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Data Boy Multi-function USB Device (Review)
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!
iRig KEYS PRO and iRig KEYS with Lightning connector
December 3, 2013 – IK Multimedia, the global leader in mobile music making apps and accessories for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac/PC, announced the expansion of its iRig KEYS line with two new products for mobile musicians: iRig KEYS PRO and iRig KEYS with Lightning connector, compact MIDI keyboard controllers with 37 velocity-sensitive keys.
Both iRig KEYS PRO and iRig KEYS come with Lightning-connector, 30-pin and USB cables. These allow musicians to connect all iRig KEYS to any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac/PC model, and provide MIDI control and performance features for Core MIDI apps of all types, such as IK’s own SampleTank, iGrand Piano and iLectric piano apps, and its range of Mac/PC virtual instruments.
iRig KEYS PRO: Big features — compact design
iRig KEYS PRO is a true “plug and play” professional-quality programmable MIDI controller designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It features 37 velocity-sensitive full-size keys for 3 full octaves plus one note — allowing for realistic-feeling, two-handed playing. Even with pro features like mod and pitch wheels, illuminated octave and program buttons, 4 programmable “sets” for storing complete setups, and a programmable continuous-controller volume knob, iRig KEYS PRO is 30% smaller than any other full-size key MIDI controller that can be played with two hands.
iRig KEYS PRO comes complete with Lightning-connector and 30-pin cables for plugging directly into the dock connector of any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. A USB cable is included for direct Mac or PC connection. With standard Core MIDI support, you can play any compatible virtual instrument or recording app on your iOS device or computer from Apple’s GarageBand to IK’s SampleTank. iRig KEYS PRO needs no AC adapter or batteries, it draws its power from the device it’s connected to, and it even features an auxiliary mini-USB port to provide it with power during performance, allowing the battery on the mobile device to be conserved.
Programming and expansion
iRig KEYS PRO also has powerful programming features that are useful during live performance and in the studio. Players can program iRig KEYS PRO with different set-ups and store them in one of the 4 “Set” banks. When iRig KEYS PRO is in Edit mode, the user can set the MIDI transmit channel, velocity (touch) response, assign Control Change numbers to the Volume/Data knob, send custom Program Change messages, transpose the keyboard in semi-tones and more.
iRig KEYS PRO also sports an expansion jack for adding a sustain pedal (not included) for a realistic piano feel, or an expression pedal that sends MIDI continuous controller data that can control parameters such as volume, rotary speaker speed, tremolo and vibrato speed and more, on the connected app or software instrument.
FREE software for instant playability, universal compatibility
iRig KEYS PRO comes with SampleTank FREE* for iPhone/iPod touch and iPad, IK’s award-winning multi-part sound module designed for live performance and recording, and the iGrand Piano FREE* app, a high-quality studio-sampled grand piano sound module. Both apps are expandable with sounds from IK’s massive collection of sound libraries, and provide musicians with tools for complete music production.
iRig KEYS PRO is also right at home in the studio, and works seamlessly with DAW software, including GarageBand, Logic Pro and many others. It’s also perfect for controlling virtual instrument plug-ins such as IK’s SampleTank, Sonik Synth, SampleMoog™, SampleTron and Miroslav Philharmonik. For Mac/PC use, iRig KEYS PRO comes with SampleTank 2L**, the full-featured professional sound workstation that includes over 2 GB of professional samples, which cover all instrument categories.
iRig KEYS with Lightning connector
iRig KEYS with Lightning connector is IK’s new version of the ultra popular iRig KEYS portable mini keyboard and now comes with a Lightning-connector cable for connecting iRig KEYS to the newest Apple devices, including the new iPad, iPad mini and iPhone 5 series. It shares the same powerful features of iRig KEYS PRO but with a more compact build so it only takes up minimal space on your desktop and can easily fit in a backpack or a carry-on bag.
Pricing and Availability
iRig KEYS PRO is priced at $149.99 / €119.99 MSRP (excl. tax), and is available now from the IK network of music and electronic retailers around the world and the IK online store. iRig KEYS with Lightning connector is priced at $129.99/€95.99 and is available now from music and electronics retailers worldwide.
* Available on the App Store.
** Register and download on the IK Multimedia online User Area.
For more information, go to www.irigkeys.com.
For more information on IK Lightning Compatible Accessories, go to www.ikmultimedia.com/lightning
[Note: I have used the iRig KEYS keyboard, SampleTank, and iGrand Piano (Review coming soon). They’re fun and very professional. Advanced enough for the professional musician and simple enough for the beginner. IK Multimedia knows music.]
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The Frugal Networker 
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