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BeatBlock Bluetooth Speaker Review

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The BeatBlock Bluetooth Speaker is a small yet powerful bluetooth speaker that you can use on or off the outlet and with any of your bluetooth-enabled (or not) devices. The speaker is made by Tech-Life and is available from Tech-Life’s Amazon page for $89.99. Let’s see if it is the speaker for you.

 

Form

The first thing that you will notice about this speaker is that it is light and small. The speaker is easily able to fit inside a large purse or travel bag and light enough where it won’t feel like you are carrying a brick, which is actually bigger than this speaker. The speaker is made in all black. It has a very durable rubber padding around it that has honey comb holes in it, which I think is an interesting concept, but it seems to be quite effective and looks pretty cool. The honeycomb design, or really the hexagon shape is found all around the speaker. The buttons on the speaker are hexagons. As I said, the holes where the sound comes out of are very closely put together hexagons, like a honeycomb. The speaker holes and even the rubber pads on the bottom are hexagon shaped. I think that keeping the same shape throughout is a smart move on their part as it adds to the look of the speaker, as opposed to using multiple shapes and not creating uniformity on the device. As I mentioned before, the speaker is covered in a very hard, durable rubber that is capable of taking some big hits. The speaker is meant to travel and it has the greatest protection of any travel speaker that I have seen. The buttons on the top are simple enough, with icons on them representing volume up/down and bluetooth controls. On the side you have your charging port, on button, and the auxiliary port, this is where the male/male headphone jack goes for wired sound. In my opinion, it may have been a better choice to have put the off/on button on the top instead of on the side to allow for easier access, but it is not a big problem. Overall, this speaker excels in it’s form.

Function

Portable speakers have a knack for earning bad reputations because they are over-priced and never sound like anything close to high quality. Fortunately, this speaker has put a stop to that. The BeatBlock speaker may be small enough for travel but it packs the power of speakers many times bigger than it is. The speaker has incredible sound, whether through bluetooth or otherwise. The speaker, despite it’s size, is capable of producing some pretty good bass and treble and it can hit many lows and highs. Unlike many other small speakers, I have not heard the “it’s too loud therefore it sounds like it’s in a hollow cave” sound. No matter what volume I put these speakers under, they retain the same clear quality and that is something not seen much in portable speakers. The speaker, despite the fact that there is only one of them, can produce stereo sound, as if the music is surrounding you by two speakers, one on the left and one on the right. You can put it in Mono if you so choose to but the stereo mode sounds great. Music isn’t the only thing that sounds great on the speaker, either. The speaker also acts as a speakerphone so that you can conference hands free on your desk or elsewhere. The audio coming out of the speaker sounds great and your voice sounds great on the other end as well. The sound from such a small device is incredible and not like the sound from any other speaker in it’s category. The device is streamlined to work with your bluetooth devices so they connect automatically and it works every time after you set it up the first time, which should also be an easy process. Bluetooth has been long acclaimed to be one of the best wireless technologies and the streamline between device and this speaker further proves that notion. This speaker has the best functionality overall than any other I have reviewed thus far.

Conclusion

Pros

-Durable, yet light and small

-Great design

-Great, well balanced sound

-Bluetooth technology streamlines device and speaker beautifully and you have a choice between wired and wireless as well, consumers love choice

-Great price for a well balanced speaker

Cons

-More colors would be nice to see

-Power button on the top instead of the side would be better

Ways to improve

If I were the company, I would consider making these speakers in multiple colors just to add a bit of fun into them. Also, putting the power button with the other buttons would be better as it would streamline the device a bit more.

This speaker is really great speaker. It’s the best speaker that I have reviewed in it’s category so there is no doubt in my mind that it earns no less than five stars from me. If you are looking for a travel speaker to take with you where ever you go, I implore you to look no further, you have found the one you are looking for. Great job Tech-Life!

Thanks for reading,

Joe

Images Courtesy: TechLife

 

 

Spracht BluNote+Chat Review

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The Spracht BluNote+Chat is a portable, wireless, battery powered speaker that allows you to listen your music and have a conversation with someone wirelessly on the go. The BluNote+Chat’s best quality is the portability of the speaker without eliminating good sound. The speaker is available from Spracht for $99.00 or $54.99 from Amazon. Let’s see if it’s the speaker for you.

Form

One of the first things you will notice about this speaker is it’s size. The speaker is very small and very light. It makes you wonder how such a small speaker would ever produce a good sound. For what it is, it produces excellent sound. The portability of the speaker, I feel is it’s biggest point. It is small enough to fit in a large duffel bag or small backpack, perhaps even a large enough purse. The speaker is all black for all of the speaker except a nice silver brim at the bottom of the speaker that adds to the look of the speaker. The speaker has a nice black chrome finish, with the speaker felt below it and of course the aforementioned silver lining at the bottom. The top of the speaker has a set of touch sensitive buttons that light up red. These buttons add to the overall cool-ness of the speaker. In addition, there is an led screen that lights up to tell you a caller ID, whether or not bass is on or off and the up and down of volume. I appreciate that the screen only lights up when it needs to so that it isn’t a distraction nor does it subtract from the look of the speakers. In addition, to the solid look of the speaker, the speaker is also made solid. It is made to be carried around so as such it is made pretty sturdy. It isn’t unibody but it doesn’t have to be, the different parts that make it up are put together tightly and no parts are loose. I do raise a slight concern with the rubber pads on the bottom, but I’ve never been a fan of these on any product so it’s so much the product itself, it’s just my prejudice against rubber pads on the bottoms of things since they eventually fall off. Also, I wish the speaker was available in other colors. Overall though, this speaker has great aesthetics in such a small package.

Function

One of the main points of this speaker is the fact that it is small and compact. However, at a $99 price tag, it needs to have a powerful punch in the small package. Fortunately, Spracht has delivered on that. The speaker, while small, has a good sound range. The bass and treble are both hit pretty well. The notes are hit and while it doesn’t sound like you are in a theatre or music venue, it still sounds great. In addition, the sound of a call on the speaker sounds like it would on a clear phone with great signal. In fact, it sounds better than listening to it to your ear. The screen will display a caller ID on it so you know who is calling. It does not show names of people who are calling so you will have to know someone’s number in order to recognize who is calling. I think that it would be great if the speaker had that capability. The speaker is all wireless, including the fact that it is rechargeable so it can literally go without wires including a power cord for several hours. That leads me to the battery. I have gotten great battery life on the speaker, with an average of about 5-6 hours which more than enough for me. If I needed to have it for longer than that, I would just get a corded speaker. The only problem I have with the speaker, and this is somewhat slight. Let’s say I am playing music and I pick up the speaker, I really have to watch where I pick the speaker up at because I might end up touching the buttons at the top, which are very sensitive. I may put the device on standby, change the song, pause it, change the volume all without intent. Of course, the buttons aren’t all bad, I appreciate that they are lit up at night so that I may see the buttons. However, I do wish they weren’t so sensitive. Overall, the functionality of the speaker is great and will impress anyone intending to buy a small, portable speaker.

Conclusion

Pros

-Great design

-Put together well, not falling apart

-Small and compact

-Great sound

-Great minor features

Cons

-Only comes in black

-Future of the rubber pieces at the bottom

-Buttons are a bit too sensitive

Things to improve

I believe that the company should try selling different colors on the speaker. I think that would attract the younger demographic. The rubber pieces at the bottom should be removed or make it better integrated with the speaker rather than just gluing it on. Finally, touch sensitive buttons are great but I think the product would do better with physical buttons that are engrained in the speaker.

This is a great speaker that I feels earns high marks. It’s light, portable and still has a great sound. While I think it is a bit on the high end in terms of price, I personally think it is worth it. Great job Spracht, your speaker earns 4 and a half stars from me.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

 

Matias iRizer Review

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The iRizer is a very portable laptop stand that is available from iRizer for $39.95. The stand comes in two easy portable pieces that take laptop stands to a whole new, portable level than any other that I have seen before.

Form

Let’s be honest, the stand isn’t made out of the best looking material on the market. It isn’t wood or bamboo. It isn’t metal. It’s plastic, hard plastic yes, but it’s plastic. However, the stand has a simplicity to it that does actually make it attractive.  The stand comes in just two parts. There’s one part that slides into one of four slots on the other part, each slot putting the stand at different angles. These pieces by themselves, laid down flat, are very thin and light. They are very easy to carry and very easy to use. The plastic they use in the product is strong and sturdy and it will not break easily. The rubber padding on the stand used to keep the laptop in place is not cheap and will not come out of the stand. The part of the stand that the laptop is sitting on does bounce a bit while typing, especially with a heavy laptop, but it isn’t a big deal. The thing I wish it had was more options for colors. But while it isn’t the most expensive looking stand out there but it doesn’t have to be, practicality and simplicity can be elegant too, right?

Function

The main reasons we buy laptop stands is to provide sufficient ergonomics, to stand the laptop in case we want to use it like a desktop and to provide cooling for a laptop. This stand provides this and more. First off, the stand comes in four different angled positions, 20, 30, 40 and 50 degrees. 20 and 30 degrees are both more for regular, on-the-desk, typing positions while 40 and 50 are more for standing the laptop and using external devices such as bluetooth mice and keyboards. All the degree positions are labelled to the benefit of the costumer. The 20 and 30 degree positions I find are very ergonomic and keep your hands at a good position to prevent Carpal Tunnel. I have found all four positions to be quite comfortable viewing angles as well. The stand does not have nor need a fan as it has holes for air to go through and of course we all know that elevating laptops off the ground provide air flow as well. Almost all laptops stands cool down your laptop at least a little and this one is no different. In addition to great ergonomics and the ability to cool your laptop, this stand is also ultra portable. I can easily fit the stand and the laptop into the laptop bag. I can not exactly say the same thing about really any other laptop stand I have tried. It can’t fit in a manila envelope but it can fit in just about anything else. The stand also comes with a iRizer mini stand for your iOS device. I thought that was a nice touch. There is only one thing about the stand I am not a fan of and that is that it’s not very comfortable to put into your lap. It really only works on a desk, which is okay since when I travel to a hotel, I use the desk. Or if I go to Starbucks, it’s also okay. Let’s face it, it is a traveling laptop stand due to it’s ultra-portability. It’s a great stand, regardless of it being somewhat uncomfortable on the lap, I take it anywhere I go with my laptop.

Conclusion 

Pros

-Sleek design

-Thin and light, ultra-portable

-Ergonomic

-Provides airflow for the laptop

-Comfortable to use

-Different positions that are easy to change to

-iRizer mini

Cons

-Typing is bouncy with heavier laptops

-Should be sold in more colors

-More for use on the desk, not the lap

Things to Improve

First off, I would start producing the stand in multiple colors. Second, I would improve the “shocks” of the stand, if possible. Finally, I would increase the width of the piece that goes on surfaces to make it a bit more comfortable to have it in your lap.

This is a great laptop stand. It has it’s faults but I think it’s one of the best stands I’ve tried. It’s portability and ergonomics makes it an ideal laptop stand for anyone who travels a lot. However, if you use it mainly at home and you have your laptop on your lap more than your desk or table, then this isn’t the stand for you. This stand earns four stars from me.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

BTC Mouse and Trackpad Review

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The BTC Mouse and Trackpad is a paid jailbreak utility that allows you to pair your iOS device with your bluetooth mouse, trackpad and keyboard. That’s right, I did just say mouse and keyboard. With this product, your iOS device will have a cursor, just like on your computer (of course this is why it is a jailbreak tweak, Apple would never approve of this). The BTC Mouse and Trackpad tweak is available on the Cydia store for $4.99. Let’s see if it’s right for you.

Form

There is not much to say about the form of this product. This product is an all software product. The settings tab in the Settings app of your iOS device for the BTC Mouse and Trackpad is easy to use and navigate. The cursor used in the tweak looks like a Mac cursor, rather than a Windows cursor. Of course, since iOS products are Apple products and Macs are Apple products, that makes sense. However, I do appreciate them deciding to use a Mac cursor. This comes in handy for something later on down the road. As for the form of the hardware, since it can run any bluetooth keyboard, mouse/trackpad, the hardware is only as good as what you own. Let’s take a look at the functionality of this tweak, which has a bit more to talk about then the form of he product.

Function

The ability to add a cursor on an iPad screen has been an interesting thought of mine that I had before I knew that the product existed on the market. After having tried it, I am not sure if I see the functionality in using it. First off, if you want to seriously use a trackpad and keyboard with an iPad, those are additional things you will need to carry around. Some already carry around a keyboard, which I think is bulky enough to carry around, but a trackpad/mouse adds on to that. In addition, if you wanted to use it a lot like that, you would need to probably buy an additional trackpad/mouse and keyboard, because the ones you have for your computer currently are either USB driven or you want dedicated to the computer and it would be a pain disconnecting the devices from your computer, connecting them to your iOS device then disconnecting them from the iOS device and then connect them again to the computer, every time you want to switch from a computer and back. Therefore, if you wanted to avoid this big burden, you would need to spend extra money to buy a keyboard and mouse/trackpad. I have never been a fan of using a bluetooth keyboard on an iPad because of the lack of portability. Even keyboard cases are not good because of the thickness they require. Lack of portability is certainly a practicality issue.  In addition, a cursor on iOS works similar to a cursor on Windows 8, it doesn’t work. They just don’t go together, iOS is made for fingers not a mouse, using this tweak is a verification of that. Another issue I have is that the cursor does seem to lag a bit. On top of that, the mouse only provides basic functions. It can not rotate objects, it can not move objects, it can not act like a cursor on the computer in most ways. It just doesn’t make it worth it for me.

However, the product isn’t all bad either. If you want to make a cheap man’s portable computer, this is definitely a way to do it. It is portable enough, nothing like a laptop and it requires more real estate in your backpack but it is doable. A theme that I have reviewed for the iPad, the OS X Pad theme, is a perfect companion for this device as the cursor the tweak provides is a Mac cursor. In addition, there are bluetooth cases that make the iPad look like a MacBook, which even further the Mac look. However, even then, it still isn’t the same as a computer. The iPad isn’t made to have a cursor, it’s OS just doesn’t work well with a cursor. The product itself isn’t necessarily flawed, the settings that comes with it is easy to work with and you have the option of using any bluetooth device you choose. The concept, however, is flawed and that’s because the cursor is not meant to be on the iPad.

Conclusion

Pros

-Mac Cursor

-Easy to use settings

-Poor man’s laptop (with limited functionality), works well with some jailbreak themes

Cons

-Transport of too many things makes the concept lack portability

-Concept of a cursor just doesn’t work on an iPad

-Cursor lags and only provides minor functions

-Lack of functionality in the whole experience

Ways to Improve

Honestly, I believe this product should be scraped. The product just doesn’t work. It’s not that the product wasn’t executed well, it’s just the idea wasn’t. The idea of putting a cursor on an iPad is as appealing as putting a cursor on Windows 8, it isn’t. The only way to improve from here for the company is to go into other jailbreak utilities.

This product is not entirely a failure in my eyes. They did the best they could with it and I applaud their efforts. However, I think the company should consider moving on to a different idea. I give this product 2 and a half stars for a good try on a bad idea.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

 

Boxer Speakers

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The Boxer speakers are powerful, audiophile speakers that can plug into anything with a headphone jack. The speakers are available from Well Rounded Sound for $389.00. Let’s see if they are the speakers for you.

Form

The Boxer speakers are designed beautifully. The speakers are made out of real wood which help improve the sound quality and the looks of the speakers. The Boxer speakers are made out of two pieces of wood. One piece surrounds and houses the speaker while the other piece is a small stand that holds up the speaker in the front. Because all of the speaker is surrounded by wood, it adds singularity to the speakers, as opposed to making the stand plastic for instance. The front of the speaker is where the sound only comes out of, there are no sound vents on either side. In the center is a black part that comes out of the speaker, surrounding this is a bass controller. The fact that these parts are uncovered and not protected by a foam cover like many speakers not only increases volume and improves sound but it also adds to the look of the product. Surrounding this is a metal piece that has screws surrounding it. Surprisingly, these screws don’t subtract from the look of the speakers, they add to it. I am supposing it also adds the ability of the buyer to service the speakers his or herself despite the fact that I nor the manufacturer can recommend that. The speakers have to be powered by a small amp which looks ugly but can be hidden away. Also, because the controls are on the amp and not the speakers, there are no buttons on the speakers thus improving the look of the speakers themselves. Overall, these speakers look great and will look great no matter where you put them, be it on a desk or table.

Function

The only reason we buy speakers is to play sound, almost always music. Consumers buy cheap speakers to meet their music listening needs, but sometimes we need a bit more power, a bit more sound to our music. That is where the Boxer speakers come in. These speakers are power horses. They provide some of the best sound you can hear from a speaker it’s size. The bass is bass-y and the treble is rich. The sound just sounds great. If you want great sound quality speakers, these are it. They have excellent sound at any volume. Be it at low volume or blasting, these speakers retain a rich sound. You can hear every instrument through these speakers, I know because I can hear every instrument played in Coldplay’s songs and without great speakers, that’s difficult to do. I have tried listening to songs of many genres and each song sounds like you are there while that artist is performing that song. The speakers take you to the artist performing the song. The highs and lows of a singer, the notes of a piano and the strums of a guitar all come in crystal clear. The speakers can fit in many places but not everywhere. They are limited down a bit by an amp, but that is the case with most audiophile speakers so that is not much of their fault. In fact, that just shows how powerful they are, they actually need a small amp to run them. The amp you get is small and has a port for audio in and a 3mm headphone port (same end as a guitar cord). It also has a small knob for adjusting the volume. That’s it. The wires that are included with the speakers to the amp are long enough to hide the amp underneath a table, while the speakers are on top of it. Of course, longer cords are available on the market, but these cords should suffice. Overall, the function of these speakers excel to highest marks.

Conclusion

Pros

-Excellent form, looks great on any table
-Excellent sound
-Long cords
-Amp does what it needs to do efficiently

Cons

-Amp is a bit bulky (small but heavy and it’s power brick is no different)

Things to be improved

Nothing has to be improved with these speakers.

These speakers produce absolutely stunning sound quality. These speakers are a must buy for consumers wanting to buy better speakers or audiophiles anywhere. These speakers could not receive anything lower than five stars from me. Great job Well Rounded Sound, your name of your company accurately describes your product.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

iRig HD Review

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The iRig HD is a connector that allows you to plug in your iOS device or computer to a guitar which in turn is plugged into an amp. The software that comes with the device allows you to add many effects to your guitar. The app works with HK Mulitmedia’s own software Amplitube, Apple’s GarageBand, or other apps dedicated to adding guitar effects. The device is similar to HK’s own iRig Stomp but it provides better sound and more features. The iRig HD is available from IK Multimedia for $99.99.

Form

The iRig HD is a small, black device. The device has two ports, one on either side. One side has a port for the guitar and the other has a port for the iOS device. The form of the device pretty straightforward. The device is built well, the ports don’t feel like they will easily break. The device is made to take some hits (as with any device, I would not intentionally test this out), it is made to be carried around a lot so any traveling musician will appreciate it’s portability and it’s ability to take a hit. The way the device is built is nice. It’s well made, definitely a plus in my book. Something that requires a bit more examination is not the hardware but the software. The app that is made for the iRig HD is called Amplitube and it is free on the App Store. Of course, there are other more specified options you can buy, such as Hendrix Amplitube, but I will only cover the basic free Amplitube. The app is designed well. It is well put together and it is easy to configure and work with. The app is made for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. I like to use it on my iPad the best because the layout on it is better as it has more landscape, however all versions of the app are easy to work with. Overall, the form of the product and the app that comes with it excels.

Function

The iRig HD is no different in the function department either. The device is easy to set up with your iOS device and guitar/amp. Once it is set up, you have access to many effects through either the Amplitube or GarageBand apps. I made the complaint before on the iRig Stomp that the iRig Stomp needed to use one of the available slots for pedals to reduce the static noise. I am pleased to say that that is no longer necessary. The iRig HD has the initials HD for a reason and the clarity of the sound proved it. There was absolutely no static nor unnecessary noise whatsoever. The hardware and software work together to provide an excellent experience and some cool features that make it even more enjoyable. The iRig HD has an indicator light telling you if there is too much or too little volume or if it’s just right so you can get the best sound. The app includes features such as the ability to take out the voice out of any song so you can hear the music parts in the song more clearer or the app’s ability to record what you play. The device and the app provide excellent sounds for your guitar that any musician would be pleased to use.

Conclusion

Pros

-Ease of use of both hardware and software

-Portability

-Product is well-made

-Added features add to the product

Cons

-None

Things to Improve

At this time, there is no need for improvement.

The iRig HD is a great companion for any guitarist, providing you with great sounds and great features that any musician would want to get their hands on. The iRig HD earns five stars from me! Once again, great job IK Multimedia.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

MacFrame

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The 21 inch MacFrame for iMac is available from MacFrame for $49.00. It is a great solution to the glare problems that have plagued the iMac’s since the introduction of the black borders. The MacFrame is an anti-glare frame that replaces the ultra-glare one that is currently on the iMac. Let’s see if it is the anti-glare solution for you.

Form:

The form of the product is simple. It is simply a frame that is made out of anti-glare material. The frame is currently sold only in the exact black that the iMac has but without a glare to it. If you have seen the border around the screen on the black MacBook, you will know what I’m talking about. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same material or even the same company (we know Apple bought it from somewhere). Of course, it is much sturdier than the frame on the black MacBook but it looks and feels the same. One thing I would consider if I were MacFrame is to make different colors. This is the only company that I’m aware of that sells anti-glare frames for Mac so adding color would be a cool touch. The material on the frame is smooth and it actually looks good on the iMac. In fact, it is better than how the iMac originally looks because of it’s lack of glare. The material is pretty sturdy and will not break easily. The MacFrame fits around the screen and the camera perfectly, as it should. Nobody wants the frame to overlap the screen, I know I wouldn’t! Overall, the MacFrame excels in the Form category.

Function:

The function for the MacFrame is no different. The installation of the MacFrame is fairly simple. Take off the existing frame with the provided suction cup, slide to a certain degree, slide it up and out, put the new one in the reverse order. Useful instructions are provided. Should you buy this product, be sure you don’t break the original frame. You might be thinking “why would replacing the frame improve the glare problem? I mean the glare is on the screen too!”. You would be right. The glare on the screen remains. However, a large part of the glare on the iMac, thus a lot of the distraction, is actually located on the black frame part of the iMac. The glare on the black part and the glare on the screen join forces and create one big glare that is very distracting. However, when you stop the glare on the sides, it’s not a big glare anymore. Only the glare on the screen remains and this glare, you’ll notice, is lessened to a great degree without it’s glare-y frame friend, more so than you would think. The glare from the frame is no longer on the sides of your vision and distracting you. This frame, in my personal experience, reduces glare significantly. It does exactly what it advertises it will do and it does it well. This product does well in it’s function too.

Conclusion:

Pros:

-Frame is well-made

-Easy installation

-Anti-glare takes away most of the glare, to the point where the glare that remains doesn’t seem like it’s there

Cons:

-I would have liked to have seen more color variety.

Ways to improve:

The only thing I would add to this product is color. Apple may not approve of it but it would be cool to see different colored iMacs, just like back in the day.

The MacFrame is a great product. It succeeds at doing what it set out to do. It effectively removes much of the annoying glare that iMacs have been plagued with for far too long. Personally, I think that Apple should adopt these anti-glare frames. They are being made, Apple. Buy them. This product definitely gets a five star review from me. Good job MacFrame!

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Joe

Incredisonic IFM-500 Bluetooth Transmitter Car Kit

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The Incredisonic IFM-500 Bluetooth Transmitter Car Kit is a small device that allows you to use your phone hands-free in your car through your car radio, whether it be for music or calling. This device comes with many features such as a gooseneck that allows you to adjust it where ever you want it, allowing easy access to the controls. The device is $39.95 at Amazon, a great price for a great product.

Form

This device is not the most fancy looking device on the market but it is made very well. The device comes in all black, with the exception of color light on the buttons, making the buttons easier to work with at night. The device features a gooseneck so you can adjust the device to where you want it. This range of motion of the device is very useful. The device is small, taking little room in your vehicle. The product is well made, it will not break easily. The small screen on it that tells you the radio station you should be on does it’s job well and it is well-seen in poor lighting situations such as when you are driving at night. All in all, the device looks fine and it is made fine but there is much more to talk about when it comes to the function, so let’s delve into that, shall we?

Function 

This device’s main purpose is to transmit audio from your phone to your car. It does just that and it does it well. However, there are a plethora of great features that come with this device. First off, my favorite, Noise Canceling Technology. This allows you to choose any station you want to use to run the device off of, and the device will cut out sound from the radio station, even if the station has something on it already. It reduces static heard in competitor’s products by almost 100%. I never hardly hear static coming from the device. In addition, the device is easy to setup. You plug it into your cigarette lighter, tighten it into the cigarette lighter (which is also another neat feature since it keeps the device in place), turn the device on and search for it on your device’s bluetooth settings. There is easy setup for all devices. Another feature I like is the flexible neck, allowing you to adjust it’s position to your liking. The device also has a phone mount so you can mount your phone on the device and the passenger can watch a movie (sorry drivers, your eyes stay on the road). The device’s buttons include turning on and off bluetooth for the device itself, play/pause, forward/reverse and radio station changing. All the buttons are lit up except volume up/down knob on the side. One cool thing about one of the buttons is that if you hold the green “answer the call” button, Siri will answer you, allowing handsfree calling in addition to handsfree answering. One software feature I like is the transfer from music audio to phone call audio. The device will lower the music volume and it the ringtone on your phone will be prominent. This also occurs when you are in navigation, the music volume will lower so you can hear Siri giving you directions. This device is spot on. It’s the best audio device for cars that don’t have a fancy Suburban audio system that costs a lot of money. This device is filled with great features that I know customers will appreciate. There is nothing wrong with this device in terms of functionality.

Conclusion

Pros

-Great aesthetics
-Transmits audio to the radio well
-Sound Canceling Technology
-Plethora of other small features

Cons

-None at this time

Ways to improve

At this time, there are no cons to fix.

This is truly a great music solution for the car. I have used these kinds of device for years and this is by far the best one I have ever used. The device’s price is perfect for what you get and I may soon be buying one, in addition to the free one I have now. This device definitely earns five stars from me. Great job Incredisonic.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

Image Courtesy: Incredisonic

TelMe2 TosBlue2 Adapter Review

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The TelMe2 TosBlue Adapter is a small device that converts the audio from your TV into bluetooth signals so that you can use wireless speakers or wireless headphones on your TV. The device sells for $69.00 at the TelMe2 Web Store. It is a great for situations where you must use headphones on your TV, such as the need to reduce sound while someone else in the room is sleeping or when you’re in a loud environment and you want to hear your TV better. According to TelMe2, the use of a headset and a TosBlue2 adapter will significantly boost your ability to hear the TV. Let’s see if this device is for you.

Form

There is not much to mention in the form of this product. The device is small and attaches to your TV. Forget about working with other colors besides black since it only comes in black. However, this actually puts you at an advantage. Since most TVs are black colored, your TV will hide the device. The device also goes on the back of the TV where most ports are located. The device is USB powered but since most TVs these days have USB ports, that shouldn’t be a problem. If it is, get a longer USB cord and a cheap USB wall adapter and plug it into an outlet or power strip (I’m sure you have one of those if you have more than just your TV and cable box to power like most people). A common feature on bluetooth devices is a blinking light, allowing you to know when it’s connected, this device is no exemption. It is especially important to have considering the device has no interactive screen that has alerts on it telling you that it has connected, like the Bluetooth settings app on iOS, not that I would want to have such a screen on this small device anyways. The product feels solid and seems like it would not easily break or fall apart later in the future. Overall, the product aces the Form part of the review.

Function

This device is very useful in many situations. First, it is useful when you are in a room where some one is sleeping. Turn the device and your wireless headphones on and you can listen to your TV without disturbing the person sleeping. You won’t be rude and you can still listen on full volume. Second, let’s say you are at a party. The room is really loud, people are talking and you just want to hear what they are saying. Just turn the device on and some headphones and you’re ready to go. The background noise will be reduced significantly. Also, you can get wireless speakers such as TelMe2s very own BlueBox Speakers that you can connect with your TV thus eliminating all those speaker wires. Even better, the speakers are surround so you can have surround sound without all the wires. Of course, there are other speakers to buy as well. It all depends on the consumer, although I highly recommend the BlueBox speakers. The device is small and can be taken to different parts of the house. It has a bluetooth indicator light. It is easy to set up, which is a big plus for many consumers. I would have like to have seen longer wires for USB, or perhaps no power wires at all, just the wires to the TV. Some people don’t have USB ports on their TV. One major problem with the device though is that it does not support Dolby Digital outputs. Therefore, if your output only puts out Dolby Digital signals, and not PCM, you can not use it. On my TV, it worked but some TVs may be out of luck. Some people, in addition, have noticed some audio/video lag, however, I have not noticed much of it. The device does have some issues, but overall it’s uses are still quite practical.

Conclusion

Pros

-Strong aesthetic
-Very practical and useful
-Easy to setup
-Easy to use

Cons

-Does not work with Dolby Digital-only TVs, needs PCM
-Some users have reported audio/video lag
-Could be better off with a rechargeable battery rather than having to be plugged in

Ways to improve

Perhaps making the product battery powered would be less of a hassle for some customers, especially for those who don’t have a USB port on their TV. Perhaps a combination of battery and USB-power would work best, such as a rechargeable battery. Adding Dolby Digital would eliminate many complaints. In addition, fixing any audio/video lag that exists is very important.

This product, despite it’s kinks, is pretty useful and practical. I find myself using in loud environments, or ones that need to be quiet. There are some important issued that need to be addressed. At this time, I would rate the product at four stars. However, if they can fix the delay and Dolby Digital issues, I’d easily give it five stars. Good job TelMe2, just work out the kinks and you have a great product.

Thanks for reading,

Joe

Images Courtesy: TelMe2

Vangoddy Pindar MacBook/Laptop Carrying Bag

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The Vangoddy Pindar MacBook/Laptop Carrying Bag is a multifunction, multi-device carrying bag for all of your personal electronic devices. This bag carries a MacBook/MacBook Air/MacBook Pro, an iOS device or an Android device (God forbid) and an iPad or an Android tablet (again, God forbid). It is stylish, flexible and functional for a fair price of $41.99. Let’s see if it is the laptop bag for you.

Form

The bag is big enough for a 14 inch laptop such as a iBook G4 14″ but of course the most common size laptop to use in this bag is a 13 inch laptop. I have used both my 13 inch Air and 13 inch Regular MacBooks in the case. They fit just fine and are easy to take out. The bag is black with colored trim. You, of course, can choose which color. It comes in blue and black, all black, red and black, green and black, orange and black, purple and black. It also comes in all pink. The color is on the trim on the front of the bag, it has some green stitching, the logo is stitched in color, the green piece for earbuds to go through and the bottom rubber piece that protects the fabric from the hard floor. The fabric on the outside is soft but firm. The feel on the handle is very comfortable in your hand. The strap is also quite comfortable, it has a soft, padded feel to it. The inside is also padded which protects the devices inside. The inside and outside are made well and look great. Overall, it has great aesthetics.

Function

Laptop bags really only have one purpose, that is to protect your devices while making it easy to carry them. This bag does both. The bag is well padded so your devices will not be damaged should you drop it. The bag also makes them easy to carry. It carries three devices, or at least I was able to fit three devices: my MacBook, iPad and iPhone and all chargers for them. The case also, of course, doesn’t stop there. The straps and handle make it easy to carry. The strap comes off when you don’t need it that way when you carry it by it’s handles, the strap doesn’t get in the way. The bag also has an interesting feature. The pocket that you put your iPhone opens and you can access your phone from the pocket without having to take it out of the bag. Above that is a hole for your headphones to go through. There is a pocket next to it that is zippered. It is big enough to hold an iPad mini in. However, I use it for perhaps an additional iPod or device. The inside has a mesh area for chargers, an area for an iPad next to that and of course the pocket for the laptop is next to that. In addition to these cool pockets, there is also a flap on the side of the bag that allow you to put your charger cord through so you can charge your computer while it is still in the bag. The bag is a great bag, it has some unique features and it is one I can highly recommend.

Conclusion

Pros

-Great aesthetics
-Protects devices
-Comfortable to use, convenient to use
-Unique iPhone pocket
-Unique slot for a charger

Cons

-None

This is a great bag. There really aren’t ways for Vangoddy to improve this bag. It gives great features for a great price. This bag gets 5 stars from me.

Thanks for reading,

Joe