Home 2017 May

Just Mobile AluPlug USB wall charger review


Charging your devices while traveling is a pain – a small one, granted.  Remembering to bring the right “wall wart” for each device is something you generally think about when you check into the hotel.  The problem only gets worse at home – with every device having its own power adapter, you quickly develop dangerous octopus connections around your outlets.  Just Mobile has heard your anguished cries and has presented the AluPlug to handle some of your pain, provided your device uses a standard USB type A connector.  Does it really take away your pain, though?  Let’s find out…

The AluPlug is a stylish multiport charge adapter for devices which use a USB type A plug on the outlet side.  It is a strong adapter made from aluminum which is both a plus and a minus.  More on that in a minute.  It is about 3 inches across and 6 inches deep, which means when it is plugged in your standard US power outlet it will not block anything else from using the other outlet.  The prongs which plug into the wall outlet also fold into the base, making it easy to throw into your bag on the way out the door.  You can see the prongs in the folded position below.

And here you can see the USB type A connections.  A device plugged into either port will light the LED.

The question is: what kind of devices can you plug into this and how much can it handle?  The answer is that each port will charge a tablet with 2.4 amps output (most tablets like an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab require 2.1 amps).  Although it does not state this anywhere, I plugged two Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 devices in simultaneously and while this particular model of tablet does not support rapid charging, each went from about 20% to 100% in around 3 hours.  My wife’s iPad was even better, going from nearly drained to 100% in about 2.5 hours.  My brand new Galaxy S8+ (which supports fast charging) came back from about 40% to 100% in less than an hour.  It would appear the AluPlug supports smart and/or rapid charging.

This is a great little device which will attract attention, but there is a small downside to it.  As with any electronic device the more load you put on it, the more heat that is generated.  Plugging in the two tablets at once caused the unit to get pretty hot.  Being made from aircraft aluminum, heat also dissipates rapidly but be warned that if you are trying to beat the hotel checkout deadline you might not be able to unplug this charger and toss it into your bag for 5-10 minutes.  Plan accordingly.

At $29.95 retail this is on the expensive end of the spectrum for chargers.  The design and execution are worth the cost in my opinion, but your mileage may vary.  Personally, I would also love to see LED’s for each of the slots so I know when a device is fully charged, but that is a very small concern.  Overall, if you want a charger that will make a statement, this is the one to go for.

Source: the sample for this review was provided by Just Mobile.  Visit their site for additional information and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $29.95
Manufacturer: Just Mobile
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Stylish and sturdy
  • Can handle 2 power hungry devices at once
  • Small and light enough for regular travel
Cons:
  • Charger can become very hot, so be careful

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Just Mobile AluPlug USB wall charger review originally appeared on on May 13, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Finally take awesome pics of your dog with the Pooch Selfie


Telling your dog to smile and say cheese when you want to take his picture doesn’t work nearly as well as it does for humans. But now it can if you also have a Pooch Selfie.

Pooch Selfie is a small plastic clip that has been specially designed to hold a tennis ball and mount to the top of your smartphone. This is a genius idea because I’ve never seen a dog who doesn’t love tennis balls.

The clip comes with a tennis ball that squeaks when you squeeze it, but any ordinary tennis ball will work to

Compatible with the iPhone and Samsung phones, even when they are in most cases, the Pooch Selfie is a simple photography tool that can be used to capture the attention and the loving stare of your dog while he’s looking right at the camera / tennis ball when you snap a pic.

Of course, the Pooch Selfie won’t work with cats because cats hate getting their picture taken and NEVER look at you when you want them too.

Have a dog? Have a smartphone? Want to take pet selfies? All you need is $12.99. Head over to www.poochselfie.com for more info. You can order directly from them or also from The Grommet and Amazon.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Finally take awesome pics of your dog with the Pooch Selfie originally appeared on on May 13, 2017 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

OtterBox introduces the Venture camping cooler. Of course it’s bear-proof.


OtterBox, makers of super-durable phone and tablet cases, is entering a new product category with the Venture camping cooler and Elevation drink tumblers. It looks like they’re bringing some next-level design thinking to the game in addition to the rugged durability OtterBox is known for. 

The standard features on the Venture cooler series look pretty solid. Three sizes are available (25, 45, and 65 quarts) that are true to size in terms of capacity. All models have been drop-tested for durability on all edges and sides and will hold ice for up to 14 days. Standard features include non-slip rubber feet, integrated handles that double as tie-down points for securing the cooler, and a slanted bottom for easy draining. Customization looks to be the secret sauce here; Otterbox has built in a series of organizational slots and attachment points for a line of accessories including cutting boards, internal organizers, custom compartments, cup holders, and more. And yes, there’s a locking kit available that makes the whole setup certified bear resistant. Pricing is set at $249.99, $349.99 or $399.99 depending on size, with no additional accessory pricing information available at this time.

In addition to the Venture cooler, OtterBox is introducing a line of Elevation insulated drink tumblers. Available in 10 oz ($24.99), 20 oz ($29.99) and 64 oz ($89.99) sizes. Otterbox is also promising a bunch of accessory options here including french press attachments, tea/fruit infusers, and a shaker lid for whipping up campsite cocktails.

The Venture coolers and Elevation are not available yet, but you can sign up at otterbox.com for updates on when they are available. They will also be available at Best Buy in early June.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

OtterBox introduces the Venture camping cooler. Of course it’s bear-proof. originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 3:11 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection


I’m not really into astronomy, but I love marbles and this collection from WestEndCollectables has me searching for my credit card. The collection includes 11 marbles that represent the planets in our solar system.

Each marble represents a planet including the Moon, Mars, and Earth which shows the continents, oceans, and rivers.

The entire set of marbles is not sized accurately, but it’s a cool collection for anyone who loves both marbles and space.

The Solar System Orrery Globe Marble Collection is priced at $46.57 on the WestEndCollectables Etsy shop. Visit their store to order and be sure to check out their other marbles.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 10:58 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Trayvax Cinch belt review


Belts, we all have them, we use them and even abuse them at times. Like most men my age, I have owned my fair share of belts, leather, nylon, webbed, solid, and they all perform the same function, to keep my pants up. Now I won’t lie to you at this stage of my life (a little older and a little wider) I don’t wear belts that often, but I do find that when I do it is more often for casual outdoor experiences than for formal occasions. That’s why when Trayvax offered me a chance to try out their new Cinch belt I did.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

You may recognize the Trayvax name from the many news articles and reviews we have done on their various products like the Trayvax Axis wallet that I reviewed in 2016. The Cinch belt is the newest product from Trayvax. It is a nylon web belt with a custom made aluminum belt buckle.

The Trayvax Cinch has the following features listed on their website:

  • Infinitely adjustable friction belt
  • Heavy-duty MIL-SPEC nylon webbing
  • Aerospace-grade tempered aluminum buckle
  • Anodized finish
  • Light brush grain pattern
  • High-tensile strength (2000 lbs)
  • Instant tensioning and hassle-free locking
  • Low-profile, minimalist design
  • Buckle bent to contour with shape of body
  • Interchangeable buckles
  • Compatible with concealed carry
  • Sourced and made in the USA
  • Lifetime warranty

As stated above, the Cinch buckle is made of anodized, tempered aerospace aluminum. It is designed to use friction to keep the belt secure around your waist. The buckle has a slight bend at the front and rear and has “TRAYVAX” on the front tip and “MADE IN THE USA” towards the rear. The writing looks like it is printed on. The buckles are available in three colors right now, blue, black and gray.

From the back of the Cinch buckle, you can see the cut outs and how the belt is held in place.

The nylon webbing for the Cinch is fairly stiff and is approximately 1 1/2 inches wide. The end is cut nicely to allow you to thread the end through the buckle. The belt sizes run in two size increments starting at 30-32 all the way up to 46-48. The only color available right now is black.

So, what’s my bottom line on the Trayvax Cinch? Simple, rugged, durable, like all things I want in my tools and I like it. While most people don’t think of their belt as a tool, it is for some. I have had experience with similar web type belts and the weak point for long-term use has always been buckle slippage. Buckle slippage is bad enough if you are trying to keep up your pants, but what if you have a pouch or are carrying a weapon on that belt? I did not experience any slippage from the buckle while wearing the Cinch. At 1 1/2 inches, the Cinch is fine for most applications, but you may have trouble fitting it into some dress pants (although a don’t think I have any anymore). For an overall utilitarian belt, I think the Cinch is a good choice. The buckle is contoured well against my body and was not too big as to become uncomfortable while sitting. The three colors available are nice and I understand they are working on more colors (let’s hope zombie green is one). The Trayvax Cinch is available from the Trayvax website starting at $26.99 and ranging to $34.99 depending on the size of the belt.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Trayvax. Visit their site for more info.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: ,

Trayvax Cinch belt review originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 9:04 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.