2018 – Page 82

ABOX Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter kit review

REVIEW – I love to tinker. I love gadgets. And I love when those two worlds collide, resulting in something I made and is useful. The Raspberry Pi is one of those computing devices that – if you can define a use for it – is practical, easy to use, and brings satisfaction to even the most curmudgeonly tinkerer (aka me). ABOX produces a few different Raspberry Pi kits and today we are going to look at the Starter version. Does it have what you need to get started? Read on to find out…

What is it?

The ABOX Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter kit is a bundle of everything you will need to get started with the world of Raspberry Pi – except a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

What’s in the box?

A Raspberry Pi 3B+ motherboard with 4 USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI port, audio out, power and micro-SD card reader. This is the latest model of Raspberry Pi, with a processor that is 19% faster than the previous version, dual band 802.11ac wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.2.
A 32 gig micro-SD card pre-loaded with NOOBS, a great utility that will help first-time RPi’ers to load an operating system like the Linux distro Raspbian.
A USB 2.0 micro-SD card reader for your other computer that will allow you to load a different operating system like Retro-Pi for gaming.
Heatsinks for the motherboard – most Raspberry Pi cases do not have fans, so this helps dissipate heat.
A 5v power supply to provide electrons to your Raspberry Pi.
An HDMI cable to connect to a monitor.
A “Getting Started” booklet that will walk you through installing the Raspbian operating system.
A standard case to house the whole affair (minus the “Getting Started” booklet).

Setup

Setup doesn’t get much simpler. Peel the tape off the back of the heat sinks and attach them to the two chips (in the picture, the upper left chip and the one immediately to the right and lower – it is pretty easy to figure out which goes where). Open the case and put the board in place. Close the case, and you are ready to get started.

This is the power, HDMI and audio out ports in the case.

The Ethernet and USB 2.0 ports on one side…

…and the micro-SD slot with the card installed on the other side. Plug in your keyboard and mouse, connect a monitor and then plug in the power cable.

Load your operating system and you are ready to explore the world of Raspberry Pi. It is that simple.

Is it worth it?

Depends.

These kits are a great, hands-on way to teach kids about STEM. They are also great for home automation projects like creating your own Amazon Alexa device. Into retro-gaming? Again, another great use. And this is the point – if you can find a use for this, a kit like the ABOX is the right way to get started. If you are uncertain about what a Raspberry Pi is or what it can do, you might want to read more before spending the money. So it really comes down to whether this particular kit is the right one.

And the short answer is yes, it is. The motherboard and case are standard issue, so no difference between these and the components you will find in other kits. The differentiation comes in the other components included in the Starter set. The power cord is a solid, UL-listed version with a convenient on-off switch installed. The HDMI cable is molded and shielded. A name-brand micro-SD card that is fast enough to support the Pi. And the instruction booklet will get you started – as far as getting an operating system loaded and functioning. After that, you are free to explore as you like. ABOX has packaged great components that will help launch you into the Raspberry Pi world.

What I like

(Almost) everything you will need to get started (bring your own mouse, keyboard and monitor)
Good quality components that make it easier for the beginner to get started
An instruction book that gets you to the launch of the operating system

What should be improved

A fairly minor point, but a couple of pictures on how to assemble the case and motherboard would probably help the extreme beginner or kids getting started on their own

Final thoughts

Getting everything you need in one box is the difference between success and frustration when you are beginning. There are plenty of tutorials on the Internet that will help you take an assembled unit and make it into something, but few will tell you what you actually need to get started. ABOX is bridging that gap with kits like this. From unboxing to install, the process took me a little over an hour – and a fair portion of that was spent finding a wired mouse that I could start with (once up and running I switched to a Bluetooth mouse – it’s just that brief getting started time where that – or a Logitech unifying device – is needed).

So what am I going to do with this? I think I am going to make a retro gaming setup. A couple of USB game controllers and installation of the Retro-Pie operating system, digging up some games on the Internet, and soon the sweet sounds of Donkey Kong will once again reverberate through my living room. Or maybe I will buy a LCD screen component and some sensors to use as a weather station. Or add the camera module and build a facial recognition device that will show either my wife or I a custom-built news and information feed.

Or maybe I will do all 3…where is my credit card again?

Price: $78.99 with the 32 gig memory card, $68.99 with the 16 gig version
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by ABOX.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Computer Gear

ABOX Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter kit review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Focal delivers a new closed-back headphone designed for blissful privacy

NEWS – Focal is a French acoustics company that has taken the audio community by storm with their exceptional line of high-end headphones. Clear, Elear and especially Utopia headphones have redefined how good headphones can be. However, these three headphones are open-backed, which is a deal breaker for some. Now, Focal has remedied that with Elegia, Focal’s first high-end, closed-back headphone.

Elegia is for audiophiles who desire quality whenever and wherever they want, without worrying about a noisy environment interfering with their music.

Focal has brought together the best of its technologies. Elegia incorporates a new generation of full-range speaker drivers capable of operating in a small environment while ensuring exceptional dynamics thanks to its motor, frameless copper voice coil, dedicated surround and “M”-shape dome.

Elegia is designed for use with portable audio players. Focal built-in vents to ensure zero resonance. In crowded situations, Elegia’s soundproofing is excellent, helped by its plush ear pads. Focal excels at comfort as much as high-performance audio. The headband molds perfectly to the head, providing optimal grip for on-the-go use. The memory foam/microfiber ear pads add to the headphones’ comfort. Materials such as leather, microfiber fabric, and solid aluminum give Elegia its elegant style.

Focal also provides a finished case made of thermoformed construction protect Elegia wherever you go.

Elegia sells for $899 US and will be available in October 2018 from select retailers. Visit focal.com/us for more information.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Headphones

Focal delivers a new closed-back headphone designed for blissful privacy originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 5, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Joe Porletto attends the 2018 New York Comic-Con

ARTICLE – Joe and his videographer/photographer buddy John Battistini are attending the New York Comic Con this week. It’s a mecca for all things nerdy and geeky from comics, to figures, to toys, books, movies, and more. Joe has made a collection of clips for the first day, so enjoy and keep coming back to this post as it will be updated as the show goes on.

Intro to New York Comic Con 2018

XM Studios

Playmobil

Level Up Dice

One61 Studio

HAL 9000

Silly Han Solo bit

New York Comic Con Day 1 END

We’ll update this post with new videos as the show continues. If you have any questions about the show, please leave a comment below.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged: Comics, Trip Report

Joe Porletto attends the 2018 New York Comic-Con originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 5, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Send a message to future generations

NEWS – You periodically hear about someone finding and opening a time capsule that someone else took the time and effort to leave for the future, but it sometimes seems that some of the contents are lost because the container couldn’t hold up over the years. If you want to leave a time capsule for a future class at your school, for your future townspeople, or just for your older self, you need a capsule that can stand up to the conditions it will face as it awaits its future opening. The Stainless Steel Time Capsule from LIU YI SHEN is built to protect your message for the future.

This steel capsule is 13.5″ long and 4″ in diameter. LIU YI SHEN uses polished stainless steel in their product because of its corrosion resistance, strength, and resistance to temperature extremes. They send along gloves to protect the contents from the oils on your hands as you load it, and they include everything you need to seal up the capsule after it’s filled. They say you can store DVDs, CD media in their cases, posters, small photos (larger ones if rolled), thumb drives, letter sheets, and small trinkets inside the capsule. You can even have it engraved with the date of burial, your group’s name, etc.

The Stainless Steel Time Capsule from LIU YI SHEN is $69.99 from Amazon.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

Send a message to future generations originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 5, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Earbuds that help you get fit, a handle for any tablet, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week we are bringing you info about five different crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s campaigns are for people who what to stay safe while riding a bike, get fit, and more.

K Sport Headphones With In-Ear Personal Trainer

What is it?

K Sport Headphones are wireless Bluetooth earbuds that have an in-ear fitness trainer that leads you through workout routines so you don’t have to go to the gym.

Why is it cool?

I like the K Sport Headphones because you can use them to listen to your favorite tunes without dealing with cables, but these sweatproof earbuds also help you get fit because they offer 100+ voice-guided workout plans for cycling, running, weight training and more. And the crazy part is that they are only $20 (early bird pricing)!

Where can I find more info?

The K Sport Headphones campaign ends on 10/25/18 and they have already passed their funding goal of $6,505. You can pre-order K Sport Headphones starting at $20. After the K Sport Headphones campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom No More Clogs

What is it?

The Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom are accessories for your kitchen and bathroom that keep food gunk and hair from clogging your drains.

Why is it cool?

I like the Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom because clogged drains are nasty and cleaning them out can be even worse. These tools will prevent that nasty job by keeping the gunk from clogging the drains in the first place or at least making it much easier to clean up. They are also made of stainless steel so they should last forever.

Where can I find more info?

The Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom campaign ends on 10/20/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $4,000. You can pre-order a Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom starting at $14. After the Kitchen SinkShroom & Ultra TubShroom campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Handle Plus | The All-in-one Solution for Every Tablet

What is it?

Handle Plus is a universal stand and handle for any tablet.

Why is it cool?

I like the Handle Plus because it’s a multi-use accessory that can be attached and detached on the back of your favorite tablet to provide a sturdy and secure grip. But in addition to working as a handle, it can also be used as a stand and a hanger. I love products that can multi-task.

Where can I find more info?

The Handle Plus campaign ends on 11/16/18 and they working towards their funding goal of $10,002. You can pre-order a Handle Plus starting at $50. After the Handle Plus campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

ALLEYOOP ROCKER

What is it?

The ALLEYOOP ROCKER is a specially designed omnidirectional rocking board that helps alleviate the pressure and monotony of standing in one place while you’re working for hours at your standing desk.

Why is it cool?

Standing desks are supposed to be healthier for you than sitting like a slug at your desk all day long. But if you’ve ever tried a standing desk, you know that it can make your feet hurt and your back hurt from standing in one position for so long. That’s why I like the ALLEYOOP ROCKER. It gives your body a little extra something to do while you’re working. It engages your core use muscles and improves your balance.

Where can I find more info?

The ALLEYOOP ROCKER campaign ends on 10/11/18 and they have already passed their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order an ALLEYOOP ROCKER starting at $79. After the ALLEYOOP ROCKER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet

What is it?

The Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet is a protective helmet for cyclists that doesn’t look like a protective plastic helmet

Why is it cool?

I like the Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet because it looks like a baseball cap instead of a dorky plastic helmet but still provides protection for your head and will pass all U.S. and E.U regulations to make sure you get the protection you need while riding a bicycle or scooter. It also folds so you can stick it in your bag for easy transport.

Where can I find more info?

The Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet campaign ends on 11/05/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet starting at $84. After the Park & Diamond: Foldable Bike Helmet campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Earbuds that help you get fit, a handle for any tablet, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 5, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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