Nomad’s Wireless Charging Hub: One charger to rule them all?

Ever since Apple introduced wireless charging with their new iPhones it seems we’ve been inundated with a lot of new wireless chargers. Most manufacturers chose to make them as small, light, and flat as possible. Nomad, however, decided to go in the complete opposite direction with their new Wireless Charging Hub. But for good reason. The first thing you notice is that it’s quite a bit larger than its competitors. But in this case, larger may indeed be better. Hidden discreetly underneath the 7.5W charging pad are 4 additional USB charging ports. 2 USB 1A outputs, for your Airpods, Apple Watch, bike lights, or other USB charging devices. A  2.1A output, for fast charging another phone or iPad, and a fast-charge supported USB-C 3.0A port. That’s 30W of total power so you can wirelessly charge your iPhone 8, 8 plus, X or Android phone and an additional 4 devices at the same time.

Hidden on the backside of the Hub is a cable management system which minimizes the cable clutter on your desk or bedside. For extra stability, Nomad added molded steel bars and a rubber base around the bottom.

Another nice feature is the LED charging indicator lights. They glow orange when your device is charging, and white once fully charged. But the best thing is the ambient light sensor that dims the light in a dark room. Because annoying lights while sleeping are the worst.

 

The Nomad Wireless Charging Hub is a little pricey coming in at $79.95. But it might be well worth it if you’re looking for a clean and efficient way to charge all your devices. The Hub comes in black and is available on Nomad’s website.

Never worry about dropping your eBook reader in the bath with the new Kindle Oasis

Back in the day, I ruined a few books by dropping them in the tub when I’d doze off while reading in the bath.  Because of that track record, I never tried reading in the tub with an eBook reader or a table.  But now, because the Kindle Oasis is waterproof (IPX8), reading in the tub is safe again.

The Oasis has the biggest screen (7″) and highest resolution (300dpi) of all of Amazon’s Kindle readers.  This is a reader that’s designed for comfort and ease of use.  It’s easy to hold; Amazon says “the ergonomic design shifts the center of gravity to your palm, to rest in your hand like the spine of a book.”  You can turn pages using the dedicated buttons or by tapping the touchscreen.  The adaptive front lighting automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on the ambient light.  And since it’s an eInk screen, you can read even in sunlight.

Oasis is available in a multitude of configurations:  with 8 or 32GB of storage, with built-in Audible, WiFi-only or with free cellular connection, and with or without special offers (screensaver ads to reduce price).  It starts at $249.00 at Amazon.

Never worry about dropping your eBook reader in the bath with the new Kindle Oasis

Back in the day, I ruined a few books by dropping them in the tub when I’d doze off while reading in the bath.  Because of that track record, I never tried reading in the tub with an eBook reader or a table.  But now, because the Kindle Oasis is waterproof (IPX8), reading in the tub is safe again.

The Oasis has the biggest screen (7″) and highest resolution (300dpi) of all of Amazon’s Kindle readers.  This is a reader that’s designed for comfort and ease of use.  It’s easy to hold; Amazon says “the ergonomic design shifts the center of gravity to your palm, to rest in your hand like the spine of a book.”  You can turn pages using the dedicated buttons or by tapping the touchscreen.  The adaptive front lighting automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on the ambient light.  And since it’s an eInk screen, you can read even in sunlight.

Oasis is available in a multitude of configurations:  with 8 or 32GB of storage, with built-in Audible, WiFi-only or with free cellular connection, and with or without special offers (screensaver ads to reduce price).  It starts at $249.00 at Amazon.

Stash Tags give you a place to display your patches (and hide a few things!)

Velcro-backed “morale patches” were born out of changes to military uniform insignia in the past few decades and they have spilled over into many civilian circles.  Sew Strong saw an opportunity to combine a portable display area for Velcro-backed patches with a keychain (their original Patch Tag) and now have taken it a step further with their Stash Tag, which includes a storage/hiding space for small items.  The Stash Tag is sewn in the USA and includes a 2-inch by 3-inch loop field on either side for patches, a black mil-spec grommet for attaching a keyring or carabiner, and a hidden side pocket with hook-and-loop closure.  This pocket may be tiny, but it is still large enough to hold a few small items (see image for examples).  Stash Tags are available in black only and retail for $15 each.  Visit SewStrong.com for more info or to order.

Posted by / January 28, 2018 / Posted in News

Life without Windows, RHA headphones, PhotoLemur software, and more – Weekly roundup

It’s Saturday evening, which means that it’s time to check out this week’s list of all the articles, news, and reviews that we posted on the Gadgeteer this week. Go grab a fizzy beverage and a sandwich, pull up your favorite chair, and check out the list.

Articles

Julie’s gadget diary – I just ordered an Essential Phone

Flixable is the best Netflix search tool around

Life without Windows, transitioning to iOS only

News

The Bosun Fleece: slick, new streetwear style from Mission Workshop

Reolink Argus 2 is a wireless security camera that can be placed anywhere

The Sonos Two bundle laughs in the face of the HomePod launch

Major Tom, take your protein pills and put your kettle on*

These small walnut blocks hold your cables with magnets

Use your laptop as an aromatherapy diffuser

Pick up a trunkful of hardcover Harry Potter books in dust jackets designed for each house at Hogwarts

Experience life in 3D with the Owl Sterescopic viewer

Nokia is removing a function from their Body Cardio scales by mandatory software update

Add a faucet to your laundry room when you buy a new clothes washer

Foldscope is a real microscope that’s made of paper

This portable Bluetooth speaker looks like a flaming torch

This murphy bed has gone to the dogs!

Are you Ready for Braven’s new speakers?

Warm your hands with this phone charger

Make your workouts feel like you’re in a video game

Nokia wants to watch you sleep and no, that’s not creepy at all

Dash cams, Ember Mug, headphones, Bluetooth earbuds, and more – Weekly roundup

You’ll feel like it’s the future when you use a Venus Qi charger

The Ignite ring is made of lava rock and glows

This Traveler mug is S’Well

Why pack your lunch when you could stack it?

Control your HomeKit devices with the Elgato Eve Button

Always have a stable place for your coffee cup and phone with this wooden arm rest table

Oberon Design’s Sonoma Tote carries your gear and does some good, too

Wine bottle not empty? Put a planet-sized cork in it!

Charge your Apple Watch with an iMac G3

Just like all books, this book will illuminate your life

Fight toe flab with the Foot Gym

This leather portfolio accommodates the person who uses paper and an iPad Pro

This murphy bed folds down into a console instead of requiring a full wall cabinet

LUNAR lets you explore the Moon in the palm of your hand

Reviews

Sena Cases Isa Crossbody Leather Hand Bag for smartphones review

Keysmart Pro key holder plus Tile finder review

Shinola Canfield over-ear headphones review

ONOTONE Concrete and Bamboo iPhone X Case review

Winegard Elite 7550 Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna review

Tsumbay Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Wireless Headphone review

Roadie 2 guitar tuner review

Contour Design Unimouse mouse review

Ember Ceramic Mug review

Conbrov T17 Car Dash Cam review

Catsby food dish for cats, SHOTBOX photo studio, PITAKA Pixel 2 XL case, and more – Review updates

PhotoLemur v2.2 Spectre photo software review

Rowkin Micro wireless headphones review

Naztech Xtra Drive Mini review

RHA Dacamp L1 headphone amplifier and CL1 Ceramic in-ear headphone review