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While you wait to pre-order the iPhone X, shop for a case to protect it

Whenever top-tier companies like LG, Samsung, and Apple roll out a new smartphone, my inbox starts bursting at the seams with emails from vendors who are excited to announce cases and accessories for the new devices. As you would guess, since this past Tuesday, I’ve been drowning in emails about new iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X cases. I spent the afternoon going through all those emails and picked some of my notable iPhone X cases to share with you.

EasyAcc

EasyAcc sent me a few of their iPhone X cases before the iPhone X was officially announced this week. The cases were so new, that they were called iPhone 8 cases on the packaging!

We’ve reviewed EasyAcc products in the past and have been happy with the quality with budget prices which will be important once you spend a grand or more on the new iPhone X.

At the time of this writing, EasyAcc is offering eight cases that range in price from $7.99 for the Thin Fit Slim Soft TPU Protective Cover with Matte Finish (shown above), to the $12.99 Armor Design Protective Hard Back Shell Cover Dual Layer Protection Shockproof Bumper Case.

You can see all the EasyAcc iPhone X cases on Amazon and you can save 30% if you use the code 794IJYCN (expires 11/30/17).

CalypsoCase


On the other end of the budget spectrum, we have luxury iPhone X cases from CalypsoCase which are made in Europe. The cases are available in several styles and colors that include the Cabrio which is shown above, as well as a book and slipcover style case. You’ll need to sit down before I tell you the price. Ready? The price for the cases is $249. Whew! The cases start shipping on 10/24/17.

You can check out the Cabrio, Silhouette, and book cases at www.calypsocrystal.com.

Rokform

Let’s go back to a case that doesn’t require that you put a kidney on eBay. Rokform offers cases like the new iPhone 8 Crystal Cases that have their patented twist-lock mounting system built in that will let you mount your phone on bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and more. A magnetic car vent mount is included with the case which is priced at $49.99. You can pre-order it now at rokform.com

Nomad

 


I really like the look of the Nomad cases for the iPhone X. The Clear Case X has a unique design with a section of Horween leather that has been fused to a polycarbonate case with a rubber TPE bumper. The Rugged Case X has an all leather back. Both are only $39.95 and you can save 10% if you give them your email address when you order. Visit www.hellonomad.com for all the details.

Grovemade

If you prefer a phone case that uses wood to one that uses leather, the new Minimalist Tough case from Grovemade might be more to your liking. It features an aluminum frame that is wrapped in an elastomer band and a back made from Walnut. I’m not quite sure if the term “minimalist” is a good one though as the cases at least in the images on their site look pretty thick and bulky.

I don’t agree with calling it a “minimalist” a case though as the images on their site make it look thick and bulky.

You can pre-order the case for $99, but be aware that it doesn’t ship until December. Visit Grovemade for more info.

So there are a few ideas for iPhone X cases. Which one looks the most interesting to you? I’m leaning towards the super thin and super inexpensive EasyAcc or the Rugged X case from Nomad.

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While you wait to pre-order the iPhone X, shop for a case to protect it originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 16, 2017 at 4:34 pm.

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WaterField’s new iPhone camera bag holds all your iphonography gear

If you love using your smartphone as your primary camera, then you will appreciate the new iPhone Camera Bag from WaterField Designs of San Francisco California. This small shoulder bag will hold all your small clip-on lenses, cables, and other accessories that you need when you’re shooting on the go and don’t want to stuff your pockets with gear.

Available in black ballistic nylon for $99 or premium leather for $129, this small zippered bag features an over the shoulder or around the waist design with a customizable padded interior.

There are even straps on the bottom that can be used to hold a small tripod.

The iPhone Camera bag (you can use it with other phones too, I won’t tell) is available for order now with shipping on 9/27. Visit sfbags.com for all the details.

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WaterField’s new iPhone camera bag holds all your iphonography gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 16, 2017 at 10:28 am.

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SportRX.com prescription sunglasses review

If you require very strong prescription eyewear like I do (-9.00 and beyond for me), you know that the options for sunglasses are slim. Besides clip-ons, what else is there? SportRX.com has a wide selection of nearly every major brand of stylish frames plus knowledgeable staff to help you make your prescription sunglasses become reality.

When you first visit the SportRX website, prepare to be overwhelmed.  Thankfully, you can narrow down your selection by using the handy “shop by” feature on the left column.  Sort by brand, sport, price and more.

Because of my nearsightedness, I consulted with one of the experts at SportRX to help me choose. With a lot of help, I chose this pair of Oakley Crosslink frames.

When choosing the actual lenses, you’ll find SportRX walks you through many, many options.  Here, I chose polarized lenses. Note that if you do, the ultra-thin high-index 1.7 lenses are unavailable.  As you can see, Transitions (darkens in sunlight) are an option, too.

If you’re crusty like me, you can even choose bifocals or progressive focus lenses. I chose the progressive focus. Lens color is pretty straightforward: Dark Grey, amber or dark green.Mirrored finishes are really cool, and there are so many colors to choose from!  Want something less showy? The “Flash” mirror finish is a little more subtle.  I chose the Silver Flash Mirror for a hint of reflection.You can pick an anti-reflective finish, but in my case, it comes with the mirrored finish.

I didn’t know you could get an antifog coating but there it was.If you’ve ever scratched your lenses, you know how frustrating it can be.  Add some extra protection for $30.

They’ll need your pupil distance or PD.  This is something your prescribing eye care specialist can get for you or a technician.


Finally, your actual prescription.  You can upload it, email, fax or send later.

My order was completed in just over a week (there was a holiday weekend). SportRX packed in a large cleaning cloth and a small bottle of cleaning solution.

This particular brand (Oakley) comes with a large zippered case with extra temple arms in the slots. Here’s a front view of the glasses.  You can see a hint of the silver flash mirror finish.


You can see the thickness of my prescription lenses.  Yes, my eyesight is bad. However…

However, you’ll notice the lenses fit perfectly in the front.  Nice!

Here’s a dorky selfie because I couldn’t build up the courage to get someone to take a snapshot. They fit really well! The silver flash mirror finish is more apparent in this shot.

I don’t think I would have tried to attempt something new and (relatively) stylish, but the helpful people at SportRX really helped me navigate the staggering selection, and made useful suggestions that really made the difference for me.  Thank, SportRX!

Source: The sample for this review was provided by SportRX. Please visit http://www.sportrx.com for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $200 (frames only), $715 total (with prescription and options – varies with each person)
Manufacturer: Oakley
Retailer: SportRX
Requirements:
  • A valid prescription
Pros:
  • Wide selection, knowledgable staff. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) accepted
Cons:
  • Eyewear can be expensive. Options add up.

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SportRX.com prescription sunglasses review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 16, 2017 at 8:08 am.

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Samsung Galaxy Note8 review (day 1)

Yesterday I posted a gadget diary entry where I professed my immediate love (lust?) for the Samsung Galaxy Note8. Today I turned off my iPhone 7 Plus, set up the Note8, and started using it as my primary device. Have my feelings changed already? Let’s find out with my multi-part diary style review. 

Day 1 – Random first impressions

Setting up the Samsung Galaxy Note8 is no different than setting up other Android smartphones. You basically enter your Google account info and the rest of the setup happens under the covers and within minutes your calendar and contacts are synced.

I also installed some of my favorite apps like Instagram, Words with Friends, Spotify, Accuweather, and the main app that’s my nemesis – the stock Google Gmail app.

I’m not sure what the problem is, but with EVERY Android device that I’ve used in the past couple of years, the stock Gmail app either works sporadically or not at all. So I crossed my fingers and installed it on the Note8…

Argh, the same old screen I have seen time and time again. What the heck? I have no idea why the Gmail app will not work on Android. I thought it had to do something with my billions of labels, but the Gmail app on the iPhone works flawlessly. Often, it will even show new messages before my MacBook browser does.

After wasting time trying to get the Gmail app to work on the Note8, I did what I usually do with Android devices. I disabled it and used Chrome to make a shortcut on the home screen to the mobile web version. That works fine, but it doesn’t show notifications.

I then ran into Android annoyance #2 which is incorrect icon badges. For some reason, the Words With Friends app will either never show that I have turns waiting, or it will show that I have too many turns waiting.

The icon is currently showing that I have 11 turns when I really only have 2. Grrrrr. It’s always the little things that get under my skin.

But on a more positive note, using the face unlock feature on the Note8 has worked perfectly. I can pick up the phone in my left hand with my thumb pressing on the virtual home button and when I bring it up to my face, it instantly unlocks to where I had left off. If I pick up the phone in my right hand, I press the power button with my thumb and the same is true. It unlocks almost instantly. It even works in some dimly lit rooms. But it won’t work at all if it’s too dark.

Today was a lot of typical phone usage for me. I sent several text messages, made and received several phone calls, listened to some music on Spotify through Winnergear HERO Bluetooth earbuds, played a couple turns in Words With Friends, read and replied to a few emails, installed apps, and took a few pictures.


Speaking of pictures, so far I’m really impressed with the Note8’s camera. Check out the images above. Click to see the full-sized version.

It’s only been one full day, but so far battery life is more than adequate enough to power the phone through a full day and beyond.

That’s it for today. Check back for more updates this weekend.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Verizon Wireless. Please visit their site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $960.00
Manufacturer: Samsung
Retailer: Verizon Wireless
Pros:
  • Gorgeous display
  • S Pen
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Tall, sticks out of pockets

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Samsung Galaxy Note8 review (day 1) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 15, 2017 at 9:08 pm.

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Clear some space on your desk with this new vertical laptop stand from Satechi

If your work surface is cramped, the anodized aluminum Vertical Laptop Stand from Satechi will help you reclaim some space.

The stand has been designed to be universally compatible with a variety of laptops and tablets from different manufacturers like Apple, Dell, Samsung, Asus and many more. The stand has an adjustable rubber lined jaw that opens from .5 – 1.5 inches so it can even accommodate devices that are in cases.

The Vertical Laptop Stand is available in silver, space gray or jet black for $44.99. You can find out more about it at Satechi.net and Amazon.com.

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Clear some space on your desk with this new vertical laptop stand from Satechi originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 15, 2017 at 11:48 am.

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