You love our reviews and we love writing them. To provide even more value, we like to update our past reviews on a regular basis so you will know how the products stand the test of time. Today we have a new batch of review updates from Kathleen and Howard. Click through to see the list of their updated reviews and find the new info at the bottom of each linked review.
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There are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a home security camera. Do you want a cloud-based camera or a camera that saves footage locally? Do you want to be able to live stream via a mobile device? Do you need an expandable system? Do you need a camera that can pan and tilt? Is pricing a major factor in your choice? These are all factors that I keep in mind when shopping and reviewing security cameras like the latest camera that I’ve been testing – the Samsung Wisenet SmartCam A1.
What is it?
The Wisenet SmartCam A1 from Samsung is a low to mid-range priced home security camera that has basic and advanced features.
What’s in the box?
Station Hub
SmartCam A1 camera
Power adapter
Ethernet cable
Quick start guide
Design and features
The SmartCam A1 has a unique design that includes the Station Hub unit with a removable 350° panning wireless camera that contains its own rechargeable battery.
A set of spring loaded pins on the top of the hub provide power and connectivity to the camera when it is docked on top of the hub.
On the back of the Station Hub, you’ll find a microSD card slot which is used to save continuous camera footage. Below the card slot is a WiFi direct button, a pairing button, an Ethernet port and a power port.
The camera is shaped like a hockey puck. It has a 130° Ultra-Wide Angle lens with a status LED and microphone on the right side and a motion sensor on the left side.
On the bottom of the camera is a pairing button, on / off switch, a set of electrical contacts for the Station Hub, and a threaded tripod socket.
The bottom front edge of the Station Hub has two status LEDs. The LED on the left provides booting status and the LED on the right provides WiFi connectivity status.
The camera attaches to the top of the Station Hub with magnets but can be removed and placed anywhere inside your home for up to 3 hours of wireless surveillance.
The top of the hub can rotate which gives the SmartCam A1 the ability to pan 350 degrees. You can do this manually, or the app can automatically track subjects when it detects motion.
Setup
Setting up and configuring the SmartCam A1 using the iOS and Android SmartCam app is an easy step-by-step process.
After installing the app and creating an account, you have to power on the Station Hub and the connected camera by making sure the power switch on the bottom of the camera is in the on position. You can then connect the Station Hub to your wireless router using the included Ethernet cable, or you can finish the setup using WiFi.
After the camera is working, you can customise the settings for motion, audio detection, and auto tracking. You can create a schedule for the times and days when you want the camera to automatically monitor for motion.
You can also set specific trigger areas to monitor for motion only in those areas. For example, in the image above, you can see that I have set trigger zones for the doorway and the chair.
Buttons in the app will allow you to arm and disarm all or individual cameras.
Other features include two-way audio and playing alarm sounds through the camera. You can also use the app to view past events and any past point in time that has been recorded on a microSD card (not included).
The picture quality of this home security camera is clear and sharp, but there is some fisheye warp on the edges as you can see from the image above.
The SmartCam A1 also has decent night vision.
When the SmartCam A1 detects motion or audio, it will send a notification to your mobile device or an email if you have configured that option. Be aware that the SmartCam A1 is almost too sensitive when it comes to detecting motion. Even when set to the lowest sensitivity setting, it will detect the smallest movement which caused my phone to constantly ping with a new notification. It got so annoying that I disarmed the camera.
As mentioned above, the SmartCam A1 records continuous video footage to a microSD card. You can view that footage through the SmartCam app or you can remove the microSD card and view the footage on your Mac or PC.
I did run into a problem trying to view the footage on my MacBook. The video files are saved as .AVI files on the microSD card. These files should be viewable using QuickTime, but I received an error each time I tried to view them so I tried VLC media player. The videos play using that app, but they have informational text that is overlayed over the video for the entire clip. Note that you don’t see this textual overlay when you view the same footage through the SmartCam mobile app.
I think the best feature of the SmartCam is the auto tracking feature which will follow the subject in the viewable area when motion is detected. See an example below.
It is a little creepy when you notice that the camera is following you around the room, but it’s a pretty handy feature.
Final thoughts
I’ve been using the Samsung Wisenet SmartCam A1 Home Security camera system for several weeks. I really like the auto tracking feature and the ability to pan the camera manually. I also like that there are no cloud storage fees involved because the footage is stored locally. If (hopefully when) Samsung can fix the motion detection sensitivity issue, the SmartCam A1 security camera system could easily become my new favorite.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Samsung. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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Both Julie and I have longed for Apple to produce a Surface Pro like product, a hybrid tablet running macOS. Apple argues that the iPad Pro fills that niche and is more than powerful and capable enough to get the job done. And I might agree that the iPad Pro has the horsepower but so far iOS has fallen a bit short for me. With iOS 11 and a portable keyboard, I have renewed hope that I can make the iPad Pro my main productivity travel companion. The Logitech Slim Combo is one of the most feature-rich smart connector enabled keyboards available. For this review, Logitech sent me their 10.5″ version in classical blue to check out.
The Logitech Slim Combo is a well made, plastic two-piece solution for adding productivity and protection to the iPad Pro. The back panel encases your iPad Pro and securely holds it in place with a snap. The front cover or base of the Combo is a nicely engineered keyboard that magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro’s smart connector.
The casing is made from rigid plastic and high-performance technical fabric with PU coating for spill-resistance. The case has cutouts and push-thru buttons taking nothing away from the functionality and features of the iPad Pro.
The back panel is very form fitted and takes a bit of force to get the iPad perfectly seated…but once inside there is little chance of it accidentally falling out.
The Slim Combo has an integrated loop built into the keyboard portion the case to transport the Apple Pen.
The top of the back hard case has a push-thru for the power button and cutouts for both speakers, mic, and audio plug.
The Slim Combo’s keyboard attaches on the left side of the case magnetically to the iPad’s Apple Smart Connector. The magnetic hold is adequate but the keyboard did fall off every now and then.
The base of the case has a large cutout allowing access to the iPad’s lighting port and speakers.
The backlit keyboard has no battery and is powered by your iPad via its smart connector. Connectivity is thru the connector as well, (versus Bluetooth) meaning little to no lag while typing. According to Logitech, the keyboard uses between 0.4 to 2.3 percent of iPad battery for an hour of typing depending on backlighting brightness. There are three levels of backlighting that automatically turns off 8 seconds after the last keystroke. Interestingly the keyboard’s firmware is automatically updated when connected to the iPad Pro via Smart Connector.
The keyboard has 19 mm key pitch and 1.5 mm key travel. The palm rest is comfortable and enables good hand/finger positioning for typing. The keyboard feels a bit cramped compared to my 12″ MacBook but is more than functional and way better than typing on the iPad’s virtual keyboard. That said, I keep reaching for an imaginary trackpad that would make the setup perfect/ideal.
The bottom of the keyboard is textured as you can see below so that it does not slide around and is easy to hold onto when on the go.
Alright, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. The Logitech Slim Combo is ANYTHING but slim/tiny/petite/etc… It transforms the sleek, tech-sexy 10.5″ iPad Pro into a clunky, though admittedly productive, behemoth. The case alone weighs more than the iPad Pro.
Together they weigh more than the 12″ MacBook.
Specifications:
Height x Width x Depth: 10.16 in x 7.24 in x 1.06 in
Weight: 1.16 lbs
Logitech engineered a built-in stand into the back of the back cover. In landscape mode, the stand holds iPad Pro at any angle in within 50 degrees range: from 20 to 70 degrees. In portrait mode, the stand holds iPad Pro at 73 degrees. The iPad Pro auto turns on/off when the keyboard is opened or closed.
In true Gadgeteer style, this review was written on the Slim Combo keyboard with no hassle whatsoever. The typing was best on a flat surface because the case was not very lap-friendly at all.
While not as compact, sleek, or pretty as a naked iPad, the Logitech Slim Combo adds excellent protection in addition to significantly increasing productivity. The case is perfectly form fitted for the 10.5″ iPad Pro, completely encasing it. The keyboard is feature rich besting Apple’s keyboard in everything but size and weight. Overall the Logitech Slim Combo is an excellent choice if you want to transform your iPad Pro into more of a hybrid computing device.
Source: The samples for this review were provided by Logitech. Please visit their site for more information and Best Buy to order.
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Carrying around all the things we feel we need on a regular basis means most of us take a bag of some sort with us to most places. It may be a purse, waist pack, laptop bag, satchel, or backpack, but it’s all the same in the end: does it carry what you need to get through the day? Incase makes a lot of different models of bags, and they recently sent us a Compass backpack model in solid black to review.
Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.
Specs
Dimensions: 18.5” x 11.75” x 5.25” (L x W x H)
Volume: 24L
Compatibility: Up to 15” MacBook Pro, iPad
Material: Durable 270x500D blended weave polyester.
Heavy-duty, triple-coated 900D polyester front panels and base.
Storage: Top access, faux-fur pocket.
Front pocket with zip closure.
Front bottom pocket with key ring clip.
Main compartment with built-in organizers and padded laptop sleeve
I moved my EDC stuff to this bag the first day, and have carried it back and forth to work for a few weeks now. The bag is sized to hold a 15″ MacBook Pro, and/or any size iPad. Across the back of the inside area is a full-height, plush-lined sleeve. There is only an inch or so of room above the inner face, which only the largest laptops will peek out of.
My work laptop is a Lenovo T440s, which has a 14” diagonal screen. It rattles around in the plush inner laptop sleeve and never sees out. My Retina 15” MacBook Pro slides easily inside, even with the walnut case on it I reviewed earlier, and does show over the top of the inner wall, but only a bit. The 12.9” iPad Pro fits without any issues. There is also a non-padded sleeve sewn to the laptop sleeve that does not reach the bottom of the bag. This will hold my iPad Air 2, as well as the larger iPad Pro, but doesn’t offer the full coverage from other items afforded by the laptop sleeve. Letter-sized magazines and papers fit here without a problem. It is also loose enough to slide the headband of non-collapsible headphones into so that they don’t settle to the bottom of the bag.
Across from the rear laptop sleeve, there are two flat pockets about 4” wide, with three pen silos in between. These are sewn in high on the bag, which allows them to be easily accessed, and other bulkier things to settle into the lower part of the bag. The remainder of the interior is open, so that umbrellas, hard drives, lunch bags, or whatever you carry around can fit with ease. It’s quite roomy in there.
On the outside of the bag, on the side that everyone sees, there is a small faux-fur lined pocket suitable for sunglasses, a phone, or a music player accessed from a fine-toothed zipper in the seam. I keep my rechargeable earbuds in there, in their case, so that I can always find them and the case doesn’t get opened accidentally. This pocket is a free-floating sac inside the interior, above the pen loops. My iPhone 6s Plus can fit in, but you have to wiggle it a bit, and there’s no way it would fit with headphones attached.
There is a larger lateral pocket a little lower, across the face of the rear flap, that holds most current phones and even some phablets. It is not furry inside, but easy to access by taking your left arm out of the strap and sliding the pack around to the front. The wide-toothed zipper zips down to open, however, so even though they would fit, I would not keep a passport or wallet in there. There is no way to secure it closed, although I never had it open by itself in use. But on a crowded bus or train, it could easily be opened by “bad actors.”
The last set of pockets is part of the lower heavy-duty coated covered band at the bottom, which extends around three sides. In some colors, this is an accent panel. The one I was sent is just a deeper black, but the coating prevents the bottom third of the pack from getting soaked through. Sitting your bag down on a damp or dirty lawn or floor can be remedied with a damp cloth. The pockets are accessed through a fine-toothed zipper that runs the full width of the back. There are two equal slash pockets on the pack side, but there is a lot of play in the design, so you could easily fit gloves, a phone, a banana, or a power supply into this area. There is a short 2” key strap just inside the opening with a metal clasp for your key ring. There is not near enough slack to actually use the keys while attached, however.
The back of the Compass has 2” horizontal bands sewn into the full back of open weave mesh with padding enough that you don’t feel the hard edges of things in that rear laptop sleeve. The fully-adjustable straps are over 2” wide, but not nearly as padded as some I’ve used. They are sewn in at the top with a 1” wide simple webbing haul loop that is comfortably sized, without being stiff and irritating rubbing on your neck while wearing the pack. During my walks from and to the car for work and around town, I found the pack to allow me to haul much more than I could comfortably carry in my previous pack. While the Compass is too flexible to stand on its own, it holds a lot, organizes that content sensibly, and allows the user to carry along different configurations of items at different times.
At $79.95, it’s well worth the money. The build quality is excellent, and the organization adds to the usefulness. It is available in Black, Black Camo, Navy, Deep Red, and Bronze.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Incase. Please visit http://incase.com for more info and Amazon to order one.
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You’re familiar with the classic slingshot design, right? Well, the gang at Pocket Shot has tossed that out the window, reimagining the slingshot concept with a completely new form factor. We’ve got the mini-sized version of their product, the Pocket Shot Jr., for testing. I also recruited a pair of teenagers to help with testing. Teens & slingshots: a perfect pairing. If you have kids, you know what I mean.
Let the adult-supervised mayhem begin!
Design and Construction
The Pocket Shot Jr. Doesn’t look like any slingshot you’ve ever seen. There’s no handle, no y-frame, and no rubber band. It’s a ring attached to a latex pouch. The pouch itself tapers to a point where your ammo sits when shooting, and has a set of flanges (Pocket Shot calls these “power fins”) that maximize power and accuracy. The whole design looks like something out of a dystopian sci-fi film… maybe the Hunger Games, or a Mad Max film. Whatever your genre preference, it’s a slick looking design.
The Pocket Shot team didn’t just stop with the new form factor; there’s some nice engineering design going on in the finished product. The grip ring is composed of two parts: an internal threaded sleeve that the pouch snaps onto, and an external locking ring that tightens down to secure the pouch. This allows for quick and easy change-out when your latex pouch needs replacement (they are rated for 200-400 shots before wearing out). There’s also an integrated screw-on lid that allows you to keep your ammo stored in the pouch when not in use, which also doubles as a wrench to tighten the locking ring. With the cap in place, you can stuff the pouch into a ring for super-compact (1/2” by 1-3/4”) package that fits easily into a pocket. The ring components and lid are made from high-impact polycarbonate composite for extended durability. There’s a lot of attention to detail in the design and materials here, and I have no doubt that these components will last a long time under extended use.
Time to Shoot Stuff!
Speaking of use… operation is super-easy. The ammunition drops into the pouch. You hold the ring with one hand, pull back the pouch with the other hand behind the fins. Aim at your target, release, and you’re shooting. We were firing at targets within moments of opening the packages. Reloading takes seconds. The lads both commented on how easy the Pocket Shot Jr. was to operate, and how much fun they were to play with.
If there was one area that the boys had a bit of trouble with, it was learning how to shoot accurately with the Pocket Shot Jr. It takes some practice, and you have to resist the urge to pull the pouch back as far as you can (a short pull is recommended). The practice ammo supplied with the package is made from bright orange 10mm ABS plastic, designed for safety and findability. We had a tough time getting accurate shots from more than 10 feet away from our target setup. When we swapped out the practice ammo for smaller AirSoft pellets, we found that accuracy and distance were much improved. Pocket Shot also makes a variety of metal ammo for more serious applications (like hunting), but we were doing basic target practice here and did not test these alternatives.
It’s also important to note that the model we tested is the smaller model; the full-size Pocket Shot packs a lot more power and includes options for upgrading the pouch to a “pro” version for more power. The big-boy version also includes a variety of upgrade options that work with basic design, including an attachment to shoot arrows! You can check out the full lineup on the Pocket Shot web site, as well as a bunch of fun videos about the product… for kids, I think the Pocket Shot Jr. is an ideal place to start (with the practice ammo) to get all the fun. And it is fun to play with, indeed.
It’s also important to note that the Pocket Shot, like any product in this category, can be dangerous. Our testers wore protective goggles throughout the evaluation and were under adult supervision for the whole process. These devices should never be aimed at other people, and appropriate caution should be used to ensure safe handling!
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