, which allows maximum placement flexibility, and BunkTrunk has a lot of places for clipping.  It’s also kind of cool that you turn the light on and off simply by touching it; there’s no switch.

The wireless, Bluetooth speaker is the BoxAnne by Origaudio.  While it’s not very big, only 4 inches wide, it has much better sound than my daughter’s iPhone or iPad.  It may not be loud enough to fill my house with sound, but it will be plenty loud in a dorm room.  As we listened to music together one Saturday morning, we appreciated the punch it provided.  Pairing it to her iPad was a cinch; she didn’t even have to read the manual.

Are these 3 items worth the extra $80 that it costs to go from the Bachelors to the PhD?  Maybe.  If you already have some of these items around the house, then probably not, but if you don’t, then probably so.  They will certainly be handy for my daughter to have.  I know she’ll use all 3 them, so I’m glad BunkTrunk included them.

What I like

  • Beautiful wooden design
  • Solid construction
  • Secure place for storing and charging electronics
  • Efficient utilization of space over the foot of the bed

What needs to be improved

  • Redesign so that locking mechanism is somewhere else
  • Beef up the legs to make them more rigid

Final thoughts

Will my daughter be taking this BunkTrunk to college with her?  You bet she will!  She’s most excited about having the extra space over her bed.  I’m most excited that she’ll have someplace safe to store her gadgets.  Should you buy the TrunkTrunk for your college student?  If your primary goal is to provide a desk, then probably not, for the reasons I’ve stated above.  For all the other great reasons (secure storage, a nightstand, entertainment, charging gadgets), yes, you should definitely buy a BunkTrunk dorm room storage system!  It will be a welcome addition to almost every college dorm room.

Price:  $219 for The Bachelors, $249 for The Masters, and $279 for the PhD
Where to buy:  BunkTrunk’s Shop
Source: The sample for this review was provided by BunkTrunk.

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BunkTrunk PhD footlocker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 24, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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