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Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad review

REVIEW – As a gadget nerd, my gadget obsession is very apparent when you look at any of my workstations. I usually have as many devices as possible connected for my work process, some that make my process more effective and efficient, and some just because they are cool. There are also others that only met the criteria for temporary use, whether it was because they lost their cool factor, their usefulness, or were upstaged by a better model or version. This Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad just entered the fray. Let’s see which pile it ends up in!

What is it?

This Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad has 34-keys that allow for multiple shortcuts that make it a convenient device to enhance your productivity. It is made of aluminum and is lightweight yet solid. It also features an ergonomic tilt design and pairs with your apple magic keyboard and Bluetooth devices.

What’s in the box


1 x Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x User Manual

Design and features

Specifications

  • 34 keys
  • Bluetooth v3.0
  • Bluetooth IC Chip: Broadcom BCM 20730
  • Operating Distance: up to 10M
  • Built-in 110mAh rechargeable battery

Features

  • SLIM ALUMINUM DESIGN: Constructed of solid and premium aluminum materials for long-lasting use, the ergonomic tilt for comfortable typing and good look, slim style appearance, perfectly matches your MacBook, MacBook Air / Pro, iMac, PC, surface pro, laptop or desktop as the side external numeric keypad
  • Bluetooth 3.0 technology provides a cable-free & clutter-free connection; the external 34-keys full keypad extends your existing keyboard, operating distance 10m
  • Built-in 110mAh rechargeable battery
  • Includes shortcut keys and low profile quiet scissor-switch keys so you can work comfortably on your computer or laptop. Compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Android, iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, Surface Pro 4 / Pro 3, Samsung Tablet Smart Cellphone PC Desktop laptop, etc.
  • Dimension: 146 x 114 x 9mm (approx.)
  • Weight: 128g
  • Colors: Silver + White or Black
    The bottom of the keypad is a flat surface with 4 rubber feet, one at each corner, to prevent it from sliding while in use.

    On the back edge of the keypad there from left to right, there is the LED status indicator that shows when the keypad is charging (lights red) and when it is in pairing mode (lights blue), the micro USB port for charging, the Bluetooth pairing button and the on/off switch.

Performance

This keyboard is very easy to install, and only takes a couple of minutes from unboxing to being connected. It pairs very easily and is immediately fully operational. The keypad functions much as you would expect with the numeric part working as numeric keypads do, and the additional function keys adding flexibility and efficiency to your workflow process. The following illustration shows the capability of some of the functions keys.

The picture below shows the keyboard connected to my Windows 7 laptop. It works nicely with full functionality.


While this keypad is not designed for use with IOS, it does connect easily via Bluetooth to my iPad Pro, and it does have some functionality like search and typing numbers within the message app. I am sure that I will find more functionality as I continue to play around with it.



As shown below, I was able to connect the keypad to my MacBook Pro. Once again, the pairing process was easy and like with the PC, the functions worked as expected.


When I first added the keypad to my MacBook Pro it showed up as a MAC address and then as a Bluetooth keypad once connected.


What I like

  • The build quality
  • That is it lightweight
  • That I can use it on multiple platforms
  • The functionality

What can be improved

  • It does what it is supposed to do so I am ok with it

Final thoughts

The Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad is a nice addition to your workstation if you have a need for it and if it fits into your process. It is lightweight and yet well built. The keys are soft and I would prefer a different clicking action, but that is a personal preference. I use the shortcut keys quite frequently, but I still seem to end up on the numeric keypad of my main keyboard when using the number keys. This is more out of habit. Regardless, I like this keypad.

Price: $45
Where to buy: Brando website
Sample: The sample for this review was provided by Brando

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Bluetooth Aluminum Number Keypad review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 19, 2019 at 11:34 am.

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How to Use Nginx as a Reverse Proxy

Other than Apache, Nginx is the most popular web server out there. In addition to being a web server, it also can be used as a load balancer or a reverse proxy. In this tutorial we will show you how you can make use of Nginx as a reverse proxy. Related: Nginx vs Apache: Which Serves You Best in 2019? What is a reverse proxy? A proxy server acts as an intermediary between the client and another server. It retrieves resources from the server that you want to connect to and sends it to you for viewing. A reverse proxy works the same way, except… Read more

5 ways 5G technology will change our gadget usage

ARTICLE – Gadget lovers everywhere frequently notice the news coverage about the upcoming 5G network and think about the possibilities.

You may have heard about the broad promises associated with it, such as rapid speeds and virtually no latency. But, how could those advantages affect how we use our technology?

1. Plenty of Opportunities to Use 5G Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband coverage ensures people can connect to the internet while on the go. According to an Ericsson report, there will be 1 billion 5G mobile broadband subscriptions by 2023.

Moreover, the study projects 20 percent of the world’s population could access 5G coverage by that year, and there will be an eightfold surge in mobile data traffic over the forecast period.

People could access the internet through mobile devices before 5G, but if the predictions come to pass, a tremendous number of people will have 5G coverage through phones and other devices.

2. Rapid Growth of Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

Maybe you weren’t familiar with the Internet of Things a few years ago, but you probably have at least a few IoT devices now. The number you own could substantially rise thanks to the 5G network.

People weighed in to say 5G could be the catalyst for IoT innovation, helping facilitate advancements in industries ranging from health care to automotive.

In case you need an example of how IoT devices are becoming more specific to appeal to niche audiences, consider one of the gadgets on exhibit at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was an IoT cat litter box.

Plus, 5G should both improve the performance of devices people initially used on the 4G network and let them use new IoT devices the older network couldn’t handle.

3. 5G Could Help You Have a Smarter Home

Keeping the above point in mind, expect an increase in 5G-enabled gadgets that help you have a high-tech abode.

Unfortunately, many companies won’t provide specifics about what that means yet, but they mention it could be easier for people to connect their smart home gadgets to the network, and there will likely be more home monitoring devices, such as security cameras.

Concerning connections, one aspect that slows down smart home adoption now is that you often need to buy bridges that help connected devices communicate with each other. But, the arrival of 5G could bring connection convenience by allowing people to connect their gadgets directly to the internet without those accessories.

4. New Ways to Connect to the Internet

The prospect of connecting a device to the 5G network as smoothly as signing into a Wi-Fi network undoubtedly appeals to people who want the fewest obstacles for using new technology.

However, hubs aren’t obsolete yet. HTC and Sprint teamed up to create a 5G smart home hub that brings 5G access to a person’s home and up to 20 smart devices, plus has a built-in Android tablet.

Then, in late 2018, Verizon became the first company to offer what it advertised as 5G internet for early adopters. Critics noted the network doesn’t use global industry standards, but it nevertheless gave the first Verizon 5G customer speeds of up to 1.3 gigabits per second.

More recently, D-Link announced a 5G router that makes cable internet unnecessary. It will get internet access from 5G frequencies and deliver the connectivity to all the devices in the home. You’ll be able to buy this sometime in 2019, but there’s no word on pricing yet.

5. You May Interact With Holograms to Shop for or Troubleshoot Gadgets

Numerous companies are hard at work on holograms that look incredibly lifelike. Representatives from those enterprises say the 5G network facilitates what their technology could do.

For example, you might interact with a hologram when figuring out what kind of 5G smartphone you want to order or communicate with a holographic customer service agent if a device you own doesn’t work correctly.

It’s already possible to schedule a remote visit with a repair technician if your washing machine breaks down or arrange for a telemedicine visit with your doctor. 5G should enhance these respective technologies, such as high-quality video, but it also opens possibilities for interacting with a hologram in real time.

In late 2018, an international holographic telephone call occurred between people in Ireland and Germany. That test allowed a question-and-answer session to take place between the two parties. So, it’s not difficult to imagine a future where people might do the same as they learn about which 5G gadgets work best for them.

Exciting Possibilities for Gadget Enthusiasts

This list only scratches the surface to reveal how 5G will change gadget use. But, it gives people lots of things to feel eager about soon.

Image by Rawpixel

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5 ways 5G technology will change our gadget usage originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 19, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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NITECORE TUP 1000 lumen EDC flashlight review

REVIEW – Do you love EDC flashlights but hate feeding them batteries? If so, then I have a flashlight you’ll want to check out. It’s the NITECORE TUP and it packs some nice features into a very pocket-friendly package. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

The NITECORE TUP is a 1000 lumen USB rechargeable flashlight that is the perfect size for EDC/pocket carry.

Specs

LED: CREE XP-L HD V6
Maximum Brightness: 1000 lumens
Peak Beam Distance: 197 yards
Peak Beam Intensity: 8130 cd
IP Rating: IP54
Impact Resistance: 1 m
Battery: 1200 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions: 2.76″L x 1.16″W x 1.16″H
Weight: 1.87oz

What’s in the box?

  • NITECORE TUP flashlight
  • Keyring
  • micro USB charging cable
  • Instructions

Design and features

The NITECORE TUP doesn’t really look like a flashlight when you first take a look at it. First of all, it’s small at not even 3 inches long. Then it has a square shaped aluminum case which isn’t typical of most flashlights. And finally, it has two control buttons and a built-in OLED display that shows you the lumen setting and time left at that setting before the battery needs to be recharged.


The NITECORE TUP flashlight has a strong clip that you can use to clip the NITECORE TUP to your belt, pocket, or even the brim of your cap. If clips aren’t your thing, you can attach the included keyring and use that instead.

The left side of the TUP has a micro USB charging port that is protected by a rubber seal. The flashlight has an intelligent charging system that includes overcharge protection and indicators that alert you when the 4.2V battery needs to be recharged.

While charging, the power and mode buttons will blink Blue. When the battery is fully charged (it can take 3.5hrs to fully recharge), the status LEDs will stop blinking and will glow steadily.

The TUP has 5 brightness modes that you can cycle through with the mode button when the light is powered on. Info about the mode will show up on the display for a couple of seconds.

The display shows the current lumen setting and runtime remaining in that setting. If you press the mode button while the flashlight is off, the TUP’s display will show the real-time voltage level so you can get an idea of how much longer the flashlight will continue providing light or how long it needs to charge if it’s recharging.

Performance

Using the NITECORE TUP is easy. Just make sure it’s fully charged and then press the power button to turn it on and the mode button to cycle through ultralow, low, mid, and high settings which go from 1 lumen up to 200 lumens. The flashlight will remember the brightness setting last used and will use that setting the next time that you power it on.

Here’s a table that gives you an idea of how long you can expect to use the NITECORE TUP before the batteries need to be recharged and how far the beam will shine at that setting and the intensity.

But how do you use the 1000 lumen turbo mode you’re wondering? With the flashlight on or off, just hold down the mode button for a couple of seconds and the flashlight will turn on in turbo/1000 lumen mode for as long as you’re holding down the button. You can’t lock the flashlight on in that mode since it uses a lot of power and the flashlight can overheat in turbo mode.

Here are some images that show the brightness levels in my Gadgeteer HQ office at night with all the lights off.






The room was completely dark with just LEDs from my monitor and some other gadget glowing on the desk. I had my smartphone on a tripod about 10 ft away. Indoors, I find that the 65-lumen setting works fine for most things.

This flashlight works great but the only small issue I had was that it’s a little too easy to toggle on the half lockout mode. The NITECORE TUP has two lockout modes. The half lockout mode just locks the power button and the full lockout mode locks out both the power and mode buttons so that pressing them has no effect. These modes are there to prevent the flashlight from turning on while in a bag or pocket if you run into that issue.

The half lockout mode is turned on by holding down the power button for more than a few seconds while the light is on. I have a habit accidentally of pressing and holding that button instead of the mode button when I want to use the turbo/1000 lumens mode. Luckily turning off the half lockout mode is just a quick press of the power button followed by a longer press. But I do wish that the buttons on the flashlight were reversed so that the power button was on top instead of the other way around.

What I like

  • Bright
  • Small
  • Rechargeable battery
  • The display shows the battery charge level

What needs to be improved

  • Put the power button on top of the mode button instead of the other way around for better ergonomics

Final thoughts

I’ve really enjoyed using the NITECORE TUP. I like the small size and easy user interface. Although I rarely need more than 65 or 200 lumens, I like that I can use 1000 lumens if I need to.

Price: $64.95
Where to buy: Nitecorestore.com
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nitecore Store.

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NITECORE TUP 1000 lumen EDC flashlight review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 19, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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FIXD Automotive puts a VIZR heads up display in your car

NEWS – Many new cars come with a heads up display built into the top of the dashboard. What do you do if you don’t have that option on your new car, or have an older car? Enter the VIZR, a smartphone adapter that creates a virtual display using your phone and an app to give you navigation directions without having you look down at your phone.

The VIZR consists of a base, where you place your phone, and a translucent screen. The base has a non-slip coating so it doesn’t slide around when you’re executing hard turns. Your phone projects onto the screen allowing you to see a virtual HUD for your navigation app. It’s important to note that, because the phone’s display is mirrored, the orientation will be flipped. You will, therefore, need an app that has a HUD setting. The one recommended by FIXD is Hudway Go, although there are others.

The VIZR is large enough that FIXD states that it will work with any smartphone. The base is 6 3/8 inches long with the reflective part being 2 5/8 by 5 5/16. Although large, the VIZR is not big enough to fit tablets or tablet phones.

The VIZR is available directly from FIXD. It’s priced at $39.99 and discounts are applied if you order more than one.

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FIXD Automotive puts a VIZR heads up display in your car originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 19, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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