The Frugal Networker

Data Boy Multi-function USB Device
Decent Creations (DECEC)
Varies depending on connectors
and capacity, but generally $25 to ~$40.

Mail: info@decec.cn

Crowdfunding Campaigns:

China funding campaign deadline: 2/24/2016

and
US Indiegogo funding campaign deadline: 3/13/2016

When I first heard of the Data Boy, I didn’t know exactly what to think. Even seeing it on video didn’t give me a real sense of the full impact that the Data Boy Multi-function USB device has–it is a charger, a storage device, and a data sync device. Not only that, but you can connect two devices at once and, depending on which Data Boy you purchase, you can connect an Apple lightning device and an Android device–or any device that uses a micro-USB connector.

When you plug in the Data Boy to your computer, do not have your phone or any other device attached until the computer fully recognizes the Data Boy.

If you’re using an Android phone, plug in to the micro-USB connector and wait for the system to install drivers for your device. If the computer doesn’t recognize the device the first time, and fail, unplug and replug the phone to allow the drivers to install again. My Samsung phone worked on the second attempt after one fail. My Apple iPhone 5 installed on the first attempt, but your experience might be different. Don’t give up; it will work. Your Android phone might appear under Portable Devices as a media player, which is fine. The goal with any device you use is to gain access to files and folders on the phone or tablet.

On my iPhone 5, the only folder that appears is DCIM, which means that I can access all of my photos and movies. On Android, I can see a list of folders: Alarms, Android, DCIM, Documents, Download, Movies, Music, Notifications, Pictures, Playlists, Podcasts, Ringtones, Samsung, and TMemo.

The Data Boy is 100 percent portable–you can put it in your pocket, hang it on a keychain, attach it to your backpack, or drop it into your purse. It is always a storage device–connect it directly to your phone without a computer involved to access the files on the Data Boy. I haven’t figured out a way to browse files on the Data Boy using my Apple iPhone 5 yet. I have two file manager apps, but neither will “see” the Data Boy or its files.

It is a charging cable for your devices. You can plug it into a computer to charge your phone or tablets, while you work.

• USB 2.0
• 5V 2.5A
• 7x6cm
• USB to Micro-USB/Micro-USB
• USB to Micro-USB/Apple Lighting

An additional feature is that the Data Boy alone can act as a charging link between your phone and another device (micro-USB to micro-USB only), such as a Bluetooth headset.

Why it’s Frugal: The Data Boy Multi-function Device is frugal because it serves many purposes for a good price. It is portable, has its own storage, can charge devices, can help you sync files and folders between devices, and even provide power to devices from your phone. It would be frugal at twice the price.

I love the Data Boy. Not only is it a functional device like no other with so many functions, it’s also a cute conversation piece. Everyone who has seen it has asked, “What is that?” and “Where can I get one?” I tell them that for now they’ll have to go to the funding campaigns to get one, but soon after, they’ll be available online. So, if you want a Data Boy, you have to go to one of the funding campaigns to get one.

Rating: 10/10

Recommendation: Help fund the campaign and get yours today!