Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more

NEWS – Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are behind us, but that doesn’t mean there are no more deals. There are lots more to come including the 12 days of deals from Amazon. Today is day 2 of their 12 days of deals and the theme is gaming. So check below for some money saving gift ideas for the gamer on your shopping list. We are also sharing a couple deals from JLAB audio for their headphones and earbuds. As always, these deals can vanish quickly, so act fast!

Amazon

  • SanDisk 128GB microSD cards for only $18.21 on Amazon
  • OMEN by HP Mindframe PC Gaming Headset with World’s First FrostCap Active Cooling Technology for only $119.99 (you save $80) on Amazon
  • Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker for $79 (you save $60) on Amazon
  • Samsung UN55NU8000FXZA Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series Smart LED TV (2018) for $847.99 (you save $352.00) on Amazon
  • Acer Predator Utility Backpack for only $83.99 (you save $66.00) on Amazon
  • HyperX Alloy FPS RGB – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for only $89.99 (you save $20.00) on Amazon
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Gaming PC Laptop for only $1,699.00 (you save $300.00) on Amazon
  • SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD 1TB for only $197.99 (you save $102.00) on Amazon

JLAB Audio

  • Neon Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones – $20 ($30 Original price) good through December 3-5
  • Rock Bluetooth Earbuds – $15 ($30 Original Price) good through December 3-5
    Available only on https://www.jlabaudio.com/

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Deals: Save big $’s on JLab headphones, microSD cards, gaming gear, and more originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night

NEWS – Albedo is a measure of how reflective an object, usually a planet or moon, is – how much of the incident light is reflected by the object.  Despite how bright they are, the Earth’s albedo is only about 0.3, meaning 30% of light is reflected, and our moon when full is only about 0.5, or 50% of light reflected.  The permanent reflective spray from Albedo100 would seem to promise to greatly increase the reflectivity, and therefore the visibility at night.

Albedo100’s spray is a “permanent formula that dries a matte gray and can last up to three months, defying wind, rain, and UV rays.”  It’s intended for use on hard surfaces, and it works best on concrete, metal, stones, and wood.  Spray it directly on your bike frame, walking stick, sports equipment, shoes, or helmet to greatly increase your visibility and safety outdoors at night.

A can of Albedo100 permanent reflective spray is $18.95 at The Grommet.

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Albedo100 makes sure you’ll always be seen at night originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review

REVIEW – My father imparted many tidbits of wisdom to me prior to his passing a few weeks ago. One of his gems was, “Locks keep honest people honest.” How true this is. With Yale’s Assure Lock Deadbolt, my pockets have become a bit lighter and my home is protected in technological style.

What is it?

The Yale model YRD226 is deadbolt lock with an integrated keypad and wireless capabilities, enabling a homeowner to lock or unlock a door using a traditional key, user-programmable code, Bluetooth, Cellular or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Specs:

  • Installs in standard doors in minutes
  • Replaces existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver
  • Fits on doors 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″ thick (*1-3/8″ requires thin door gasket
  • Backset 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″
  • Face Bore Hole: 2-1/8″
  • Edge Bore Hole: 1″
  • Adjustable Latch
  • Create up to 250 keypad access codes using the August with Network Module or 25 codes without
  • Lifetime limited warranty for finish and mechanical, one year
  • Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 2
  • Finishes:  Oil Rubbed Bronze US3, Satin Nickel US15, Oil Rubbed Bronze US10BP

What’s in the Box?

  • Yale Real Living Assure Lock™ Touchscreen Deadbolt
  • August Wi-Fi Bridge module and Bluetooth lock module
  • Installation Guide
  • Mounting Screws
  • Door Template
  • 4 AA Batteries
  • 2 Keys
  • August Warranty card

Design and Features:

At 150 years old, Yale is no stranger to door locks, are several patents. The latest incarnation, provided is a testament to Yale’s legacy.

I received the well-packaged, brushed-nickel model which matched my current door hardware.

Since I was replacing an existing lock, I did not need to drill holes, save for the 5/16” hole for the door closed sensor magnet. Yale’s illustrated instructions are extremely well written and easy to understand.

Installing the lock took approximately 15 minutes using nothing more than a Philips screwdriver.

I opted to install the lock detection magnet in the door frame for a more polished appearance

The lock and finish is attractive and intimidatingly heavy, as a lock should be.

I was almost startled upon installing the four AA batteries into the lock because it talks! A pleasant female voice directs the remaining setup functions and made setup simple and efficient and, to be honest, rather fun.  There is a brief calibration process, opening and closing the door that worked flawlessly the first time.

Using the keypad, I was able to create a master entry code, allowing access to the remaining configuration functions. I added a few sub-user codes and tested the lock. My daughter’s friends are notorious for leaving the front door unlocked, so I was thrilled at the lock’s automatic lock feature which works like a champ. I set it to lock the door 30 seconds after the door has been closed.

Installing the August app, I was able to connect to the lock and set up the Wi-Fi bridge module in minutes. It should be noted that the bride module communicates to the lock via Bluetooth with a limited range of about 10 feet, so plan on having a nearby outlet.

The app is compatible with Apple’s Home Kit and Alexa and works perfectly. Setup was painless. It’s great to be able to order Alexa or Siri to “unlock the front door.” I was also able to add the lock to my Wink hub, configure some IFTTT Applets and use the lock functions to activate lots of cool home automation. The Yale lock is one of the most well-connected gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. Other manufacturers are encouraged to take note.

The app is intuitive, allows configuration of the lock without using the keypad and can operate the lock anywhere there is an internet connection.

Lock settings and instructions are thoughtfully coded and the instruction videos are top-notch.

The activity log provides a record of when and how the door was opened.

What I like:

  • Quality manufacturing and workmanship
  • Outstanding installation documentation and illustrations
  • Easy hardware and app installation
  • Delightful voice prompts
  • Plenty of locking options
  • Excellent variety of connectivity options

What needs to be improved?

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

Yale’s Assure Lock YRD226 is an outstanding product, combining great quality, easy installation, fantastic connectivity, and was a genuine pleasure to install. Frankly, it’s rare to not run into some kind of hiccup installing new hardware and apps.  It’s my hope that other manufacturers follow in Yale’s footsteps with all of the possible connection options, making home automation choices plentiful. At some point, I will be adding more of these to the other exterior doors of my home.

Price: $279
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yale. Please visit their site for more info.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse

NEWS – This kit is the perfect thing for model-builders and horse lovers.  Scientifics Direct describe this kit: “Automata are mechanical art pieces that achieve a series of lifelike movements using a variety of clever mechanisms.  Cranks, gears, wheels, cams and linkages are used to mimic the simple flowing beauty found in nature.  As the crank is turned, the horse springs to life, galloping along. Each of the legs moves independently, while the head reaches into the wind and the tail flows out behind.”

This Mechanical Horse Automation kit is designed for advanced hobbyists ages 14 and up.  It will require 8-12 hours of work to assemble.  Cabinet-grade plywood and hardwoods are laser-cut into the 221 pieces required for the animated horse.  You’ll need a razor saw, glue and sandpaper, plus the 36-page illustrated instruction manual to complete the project.  When finished, the horse (and its mechanics) measure 12” x 5.5” x 12.5”.

You can buy this kit for $74.95 from Amazon.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review

REVIEW – Mobile devices are great, in that they can be moved from place to place with little effort, and real work can be done virtually anywhere. But if you want to sit in a place where you don’t have a “desk” for a while, but need your laptop, or a tablet or even a large book, the Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation may be what you’re needing. I’ve been using one for a month or so and found some interesting things I’d like to share.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation (RLW) is a weighted rolling base with a single vertical telescoping pole, topped by a single arm mounted at a right angle to the pole. This supports a 16.5” x 12.25” work surface that can be almost infinitely adjusted to hold what you need to be held. The main pole ranges from 23” to 41” from the floor. The base is in an hourglass shape, which helps it to get close to you in various chairs and tables.

What’s in the box?

Workstation, in pieces. Easy assembly takes less than ten minutes.

Design and features

The RLW is a compact, well-designed piece of kit. The three sections of the main pole are adjusted with two friction clamps that open and close with ease using custom clamps that have 1.5” finger locks. You’re not going to be breaking nails or looking for screwdrivers to pry them open, and they are going to stay where you clamp them. The 13” horizontal arm terminates in a three-piece U-joint that lets you adjust the angle of the center-mounted work surface to almost any position. For safety, the side-to-side tilt motion has a lock that only allows about 15º from either side of true horizontal.
The work surface itself is made from a hard plastic with a pebbly texture. Across the top, there is a thick woven elastic cord that can be used to hold your device in place. I found it perfect for my 15” MacBook Pro, as well as the cases of my iPads. (Note the safety cord holding my 10.5″ iPad Pro below.) With this in place, I never worried they would slide off when I wasn’t right there paying attention.


In addition to the elastic band, there are 4 flip-up “fingers” across the bottom of the workspace. They can be clicked up halfway or at a full right angle from the surface. These let the user have items on the surface that might otherwise fall off – pencils, rulers, or smaller digital devices. With the fingers only, all my devices will stay on, but I’m more worried than when they are held with the elastic as well. But if I want to just sit my iPhone there, for instance, I don’t have to worry about it sliding off, if the fingers are deployed. I did find them to get in the way when typing on an iPad onscreen keyboard or a MacBook, however.

In addition to being good for digital devices, the RLW has a Book Kit available, which consists of two hook-and-loop straps that secure the book to the stand, and two page holders, which allow the reader to quickly turn pages but keep them from flipping back or forward. One of the slots for the straps can be seen in the photo above between the flip-up fingers.

What I Like

  • Non-fiddly. You set it to the height and angle, and go.
  • Flip-out fingers and elastic loop are strong enough but easy to deploy/stow.

What needs to be improved

  • Short arm means base needs to be close. This is sometimes difficult.
  • When extended a good bit, it tends to lean or bow a bit.

Final thoughts

Sometimes, you just want to work from someplace different. It may be the kitchen table or counter, the sunroom, or the deck. You may have a table there, or not, but you need to have your technology for working near at hand. Or, in an office setting, you may have to wander around a large area, checking on patients, wiring closets, or classrooms, while needing your equipment at each stop. In these instances, a light, portable, yet functional stand can help. The RLW can handle any size laptop you throw at it and will adjust from standing to squatting with just a flip of the clamp. With the safety tether, you’re not going to have your laptop slide off, either. At $180, it’s a tad on the pricey side of what I’d want for a quick-and-dirty home solution, but the build quality and materials are there to last quite a while, even in a corporate environment, and I’ve seen “name-brand” stands cost far more.

Price: $179.99
Where to buy: Levo Store
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Levo.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 9:32 am.

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