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The myCharge RazorMax 6000mAh portable charger
Razor Max RZ60G-A Portable Charger
myCharge
$69.99
I’ve reviewed so many portable chargers that sometimes I feel like saying no to the next pitch for one, but the myCharge Razor Max RZ60G-A 6000mAh portable charger (RZ60G-A) caught my eye. It caught my eye because it has not one but two USB ports for charging and it’s extremely thin. In fact, it’s just a little larger, heavier, and thicker than my iPhone 5.
The RZ60G-A is made of anodized aluminum that’s rugged and lightweight. Its dimensions are a diminutive 4.4 in x 2.6 in x 0.5 in and 0.38 pounds (6 ounces), which is perfect to stash into a purse, back pocket, any pocket, tote, or in your car. After seeing and using this charger, my days of lugging around brick sized chargers is over. It’s so small and lightweight that I actually I thought that I hadn’t brought it along in my camera bag on a recent video shoot.
It powered my iPad 4 and my iPhone 5 simultaneously all day long without issue. I never ran out of power for them. When I returned home, I plugged it in and I still showed two lights, which means that I only used about 50 percent of its capacity. 6000mAh is a lot of power. The charger’s two built-in USB ports deliver a combined 2.4A output–enough for a lot of charging.
Notable Features:
- Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility
- Max-power: maximum power transfer from powerbank to device
- Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year
- High-density battery: the smallest and lightest powerbank
- Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety
- Pass Through Charging: will charge the powerbank and connected device simultaneously
Why it’s Frugal: The RZ60G-A charger is frugal because it’s small, but it packs a huge amount of power. 6000mAh is enough to power multiple devices (up to two at a time) for at least an entire day. For $69.99, it’s a little pricey, but it delivers exactly as advertised.
The RZ60G-A’s capacity is 22.2Wh, with input at 5VDC and 0.7A to 2.1A, and output at 5VDC and 2.4A maximum.
One interesting feature of the charger is that you can simply shake it to make the LEDs light up to tell you how much power you have left. Clever. That feature was an unexpected surprise for me. The RZ60G-A comes with its own mini USB charging cable and a Quick Start Guide. The unit comes with a one year limed warranty and is fully charged when you receive it.
In all, the Razor Max RZ60G-A Portable Charger delivers a powerful punch of on demand power where ever you take it and for any device that you can plug into a USB connector/charger.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: Buy it for all your charging needs. It’s portable and powerful.
Introducing the Grip&Shoot Bluetooth Smart Grip for iPhone
The Bluetooth Smart Grip for iPhone
Grip&Shoot
$99.95 (Black or White)
I’ve seen several iPhoneography camera holders, mounts, and brackets to give the iPhone a more DSLR-type experience. The Grip&Shoot is a little different in that it’s not just a one-trick pony product. It is actually multiple products in one. The current Grip&Shoot (G&S) retail package comes with an iPhone 5 Shooter Case, an iPhone 4S Shooter Case, a Bluetooth Smart Grip, a Grip Adapter, a Carrying Pouch, a Wrist Lanyard, and a late edition includes the JawZ Universal Adapter.
Because there are so many parts to discuss, I’ll cover each one in its own subsection.
Shooter Cases
The Shooter Cases that come with the G&S package are pretty standard case fare with the exception of the G&S attachment on one side. The cases are actually suitable for regular use. The attachment portion isn’t really obtrusive or inconvenient, so you basically get a free case in the bargain. Two cases currently come with the G&S package, one for the iPhone 4S and one for the iPhone 5.
Bluetooth Smart Grip
The Smart Grip is really the meat and potatoes of the G&S package and even if you lost all the other parts, this one has the functionality you purchased. It is the Bluetooth connection, the trigger, and the connector for the Shooter Case or for the JawZ universal adapter.
The Smart Grip also has a (+) and a (-) button for zoom in and zoom out functions. You can take photos or start/stop video through the G&S app. The G&S device does not work with any other app on your phone. You must use the G&S app for functionality.
The bottom portion of the G&S Smart Grip is removable and can act as a remote stand for your phone for selfies, group shots, or just to place somewhere that isn’t convenient to stand. You fire the camera from the Smart Grip and you have a stable surface that kind of acts like a tripod, only a lot more portable. It works as a remote shutter release over 100 feet away from the phone.
Compatible devices:
iOS
- iPhone: 4S and newer
- iPod: 3rd Gen and newer
- iPad: 3rd Gen and newer
- iPad Mini: All supported
Android (Kit-Kat 4.4 and newer)
- Nexus 4
- Nexus 5
- Asus Nexus 7
- HTC One
- Samsung Galaxy S4, S5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3, 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab2
- Samsung Galaxy Ace3
- Sony Xperia
Grip Adapter
OK, I’ll admit that I was going to criticize the G&S for missing one of the most important features of any photo-related device: a tripod interface. Well, wouldn’t you know it…the G&S folks put one on there. It’s part of the so-called Grip Adapter attached to the bottom of the removable stand. You can screw this into a tripod mount on any device that has one and you can also put the G&S device on a tripod after removing the Grip Adapter. So, it really serves two purposes. Three if you count the third one as I wasn’t able to criticize the lack of a tripod mount. You can unscrew the Grip Adapter with a penny and the screw is designed to remain in the adapter and not fall out onto the ground to be lost forever. Indeed, the G&S people thought of everything.
Why it’s Frugal: The G&S package is frugal because it’s so much more than simply a phone grip to steady your phone for pictures. It’s the full package created by someone who knows photography and phoneography. Honestly, it might be the best sub $100 accessory you can buy for your phone. It has everything. If you tried to buy the package components separately, you might end up spending close to $200. It’s a frugal value.
Carrying Pouch
The Carrying Pouch is a magnetic closure protective case that not only stores your G&S, but also your phone. It features quick open/close flaps for you rapid shooters, a belt clip, and two belt or strap loops for attaching to a purse strap, a camera case strap, or your belt. It has a plush, non-abrasive interior covering to protect your phone and your G&S. Have I said that the G&S designers thought of everything?
Wrist Lanyard
For those of you who are really rapid shooters, the package includes a wrist lanyard that loops through an opening in the Removable Stand. Put it on and let ‘er swing. Handy, thoughtful, and sturdy.
The JawZ Universal Adapter
Finally I get to my favorite G&S accessory: The JawZ Universal Adapter. I already have a case for my phone. I don’t want to remove it to use it with the G&S, so I thought, “Gee, it would be nice if…” And, of course, before I could finish that sentence, I found the adjustable JawZ universal adapter that fits just about any phone, including the case. <Sigh> What’s a techno gadget critic to do when there’s nothing to complain about for a product? Just enjoy the product that was obviously made by someone who knows photography/iPhoneography as well as I do?
As painful as it is to do it, I have to admit that the G&S package is everything you need to be a successful phoneographer. For phone photos and video, I’m not sure it can be beat. And yes, I’m an Apple product bigot here because it was originally touted as a gadget for the iPhone, but apparently the G&S geniuses have extended that functionality to other phones as well. Great job guys. I know it’s not really a criticism, but it’s the best I have for one–that G&S extended its reach to customers other than those who spend a lot of money on Apple stuff.
If you couldn’t tell, I really like the Grip&Shoot Bluetooth Smart Grip package. I think it’s well worth the $99.95 price tag and that anyone who’s into phoneography needs to get one.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Buy it. It’s versatile, rugged, and is an awesome phoneography accessory.
Fun in the sun with Secur’s Solar Media Player (Review)
Solar Media Player SP-5000
Secur Products
$49.99 MSRP
If you’re like me, I play music on my iPhone–a lot. Seriously, I connect it to my car’s stereo, to earbuds at work, or to a Bluetooth speaker when I’m outside messing with my plants or partaking in the never-ending task of weeding the flower beds. The problem with most music playing options is that they are a terrible drain on your phone battery. Plus the battery in the speaker also drains during music play. I might enjoy two hours-ish of continuous music playing with a standard Bluetooth speaker when I’m outside. The folks at Secur Products have solved this problem with a solar-powered, water-resistant media player, the SP-5000 Solar Media Player (SP-5000).
Not only can you get continuous music for as long as the unit is in the sun, your phone is safe inside the water-resistant case. Now I don’t have to leave my phone and Bluetooth speaker on the back porch far away from where I am in my fairly large back yard. I have to turn the speaker up so loud on standard Bluetooth speakers that it disturbs the neighbors who apparently have nothing better to do than to complain about my loud music. After all, I play good stuff and they should just enjoy it–it’s free. I digress, but you get the point.
The SP-5000 can sit closer to me and I don’t have to worry about a little dirt or even a little water that might accidentally drip onto it. I can also arrange the case so that the speakers point toward me for better (and lower) volumes, so that I don’t disturb my neighbor’s beauty sleep, groundbreaking scientific experiments, or focus on their great American novel efforts.
The SP-5000 charges itself while in the sun while you’re playing music instead of draining its battery too. If your phone battery begins to fade, you can plug it into the power adapter and charge/power your phone while you play music–all for free thanks to the sun’s abundant energy resources.
Product Details:
• Stereo speakers and amplifier
• Rainproof, dustproof, shock proof smart phone case
• Solar powered power bank
• Power bank charges speakers as well as smart phones
• Includes USB and stereo connectors
• Works with most MP3 players and smart phones including the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5
• Includes carabiner for hanging
• Stereo Media Player – lets you play music from your smart phone or MP3 player
• Solar Powered Amplifier and Power Bank – charges by the sun
• Rainproof Protective Case Protects Your Smart Phone – perfect for the outdoors
Why it’s Frugal: The SP-5000 Solar Media Player is frugal because it not only protects your phone from the “elements,” but being in the sun is good for it. It charges your phone, protects your phone, and is a mobile music center all in one neat little, well-made package. At $50, it’s a steal–I mean, a frugal choice.
This product isn’t Bluetooth, so don’t be confused by my mention of Bluetooth speakers. You have to plug the attached 3.5mm jack into your phone, power on the unit, and then power on the speakers.
One reason that I say that the SP-5000 is frugal, although I often complain about product pricing, is that this unit is only $50. Most, if not all, Bluetooth speakers, that offer no charging feature and no protection for your phone. So, really you’re getting a very tough case, multiple cables, a solar charger, and two, 3Watt speakers for very little cash. If that’s not frugal, then please spend more money for a lesser product.
Nerd Stuff/Technical Details:
• 2000 mAh power bank
• 5.5V/70 mA solar panel
• DC input – 500 mA
• DC output – 500 mA
• 2 x 3 watt stereo speakers
• Battery charge indicator
• Water resistant protective case – IPX 64
• Size 7.28″ x 3.74” x 1.77″
• 8.3 oz
The Secur Solar Media Player SP-5000 is a well-made, quality product that is three products in one: media player (speakers), a protective case, and a charger. I’m not sure what else you can ask for in its price range.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: It’s a great product at an excellent price and if you ever listen to music outside, you need this. Strong buy.
About Secur Products
Secur Products is dedicated to constant product development and technological innovation to produce leading edge products for emergency preparedness, outdoor sports, portable power solutions and alternative energy. Secur Products is a division of Maverick Industries, Inc. based in Edison, New Jersey. For over 30 years, Maverick has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of household electronics and electric appliances.
Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition (Review)
xPrintServer Home Edition
Lantronix
$99.95
The xPrintServer Home Edition box reads, “iPad & iPhone Printing Made Easy. Print From All Your iOS Devices To Virtually Any Printer.” And Lantronix has adhered to ‘truthful advertising’ because the xPrintServer Home Edition (xPrintServer) does exactly that and it does so without any fancy setup or hassles. It couldn’t be any easier to do so, with the xPrintServer’s two-step process.
- Connect the xPrintServer to power, your network, and printer.
- Print from your iPad, iPhone, or computer.
In addition to printing from your iPad and iPhone, you can also print from Macs and Windows computers. However, Windows 8 seems to have a problem with Bonjour printing and my Mac mini works at first and then doesn’t print again. Windows 7, iPad, and iPhone work great with it.
I’ve used other print servers, from the small generic and inexpensive ones on up to the ones costing several hundred dollars and the Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition falls into the category of an individual home use unit as advertised. I wouldn’t use it for a small business unless all of my employees used Windows 7 and iPads because it doesn’t seem to work consistently with Mac and I can’t get it to work with Windows 8.x at all.
That said, I’m not sure whether the failure to print is with the Lantronix unit , the Bonjour printing software, or perhaps with my somewhat outdated HP OfficeJet J3680 All-in-One printer. Since it does print with Windows 7 and our iPads, I have to assume it is the Bonjour printing software.
The xPrintServer takes up very little space. It has the approximate dimensions of an iPhone 5, but about two to three times the thickness. It does require its own AC power source, a network connection, and a USB connected printer plugged into it. So, while the unit is small, it still requires three wires for power and connectivity. That’s not a negative statement; just a fact.
The xPrintServer does what it’s supposed to do: print. For those systems it works with, it’s never failed or hesitated to work in any way.
Why it’s Frugal: The Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition is a frugal solution for home users who need to print from a short list of supported devices to a single printer and have no other means to do so. The $99.95 price tag is a little off-putting, but still within the range of a home-oriented gadget.
Here’s how it works from an iPhone:
Lantronix 1: Open File for Printing
Lantronix 2: Share the File
Lantronix 3: Select Print
Lantronix 4: Tap Print to Send to Printer
Open an app. I’m using PlainText. In that app, select a document to print. See Lantronix 1.
Tap the Share button at the bottom center of the screen to see the options given in figure Lantronix 2.
Tap Print from the screen as shown in Lantronix 3.
Finally, be sure that your printer is listed and then tap Print to send the file to the printer.
Apple devices should find the printer automatically and display it for you. The printer might not appear immediately, but if you attempt to find the printer by running through these four steps and then try again in a minute or two, the printer should appear for you to use.
The Lantronix xPrintServer is a good device and performs flawlessly. It offloads print jobs quickly and never hesitates or loses a print job. The web interface is simple and intuitive to use–that is, if you ever need to use it, which you probably won’t. Just know that it’s there if you need it.
Overall, I like the xPrintServer. I just wish that support for Mac OS X and for Windows 8 was there, but again, I don’t think this is necessarily the Lantronix product’s fault. I think it’s with the Bonjour software.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: If you have Windows 7 and iOS devices, buy it; it works.
Using the FlashPoint 180WS StreakLight (Review)
Flashpoint 180WS Streak Light
Adorama
$299.95*
Flashpoint Blast Power Pack BP-960
$249.95*
*Bundles available at significant discounts.
If you’re a professional photographer, you need great lighting. You tell stories with light, but you can’t always have the perfect natural light that you want when you want it. You have to use continuous or flash lighting. For flash lighting, there are a lot of options. However, for those field trips, you need something powerful, rugged, portable, and long-lasting. That’s where the pack narrows down to the leaders. Among the clear winners is the FlashPoint 180WS Streak Light (180WS).
[The 180WS stands for 180 Watt-Second — a standard measure of flash power]
The 180WS has to have a power source, such as the pictured Flashpoint rechargeable Blast Power Pack BP-960 (sold separately).
- Powerful 180ws Guide Number 197 (ft ISO 100) with standard reflector
- Super Soft and Even Light from Replaceable Bare Bulb
- Stable Color Temperature
- Fast Recycle Times from with Flashpoint BLAST POWER PACK or Quantum Turbo
- Precise output from 1/128 to Full in 1/3 stop increments
- Four Modes : Pure Manual [M], Slave Normal [S1], Slave Filtered [S2], Multi/Stroboscopic with calculator [RPT]
- Auto Focus Assist Beam
- Switchable Audio Recycle
- Built in Optical Slave
- Wireless Remote Control USB Port
- 2 Sync Jacks PC & 3.5mm
- Overheat Protection Circuitry
- Vertical and Horizontal Head Adjustments
- Umbrella Mount Adapter
- Tough Secured Hot shoe Mount
- Full Line of Optional Light Modifiers from Snoots to Beauty Dishes
The 180WS is a powerful flash unit, but it can also be “dialed back” to a mere 1/128 full power to give you just enough light to fill in those subtle shadows, even in bright sunlight.
Why it’s Frugal: The 180WS and Blast Power Pack are true professional tools at an extremely good price ($349.95 for the 180WS/BP-960 bundle). The 180WS Creative Collection is also a value at $549.92. This professional lighting model and power pack are frugal because they offer fully adjustable, immediate flash lighting at a very affordable price point. It would be a challenge to find the power and the features of this combination anywhere at twice the price.
The 180WS is easy to setup and to use from a tabletop standalone, to tripod mount, to on-camera hot shoe mount. It is surprisingly lightweight and not bulky nor clumsy to use. The handy belt clip on the Blast Power Pack is a nice feature, although you can also use the lanyard to hang it around your neck.
The 180WS is so powerful and so versatile that my videographer and I use it off-camera, mounted on a tripod using a wireless remote shutter to fire it. We have used it for more than 300 shots on all power settings, in a variety of situations, without ever having to recharge the Blast Power Pack. It never failed us nor did it ever hesitate to fire on demand.
Flashpoint StreakLight 180WS Specifications:
- Strobe Output – 180 watt seconds
- Guide Number – 60m/196ft for ISO 100
- Power Supply – External Lithium Battery and compatibles*
- Recycle Time – 0.05 – 2.6 seconds
- Flash Duration – 1/300 – 1/10,000 sec
- Recycle Indication – Ready Light and Switchable Audio
- Light Coverage – Approximately 65 Degrees / 28mm coverage on 35mm full frame format
- Vertical Angle – -15 to 90 degrees
- Horizontal Rotation – 0 to 270 degrees
- Slave Eye Sensitivity – Greater than 33 feet / 160 degree radius
- Color Temperature – 5600K +/-200K
- Housing Size – 8 X 3.55 X 2.75 in
- Body Weight – 19.4 oz /1.50 lbs
The unit gives you the characteristic flash “beep” when the unit is ready to fire again. There was never any hesitation during any of our shoots. It consistently recharged immediately. Fire. Beep. Fire. Beep. Fire. Beep. In fact, the 180WS responded so well to our demands, I think we’re spoiled in never having to wait for a flash unit to power up again.
And I love the ability to adjust the power from 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments because it’s easier to bracket your shots. It’s great to get just enough light without blowing out the subject or the background when using it for bounced lighting.
The 180WS comes with a parabolic reflector and a set of two diffusers to further soften the light source, although the bare bulb delivers an even light coverage for objects that are as few as five or six feet away.
The flash head adjusts from horizontal to vertical and locks into place. The parabolic reflector also locks into place so that there’s no chance of it falling during movement if you have it camera-mounted. The head also rotates 270-degrees so that you can aim the flash to create any kind of special effect or bounce reflection that you want. You can also purchase an umbrella reflector setup for the 180WS so that you don’t have to have a separate umbrella light unit.
I really like working with the 180WS and the Blast Power Pack. It’s impossible for either of us to work with standard on-camera flash anymore after this experience. The 180WS is so versatile, usable, rugged, and powerful that every professional should carry one in his or her gig bag. Both units are small enough to fit into a carry on bag or into a standard camera tote.
Every time we pull out the 180WS to use, we get a universal “Wow” from whomever is within sight of it. During one video and photography shoot, we had several other photographers approach us to see what exactly it was that we were using. Of course, Joseph and I were only too happy to show it off and give our own demonstration of the product. For a moment, we both felt like we were selling the units at a trade show. It gave us a personal boost to show off the high end equipment we were using and I think gained us a little street cred in the process.
Don’t let me put you high-end amateurs or prosumers off, this unit would be great for team sports shots, school events, family photos, vacation photos, or even your first foray into the pro world. The combination is affordable enough for amateurs and pros alike. Amateurs will love the ease of operation and although the unit looks intimidating, it isn’t. It’s easy on, easy off, and adjustable with the touch of a single finger and fire, fire, fire, as fast as you can press the shutter button.
Honestly, this is the finest product of its type that I’ve ever used and I’ve used a lot of flash units over the past couple of decades. Quality really makes a difference. This unit is an investment that is a real winner. And you can take that from two guys who’ve eaten a lot of lemons over the years. The 180WS and Blast Power Pack are a winning combination.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Pros: It’s a must have–you can’t afford not to have one. Amateurs: This could be exactly what you’ve been looking for to take your photography to that higher level.
Note: I will soon have our own video up demonstrating the 180WS and the BP-960. My camera battery went dead during my original video. Too bad it wasn’t powered by the BP-960.
TCP Connected Automated Home Lighting System Starter Kit (Review)
TCP Connected Automated Home Lighting System Starter Kit
TCPI
$69.95 Amazon (Prime)
I have loved home automation products for as long as I can recall. When the X10 stuff first came out, I bought a $100+ starter kit that included lamp timers, a control unit, a motion sensor or two, and a remote control. There were possibly other components included that I can’t recall, but it was expensive and I never got any of it to work. Until I received the TCP Starter Kit, I hadn’t been hopeful home automation products impressing me enough for a purchase.
The TCP Connected Home Lighting System Starter Kit (Kit) that I review here contains two 60W equivalent LED light bulbs, a wireless gateway unit, an Ethernet cable, and an instruction booklet.
It only requires a few minutes to install the bulbs, gateway, and to setup your app to control them. It’s so easy that I didn’t have to read the instructions, although I recommend that you do so.
Install the bulbs just as you do any other bulbs. Plug the wireless gateway unit into your network router or a switch via the included Ethernet cable and plug the unit into a power source. With your lights turned on and your gateway powered up, install the TCP app, that’s searchable and downloadable from your app store.
Once installed, open the app to allow it to locate your gateway. Once you do that, follow the easy instructions to setup and customize your lights.
I like that you can actually take a picture of your light fixture with the light on to represent the connected light that you’re using. In the video, I demonstrate using the app, turning on, turning off, dimming, and brightening the lights.
I have one of my two TCP connected lightbulbs installed in my front porch light fixture and the other installed in a lamp in my living room.
One question that I’m sure you have is, “Can I control my lights when I’m not at home or within range of my wireless gateway?”
The answer, according to the documentation is, “Yes.” However, I’ve not been able to get it to work, so I personally can’t say for sure either way. If it does work, that’s a great feature. Who doesn’t want to be able to turn on his or her lights remotely so that the lights are on when you come home in the evening? I’d love to have that feature.
You can create a Smart Control, which is a program to control your lights in a particular way. Default ones included are: Home, Away, and Night. You can add and customize your own. I have setup and used this feature and it works quite well. It requires a little experimentation to get exactly what you want, but you have a lot of options and presets to help you along.
Why it’s Frugal: The Kit is frugal because it helps protect your home inexpensively. For as little as $70, you can have a little peace of mind that your lights back home can be controlled on a schedule or randomly by your own hand. The bulbs are rated for a 20+ year lifetime. Plus, you can add dozens of lights to your network to make your home fully automated and to look as if someone is there 24×7.
As you saw and heard in the video, I stated that the ability to control your lights without using the switch is a great feature. My reason for saying this is that often I like to see who’s at my front door without allowing that person to see me near the door. That gives me the advantage should that person be a potential intruder.
I like the TCP Connected Automated Home Lighting System. I think that even having two controllable lights at your disposal is a huge safety boost for you and your family. And for the starter price of $70, it’s not bad. You can add extra lightbulbs at around $20 each. That sounds like a lot until you realize that these bulbs are rated for 25 years of use.
Dux Case by STM for iPad mini (Review)
dux for iPad mini
Standard Technical Merchandise Pty Ltd
$40.26 Amazon (Prime)
STM has an array of products, but the one I’m focused on for this review is for my wife’s iPad mini. The dux protective cover for the iPad mini is a hard plastic full cover that features a smart cover, a magnetic clasp, and a see-through back cover area. The case covers the entire iPad mini, but isn’t bulky or heavy. It’s surprisingly unobtrusive for a full cover case.
The dux case gives you full access to all of your iPad controls, but also protects them from drops from heights of six feet or so.
dux case notable features:
- Tested to meet or exceed US Dept. of Defense Standard 810F/G protocols
- Survives extreme drop test at 6.6 feet or 200 cm
- Super protective polycarbonate and rubberized TPU bracket for even the most accident prone among us
- Clear back to customize your device with personal images, scan a tagging barcode or allow your pristine device to shine through
- Durable and water resistant polyurethane cover to ward off an occasional drip or spill
- Patent pending magnetic closure for an easy fold into the perfect typing or viewing position
- Instant on/off cover wakes and turns the device off saving battery life
- Will fit and protect all generations of the mini (iPad mini, iPad mini Retina, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3)
- Designed in Australia
Why it’s Frugal: The STM dux case for the iPad mini is frugal because it protects your device from accidental drops, spills, and other random acts that might damage it. Part of frugality is taking care of your devices, especially the expensive ones. $40 to fully protect your (my) $350 investment is a very wise and frugal choice.
The dux case really impressed my wife who had used the Apple smart cover ($30) that I purchased for her with the iPad mini. The back protector is a silicone rubber case which also cost $30. And both together didn’t protect it as well as the single $40 case by STM.
So, she actually gets credit for rating this one. As you can see in the video, she told me to give it a 10/10. She loves it and will probably never use anything else on her mini. And if she’s happy with it, I’m happy with it.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Buy it and love it for the life of your device.
Beacon Audio Phoenix 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Review)
Phoenix 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Beacon Audio
$59.95 Amazon (Prime)
$59.95 Beacon Audio (Free Shipping)
The Phoenix 2 portable Bluetooth speaker by Beacon Audio is a coffee cup-sized speaker that delivers big sound, handy two-way phone conversation capability, and long battery life all at a moderate price point. It would make a great gift or a cool conversation starter at any party. No one will believe the volume and depth of sound that you can squeeze out of this tiny box. The two speakers and single subwoofer might be a clue to that volume, although I’m not officially an audiophile.
The range is somewhere between 30 to 80 feet depending on where your music device and the Phoenix 2 are located. Walls, metal objects, and other electronic devices might interfere at varying levels. But outside in good weather with no obstructions, expect to be able to walk pretty far from the speaker or from your phone with no problems.
- Two speakers and a subwoofer
- 360-degree sound
- Microphone for phone calls
- Long-lasting (8-10 hours) rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 3.5mm auxiliary jack
- USB charge connector
- Compatible with most devices
As you can see from the video, the Phoenix 2 is small, attractive, and ready to serve. I like it. I can’t find any flaws with it. That said, I do think that the price is a little high. $60 seems a little steep, but I’m kind of cheap, hence the frugal part of this blog. I think that a $30 to $40 range would be much better.
Why it’s Frugal: The Beacon Audio Phoenix 2 portable Bluetooth speaker isn’t particularly frugal. It does deliver an unexpected sound quality, even at the highest volume level, it is a luxury item, especially at the $60 price level.
If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that will pair with just about anything you have and doesn’t require an extra app or any hassle, then the Phoenix 2 is a great choice. It comes in a variety of colors and free shipping from Amazon or the manufacturer, so that’s a big bonus.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommendation: Buy it. Have fun with it.
AVANTEK USB Car Chargers (Review)
AVANTEK USB Car Chargers
Claybox Limited
$9.99 to $16.99 Amazon
Do you dread long road trips because either you have to turn off your devices to save battery life or you have to buy those really cheap (not well made) USB charger things in service stations or convenience stores only to toss them into the trash after a single use or two. And you can only charge one or two (if you’re lucky) devices at a time. Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, for just about the same price as dime store charging gadgets, you can have a real multi-device charging station for your long trips.
Seriously. For $16.99, you can charge up to five devices at once (upper left device in picture). It’s the one that I take with me on road trips. My wife, daughter, and I are able to charge our three iPhones and my daughter’s iPad all at once. Try that with a convenience store charger.
The other chargers shown have two USB connectors plus three cigarette lighter-style socket charger ports. These units are socket port multipliers. With them, you can charge or power a variety of gadgets, tools, and appliances. You aren’t limited to USB.
My sons chose the socketed chargers for themselves because they have a variety of “thingies” that they want to power. I don’t know what “thingies” are and I don’t want to ask. I feel better not knowing all the details. But whatever those details are, they’ll have plenty of power available to them.
Why it’s Frugal: AVANTEK power products are frugal because they save you both time and money. They save you time by allowing you to charge multiple devices in your car and they save you money because you don’t have to buy multiple chargers nor do you have to re-buy chargers because the ones you bought were cheap pieces of garbage. Frugal and useful. You just can’t beat that combination.
Surprisingly, I don’t have even one bad or slightly negative thing to say about these products. They do what they say they’ll do and they do it inexpensively. The manufacturing quality is very high, the designs are good, and they work. It’s hard to find fault with a product that is so well thought-out, so useful, and so frugal all in one package.
What more can I say than to tell you that my wife and my two college student sons love these? I can tell you that I love them too. Honestly, every vehicle you own should have at least one of these devices available because these days we depend so much on our personal technology that you can’t do without power.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: A must-have for every vehicle and every member of your family. These would make great gifts.
3Pod V3AH Video Tripod (Review)
3Pod V3AH Video Tripod
Adorama Camera, Inc.
$99.95 (Free shipping)
In photography, there’s nothing quite like stability. And if you’re using a tripod, you need stability because even the slightest movements during an exposure can have disastrous results. These days that’s not as expensive as it used to be because of our digital cameras and instant picture view, but film aficionados understand what I’m talking about. Often, you couldn’t tell that your trusty tripod had failed you until you developed your film, enlarged the negatives onto print paper, and discovered that indeed there was movement from a breeze, an overzealous shutter snap, or a slight bump as you released the tilt bar. But for the sake of stability, many a photographer lugged a 50-pound tripod around the countryside to grab that perfect image.
Videographers have the same problem. Camera shake makes people dizzy or uneasy when watching a film. You don’t want to purposely induce vertigo in your audience, so you resort to a tripod for stability. Hopefully one you can lift, move, balance, and position many, many times over the course of a long day’s shoot.
The 3Pod V3AH is such a tripod. It has almost every feature of a tripod costing hundreds of dollars. For the videographer on a budget, the guerrilla videographer, the YouTuber, or the professional who needs to travel light, the V3AH might be your perfect choice. At a nickel under $100, it’s really easy on your wallet.
Included in the box:
- V3AH Video Tripod
- Fluid Panhead with Sliding Quick-release plate
- Padded Carrying Case
- Manual
From the Adorama V3AH page:
The V3AH is the 3Pod video tripod of brute strength and stability with an impressive supported payload of 14.5lbs. The 3-tiered extendable leg system lets the V3AH reach heights of 61″, and features sturdy rubber feet, large, easy to grasp locking knobs, and a torsion resistant aluminum center brace for added strength.
The professional 2-Way fluid metal panhead attaches to the body with a half-bowladaptor mounting system. It is manipulated by a fully adjustable textured handle, and provides a 360 degree range of silent, jitter-free motion with state-of-the-art dampening, counterbalance and drag functions, a built-in bubblelevel, and individual directional locking. An included sliding quick-release plate detaches from the panhead with a safe-spring release pin.
There’s nothing that I can tell you about this tripod that you can’t read for yourself. The real proof of how great it is has to be seen.
The V3AH in action.
Why it’s Frugal: For $100, the V3AH is the best of class tripod that I’ve seen. Its list of features, plus 3Pod’s quality craftsmanship, and its three-year warranty just can’t be beat. Adorama is the photographer’s standard for amateurs to professionals and they’re products are designed with the working photographer in mind.
The V3AH comes in a sturdy, black nylon case with reinforced stitching on stress prone areas, such as the handles and zippers. The case is tough and solid without adding a lot of extra weight to the tripod. Who needs to lug around extra pounds on any shoot? I want my gear protected, but not at the cost of needing to rent a pack mule for the hike.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: If you can buy or only want one tripod and don’t want to spend more than $100, this should be it.
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