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Apr23

Look Up! It’s a Boskke Sky Planter

Posted in: Product Design, Sustainability, Vancouver

Living and working in small spaces can present a challenge when it comes time to making room for an indoor garden. I thought it would be fun to see how vertical growing could change things up. Enter Boskke, a Wellington, New Zealand-based company specializing in gardening design for urban living.

Boskke comes from an old English term meaning ‘bosky’, loosely translating to ‘small forest’, perfectly appropriate for what plant lovers can achieve with their products in a small space. Boskke’s simple design and easy to use planters are made of recycled plastic, helping to minimize the company’s environmental footprint.

I visited By Nature Design, a Canadian distributor of Boskke’s new Sky Planter as well as the very popular WallFlower Frame, launched at last year’s EpiC Vancouver. Both the SkyPlanter and the WallFlower are modern ways to bring nature inside people’s homes and offices.

A ceiling hook and two different lengths of wire are included in the box, along with a locking disc, Slo-Flo reservoir, and instructions. Watering is done through the top holes; when the green stick on top sticks up, all is golden. When it’s low, it’s time to feed your green friend. The smart reservoir system feeds water gradually to the plant’s roots. There’s no excess water to drain away, so none will evaporate.

I found this an ingenious way to add some nature to your space while not giving up any at the same time: the ceiling is one of the least used areas of a home or office.

Together with Fred Collay, Director of Sales and Communication, we planted (or rather, Fred demonstrated) how quickly a Sky Planter can be set up, using standard plant soil.

His biggest tip is to make sure that the planter has enough soil from the start, adding the potted plant’s soil as well.

His studio is filled with rows of planted canvas squares, ready for being assembled into their frames, and shipped to various florists and customers around Canada. Mother’s Day is just around the corner; Fred is currently scrambling to meet order demand.

The planters are sold in three sizes (sans plant), priced at $24.90 (small), $29.90 (medium), and $39.90 (large). Currently, the Sky Planter is available at The Walrus, Coal Harbour Florist, and Bird on A Wire Creations. Florists that sell the planter will let customers select a plant. The florist will then assemble the planter on site and charge accordingly.

There’s a variety of colours as well as a transparent model suitable for orchids. The Sky Planter is also the winner of a 2011 Red Dot Design Award. We found just the spot to enjoy this planter in our home.

You can keep up with how fans around the world are using their Sky Planters via Pinterest.

I was given a small Sky Planter for the purposes of both testing the planter’s functionality at home and writing this article.
Nov20

Lowepro’s Adventura Camera Bags

Posted in: Bags, Electronic Accessories, Photography, Product Reviews

Lowepro has a pretty large range of camera bags on the market (I’m a particular fan of the Passport Sling, one of the bags I reviewed earlier this year). I wanted to try out a couple of models ahead of the holiday shopping season, so I chose both the Adventura 140 and 160, similar models, in two different sizes. They’re part of a series that includes the 120, 140, 160, and 170.

Both models are constructed of the same materials (featuring water-resistant outer fabric) and have a rain flap lid covering a zippered area, to protect the camera and accessories. The standard clip keeps the bag shut in front.

The easily removable/adjustable shoulder strap has a non-slip patch on the inside, and both bags have the zippered front pocket for storing memory cards, smart phones, or small cables.

I like that the shoulder strap is long enough to be worn cross body as well as on the shoulder. The grip handle at the top of the bag is a very welcome feature.

The larger 160 has built-in belt loops while the smaller 140 has a back pocket for a notepad. Both bags have side pockets that will fit keys or a USB stick, and can also accommodate a small water bottle.

The two bags I tested also differ in the interior liners. The 160′s is more padded than its smaller brother.

[L-R: Adventura 140, Adventura 160 padded liners]

Both are easily removable and customizable for your camera and its gear. The bag looks and feels sturdy and is lightweight.

I basically wanted to compare the models to see what gear combinations would fit into each.

The Adventura 140 is meant to fit a DSLR with attached standard lens, plus one additional lens or flash, or camcorder plus accessories; The Adventura 160 can add an additional lens or flash.

I tested both bags with the following gear: Nikon D90 DSLR, 35mm f/1.8 G prime lens, 60mm AF-S Micro f/2.8 G (macro) lens, 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 G zoom lens, Joby GorillaPod, Canon compact point and shoot, and a Nikon SB-700 speedlight flash.

Here’s the 160 with my D90, 35mm prime lens attached, plus the 18-200mm zoom lens on the side.

The 160 with the D90, 35mm prime lens attached, and an SB-700 Speedlight

The 160 with the D90, 35mm prime lens, Joby GorillaPod, and SB-700 Speedlight

I also fit the D90 with 35mm prime, the SB-700 Speedlight in one compartment and my Canon point and shoot in another.

In the Adventura 140, I fit just the D90 with a 60mm f/2.8 lens attached,

and the D90 with the 35mm prime lens attached plus the SB-700 Speedlight.

All in all, I think that the 140 would be perfect for a micro four-thirds or mirrorless sensor camera and lens such as the Nikon J1. I like to travel as lightly as possible, and these bags are flexible to fit a variety of gear configurations.

The Adventura 160′s inner dimensions: 8.5″ wide, 5.1″ deep, 6.9″ high
The Adventura 140′s inner dimensions: 6.7″ wide, 3.7″ deep, 6.9″ high

The 140 retails for $36 while the 160 costs $44 (listed here in Canadian dollars). The Lowepro Adventura bags are available at Beau Photo in Vancouver and Lens and Shutter shops throughout British Columbia.

Lowepro sent me both bags for the purposes of testing out and writing this review.
May8

Wacom’s Bamboo Stylus Duo for iPad

Posted in: Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology

Wacom, pioneers in the digital tablet market (and recent interactive displays) for creatives, also carries a range of Bamboo tablets and stylus pens for the iPad. There’s two stylus versions available: the Solo and the Duo. The $10 price difference between the two includes the Duo’s additional built-in ink tip on the opposite end of the stylus. I was sent the Stylus Duo for review (currently only available in black).

As a comparison point, the Solo is only slightly longer at 120 mm than Griffin’s stylus at 110 mm. The Duo is 131 mm (I chose not to include a photo with the Griffin, as I’m only comparing the Solo’s length with their model).

From a design perspective, the Bamboo is both sleek and modern, with a minimalistic thin Bamboo logo emblazoned on the pen cap. The tip is more pointed than others I’ve seen, and on the iPad, very responsive to movement. The cap can be placed on either end depending on your needs. The ink is black (my personal preference over blue), with a fine point.

It would be great to see the Duo offered in a few colours, perhaps in a more refined colour palette than the Solo’s current range.

Overall, I preferred this slightly longer stylus for added control when using the iPad. The stylus also responds well to pressure, perfect for drawing and adding textured lines to your work. It’s also easy to jot down notes using SketchPad Pro HD.

Speaking of sketch apps, I’ve also been playing with the Bamboo Paper iPad app (free limited version; $1.99 full version includes 20 notebooks as well as cloud archiving and notebook sharing). The app’s a fun way to create journals with doodles, photos (from your iPad’s camera rolls), and text.

I’m not sure what the full version offers in the way of colour choices, however the free app has a limited range of brush and pen colours to choose from. Wacom is also working on a future version of the app for Android devices.

The Stylus Duo weighs 20 grams and its nibs are both replaceable and compatible with the Bamboo Stylus solo (the version without a built-in pen).

The Bamboo Stylus Duo retails for US $39.95. London Drugs sells the Solo for $29.99, as does Staples. In Canada, the Stylus Duo is available online; local retailers will be added in the near future.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Bamboo Stylus Duo for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

May1

PixelSkin HD Wrap for iPad3

Posted in: Product Reviews, Technology

Speck has recently launched their PixelSkin HD Wrap for the 3rd generation iPad. This case follows the same design as the rest of the PixelSkin series. Speck offers two PixelSkin patterns: the HD pattern as well as the iPhone4/4S and iPod Touch “low res” version, incorporating a larger pixel pattern.

The PixelSkin HD Wrap has a semi-flexible shell with four sturdy panels that bend both ways.

The headphone, rear camera, side switch, speaker, and dock connector are all precisely cut and are well protected by the beveled edges. However, the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are fully covered. I tested both sets of buttons and discovered no decrease in their functionality by their being covered.

The back of the PixelSkin HD Wrap is soft and pliable with a glossy finish, coupled with a matte grid pattern for both style and feel.

The raised Speck logo is centered vertically along the middle. The photo below depicts the Peacock Blue colour most accurately.

The front of the case matches the back, with a hard plastic clip to both secure and put the iPad to sleep.

I’d read several online reviews mentioning occasional failure for the iPad to wake up (or go to sleep) with this case, but I’ve been testing this all afternoon and so far, it does what it’s cut out to do. As long as the clasp is clicked into place, the iPad3 will sleep; when unclasped, it awakens.

This feature can definitely make or break a case, as the last thing an iPad owner would want is the battery to be drained by a malfunctioning case.

The next important PixelSkin HD Wrap feature is the viewing and typing angles offered. I tried my iPad with both, on a solid surface.

Both work fine, but once off a tabletop or other sturdy surface, the panels have a tendency to unravel.

Pros
Magnetic sleep/awake feature
Protective case with beveled edges and well-designed iPad port cut-outs
Available in pretty colours as well as in black
Beautiful design carried across several Speck electronic accessory case lines

Cons
Viewing stand (high position) tugs on case if not properly fitted and falls off if moved too much
Both viewing and typing angles work better on a stable surface
Would be more convenient if both viewing angles could be used without unfolding panels first (e.g. Apple’s Smart Cover)

The PixelSkin HD Wrap retails for US $49.95 and is available in Cobalt, Pomodoro, Peacock, Bubblegum, Grape, and Black. I also found the case at Amazon Canada that includes the free Super Saver shipping option.

Disclosure note: I was sent the PixelSkin HD Wrap for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

Apr12

jill-e Everywear Gadget Bag + Promo

Posted in: Bags, Fashion, Gadgets, Product Reviews

As gadgets keep churning out of the tech world, so do bags that can carry them all securely and comfortably. Case in point, jill-e’s Everywear Gadget Bag. I was just sent the black version (also available in Nougat) for review.

Part of their Classic Collection line, the Everywear Gadget Bag is small yet fits a variety of gadgets for women on the go.

DSLR and lens compartments, a padded, removable iPad/digital e-reader sleeve, point and shoot cameras, cables, smart phones, everything and anything can pretty much fit inside.

I tested it with a DSLR, 18-200mm zoom lens, Nikon Speedlight SB-700, and the new iPad. All fit well with room to spare.

The two front outer pockets snap shut and can hold smart phones, point and shoot cameras, chargers, etc. There’s an external zippered pocket in back for more notes, an MP3 player, etc.

There’s also an interior organizer that will fit pens, digital stylus, keys, business cards, credit cards, a notepad, etc. This is something I look for in all my bags, as it’s the only way I can keep track of certain items such as a bus pass, pens, receipts and business cards!

The leather handles have a 9.5″ drop and can be worn over the shoulder as well as hand-carried. I love the compact size and the fact that I can go out without looking like the photographer in the room.

The exterior is made with weather-resistant nylon and top quality leather trim (handles, zipper pulls, both front pocket flaps). The bottom contains four tiny metal feet to protect the surface.

Pros
Great for carrying a number of electronic items as well as personal items
Doesn’t look like a conventional camera bag
Padded, removable iPad/digital reader case
Weighs only 1.5 lbs (.68 kg)
Modern compact design

Cons
I couldn’t find any, but it would be great to see this offered in a few more colours

The Everywear Gadget Bag’s Dimensions
12″ (30.48 cm) L x 7″ (17.78 cm) W x 10″ (25.40 cm) H

As a promotional tie-in with jill-e, I’m offering my readers a 20% coupon code on the Everywear Gadget Bag. All you have to do is 1) “Like” their Facebook page, 2) mention this review in a comment on the jill-e Facebook page, and 3) send an email to info [at] jill-e [dot] com.

Jill-e will then send you a coupon code for the Everywear Gadget Bag via email, to use on their website.

The jill-e Everywear Gadget Bag retails for US $99.99 and is available online. Standard shipping service to BC will cost US $24.50.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Everywear Gadget Bag for the purpose of writing this review as well as the Facebook partnership promotion: cmply.2