Act quickly and you can get the Fingbox for $69

NEWS – I reviewed the Fingbox in December 2017 here on the Gadgeteer. It is a small hockey puck-sized device that you connect to your router (it is NOT a firewall). It helps you to keep an inventory of the devices on your home WiFi network and will detect when a new device connects to your network. The Fing app then allows you to block the new device manually or automatically thus protecting your network from nearby intruders. It also allows you to detect all the new or anonymized devices that are within range of your network (Fings calls this feature the Digital Fence). In addition, it detects your home’s WiFi hotspots, detects bandwidth hogs, and allows you to schedule or manually pause internet access to your network devices. The app has been updated several times since 2017 and is now much more user-friendly.

Some commented to my review that the Fingbox was interesting but a little too pricey ($129 at that time). However, now it is available for $69 on Fing’s websitebe sure to use code: VIPBLACKFRIDAY (not the advertised BLACKFRIDAY code which makes the Fingbox $74). I received an email that says the sale is good until the end of the day November 17, 2018. If you miss this sale you could try the code BLACKFRIDAY to try to get it for $74. Additionally, it looks like standard shipping is free! It’s a great device and I recommend it especially if you don’t have a newer router that provides a lot of the features this device provides.

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Act quickly and you can get the Fingbox for $69 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 5:36 pm.

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Otterbox celebrates Mickey’s 90th birthday

NEWS – Otterbox must really love Mickey Mouse. Last month I told you about the Otterbox stand that turns a Google mini into a Mickey Mouse head. Well, now they are back with three new iPhone cases that feature everyone’s favorite mouse. These new Ultra-slim Symmetry Series cases celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday with three designs that are compatible with the iPhone 6 through the iPhone Xs Max. Each case features a raised bumper to protect the screen, built-in buttons, and Disney artwork on the back. I’m digging the light grey one with Mickey in various poses. If you want to celebrate Mickey’s bday (he sure looks good for his age), head over to otterbox.com and order one of these cases for $44.95 – $54.95 each.

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Otterbox celebrates Mickey’s 90th birthday originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Aurochs Space Long Wallet review

REVIEW – What the heck is a long wallet, you ask? It’s a wallet designed with extra room for all of your stuff, but the dimensions are taller rather than thicker in order to keep a lean profile. We’re looking at the Space Long Wallet from our friends at Aurochs today, which brings the size in a luxurious vegetable tanned leather. It’s also very user-friendly. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a long weather wallet sized to fit all your cash, cards, and your phone.

Hardware specs

  • Full-grain vegetable tanned leather
  • 3.5” by 7.5”

Design and features

The Aurochs Space Wallet uses full-grain vegetable tanned cow leather as the primary material, and it’s lovely. The hand feel is soft & supple. The leather is just thick enough to provide nice density without feeling like a massive brick in your pocket.

On the interior, the Space wallet offsets the dark brown leather with tan secondary interior flaps to provide some contrast. This also adds a bit of usability by visually separating the slots when you are managing your stuff.

I previously reviewed the Aurochs Gravity Wallet, and was very impressed with the build quality then. It looks like Aurochs is getting even better with their finishing work in the new wallets. It’s precise, with nary a bad stitch or exposed seam to be found. Check out the close ups:

Nice, right? Even the little divider in one of the pockets is made 100% from leather. It’s only about an inch and a half long… that’s some nice precision work:

The form factor is a long bifold design that measures 7.5” tall by 3.5” wide. Other than an embossed company logo, you won’t find any additional ornamentation or design elements on the exterior. The leather just speaks for itself.

The left panel includes 4 card-sized slots, each of which has beveled edges to help you sort out your assortment of credit cards, business cards, and the like. I’d estimate that 8 cards can be kept there comfortably, and you could get to 12 cards in all with some stretching.

Behind the card slots is a vinyl-lined pocket for your big bills. No folding required! This pocket runs the height of the wallet, and is generous enough to pack a small stack of bills while allowing easy access. There’s no pinching your fingers to get into the bill slot (or any pockets on this wallet, for that matter).

Moving to the right panel, the front pocket is kind of a multipurpose slot. It’s got a magnetic strip closure and a small leather separator in the pocket so that you can use this space for assorted items like a USB card, a key, or your spare change. I didn’t find the magnetic strip to be super powerful, but it clips just enough to keep that loose stuff from falling out.

Behind the multipurpose pocket is another big pocket intended for your phone. This pocket is designed for a 6” phone, like the iPhone Xs. Check out the fit shots below for an iPhone Xs in its case:

The iPhone Xs Max and it’s 6.5” display will fit (barely), but it is a tight squeeze. Check out the pics below to see the Xs Max in the same space:

See that? It’s doable but very tight. I think you’d want to stick to 6″ phones to make the best use of this feature.

Performance

As far as daily use goes, the Space wallet is as simple and usable as it gets. Every pocket and slot is easy to manipulate, with soft leather that doesn’t pinch your fingers or make you work too hard to get to your stuff. The layout is well-sorted out to make maximum use of the large size and doesn’t gunk things up with fancy gimmicks. This is a wallet that’s really easy to live with on a daily basis.

The leather is just outstanding. The rich, supple texture makes it a nice product to handle. It slips easily in and out of your pocket. I also expect it to break in quickly, and the patina should be lovely as it ages.

My only real issues with the Aurochs Space Wallet are purely around personal preference. It’s a big wallet at 7.5” by 3.5” and can get thick with the phone in it’s slot. If you’re a front-pocket wallet person, you may find this wallet to be too big for you.

There are, of course, alternatives to carrying your wallet in your front pocket. I’ve worn it with dress pants that have deep front pockets, and it’s just fine. It’s perfect for slipping in the breast pocket of a sports coat (or jacket), or keeping in your bag or purse (it is a unisex design). I actually see this as a great travel wallet, especially since I seem to carry a bunch of extra cards and such when I am on the road. I’m also always carrying a bag when I travel.

What I like

  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • High quality vegetable tanned leather
  • Simple usability

What needs to be improved

  • Doesn’t fit larger phones
  • Long wallet form factor may not work for some people

Final thoughts

I continue to be impressed by both the quality and the design work coming from Aurochs on their small leather products. If you like keeping your pockets clutter-free, the Space Long Wallet is ideal for keeping all your essentials organized in one place. The leather is beautiful. The design is user-friendly. If you like the form factor of a longer wallet, this is a good one.

Price: $109.00
Where to buyAurochs Web Site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Aurochs

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Aurochs Space Long Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Stationery nerds will love this wooden washi tape dispenser

NEWS – If your idea of storing your washi tape collection is throwing all the rolls in a Ziploc storage bag, then I have something that you’re going to drool over. Got your Kleenex ready? Ok, check out these gorgeous wood and cast iron holders from Galen Leather Co. Available in your choice of mahogany or walnut, these holders have a 25cm wooden cylinder that is designed to hold up to 16 standard sized MT rolls of 1.5cm wide washi tape. You can stack multiple holders if you have an extensive collection, and each holder comes with a metal cutter. Want one or more? Head over to galenleather.com to buy one for $35.

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Stationery nerds will love this wooden washi tape dispenser originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Audew Cordless Air Compressor Review

REVIEW – When I was given a chance to review this, I thought I was getting some kind of canned air that recharges. You know, the kind you use to blow dust out of keyboards? Nope, the Audew Cordless Air Compressor is a handheld rechargeable tool that lets you inflate automotive tires, bike tires, pool toys, balls, etc.

What is it?

This is a cordless, handheld air compressor for tires, bikes, balls, air mattresses, or anything else that needs inflation. Also comes with a 12v DC adapter for use in the car.

Hardware specs

-Rated voltage: DC-12V
-Rated power: 120W
-Max pressure: 150PSI
-Maximum current: 10A
-Maximum continuous working hours: 10mins ( 0~35Psi )
-Cable length: 118 inches
-Air hose length: 7 inches
-Size: 9.4*7.5*3.1 inches
-Weight: 2.8 lb

What’s in the box?

The package comes with the inflator, rechargeable battery, multiple tips/nozzles, and a 12V car adapter base.

Design and features

On the bottom of the base is a clever storage compartment for the flexible nozzle. It stores in the hollow portion of the “finger guard.”

The rechargeable battery also has a built-in storage for two nozzle tips. The black tip is a plain cone, and the familiar needle tip for balls. There’s a USB recharging cable that plugs into the base of the battery. An LED on the cable “box” lights up when charging.

There’s a 12V car adapter option included as well. This clever “battery” is actually hollow, and the cigar lighter plug stores in the empty base.

The tool has a lock, a trigger to turn the compressor on and off, and an LED area light.

Setup

You need to attach the flexible hose to the tip of the compressor. Here, I’ve used the needle tip to inflate a small ball.

Performance

I noticed that the LCD display indicates the current pressure. You can use the buttons to set the automatic shutoff point. Once the preset pressure is reached, the compressor turns off automatically. Yes, the compressor works with car tires as well.

If you’ve never used an electric compressor before, it does make quite a bit of noise. It’s definitely not a stealthy tool.

What I like

Clever storage for all the tips and adapters. The ability to program a preset pressure shutoff is a nice touch.

What needs to be improved

The plastics feel slightly cheap, but it keeps the weight down.

Final thoughts

If you’re tired of the traditional bike pump, or you don’t feel like traveling to the gas station to get air for your tires and pool toys, look no further than the Audew Cordless Air Compressor. I have a shop compressor in my garage, but it’s not portable and lightweight.

Price: $64.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Audew.

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Audew Cordless Air Compressor Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 16, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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