Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Andy Jacobs

ARTICLE – Fact: We’re Gadgeteers, so we carry EDC.   Some carry more, some less, but we all carry Everyday Carry items.  Since I last gave an update on my EDC gear back in March 2017, several of my EDC items have changed, but I was actually a bit surprised to discover that many had stayed the same.  Have a look!

1 – EVERGOODS CPL24 backpack – I’ve only had this backpack for a few weeks as of this writing, but the more I use it, the more I like it.  Very thoughtfully designed (in terms of organization features, ergonomics and other aspects), understated yet very attractive styling, high-quality materials and built sturdy.

2 – Guinness Pint Luggage Tag – My wonderfully thoughtful in-laws bought me this when they visited Dublin, Ireland and took the Guinness Storehouse tour several years ago.  As a huge fan of Guinness Stout, I love this thing and it’s been on every EDC/travel bag I’ve used for years.

3 – Laptop AC adapter – Goes with item 4 below.

4 – Lenovo Thinkpad X230 laptop (work issued) – The same work laptop I’ve had for several years now.  It just won’t die.  Actually, I really like its small size and ruggedness.

5 – Coleman Hooded Emergency Poncho – In case of unexpected heavy rain.

6 – Collapsible grocery bag in pouch

7 – REI Mini Multitowel – This little dude has come in handy on several occasions.

8 – Moleskine Cahier Journal – Black

9 – Lumintop Tool AAA flashlight attached to an old lanyard – Still my favorite EDC flashlight.  Small, durable, water-resistant, and with a clicky on-off button.

10 – Small first-aid kit – My brother gave me this years ago, it has the logo of his old shop where he sold survival gear.  It only has some adhesive bandages, some gauze and some antiseptic ointment, but it’s there just in case.

11 – Renogy 10,000 mAh Solar Panel Water Resistant Power Bank – Although I wasn’t impressed with the solar charging capabilities of this device, it is ruggedly built, water-resistant and fairly compact, so I still use it.

12 – Lightning + Micro USB cable

13 – Earbuds + microfiber drawstring pouch

A – See below

B – See below

C – See below

A1 – Twin Tip Sharpie – black – It’s like having two Sharpie pens in one: fine point and ultra-fine point.  Comes in handy often.

A2 – Parker Jotter ballpoint pen – black ink – One of the best “cheap” pens on the market: durable, smooth writing and feels good in the hand.

A3 – Yellow Birch Outfitters PocKit EDC Pocket Organizer – coyote tan – I reviewed this not long ago and it is still one of my favorite EDC pocket items.  Although I usually toss it into the outside pocket of my CPL24 backpack, it fit fairly comfortably in my pants pocket, as long as it is not overloaded.

A4 – Bastion Braza Bro EDC folding mini knife – Great little knife, I carry it on me often.  Small, compact, sharp and it has a pocket clip.

A5 – PlusUs LifeCard Powerbank – I reviewed this device quite a while ago and I still carry it for emergencies.

A6 – Moleskine Volant Journal – black

A7 – 550 paracord zipper pull – Salvaged from Bomber Barrell Duffel Bag after it basically fell apart.  Nuff said.

A8 – Leatherman Squirt PS4 keychain multitool – I’ve been carrying this little dude for years and I think it is actually my single most useful EDC item.  Super small and compact, it has both a small scissors and a small pliers in addition to many other tools—all of which I’ve used at one time or another.

B1 – County Comm Handy Zipper Pouch by Maratac – size small – Maratac makes some great stuff, and this little pouch is durable and compact.

B2 – Plastic ruler I rescued from the garbage bin at work

B3 – Vargo Titanium Eagle Spork – I probably use this once a week when I  forget to pack a spoon or fork in my lunch.  Lightweight and versatile.

B4 – Cheap mechanical pencil I got from a hotel

B5 – Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball pen, Extra Fine Tip, Black

B6 – Cheap ballpoint pen I got from a hotel

B7 – Gel Pen, red

B8 – Green highlighter

B9 – Mini modular screwdriver – I picked this up at a recruiting fair; it was “swag” from one of the other company’s tables.

C1 – Lip balm and breath strips

C2 – Single-decade Rosary – As a practicing Catholic, I try to pray the Rosary often; it’s an ancient form of prayer that is a meditation or contemplation on key events in the life of Jesus.

C3 – Microfiber cloth – I mainly use this to clean my iPhone’s screen

C4 – Foam earplugs – These have come in handy when staying in hotel rooms with noisy neighbors.

C5 – Contact lens case and eye drops

C6 – USB memory card on small lanyard

C7 – Tylenol packet

C8 – Mini stapler

C9 – TYLT SYNCABLE-DUO Charge and Sync Cable – This cable is extra useful because it can switch between both Apple Lightning and micro USB tips.

C10 – GorillaDrive USB Flash Drive and flexible USB to Apple Lightning Adapter – The GorillaDrive is SUPER durable, with high crush- and water-resistance.  The flexible Lightning Adapter is nice for plugging my iPhone into my laptop when I don’t want a bunch of cord tangling me up.

C11 – SanDisk USB flash drive and Tylenol travel size tube with a short length of Gorilla Tape wrapped around it – The Gorilla Tape around the tube is a trick I learned on an EDC site and it has come in handy once or twice to have some tape, especially since Gorilla Tape is super strong.

C12 – 2x Splenda sweetener packets – Emergency coffee sweetener.

C13 – Mimobot Boba Fett (RoTJ) USB Flash Drive – Fun, but not super practical, because it isn’t very compact.

C14 – Headphone adapter cable for LifeProof case

C15 – GORUCK Mini Wire Dopp (NOTE: The Mini version has not been sold for some time, but the regular, full-sized version is available) – I love this thing because it has the GORUCK uber-durability and it is also a smart way to organize your small items and still be able to see them all when you lay the Wire Dopp open flat.

C16 – Extra charging base for Garmin fenix 3 HR GPS watch – I like my fenix 3 HR, but like all high-end smartwatches, it required charging every few days, so I bring this in case I need to top off my watch’s battery at work.

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Gadgeteer Team EDC 2018 updates – Andy Jacobs originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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Wait, was I drinking from Euler’s Number or from the Golden Ratio?

NEWS – These bar glasses are for the mathematicians and scientists.  The set of four glasses feature mathematical constants and their expanded formulas.  You’ll choose from Pythagoras’s constant (√2), the golden ratio (Φ),  Euler’s Number (e), or pi (π).  The graphics can serve two functions:  1) identify which glass is yours, and 2) let you know you’ve had enough when you can no longer decipher the equation.  😉

Each glass stands 5.5″ tall with a 2.875″ diameter and holds 13 ounces.  They are top-rack dishwasher-safe.  A set of four USA-made glasses is $38.00 and is available only at UncommonGoods.

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Wait, was I drinking from Euler’s Number or from the Golden Ratio? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 12:06 pm.

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SOUL Emotion Wireless Earbuds review


REVIEW – As my quest for the best earbuds for me continues, there seems to be a constant battle among the earbuds that I test, with all challenging for supremacy and the number one position. The Soul Emotion Wireless Earbuds from Soul Electronics are the next to take on the challenge. So, here we go!!

What is it?

The Soul Emotion earbuds are wireless Bluetooth earbuds that provide the functionality for audio listening and phone functions. Their functions are similar to the standard earbuds.

What’s in the box?


1 x Soul Emotion Earbuds
1 x Charging Case
3 x Pairs of Ear Tips
1 x Micro USB Cable
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Communication card

Design and features

Specifications
Bluetooth Version: V4.2
Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, and HFP.
Range: 10 meters (33 feet)
Charging time (Full charge): Approx. 1 hour
Playtime: Up to 6 hours
Standby time: up to 40 hours
Charging Box: 300mAh
Recharge Earphones: 2 Times for each fully charged charging box
Weight: 27g Charging Box, 5g Each Earphone

Music Functions:
On either the left or right earbud:
1 press – play/pause
2 presses – track forward
3 presses – track backward

Call Functions:
On left earbud:
1 press – answer call
1 press – end call
1 long press – reject call

The charging case is small measuring just 2″ x 1″ x 1″, and the earbuds are also small and lightweight. They are offered in both white and black.

Inside of the charging case is a simple layout with a place for each small earbud and with charging pins on each side. In the center of the case between the two earbuds, there is a small circular LED that flashes during charging. (Check out the video below)

Performance

These earbuds are very lightweight and very comfortable in the ears, I was able to find a set of the included ear tips that fit me perfectly. When you first use them, you have to look carefully at the contacts, and remove the thin plastic film that covers them. The thin film is almost invisible to the naked eye, and I have to be honest and say that I only figured it out after I could not get the earbuds to charge even after plugging them in overnight. Pairing the earbuds is very easy and straightforward, and after the initial pairing, they automatically power on and pair with that device each time you remove them from the case. Their function includes the standard voice commands that confirm power status and connectivity. They also properly disconnect the Bluetooth connection when placed into the case. They produce a well-balanced sound, but for my taste, they do fall short a bit in the lower frequency.  I tested them with Jazz, Reggae, Gospel, Easy Listening, R&B, Soul and the Classics, and overall they performed quite well. The Bluetooth connection remained solid throughout testing with no disruptions even when in the high interference areas that I usually travel through each workday. It is important to note that they do employ a volume limiter, so they never get really, really loud. They fit well in your ears and do not attempt to fall out even during vigorous movements. When I tested them for phone calls, I could hear the other party clearly, but the other party kept saying that I sounded like I was in a basement and I did have to raise my voice quite a bit for them to hear me. Since I am convinced that somehow this is an issue that is specific to me regardless of the earbuds, these earbuds might handle phone calls better for others. One downside is that since the charging case battery is only 300mAh, so you only get just about 2 charges from the case per case charge.


On a sided note, they provide quite a nice light show when charging. (I shot the following video in my dark truck while it was raining heavily outside)

What I like

  • The compact size of the case and earbuds including how lightweight they are
  • The instant connection and disconnection when placed into or taken out of the charging case
  • The solid Bluetooth connection

What can be improved

  • The overall frequency range to provide deeper bass
  • A bit more volume range

Final thoughts

The Soul Emotion earbuds are a great balance of sound, size, weight, and functionality. They work very well in each category and are very pleasing to use. In this challenging battle to “wow” me and to reign supreme as the best earbuds for me, they do not earn the top spot, but they certainly earn a Good Performance rating. However, if rated in a class of earbuds in a similar price range, they could possibly earn top honors. They get a job well done and a thumbs up!!

Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Soul Electronics.

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SOUL Emotion Wireless Earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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The Stance Legends of Horror collection puts iconic horror film villains on your feet

NEWS – Halloween is less than two weeks away, so there’s no better time to show your holiday spirit. Stance can help you do just that with their Legends of Horror collection. They’ve brought back some of your favorite horror film icons and put them on a pair of socks.

The Legends of Horror collection features four different iconic horror film villains, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Pinhead. From Jason’s blood-spattered hockey mask to Freddy’s razor-sharp gloves these socks are perfect for your next Halloween party or showing off your love of horror films all year round.

Along with being scary these cotton crew socks also feature terry loop cushioning, arch support, reinforced heel and toe, as well as, a seamless toe closure.

The Stance Legends of Horror Socks sell for $18-$20 a pair and are available from the Stance website. Just make sure to stay away from Camp Crystal Lake, steer clear of Elm Street and never trick or treat alone.

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The Stance Legends of Horror collection puts iconic horror film villains on your feet originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station review

REVIEW – Every gadget I have reviewed has one important thing in common: They all use power. It doesn’t matter if it’s a smartphone, Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones—the batteries eventually need charging. To charge my various devices, I use outlets, hubs, my car and when I’m not around a power source—a battery backup. Let’s now take this a step further—the electricity is out and won’t return for a few days (when you live in Florida this isn’t far-fetched), your devices are dying and that trusty battery backup is drained also. Now what? Consider a large backup for your backups—a portable power station. One such mini-monster is the Jackery Explorer 240Wh Emergency Backup Lithium Battery.

What is it?

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a portable power station. Among its many ports are a 12V auto, two USB and one 110V AC. It’s made for outdoor and indoor use and is capable of charging multiple devices at the same time. It is a sine wave inverter. This means that the power output is clean power—like utility-supplied electricity. Inverter power is safer for delicate electronics.

Specs

  • Capacity: 240Wh
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs
  • Dimensions: 9.0’’ x 7.8” x 5.2”
  • Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V / 40W max.
  • AC Output: 110V, 200W (300W max.)
  • Car Port: DC 13.3V, 10A
  • USB Outputs (2): 5V, 2.4A (each)

Design and features

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a power station that can power almost anything for a decent amount of time—depending on the device. For example, its 240Wh will recharge a tablet 7+ times, smartphone 20+ times, laptop 3+ times, a GoPro 40+ times or even power a car cooler for 6+ hours or a 32” TV for 3+ hours. If you’re camping, the Explorer 240 will power a 5W light for 40+ hours. In other words, it should easily power a weekend camping trip. 

If you’re a serious camper, optional solar panels will recharge the Explorer 240 in 10 hours (depending on sunlight). Jackery’s 50W solar panel will cost an extra $200. Otherwise, the Explorer 240 will recharge in 7 hours via house outlet or 12V car charger (both cables included). 

Note that you cannot take the Explorer 240 on an aircraft. It is not waterproof, so if used on camping trips, it should be kept out of the elements. All of the Explorer 240’s power comes from lithium ion batteries, so it’s completely silent with no vibration and zero emissions. 

Many safety features are built in using what Jackery calls its Battery Management System (BMS). BMS offers protection from short circuits, over current, over charging, over voltage and is temperature resistant. It comes with a 24 month warranty.

The Explorer 240 weighs less than 7 lbs. and is easy to carry with its conveniently oversized handle. It’s constructed of high impact plastic with all the ports placed on one side, so there’s no guessing when searching for the correct port. Each of the ports has its own power button that lights up when on. Note that plugging in a device does not automatically charge the device. The corresponding button for that port must be pressed.

Also on the port side is a light-up LCD window that shows total power consumption in watts (if it goes over 200W, it will automatically shut off). For example, charging a smartphone takes a whopping 1-2W! The LCD also shows the percentage of how much battery life remains on the Explorer.

Using the Explorer 240 couldn’t be easier. Just carry and plug-in devices as needed. All ports are well made, so any connection feels solid and secure. The small size makes it easy to store without taking up much room in either a car or tent. Plus its rugged exterior feels like it will last for years while enduring rough handling.

What I like

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Powerful
  • Totally quiet
  • No fumes
  • All ports on one side

What needs to be improved

  • Not water resistant
  • Expensive

Final Thoughts

You might say that the Jackery Explorer 240 is a one-trick pony and technically you would be correct. But what a pony it is! It’s comforting to know that you can have hours of quiet, safe and reliable power instantly available during extended blackouts, camping trips or even as part of a winter emergency kit for your car.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the Jackery name, They’ve recently teamed with Honda, who will market identical power stations (with slightly different battery capacities)  under the “Honda by Jackery” label. If Honda is confident enough to put their name and reputation on Jackery’s power stations, then that should count for something.

Price: $299.99 US
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this product was provided by Jackery.

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Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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