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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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Joli Originals Smooth 10.5″ iPad Pro Sleeve review

Several years ago, I reviewed the Joli Originals smooth leather sleeve for the MacBook Pro and while that behemoth of a laptop is long gone, I continue to use the sleeve to this day. I keep it on my nightstand as a soft, secure space for my iPad and iPhone… a safe haven from the hectic whirlwind that is our house. When I was looking for a sleeve to protect my new 10.5″ iPad Pro, Joli Originals was one of the first on my list to look into and thankfully they sent one my way for this review. 

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

Like all of Joli’s products, this sleeve is handcrafted in the Netherlands from fine Italian leather and 100% pure wool felt. The leather is extremely soft, supple, and smells/feels wonderful. The sleeve is lined with a high quality Dutch wool felt. Instead of my usual black or dark brown color selection, I decided to live on the wild side and get the gray leather lined with the red felt interior.

The pictures do not do justice to how nice this sleeve looks in person. The quality of workmanship and finish of the sleeve are excellent. As you would expect, the cut and stitching of the leather is straight as an arrow. The stitching itself is done with strong, durable nylon parachute thread.

This sleeve is perfectly fitted for Apple’s latest flagship tablet. Initially sliding the 10.5″ iPad Pro in and out was a bit tight but quickly stretched just a hint for a glove-like fit.

The Joli Originals smooth sleeve has a simple but extremely functional design. It appears that the wool felt is glued to the leather then the two halves are stitched together to form the slipper case.

Like I’ve said, the feel of the Joli Original sleeve is wonderful. Its overall design is ideal for protecting your naked iPad while in transport solo or in a larger bag. The sleeve will not protect your iPad from any significant drop but does a great job protecting it from scraps and bumps. The sleeve is available for all the various sizes of iPads and you can select a roomier sleeve to accommodate Apple’s Smart Cover or Keyboard. They are available in various color combinations.

I really like the Joli Original sleeve they created for my iPad Pro. Its handmade craftsmanship, high quality materials, and simple design are excellent. Joli Originals customer service and attention to detail are very good as well. I regularly use this sleeve to transport my tablet either by hand or in my gym bag to protect my iPad from my hectic lifestyle.

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

 

Product Information

Price: €81.82
Manufacturer: Joli Originals
Pros:
  • Excellent materials and craftsmanship
  • Handmade
  • Perfectly fitted
Cons:
  • None

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Joli Originals Smooth 10.5″ iPad Pro Sleeve review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 1, 2017 at 11:02 am.

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Peel Super Thin Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus case review

Here’s a new flash: cell phones are expensive.  With the upcoming flagship phones from Samsung, Google, and Apple the upward trend in pricing probably won’t stop.  So with a significant investment in technology that generally lives in your pocket or in a bag, most people develop a powerful motivation to protect that investment.  The Peel line of cases for your smart phone positions itself as a minimalist protector, but does it do the job?  Read on to find out.

The Peel brand has been around for a while, making minimalist cases for Apple and Samsung devices.  Their main claim in the case market is that they are the thinnest case available for your device.  And in that claim I am reasonably sure you won’t find many contenders – this case is thin.  I mean almost not there thin.  Ridiculously thin.

Before you put the case on the phone one of the first things you should notice is that there is literally no branding on the case.  Nothing about this screams “we’re Peel and we made this case!”, which to me is a plus.  I spent a lot of money for a nice looking phone, and I am not fond of the idea of turning it into a billboard.  With the Peel case, you get to see the curves of the phone without having a brand name shouted out at you.

The fit on the phone is snug without being so tight it is difficult to put on or take off.  When the case is on the phone you would be hard pressed from a foot or two away to tell there was even a case on the phone.  There are precise cutouts for all of your ports, and the buttons come out flush with the edge of the case.  That means I have not accidentally pressed buttons with the case as I did with the naked phone, but when I want them I don’t have to feel like I am trying to push the button out the opposite end of the phone like you do with some cases.

The question, though, is how well this case protects your phone.  And the answer lies in the intent of this particular case.  A more traditional case seeks to protect against drops so these types of cases are bulkier.  Put one on your phone and you will know it is there.  The class of case Peel represents is more about protecting your phone against the everyday indignities – being scratched by something in your pocket or worse, the glass back of your phone cracked accidentally.  Because the case is so thin there is practically no protection against the accidental drop from, say, 3 feet onto a concrete sidewalk.

And because the case is so thin, unlike the bulkier cases there is no lip around the edge of the screen to protect the screen should you set your phone face-down on a table.  Your phone’s screen will come into contact with whatever surface you set it face-down on.

The Peel case is not a rugged case, nor does it try to position itself that way.  It wants to protect your phone from the casual accident and do so unobtrusively.  The case feels “grippy” in your hand, so unless you really have butter on your fingers, it should not slip from your hands.  And if you are like me – and not like my son – you don’t idly flip your phone around, so the case should handle most of the accidents you would encounter on an average day.  There have been complaints around the Interwebs that the case will stretch if removed repeatedly (and therefore no longer fit well), but in the 2 weeks I have had this case I have removed it pretty much daily and it still fits as well as it did day one.

At $24.99 it is not an inexpensive case and there are cases like this that can be had cheaper.  I tried a couple of those when I first purchased my Galaxy S8 Plus and had bad results.  The first case literally tore as I tried to fit it on the phone, and the second one had loose sides that caught on things like the edge of my glasses.  I haven’t had any of those issues with the Peel case, so I guess this is one of those rare occasions where you actually get what you pay for.

After years buying bulky rugged phone cases, I am now a convert to the minimalist design of the Peel case.  It comes in a few colors including a white-ish one that will let the actual color of your phone shine through (especially nice if you were able to buy a Hulk Smash Green S8 model).  The Peel case will remain my daily carry up until the release of the Note 8 – and hopefully soon after, Peel with have a case for that, too.

The sample for this review was provided by Peel.  For more info please visit their site.

 

Product Information

Price: $24.99
Manufacturer: Peel
Pros:
  • Minimalist
  • Logo-free
Cons:
  • Not as protective as a traditional case

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Peel Super Thin Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 1, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Build your own pinball machine entirely out of cardboard

Why would anyone want a pinball machine out of cardboard? Because you get to build it yourself, it doesn’t require any special tools, doesn’t run on batteries, you don’t have to plug it in, and it will be a one of a kind functioning pinball game.

The Pinball 3000 is a DIY corrugated cardboard pinball kit that comes with everything you need to build a small table-top working machine.

The kit is made in the USA and comes with 39 pieces that can easily be recycled.

All you need is an hour and the ability to read instructions.

Once you’ve built the machine, you can use the included play boards that can be swqpped out. Or, you can customize the boards with different printable templates and even your own artwork to truly make it a one of a kind pinball machine.

The Pinball 3000 kit is priced at $49.95. You can read more about it at pinbox3000.myshopify.com and buy one from The Grommet and Amazon.

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Build your own pinball machine entirely out of cardboard originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 31, 2017 at 3:15 pm.

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