Buying take-out food is convenient until you don’t have utensils to eat it. The reusable Unitensil from FolditFlat is minimalist’s version of a Spork, but this one has amazing origami skills that let you fold it flat for easy storage and EDC (every day carry).
Unitensil is made of a very lightweight and flexible no.5 recyclable BPA and phthalate free plastic.
It folds flat and stores in an included pouch.
When you’re ready to eat, you take it out of the pouch, unfold it and press the center snaps together.
The Unitensil (how the heck do you even say that?) resembles a bowtie with a fork on one end and a spoon on the other. Where’s the knife? It’s the serrated edge on the outside of the fork.
I’m not sure how robust this eating utensil is considering the material it’s made of. It might have no problems cutting soft food but I bet it’s no match for a piece of meat. That said, it does look like a hand EDC emergency tool for those times when you find yourself in front of some yummy food with no easy way to eat it. They’ve offered to send me a sample. So I can do a full review.
Unitensils from FolditFlat come in a variety of colors and are priced at $21 for a package of 6 which includes shipping. You can find out more and order by visiting folditflat.com.
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The Monster Vision 1080p+ is an action / sports camera that can capture video at 1080P resolution. I recently reviewed my first action cam (the Andoer 4K action camera) and wasn’t overly impressed. When I was offered the chance to review another camera by a well-known name, I was happy to check it out. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The Monster Vision 1080p+ action cam is a 1080P camera that can capture video with audio, and images. This camera can also be used as a dashcam.
What’s in the box?
Monster Vision 1080p+ action cam 16GB micro SD flash card micro USB charging cable Waterproof housing Variety of mounting hardware for handle bars, tripod, window and more. Quick start guide
Hardware specifications
Optics: 8MP CMOS 170 degree wide angle lens Video: 1440p 1920×1440 30fps, 1080p 1920×1080 6fps, 720p 1280×720 60fps & 120fps Video Format: MOV (H.264) Photo: 3,5,8,10 & 12MP Photo Format: JPEG WiFi control via mobile app Memory: 16GB micro SD card is included Battery: Li-ion 1200mAh
Design and features
The Monster Vision 1080p+ action cam looks very similar to the 100’s of other action cameras on the market. It’s a rectangular black plastic camera with a lens on the front. Also on the front in the lower right corner is a charging and recording status LED. It lights up in blue while charging and blinks red while recording.
On the left side of the camera is the WiFi toggle button which doubles as the down button when navigating through on-screen menus.
On the opposite side of the Monster Digital action camera, you will find a speaker at the top and a micro SD card slot below it. A 16GB card is included with the camera. There’s also a micro USB port for charging and a mini HDMI port if you want to connect the camera to a display. Note that a micro HDMI cable is NOT included with the camera.
On the back of the action camera is the 2-inch color LCD display. In the upper left corner is the Power / recording status LED which glows solid red with the camera is powered on, and blinks while recording. On the right side of the LCD display is the Display / Menu button. This button can be used to toggle the display off and on and brings up the camera’s settings menu when you’re not recording video.
The menus are pretty standard for an action camera. You can switch video modes, resolutions, tweak white balance, etc.
On the bottom of the camera is the battery compartment. Note that the battery is rated for only about 1 hr and 75 minutes of video capture per charge and it takes 2-4 hrs to recharge it.
And on top is the power / mode button and the OK button which is used to select items in the menus.
Operating the camera
Like most action cams, operating it is pretty simple. Just get in the mode you want and start recording. For the Monster Digital camera, you can switch modes just by pressing the power / mode button on the top of the camera. Holding down the button for a few seconds toggles power and when the camera is on, pressing the button will cycle through video, photo, dashcam and playback modes. The camera is supposed to remember which mode you were in and will start back in that mode upon cycling power. I found this to be true, but only for video and dashcam modes. If you turn off the camera in photo or playback mode, it starts back up in video mode.
Controlling the camera via WiFi and the Monster Digital mobile app
To control the camera remotely, you have to install the free Monster Digital mobile app, turn the camera on, press the WiFi button on the side, switch to that WiFi connection on the mobile device, type in the password and go back to the app. You’re then able to remotely change settings, see a live view of the camera, snap photos, capture video and even play back photos and video.
Playing back video is a little wonky though. Most of the time I could hear the audio, but the image remained black.
Sample images
The photo capturing capability of the Monster Digital 1080p+ is ok. I wouldn’t consider using it as my primary camera, but in a pinch, it’s better than no camera at all.
Close up images like the first image on the left will show some slight bulging due to the wide angle lens. You don’t notice this with longer range shots.
Sample videos
I think this camera’s video quality which I had set at 1080p 60fps is pretty good. I’m not going to say that it blew me away because I feel like my Nexus 6P smartphone does a much better job capturing super clear video. But for a $100 camera, it’s not bad.
There are a couple things to mention though. First of all, the camera has an image stabilization feature that can be toggled on and off in the menus. I captured video with it enabled and disabled and could not tell any real differences. In the video sample above, the feature was enabled as I was walking around in the woods with the camera attached to the IK Multimedia iKlip Grip Pro. I was also not overly impressed with the audio capture quality as it sounds a bit fuzzy and muffled to me.
Final thoughts
Is the Monster Vision 1080p+ the best action camera on the market right now? I think it’s safe to say that it isn’t. But when it’s all said and done, I do think the Monster Vision 1080p+ action cam is a decent sports / action camera that is easy to use, captures good quality video and isn’t overly expensive.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Monster Digital. Please visit their site for more info.
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A few days ago I told you about the ADATA AI910 Lightning Card Reader Plus adapter that lets you share files between iOS, Android and Windows computers. But if you don’t care about Android or Windows, the new pqireader from PQI looks like a more compact adapter designed to share data between two devices like the iPhone and an action cam.
The pqireader doesn’t require a network connection to work. Just plug it in and access the video and image files on your iPhone or iPad.
It also features a built-in micro SD card slot so you can pop the card out of your action cam or dashcam and then view the files or edit the video files on your iOS device.
The pqireader supports 4K video and the files stored on the reader can be encrypted to use Apple Touch ID so that a valid fingerprint is required to access them.
PQI says that this adapter will be available this month but so far has not revealed pricing. Visit PQI for more info and keep an eye on their Amazon store for the pqireader.
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Cases for smartphones are a constant subject of review here on The Gadgeteer. The latest craze I’ve seen in the case market is adding a place to store a few ID/Credit cards and some cash. The Slider, from DesignSkin, is one such case recently sent to me for testing.
Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.
The case is available for a handful of the most popular smartphones on the market and comes with many different graphic back panels. I requested the “Surprise the Universe” pattern. It arrived very quickly, and fit my iPhone 6s Plus perfectly. The interior of the case and the outer edges are a slightly pliant grey plastic.
There are cutouts in the usual places for camera, flash, ringer silencing switch, speaker, microphones, lightning port and headphone jack.
The volume buttons are covered, but their location is clearly marked on the case exterior. There is a similar denotation of the location of the Sleep/Wake button.
The case wraps around the screen and protrudes slightly – just enough to not actually touch any surface that you may place your phone on face down, but not really enough to protect it should there be sand or anything gritty on that surface. The edges, while not sharp, are not “grippy”, but slightly slippery. Though not as slick as a bare phone, it gives very little grip. The thickness of the plastic around the outside of the phone, however, should truly protect it in case of a drop, but that thickness works against things being connected through the ports. Docks, some headphones, several charging cables, and my DXO One camera are not able to connect well enough to operate normally. (See a dock and the regular Apple leather case versus the Slider in the two photos below.)
The “Slider” feature is just that: the rear panel of the case slides up to reveal a credit-card sized pocket that will hold 2 or 3 cards, depending on the thickness. The thin plastic that covers it shows no signs of being a screen for the wallet, so there is a good bit of stealth in the case as well. If you want to carry your driver’s license, a credit card, and a door access card, I’m sure you’d have no problem with the card being read through the backing. If you need to carry more than that, however, you’ll be out of luck, because there is zero “wiggle room” in the hidden pocket.
The printing on the back of the case is a matte finish and is evenly applied. The graphic actually appears to have depth in, but it’s just an optical illusion. Not sure if the paint will scratch off over time. It has zero scratches from the time I’ve been using it, but I usually don’t keep anything else in my shirt pocket with my phone.
All told, if you’re looking for a soft case with a nice look and a bit of protection that will let you hide a card or 3 inside, this could be your model. At $19.99, it won’t break the bank, even if you decide to get several designs.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by DesignSkin. Please visit Amazon.com to purchase.
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When Julie asked us to create EDC update posts, I initially thought I’d just include the handful of items that I carry on my person at all times. But then I thought, “Nah. Not my style. My style is to go overboard.” Thus behold, all of my current EDC items. Incidentally, the EDC items I carry with my person at all times are of course included—see the very bottom photo. Enjoy!
GORUCK GR1 (26L) Rucksack – This is one. The One Ruck to Rule Them All. This is the ruck (military term for ‘backpack’) that made me not only convert from messenger bags, but also to swear off all other backpacks. GORUCK is a company founded by Jason McCarthy, a former Green Beret, and his childhood friend Jack Barley, a talented designer, and the GR1 was their first product. When I stumbled upon the GORUCK web site several years ago, I was immediately attracted to their rugged yet simple gear style—GORUCK calls it “Baghdad meets NYC.” The built-in-USA GR1 can swallow up 26 liters of whatever I can throw into it and is easy to pack and unpack with its lay-flat, fully zip-open design. Its wide, thickly padded straps make it feel amazingly comfortable while wearing it, even when the load is heavy, and I’ve carried heavy in it. On business trips I’ve carried up to 30lbs in this thing through airports and around cities, and while training for GORUCK Challenges (see below) I’ve carried up to 65lbs in it. Although I can certainly feel the weight, it is not painful on my shoulders and back. In addition to some versatile interior organizational features, as a nod to its military pedigree the GR1 includes MOLLE-style webbing inside and out to attach various accessories. To the side of the GR1, I’ve added an ITS Tactical Skeletonized Water Bottle Holder (see item #3 below) as well as a Condor Tech Sheath to one of the shoulder straps to hold small items that I want to access quickly. Additionally, the GR1 includes a 2-inch by 3-inch Velcro field on the front to allow the user to attach Velcro-backed morale patches to customize your GR1 and make it yours. Here, I’ve attached the patch that I earned by completing my first GORUCK Tough Challenge, a 10-12 hour, 15-20 mile team-based endurance event led by an active-duty Green Beret that helps forge a group of individuals into a team using Special Forces training principles (yes, I wore this ruck during this event, and many others that followed). I could go on and on about this ruck, and this company, but suffice it to say that the GR1 has been my favorite ruck/pack/bag for several years running.
Guinness Pint Luggage tag – Guinness Draught Stout is my all-time favorite beverage (well, favorite evening beverage—coffee rules the daytime hours). This luggage tag was a gift from my generous in-laws who purchased it on a trip to Dublin, Ireland, where they visited St. James’s Gate, toured the Guinness Storehouse and stopped in the 2-story gift shop. Yes, 2-story gift shop. I was fortunate to be able to make a pilgrimage there a few years later. Sláinte!
ITS Tactical Skeletonized Bottle Holder – A minimalist, adjustable and nearly indestructible beverage container holder. Well designed, well built and it attaches to just about anything with MOLLE webbing, including my GORUCK GR1 (#1 above).
Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop 16oz travel mug – With a durable stainless steel body, THERMALOCK Vacuum Insulation that keeps my coffee piping hot for hours and AUTOSEAL push-button technology that is both leak and spill proof, it’s saved me from massive spills several times.
Stuff sack – I use this to transport my workout clothes: shorts, T-shirt, socks, briefs. The stuff sack rolls down closed and seals in my sweaty, smelly post-workout clothes, keeping them from contaminating everything else in my ruck. Each evening when I get home, I just empty the stuff sack into the laundry, then re-fill it with clean workout clothes for the next day and throw it back into my GR1. Easy peasy.
Lenovo Thinkpad X260 notebook PC w/ power supply – Work-issued laptop. It’s actually considered an ultra-portable but is kind of a tank. She ain’t pretty, which is why I’ve added the decals, but she’s durable, and the slim profile and small footprint are great for work travel.
Ray Ban prescription sunglasses with case – Even in Indiana, we occasionally get sunshine. Gotta have shades.
American Flag-styled handkerchief – Because ‘Merica.
SlimFold Soft Shell wallet – I’ve been using this wallet non-stop since I reviewed it. Very thin, small footprint, water doesn’t phase it and it keeps things minimal. Honorable mention goes to my Bellroy Elements Pocket wallet, which is a close second favorite, and which I bust out when I know I’m going to be doing something very active around water or mud.
Survival Straps GORUCK Tough paracord bracelet – I have several 550 paracord bracelets that I rotate through, some of which I’ve made myself, others I purchased. This is my favorite at the moment, mainly because it sports the GORUCK Tough logo, which I’ve earned the right to wear, and is, well, black. And black is cool.
Silicone wedding band – I’m a fairly active guy and my workouts often consists of gripping objects like barbells, dumbells, kettlebells, pull-up bars, sandbags, rocks, logs and other objects that generally tear up my hands—and my wedding band. I bought this inexpensive silicone wedding band on eBay to try it out, and I really like the look and feel of it. I may upgrade to a Groove Ring at some point because Groove appears to have built some unique and useful features into their rings.
REI Mini MultiTowel – This little tiny towel has saved me on more than a few occasions, everything from mopping up spills to a quick towel-off after getting caught in a downpour. It stuffs into its own small mesh carrying case with an attached carabiner for storage which I clip to the MOLLE webbing inside my GR1.
Triple Seven Gear CORE Nano Wallet – This is actually a combo wallet and EDC organizer. Works well for carrying a few small items and also functions fairly well as an actual wallet, though I don’t use it that way often (see #11 above)
Companion Prayers booklet – A publication of Companions of St. Anthony, this booklet is packed with 40 prayers for many occasions and circumstances. I use this little booklet quite often.
GORUCK Mini Wire Dopp – (NOTE: This link points to the GORUCK Wire Dopp, which is the larger version of its smaller cousin, the Mini Wire Dopp. The Mini is currently out of stock.) Like all GORUCK items, their Mini Wire Dopp is well-designed, built tough (in USA) and looks cool. It has several mesh zipper pockets inside for organization, a quick-release buckle closure and like most GORUCK gear (including the GR1 ruck above), a Velcro field to affix your favorite morale patch, like my Rebel Alliance symbol patch (if you haven’t yet seen Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, I strongly encourage you to do so).
Give Us This Day & highlighter – This is a Catholic monthly publication book that contains daily prayers, Mass readings, stories of the saints’ lives and other great spiritual helps. I use it multiple times per day to guide my prayers, devotions, and reflections. I also use a highlighter to identify things I want to revisit later.
iPhone 6 Plus with Lifeproof Fre Case – My iPhone 6 Plus is one of the items I always have with me (see below). I’ve tried a lot of different cases, but I like that the Lifeproof Fre case provides quite a bit of protection, including against moisture, and considering how much I sweat during workouts and exercise outside, this case does the job well for me. It isn’t perfect, but I like it.
The Pocket Gospels and Psalms book – Published by Our Sunday Visitor, it includes the Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, plus the Psalms. Of course it isn’t the entire Bible, but these are some of the best parts.
Garmin fenix 3 HR multipsport training watch – This was my birthday present from my family last year. I’ve been a G-Shock devotee for about 20 years, but when my last G-Shock defied efforts to bring it back to life, I started looking into the GPS watches. The Garmin fenix 3 HR came highly recommended by someone I respect, so I waited a year for the price to come down and this was my birthday present from my family last year. Great watch. Probably more watch than I need, but every day I’m glad I bought it. I might attempt to review it, but I’m not sure I could do it justice.
Leatherman Juice XE6 multi-tool & Leather Sheath – My in-laws gave me this a few years ago as a Christmas gift and it’s one of my favorite gadgets. It has a lot of tools packed into a small space and is very well constructed. The Leather Sheath fits it perfectly and I clip it to the MOLLE inside my GR1.
Omega Pacific Standard Locking D Carabiner in Bright color – I typically attach this to the top handle of my GR1. In my cubicle at work, I have a piece of webbing rigged up where I use this carabiner to hang my GR1. Omega Pacific makes some of the best climbing carabiners on the market. I bought this one to use in my first GORUCK Tough Challenge a few years ago. It’s been through a lot of abuse and it looks the same as when I bought it.
Inside the GORUCK Mini Wire-Dopp:
Micro-fiber cloth – Never know when you might need one of these, what with all the device screens and all.
Paper clips – 2 sizes: small and micro. Occasionally needed and very handy.
Combo laser-pointer/LED flashlight – Given to me several years ago by a friend who works at GM. I don’t have occasion to use this much anymore, but it’s very slim and takes up little space, so I keep it in my kit.
Container of Tyleno/Advil with strip of Gorilla Tape – Sometimes life is a headache. Sometimes I just get a headache. The strip of Gorilla Tape is for emergencies.
Cheap-o car DC power adapter – For travel emergencies. I don’t need this much anymore, because most vehicles includes some type of charging method for devices.
Rebel Alliance symbol morale path – Bought on eBay. One of my favorite patches. Hearkens back to the original Star Wars trilogy as well as the recent Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
USB to Apple Lightning Adapter – Stubby little flexible adapter that I bought at a CVS pharmacy. I use this to charge my iPhone from my laptop while sitting in meetings.
TYLT SYNCABLE-DUO Charge and Sync Cable – This cable was half of a set that I reviewed a while back. My kids confiscated the TYLT ENERGI 2K Travel Charger that came with this cable. I like the cable a lot because it has both Apple Lightning as well as micro USB which I can use to charge the iClever headphones and other devices that require micro USB.
Moleskine Volante XS notebook – For emergency note jotting. This, along with my Fisher Space Bullet Pen (see below) saved me once during an airport travel emergency when I needed to jot a ton of info very quickly. Super handy little notebooks.
Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball pen, Extra Fine Tip, Black — The narrower the lines, the better.
Sharpie Fine/Ultra Fin Tip, Black – Versatile with 2 tip widths.
Ruler – Thin and flexible. I actually use this fairly often.
Bic Matic Grip 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil – I’ve been a fan of mechanical pencils since 5th grade. This is kind of a cheapie, but works great.
Sharpie, Fine Point, Red
Sharpie, Fine Point, Blue
Highlighter, Green – For highlighting journal articles and other documents.
Gel Pen, Red – For redlining documents both at work and at home.
Parker Jotter, Medium Tip – The classic. Stainless steel, smooth ink flow. One of my favorite non-gel pens.
Inside the Triple Seven CORE Nano Wallet
PlusUs LifeCard Powerbank – This little battery doesn’t provide a whole lot of juice, but in a pinch it will (and has) saved me.
Micro-fiber cloth – Yes, I know I have another one of these tucked in my GORUCK Mini Wire Dopp (see above). I don’t need them both, so I’ll eventually get rid of one.
Band-Aids (3) – Because I have kids and sometimes they get boo-boos. Or I do.
Lumintop Tool AAA flashlight – Best small EDC flashlight I’ve ever used. Tough, water-resistant, multiple brightness settings and a “clicky” button. A great value.
Leatherman Squirt PS4 multitool – Best small EDC multitool, far as I’m concerned. One of the only ones I could find with both pliers and scissors. Lots of tools packed into this guy. Black. Of course.
As promised above, this is the “On Me At All Times” Items list – Some additional detail on the items that I am either wearing or have in my pocket at all times. Explanations for each item are above.
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