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EasyAcc DP100 Ultra Portable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker (Review)
EasyAcc DP100 Ultra Portable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker
EasyAcc
Amazon $21.99 (Prime)
The EasyAcc DP100 Bluetooth 4.0 Portable Speaker (DP100) is a small (2.6 x 2.6 x 3.8 inches), coffee cup-sized speaker that is one cool sound machine. The DP100 sports a full 4 Watt 45mm driver that can turn any room into a fully immersed music experience. But please don’t damage your hearing or disturb your neighbors with this speaker. Now this speaker won’t vibrate the car next to you at a traffic light, but it does put out some great volume. And its small size means that it’s ultraportable and easy to carry with you on camping trips, day trips, picnics, and on the days when you can have lunch outside at work.
Features:
- MicroUSB charging
- 2,200 mAh capacity
- Up to 25 hours of continuous play time
- 10.6 ounces
- Phone answering
- 4 Watts
- 30m/100ft unobstructed connectivity distance.
The DP100 pairs in seconds as you can see on the video, so no matter where you are or who you’re with, someone can connect to the speaker for shared play. You can control volume and all music controls via the soft press buttons on top of the unit. You can also control the speaker from your phone.
At home or in an office, the Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity limitation might be the standard 10m/30ft, but outside where there are no walls or metal frames, you can be separated by 30m/100ft. The cool thing is that you can still hear the speaker at that distance.
EasyAcc makes some great products and the DP100 is no exception. Look for other EasyAcc product reviews here on The Frugal Networker site. Every product from EasyAcc is well made, performs very well, and is priced perfectly.
Why it’s Frugal: The DP100 is frugal because it is a lot of product for a little money. Its solid construction, long battery life, and big sound means that you can keep this little gem for years of enjoyment and that’s frugal.
Check out the video for a good review of what’s in the box, a demonstration of the speedy Bluetooth connectivity, and a good sound sample. I really like the DP100, but did find that I have trouble with the controls. It’s possible that I just haven’t taken the time to learn the controls, but I haven’t really needed to use them either, so it’s a tradeoff. Read the included documentation to find out how to use the device and you’ll be happy. The DP100 is a great little speaker at a great price and it makes a great gift and a nice stocking stuffer.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: Buy it. It’s good frugal fun.
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!
Staying powered with the CHOETECH Multi Port USB Car Charger (Review)
Multi-port Car Charger C0042
Choe Technology (CHOETECH)
$21.99 Amazon (Prime)
The CHOETECH Multi-port Car Charger is a small, four-port car charger that is absolutely the smallest possible four-port USB charger. Its design keeps it out of your way in the car, but handy for quick charging without fumbling around looking for a charger that might be on the floorboard or under a seat. The charger fits into the power port in your car and can remain there without draining your battery and without having charger wires strung out all over the car like some base unit style chargers do.
Everyone in your vehicle can charge a device at the same time and they can be four different devices because of the charger’s auto detect technology.
CHOETECH Model C0042 Charger details:
- Fast: Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 Technology reduces the charging time by up to 75%
- Powerful:Total power 51W 4 port (Auto detected charging port 5V/2.4A*3+Adaptive fast charging port 15W) for this multi port USB car charger
- Smart: With auto detect technology, which could automatically recognize your devices and is compatible with most of electronic devices
- Adaptive Fast Charging: Especially match with Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge,HTC M9,Nexus 6,HTC Butterfly 2/HTC One M8,Moto X,Galaxy Note 4/Note Edge,Sharp Aquos Zeta/Aquos Tab, Sony Xperia Z2/Z3/Z3 Compact/Z2 Tablet/Z3 Tablet Compact, Xiaomi 3/4
- Safe: Over-current, over-charging, short-circuit protection will make the charge safely, without any risk of overheating or damaging your devices
All four USB ports on the car charger have a unique auto-detection feature, which intelligently detects the type of product being charged, (iOS or Android). With auto-detect, each device is charged to its charging specifications. Although there is only one port with Quick Charge 2.0 technology on the charger, the other three ports will still charge your devices faster than ones with typical chargers. The CHOETECH 4 Port USB Car Charger has a total output of 51 watts and four ports, making this charger a lightweight and easy-to-use solution for anyone on the go.
| Input : | DC 12V-24V |
| Total Maximum Output : | 3*(2.4A/5V) + 1.67A/9V(max) |
| Charging Port Output : | 4*(2.4A/5V) |
| Quantities of the charging port : | 4-ports |
| Dimension : | 96mm*38mm*18mm |
| Weight : | 85g |
Why it’s Frugal: The CHOETECH Multi-port Car Charger is frugal not only because of its inexpensive price point ($21.99), but also because it serves more than a single device at once. It also auto detects your device’s power requirements and charges it quickly if it has Quick Charge 2.0 technology. A quicker charge means less time wasted waiting on a charge or time spent worrying that your device will fail during an important phone call. Frugal.
Only the top USB port is configured for Quick Charge 2.0 technology. If your device doesn’t have Quick Charge technology, then your device will simply charge at the normal rate, which Choe Technology claims is faster than normal charging. I have no reason to doubt the claim, but I also can’t verify it for myself because my average car trip in town is about five minutes each way. Hardly enough time to adequately test the assertion.
I will say that I really like the sleek, minimal design because I hate having what looks like a USB hub in my car down in the floorboard getting stepped on and dirty between charges. The CHOETECH charger is in the dash where it should be and conveniently located for everyone in the car.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: For four USB charging ports in a small device, you can’t go wrong. Buy it.
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.
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.
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