Home 2017

Even your car deserves an awesome gear bag

Keep all the miscellaneous gear in your car in one place with a Seat Organizer from Ketzel. These multi-compartment leather holders are designed to hang on the back of a car seat so you can keep everything neat and tidy for easy access. Ketzel makes their car seat organizers for a selection of Toyota, VW, Jeep, and other vehicles. They are constructed to hold a variety of items from flashlights, books, water bottles, and more. Each seat organizer is made from 100% Columbian leather with double-stitched waxed polyester thread and are priced at $150 – $199. You can read more about these rugged car gear bags at ketzalbags.com

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Even your car deserves an awesome gear bag originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 13, 2017 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Snag a copy of “Coding For Dummies” (Free eBook expires 10/17/17 )

Coding For Dummies is an ebook which normally costs $16.00 but it is being offered FREE of charge until 10/10/17. This ebook offers hands-on exercises will help you learn to code like a pro without needing prior coding experience. Coding for Dummies is a guide that uses plain English to help the reader build up their knowledge in writing computer code for web, applications, and software development using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

There are a few hoops to jump through to get this guide (if you haven’t already signed up previously with TradePub) but it helps The Gadgeteer to earn some affiliate fees that can help us to bring you more cool product reviews.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

Snag a copy of “Coding For Dummies” (Free eBook expires 10/17/17 ) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 12, 2017 at 5:45 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Julie’s gadget diary – First it was iPhone to Android and now I’m switching from Verizon to T-Mobile

If you’ve been following along at home, you know that I recently had a 3-month fling with an iPhone 7 Plus but just switched back to Android a few days ago. I’m currently using an original Pixel XL but ordered the new Pixel 2 XL last week after it was announced by Google. And now I’m switching again, this time it’s my wireless carrier and I’m switching from Verizon to T-Mobile.

I’m feeling of Deja Vu because seven years ago I switched from the iPhone to Android AND from AT&T to Verizon. My seven year run with Verizon has been pretty good until the last year or so when the signal coverage at my home has gotten worse. This hasn’t been a huge deal until recently when we disconnected our landline phones to solely rely on our cell phones. As long as we remain upstairs, making and receiving calls is fine, but if we receive calls while in the basement, we have issues with dropped calls.

I’m on a grandfathered plan with Verizon which is only 6GB of data shared between two lines. I know, how do I survive which such a small data bucket? I’ve just lived with it because the 2 lines are only costing me $88 a month and it really hasn’t been a problem until recently. For the last couple of years, I’ve been able to connect to the WiFi at my day job. But now they require that we load a special app that can track what’s on our phones and wipe them at their discretion. Ummmm… no, thank you.

Another reason for the switch is that I regularly have to turn down offers to review phones that aren’t compatible with my Verizon SIM because they are GSM phones.

And last but not least, T-Mobile has a deal right now you are a new or existing customer and bring a Pixel 2 to their network, they will give you a $325 gift card! That’s tough to turn down.

So last year I got a T-Mobile account to test the signal quality between my house in the woods and the “big” city of Columbus Indiana and found a 5-mile stretch where I’d consistently get the dreaded no signal message.

I tested again in May of this year with Mint SIM who use T-Mobile towers for their service and I experienced the same no signal area.

In anticipation of potentially switching to T-Mobile, I ordered a new Mint SIM to see if there had been any updates in their coverage in the last 5 months. I tested that this past weekend and unfortunately, the no signal hole still exists.

Long story short, even though there’s a small gap in signal coverage that I’ll drive through twice a day, I’m making the leap and switching. We’ll be paying about $20 more per month, but we’ll have “unlimited” data, Netflix, faster speeds, and better connectivity at my house. How do I know that? I’ve been using T-Mobile for my home internet for several months, so I already know that it’s going to work great there.

iPhone to Android. Verizon to T-Mobile. What’s next? Would you believe that I’m seriously considering switching from Mac to Windows now?!

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged: ,

Julie’s gadget diary – First it was iPhone to Android and now I’m switching from Verizon to T-Mobile originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 12, 2017 at 12:54 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Belkin Pocket Power 5,000mAh charger review: A cute way to quickly charge your devices.

When it comes to day trips and travel days, I’ve been using the same portable battery pack for years to keep my phone topped off. During that time, battery packs have become not only smaller but pack more power into that smaller unit. Belkin offered their Pocket Power 5,000mAh portable charger to review and I thought, “Why not?” I just couldn’t say no to the portability and the lovely pink color.

In the package you’ll find the Pocket Power 5k power bank, instruction manual, and a 6 inch Micro-USB cable.

I was happy that they offered a rose gold colored pack, since it made it easy to find when tossed into a backpack. The color was really nice, and despite being thrown in my purse, backpack, and car, the outer casing held up very well. The pack is thin enough to fit inside even my smallest purse, which was nice. My previous pack was too thick to do so.

The side of the battery pack is where the charging indicator lights are, as well as the button to start and stop charging. Sometimes it would automatically start charging my phone when I plugged it in, while other times I had to press this button.

On the bottom side you’ll find the USB port for charging your devices and the Micro-USB port for charging the battery pack. Charging the pack from empty took a few hours to do. I just left it to charge overnight for the most part.

At 5000 mAh, this pack should have enough juice to charge your phone about 1.5 times, which is better than the previous one I was using.

I was very happy with how fast this little battery pack charged up my phone. The ultimate test was when I forgot to plug in my phone overnight right before a weekend trip. I got to the airport, pulled up my boarding pass, and realized I was very low on battery. I plugged in my phone and in an hour I was up to almost 90%. What a lifesaver! I also used it to keep my phone topped off, and it had plenty of juice to do everything I requested of it that day. I charged it up that night and it lasted the entire weekend.

Overall, I am very happy with the Pocket Power 5K power bank. It has enough juice to charge my iPhone 7 Plus and
then some, and not only that, it charges very quickly. The pack itself fits well in my hand, purse, or backpack, and seems sturdy enough to hold up to daily use. I would definitely recommend the Belkin Pocket Power 5K as it will be my go to pack for travel from now on.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Belkin. Please visit their website for more information and Amazon to order one.

 

Product Information

Price: $29.99
Manufacturer: Belkin
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • – Very fast charging
  • – Portable
Cons:
  • – None

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

Belkin Pocket Power 5,000mAh charger review: A cute way to quickly charge your devices. originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 12, 2017 at 10:29 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

New York Comic Con 2017: Get your geek on!

The past weekend, I attended the New York Comic Con (NYCC) held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Since 2006, every type of comic, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, anime, and literary fan can find something to get them excited at NYCC and there are more than enough cool-themed gadgets and tech to put a serious dent in your wallet. 

NYCC attracted over 185,000 fans last year, surpassing the San Diego Comic Con to make it the largest comic book and pop culture gathering in the country.

Fortunately, the convention is held over four days so everyone interested can get a chance to experience it.

Toys and collectibles are a big part of NYCC and there is no shortage of the sought-after Funko Pop! Vinyl figures.

Many vendors sell them, including Toy-R-Us and there are a number of NYCC exclusive figures that fans line up for.

Of course, Comic Con would be nothing without the fans and the most dedicated fans always arrive in costume, “cosplaying” as their favorite characters. Like they say, ‘The family that cosplays together…”

Luckily, for the multitude of cosplayers there are a number of vendors geared specifically toward cosplay accessories, costumes, and repair.

You can show up to Comic Con in your everyday clothes and after a few quick stops at some vendor booths, you’ll be outfitted as any character you can imagine.

Need some Star Wars themed footwear to complete your ensemble? There’s a vendor for that!

Steampunk and Victorian-inspired costumes are also pretty popular and there are plenty of vendors catering specifically to this segment of cosplayers.

Any technology even remotely related to comics will have a presence at NYCC. Wacom uses the convention every year to showcase their latest tablets and touch displays.

The Force is strong at Comic Con and there are endless tie-ins to the galaxy far, far away.

Toymaker Sphero was on hand to show off some new remote control droids for the upcoming release of Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi.

Sphero also brought along some life-sized droid replicas for display.

You can even bring your love of all things Star Wars to the dinner table with your very own Tie Fighter Portable Gas Grill! Come to the dark side, or maybe it’s the charred side.

No self-respecting Star Wars fan would be complete without a handcrafted, heirloom quality lightsaber from Vader’s Vault. These lightsabers come with a full removable dual-diffused blade that you can actually battle with.

Prop replicas are always very popular and the recreations on display at Comic Con are pretty amazing. The only thing more impressive than the replicas are their staggering price tags.

Each year there are a good amount vendors that showcase some really interesting new items, such as the modular, customized bags from Equilibrium Urban Survival Gear. These bags can be customized endlessly, you can even have your own custom art for the outer panel.

If you don’t mind the lines or the amount of cash you have to lay out, Comic Con is a great place to get a photo or autograph with one of your favorite TV or movie stars. Just be warned, don’t try to snap a picture without their consent!

LEGO is everywhere at Comic Con. You can find figures and kits from the most basic to one-of-a-kind items that are priced in the hundreds.

Scale-models of every type of Star Trek ship and shuttlecraft along with ship placards from vendors like Eaglemoss Collections are always a big hit at NYCC.

Models, in general, are big sellers and if you’re into Gundam or Evangelion figures, there’s plenty here to whet your appetite.

Art is a huge part of Comic Con. Reimagined movie posters, genre mashups, and recreations of famous scenes are all big sellers and some of the original art on sale is astounding.

Young, budding artists can check out their favorite artists and illustrators in Artist Alley, a section of Comic Con where the most talented professionals set up shop. Most of the artists are available for one-of-a-kind commissions and are always happy to give advice to future artists or critique their sketches.

All brands want some type of presence and exposure at NYCC and Chevrolet is no exception. There are always several hero-themed vehicles on display such as this Batman decked out Chevy Tahoe.

The New York Comic Con is always great fun and I guarantee, no matter what your interest is, you’ll find something to geek out over. Check out the NYCC’s website for tickets and info for next year’s Comic Con here.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

New York Comic Con 2017: Get your geek on! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 12, 2017 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.