Home 2017 August

Here’s a sweet thing: the new Timbuk2/Froot Loops Tuck Pack collaboration!

Since 1989 Timbuk2 has been producing top-quality messengers and backpacks, and they always have an eye towards new designs and new styles. They also have a reputation for diving into new and interesting collaborations, and this might be one of their most fun products yet: the Froot Loops Limited Edition Tuck Pack. As in the kids’ cereal. How sweet is that? 

Inspired by the legendary breakfast treat of our youth, the exterior fabric pattern features a cascade of Froot Loops in all of their glory. As if it couldn’t get any better, there’s a treat hidden inside: Toucan Sam himself makes an appearance on the inside lining, along with a special sleeve for your box of Froot Loops (or a 15-inch laptop, if you had breakfast already). They even include a box of cereal with your order… you know, in case you ran out.

Behind all of this sugary goodness, you’ll find the well-reviewed Tuck rolltop backpack. It’s a 20-liter pack with two side pockets for water bottles and U-locks, an external zip pocket, and a hidden stash pocket on the back of the bag for your valuables. I have a closet full of Timbuk2 stuff. Their products are consistently well built and carry a lifetime guarantee; I would expect this to be the same, with a bit more sweetness added in for good measure.

Retail price for the limited edition bag is $100. Check it out at the Timbuk2 web site!

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Here’s a sweet thing: the new Timbuk2/Froot Loops Tuck Pack collaboration! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 3, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Rollbe EDC ruler, Vizy smartphone car mount, the best alarm clock, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

Happy Wednesday! Here’s a new batch of five Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns that I think are interesting and/or worthy of your pledges. Click through to see this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Sandman Doppler: The World’s Best Alarm Clock

What is it?
Sandman Doppler is an alarm clock that’s Alexa enabled, has 6 USB charging ports, can play music, and more.

Why do I like it?
The Sandman Doppler a smart alarm clock which by itself doesn’t sound that exciting, but I like that it has a bunch of USB ports on the back so you can keep your everyday gadgets charged. But the best thing are the programmable physical buttons on top of the clock that you can use to interact with your other gear. You can program a button to turn off all your Philips HUE lights, turn your Nest thermostat up or down, and more.

Where can I find more info?
With 14 days left in the campaign, Sandman Doppler has already passed their funding goal of $25,458. You can pre-order a Sandman Doppler clock starting at $119. After the Sandman Doppler campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Tülry: The World’s First Glamour Utility Necklace

What is it?
Tülry is a wearable EDC tool kit designed for women that has 16 built-in tools.

Why do I like it?
I can’t imagine actually wearing a Tülry necklace because I never wear necklaces, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the design. The necklace can expand to add more tools like different types of screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and hex keys. It’s both goofy, useful, and geeky.

Where can I find more info?
With 9 days left in the campaign, Tülry has already passed their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Tülry necklace starting at $69. After the Tülry campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SHIFT: The Ultimate Pack for Photography, Travel and Tech

What is it?
The SHIFT Pack is a modular backpack that’s perfect for photographers but one that can be used by anyone that likes to keep their gear organized and easily transportable.

Why do I like it?
I’ve been a messenger bag carrier for years, but have just recently started thinking about switching to a backpack and I’ve been keeping an eye out for interesting bags that have more features than the standard run of the mill backpack. The SHIFT Pack can sit flat without falling over, has a ton of storage pockets, can easily attach to rolling luggage, and it has a zippered padded compartment in the bottom that can be used to hold a camera, shoes, or other larger items that you want to keep separate from the rest of gear.

Where can I find more info?
With 15 days left in the campaign, SHIFT Pack has already passed their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a SHIFT Pack starting at $179. After the SHIFT Pack campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Rollbe – Super Compact Measuring Tool

What is it?
Rollbe is a 4 or 8 inch (10 or 20 cm) stainless steel ruler that you can carry in your pocket.

Why do I like it?
I like the Rollbe measuring tool because it can be used to measure straight lines and curves. It’s cool little pocket ruler that you can take with you when you’re shopping for quick measurements.

Where can I find more info?
With 28 days left in the campaign, Rollbe has already passed their funding goal of $6,361. You can pre-order a Rollbe starting at $16. After the Rollbe campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Vizy – World’s Safest Car Mount. Period.

What is it?
Vizy is a smartphone holder for your car that attaches to the window visor.

Why do I like it?
I like the Vizy holder because it doesn’t use a suction cup, adhesives, vent slats, etc. It looks easy to install and relocate as needed. I also like that your phone will be more in line with your eyes than if it was down in the console area.

Where can I find more info?
With 39 days left in the campaign, Vizy is still working their funding goal of $9,448. You can pre-order a Vizy starting at $14. After the Vizy campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Rollbe EDC ruler, Vizy smartphone car mount, the best alarm clock, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 11:09 am.

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North St. Bags Pioneer 12 Hip Pack review

Imagine a high school where instead of normal students the attendees were bags. If the jocks were big, tough backpacks and the cool kids were sleek messenger backs, then certainly the nerds of the class would be fanny packs. I feel like they’ve been sort of unfairly picked on… sure, they’re useful but lack that cool factor of a sweet leather satchel or messenger bag. But North St. Bags is out to change that perception with their line of tough, waterproof Hip Packs.

I’ve been a fan of Portland-based North St. Bags since I reviewed their Flanders backpack several months ago. Their backpacks are hand-stitched and incredibly rugged and durable. The Pioneer Hip Pack is no exception.

Beautiful color on that waterproof sailcloth material.

The Pioneer 12 is the larger variety of North St.’s hip packs. That expanded size makes it the perfect companion for bike enthusiasts, hikers, running or any other outdoor activity where a backpack feels like overkill, but you’d need to carry equipment too large for pockets.

The back contains several loops for custom belts, straps and bike mounts, all removable.

I immediately noticed several ways to use the bag. There is, of course, the typical adjustable belt and clasp to wrap around your waist, but also includes handlebar loops and straps for mounting to the front of a bike. Additionally, North St. offers a shoulder strap for further stabilization while on the move or for converting the pack to a small shoulder bag.

The specs:

  • Made from waterproof X-Pac™ LiteSkin™ sailcloth
  • Belt sizes: Small 28″-37″ and Large 36″-52″
  • Features loops to insert your own belt if you prefer
  • Extra long zipper ties
  • Handy side grab loops
  • Water resistant DWR finish on exterior
  • Dimensions: 12” x 7.5” x 4”
  • Capacity: 350 cubic inches / 5.7 liters
  • Weight: 9.5 oz / 269 g
  • Handmade in Portland, Oregon with a lifetime warranty

I love the feel of the sailcloth, somewhere in between canvas and nylon. It’s thick and rugged and can really take a beating.

An inside view of various pocket sizes and a handy velcro side for further customization.

The outer waterproof zipper on the pack is high-quality, chunky and silky smooth. Fully unzipped, the pack lays flat and reveals several pockets of various sizes. The opposite side sports two long strips of Velcro for securing additional inserts.

Pockets inside a zippered pouch with pockets on top of that! Hello, organization.

Plus, behind the pocketed panel is a zipper pouch containing even more space and pockets. This pack can hold quite a bit and, thanks to the adjustable side straps, can expand to accommodate more than you’d think.

And a surprising use… a rugged case for toting around your new gaming system!

Personally, I’ve been using it as a carry-all for toting to work. Typically, I’ll throw in my Nintendo Switch, USB cables, pens, checkbook, sketchbook, keys, wallet, cleaning cloths, granola bar and still have plenty of room. It easily accommodates a typical business-size envelope, just to give you a sense of size. It’s been fantastic.

The humble fanny pack just got a big upgrade…

Did I strap it on in the standard around-the-waist format? Yes. A bit. For this photo. But if I have to be honest, I took off all of the straps and carry the pack around by the loop on the top, sort of like a small briefcase. I’m not putting fanny packs on blast, here, there’s just not a lot of sense it strapping it around me for the 30-second walk from my car.

It did make me wish I had a pack like this back in my motorcycle commuting days. I could give the Pioneer Hip Pack a hearty recommendation for anyone looking for the function of a fanny pack with the looks of a sporty backpack.

The only negative I could find was the price… the pack starts at $77, and that’s without belt straps, which you would more than likely want. You could easily top $100 with additional inserts and straps, but there’s no doubt this pack would last a lifetime. It’s quality that’s well worth the premium.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by North St. Bags. Please visit their site for more info and to order.

 

Product Information

Price: from $77.00
Manufacturer: North St. Bags
Pros:
  • – waterproof
  • – plenty of room
  • – lots of organization and pockets
  • – actually looks cool
Cons:
  • – a bit pricey, especially when adding on all wanted accessories

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North St. Bags Pioneer 12 Hip Pack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate!

It’s hard to believe that I started The Gadgeteer two decades ago back in August of 1997.  There are not very many blogs that can claim to be 20 years old and I’m proud of that fact and want to celebrate with a giveaway that includes gear from Audio Engine, Tom Bihn, Waterfield Design, Saddleback Leather Company and more!

Please click through to read the details on the prizes and to submit your entries for a chance to win one of our Gadgeteer 20th birthday giveaway prize packs!

Prizes:

There are 3 price packs, so there will be three winners. Details for each prize pack are listed below:

1st Prize Pack

Audioengine B2 wireless speakers

I reviewed the Audioengine B2 wireless speaker and still use it. In my review, I said:

I hadn’t realized how mediocre the music sounded until I switched to the B2. Now I find that my music sounds so much better. Through this speaker music is full and rich with an excellent bass that isn’t too thumpy, but still easily fills a room.

This is a very nice bookshelf sized speaker that features Bluetooth and aptX.

Price: $225.00
Website: audioengineusa.com

Waterfield Design Bolt Crossbody bag

I’ve been a fan of Waterfield Design bags, pouches, and wallets for as long as I can remember. Their new Bolt Crossbody bag is a vertical laptop messenger bag that has been designed to hold tablets or laptops with their gear in a stylish way.

Price: $119.00 – $219.00
Website: www.sfbags.com

Keyport Essential bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $41.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Terk: OMNITWR

A redesigned multi-directional antenna that serves as a cord-cutters must have accessory for instant access to OTA television like ABC, NBC, FOX and more for free – no monthly fee, no subscription and no contract

  • Functions as an amplified multi-directional HDTV antenna
  • Dual stage amplifier technology, DUALBOOST, provides more HD channels along with the best picture and sound possible
  • Accessories include coax cable, power adapter and removable amplifier for maximum flexibility and performance

Price: $59.99
Website: www.terk.com

YEVO Labs: YEVO 1

A new generation of smart headphones without any wires for total freedom of movement

  • Experience freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 connection and Near-Field Magnetic Induction – NFMI pairing for secure flawless connectivity
  • Excellent music experience: Integrated the latest advancements in audio quality with balanced armatures from Knowles delivering safe, crystal clear audio quality, fine-tuned to hit crisp highs and deep lows for a fully mesmeric experience
  • Audio transparency: Allows users to remain connected to their surroundings by letting sound in with just a tap
  • Two-touch sensors: 4 built-in microphones allows users to take phone calls, control music, and volume, and access Siri or Google Now
  • Battery life: 20 hours of battery life* with the beautifully designed, elegant and slim charge and storage case
  • Available in Jet Black, Ivory White, and Onyx Black

Price: $249
Website: YevoLabs.com

2nd Prize Pack

V-MODA: Remix Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker

World’s First Portable Bluetooth Speaker with a Built-In Headphone Amplifier

  • World’s First Full-Surface 3D Printed Custom Product – REMIXRings™ and removable parts enable the ultimate personalization in a mind-blowing array of materials
  • Easily connect REMIX with Echo Dot via Bluetooth or by the included cable to summon Alexa and enjoy vivid Hi-Fi sound
  • Easy Pairing – Press PAIR to easily connect your Bluetooth device
  • Simultaneous Device Connection – Multitasking users can “multipoint” connect REMIX with two devices at a time, such as smartphone and laptop or smartphone and smartwatch
  • USB-C Charging – Future-proof and safer charging via included USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Long Life Battery – Up to 10+ hours of music
  • Quick Access Control – Top-panel buttons to control volume and playback of your music
  • Built-In Mic for Calls and Voice Assistant – Use the built-in microphone for calls, Skype or summoning voice assistants like Apple Siri or OK Google – but with far superior music quality
  • Available in two finishes – minimal aluminum (Silver) and luxurious vegan leather (Black)

Price: $300
Available at: V-MODA.com

Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is a made in the USA 525 ballistic nylon backpack style bag that can hold up to 4 laptops! This bag is built to last for many years and travel adventures to come.

Price: $200.00
Website: www.tombihn.com

Saddleback Leather Company Leather Pouch Wallet

This is one of Saddleback Leather’s latest wallet designs and like all of their products, it’s going to last forever!

Price: $59.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-pouch-wallet

Keyport Outdoor bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • Pocketknife Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $61.97
Website: www.mykeyport.com

 

BEEM UNITED: BeMe D200

Eye-catching colors and cutting-edge technology deliver customizable sound and high-performing active noise canceling for a unique listening experience

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Each earphone features a dual mic with Active Noise Cancellation and pairs with the BEEM UNITED app to enable a 10-band equalizer control
  • HD Audio for a full digital – not analog – audio experience (Digital 24bit/48KHz)
  • Best-in-Class Bass: With higher sampling frequency compared to competing products, BeMe D200 delivers studio-quality bass for personal use
  • Fashion-Forward Design: Offering a variety of on-trend color combinations including Rose Gold, Rebel Purple, Black and Flash Green
  • Striking LED light display brings the listening experience to life
  • Developed entirely around lightning connector cable technology – allowing for the app connection and superior sound quality
  • Aluminum housing
  • Driver/Dynamic: 10.66mm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
  • Max Input Power: 10mW
  • Lightweight with No Battery Needed
  • Ergonomic Eartips for Secure Fit
  • Includes Carrying Pouch

Price: $169.99
Website: beemunited.com

 

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

 

3rd Prize Pack

SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton

After reviewing the SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton, it quickly became my favorite jacket. It’s soft, comfy, and has 21 pockets that hold everything I need.

Price: $95
Available at: www.scottevest.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Keyport Locator Plus bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • BLE Locator + LED Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $66.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

808 Audio: Turntable

Get killer sound anywhere and get the crowd going with the LED light show, and a built-in pre-amplifier, connecting to any device with or without a turntable input.

  • Built-in phono pre-amp allows a wired connection to any device without turntable input.
  • Includes AC power cord, 4 ft. RCA audio cable, 4 ft. Aux-in 3.5mm cloth cable, 45 RPM adapter, cartridges, and stylus with purchase.
  • Ten multi-color LED light modes for every genre of music.
  • Wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices, or to wired systems via dual RCA or 3.5mm output cables, included with purchase. Anti-resonance, silicone platter.

Price: $149.99
Website: 808Audio.com

Saddleback Leather Company Dominoes set

 

Saddleback is mainly recognized for their leather bags, but this is a dominoes set that is made of …. you guessed it, leather! Just like their bags, your grandkids will fight over this set when you’re dead.

Price: $189.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/dominoes-set

Focal: Spark and Spark Wireless

Mobile in-ear headphones with exceptional Focal sound and performance at affordable prices

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Electrodynamic 9.5mm mylar driver
  • Flat, anti-tangle cable
  • 3-button remote control with omnidirectional microphone
  • Exceptional performance/price ratio
  • Bluetooth 4.1 in Spark Wireless
  • Included with each pair of Spark are three pairs of silicone tips and one rigid carrying case
  • Included with each pair of Spark Wireless are three pairs of silicone tips, a USB cable, one battery clip for sports activities and one rigid carrying case
  • Available now in Black and Silver Spark
  • Blue Cobalt and Spark Wireless Rose Gold will be available mid to late July

Check out our reviews of the Focal Spark and Spark Wireless headphones.

Price: $69 (Spark); $99 (Spark Wireless)
Available at: www.focal.com/headphones

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 08/07/2017 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. How long have you been visiting The Gadgeteer?
  2. What’s your favorite thing about The Gadgeteer?
  3. If you could change one thing about the site, what would it be?

Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.

Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is 20 Yrs old. Join the celebration by winning 1 of 3 gadget prize packs. Entering is easy! http://bit.ly/2vsHIQh

Get a 4th bonus entry by linking to The Gadgeteer home page on Facebook.

Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.

At some point on 08/08/2017, I’ll pick three random winners using random.org. The winners will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my emails in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize packs are claimed.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).

2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.

3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.

4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 7:03 am.

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Deal: Instantly save $150 on a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8

Need a new Android smartphone and want to the latest and greatest from Samsung? Then it’s your lucky day because you can save on a shiny new Samsung Galaxy S8 when you shop directly from Samsung. Save $150 instantly on a Samsung Galaxy S8 and save an additional $150 when you trade-in an eligible phone.

According to Samsung’s site:

The following devices are eligible for the $150 Trade In Value: iPhone 5 and above, iPhone SE, Galaxy S5 and above, Note 5, LG G4 and above, Google Pixel & Pixel XL. The devices must be in good condition (meaning it powers on and holds a charge; has a functioning display; has no breaks or cracks or other visible defects that go beyond normal wear and tear; and is not on a black list of any kind) to be eligible for Trade-In. Prior to trading in device, you must perform a factory reset and remove all personal information from device and eligible devices must have reactivation lock, Google Factory Reset Protection and all other anti-theft locking software disabled. Devices not meeting these criteria will not qualify for the trade-in program. Click here for Terms & Conditions to learn more.

This deal is for a limited time only with no details on when it ends, so head over to Samsung.com now for all the details.

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Deal: Instantly save $150 on a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 1, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

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