I’ve always been fascinated by miniatures. When we were kids, my sister and I would build our own “dollhouses” from cardboard boxes and furnish them with tiny furniture, books, etc. that we made ourselves from anything we could find around the house.
One year for Christmas, I bought my dad a small train set because I had remembered him talking about a little wind-up train that he had as a child and how he had always wanted a full train set. The set I bought him was an N gauge sized set and from there he went up to HO gauge and on to O gauge and now he has some G gauge engines. But I don’t think he has anything like the TeenyTrack – PS-200A set which is 1:1000 scale size.
This miniature train set has the track printed on a circuit board and comes with an engine and three cars that have no moving parts. The track uses magnetic propulsion technology to move the cars smoothly around the track.
Doesn’t the TeenyTrack train set look like fun? It’s priced at $59 from teenytrains.com
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In April of 2015, I reviewed my first case from Urban Armor Gear – the Rogue case for the iPad Air. I really liked the cover and found it quite protective. I now have an iPad Pro 12.9″, and am happy to be the one chosen to review their Metropolis case.
Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.
UAG cases specifically have been certified Military Grade through NEBS Certified Testing Laboratory. To achieve this certification, a device must be dropped from a height of 48 inches, on each face, corner, and back. The device is dropped a total of 26 times and must function properly after the test, while not sustaining any damage to the screen.
Als, like the original Rogue I tested, the Metropolis has a pliable, grippy frogskin texture on the outside, and a nappy microsuede on the inside.
The cover folds back to allow you to view your iPad in several different viewing angles, without having the inner surface of the case lay flat on the table.
One secret superpower that the Metropolis has above it’s smaller sibling, however, is that the outer cover is detachable, and you can use any Apple Smart Cover-esque magnetic folding screen cover with the armored back.
Along the inner hinge, almost the entire side where the Smart Connector touches is free and accessible, so many chargers, keyboards, and stands that are designed for an iPad Pro should work with this case. I’d definitely try it out with the keyboard or stand you have in mind, but the Apple models are what they were designing it to fit.
Since the iPad Pro 12.9 is now being replaced by a newer model with a slightly different form factor, you can pick up one for your original iPad Pro for only $29.95! A $90 case for 66% off – not a bad deal.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Urban Armor Gear. Please visit Urban Armor Gear for more info, and their Amazon store to purchase.
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The SJ6 Legend from SJCAM is a 4K camera in their arsenal of budget conscious action cameras. From the other action cameras I have reviewed, there were some that I was truly happy with in reviewing, and then there were some that left me feeling quite disappointed. There was plenty of flash but they didn’t deliver on performance. However, looking at the specs and features of the SJ6 Legend, I can honestly say that it grabbed my attention.
Now, let’s see if the SJ6 will live up to its name or just get lost in the proverbial pages of history.
The SJ6 Legend has your typical rectangle matchbox shape similar to most action cameras on the market. However, when I picked up the camera the first thing I noticed is that it had some weight and felt solid. Although it has a plastic body, the SJ6 didn’t feel lightweight or fragile. It felt beefier than most action cameras I have handled, and that was a nice change. And from what I can tell it has a sleeker and thinner form compared to other SJCAM cameras such as the SJ4000 and the X1000.
The SJ6 Legend has a 16MP CMOS Panasonic Sensor 166° wide angle lens that is capable of recording video at 4k@24 fps, 2K @30fps, 1080@60/30fps, 720@120/60/30.
The nice thing I noticed about the image the SJ6 Legend captures is that the wide angle didn’t have a very strong barrel distortion. As a matter of fact, there is a setting in the Menu that you can turn on or off for the Distortion Correction.
What sets this camera apart from other cameras is the 2″ inch LCD touchscreen on the back. The touchscreen screen was fairly responsive considering it’s size and was nice and bright too. You can reach the camera’s menu by the LCD touch screen or by the lower button on the camera’s side. Scrolling through the menus did take some getting used to since the buttons on the side aren’t like the typical SJCAM action camera. Along with the 2″ screen on the back is a smaller 0.96″ screen on the front of the camera that displays info on the camera. This is really handy because you won’t have to rely on the back of the camera to check the camera’s status since it will display it up front.
The Power button is no longer at the front of the camera but rather at the side on the top. And below that is the Settings button that brings you to the Menu. Hold this button and it will bring up the camera’s WiFi. And speaking of the Power button, SJCAM made the power button on the SJ6 so much better than on some of their previous cameras such as the SJ400 or the X1000. When I slightly touched or grazed the Power button it would turn on the camera. I couldn’t stand when that happened. There have been plenty of times when I just picked up those cameras and I accidentally tapped the Power button and it came on. Now with the SJ6, you have to hold the Power button down for about 4 seconds for the camera to boot up. Keep in mind to turn off the camera, it only requires a second of holding the Power button down.
Some other physical features that I found appealing on the SJ6 is the change in the battery door. No longer is it the typical removable door that pops off and could get lost if you dropped it, but now it is a slide door with a spring hinge. And the hinge feels solid as well. When it pops open it feels durable and not flimsy at all. The door didn’t feel like it would fall or break off at all. This type of battery door is so welcoming and overdue. It is so much quicker and easier to remove the battery on the SJ6 than from the SJ4000 or the X1000. I’m sure many other users will agree.
Another nice, yet simple, feature on the SJ6 Legend is the 1/4″ screw thread on the bottom of the camera. No longer would you need the waterproof case or even the clip that has the tripod screw on it if you don’t want to. I can attach the SJ6 to any tripod, table top tripod, or car mount without any extra mounts which is not only convenient but makes for a fast setup. And the screw thread is metal and not plastic which could wear down in time from overuse.
On the opposite side of the Power and Settings button is the SD card slot, mini HDMI, and USB charging port. Keep in mind that the USB port is the mini USB type and not the micro USB, which many cameras tend to have. So, you can’t go swapping out another cameras micro USB cable or for that matter, your cell phone’s micro USB cable. This means that you will have to break out those older mini USB cables that you probably have stashed in a drawer somewhere. That is if you still have them since most devices nowadays use the micro USB cables.
Speaking of the mini USB, you can connect an optional lavalier microphone to the SJ6 via the mini USB port for capturing better sound. I’m not sure how likely you would use a lavalier microphone with an action camera when you are trying to capture action shots. However, I can see this being very useful for doing interviews and capturing good dialogue with the camera.
Another optional accessory for the SJ6 Legend is the waterproof housing with a USB charging cable. Basically, you can have constant power running the SJ6 while using the waterproof housing so you are no longer limited to the mercy of a standard battery. You can have more power to record for a longer duration without worrying about your battery dying or having to switch out a battery for a fresh new one.
Another helpful accessory for the SJ6 is the selfie stick with an RF remote. The selfie stick is an aluminum telescopic selfie stick that you can attach the SJ6 to the end of it and record some great action shots. The selfie stick comes with a removable 3m waterproof remote. I really liked the remote because it is so small and compact and it works flawlessly. The buttons are very responsive and it has several key buttons on the front of the remote such as the On/Off button, Start/Stop, WiFi, and more.
Another accessory that the SJ6 Legend has, that I was surprised to find out about, is a filter adapter for the lens. It is an actual threaded adapter for filters such as a UV Filter. Although it may look odd that it is so large for such a small lens, it does a job to keep your lens protected. I use UV filters on all my lenses video cameras and DSLR cameras mainly to protect the camera’s lens. Since the adapter is threaded there may be other options to replace the UV filter with other filters on the market such as cooling or warning filters or circular polarizers.
The SJ6 Legend does come with extra accessories, clips, and attachments in the box so you are pretty much ready to mount the camera where you can. The only thing I would say about the included accessories that action camera companies give is that I wish they gave a suction cup type mount. Even if a small and simple one. But I get that companies need to make that extra add on sale. However, it would be nice. I’ve bought a couple of suction mounts for the inside of my car and each mount literally cost me $2 or $3 dollars on Amazon and they work really well. I have one mounted and it has not dislodged yet.
Aside from some of the physical attributes mentioned above, the SJ6 Legend is full of camera options. You can record in a .MP4 or .MOV format. Also, the SJ6 has the ability to capture photos in JPEG or RAW. The SJ6 also sports a Gyro Anti-Shake feature which helps the camera record super smooth shots. This is helpful when you are recording with that selfie stick, on a drone, or on a bike mount, and more. Basically, it helps smooth out those rough and jarring movements that the camera normally gets.
With or without the Gyro Anti-Shake, the SJ captured some really decent quality footage. The 4K looked really nice all the way down to the 2K, to 1080, and to the 720 video settings. I have to admit, although the SJ6 can record in 480 I didn’t bother testing that low resolution. For me, long gone are the days of SD, so I just kept my tests to the HD settings. Besides, HD seems to be the resolution that many care about anyway.
To sum it up, the SJ6 Legend from SJCAM not only shot great footage but also had some nice physical improvements from their other cameras like the SJ4000 and X1000. I love the touchscreen and the extra attachments and accessories that the camera offers like the external microphone, waterproof housing with power cable, and filter adapter. As of right now, because I really like what this camera has to offer, is now my go to action camera. I plan to shoot more often with it and I plan on using it on many of my upcoming projects. I think SJCAM is on the right path to becoming an affordable and alternative to other major action camera companies and I hope to see more new cameras and new improvements from them in the coming years. And if the SJ6 Legend is an example of what’s to come then we should expect great things from SJCAM.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by SJCAM. Visit their site and Amazon for more info.
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The new SLXtreme iPhone 7 Plus case from SnowLizard lives up to its name if it actually lives up to its specs. This is a case that has been designed for the outdoor adventurer.
The case offers military grade ruggedness to protect the phone from dirt, sand, dust, and water (up to 6.6 ft). It will let your phone survive falls up to 6.6 ft.
In addition to protecting your phone from the elements, the SLXtreme also features a built-in battery that charges via a solar panel on the back of the case. So as long as you’re not lost in a cave, you’ll be able to keep your iPhone 7 Plus powered up by the sun’s rays.
The SLXtreme for iPhone 7 Plus will be available soon on snowlizard.com and Amazon for $149.99.
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I’ve reviewed many of Focal’s headphones and am continually impressed how this French speaker company allows its innovative—and expensive—audio expertise trickle down into their less expensive products. Case in point: the Focal Listen Wireless headphone. The interesting thing about this headphone is that it’s Focal’s first wireless headphone (they also have a wireless Spark earphone). Over the past year or two, more and more high-end audio companies are venturing into Bluetooth wireless territory—a testament to Bluetooth maturing from a severely compromised format to one that approaches audiophile territory.
The Focal Listen Wireless is a twin to the wired Listen with the exception of various buttons and cords necessary to Bluetooth headphones. The exterior finish is also different. The wired Listen is matte black with brushed silver while the wireless version is all black—matte and gloss, making the Listen Wireless a fingerprint magnet. Because of the added Bluetooth tech, the Listen Wireless is a few grams heavier than the wired. This may not be a big deal for some but could become an issue with extended listening.
The clamping force of the Listen Wireless is a bit tight but loosens with use. On some headphones, my somewhat big head needs the largest setting which can be problematic for people with even bigger noggins than mine. Not so with these. The fit is just fine with room to spare. Although I would have preferred a thick PU (or real) leather padding, the headband is comfortably padded with silicone (which is identical to the wired version). Ear pads are also identical—both come with ample, soft padding surrounding a bright red speaker cover—a playful design touch.
The right ear cup on the Listen Wireless houses the rechargeable battery and Bluetooth tech. The ear cup has the traditional volume up/down and pairing buttons and a slider on/off switch. The buttons are black on black, so in low lighting, it’s difficult to figure out which button does what until you become used to them. It’s not the most elegant solution I’ve seen on wireless headphones, but everything has a solid, tactile feel to them. Also on the right ear cup is a tiny hole for the call mic and a mini-USB port for charging. Battery life is rated by Focal at a respectable 20 hours, depending on volume and other factors.
I’ve read complaints that the Listen Wireless headphone lacks active noise canceling (ANC)—which is true, but so what? If you want ANC, then buy ANC. It’s a specialized function and not every headphone has it. Having said that, the Listen Wireless blocks a lot of outside noise on its own with its good seal from the ear pads. You can’t beat Listen’s isolation if you just want a quieter listening experience.
Volume on the Listen Wireless is weaker when using Bluetooth than when wired. Going wireless can still get plenty loud—it’s just that volume is always louder even when the volume setting remains unchanged on my iPhone. There is also better clarity when wired. However, these differences are subtle and only stand out when switching between wired and wireless—something that mostly only headphone testers and reviewers would ever do.
The sound profile on the Listen Wireless is “V” shaped. This simply means that the bass and treble are accentuated while vocals (middle frequencies) are recessed a bit. Again, this tweaking is subtle yet it usually results in a more fun listening experience as opposed to total accuracy—a sound profile most listeners prefer.
A good test of the Listen’s sound signature is Donna Summer’s 12-inch mix of “I Feel Love.” This club anthem throbs like a synthesizer stuck in repetition mode. The Listen Wireless handles both the pulsating bass notes as well as the short, high pitched metallic cymbal sounds as Summer breathlessly vamps her way through the song. When heard through the Listen headphones, it all becomes quite intimate and slightly uncomfortable—in a good way.
Chrysta Bell’s “Down By Babylon” features vocals pushed all the way to the front with backing support of some very bass-heavy instrumentation. The Listen headphones provide a deep soundstage giving the song an airy quality that is rare in bass accented songs.
The dance hit, “Pump Up the Volume” by M.A.R.R.S. with its pulsing, relentless beat and grating sound effects will either make you rip off the headphones or suck you into its groove. I always smile and leave the headphone firmly in place. The Listen Wireless can handle the bass beat as well as bring those sound effects to the edge of being uncomfortable without becoming harsh or painful to hear. This song may be an acquired taste, but it can be extremely fun when heard through the Listen Wireless headphones.
Daft Punk’s “Technologic” is in the same vein as the M.A.R.R.S. song. It’s repetitive and annoying with its sped up vocals going on and on and on. It’s also addictive. There’s a heavy bottom end that tracks through the song. This bass-line positively vibrates my eardrums with the volume cranked on the Listen Wireless, but with no distortion or harshness evident—a sign of a good headphone.
The Listen Wireless (and wired, for that matter) is Focal’s way of saying that they can make something affordable without sacrificing much of what makes their higher-end headphones so good. If you’re looking to upgrade from skull-bashing, boomy headphones, you should try Focal’s Listen Wireless. Not only will they retain the powerful bass you crave, but you’ll also gain audio clarity along with the convenience of going wireless. It’s definitely an improvement over many headphones in its price range and above.
The Focal Listen Wireless headphone is available now and sells for $299 US. (the wired Listen version sells for $249 US)
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Focal. Please visit www.focal.com for more information and Amazon to order.
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