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Mother’s Day 2018 gift guide

There are only 13 shopping days until Mother’s day on May 13th. You haven’t forgotten dear ol’Mom have you? If you haven’t even begun shopping, I can imagine that knowing that the big day is so close is stressing you out. But there is still plenty of time and we have a few ideas to help you out.

SureCall FusionTrek

Does your mom have to drive through areas with spotty cell phone coverage? The Surecall FusionTrek is a signal booster that has been designed especially for vehicles. It sets up in minutes, requires no special cradle for the phone, and will boost a weak existing 3G or 4G LTE signal 1-3 bars for all North American cell carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Less dropped calls and better data speeds are guaranteed or they will refund your money back within 60 days. The unit is also backed by a 3-year warranty.

Price: MSRP $199.99
Where to buy: Amazon

Pearl Compact Mirror and USB Battery Pack

Multifunctional items are the key to traveling light, and the Pearl compact Mirror and USB Battery Pack has three functions in a small package.  It’s about the same size as a mirrored compact, and inside you’ll find both a regular and a magnifying mirror so you can check your hair before heading to that meeting.  But it also packs a 3000mAh battery inside that can be used to recharge your mobile device or to power the ring of LEDs around one of the mirrors.  The LEDs help you see yourself better in the mirror, and they can even function as a flashlight in a pinch.

Price: $20-30, depending on the color
Read our review: Pearl Compact Mirror and USB Battery Pack review
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Aura Pendant

It’s hard to go wrong with choosing jewelry as a gift for mom, but if a regular old necklace or earrings just seems a bit too boring this year, I have something that is infinitely more unique. It’s an Aura Pendant and no one else will have one exactly like the one you make for your mom. That’s right, you make it… with your voice and your heartbeat.

The Aura Pendant is a personalized necklace that is 3D printed by Shapeways in metals from rose gold to platinum using an iOS app (sorry Android fans) and your voice. You speak into the app and it uses the waveform of your voice and your heartbeat to construct the pendant’s shape.

The idea is that you record yourself talking about some happy memory of your mom and that memory is converted into a piece of jewelry that mom can wear and enjoy for years to come.

Price: 18k: $499, rose gold: $349, silver: $89 and it takes up to 2 weeks to ship.
Where to buy: loveproject.com.br

Fiskars scissors and knives

Fiskars is well known for their iconic orange-handled scissors, but they aren’t a one-trick pony. In addition to regular scissors, they also offer a variety of other types of shears that can be used for everyday cutting, material, crafts, and mixed media like the Amplify shears shown above. The Amplify shears have a lifetime warranty and are designed to cut thicker and heavier materials that regular scissors can’t such as fabric, cardstock, fiberglass, and more.

Price: MSRP $23.29 8-inch shears, $39.99 10-inch shears
Where to buy: fiskars.com and Amazon

Scissors aren’t the only cutting products that Fiskars sells. They also offer Summit knives which feature Japanese-grade, stainless steel blades for lasting sharpness and a unique handle that has been designed for a chef’s pinch grip for optimal cutting. You can buy individual knives or a set that contains various sizes and styles.

Price: MSRP $74.99 for a 4-piece set
Where to buy: fiskars.com and Amazon

RapidX X5 5-port USB car charger

The X5 car charger from RapidX is a charging adapter for your car that plugs into 12V-24V vehicle outlets and cigarette lighters. We’ve all seen USB car chargers before, so don’t click the back button on your browser just yet. What sets the RapidX X5 charger apart from many others on the market is that this one adapter gives you 5 USB ports. They are fast charging ports too.

The other end that plugs into the 12V-24V outlet in your car has 2 USB ports and at the other end of the 5-foot cable is a small hub with 3 more USB ports and a removable clip that you can use to clip the adapter to the backseat pocket.

With the X5, mom can keep everyone in the car happy with charged phones, tablets and more.

Price: MSRP $24.99
Where to buy: RapidX.io and Amazon

FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro Sit Stand workstation

Standing desks have been popular for the last few years, but the FlexiSpot goes one step further. It’s a standing desk AND a riding desk. That’s right, you can ride and work at the same time. It’s surprisingly easy to do. You actually forget you’re pedaling after a few minutes. This well made easy to use desk will help you burn calories while you surf and work on your computer, read magazines or binge watch Netflix. Check out my FlexiSpot review.

Price: $429.99 
Where you can buy one: FlexiSpot and Amazon

Bosch FlexiClick 5-in-1 Drill/Driver Kit

Tools aren’t just for dads, moms will love them too! Bosch’s FlexiClick is a one-click system that saves time and delivers high-quality drilling and bit driving capability for any project – big or small. It combines 12-volt power with four professional-grade attachments that include a 3/8” keyless chuck, a locking bit holder, a right angle drill attachment and an offset angle attachment. With this set, mom will confidently be able to create and repair whatever life throws at her even if the workspace is tight. The handle even has a built-in light for work in dark areas.

Price: MSRP $199.99
Where to buy: boschtools.com and Amazon

The Ultimate Cuff Apple Watchband

There are many watchbands for the Apple Watch on the market, but most of the non-Apple bands tend to just be 3rd-party clones of the Apple bands.  If you’re looking for something different, The Ultimate Cuff bands will add a stylish metal band.  The bands are available in a variety of colors and styles.

Price: $98-122
Where to buy: The Ultimate Cuff

Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo devices come in a variety of sizes, with or without nice Bluetooth speakers, with or without display screens.  They all listen to questions or requests and perform a variety of functions: answer questions, tell jokes, play music from various music streaming services, set timers, and alarms, and even play videos (if they have a screen).  In addition, they become a hub to control a variety of home automation devices – from smart lighting to thermostats to door locks to who knows what else.

Price: $49.99-$229.99, depending on the model
Read our review: Amazon Echo Dot 2nd generation review
Where to buy: Amazon

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Rowkin Surge Charge wireless earbuds review


What is it?

The Rowkin Surge Charge wireless headphones are a pair of earbuds that fit individually in each ear, to provide mono or stereo capability for phone or music.

What’s in the box


1 x Case with the built-in battery and charging cables
2 x Earbud (1 Left & 1 Right)
1 x Micro USB cable
2 x Pair of additional ear-tips (Different sizes)
1 x Instruction booklet

Design and features

The Rowkin Surge Charge earbuds are designed with complete and mirrored controls on each earbud. The controls include (+) plus, (-) minus and (o) power buttons, that control all of the call and music functions. The top (+) button works as “volume up” and “track forwards”, and the bottom (-) button works as “volume down” and “track backwards”. The (o) power button also works to stop and play music, and to answer and to disconnect calls.

There is also a micro USB port on each earbud for charging, and an extended ear strap for securing around each ear.

The ear strap is flexible and can be molded by hand around each ear for the desired fit. It is important to note that if not properly adjusted to each ear, the ear straps will present some discomfort. These earbuds are large in comparison to other in-ear earbuds that are currently available, but they are light and only create a slight presence on each ear.

The charging case includes a built-in battery that allows the case to be charged and in turn charge the earbuds from depleted to full about 4 times, before the case itself needs to be recharged. Within the charging case, there are two built-in micro USB cables that have to be plugged into each earbud for charging. There is a LED on each earbud that is red when charging, and white when fully charged. The separate micro USB cable that is provided is used to charge the case. There are additional ear-tips that are provided in different sizes. I switched from the ones that came attached to the smallest ones provided.

The earbuds have to be powered on individually, but only one has to be paired to the phone. Pairing is accomplished by holding down the power button for about 5 seconds until it blinks blue and red, which is typical of most earbuds. The pairing process was very easy, and I soon realized that I had the option to pair one earbud, or both earbuds individually. This is an interesting feature that allows each to function separately, for all of the functions including music and phone. Once both earbuds are powered on and the voice command for connected is heard, a second voice command confirms “true wireless stereo” connection. I sometimes heard the “true wireless stereo” confirmation prior to the “connected” confirmation in one or the other earbud. I suspect that this is quite normal since once any one of the earbuds is connected via Bluetooth, they connect to each other to provide the stereo experience without the need for the other to be connected individually. This, of course, is why only one earbud has to be paired if so desired. When using both earbuds, the volume and track controls on either one work for both. I mention this because if using one, you will notice that the volume setting may be completely different than when in stereo mode, since it reverts to the setting of the individual earbud.

Performance:

The Rowkin Surge Charge wireless earbuds are an absolute pleasure to listen to. The Bass, Mids and Highs are well balanced, and are easy but fulfilling on the ears. Out of the dozen or so wireless earbuds/earphones that I have tested so far, these sound the best. However, I did experience several momentary individual dropouts and disconnections, but I cannot really qualify the disconnections since the same happens to some of my other Bluetooth earphones, and usually at or close to the same locations. While it is likely that there is some environmental cause that is accountable for some of the disconnections, I suspect that most were the fault of the earbuds. At times either earbud would fade and then regain the normal connection and volume, and a few times they disconnected and reconnected. While it is very annoying when these events occur, they were not what I considered a “deal breaker”, since they only occurred once or twice during an hour of listening.

When using these earbuds for phone calls the sound quality is clear, and I received the same confirmation from the other party on the call. With normal use, the charge lasted a bit over 4 hours before the “battery low” warning was heard.

What I like

I really like the sound and clarity of these earbuds. They provide a pleasurable and comfortable listening experience irrespective of the volume. I like that they can operate individually, and that you are not forced to use one particular ear for phone use. The time between recharges is acceptable, and the ability to recharge them via the case is a plus.

What can be improved

The biggest issue I find is the way the earbuds charge. Unlike most earbuds that are housed in a charging case, each of these has to be physically plugged into the micro USB plugs that are built into the inside of the case. I am used to just having to drop my earbuds into the case, and the built-in contacts do the rest. For me, this is a major negative. I also would like to see the size reduced so that no ear strap is needed, and so that they are lighter, albeit that I suspect that the size has something to do with the great sound and the individual operational features.

Final thoughts

The Rowkin Surge Charge wireless headphones are great to listen to, and once the time is taken to fit them properly to each ear, they do not disappoint. They are somewhat large and therefore not inconspicuous. The great features that they offer are also a plus, but they may not be able to overcome the many other available earbuds that offer smaller and lighter devices, with true wireless charging. That being said, I will continue to use them until I find a similar pair with comparable operational features and sound reproduction, along with a better design.

Price: $119.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Rowkin.

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Rowkin Surge Charge wireless earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 30, 2018 at 1:32 pm.

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You’ll never drop your iPhone with the Adidas Grip case

You’ve probably seen lots of people who have those round pop up holders on the back of their phones called Popsockets. They come in all sorts of designs and are designed to stick to the back of the phone so you can put the pop out knob between two fingers of your hand. But how about a phone case that has a secure holding feature already built in like the Adidas Grip case for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X?

The Grip case has an anti-slip grip band that’s built into the back of the snap on case that lets you keep your phone in your hand while you run, and offers a stand function that allows you to watch workout videos more easily.

The case is made of a tough polycarbonate back with TPU bumpers that offer protection from everyday wear and tear. You can buy an Adidas Grip for $30 from adidas.com. Run out and get one now.

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You’ll never drop your iPhone with the Adidas Grip case originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 30, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Blue Designs Compass microphone boom arm review

One of the golden rules of audio is to put the microphone where the sound is. For recording purposes, this means placing the microphone close to your mouth, but not in an obtrusive way. Blue Designs, the makers of the popular USB Yeti Microphone, introduces a sleek adjustable boom arm with good looks to boot.

What is it?

The Compass is sold as a standalone product, which is good news for those of us with (too) many microphones and other audio gear. It looks like a desk lamp but without the springs and knobs you normally find on such a thing.

Hardware specs

  • Boom Type: Extruded aluminum
  • Desktop Mount: C-clamp
  • Rotation: 360 degrees
  • Max Horizontal Reach: 32”
  • Max Weight Hold: 2.4lbs (including mic and shockmount)
  • Cable Management: Hidden-channel cable management
  • Threading: standard 5/8” threading, adapter for 3/8” threading

What’s in the box?

In the box, you’ll find the compass desktop boom arm, C-clamp for desktop mount, and a 3/8” to 5/8” adapter.

Design and features

In order to test the Compass with the corporate brethren, I was given a Yeti Microphone (in black) to test, alongside a Radius III shock mount (an update from previous versions).  All three items are available as a package called the Yeticaster.

The Yeti should be a familiar sight by now.  This one is called the “Blackout” which matches the Compass arm perfectly.

Here’s a peek at the Yeti’s controls, including gain, pattern selection, mute, headphone volume, mini-USB, mic stand thread and headphone output.

The Radius III shock mount comes in a plain cardboard box with a clever diagram for assembly.  For the Yeti microphones, a thumb screw attaches to the base of the mic.

There are only two pieces in the entire box, in matching black.

Setup

The thumb screw is shown attached to the bottom end of the Yeti mic. The four elastic bands isolate the microphone from external vibrations.

The compass arm has a channel with snap tabs that hold cables in place.  You’ll need a fingernail to pry the tabs open.

 

When fully assembled, the matte black color is really sleek.

Performance

My recording booth setup is pretty cramped. I put the Yeti/Compass/Radius combination next to my Neumann TLM103 mic setup and recording a track side by side.

I read an excerpt from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.  Don’t panic!  Both tracks were recorded simultaneously with the same settings on each with no processing.  The Yeti was set for a cardioid pattern.

As I had expected, the Yeti sounded very good. The Neumann had much, much more low end made more apparent by my deep voice. Your results will vary heavily on recording environment. I was recording in a treated room that was specially built for audio.

What I like

  • Handsome hardware at a reasonable price
  • Yeti punches above its price point and is fine for 99% of your average podcaster

What needs to be improved

  • Compass tension adjustment knob could use a little more “grip” or meat. Right now they’re a sliver of plastic.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a slick, adjustable microphone boom arm, the Compass boom arm is the way to go. The matching Radius III shock mount pairs perfectly with the Yeti USB microphone, or purchase all three as a bundle with the Yeticaster kit.

Price: $99.99 (Compass), $129 (Yeti microphone), $49.99 (Radius iii) or $199.99 (all three, the YetiCaster Kit)
Where to buy: Blue Designs
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Blue Designs.

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Always find your keys with the OxyLED Mini Motion Sensor Light with Key Rack Organizer

When we enter or leave our house, we always go through our tiny laundry room to get to the garage. Upon entering the dark laundry room there are two switches, one for that room and the other for the garage. Without fail, I always hit the garage light switch then I have to fumble around to turn on the laundry room light. The OxyLED Mini Motion Sensor Light with Key Rack Organizer would help people like me.

The light contains six LEDs and is motion activated within 10 feet of the 120-degree sensing range. And it has three heavy duty hooks to hold your keys so you don’t lose them. You could also place this light in a closet and use the hooks to hold your belts, bags, etc. The hooks can actually hold a total of 11 pounds if mounted with screws or 2 pounds if mounted with adhesive tape (screws and tap included). The light uses 2 AAA batteries which are not included.

The OxyLED Mini Motion Sensor Light with Key Rack Organizer is available at Amazon. Be sure to use the code E7VL88AS to purchase it for $10 otherwise it is $12.99. Get it while you can because you never know how long the code will be accepted. Thanks, Kinja Deals for the heads up on the promo code.

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Always find your keys with the OxyLED Mini Motion Sensor Light with Key Rack Organizer originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 30, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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