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The Dango Coin Capsule is something you never knew you needed until now

NEWS – I almost never use physical currency (coins and dollars) anymore. I use my phone (Huawei P30 Pro) with Google Pay wherever I can, or I use my credit card. That said, I do realize that there are places where coins are still needed to make purchases, like laundromats, self-serve car washes, parking meters, older vending machines, etc. And that brings me to the Coin Capsule from Dango. It’s a coin organizer that you never knew you needed until now.

The Coin Capsule is made in the USA of aerospace grade aluminum and is available in anodized jet black and satin silver. It’s designed to hold $5.44 in coins, which works out to 16 quarters, 10 dimes, 7 nickels, and 9 pennies. You can clip it to your belt or hang it from a lanyard. Want one? You can buy your own Coin Capsule for $39 from Dango Products.

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The Dango Coin Capsule is something you never knew you needed until now originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 10, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Waterfield Designs Compact Finn Wallet review

REVIEW – The Waterfield Designs Finn Wallet has been a product beloved by wallet fans for many years and has also undergone updates and changes during that time.  The Finn Wallet is a zipper style, of which I am a fan because the zipper allows it to hold the wallet’s contents more securely.  Recently, Waterfield Designs once again updated its Finn Wallet, and we had the opportunity fortunate to try one out.  Gadget on!

What is it?

The Finn Wallet is a thin, minimalist, zipper wallet available in multiple sizes that is designed to hold several cards and some cash.

Hardware specs

  • Material and color options
    • Waxed Italian Canvas in Brown or Blue each for $49
    • NEW Red or Blue Forza (Blue reviewed here) each for $49
    • Full-grain, deer-tanned leather in Brown, Black, or Blue each for $59
  • Size options
    • Compact = 4.25″ x 3″ weighing 1.4 oz.
    • International = 4.25″ x 3.375″ weighing 1.4 oz.
    • Passport = 5.75″ x 4.25″ weighing 1.8 oz. (adds $10 to cost)
    • iPhone XS = 6.0″ x 3.5″ weighing 2.2 oz.
  • Capacity by size
    • Compact = 20+ credit cards plus a wad of cash (reviewed here)
    • International = 20+ credit cards plus a wad of cash, including US or foreign-sized currency
    • Passport = 10+ credit cards and US or larger foreign currency and designed to hold a US Passport
    • iPhone XS = 20+ credit cards, US or larger currency, and an iPhone XS or similarly-sized smartphone
  • RFID blocking liner option available for an additional $10
  • Zipper = YKK self-locking
  • Location of manufacture = Workshop crafted in San Francisco, CA, USA

Design and features

The Finn Wallet is arguably the most classic and popular of all of Waterfield Designs’ wallet styles.  It has been in their product offering for many years and has undergone various updates and upgrades throughout that time.  In fact, its most recent version is an update thanks to the Waterfield Designs recent Nexgen Wallet Survey that was administered to customers and fans to solicit feedback for new designs and design updates.  In full disclosure,  I previously owned an earlier version of the Finn Wallet that was made of leather and had a larger footprint than this one (more like the iPhone XS size), so I was eager to compare it to this updated version of the Finn.

My initial impression of the Finn Wallet was that its new Blue Forza fabric had a very unique look and rich, deep blue color.  The Forza fabric’s texture has what I can only describe as many dimples on its surface (which feel funkily good), which not only gives it a 3D texture, but also gives it just a bit of additional grip.

While the Forza fabric of this review sample was quite unique in look and feel (and available in Red or this Blue colors), the Finn Wallet is also available in Brown, Black or Blue oil-tanned, full grain leather, as well as Brown or Blue Italian Waxed Canvas.

The Finn Wallet is available in several sizes: Compact (designed to hold several cards and US cash bills, shown here), International (designed to hold several cards and foreign bills), Passport (designed to hold several cards, US or foreign cash bills and a Passport), and iPhone XS (designed to hold several cash bills, cards, and iPhone XS or other similarly-sized smartphones inside it).  Each of these has an increasing footprint size to accommodate the noted contents, yet each remains quite compact for what they are designed to hold.

The Finn Wallet is known for maintaining its thinness despite being able to hold multiple cards and cash bills.

For size comparison purposes, the above photo shows the Waterfield Designs Micro Wallet on top and the Finn Wallet in Compact size beneath it.  They are very similar in footprint dimensions, although the Micro Wallet is slightly thinner due to having fewer layers of material.

 

 

The Finn Wallet has always featured a YKK Zipper that zips around two of its sides.  Like all of the materials used in the Finn Wallet, Waterfield Designs uses a high-quality YKK locking style zipper that, when its zipper pull is placed in the position shown in the left of the image above, can be slide open or closed freely, but when placed in the position shown in the right of the image above, is locked in place to help prevent the Finn Wallet’s contents from accidentally fallout out while in your pocket, purse, or bag.  This locking zipper has been a constant feature on every version of the Finn Wallet and I was happy to see that Waterfield Designs chose to continue it on its latest version of the Finn.

The interior of the Finn Wallet is lined and can include optional RFID protection for an additional $10.  Further, the inside of the Finn Wallet contains two pockets along its outsides that are intended as organizational features that can hold cards, cash bills, or other small items.

To test out the Finn Wallet, I loaded it up with the above items: 6 bills and 7 cards, which is a fair representation of what I might typically carry in my wallet on an average day.

As mentioned above, the Finn Wallet’s two identically-sized inside pockets provide some organization without adding greatly to the overall thickness of the wallet.  I like having the flexibility to put my cards in one pocket, bills in the other and receipts in the open middle, frequently used cards in one pocket, less-used cards and receipts in the other pocket and bills in the middle, or any number of other combinations depending on how my needs and preferences might evolve situationally or over time.  Additionally, the generous middle space can be used to hold cables, memory cards, or other small items in addition to the cards and cash, and the locking zipper will hold all of it securely.

 

With the Finn Wallet loaded with the 6 cards and 7 cash bills, its overall thickness does not greatly increase from its empty state.  This has been and I suspect always will be one of the reasons why the Finn Wallet is beloved by so many loyal fans.

What I like

  • Very small, very slim, very suited for either front or back pocket carry (though the larger Finn Wallet sizes may not be suitable for front-pocket carry)
  • Simple but versatile interior organizational pockets
  • Locking YKK zipper provides quick yet secure access to contents and could also be used to hold small items like cables, adapters, etc.
  • High-quality materials and construction—the Forza fabric looks and feels great and seems very durable

What I’d change

  • Nothing!

Final thoughts

The Waterfield Designs Finn Wallet is an excellent slim, compact, minimalist wallet if you want to carry several cards and cash and maybe a few additional small items securely.  It has a classic look and the Forza fabric is very unique in look and feel.  The Finn is just a bit on the pricey side, but as someone who has reviewed and used many wallets, I feel that its pricing is very reasonable considering its materials and construction, which give me the impression that it will last a long time, as Waterfield Designs’ products are known to do.

Price:

  • Waxed Italian Canvas in Brown or Blue each for $49
  • NEW Red or Blue Forza (Blue reviewed here) each for $49
  • Full-grain, deer-tanned leather in Brown, Black, or Blue each for $59
  • Add $10 for RFID blocking liner
  • Add $10 for iPhone XS size

Where to buy: Waterfield Designs (AKA SF Bags)
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Waterfield Designs

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Waterfield Designs Compact Finn Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 10, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Ekster Parliament Wallet review

REVIEW – Losing your wallet is guaranteed to wreck your day, especially if you’re absent-minded like me. Fortunately, the folks at Ekster have us covered! Not only is the Parliament Wallet a fine transporter of your cash & cards, but it has a tracking device that makes lost wallets a thing of the past. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a bifold style wallet with RFID protection and a tracking device that you can use with a mobile app, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

What’s in the box?

You’ll get the wallet and the tracking card (if you add the card to the package).

Hardware specs

The Wallet:

  • 0.4″ by 4.1″ by 0.25″
  • Stores 10+ cards
  • Integrated RFID-blocking card case which will hold up to 6 cards
  • European top-grain leather

The Tracking Card:

  • Powered by Chipolo technology
  • IOS9 or Android 4.4 (and greater) compatible
  • Worldwide Lost & Found Platform, QR Safety Net
  • 200 foot range with Bluetooth
  • Solar powered, with 2-3 month life between charges (3 hour charge time)
  • Voice activation compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa & Siri

Design and features

I reviewed a previous iteration of the Ekster wallet, and the newest version is identical in form factor. It’s a bifold design that’s built around and RFID-blocking case to hold your sensitive cards. Construction is excellent with top-notch fit and finish. It looks like Ekster is using a more refined leather and tighter stitching in the new model. It’s a solid build that’s available in multiple leather finishes, all of which look upscale and classy as all get-out:

The exterior pocket on the rear panel will hold the tracking card, or 2-3 regular cards if you choose not to use the tracker.

The inside of the front flap has 2 card slots. You could stretch them to hold 4 cards in all, but I think the 2-card configuration is nice and tight:

An elastic band on the body holds some cash, receipts, or a couple of extra cards:

The big design element that is unique to the Ekster, however, is the RFID-blocking case that’s built into the body of the wallet. See this little thumb button on the base?

You’ll insert your cards into the RFID-blocking case. This case will hold 4-6 cards depending on their depth (embossed cards take up more room). You slide them all into the case, as seen here:

When you push that thumb button the cards pop out of the case, fanned so that you can access the desired card:

The Tracking Card

The key to locating your wallet is the tracking card. This particular card is solar powered. Leave it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours, and you’ll have enough charge to last 2-3 months.

You’ll download the TrackR app to your mobile device, and pair the card to the app. Once you’re set up, you can use the app to find your wallet when it goes astray. Tap the “start searching” button on the app’s home page:

The card will now emit a tone that you can follow to track it down. The tone itself is nice and loud, and continues to ring until you stop it on the app or push the Ekster logo on the card:

The app now shows the location of your phone on a map. If the card is within Bluetooth range it will pick right up.

If it’s outside of the range, the app is connected to a crowdsourced GPS system through the Worldwide Chipolo Network. As long as another app is active within the range, the location will be picked up. The card also has a QR code printed on it that can be scanned by someone that finds your wallet, sending you a notification that it has been found.

Your tracking card can also be set up to work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri for voice-activated location to trigger the tone. It’s easy to set up and use, but I prefer to use the app since my phone is always within arm’s reach.

Performance

The design for the Ekster Parliament is excellent as a day-to-day wallet. The form factor is a bit on the chunky side, but that’s the trade off you get for the RFID-blocking case. I like the ability to stash quick-access cards in the slots on the front flaps, and the elastic band is a flexible solution for securing an assortment of cash, cards, or receipts on the go.

While the whole package is a tad more refined from the previous version, there are some issues that I had mentioned in the previous iteration. Your cards slide out of the RFID box in a tight grouping, which means some fumbling if you’re trying to pick a specific card. This isn’t a big deal if you’re not getting to those cards often, but can be a pain if you’re in line at the convenience store. There’s also not a lot of flexibility in the design, so things get chunky if you have a wad of bills secured with that elastic band. If your daily carry consists of 8-10 cards and a couple of bills for emergencies, however, you won’t have a problem with this.

Beyond that, the build quality is absolutely top notch. It looks great and is very durable, with no moving parts beyond the thumb switch. I expect this wallet to last a long time.

The location service is hit-or-miss for me. It’s great if I am within Bluetooth range, but the long-range tracking requires other smartphones with the app activated to be within range of the card to work. I live on the edge of suburbia and haven’t had any luck locating my wallet a few miles away in testing. Perhaps this is more effective in urban areas where the network is more active, but I am not seeing the benefit where I live.

What I like

  • High quality, durable construction.
  • RFID blocking capability.
  • Tracking card is great for locating your wallet within Bluetooth range (about 200 feet).

What needs to be improved

  • RFID case can be difficult to use if you need to get to a specific card quickly.
  • Rigid structure does not allow for flexibility if you need to carry extra stuff.
  • Long-range tracking card location seems to be inconsistent.

Final thoughts

The Ekster Parlaiment wallet is a fine wallet on its own. There are some form factor issues that may not appeal to all users, but I think you’ll be pretty happy with it if your daily carry favors keeping 8-10 cards at the ready with minimal cash. The tracking card is great for locating your wallet within Bluetooth range if you are absent-minded, but I am not convinced that it will work consistently over greater distances due to the crowdsourced nature of the network.

Price: Currently $79 USD for the wallet, and $29 USD for the tracker card.
Where to buy: Ekster Parliament product page and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Ekster.

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Ekster Parliament Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 21, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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IPPINKA MKC Tab Wallet review

KICKSTARTER REVIEW – If you’re a minimalist, we’ve got a cool little wallet for you to check out today. The folks at IPPINKA are offering up a Kickstarter for the MKC Tab Wallet. Not only is it hand made from glorious full-grain leather, but it has an integrated solution for your keys in addition to your cash & cards. Ditch that clunky old keyring banging around in your pocket! To the review!

What is it?

It’s a full grain minimalist wallet that also organizes your keys.

What’s in the box?

You’ll get the wallet. You can also order accessories that fit the key swivels (a bottle opener and a 16 GB USB drive).

Hardware specs

  • 2.6″ by 3.75″.
  • Full grain leather.
  • Chicago bolt screws.

Design and features

The MKC Tab Wallet is a beautiful, simple design. Rugged style is the name of the game here. Here’s what the front and rear faces look like:

The leather quality is excellent. I’m measuring it at about 1/16″ thick, and the dye runs through the full fabric. It’s burnished but not sealed, so you’ll see some nice character and patina develop over time. The interior faces and edging are left raw, adding to the rugged character:

The wallet is sized at a compact 2.6″ by 3.75″. Access to all of your stuff is from the top of the wallet, so it forms a slim wedge-like shape that slides easily into your front pocket. The pocket on the front face is sized for a couple of cards or a small fold of cash:

The center pocket holds 4 cards (give or take), and is RFID-blocking. It also uses a vinyl strap to facilitate getting to the contents:

When you stuff your cards into that center slot, you’ll pull the tab on the front face to slide them out:

The hidden trick behind the MKC Tab Wallet is the ability to wrangle your keys. A pair of Chicago bolts create swivels that allow you to swing your keys out for use. When you get the wallet, you unscrew the caps and slide your keys onto the bolts like so:

Screw the caps back into place, and you can swing out the business end of your keys for use:

Two different sized bolts are included in the kit. The longer bolts will allow for two keys on each side, while the shorter bolts allow for one key. You can also buy additional accessories provided by IPPINKA that work with these posts. A bottle opener and a USB drive are offered. You could also fit any accessory that you may have on your current keyring that has the same size and shape as a key.

Performance

As a minimalist wallet, there’s a whole lot to like here. Day-to-day usability is excellent and straightforward with quick & easy access to all the goods. Minimalism is the key here, though, so don’t expect to carry more than 4-6 cards and maybe a few bills. I also like that the internal pocket is RFID blocking while the external pocket is not. That means I can keep my work ID (or public transportation pass) in that external pocket for quick use while keeping my credit cards protected in that middle compartment.

The integrated key management will really be a matter of personal use. You won’t be able to add chunky non-standard keys or car keys that integrate a FOB. I don’t have an issue with this because I tend to keep my car key separate anyway. Both of our cars have keyless entry and start, so I just keep that thing clipped in my bag. I also tested these slots for some keyring-style shopping cards, and they won’t fully slide into the wallet. If you have a need for standard style keys or similar accessories, however, you’ll be very happy with this arrangement.

What I like

  • Slim, front-pocket-friendly design.
  • Excellent quality leather.
  • Simple, functional, usability.
  • Easy to setup or change to add/remove keys.
  • Built in RFID-blocking slot.

What needs to be improved

  • Support for standard sized keys may not work for some users.
  • If you carry a lot of cards and cash on a regular basis, the size won’t work for you.

Final thoughts

I’m really liking the IPPINKA MKC Tab Wallet so far. It’s a great little design that combines excellent functionality with durable hand made leather quality. The Kickstarter just launched, so you have until July 10th to get in on this one. As of this writing, you can still get in on the limited pledge discount price at roughly $53 USD if you act quickly. Accessories are an extra charge. Estimated delivery of finished products is September 2019.

Price: Pledges are available starting at roughtly $53 USD.
Where to buy: Visit the Kickstarter page.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by IPPINKA.

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IPPINKA MKC Tab Wallet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 14, 2019 at 2:01 pm.

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Sena Wallet Skin Leather Case for iPhone XS Max review

REVIEW – So you’re trying to ditch your wallet, but you need a bit more room for cash and cards than one of those single-slot phone cases. The Sena Wallet Skin Leather Case may be the answer you’re looking for. It features a design that still maintains that minimalist profile, and it looks great too. How does it stand up to our testing? To the review!

What is it?

It’s a combination wallet/iPhone case. The one I am testing is a bundle package for the iPhone XS Max, but many styles and device types are available.

What’s in the box?

I’ve got the bundle, so my test package includes both the case as well as a screen protector (you can get just the case). The screen protector includes all the stuff you need to apply the screen (a cleaning swab, applicator, and a bit of adhesive film to remove dust that might collect during application).

Specs

  • 3.25″ by 6.25″ by 0.75″ deep (closed)
  • 3 ounces total weight (without phone)

Design and features

The Sena Wallet Skin is a combination iPhone case and wallet design. What’s interesting about this particular design is the form factor. The front of the phone is fully exposed, while the back panel flips down to get access to all of your cash and cards.

Your phone is nestled in a form-fitted case that includes a plastic bumper to protect it from drops and bumps. The back is also protected by a felt lining to avoid scratches:

Simply pop your phone in the case, and you’re good to go. While the edges are protected, the entire front face is open so that you have uninterrupted access to all the features. If you buy the bundle you’ll get a tempered glass screen protector to fully armor your phone.

Sena doesn’t mention anything about the leather sourcing, which looks to be a thin cover backed by vinyl or plastic throughout the build. While it may be thin, it’s pretty well crafted. I’m not seeing any scratches that pull through an underlying color, and the leather itself has a deep, rich texture. I’ve been using mine for about 4 weeks, and haven’t noticed any signs of wear on any of the corners either.

The build quality is excellent. The phone fits perfectly with open access to ports and speakers, while the flap is connected by an extra reinforced bit of leather for additional durability. Check out the close up below:

Same goes for the camera port. The case is precisely cut for a tight fit that doesn’t interfere with the camera when you want to take a picture.

Buttons are molded into the plastic bumpers, with the typical open slot for the silencer switch. Controls work great right out of the box, and don’t require any break-in period to get to smooth function:

You’ll find one card slot on the back panel, perfect for a work ID if you need to badge-in to your place of business. A magnetic snap closure keeps the flap in place. Open it up, and you’ll find room for 5-6 additional cards and your cash. The flap side has a card slot with a clear window and a cutout so that you can easily slide your cards in and out. There’s a second card slot behind it.

The side on the back of the phone includes three additional card slots and a little tab that can be used to stuff a few bills if you need them:

When folded, the total depth of the case is about 3/4″, but that will compress down a bit when you have it in your packet. Here’s a side shot for reference:

Performance

If you’re a minimalist but you need *just* a bit more capacity from a phone wallet, the  Sena Wallet Skin Leather Case might be right for you. I think it comes down to how much stuff you need to carry, and how much you use your phone.

The Sena Wallet Skin design works really well in day-to-day use. It’s not much bigger than a standard wallet, so you can carry this in your front pocket. After a month of use it looks just as good as the day I got it, so construction looks to be on point. I also really like that the design doesn’t interfere with any of the phone functionality.

Another plus here is that the card slots are very tight, so your cards won’t pop out when you use your phone. On the flip side, you’ll want to keep those frequently used cards in the clear panel slot with the cutout so that you can slide the cards out with your finger. Otherwise, you’ll be engaged in a wrestling match to get to the rest, which can be a little irritating when you’re in line at the convenience store. You’ll be able to get a couple of bills in the cash flap, but a wad of bills will interfere with the closure mechanism. The bottom line is that you’ll want to think about how much you carry on a regular basis to see if this configuration works for you.

If you’re the type who is on your phone all the time, this may not be your jam. Because I am so used to carrying my phone separately, I have a tendency to leave it on my desk when I run off to a meeting… which isn’t good when leaving cash & credit cards (and ID) out there. If you’re traveling (or going to the gym) you may have similar concerns about exposing your essential stuff in public places each time you use your phone. You’ll want to think about how and where you go on a regular basis before choosing this case.

What I like

  • Sleek, good looking design
  • Well built with nice finishing
  • Very usable form factor that does not interfere with phone use
  • Cards are tight, and won’t fall out when using the phone

What needs to be improved

  • Tough to get cards out of those tight slots when you need them
  • Limited capacity may not work for some users

Final thoughts

The Sena Wallet Skin Leather Case is a well-designed and good looking alternative phone case for those who want to go without a wallet. But it does have capacity limits, so it’s something you’ll want to keep in mind with respect to your daily use. If you can run with 6-7 cards and a couple of bills on a regular basis, I think you’ll be happy with this case.

Price: $79.95 for the bundle, $69.95 for just the case.
Where to buy: Sena
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Sena.

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Sena Wallet Skin Leather Case for iPhone XS Max review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 8, 2019 at 8:35 am.

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