Julie’s gadget diary – Thoughts after spending a week in paradise with a Pixel 2 XL, LG V30, and a Nextbook 2-in-1 laptop

We just returned home last night from a week on Sanibel Island, Florida where we vacation almost every year. This year I packed pretty light tech-wise. I only took 3 smartphones and a Windows 10 2-in-1 laptop. The phones were my new Pixel 2 XL, the LG V30 which I’m reviewing and a tiny Android smartphone called the Jelly which I’m also reviewing. For this trip, I left my 12″ MacBook at home so I could spend a full week using the Windows 10 Nextbook Flex 11a convertible laptop/tablet which I’m also reviewing.

When we checked into our condo, I tried to make a call only to notice that my Pixel 2 XL and no signal. My heart sunk because we had just switched from Verizon to T-Mobile and I was bracing for Jeanne to give me grief about the switch. So I grabbed the LG V30 which is on loan from Verizon Wireless and checked the signal on it and it only had one bar.

I don’t remember having issues with cellphone coverage other times that we’ve spent there on the island. But this time both the LG V30 on Verizon and my Pixel 2 XL on T-Mobile had really crappy coverage. Maybe it was due to Hurricane Irma, but we could barely get a signal in our condo. Luckily the condo had decent WiFi. When we were out and about on the island, the signal of both Verizon and T-Mobile was fine (for the most part).

During the week all the news about the Pixel 2 XL screen problems starting coming in and I read several articles, but honestly, I think the issues are blown out of proportion. I hadn’t noticed any of the issues until I read about them. The blue tint problem when you tilt the Pixel 2 XL screen is the only issue so far that is the most obvious to me. I can see the same issue on the LG V30 and very slightly on the original Pixel XL. But I don’t tilt my phones back and forth when I use them, I look directly at the screen. I feel like this is a non-issue (at least for me).

The issue with the non-vibrant colors is also a non-issue for me. I can understand if you were a Samsung phone user going to a Pixel 2 that you would notice a difference. But I had been using an original Pixel for a couple of weeks before getting my Pixel 2 XL and I didn’t notice any problems with the colors. When Google releases the 8.1 update to Oreo, which is supposed to have a toggle to fix the vibrancy issue, I’ll see if I can tell a difference. But for now, I’m fine with the colors.

I also haven’t noticed the “dirty screen” issue in low light or the burn-in issue with the virtual nav buttons at the bottom of the screen. Neither of those issues is obvious to my eyes, but I’ll definitely make sure to look into this issue as I work on my Pixel 2 XL review.

In my last gadget diary post, I mentioned that I had recently switched from an iPhone back to Android and from Verizon to T-Mobile and that I was even thinking of switching from a MacBook to a Windows laptop. But before I pulled the trigger on that switch, I wanted to do a trial run first so instead of taking my 12″ MacBook to Sanibel with me, I took the Nextbook Flex 11a 2-in-1 laptop/tablet with me. I figured it would be a good test to see if I could live with a Windows 10 device and a convertible device before committing to switching.

So how did it go using the Nextbook and Windows 10 all week? Let’s just say that I’m so glad to be back home on my little 12″ MacBook. The Nextbook (full review coming soon), packs a LOT of features into a very inexpensive laptop/tablet, but oh my goodness is it slow. At least it was at the condo and at the Fort Myer’s airport. I still need to use it here at home before passing my final judgment. But for now, I am glad to be home and back on my MacBook. So soooooo glad. I’m not looking forward to going back to work next week though. 😉

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Julie’s gadget diary – Thoughts after spending a week in paradise with a Pixel 2 XL, LG V30, and a Nextbook 2-in-1 laptop originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 28, 2017 at 10:41 am.

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Apple quietly introduces its new MacBook leather sleeve

Friday while many of us, including myself, were pre-occupied with staying up late or getting up early (depending on which time zone you’re in) in hopes of scoring the newest iPhone, Apple quietly introduced another new product. In fact, it’s the first of its kind ever made by Apple. The new Leather Sleeve for the 12‑inch MacBook.

Now we all know Apple makes all manner of cases for the iPhone and iPad, but this is the first case/sleeve they’ve ever made for a MacBook. The Sleeve is crafted from high-quality European leather with a soft microfiber lining. Its design also allows you to charge your 12-inch MacBook while it’s kept protected inside the sleeve. And it even has the iconic Apple Logo emblazoned on the top. The New $149 12-inch MacBook Leather Sleeve is available right now in two colors, Saddle Brown and Midnight Blue. Visit apple.com for more info and to order.

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Apple quietly introduces its new MacBook leather sleeve originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 28, 2017 at 8:30 am.

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Shinola + Zieba New York MS3 Manhattan Special Pocket Knife review

Along with gadgets and tech-toys, I’ve been a watch guy forever. Shinola is a US watchmaker that I have had my eye on for years. They are based out of Detroit and create fine timepieces and other luxury items. In this case, Shinola has partnered with New York based knife maker, Michael Zieba to create a high end pocket knife, the New York MS3 Manhattan folder. I’m looking forward to seeing if it has what it takes to make my EDC gear short list. 

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

The New York MS3 Manhattan Special pocket knife is made from high-quality titanium and M390 stainless steel held together with blue anodized screws all hand assembled. Every part of this flip-folder pocket knife is perfectly machined, featuring a solid minimalistic design with a nearly instantaneous deployment/flip mechanism.

A Bit of Background:

About SHINOLA:

Shinola is an American manufacturer based in Detroit creating everything from watches, clothing, bikes, to fine leather goods. Their goal is to “…create a community that will thrive through excellence of craft and pride of work. Where we will reclaim the making of things that are made well. And define American luxury through American quality.”

About ZIEBA KNIVES

Michael Zieba is a knife maker based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York’s industrial Park. With a long tradition and experience in high end metal work and custom knife making, all knives are made by Mike by hand.

The New York MS3 Manhattan pocket knife comes in a rugged, padded, protective case designed for shipping and storage.

Specifications:

  • BLADE — 2 5/8 in | 6.7 cm
  • CLOSED — 4 1/6 in | 10.7 cm
  • OPEN — 6 3/4 in | 17.1 cm
  • WEIGHT — 2.2 oz.

The handle is crafted from a lightweight, matte titanium with blue anodized screws that stands out nicely against the flat gray metal. The handle measures just over 4 inches, with an overall length of 6.75 inches when the blade is extended.

The MS3 Manhattan pocket knife features an M390 stainless steel  blade. At 2 5/8 inches, the blade is relatively short (and very pointy) but nicely shaped and wickedly sharp. As you can see, the Zieba Knives logo is engraved into the left side of the blade.

The flip mechanism and frame-lock are both simple and easy to operate one-handed. With minimal moving parts and high quality materials, this pocket knife is definitely engineered to stand the test of time. The belt clip has the Shinola logo etched in it.

The precision frame-lock secures the blade into the open position with zero blade wiggle and little chance of the blade accidentally closing.

There are ridges machined into the backspacer, thumb ramp, and blade flipper for added grip-ability. The beltclip is stiff and does a good job of keeping the knife securely on your belt or in your pocket.

As mentioned above, when closed, the New York MS3 Manhattan pocket knife measures just over 4 inches and weighs 2.2 ounces. It has a very dense, solid feel with good heft to it.

The Shinola + Zieba New York MS3 Manhattan pocket knife has an excellent material/build quality and weight to it. Its matte finish, form factor, and overall size both open and closed feel awesome in the hand. Being the smallest knife I have reviewed thus far, I find it very pocketable and choose to carry it in the watch pocket of my pants vs keeping it in my EDC bag. This high quality flip-folder is currently my favorite knife in my collection. Its overall craftsmanship, size, and weight makes it ideal (at least for me). The Shinola + Zieba MS3 Manhattan pocket knife is without a doubt an expensive, luxury item but if you’re looking for a great splurge holiday gift, it is definitely worth your consideration.

One more thing: a good friend (Hi Dave) at my day job is quite the knife connoisseur. Whenever I receive a new high end knife to review, I bring it into work for us to analyze (aka play with) and discuss. He is very knowledgeable and often critical but definitely knows what he likes (and dislikes) in a knife. Well when I showed him the MS3 Manhattan, it was love ❤️ at first sight. Like me, he thought the feel, form factor, and build/material quality were without a doubt top-shelf. So much so, he kept holding/futzing with it for a VERY long time (almost awkwardly so 😉) and I was wondering if I was going to have to tackle him while trying to escape with it. All that said, just another testament on just how very nice this knife is…

Source:  The sample for this review was provided by Shinola. Please visit their site for more information and to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $295
Manufacturer: Shinola + Zieba
Pros:
  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Premium materials
  • Nicely sized with solid feel/weight
  • Engineered to last a lifetime
  • Smooth opening and closing action
  • Stiff, secure pocket clip
Cons:
  • Expensive

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Shinola + Zieba New York MS3 Manhattan Special Pocket Knife review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 27, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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QCY Wireless Sport Earphones review

Can you ever really have too many sets of earbuds?  Right, I didn’t think so.  I mean, you need some in your office, car, and all over the house.  What I don’t like about earbuds is that they are always falling out of your ears.  So the $24.99 QCY Wireless Sport Earphones intrigued me because of their over-the-ear design.  But would the sound quality pass muster, and would that cord not get in the way?  Let’s find out.

Before we get into the review, let’s look at the specs from the manufacturer:

Weight:  .5 oz

Speakers:  10mm speakers built-in (other buds mostly use 6mm or 8mm speakers) to deliver the Deep Bass as well as the accurate midrange and treble frequencies for real HD quality.

Battery:  90mAh lithium polymer battery can deliver you a max 8 hours at 50% volume. Standby up to 8 days, while only needing 1.5 to 2 hours to get a full charge.

Controls:  Built-in control buttons on the earbuds.

Warranty:  1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 30 days no-questions-asked return policy.

Bluetooth 4.1

Included in the box:  QCY earphones, a USB power cable, and some extra tips for the earphones

What I liked

These earphones sound great!  In fact, I can’t listen to them on max volume because they are simply too loud.  They paired quickly with both my cell phone and my tablet.  The buttons on the earbuds are great and work really well.  I love not having to fumble to find the in-line controls that a lot of other earbuds have.  And the over-the-ear design is awesome.  These earphones have never fallen off, or even come close to falling off. Finally, the battery life is pretty much what QCY says.  I do use them a little louder than the recommended 50% level though, so I don’t quite get 8 hrs of use.  But I did test it at the 50% level and did get about 8 hrs.

What I didn’t like

They do function as a Bluetooth headset to answer your phone calls, but I wasn’t that impressed.  My wife told me that it sounded like I was in a tunnel, so the sound quality isn’t that great for phone calls.  But really, that is pretty much what I have experienced with other earbuds that are promoted as being able to answer calls.  Answering calls is really secondary to what they are made to do, which is listen to music. So I am not that worried about this feature.

I am disappointed that there wasn’t something in the package to help with storing the earphones.  The over-the-ear design is great for wearing, but they are a nightmare when you have to store these or transport them somewhere.  The cable gets tangled up in the earphones and I have yet to find a way to not spend 2 minutes untangling the cord.

I usually use the earphones with my cell phone when I am walking the dog.  And I have found that I need to hold my cellphone in my right hand when walking or I get skipping in my music.  I can’t put the phone in my left pocket or it just skips too much.  I imagine that if I had one of those straps on my arm to hold my phone it would be fine, but I don’t.  So that is kind of annoying.

Bottom line

I love these for the sound and ease of controlling the music with the buttons on the earbuds, and they are so light you already don’t know they are there.  And for the price of $24.99, it is hard to complain.  But I don’t like the struggle of keeping them untangled and the skipping when my phone is on the left side of my body.  So I only use them in certain situations when I don’t have to deal with the possibility of skipping, like sitting in my office or at home at my desk.  I can recommend these, as long as you can deal with the downsides.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by QCY. Please visit Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $24.99
Manufacturer: QCY
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • Bluetooth enabled device
Pros:
  • Very affordable
  • Great sound
  • Very light and comfortable
Cons:
  • Sometimes I got skipping sound
  • Easily tangled cord
  • Mediocre quality when used for phone calls

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QCY Wireless Sport Earphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 27, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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Samsung and ADT launch a DIY home security system with some extra tricks

Samsung and ADT have partnered to come out with an ADT-Monitored DIY Security and Home Automation Solution. The partnership brings together the best of both worlds – Samsung’s robust SmartThings smart home eco-system with ADT’s expertise in home security monitoring. Unlike ADT’s previous offerings, this new system is designed to be an easy DIY system that you can set up all on your own. 

In the box, you get the ADT Security Hub with its 7-inch touchscreen control panel and built-in siren, along with easy to install wireless detectors and alarms that can be used on doors and windows. The system also works as a SmartThings Hub, which means that it’s compatible with hundreds of compatible devices like lights, cameras, doorbells, door locks, thermostats, sensors, voice assistants, and more. Integration with SmartThings means that the SmartThings app can be used to control not only your smart home system but your home security system too. So in addition to getting security alerts, you can use the app to do things like unlocking the door remotely and watch video through your web camera.

A monthly fee is required for the ADT monitoring service, and it will cost $24.99 for security monitoring and an additional $14.99 for life safety monitoring, which includes more extensive monitoring for things like carbon monoxide detection. And while ADT is notorious for their contract commitments, for the first time ever, there will be no contract involved or any sort of commitment. Instead, customers can subscribe to the ADT monitoring service on a month-to-month basis, and they can even sign up for it right from within the SmartThings app, without ever making a phone call.

It’s worth noting that the Security hub operates over wi-fi by default, but it has an LTE connection integrated as a backup. ADT says that unlike most other security monitoring solutions, they are not charging extra for the LTE service.

The ADT Home Security Starter Kit retails for $549.99, with an expansion pack retailing for $199. The expansion pack includes smoke, water leak, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fun fact: ADT is older than the automobile.

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Samsung and ADT launch a DIY home security system with some extra tricks originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 27, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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