This helmet protects your melon and is easy to carry when you’re not wearing it

I was reading an article this week about head injuries. It mentioned that even one minor head injury can lead to a greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. That’s why you should always wear a helmet when you ride your bike. Helmets aren’t sexy and they bulky to carry when you’re not wearing them, which might be why some people skip them.

The Flat Folding Helmet from Morpher might not be sexy, but at least it solves the bulky problem because it’s foldable. The helmet features a design that allows it to collapse in half, with strong magnets that hold it closed when you don’t need to wear it. With the helmet folded, it can easily fit in your bag.

The Morpher Flat Folding Helmet is available in several colors and is priced at $149. You can find more info at morpherhelmet.com and buy one on Amazon.

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This helmet protects your melon and is easy to carry when you’re not wearing it originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 22, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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ZAGG Rugged Book iPad keyboard case review

Functionality and protection, that is what I want in a case for my iPads. While functionality is a nice feature to have, protecting my investment is a must. I have owned several iPads since their launch and my main protection choice was some kind of Smart Cover and a protective back. All of the smart covers I had formed some kind of stand to make the cover more functional, but I was always felt I was missing something when it came to functionality, a keyboard. Obviously, this idea was not lost on Apple because they introduced their Smart Keyboard for their iPad Pro series. But what about the non iPad Pro users? ZAGG a maker of accessories for tablets and phones has introduced its latest functional protection for the iPad, the Rugged Book.

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

What is it?

The ZAGG Rugged Book is a protective cover and keyboard for the new iPad, iPad Pro 9.7, iPad Air2 and iPad Air. With a builtin rechargeable backlit Bluetooth keyboard and a two piece design the case is both functional and practical for those on the go.

Hardware Specs

  • Width 9.84”
  • Height 7.20”
  • Thickness 1.10”

What’s in the box?

 

  • Rugged Book keyboard
  • Detachable case
  • USB to Micro USB charging cable
  • Quick Start Guide

Design and features

The ZAGG Rugged Book is basically two pieces, the case that holds the iPad and the keyboard with a hinge mechanism to hold the iPad and case securely in several configurations.

For clarification, the section that holds my iPad is called the detachable case by ZAGG and the keyboard is called the Rugged Book so I will do the same. The back of the detachable case has cutouts for the camera and mic. According to the ZAGG website the case is made out of four layers of stainless steel, polycarbonate and rubber. I can definitely see the polycarbonate and rubber on the case, but I am not sure about the stainless steel (I think stainless steel is more likely on the keyboard section and hinged holder).

The detachable case has the proper cutouts on the top, bottom and sides, and the controls are easy to access. The cutouts for the Lightning cable and ear jack are large enough fit Apple designed and made products, but will also fit third party products as well. The rubberized material around the edges gives you a comfortable and secure gripping surface.

Although the case is a nice feature on the Rugged Book the keyboard is the workhorse. I have owned and reviewed several keyboards that I used for my various iPads in the past, and up until now the only one that was designed work well with iPads was the Apple Magic Keyboard. ZAGG has changed that, the Rugged keyboard is designed for iPads so it has a lot of features designed to work with iPads. The Rugged Book has a backlit keyboard and tablet function keys. The keyboard itself is similar to a laptop keyboard and in my estimate about 2/3rds the size of a regular keyboard. The keyboard is solid feeling and the keys are responsive. I have small hands and am not a touch typeset so the keyboard works great for all my needs. 

What I like

I love the overall look and feel of this setup, think of it like a netbook on steroids. It just has a rugged look and feel (some might say beefy). I like the backlit keyboard with the ability to change the color of the light and the brightness. Maybe one of the best features though is the fact that the keyboard is designed with the iPad in mind. Unlike a lot of generic keyboards the ZAGG Rugged Book keyboard has keys that specifically work with the iPad such as the home key, the apps running key and the keyboard hide/show key. 

What needs to be improved

Weight, the ZAGG Rugged Book is on the heavy side. I am guessing much of this is due to the battery in the keyboard. 

Final thoughts

To me, this is a great set up at least for what I want to do with it, some travel but mostly work around the house. It is more practical than having a separate keyboard and stand when you want to type on your lap or in bed. The Rugged Book is also great for traveling. At $129.99 the ZAGG Rugged Book may be a little pricey, but it is in line with other similar products. Available at the ZAGG website the Rugged Book should definitely be on your list f you are looking for a keyboard/cover combo for your iPad.

Price: $129.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by ZAGG

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ZAGG Rugged Book iPad keyboard case review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 22, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer – print your photos where you want and when you want


For those of us that like to be able to print photos on the go, there are a few options available to do just that task. A couple of days ago, I read about the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer. It is primarily geared towards printing on the go from your Smartphone or tablet. It is very small and compact, and can easily fit in your pocket. Utilizing the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer app, you can connect to it via Bluetooth and print 2” x 3” photos anywhere, and anytime, right from your phone. The paper for this printer has a peel and stick back.

The printer uses ZINK (Zero Ink) printing technology which prints using colorful dye-based crystals embedded within the paper. This is great since there is no ink to buy, nor does it suffer from ink drying up like inkjet printers. When printing, the printer uses heat to activate and colorize the crystals, and prints in a resolution up to 314 x 400 dpi. It has a paper tray capacity of 10 sheets.

The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer is compatible with IOS 9.0 or later and Android 4.4 or later. You can purchase one at Amazon or B&H Photo Video for $129.

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The Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer – print your photos where you want and when you want originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 22, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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NFC rings, kneeing desks, a metronome on your wrist, and more – Weekly roundup

It’s time to relax with your computer, tablet, or phone while you browse through a list of everything that we wrote about this week on The Gadgeteer. We have news, we have reviews, and we have articles about your favorite gadgets. Enjoy!

News

FLEXiT is a magnetic bendable LED flashlight that shines light where you need it
Sharp is bringing the first 8K TV to Europe

Amazon’s new Alexa Skill Blueprints lets you create your very own Alexa skills

Manfrotto XPRO Over 4-Section Aluminum Monopod with 234RC Tilt Head Kit is ready for every opportunity

EverCam wireless security camera with 1yr battery life, Astro folding ukulele, TicPods touch control earbuds, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

The Genie Motion Control Time-Lapse Device from Syrp has all the right moves

Yongnuo Speedlite YN600EX-RT II for Canon Cameras may just be the right flash for you

The Piorama A10 is a bag that can transform from a small sling bag into a giant 62L duffel

EDC goes modular with Keyport Anywhere Tools

Otterbox’s new ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ cases are the best co-pilot any iPhone could ask for

Baron Fig gets to the point with new Squire Click ballpoint pen

The Coach phone crossbody bag is a perfect go-to-lunch bag

The MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Air Travel Tripod: Don’t leave home without it.

Forget about stirring your coffee, Stircle it instead

This band will keep your Apple Watch on the dot

Feel free to connect with Freestream

Send your fresh fruits and veggies to VeggiDome!

Nuheara boosts its IQBuds truly wireless earbuds to a personal level

The B-Grip EVO Camera Belt Grip can handle the load

Recall of powerbanks sold at Container Store

The Axler Foldable Crane Slider has all the right moves

Read by the light of your light saber

Ullu’s iPhone case makes one handed use a “strap”

This pet tag can notify you instantly when your lost pet is found

The FocusShifter LensShifter will make your DSLR go VAROOM!

This adapter performs CPR on your router if it becomes unresponsive

Reviews

Liaboe Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush review

Azpen Android My e-Bible Tablet review

NFC Ring OPN review

Picture Keeper Connect photo backup software/adapter review

Grill Masters Club Experience Subscription Service review

Soundbrenner Pulse smart vibrating wearable metronome review

Aicook Blender, 15-Piece Smoothie Blender Mixer review

EZVIZ ez360Pano panoramic WiFi camera review

Speck Presidio Sport Case review

Creative Pebble desktop speakers review

Edge Desk System kneeling desk review

Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds review

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NFC rings, kneeing desks, a metronome on your wrist, and more – Weekly roundup originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 21, 2018 at 5:27 pm.

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Liaboe Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush review

At the recommendation of my dentist, I switched from a manual to an electric toothbrush many years ago. Since then, I’ve used multiple brands with varying degrees of success, solely judged on the observations of my hygienist.  Liaboe’s Electric Toothbrush looked to be a worthy contender to my long-time preferred Sonicare Elite.

What is it?

The Liaboe Electric Rechargeable toothbrush is… a toothbrush. The toothbrush charges using an inductive base and is equipped with three modes, Clean, White, and Massage. Wait… Yes, I checked it – the toothbrush has a massage mode, no kidding. The replaceable heads vibrate at up to 40,000 strokes per minute to help abate plaque deposits, freshen breath and whiten teeth.

Hardware Specs

  • Plastic housing
  • Dimensions: Handle – 183 x 32.6 x 30.6mm; 7.2 x 1.3 x 1.2 in.
  • Dimensions: Base –  88 x 92x 32mm; 3.5 x 3.6 x 1.3 in
  • Weight : 9.91oz / 0.28kg
  • Power Rating: 100 ~ 240 VAC , 50/60Hz
  • Rated Voltage: 3.6 V
  • Clean mode current: 400mA ± 150mA
  • Whiten mode current: 330mA ± 100mA
  • Massage mode current: 200mA ~ 550mA
  • Clean mode: 31,000 strikes per minute
  • Whiten mode: 40,000 strikes per minute
  • Massage mode: clean mode alternates with whiten mode
  • App Support: Android 4.1 and iOS8.0 or higher

What’s in the box?

  • 1 x Charging Base
  • 3 x Brush Heads
  • 1 x User Manual

Design and features

 

According to the manufacturer:

  • Cost Effectiveness: The same function and quality as Sonicare toothbrush, but only half price. This toothbrush uses an innovative magnetic levitation motor. Super strong vibration makes water and toothpaste transform into tiny bubbles in the oral cavity, and uses the impact force produced by tiny bubbles to scour the dead corners of the mouth, so as to reduce dental plaque. Compared with the ordinary toothbrush, the cleaning force is increased by more than 3 times.
  • Cleaner: As you know, the more vibrant frequency, the stronger cleaning effect, but over-high frequency makes the brush swing range too narrow that can’t clean teeth well. After a lot of experimental analysis, the 40000 times per minute vibration and the 8 millimeters left and right swing range is the perfect combination.
  • More Careful: The electric toothbrush has 3 different modes to meet different needs. After carefully rounding the tip of every single brush-hair, it can more deeply clean the tooth gap and reduce the bleeding of sensitive gum.
  • Smarter: Liaboe electric toothbrush cleans your teeth in only 2 minutes with 30 seconds intervals to remind you to brush all 4 quadrants of your teeth. Waken your teeth in the early morning to enjoy a whole day full of happiness and confidence.
  • 60 Days Money Back & 2 Years Replacement Guarantee: We are always here to support you by providing the best customer service to ensure 100% customer satisfaction

My observations:

The Liaboe Electric toothbrush comes in a full-color box, nestled in a plastic tray and sealed in plastic bags. The manual recommends charging for 24 hours before use. The cord is quite long and the base does not have a location to store the excess. If your countertop is as crowded as mine, save the twist-tie to lasso the renegade cord and keep it out of the way.

After waiting the prescribed charging time, the Liaboe toothbrush took its maiden voyage in my mouth. Please note: sonic toothbrushes take some time to become accustomed. Initially, the motion of this brush will feel ticklish to sensitive gums.

The handle is comfortable and the brush head is small enough to fit easily behind my molars. This sub $30 toothbrush feels similar to my Sonicare Elite, but the amplitude of the vibrations is significantly lower. That being said, to my layman’s perspective, the Liaboe left my pearly-whites feeling equally as clean as the Sonicare, but the dentist will need to be the final judge. I admit I prefer the more aggressive oscillations of the Sonicare.

The two-minute timer is great to ensure I’m brushing long enough. There is a “blip” every 30 seconds I used as a reminder to switch to each quadrant of my teeth, (upper inside, upper outside, lower inside, lower outside) ensuring equal care from incisor to molar.

Impressively, the entire Liaboe toothbrush, charger, and heads are less expensive than a five-pack of genuine Sonicare Elite replacement heads. Sure, you can buy after-market heads, but I’m not a big fan of picking brush filaments out of my mouth. Disappointingly, Liaboe replacement brush heads could not be located and, according to an answer provided on Amazon, have to be ordered via email at Service@liaboe.com. I suspect after-market heads can be located somewhere.

I tried all three settings and found the “Whiten” setting to be the best for me. The “Clean” mode feels less aggressive. The “Massage” mode’s changing frequency is an odd sensation, but may be soothing or add an element of fun to induce the kids to brush longer It’s worth mentioning that if modes are changed during brushing, the 30-second and 2-minute timers restart.

Another note of caution: Try not to pull the toothbrush out of your mouth while turned on. The vibrations will send tiny droplets of toothpaste and saliva everywhere! If you do, be prepared to clean your mirror.

What I like

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Inexpensive
  • Timers prevent under-brushing

What needs to be improved?

  • Replacement heads should be readily available
  • Some bathroom counters are crowded. Cord management in the base would help.

Liaboe’s Rechargeable Electric toothbrush is inexpensive and has similar results to much more expensive models. The multiple speed modes I found to be somewhat of a gimmick, but others may find them appealing. I’m picky about my oral health and even floss daily. Even so, I would definitely trust my teeth to daily Liaboe scrubbings.

Price:$29.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample was provided by Liaboe.

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Liaboe Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 21, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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