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The Best Apps to Send Money Cheaply

It’s no secret that convenience is king. Thanks to our smartphones, many everyday tasks have been simplified to a simple tap or swipe. Fortunately, paying someone is no different. There are a number of apps available that allow users to make mobile payments via their smart device. Related: 5 Sharing Economy Apps to Help You Cut Costs and Save Time 1. Venmo Known as the most popular peer-to-peer payment app among millenials, Venmo (Android, iOS) makes small repayments easy. Using Venmo is super simple. Users install the app and link their bank account, debit card or credit card. The Venmo app can then be used… Read more

Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack and Neoprene Sleeve review

REVIEW – Buying a new laptop is a big deal for me, as it is for most people. I spend months doing research, reading reviews, and trying out laptops in stores. Once I finally settle on my choice, it’s a good bet that I’ve spent a lot of time AND money on that pick, so my next purchases usually consist of various items designed to protect and preserve my expensive new investment. I recently bought a Razer Blade 15″ laptop so, despite the brand discrepancy, I jumped at the chance to review the Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack 15″ and Neoprene Sleeve 15″. The $74.99 Vindicator 2.0 is a cavernous, well-designed backpack great for carting my laptop and its various accessories around. Coupled with the $28.71 Alienware Neoprene Sleeve, I feel confident that no harm will come to my beloved new tech. I reviewed the 15″ laptop versions of these two products, Alienware makes 13″ and 17″ versions as well.

What is it?

The Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack (15) is a very durable three-sectioned backpack specifically designed to hold and protect 15″ laptops and other electronic accessories like tablets and power supplies.

The Alienware Neoprene Sleeve (15) is a small case/sleeve that will hold and protect your 15″ laptop. It has an integrated handle and zippered pouch and can be used alone, or dropped into the Vindicator 2.0 for added protection.

Design and features

The first thing I did when I received my Vindicator 2.0 and Neoprene Sleeve was to make sure that they play nice together.

Turns out they work perfectly as a team to protect my laptop in transit. A laptop secured in the Sleeve fits fine in the laptop section of the Vindicator 2.0.

The Vindicator 2.0, like most Alienware products, has a nice high-tech futuristic look to it.

The lines are sleek and the outer shell is made of a textured high-density nylon. The Vindicator 2.0 is all black with bright teal highlights and a teal and grey interior.

Embossed in the high center of the pack is a glossy metallic version of that very recognizable Alienware head logo.

There’s a bit more branding on the back panel, rubberized letters spelling out Alienware. I like that the branding isn’t overpowering on the Vindicator 2.0.

The shoulder straps on the Vindicator 2.0 are padded and comfortable and include a chest strap.

The Vindicator 2.0 has adjustable upper shoulder straps as well, which isn’t common on all backpacks and they’re great for adjusting to a comfortable fit.

Some of the extra design features I love about the Vindicator 2.0 include the small zippered pockets integrated into the sides of the straps on the backpack.

I also love this ingeniously hidden water bottle pouch.

The mesh pouch is there when you need it and tucks up into its own zippered pocket when you don’t.

The Vindicator 2.0 has three main sections, the back-most section is for storing your 15″ laptop. This laptop section has a nice textured fabric to protect your laptop from scratches as well as a separate pouch for holding a tablet or phone.

The tablet pouch has a faux fur-lined interior to protect vulnerable screens and glossy plastic or metal exteriors.

The middle section of the Vindicator 2.0 has an open folder pocket section as well as a huge zippered mesh pocket.

The zippered mesh pockets, which are also found in the front section of the backpack, stretch to accommodate all kinds of random gear you may need to stow.

The folder pockets are great for magazines or school binders and expand for extra storage.

Additionally, a great added feature is found at the bottom of the middle section.

The entire folder and mesh partition can be unzipped and removed from the Vindicator 2.0 entirely.

The zipper surrounds the section and once undone, the whole section panel can be removed.

Once removed, the interior of the Vindicator 2.0 becomes absolutely massive. If you frequently carry lots of bigger items, this a great option to have.

To reinsert the panel, simply locate the zipper at the bottom of the section and zip the panel back into place.

The front-most section of the Vindicator 2.0 has a bunch of smaller mesh pockets, a section for credit or business cards, pen holders, and two great little slots for holding USB sticks.

Another great feature of this section is an elastic loop and tie, useful for securing keys or headphones or any other oddly shaped items.

Of all the features of the Vindicator 2.0 though, my favorite is the included power supply bag.

The bag is included with every size Vindicator 2.0 and is made for storing all those unwieldy power cables and bricks that come with every laptop.

The bag has a stylish little Alienware logo and boasts a rubberized breathable mesh interior.

This great little bag is spacious enough to hold even the biggest power brick and has an attached carrying strap attached as well. I love that this bonus bag is included with the backpack.

The Alienware Neoprene Sleeve is just as sturdy and useful as the Vindicator 2.0 Backpack.

The Sleeve is adorned with the same glossy metallic Alienware logo.

And the backside of the Sleeve has rubberized type spelling out Alienware.

The zippers are sturdy and have bright teal highlights matching the Vindicator 2.0. I would’ve preferred if the zipper pulls on the Sleeve and Vindicator 2.0 were a bit larger, but it’s not a deal breaker.

The handle attached to the Sleeve seems very well stitched and increases the functionality of the Sleeve from just a sleeve to a mini carrying case as well.

The interior of the Sleeve can fit any 15″ laptop with plenty of room to spare and the fabric is thick enough to assuage any fears of an expensive laptop getting damaged while inside.

A great feature of this Sleeve is the exterior zippered pouch. It’s big enough to hold a mouse or a smaller power supply if needed.

What I like

  • Sturdy construction on both the Vindicator 2.0 and Neoprene Sleeve
  • Included Vindicator 2.0 power supply bag is a great addition
  • Massive storage in both the Vindicator 2.0 and Sleeve
  • Love the zippered pouch and handle on the Neoprene Sleeve

What needs to be improved

  • Would’ve been nice to have bigger zipper pulls on both
  • A few long time users reported stitching failure, but only time will tell

Final thoughts

I really like both the Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack (15) and the Neoprene Sleeve (15). The Vindicator 2.0 has a lot of great design features, like its included power supply bag, and this backpack is absolutely massive on the inside. For the price of $74.99, the Vindicator 2.0 stands out compared to other similarly featured computer backpacks. I also totally dig the features of the Alienware Neoprene Sleeve. I like that the Sleeve is of sturdy construction, will protect my laptop, and can work with the Vindicator 2.0 or on its own. The integrated handle and zippered pouch make the affordable price of $28.71 even more attractive.

Price: $74.99 / $28.71
Where to buy: Mobile Edge and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Mobile Edge.

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Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator 2.0 Backpack and Neoprene Sleeve review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Minaal Day Bag and Carry-on 2.0 Bag are ideal for EDC or one-bag travel

NEWS – I’m a big fan of bags designed for one-bag travel, and also of bags designed for EDC.  However, while a single bag designed for both purposes may sound good in theory, most often it does not work well in practice.  Minaal understands that, so they offer both their very functional Day Bag for daily school or office commute and their Carry-on 2.0 Bag several days of travel without having to check it on.

Both bags are made from Minaal’s custom 600D nylon fabric with 1000D nylon in high-abrasion areas (plus and Woojin & Duraflex buckles), and both feature Minaal’s DeviceNest shockproof laptop compartment, tuck-away shoulder straps + side handles for transforming to briefcase mode, lockable Daily YKK zippers for security, a seam-sealed rain cover, and both are available in low-key but sharp-looking Aoraki Black or Vancouver Grey colors.

The Day Bag’s capacity is a very capable 21L, while the Carry-on 2.0 Bag’s capacity is a generous 35L.  Additionally, both bags include plenty of pockets, slots, pouches and other organizational features in various sizes and shapes, all cleverly placed throughout.  The Daily Bag retails for $249, while its larger sibling the Carry-on 2.0 Bag retails for $299.  Trek over to Minaal.com for additional info or to order.

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Minaal Day Bag and Carry-on 2.0 Bag are ideal for EDC or one-bag travel originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Schon DSGN Classic Machined pen review

REVIEW – In today’s world of our nonstop keyboard clicking, the written note is definitely the anomaly versus the standard anymore. Even our signatures are digital these days, involving a smart-chip, fingerprint, special code, etc. But the ballpoint pen endures…I would guess most of those reading this review have a nice writing instrument in their EDC bag right now. I am always looking to improve my EDC gear, tweaking it and trying new items in my quest for tech-Zen. In this case, Schon DSGN sent me one of their Classic Machined Pens, in brass to review. Let’s see if it is worthy enough to make it into my EDC lineup.

The Schon DSGN Classic Machined pen began as a Kickstarter project back in 2017. It was successfully launched by 741 backers who ultimately pledged $58,548 to bring this project to life. Schon DSGN was founded by Ian Schon with “the idea of creating objects without compromises”.

What is it?

The Schon DSGN Classic pen is a small compact ballpoint pen machined from a single piece of metal. Each pen is turned from solid barstock and finished to give each specific material a distinct look.  SchonDSGN pens are 100% made in the USA.

Design and features

Schon DSGN writing instruments are simple, dependable, high quality ball point pens. Each pen comes with a matching screw-on cap with threads on both sides of the pen, hopefully making the cap less losable. The machining and finish are excellent. Overall, the pen feels very substantial, great to hold and write with.

Specifications:

The Classic Machined pen is ½ an inch in diameter and 4” long when capped.

The threads are well done and the cap screws on and off the pen easily. Though once screwed onto either end, the cap stays attached and in place.

When the cap is screwed on the back, the pen is 5-3/4” long giving it a nice grippable length for writing.

The Classic Machined pen has a set screw on its tail end for accessing/changing the ink cartridge.

The clip is made from stainless steel and is robust yet not too thick. The length of the clip is optimized for a visually balanced look while also being able to hold a 1″ length of material inside of it.

Each pen comes with a PR4 Medium Black Fisher Space pen ink cartridge, easily replaced through the set screw in the back of the pen.

The Schon DSGN Classic Pen travels extremely well in the coin pocket of your jeans or pants. The stainless steel clip is strong and does a great job keeping the Schon DSGN pen securely in place. I have been using this pen for about a month and typically keep/carry it just like you see in this picture…where I do not always have my Navigator bag with me but still want a writing instrument by my side.

What I like

  • Excellent material and build quality
  • Smooth writing
  • Nice weight and feel
  • Cap screws onto each end
  • Made from a variety of metals
  • Available in multiple weights

What needs to be improved

  • None

The Classic Machined pen is available in a multitude of metals from titanium to copper, each with its individual weights and characteristics.

Black Anodized Aluminum ($80) – 1oz – 1.1oz (w/clip)
Polished Aluminum Pen ($78)- 1oz – 1.1oz (w/clip)
Polished Titanium ($188) -1.8oz – 1.9oz (w/clip)
Tumbled Stainless ($108) – 2.8oz – 2.9oz (w/clip)
Polished Copper ($158) – 3.2oz -3.3oz (w/clip)
Polished Brass Pen ($138) – 3 oz -3.1oz (w/clip)

As I mentioned above, all Schon DSGN pens are 100% made in the USA, specifically Massachusetts.

According to his website, Ian has…

always had a fascination with heirloom objects or objects built so solidly that they could potentially outlast the user. I hope you enjoy this pen, forever.

As an interesting (@least for the watch-guy I am) side note, Ian also creates handmade watches @Schon Horology, a new division of Schon DSGN.

Final thoughts

I initially considered the stainless steel and titanium options but ultimately requested the brass version of the Classic Machine pen. And I am glad I did…I love the hefty weight and feel the pen has. I have many aluminum and titanium pens but none are this substantial. Add in the fact, the brass has already started to patina nicely and will continue to do so as it ages. I totally envision myself continuing to carry this pen with me in my coin pocket. The build, material, and design quality is meant to last a lifetime and agree this pen could easily be passed on when you’re gone 😉 .

Price: Brass – $138 ($70 – $288)
Where to buy: The Classic Machine Pen is available at Schon DSGN.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Schon DSGN.

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Schon DSGN Classic Machined pen review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Bellroy launches a new luxury leather line, and boy does it look good.

NEWS – When Bellroy goes in on a new product line, they don’t mess around. They started with small carry products that earned a reputation for excellence. When they stepped into bag design, I was blown away innovative designs and build quality. And now Bellroy is exploring leather with the same attention to design and detail.

Look at those product shots. Take a moment. I’ll wait.

The Designers Edition features clean, functional, luxurious designs made for the executive boardroom. You’ll find a briefcase and a tote in the lineup along with an assortment of wallets and small carry items. They’re premium items to be sure, but Bellroy does premium right. Go get some fancy here!

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Bellroy launches a new luxury leather line, and boy does it look good. originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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