Author: GadgetMan

I have been writing about tech, gadgets, consumer electronics, as well as other geeky things for over ten years.

Geekscape Tech Review: Jabra Elite Sport

by GadgetMan

This review will be of a fine Jabra product! The Elite Sport will be a pair of wireless earbuds great for runners or other athletic types. In fact, it will be good for anyone not wanting a pesky wire connecting the earbuds together. They are totally wireless free! This, along with some other great features we will discuss here, might make any runner or athlete want to say: “Take my money!”

These aren’t just any wireless earbuds. They are made for sports. These earbuds are made to stay in your ear in spite of strenuous exercise and are immune to sweat. There is a 3-year warranty that comes with them that protects from damage against sweat(as long as you register them when you buy them). If you are concerned about the buds staying in your ear, there is specialized ear gel and ear wing sizes to give that perfect fit and keep it in.

The Jabra Elite Sport isn’t just another pair of earbuds. They have an integrated fitness application known as Jabra Sports Life. It has an in-ear precision heart rate monitor and you can monitor your absolute fitness level. There is also an app that will pair to the earbuds and provides personal audio coaching, as well as keeping track of reps, predicting race time and more!

Currently, Jabra is one of the Bluetooth masters of sound, so there is no surprise that these earbuds will have great quality in their sound. You can choose to shut out all the outside sound around you, but you might need to use the option of allowing background noise to filter in so you can be aware of your surroundings.

The 9 hours of battery life will give you plenty of use. It even comes with a portable charging case that will give you two additional charges.

To see more demos of what these great earbuds can do, head over to the Jabra site and buy them now for $249. They are also available at Best Buy.

Geekscape Tech Review: GoPuck 6XR Mobile Battery

by GadgetMan

There are many mobile battery products, so what is different about the GoPuck 6XR? It does have two USB ports, but so does the MyCharge RazorUltra.

The GoPuck 6XR does have something that others don’t,and that is the speed. The 6XR boasts the Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0 technology, which provides four times faster charging speed.

This mobile battery also has a large capacity to charge over and over again. It claims a 9,000 mAh capacity, which means that it is good for about four charges on a smartphone, 5 times on an iPhone 6s, or even up to 7 times on other items like a GoPro.

The 6XR is also made to be easily transported. It has a mount for straps and belts, and it appears to be “born from racing” as it says on the box. GoPuck products seem to be made for those people who are always on the go, and they are lightweight so one always has the ability to keep them close.

We recommend GoPuck 6XR for those who are on the go and need to charge their devices multiple times without having to go find an outlet or charging station. You can buy it on the GoPuck website for about $99.99 and get it shipped for free!

Geekscape Tech Review: Autonomous AI ErgoChair

by GadgetMan

To go along with the review of the Autonomous AI SmartDesk2, we are reviewing another product from the same company that was sent to us to try out when the desk is not in a standing position. This fabulous product is called ErgoChair.

The time to set up the ErgoChair was much more expeditive to assemble compared to the Smart Desk 2. It took less than an hour- compared to the hours spent assembling the SmartDesk 2.

Luxury and pleasure are good words to describe what it feels like to sit in the chair. The back has a cushion specifically in the lower lumbar area, which is a good place for support for many of us with back issues. The neck/head rest is comfortable enough to lay back and doze off, so perhaps you might need to use the standing position of the desk often.

The ErgoChair has a variety of points for adjustment. The armrests slide up, down, left, right, front, and back. One lever in back controls the chair to either lock it in place, or give the option of leaning back a ways. The headrest can lean back as well as extend upwards.

The main website says that the chair has “customizable tilt tension to perfectly balance your weight, seat position can be locked or unlocked for flexibility or maximum support.”

This chair is one that we would recommend for geeks, and in general, people who sit at a desk all day. You can purchase the ErgoChair on the Autonomous AI website for a price range of about $249-$299, with a variety of colors to choose from. Go check them out yourself!

Geekscape Tech Review: Autonomous AI SmartDesk 2

by GadgetMan

We were able to try out the brilliant SmartDesk 2 from Autonomous AI. Check out our experience with set-up and other features of the desk.

The SmartDesk 2 is a desk that can transition from a regular desk that you sit at to a standing desk. This happens all with the pressing of a button.

Autonomous AI was gracious to send a product for us to review. The desk was shipped to us in two parts. The first part was the large surface area, and the second box contained the base of the desk and the motor that powers the desk.

Assembly was simple, but took a while. It took about two-and-a-half hours for me to assemble on my own. The assembly of the legs required the simple insertion of thick bolts with the square bolt wrench (conveniently included in the package).

Inserting the legs into the top of the desk was probably the most difficult task. There are holes marked where you insert the legs and screw them into the wood, but the assembly allows to adjust the width of the legs.

This part was a bit confusing, but in the end, I just chose a width that lined up with the holes. Adjusting the width of the legs was step 2, but that didn’t really come into play until step 12, where I had to adjust the width of the legs again to make it fit.

I found the same problem concerning the driveshaft. This particular part joined the motor on one leg with another mechanism on the other leg so the desk can be raised or lowered. I believe the driveshaft should probably be put on last, because it had to be taken out in order to screw on the top in the center of it.

In my opinion, you might want to not follow the order of the steps in the instructions provided. The good news is that even if you are not a master desk builder, like me, you will probably be able to get it working as soon as it is plugged it in. The controls simply screw in on the front of the desk.

The desk is able to hold a lot of weight. The Home Edition Frame holds up to 220 lbs, while the Business Edition Frame can hold up to 300 lbs.

So the real question is whether or not you want a standing desk. There was a recent Family Guy sketch that I felt addressed the issue of how standing desk people relate to “chair-people” that you can watch here if you want to laugh.

The adjustable SmartDesk 2 is available with a lot of customization. For example, you can decide how you want the top, square, or something more ergonomic with a section in the middle. We got the white top, but it also comes in Black, Walnut, White Oak, and Bamboo. You can also pick the color of the base legs.

Something we hope to review in the future, are the additions that can be added on to the desk- like the ability to wirelessly charge your cellphone on your desk, and the ability to talk to your desk, and it will talk back to you- like Siri and Alexa. That gives a price hike in the desk of another $75 for wireless charger, USB charger, bag organizer, and speaker, and another $150 will get the AI personal assistant and ability to control your smart home devices and use apps on your phone with the desk. That option is sold out at the moment, but it would be really interesting to have.

The price varies for the different styles. The cheapest one is a plain white design with basic tabletop area for $399, and others with a larger area and higher priced wood at $599. We were very satisfied with our desk, which you can purchase Autonomous AI site.

Geekscape Tech Review- myCharge: RazorUltra

by GadgetMan

We are on a myCharge roll with the review of this third product-the Razor Ultra. This gold finished external battery can give you some extra battery life on your devices- whether you are out camping or playing Pokemon Go.

This power bank, related to the Razor Platinum (which I didn’t review on this website), but less expensive, doesn’t have the 13,400 mAh power, but does have 12,000 mAh capacity, which can provide about 4 charges on a Samsung Galaxy phone before recharging again. The RazorUltra has two USB ports so you can charge your tablet and phone simultaneously.

Good for 90 hours worth of power, the external battery pack has the myCharge ultra-fast hyper charging of your devices- up to 65 percent competitors. It can also recharge itself up to 50 percent faster than its competitors. This speed is coveted by many customers.

Made of anodized aluminum to provide long lasting durability of the product, the Razor Ultra is available on the myCharge site for $59.99. You can also buy it at stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and on-line sites like Amazon.

Geekscape Tech Review: ‘MyCharge:HubMax’ Mobile Charger

by GadgetMan

MyCharge has another mobile battery charger to make technological life on the go last a little longer. This one is called HubMax.

I took a relative (predecessor maybe?) called HubPlus to CES 2016, and it was very useful for charging my phone on the go during that trade show. The HubMax is similar, but it is almost double the power at 10500 mAh (that’s up to 6x extra battery).

The HubMax has both the micro-USB and Apple® Lightning™ cable so you can charge two devices at once. These cords are integrated into the device, so no need to carry around charging cables.

If, by chance, you need to charge another iPhone, a Samsung, and a third device, there is a USB port added on this portable charger. If you need a quick recharge, this is the one for you, as it recharges up to 50 percent faster than competitors.

Charging of this mobile battery is very straightforward- just plugs right into the wall to charge, with a 3.4 A output. The prongs are self-contained, and fold right up, making the HubMax very compact and portable. If this device sounds like something you can’t live without, it can be purchased on the myCharge site for $99.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: MyCharge’s AmpProng+

by GadgetMan

From MyCharge, comes AmpProng+. This product is a mobile battery, good for providing extra power to those long days of Pokemon Go hunting. In today’s world- where phone batteries don’t always last near as long as our busy lifestyles, this little gadget will give the extra boost that you need to keep power to your phone when you can’t connect to charge to a wall.

This product is a 6700 mAh portable charger, which means it is good for up to a 4X charge on a typical smartphone. The mobile battery charges by plugging into the wall. Two 2.4A output on double USB ports are provided for charging two devices- great for families needing to charge multiple devices at once while on the go!

It can power tablets and smartphones up to 65 percent faster, giving users an extra bonus boost at a high rate of speed. Who doesn’t need that?

The AmpProng+ is very lightweight, and claims to be able to hold power for about a year. If this product sounds like something that you need, it is available on the myCharge site for about $49.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: The Catalyst Ultimate Case for the iPhone 7

by GadgetMan

I realize that most reviews end with a final review, but I am going to start this one with the final verdict. If you really need a good case, then you can go to Otterbox or Lifeproof, or you can get yourself a Catalyst. I’ve reviewed their accesories before, and this time, it is for the iPhone 7, and it has been known as the “ultimate case for the ultimate device”.

What Makes the Catalyst Ultimate Case for the iPhone 7 So Ultimate?

So why is it ultimate? Well, it is waterproof and drop proof. In fact, every Catalyst for the iPhone 7 is tested to IP68 waterproof to 33 fee (10 meters). Then it is designed to meet drops and shocks of up to 6 feet (2 meters), which is MIL-STD 810G.

What Makes the Catalyst Ultimate Case for the iPhone 7 Stand Out?

I’ve seen a lot of cases like these, such as the aforementioned Otterbox and Lifeproof. The difference is that the Catalyst case is transparent on both sides. So the front is ready for the touchscreen, but the back shows off the Apple logo.

So What is the Final Verdict (After the Final Verdict)

What we are looking at is a case for the iPhone 7 made for life itself. Not only will the Catalyst protect you from dust, dirt, and snow, but it has a lanyard.

I’m going to highly recommend this Catalyst for the iPhone 7. You can find it on the Catalyst website for $79.99 in Stealth Black or Alpine White (starting in March 2017).

Geekscape Tech Review: The Gravitas from Henge Docks

by GadgetMan

We’ve talked about Henge Docks before, like when we reviewed the Clique. The Gravitas is a great dock for an iPhone or iPad.

How Does the Gravitas Rate as an iPhone/iPad Dock?

It is pretty heavy, so it can sit on your desk like a paperweight or something. I’m told that it is made of some zinc alloy that is more dense than aluminum, so it feels quite heavy. In fact, it is so heavy, that if you dropped it on your foot, you would say: “ouch”. It’s about 2.5 pounds, if you want the exact amount.

If you haven’t realized it yet, there is a lightning port so you can dock the iPhone or iPad there. There are all kinds of inserts so you can put in all kinds of iPhones, and I don’t have enough iPhones from other generations to try this out.

How Does the Gravitas Rate as a Recharger?

So, since this is a dock, can you use it for recharging? Uh, yes, that is what a dock is! The coolest part is you can use the included double USB cord so you can sync your iPad or iPhone to your computer.

I don’t know if you can see this in the picture, but there is some inserts for all kinds of iPhones, and the iPad is made so it is really….wide.

By the way, the Gravitas has a built-in speaker, and it is pretty great if you want some extra sound.

In short, I believe that the Gravitas is something that really needs to be owned by everyone with an iPhone or iPad. You should be able to purchase it on the hengedocks.com for $69.

Geekscape Tech Review: Journey Travel Charger Ultra from Phonesuit

by GadgetMan

Welcome to PhoneSuit’s Journey Travel Charger Ultra. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this is a mobile battery. I probably reviewed several of those in the last holiday, so there is nothing new there.

So what good is the PhoneSuit Journey Travel Charger Ultra?

Let’s talk practicality! See how the Journey Travel Charger Ultra spreads its cords like arms? One of those arms is a Lightning cable for Apple products, and the other is Micro-USB for pretty much everything else.

Yeah, I have been noticing that some mobile batteries have these two charging cables, but if you are like me, and you have something like an HTC 10, with a USB C port, you are out of luck, at least with the two cables attached. By the way, there is a blurb on the Phonesuit website that says it can do a HTC, with the micro-USB. Just scroll down when you get to the website, and point at it and say: “Yeah, that’s wrong.”

The Journey Travel Charger Ultra is Good for Three Devices

Okay, it isn’t completely wrong that the Journey charger can do HTC and other USB-C devices. As it so happens, you got yourself an extra USB port on this mobile battery.

You read that caption right, you can charge three devices at once with this. Three seems to be the magic number for this guy because it can provide up to 3 times (300 percent) additional power for a smartphone. So pretty much anything that is chargeable via USB (which is about everything) is chargeable, but maybe not three times.

How Does the Journey Travel Charger Ultra Compare with Other Mobile Batteries?

The Journey Travel Charger Ultra is good for 5000 mAh, so that is pretty good in comparison to most portable mobile batteries. There is also an advanced smart power management thing going on, so it knows how to prioritize charging. Yeah, I’m going to have to take their word for it. I actually don’t have one of each type of gadget (Apple and Samsung) to try it with.

So is the Journey Travel Charger Ultra durable? It sure feels that way. It is designed for travel, which means it will take the bumps along the way. I’m not going to hurl it against the wall, because hey, I’m not that angry.

Final Rating for the Journey Travel Charger Ultra

I’m going to recommend it, but I don’t feel like giving stars to it. After all, I don’t know what five star mobile battery would be. I mean, it would charge devices, but don’t all mobile batteries do that?

Anyway, you can get the Journey Travel Charger Ultra on the Phonesuit site for about $59.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: Ventev Powercell 3015+ Battery Charger and Wallport r2240 Charger

by GadgetMan

Okay, I am back to talk about Ventev, and I suppose these products could be used together. This would be the Powercell 3015+ Battery Charger and Wallport r2240 Charger.

So let’s talk about the Powercell 3015+ Battery Charger, which is a portable battery and wall charger. It isn’t anything that we haven’t seen before, and this is one of those types that have one of those retractable prongs so you can just plug it into the wall.

What makes this really interesting is that instead of having 4 little lights to indicate how much power it has. Instead, it has a percentage on the side, so I will give them points for being different.

This mobile battery can deliver 12.5 hours of extra talk time, and it costs about $39.99 on the Ventev site.

it is time to write about the last product, the Ventev wallport r2240 charger. I’m not certain how to describe it other than a universal dual output USB port.

So yeah, you have not one, but two ports that you can use on a typical outlet. And yes, it can charge two devices at the fastest possible rate, and this includes tablets.

Yeah, I’m not certain what else I can say about this. I mean, I had to review it because it was sent to me. Okay, that is the first and last time that I will say that about any product that I am reviewing.

Anyway, all five of these products would make great stocking stuffers or gifts, and this one is available on the Ventev site for $29.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: Ventev Minipro Window Dashmount, Dashport r1240 Mini, and ChargeSync Lightning Charging Cable

by GadgetMan

If you have heard of Ventev, then you know that they make some really high-quality accessories. I’m going to be reviewing them both today and tomorrow, and I will start with three that can be used together: the Ventev Minipro Window Dashmount, the Dashport r1240 Mini, and the ChargeSync Lightning Charging Cable.

I’ll start with the Ventev Minipro Window Dashmount, this is one of those things that allows you to attach your smartphone to your windshield. How does it do that? Well, it has one of those suction cup things where you push a handle down, and it will stick there. I’m sure that this thing has a proper name, but I’ll be darned if I know what it is.

Anyway, the suction-cup thingy is attached to a claw. This claw is spring loaded so it can open up and you can plant the smartphone in it. You can then use the phone’s map function safer on the road, and you can adjust the angle thanks to a ball-in-socket functionality.

This can be purchased on the Ventev site for about $24.99.

I’ll continue with the Dashport r1240 mini, which is made for a cigarette lighter. Okay, those that don’t smoke probably use that thing near the radio as a charger, and so do I. It is kind of interesting how we learned to adapt in a mobile age, right?

Anyway, the Ventev r1240 mini charger is able to give your car an extra USB port, and it will charge up a 2.4A output. This allows for charging a smartphone or tablet at its most fast rate.

You should be able to purchase this at Ventev’s website for a price of $24.99.

I’ll go ahead and talk about the Chargesync Alloy Apple Lightning Cable. There are several charging cables that you can buy from Ventev alone, and this one is for Apple devices and the one I got to review was 4 feet long.

I am told that this has “an ultra-sleek brushed aluminum housing and is braided with a high tensile wrap providing a premium finish and ‘no-fray’ durability”. The end result is a cable that feels very hard and tough, like a metal chain without the links.

It is pretty great, and it is available in eight colors for a price of $29.99 on the Ventev site.

Geekscape Tech Review: The Mod Mic 5 from Antlion Audio

by GadgetMan

The ModMic 5 has an interesting function. It is made to add a high performance microphone to any pair of headphones. In fact, it has dual microphones for maximum flexibility. I suppose that people who don’t have a microphone on their headphones really need this product. It can attach to a pair of headphones with magnetic clasps, and it has a cable clasp for protecting wires.

It also comes with a Y-adapter and a powered USB adapter to allow for current generations of whatever devices that you could bring up. I should probably tell you about some of the features, it has a noise canceling uni-directional cardioid capsule for loud environments or a sensitive omni-directional capsule for high quality voice recordings. It has a modular mute switch and a flexible design.

Just to let you know, this is the ModMic 5, as in it is a sequel and there are four of them before this. I haven’t really heard of them, but is it really possible to hear about every tech product in existence? I’m trying to keep up with them on this blog alone. Please leave a comment if you know anything about those.

So, if you want to get into the ModMic 5, head on over to the AntLion Audio site and lay down $69.99 for it.

Geekscape Tech Review: Kensington SmartFit Conform Back Rest and Duo Gel Keyboard Wrist Rest

by GadgetMan

If you are not familiar with Kensington, they make a lot of great accessories for Offices. Today, I’m going to talk about two of their products that promote better ergonomics, one for the back, and another for the wrist.

I will start with the SmartFit Conform Back Rest for some sitting comfort. As you can see, it looks like a set of robot lungs. Seriously, I don’t know how else to describe their shape. Those two lungs are actually ventilated supports for you back, and there are four independent springs that hook it together.

To set it on your chair, just use the strap and drape it on the back. Then you get to sit on it, and I will admit, it makes my back feel different. Honestly, I am wondering how I could have lived without it.

Now, there is this very odd color-coded chart with orange, red, purple, and green. I am not certain what the colors mean, but you have to unscrew the supports and move them up. It produces the effect that you would think. I think the colors are so you can remember them later.

It is quite an interesting item, and is ideal for a good office gift. It can be purchased for $59.99 on the Kensington site.

Now, let’s talk about the Wrist Rest. I don’t really get a chance to review many wrist rests, but I figured that if I was going to review one, it would be from Kensington.

One thing that I got to love about the Duo Gel Keyboard is how it feels. You press your fingers into it, and it feels like you are putting your hands on Jello, but without the squishy sticky feeling. This will definitely help you if you are having problems with your wrist with carpel tunnel or whatever.

By the way, the soft finish is easy to clean when it gets dirty. That is very handy for this “gel pillow”, and I don’t know how else to describe it.

What is interesting is how the shape has this “ventilation channel” which can “keep your hands cool and dry”. Personally, I like the look of this channel, as it makes it look like a yin/yang symbol.

If this sounds like something you want to put your hands on, head on over to the Kensington site and pay $17.99. It is available in Blue/Black or Red/Black.

Geekscape Tech Review: JCPAL 3D Armor, Preserver Screens for iPhone 7 and LINX Ultra Slim USB-C to 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub

by GadgetMan

Well, I missed out on CES 2017, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy some new technology from a company that I have not heard of before. Such is the case for JCPAL, which stands for…I’m not certain, honestly. Anyway, here are three different products.

First, I’m going to talk about two screen protectors for the iPhone 7. Let’s talk about the 3D Armor Anti Blue Light Glass Screen Protector. It is made of tempered glass, and it could be ultra-tough Gorilla Glass. It has a 3D curved edge, and it is easy to install. Also, there is a lot of scratch resistance and a fingerprint resistant coating.

I am told that it can protect your eyes against harmful blue light, and I believe this might have been a subject that could get a lot of press soon. I’m beginning to wonder how much of a terrible problem this is for our eyes, because I’m wondering if our mobile devices are killing our eyes. I mean, are we going blind because of them?

That’s probably a subject for another article. If you are interested in this, head over to the JCPAL site and lay down $39.99 CAD for it.

Okay, now let’s talk about the Preserver Ultra-Tough Edge Glass Screen Protector. There doesn’t seem to be any feature about blocking out harmful blue light, but it is aluminosilicate glass with “perfect clarity”.

It has a PET 3D curved edge frame that is also easy to install and fingerprint-resistant coating. It is also quite scratch-resistant. I’m not certain what else I can really say about it, as this is pretty much a description of every screen protector ever made.

So, if you are interested in this Preserver Ultra-Tough Edge Glass Screen Protector, it can be purchased for about $39.99 CAD on the JCPAL site. I think those are Canadian dollars, so I’ll let you do the fiscal translation.

Now, I am going to be looking at the LINX Ultra Slim USB-C to 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub. I believe that the purpose of the 4-port Hub is to connect to a range of USB A devices to your MacBook’s USB-C port. This way, you can access a hard drive, printer, or anything else that uses USB, which is just about everything.

MacBooks aren’t the only thing that the 4-port Hub is good for. I had a chance to try it out on my HTC 10, and I was able to use the 4-port USB A Hub to read files on thumb drives. I could also use it to recharge USB devices, as I just used the battery in my HTC to charge my Bluetooth headset.

In addition to that, the 4-port Hub has the latest 3.1 standard for high speed data transfer, and if you like it, check it out on the JCPAL site. It can be purchased in gold and silver for $49.99 CAD.

Geekscape Tech Review: Thonet and Vander HOCH BT and LAUT BT Speakers

by GadgetMan

I don’t know if you have heard of Thonet and Vander speakers, but these are speakers that very much rock. Also, they really like to brag that they have “German Engineering”, kind of like Volkswagen does. Today, I’m going to discussing the HOCH BT and the LAUT BT Speakers.

Let’s start with the HOCH BT, and it has some “pure, authentic sound” with 70 W RMS (35W + 35W) Power Output with 350 watts of peak power. I know those numbers are important to audiophiles, but let’s just say that it is loud, loud, and more loud.

Also on deck with these HOCT BT stereo speakers have a high desnity acoustic absorber that “prevents vibration and ensures sustainable performance”. They are also made of some HDAA wood and mesh as well. The HOCH BT is a 2.0 Speaker for crystal-clear sound and a great bass boost with 350 W peak power.

As far as connectivity, what do you think the BT stand for? Yeah, it can do Bluetooth, which will connect to any mobile device with Bluetooth compatibility. Oh, it can do RCA stereo input for wired devices as well.

You can find out more information about it on the Thonet and Vander site and it looks like you can order them on Amazon for $249.99.

Now it is time to talk about the LAUT BT, which is a 2.1 speaker characterizes for having a balanced and harmonic sound. It has a Crystal Clear, Authentic Sound, with its 68W RMS (34W + 17W x 2) Power Output for delivering 340 watts of peak power.

Remember what I said about the bragging of German design? It has the sophisticated acoustics with a high density acoustic absorber for the highest sound resonance. The LAUT BT is apparently made to become a home theater, and it is made for really bringing some serious sound to life!

What is very interesting is how there is an option for Bluetooth and RCA connectors, and yet there is a Bluetooth extension that is good for up to 132 feet. I have to admit that is pretty great.

Anyway, the LAUT BT is available on Amazon for a special price of $106.95, which is a markdown from $179. You can always go to the Thonet and Vander site for more information as well.

Geekscape Tech Review: Jam Audio Xterior Plus and Xterior Max Rugged Wireless Speakers

by GadgetMan

It’s time to talk about more Jam Audio products, starting with a speaker with the Xterior Plus. This particular speaker is made for going outside, as it is one of those waterproof ones.

I have reviewed a lot of speakers like these, and usually they just say that they are waterproof and make it so you feel comfortable taking to the beach and getting the occasional sand or water on it. This particular speaker prides itself that it floats, so I wouldn’t leave it too close to the shore or the tide will get it. So this is IP7 rated, and yes, it is drop and dirt proof.

It also has a screw mount for taking on a bike. If you want to take it on long trips, it is good for 8 hours of playtime. Then there are other bonuses like a speakerphone and voice prompts.

Yes, this really is quite the speaker, and it is available for purchase for $79.99 on the Jam Audio site.

Now it is time to conclude this Jam Audio review/series with the Xterior Max. It is another one of those tough speakers, but Jam Audio doesn’t seem to brag that it floats, so let us assume that it doesn’t.

It does have a rubberized exterior that will keep it protected, as well as integrated USB port to be a backup charger for other devices. Yes, this will come in handy when it is on the road, and it is good for 12 hours of playtime. By the way, it has the screw-on mount.

So it is good to go just about anywhere, which is why it is called the Max, I suppose. It might not be floating, but it is waterproof, as well as drop and dust proof.

You should be able to get it on the Jam Audio site for $119.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: SteelSeries Rival 700 Gaming Mouse and Stratus XL Controller

by GadgetMan

If you have never heard of SteelSeries, you should know that they make some really great video game products. I finally had a chance to try out two of them with the Stratus XL for Windows/Android and the Rival 700 Gaming Mouse.

I’ll start with the Rival 700. This is one of those gaming mice that has an optical gaming sensor that is one of the best laser gaming sensors on the market: the Pixart 9800.

You can customize the mouse to switch in between settings for different games or weapons. The left and right click buttons are reinforced with plastic, and it has some frictionalized grip. I’m not certain if “frictionalized” is a word, but I hope that you understand what I mean.

What is interesting is it has an OLED display. Yes, you heard me right. This particular guy has a screen on it. With this thing, you can have in-game stats, sensitivity, or alerts. You can even download GIFs for it like a spinning Nicholas Cage head. Yeah, I’m serious.

In addition to the OLED screen, it has a Prism RGB illumination with over 16.8 million colors on the mouse wheel, palm rest, and you can customize it with the SteelSeries Engine 3. By the way, you can also switch out the cover.

There is even some tactile alerts available in a game. So if you are running low on health, you will feel a nudge. If you are low on ammo, you will feel a different nudge.

You can purchase the Rival 700 Gaming Mouse on the SteelSeries site for $99.99.

The Stratus XL looks like a controller for a console, but it is made for mobile and PC. Best of all, it is completely wireless. If you have any Steam games that you play, you can pair the controller and play over 2,000 titles.

When I tried it out, I decided to use it on my son’s phone. Needless to say, he was able to play Minecraft before like nothing else.

As far as the power is concerned, it is good for 40 hours of power with two AA batteries. By the way, the batteries are included, and it doesn’t look like there is any kind of mobile battery.

Well, if this is one you are into, then you can get it on the SteelSeries site for $59.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: Jam Audio Xterior and Voice

by GadgetMan

It is time to review some more great Jam Audio products, and this time is is Bluetooth speakers and not Wi-Fi ones. This particular article will discuss two palm-sized speakers with the Jam Xterior and the Voice.

Let’s start with the Jam Xterior. I’m going to say that I believe that these people have misspelled the word “exterior”, and that is all that I shall speak of on this matter. I will have to say that the Jam Xterior is very similar to other speakers of this size that have become strangely common.

It has one of those clip-on things so you can take it to a lot of places. If these places have dust, water, or if you might drop it, that’s fine. This small stereo speaker is made to take some damage.

If this is the type of speaker that you want, it is available in black and red on the Jam Audio site for $59.99.

jam-audio-4Now, I’ll move on to the Jam Voice, which is a portable WiFi and Bluetooth Speaker. Nothing new about that, but this seems to be a speaker made for Amazon Alexa.

In this way, you can just tap this speaker and ask about stuff. Not only that, you can pair with other speakers in the Jam Audio family, so you can get the answer for the question.

Not only can you get some great answers from Alexa, but you can answer calls directly. So far, this is the only product from Jam Audio that says “free Jam App”, and I find it odd that the other products say that.

If this is something that you like, you can get it on the Jam Audio site for about $79.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: House of Marley Riddim BT, Get Together Mini, and Bag of Riddim 2

by GadgetMan

I had a huge opportunity to review three different products from House of Marley. In case you are wondering, they are related to the family of the late Bob Marley. Whatever the case, House of Marley has a commitment to principles of superior quality, earth-friendliness, and a commitment to global charitable causes. As a result, their products feel more natural than most tech, and I am not certain how to describe it without these examples.

I’ll start with the Riddim BT, a Portable Audio System that is essentially a Bluetooth speaker, but I feel like I am underselling it by giving it such a brief explanation. I’ll get the specs out of the way and say that it is Bluetooth 4, and the set-up with its voice prompt was quite simple.

The sound is quite good with 2 x 8W 1.5-inch full range active drivers, a 2 x Passive bass radiator. Man, it can really blast!

What makes it feel like the Riddim BT has come out of the House of Marley is that the sides feel made of wood (bamboo), and there is a removable leather strap. It seems like House of Marley products have these features built-in.

I’m assuming that you have to do something pretty complicated like unscrewing the screws the hold it in. I admired the versatility of the strap, as you can hold it from the top or on the side.

You can purchase the Riddim BT for $129.99 on the House of Marley site. And now to talk about two more House of Marley products.

Now it is time to talk about the Get Together Mini, another Portable Audio System with Bluetooth 4.1 capability. I would say that it isn’t too different than the Riddim BT, because it is a Bluetooth Speaker.

It also has bamboo and also has a 10 hour playtime. Oh yeah, did I mention that the Riddim BT has a 10 hour playtime? It does. Oh, the Get Together Mini doesn’t have a leather strap.

It does have 2 x 2.5″ Woofers, 2 x 1″ Tweeters, and a passive radiator. Oh, it has a USB port for charging devices. So yes, it is designed more for a desk or a table than a portable job.

However, if this is something that you want, you should go to the House of Marley site and pay $149.99 for it.

Now, let’s end with the last item with Bag of Riddim 2 Portable Audio System. If you are wondering why Riddim shows up on these products, it is because “Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word ‘rhythm’, but in calypso, soca, dancehall and reggaeton parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song”. I got that from Wikipedia, by the way.

Anyway, the Bag of Riddim 2 Portable Audio System is kind of a cross between the Riddim BT and Get Together Mini. Like the Riddim BT, it is portable, but in a different way, which I will explain later. As for how it compares to the Get Together Mini, it is actually bigger, which is strange, because the Get Together Mini isn’t made to portable.

You can see that there is a bag thing that surrounds the speaker, and it is a great way to carry this great sound with you. I have to admit, it is a really good idea, and I don’t see a lot of other companies “borrowing” this design.

As for the specs, it has 2 x 3.5″ Woofer and 2 x 1″ Tweeter, as well as some bass ports. This one comes with a USB for charging a device, and it has 10 hours worth of playtime.

This one has a 12V AC adapter, but what makes this really great is that it has a bag that you can zip closed. So you can put that adapter and its various plugs in that small pouch.

I personally recommend all of these products, and if you want the Bag of Riddim 2, you can go to the House of Marley site and lay down $299.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: Jam Audio Rhythm and Symphony WiFi Home Audio Speakers

by GadgetMan

Welcome to our Geekscape review of the Jam Rhythm and the Jam Symphony from Jam Audio, which allows streaming music from your phone through these speakers. What is interesting is that you can sync up to eight of these Jam Audio WiFi speakers which will literally flood your house with sound. Seriously, I don’t live in a house with eight rooms, but these speakers can really flood the place with your music.

Now, I will have to admit that the Jam Rhythm and Jam Symphony doesn’t have a lot of differences between the specs. They have booming sound of immense bass with Massive 2.1 stereo sound.

In order get your music on this connected speaker system, you need to download the free JAM application to stream Spotify, Rhapsody, iHeart Radio, with any personal music library.

Oh yes, one is bigger than the other. You can find the Jam Symphony on the Jam Audio site for $169.99, and you can find the smaller Jam Rhythm for about $119.99.

Geekscape Tech Review: SKECH Journal and Polo Book for iPhone 7

by GadgetMan

Time to talk about SKECH again, and I will close my series talking about things that close. The first is the Journal Folio with the Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro 9.7, and then there is the Polo Book for the iPhone 7.

I will start with a slim folio style case for the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. I will have to admit that this has an interior shell to provide maximum protection.

It looks black, like it could be leather, but it really is not. It has an anti-slip lining so you can view your Surface Pro 4 from many angles. It is compatible with the Surface keyboard, so you can find the perfect typing angle. Oh there is also a pen holder made for the stylus. Those things always help, really.

In short, it is very slim fit design, and it is a pretty interesting product. You should be able to get it on the SKECH site for $39.99.

I found that the picture for the Journal for the iPad Pro 9.7 looks just like the image that I found for the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Since I had both to review, I can tell you that they are different, but not completely different. I mean, they have a slim-fit design, hard shell, faux leather design, anti-slip lining for positioning, but the Journal for iPad Pro 9.7 has an Apple Pencil holder.

Oh, the price is different at about $34.99 on the SKECH site.

So now I am going to write on the Polo Book for the iPhone 7. The Polo Book for the iPhone 7/6S/6 puts Apple’s most famous smartphone in something that looks like a wallet.

Most products that I see like these hold about three credit cards, and this one has one as well. This one has a transparent cover which is perfect for a driver’s license, and there is even a small pocket for cash, assuming you folded your bills and have no coins.

So it shuts on the iPhone 7 like a wallet, and it has a magnetic clasp to seal it shut. What is interesting is that Polo Book has an iPhone case that magnetizes and becomes a folio, so it is perfect for watching videos.

You should be able to purchase the Polo Book on the SKECH site for about $39.99 in Black, Brown, and Pink.

Geekscape Tech Review: Sol Republic Amps Air and Relays Sport Wireless

by GadgetMan

You ever see products that probably need more attention then they are actually getting? I am seeing this with the Sol Republic, and I had a chance to review two of their products.

I’ll start with a pair of wireless earbuds called the Amps Air. This is one of those wireless in-ear headphones that is simply two little things that you put in your ear. I have said several times before that these types of Amps Air earbuds will replace the Relays Sport Wireless type of earbuds.

It is pretty obvious why. Why have the wire going in between your earbuds when you can just put one in one ear and one in the other. Like the aforementioned relays, these are resistant to both rain and sweat, and presumably earwax.

Granted, you will have less of a charge with them, as they are only good for 3 hours on a single charge. That might not sound like a lot, but it includes a USB-rechargeable charging case that can provide up to 15 full charges.

If this sounds good to you, then you can get this as a Best Buy exclusive. It is available on the Best Buy site for $179.99, but you can find out more information on it on the Sol Republic site.

Now, let’s talk about the Relays Sport Wireless. This is one of those wireless Bluetooth earbuds that are made for those that love to exercise. These particular guys are “sweat resistant”.

You know how most of these physical fitness wireless Bluetooth headsets have these funny banana shapes on them to keep them in your ear? Well, you might notice that the Relays Sport Wireless don’t have those. Instead, there is this circular thing there that is designed to keep them in your ear, and I would imagine that it is patented technology. It also keeps your ears from hurting from having these earbuds in for too long.

In addition to the wireless and stick-it-in-your ear quality, there is the added bonus of having great sound. It has the “high energy deep bass and clear vocals”. There is another bonus of being able to activate Siri, control volume, and pause/resume/skip thanks to the one-button controls.

You should be able to purchase the Relays Sport Wireless for $79.99 in black, teal, and yellow on the Sol Republic site.

Geekscape Tech Review: SKECH Jewel, Crystal, and Matrix Cases

by GadgetMan

One thing that I love reviewing are SKECH products, as they make some great accessories. I had a chance to review several of their products, and we are going to discuss a few cases for smartphones with the Jewel, Crystal, and Matrix Cases.

So, I will start with the Jewel Case. I realize that sounds like a case for jewelry, but this is a way to put some jewels on your smartphone case.

Well, it is a way to put “elegant stones carefully crafted and placed onto the back of the case for the ultimate fashion statement”. Yes, I took that from the website. I will have to say that it looks pretty shiny, but the jewels actually serve an alternative purpose.

The many jewels give it “griptape” feel. If you don’t know what that is, then you probably have never skateboarded. This is tape that feels like sandpaper so your feet can stay on it. In the same way, the jewels allow you to to keep a good grip on the phone.

You should be able to purchase the Jewel for the iPhone 7 in Rose Gold, Silver, or Gold for $49.99 on the SKECH site.

The SKECH Crystal is a case for a smartphone, and the one particular product that I go to review is the one for the iPhone 7 Plus. It is one of those transparent ones that has a super clear UV coated scratch resistant PC panel. It can also protect the side with a shock absorbent molded frame.

In addition to this, it has some raised front screen rim that lines the case for “optimal screen protection”. If this sounds like something that you want/need, it is available on the SKECH site for $24.99.

This next product here is the Matrix, named because the Matrix is so…oh come on, it’s 2016, who cares about the Matrix series anymore?

Yeah, I don’t know why it is called that, and if you called it the Crystal, no one would be able to tell the difference. It is, after all, a pretty transparent case, but it has a soft shell on the inside. It also has the raised rim for screen protection, and it has great side protection.

I will have to say that is an interesting case, and it is available in Clear, Gold, Rose Gold, and Space Gray for about $34.99 on the SKECH site at least for the iPhone 7/6/6S Plus.

Geekscape Tech Review: Belkin Air Protect SheerForce Case and The Valet Charger

by GadgetMan

I’m always glad to review a product from Belkin, and I have had a chance to review two of their products. The first is the Air Protect SheerForce Case made for the iPhone 7 Plus, as well as the Valet Charger.

I have to admit that I always like iPhone cases like the Air Protect SheerForce Case. Granted, I was given the one for the iPhone 7 Plus, but you can see what I mean. It is transparent, which means you might not be able to see that there is even a case on your type of iPhone.

The Belkin Air Protect SheerForce Case has a soft squishy feel to it, and I always like the feel of them. The case is are usually pretty durable as well.

As for the name of Air Protect, it is so named because of the Air Protect Technology. It has some kind of air pockets on the side for some interesting protection on the sides of the phone, plus access to all the buttons.

You should be able to purchase the Air Protect SheerForce Case for the iPhone 7 Plus on the Belkin site for about $29.99.

As for the Valet Charger, it is a Power Pack 6700 mAh for an Apple Watch and an iPhone. You can see in the picture here how it is your typical mobile battery, and you can insert your USB cord there and get some juice for your phone. The Valet Charger comes with a micro USB cord to, for charging the battery.

I believe what makes this really interesting is that it has a place where you can just put your Apple Watch. Yes, you can just lay it there, and you can charge your Apple Watch and your iPhone at the same time. The Valet Charger has some smart chips that can automatically detect the connected devices to charge instantly, and it is safe charging as well.

Apparently, it has the power to recharge an Apple Watch eight times, and an iPhone three times. So, if this is something that you want, go to the Belkin site and lay down $99.99 for it.

Last Post of the Year 2016, to Start Off 2017!

by GadgetMan

Okay, if you have been following me for the past few months, you know that I have been doing a lot of tech reviews. I could have put a lot of links to other gadget reviews that I have done this year, but I kind of did that before Christmas. I see no reason to repeat myself, so today, I’m not going to do any, because I want to talk about this year.

I will have to say that 2016 kind of sucked. I don’t know how you felt about the presidential election, but hey, I was disappointed as well. Then there are all the celebrities that we lost like David Bowie, Prince, Carrie Fisher, and the list goes on.

I don’t know if you had a good year, but honestly, it kind of matched everything else what went on. I began this year writing seven posts a day for a decent salary, and by the end of the year, I didn’t have the same job. Not only that, I can’t afford to go to CES, a show that I have been attending since 2008.

I see very little point in complaining about events in my own life. The holiday has taught me that bad things happen, but they don’t happen all the time. There is joy in the midst of the pain, and I feel that removing the pain would somehow diminish the joy.

The issue is that people are looking at 2016 as if it is some kind of menace. As if 2016 decided just to do all sorts of bad things. I suppose it would be great if 2017 arrived and decided to do all kinds of good things. I’m going to assume that it will, and even if it doesn’t, I’m just going to treat it like it will. Who knows, maybe I’m right.

Geekscape Tech Review: Logitech G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard and G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset

by GadgetMan

I’m sure that you have probably heard of Logitech before, and they make a lot of great tech. They have some great gaming products, and I’m going to review two of them with the G213 Prodigy RGB Gaming Keyboard and G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset.

I’ll start with the G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard. Just to let you know, I am using this keyboard to type this particular report, and this report is going pretty fast, because it is 4 X faster than standard keyboards. I am going to verify that this is truth, because, man, this is going really fast. Oh, by the way, I am resting my wrist on the palm rest, so I can type fast and make it a good experience.

So, if you are gaming with this, you might as well do something that will up your game with the G213 Prodigy keyboard. I would imagine that you would be drinking some Mountain Dew Kickstarter or something, and if you spill it, this keyboard is spill resistant for 60 ml rating.

It’s hard to believe that this keyboard is spill resistant, when it has RGB Lightning zones with up to 16.8 million colors. It really makes me feel like I am typing on a rainbow.

In addition to this awesomeness, the Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard has some dedicated media controls with play, pause, skip, and adjust. Yes, you can really do a lot with this when watching your videos. By the way, you can customize this keyboard with some gaming software, and it might take me a while to figure that out.

If this sounds like something that you want, check it out on the Logitech site for $69.99.

So let’s talk about the G231 Prodigy Gaming Headset. It is one that I picked up and it was like feathers. But enough about weight, we’ll go ahead and talk about the sound.

Since it has 40 mm neodymium drivers, it has high-quality stereo sound for full immersion in your games. The are good for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the PC. I am not certain if the mesh cloth ear cups have anything to do with it, but it certainly sounds just fine.

The G231 has a folding unidirectional microphone, which will allow you to adjust so you can be heard. Speaking of folding, the earpieces is able to lay flat on the floor, as the earcups can swivel 90 degrees. Oh, and referencing the last sentence about speaking of being heard, there are some on-cable controls to keep the sound close at hand.

If that sounds like something that you might like, you can pick it up on the Logitech site for $69.99.

Also, do you want to hear more about the latest in technology? In early January, there is a big event in Las Vegas known as CES (Consumer Electronics Show). I want to go and report on it, but I need some help. I have a new GoFundMe site that will “Send Mark (me) to CES 2017”. Please click here and make a donation.

Geekscape Tech Review: Nomad Ultra Rugged Battery Cable and Leather Case for the iPhone 7

by GadgetMan

It’s been a while since I reviewed a Nomad product, and so I am pleased to review two more with the Nomad Ultra Rugged Battery Cable and the Leather Case for the iPhone 7.

I will start with the Ultra Rugged Cable, and it comes in four forms. I’ll talk about the one that I was sent to review, the Ultra Rugged Battery Cable. Unlike the other cables, this one has a 2350 mAh battery. Since this is a battery cable with a Lightning connector, that means it will give you a good charge for your iPhone 7.

Now, when I first saw this product, I thought this this was some kind of super thick and flexible steel cable. That is not the case, but it is made of Kevlar and nylon, so it is quite tough. I will say that I like this thing on it that makes it easier to wind up.

The battery cable is a pretty great product to have, and is quite a great gift for $39.95 on the Nomad site. Also available is the Universal cable at $34.95 and Lightning cable for $29.95.

And now, the Nomad Leather Case for the iPhone. I might as well just say what is different about the the case: it is made of leather. I am told that this is made of Horween Leather, which is apparently from America’s oldest tanneries, the Horween Leather Company.

I am told that this develops a “rugged patina”, and I think that means something. Maybe I need to get more into leather culture. Man that didn’t come out right! Anyway, that’s just on the outside, but the inside appears to be velvet lined, for some reason.

You should be able to get this on the Nomad site for the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6 Plus. The price is about $39.95, and it is available in Horween Brown or Horween Gray.

Also, do you want to hear more about the latest in technology? In early January, there is a big event in Las Vegas known as CES (Consumer Electronics Show). I want to go and report on it, but I need some help. I have a new GoFundMe site that will “Send Mark (me) to CES 2017”. Please click here and make a donation.

Geekscape Tech Review: The Sengled Pulse Solo

by GadgetMan

Here’s a really interesting product from Sengled known as the Pulse Solo, which has a function as cool as it’s name. It is a light bulb that acts as a Bluetooth speaker. It is a product that I have seen before, and they have been getting lower in price.

This isn’t just any type of Bluetooth speaker, but an integrated JBL speaker. It has 3-watt speakers, on two sides of the bulb. All you need to do is just screw it in, and you can hear the tones as you pair it.

From there, it is as simple as playing your tunes, and now what makes light also makes sound as well. Whoa, that sentence actually came out better than I thought. In case you are wondering why it is called the Pulse Solo, it is because it can only work on itself.

By the way, there is an Android/iOS app that can control the light, not to mention the sound. Now that is one useful feature!

Yes, this is something really great, but I will have to say that I wish the light was more spread-out, as it is only on top. Yeah, this is hard to explain, but I suppose if you have a product that is a stereo speaker, where else are you going to have the speaker.

You should be able to purchase the Pulse Solo on the Sengled website for about $49.99, which might be a mark down from the usual $59.99 price.

Also, do you want to hear more about the latest in technology? In early January, there is a big event in Las Vegas known as CES (Consumer Electronics Show). I want to go and report on it, but I need some help. I have a new GoFundMe site that will “Send Mark (me) to CES 2017”. Please click here and make a donation.

Geekscape Tech Review: UAG Plasma for the iPhone 7/6S Plus and Monarch for iPhone 7/6S

by GadgetMan

In concluding our series on the UAG cases with Apple cases, I’ll move on to a phone for the iPhone 7 Plus with the Plasma Case. Yes, it looks like the Composite Case for the Samsung Galaxy S7 that I just finished reporting about yesterday.

Like that model, the Plasma Series has the armor shell and a soft core that is impact resistant. It is also very light, and I’ll go ahead and take something from the website to say it is featherlight.

If you want to get this guy for your Plus sized iPhone, it is available in clear, gray, and some very bright green color on the UAG site for $39.95.

I’ll go ahead and end with the Monarch for the iPhone 7/6S. I’m not certain why it is called the Monarch, but it looks like the King of all cases. It also looks really metallic, but it is pretty light, even with five layers of protection. I’m also told that this meets military drop test standards, and two times.

It is also soft too, as it has an impact resistant core. By the way, the edge is rather honeycombed, so you will get a secure grip on your iPhone.

According to the UAG site, this case is compatible with the iPhone 7/6S/6, and it can be purchase for $59.95 in Platinum or Graphite.

Also, do you want to hear more about the latest in technology? In early January, there is a big event in Las Vegas known as CES (Consumer Electronics Show). I want to go and report on it, but I need some help. I have a new GoFundMe site that will “Send Mark (me) to CES 2017”. Please click here and make a donation.