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Mar6

ZAGG Sparq6000 Dual USB Charger

Posted in: Electronic Accessories, Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology, Vancouver

I was on the hunt for a universal USB charger that would work with all my devices, to charge on the go as well as having an extra charge supply on hand. The ZAGG Sparq6000 will hold four charges when its battery is at 100%.

The ZAGG Sparq6000 is part of a series of three USB chargers that differ in size, amount of charges they’ll hold, and price. The 1220 holds one charge, the 3100, two charges, and the 6000 can keep four charges on its two-USB port device.

All three Sparqs: 1220, 3100, and 6000 are named for their capacity. The 6000 ($99.99) has 6000 mAh and up to 2.1A at 5 volts. The other two, while smaller and with one USB port, each carry less charges, but are slightly smaller and are priced at $39.99 and $69.99 respectively.

The Sparq charges smartphones and tablets four times faster than a standard USB charger, and in the case of the 6000, can charge more than one USB device at a time.
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Jun20

SwitchEasy’s 3D Avant-Garde Case

Posted in: Product Reviews, Technology

After seeing SwitchEasy’s Avant-Garde 3D iPhone4/4S cases, I just had to have the Chateau case for review in time for summer. Before I proceed, I’d like to let my readers know that I tried taking product shots with three different cameras. Not one shot came even close to this case’s actual greenish-turquoise colour.

The above photo shows the three colour choices more accurately: White, Turquoise, and Mican (a nice deep yellow colour).

The Chateau case forms part of a series of four different styles that also include Blossom™ (Black, White, and Pink), Clockwork™ (Black, Bronze, and Silver), and PLANK™ (Blue, Brown, and White).

I wanted to review this case for two reasons: its slider design and the whimsical 3D decorative back.

The case comes with a full protective kit:
- Two sets of colour-matched covers for both headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector
- Two anti-static screen covers
- Squeegee and microfiber cloth for application

The plastic frame is made from durable polycarbonate, meant to protect all of the iPhone’s impact points. The 3D rear design helps to grip the phone. In the hand, the sides feel a little rough, also helping with grip.

I also like the front beveled bumper edge made to protect the front screen.

The slider is easy to clip onto the back once the phone is clicked into the main part of the case assembly. The slider clicks firmly.

I tried putting on and removing the headphone jack and 30-pin dock connector protectors. Both were easy and felt solid once in place.

For added dimension and whimsy, little sections of the iPhone’s rear also show through the design. The case works just fine with the camera. I noticed no shadows on photos taken with the case on.

This is a fun case and a great summer accessory for your iPhone 4 or 4S. Kids’ll love it too. And if castles aren’t your thing, check out the three other unique designs in the collection. The Plank consists of five broken planks, Blossom is a field of roses with an extra large rose located towards the bottom, and Clockwork is a pretty cool series of cogs and pistons.

I couldn’t find any real negative aspects of this case, but bear in mind that while it won’t wobble on a flat surface, some users might not like a phone case to have an uneven back.

The SwitchEasy Avant-Garde case retails for US $34.99 and comes with a two year warranty. It’s available around the US (shops and online), and in Vancouver at Kube Computers, and via Memory Lane Computers, Blue Wave Digital, and Jump+ elsewhere in Canada.

Disclosure note: I was sent the SwitchEasy Avant-Garde Chateau case for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

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

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

Apr10

Mamtak’s Ultra-Chic Aya Laptop Bag

Posted in: Bags, Product Reviews, Reviews

Mamtak, a company based in both Amsterdam and Tokyo, creates a range of fashionable, high quality men’s and women’s bags. Each line is produced in limited numbers and remains exclusive in doing so. Mamtak is a family-owned company that’s both founded and owned by designers, whose bags “are for professionals who dare to distinguish”.

I tried to coordinate having the Aya bag delivered to a local address while recently on holiday in The Netherlands. Instead, Mamtak’s team were generous enough to send it over to Vancouver upon my return, as I didn’t want to chance the bag being damaged en route. The word AYA is Japanese for “colour” or “design”, according to the company’s website.

When I received the Aya, it came in a drawstring dust bag, its handles, accented leather pulls, and interior packaged to travel the distance. It’s almost too pretty to take out, and I took an immediate liking to the bag’s fantastic shape and size. It isn’t bulky, and its construction is sturdy, from the zippers to the interior sections and laptop compartment. The interior is a shade of burgundy that coordinates well with the exterior. The exterior zippered pockets (on both sides of the Aya) are easily accessible but safe enough to stow a smart phone or iPad.

Talk about a stylish way of porting a laptop, iPad, and other daily essentials. The Aya has long handles (great for carrying the bag over the shoulder), five small metal feet on the bottom to protect the leather, and several roomy pockets for storage.

It’s available in four colour schemes: White with green accents, pink (with shades of pink!), black (with shades of grey), and white (with magenta and grey accents).

This bag’s a definite show stopper; it’s just that cool. I only regret not having had enough time to visit the Amsterdam headquarters while I was in the country, in order to check out the rest of the product line in person.

The bag’s exterior is made of 100% genuine leather with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean with a light swipe of a damp cloth.

The padded computer compartment fits up to a 15″ laptop, but my 13″ Macbook Pro fits nestled on its side. The compartment has a large rounded velcro flap closure that just covers two open pockets in front of it.

I easily fit an Apple Magic mouse into one, and a notepad into the other. The other inside wall contains a zippered pouch that runs the width of the bag. And then there’s the rest of the interior, for all your other daily items. The Aya is the ultimate fashionista accessory and a perfect way to go out to town with or without a laptop or tablet. I plan to get a lot of use out of this bag, looking chic all the while.

Dimensions:
17.3″ (44 cm) wide x 12.9″ (33 cm) high x 4.9″ (12.5 cm) deep

The Aya retails for 139 Euros and can be shipped anywhere in the world (to the US and Canada for 10 and 17 Euros respectively).

Disclosure note for review: I was sent the Mamtak Aya in pink for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

Apr3

Griffin Stylus for Touchscreens

Posted in: Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology

With both Sketchpad Pro HD and Autodesk’s SketchBook Pro installed on my new iPad3, it was time to test drive a stylus. Griffin sent me a stylus in Poppy to check out, along with an IntelliCase.

I realize that Steve Jobs was opposed to a stylus being married to any Apple digital tablet, however I view sketching apps as the exception.

The Griffin stylus is meant for both left and right handed writers and artists. As a southpaw, the stylus felt very comfortable in my left hand as I proceeded to work within both sketch apps.

I haven’t worked with photography or game apps yet, but the stylus is ideal for any situation that requires more precision and control than your finger. It can be used on any iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or onscreen device.

The stylus also comes in a range of bright and fun colours: White, Desert Pink, Blazin’ Yellow, Pool Blue, Leaf, Poppy, Peacock, Violet, and Black.

The stylus and its soft rubber tip are solidly constructed, with an integrated clip for attaching it to a bag pocket’s pencil loop, which many laptop and accessory bags currently have.

Would it benefit from a cover or small sleeve to carry it around? I will have to take it out and see how well it wears in order to know the answer to that one. For now, it’s a small, easily portable stylus that will be great for what I got it for: sketching and taking notes.

Griffin’s stylus retails for US $19.99.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Griffin stylus for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

Apr2

Griffin IntelliCase for iPad3

Posted in: Product Reviews, Technology

While waiting for the delivery of my new iPad3, I hunted around for new cases both online and at shops around Vancouver. I was looking for something that would incorporate Apple’s smart cover concept as well as functional protection for the back.

It was tough finding a case that had both, until I remembered how well-designed the Griffin Outfit Ice for the iPhone4 is, with its two-part case construction.

I reviewed the Outfit Ice awhile back and decided that the IntelliCase would be worth a closer look. Last week, Griffin Technology sent me a red model for review.

The IntelliCase is designed for both the new iPad and the iPad2. The case can be positioned for typing at a slightly elevated height as well as for viewing content in the upright position. In other words, it’s got the same two positions going for it as with the smart cover.

The nice thing about this case though is that both come in one package, avoiding the need to purchase and match a smart cover to a separate case back.

As with the similarly-designed smart cover, the flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (aka TPU) cover wakes up the iPad from sleep mode when you open the two-fold front panel.

The back is made of polycarbonate and has sturdy snaps to keep it in place. I had no difficulty taking the iPad out of this case either. The back also contains a built-in lip used to tuck the front of the case into.

I tested the IntelliCase in the lower angle and found it sturdy enough to type using Apple’s touch keyboard.

Pros
Integrated front and back system for complete protection of the new iPad or iPad2
Sturdy construction
Ease of use in setting up for both positions

Cons
I would love to see the IntelliCase offered in a wider/more interesting range of colours to match their stylus collection.

The IntelliCase retails for US $59.99 and is available in pink, dark red, peacock (dark green), midnight (deep blue), black, and white. It’s available in Canada via Best Buy at CDN $49.99.

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

Mar12

The Nikon Coolpix S1200pj Reviewed

Posted in: Photography, Product Reviews, Technology

Nikon Canada recently provided me with a Coolpix S1200pj to check out its features, particularly great for a Mac user (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch compatible) who embraces social media. Since I fall into both those categories, let me start by saying that this is a feature-rich point and shoot with 5x wide optical zoom and 14.1 megapixels.

It’s part of Nikon’s new S-Series that also includes the S8200, S6200, and S100.

The key selling point of this model is the projector. Users can stream live video from an iPhone, computer, iPad or iPod Touch (over wifi or 3G) and project it onto a wall. The optimal distance is 26 cm (10 in.) to 3.1 m (10 ft).

Using an additional dock connector cable, you can project pictures and movies stored on your Apple device or stream content from YouTube onto any surface in 640 x 480 VGA format. I was sent a Belkin cable to do that very thing.

The cool factor is definitely there, but I wouldn’t count on watching a full length movie with the S1200pj. First off, the camera does heat up when using the projector, and the manual strongly recommends letting the projector cool down before using the camera again. The S1200pj’s battery is rated for up to one hour in projector mode, typical for a battery-powered pocket projector. The built-in speaker is adequate.

There’s a little stand that pops out so that the projected picture won’t be obstructed by the surface on which the camera is placed. This tilts the camera slightly, creating a keystone effect. On a side note, there’s a remote control (available separately) that can be pointed at the infrared receiver (within five metres). As well, the design incorporates illuminated buttons for quick and easy control in the dark.

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Jan16

BUILT: Cargo Camera Bag

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

Together with BUILT’S Cargo Travel Organizer, I was on the go with their Cargo Camera Bag last week. I’ve seen a lot of BUILT’s popular neoprene laptop sleeves around town, but their camera bags haven’t (yet!) taken off in Vancouver.

[The Cargo Camera Bag, just out of the package]

Both are made by BUILT NY, a company specializing in colourful, functional neoprene bags, cases, and totes for a wide range of products and accessories.

I tried fitting various gear into many configurations, but the best set up for me was my Nikon D90 DSLR body with a 35mm prime lens attached, an 18-200mm zoom lens, a Nikon SB-700 speed light plus a point and shoot Canon and its charger. This should give readers an idea as to how much will comfortably fit inside the camera bag.

With the above collection of gear, fitting a DSLR charger and cord made it just a wee bit too tight to zip up. I imagine that packing in a smaller zoom lens would solve the problem. There’s also a large version of this bag available, with an extra compartment for carrying one more lens.

The padded shoulder strap is adjustable and clips to the bag on alternate sides, helping to better distribute the weight of the gear. I also like the bag’s carry handle that makes grabbing it a cinch.

As with BUILT products, the material is neoprene, stain resistant, and easy to hand wash and drip dry. The Cargo Camera Bag also contains semi-firm EVA in its construction. The removable compartments have velcro sewn onto their edges, allowing them to fit different camera body sizes and gear. There’s also padding in the base of the bag to provide an additional layer of protection.

The four interior pockets can hold anything from an iPhone to a Pixel Pocket Rocket digital card holder, small wallet, etc. I’m pretty pleased with these pockets located just inside both sides of the bag, making it an easy grab for anything small that I need to access.

The Cargo Camera Bag’s dimensions are 13.5″ (34.3 cm) wide, 11″ (28 cm) high, and 5.5″ (14 cm) deep and retails for $69.99 US. It’s available online in Canada from Macinbag for $79.99 CDN.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Cargo Camera Bag for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

Jan13

BUILT: Cargo Travel Organizer

Posted in: Electronic Accessories, Product Reviews

BUILT is a New York based company best known for its line of neoprene laptop sleeves, bags, and bottle totes. I’ve been a fan of their products for years, and was recently reacquainted with their unique goods via this year’s Meshwest Conference. Mesh, BUILT (and promotional agency Rightsleeve) worked together in branding the Slim Neoprene Messenger Bag for the 2011 conference.

While on the (continual) hunt for well-designed ways to transport gadgets and accessories, I came across another popular item in the collection: the Cargo Travel Organizer. Being out and about with laptops, cameras, and smart phone chargers, I’ve grown accustomed to packing these necessities into my various laptop bags. BUILT has taken this one step further with a slim-profiled zippered case.

I received the Organizer in black (with powder blue interior accents inside the pockets); the case also comes in City Grid/Orange, Navy Blue, and Scatter Dot. I like the curvy shape typical of many of their laptop products. As well, the carrying strap features the logo on a plastic shape that mimics the bag, another cool, well thought out design addition.

The bag can be bulked up with your cables, chargers, USB drives, etc. and still maintain a thin profile once zipped up.

It will stretch to accommodate a variety of stuff. It’s easy to maintain (via hand washing and drip drying) and is stain-resistant. The carrying strap is also easy to remove.

I own a messenger bag that the Cargo Travel Organizer can fit inside of, and the best use of the organizer would be in a suitcase, backpack, or other carrier/tote that will also accommodate your portable electronics. I was even able to tuck in a portable hard drive, as the photo below shows.

The organizer measures 11.4″ (29 cm) wide, 6″ (15.2 cm) high, and .9″ (2.3 cm) deep. I’m sure I’ll be getting a lot of use out of this, and plan to take it travelling in order to further road test it.

The Cargo Travel Organizer retails for $24.99 US and is available online in Canada via Macinbag for $29.99 CDN.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Cargo Travel Organizer for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2