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The DotStone 2 Port HDMI Switcher simply works!

For many years, since HDMI first became one of the standard ports included with audio/video devices, I have been in search of a HDMI switch that will allow me to connect more than one device to my TV or one of my monitors. In some cases, I needed it to work vice versa to connect one device to 2 separate displays, and switch between the two.

Over the years I have purchased numerous HDMI switches ranging in price from $80 to $400 and all have failed over a relatively short period of time, with a bit longer than a year being the greatest longevity. Most of the switches, especially the more expensive ones with multiple outputs and in some cases multiple inputs and outputs, required external power and seemed to eventually suffer their demise from the heat their circuits generated. I do suspect that the eventual failure had to do with burned out components or “cold” solder joints.

About a year ago, I once again found myself in a similar situation with a need to connect a Roku box and a Fire Stick to a monitor. Because of my failed history with HDMI switches, I was very apprehensive to try another one, but it seemed like the only sensible option. After extensive online research, I came across the DotStone bi-directional 2 x 1/1 x 2 Manual HDMI Switcher that was quite cheap, and therefore could not inflict the financial damage of its predecessors. Since it also had a relatively large number of positive reviews, I decided to give it a chance.

After using the very small but well-built switcher for almost a year, I am very pleased with its reliable and consistently perfect performance. I honestly was not expecting much, but I have been so impressed by it that I have now purchased a second one. Since I do not care about the convenience of having a wireless remote, this manual switcher is a win!! I have additional praise for its included feature of bi-directional switching, which I have tried it in both directions with multiple devices. I am happy to report that it has performed flawlessly.

You can purchase the DotStone 2 port Bi-direction Switch on Amazon for the amazing price of $10.18

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The DotStone 2 Port HDMI Switcher simply works! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 2, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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ACME Studios Eco Pen doesn’t add to the landfill

I like using those clear barrel disposable pens.  They’re cheap, and you can always keep several around in case you misplace one, but the downside is that the plastic barrel is going to hang around in a landfill for a long time.  ACME Studios has developed some plastic barrel pens that will break down in about a year, so you can still use your favorite style of pen without the guilt of adding to the pollution.

The ACME Studios Eco Pen’s body and cap are made of 100% biodegradable corn starch plastic.  When disposed of properly, they’ll break down in a year; the refill isn’t biodegradable, though.  The body of the pen has a window that lets you see your ink level, and all pens use black ink.

Bedol offers the Eco Pen for $2.49 each.  They are available in twelve colors, but you’ll be sent a random color.  Check them out at Bedol.

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ACME Studios Eco Pen doesn’t add to the landfill originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 2, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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This dashcam protects your car around the clock

Thieves don’t like cameras. That’s what Owl is counting on with their new entry into the ever-crowded dashcam market. Owl is an always-on, multipurpose “Car Cam” which records video when you’re driving and protects your car when you’re elsewhere. This small but powerful device leverages a touchscreen, front and rear-facing cameras, a lot more tech, and an LTE connection to monitor your car. Their monthly Owl LTE Service lets it call you, providing live audio/video and 24-hour recording if there’s an activity you should know about. Saying “OK Presto” sends clips to your phone instantly for sharing to your social channels.
Owl retails for $349 and currently requires an iPhone 6 or newer running iOS 11 (or higher). A year of their LTE service is included with some limitations on the number of clips you can upload each month. There’s also a waiting list for any Android users out there. To find out more, head on over to owlcam.com for the details.

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This dashcam protects your car around the clock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 2, 2018 at 7:00 am.

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Something new for Star Wars fans: Wooden model kits!

If you are a Star Wars fan and are looking for a new collectible, try these wooden model kits.  You can build your own Millennium Falcon, X-Wing fighter, or TIE fighter with these kits from Lee Valley Tools.  Each kit has laser-cut plywood pieces that punch out and assemble without the use of glue.

Each model comes with a booklet “detailing the spacecraft’s background, design and capabilities, and includes photos, drawings and behind-the-scenes commentary on techniques used to bring it to life on the screen.”  You’ll also find tips in there for painting or decorating the ships using your own paints and supplies.  Each kit is $16.95 at Lee Valley Tools.

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Something new for Star Wars fans: Wooden model kits! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 1, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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The Canon EOS M50 – finally a camera that may fill a critical void in their lineup!

Whenever I go on a photography shoot, I always feel uneasy only having one camera with me. While it makes a lot of sense to have a backup camera, it is also very important to have a camera that is lighter, smaller, very capable in features, and otherwise not lagging very far behind my larger professional series DSLR. As a Canon fan, I have looked at their line of cameras to find one that would closely meet my requirements, but so far, they have fallen short in several ways.

This past week, Canon announced the EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital Camera and I immediately got excited. The M50 prominently features a new Raw format, a new DIGIC 8 processor which is a first for Canon, an OLED electronic viewfinder, a shooting rate of 10 fps and yes!!, 4K video.

Canon has chosen to use a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and they have included the options for Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth. They also feature Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus and 5-axis image stabilization, but it seems that the Dual Pixel Autofocus is not available when shooting 4K video. (I will confirm this when I get one in my hands!). The inclusion of their eTTL flash system makes it easy to swap my flash from my professional EOS DSLR and the M50, and just keep going.

This combination of features makes this camera very appealing as a “go to” backup camera, especially since it weighs less that one pound with the battery and memory card installed.

The M50 is expected to be released in March 2018, and can be pre-ordered as a body only, or with a couple of options for kit lens.

You can head over to B&H Photo Video and pre-order at a starting price of $779.00.

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The Canon EOS M50 – finally a camera that may fill a critical void in their lineup! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 1, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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