Gadgets :: August 1, 2018
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
Wireless earbuds are totally awesome except when, all too often, you turn them on and the battery is dead and they’re temporarily useless.
To the rescue comes the IFrogz Cocoon earbud charging case.
It’s shaped and sized similar to a hockey puck and built with a 580 mAh rechargeable battery, good for about five earbud charges.
The hard-shelled case is perfect to store earbuds while charging or just while not being used. This keeps your earbuds dust-, dirt- and damage-free. A quick-latch silicone band easily opens and closes the compartment.
Along with the earbuds, there is room for a few more cables, keys, spare charge or other small items. Inside is a charging port for the included microUSB case.
A battery indicator is built into the case so you’ll know when the case needs a charge itself.
www.Zagg.com $29.99, available in color combinations of gray/navy and gray/red
Zagg has a few new keyboard solutions for increased tablet productivity with the launch of the Normad Book and Messenger Folio keyboards.
The Nomad Book ($99.99) is a universal solution that can be customized to fit a variety of today’s tablets. It’s built with two detachable bumpers, allowing the keyboard to fit most tablets sized 10.5-inches or smaller. This includes the Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro, Apple 9.7-inch iPad Pro, Apple 9.7-inch iPad (2017-18 models), Apple iPad Air 2, Apple iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, according to Zagg.
It also has multi-device pairing for connecting and using the keyboard simultaneously with a tablet and another device.
The Normad Book can be changed to different modes, adjusting the screen angle for optimal viewing. A reverse kickstand is included and a rechargeable battery can last up to two years between charges.
The Zagg Messenger Folio ($59.99) is a lightweight keyboard case for the Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro. It transforms the iPad Pro into a practical workstation. It also features a built-in holder for an Apple Pencil, for easy access and safe storage.
A magnetic closure keeps your iPad security closed when not in use and Inside is a rechargeable battery for Bluetooth connections, which will last up to three months.
The new Mission Workshop Transit Arkiv weatherproof laptop briefcase is ideal for both daily and long-term travel use.
What caught my attention was the weatherproofing and its wax-coated exterior canvas (500HT nylon), an interior made with 140/70d nylon with TPU coating and YKK water resistant coated nylon zippers.
Always keep in mind that weatherproof does not mean waterproof, meaning you’ll be fine if you get caught in a rainstorm but I wouldn’t consider taking a swim with the Arkiv in tow.
Inside is a fully padded laptop compartment (fits a 15-inch Macbook Pro), internal file organizer, mesh zip pocket, end cap water bottle pocket, and quick-access external zippered pocket for a smartphone, other small electronic accessories, wallet or keys.
Other features include a luggage pass through, removable shoulder strap with quick adjust hardware, waist-stabilization straps, bike rack attachment straps, inside pockets and zipper mesh pockets
The new case can be combined with Mission Workshop’s Radian, R2, R6, And R8 packs to create complete travel storage systems.
https://missionworkshop.com $255, available in black, gray, black camo, brown waxed canvas, olive waxed canvas
