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Finally, an RFID-blocking wallet that’s big enough to hold all your wallet’s contents

Since not all your wallet cards are RFID-sensitive, it seems that most RFID-blocking wallets are small – just big enough to accommodate the sensitive cards.  That’s great for protection, but what do you do with the rest of the things that you normally carry in a wallet?  The Thinnest RFID Checkbook Wallet from the Sharper Image will protect what needs protecting, but still has room for everything, even a checkbook.

The soft leather exterior has the same RFID-blocking technology used by the US Military hidden inside to defend against 3,000 MHz at 80 db (most credit card transactions which utilize RFID take place at 13.56 MHz).  There’s room for up to 16 cards, plus sections for cash, receipts, a clear ID pocket, plus a coin pocket.  It can be used as a checkbook holder, too.

The wallet is available in black with a red interior or brown with a turquoise interior for $129.99; your personalized monogram is another $6.95.  The Thinnest RFID Checkbook Wallet is available at The Sharper Image.

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Finally, an RFID-blocking wallet that’s big enough to hold all your wallet’s contents originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 28, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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The Meural Canvas is art for your walls that you can control with your voice

Do you remember ten years ago when digital photo frames were so popular? I reviewed about a dozen or so of those frames at the height of their popularity and then overnight it seemed like they just disappeared. This is until recently when we’ve seen a new crop of digital frames pop up that makes those frames from a decade ago look like toys. The new digital photo frames are extra large and are designed to hang on the wall just like a piece of real artwork.

The newest digital frame that I’ve been reading about is the Meural Canvas and you can control it with your voice! That’s right, the Meural Canvas digital photo frame features a 27-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 display with built-in Alexa integration so you can see the next or previous image and set the brightness just by asking. You can use hand gestures as well.

There’s an optional $39.95/yr membership that you can buy that provides a library of art to choose from. The membership is entirely optional and without it, you can have access to 100 free images, and are able to upload as much of your own art and photography as you please.

The reason they have a membership is that they pay for licensing for everything in their collection, and they want to make sure they can continue our practice of fairly compensating both artists and rights holders (like museums and artists estates).

Images are stored locally on the frame, so it will still be functional should anything happen to the company. It takes an SD card as well.

The Meural Canvas comes in three frame styles and is priced at $595. Visit meural.com for more info and Amazon to order one.

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The Meural Canvas is art for your walls that you can control with your voice originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 27, 2018 at 4:52 pm.

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Versadesk Power Pro standing desk review

Versadesk Power Pro standing desk is possibly one of the best standing desk converters on the market right now. Excelling in both features and quality, it certainly has a lot of “bang for the buck”.

What is it?

The Versadesk Power Pro standing desk is a standing desk converter that sits on top of your desk and provides a means of raising your work surface so that you can either sit or stand at your desk and work at your computer.

Unlike many other standing desk converters, it features an electric drive mechanism that raises and lowers it at the push of a button. This feature is slower than a manually operated desk but provides ease of use – especially for people with bad backs, such as myself.

What’s in the box?

Partially assembled desk
Assembly instructions and hardware


Design and features

The Versadesk Power Pro comes almost fully assembled, you simply install the keyboard shelf brackets with four screws, and then the keyboard shelf with another 4 screws. The main mechanism is already assembled.

From the start, I could tell that this is a well-built product. Both the fit and finish of the product exude quality. The work surface is basically the same material as a countertop, unlike some other brands that are simply painted wood.

The desk has three standard 2″ grommet holes that are compatible with most universal monitor mounts, and can also be used to neatly route wiring for anything that’s on the top. The grommet holes have plugs, so things won’t fall through if you’re not utilizing them.

The first thing I noticed was how sturdy it was. I really expected it to wobble or flex more than it does. The next thing I noticed was how high it extends. Although it extends up to 20 inches, I found that I only raised it 12 to 13 inches, and I’m 5′ 11″. It can accommodate someone up to 6′ 4″ tall.

It is available in a variety of colors, I chose the “Black matrix” because it almost perfectly matched the top of my desk. It is also available in white, gray, and maple. It is available in 30″, 36″, 40″, and 48″ widths.

Although with my back I don’t stand and work for very long periods, I did find it useful for the times where I’m working around the office and going to and from the computer often. Not having to either sit down or bend over to use the mouse and keyboard was a real relief.



What I like

+ One hand operation
+ Ease of adjustment
+ 80 lb capacity
+ Excellent height range
+ Monitor grommet plugs removable
+ Ease of assembly
+ Sturdiness
+ Quiet
+ 3 year electronics warranty, Lifetime frame warranty
+ Video section of the website includes a video on how to assemble the desk.

What needs to be improved

+ Auto up and down. Although it would add to the price, it would be nice to have an auto up and down function. It would be nice for the desk to go up and down while you’re running off to get some coffee.
+ No cable routing. You’re pretty much left to yourself on figuring out where to run the cables for your computer equipment. Although a few zip ties help, it would be nice if it included some kind of cable routing solution to both make it easier and neater.

Final thoughts

The Versadesk Power Pro just seems like one of those items that will last a lifetime, it’s that well built. You know that feeling you get when you feel like you got your money’s worth when buying something? This is one of those things.

Price: $370-$499 depending on the width
Where to buy: VersaDesk
Source: The sample of this product was provided by VersaDesk

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Versadesk Power Pro standing desk review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 27, 2018 at 12:36 pm.

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This wristlet’s powerbank keeps your phone charged without breaking the piggy bank

We’ve seen small handbags and purses with built-in backup batteries inside that can keep your phone charged all day.  Most of those bags seemed to start at a couple hundred dollars, but they came with a Qi charging pad to keep the purse itself recharged.  The Sak Sanibel Charging Wristlet will keep your phone charged while you’re out for the day, but you’ll need to plug it in with a charging cable at night to keep its battery pack charged.  That small inconvenience isn’t too great a price to pay to get a charging wristlet at a great price.

The battery pack will work with Android or Apple phones, though Apple users will have to buy their own short Lightning cable.  It has a 2500 mAh power reserve.  Users have specified that the bag accommodates a phone up to the size of an iPhone 7 Plus.  The Sak measures 8.3″ x 0.8″ x 5″ with a 5″ wrist strap. 

The exterior has a full-width zipper pocket, and there’s an interior zipper pocket, as well.  You’ll have room for a small card wallet and keys, making the Sanibel the perfect go-to-lunch bag.

The Sanibel is made of leather with a polyester lining, and it is available in a variety of exterior finishes.  Price varies from about $30 to $90, depending on the design.  The Sak Sanibel Charging Wallet is available on Amazon.

 

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This wristlet’s powerbank keeps your phone charged without breaking the piggy bank originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 27, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Anker’s new Vortex wireless headphones are their first with an over-the-ear design

Anker is no stranger to wireless audio, they are known for producing high-quality budget earbuds. So what’s so special about their new Vortex wireless headphones? Anker’s Soundcore Vortex headphones are the first ever over-the-ear headphones produced by Anker. And the first under Anker’s new unified audio brand Soundcore by Anker.

Design wise their sleek, fold flat design reminds me a lot of previous Beats models, but at $70 they are a fraction of the price.

The Vortex wireless headphones use Bluetooth 4.1 to connectivity and feature both synthetic leather covered memory foam ear cups and headband. Which should make them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

For sound, the headphones are powered by professionally tuned 40mm drivers with aptX HD sound. So sound quality should be impressive. For even better sound quality they can be used as wired headphones. They also have a built-in microphone with virtual assistant compatibility.

 

Battery life for these headphones is impressive. Anker touts 20 hours of playback time on a single charge. Right on the industry average.

As far as accessories are concerned Anker supplies a 3.5 mm AUX cable, Micro USB cable, and a hard-shell travel case.

With both a long list impressive specs and a budget price tag, the Vortex should be the first of many over-the-ear headphones we see from Soundcore by Anker.

You can purchase the Soundcore Vortex headphones on Amazon for $69.99.

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Anker’s new Vortex wireless headphones are their first with an over-the-ear design originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 27, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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