Gadgets :: August 23, 2018
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
It seems like just yesterday students were trading books for flip flops for the summer. With the season just about gone, back to school is upon us so here is a few tech suggestions for most any student.
Satechi’s aluminum Bluetooth slim wireless keyboard works interchangeably between smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops. With assigning Bluetooth 3.0 pairing keys, you can connect up to four devices. And don’t worry, it’s more than simple to setup, just press and hold a Bluetooth pairing key to assign each Bluetooth device. On top of how easy and versatile the keyboard is, it has a modern look with what the company calls diamond-cut chamfered edges along with a Mac looking brushed aluminum finish.
www.satechi.net $74.99, available in silver or space gray
According to the Phonesoap website, your cell phone has 18x more bacteria than a public restroom. Cleaning the screen is nice but doesn’t do a whole lot, especially long-term. Phonesoap is the answer for sanitizing your smartphone, while simultaneously charging its battery. There’s no scrubbing necessary, just place your smartphone in the Phonesoap case and the UV-C light sanitizer neutralizes the bacteria covering your phone in just 10 minutes. This type of cleaning gets the screen, sides and the back of your phone along with microorganisms hiding in the crevices and corners, which are near impossible to clean with a cloth.
www.phonesoap.com $59.95
Moshi’s modern looking Hexa backpack is lightweight (23 ounces) and has an endless amount of storage. They designed it with single-panel construction, a weather-resistant exterior and an easy-to-clean lining. A spacious, 20-liter interior, including a padded laptop area for models up to 15-inches. A front zip pocket has a handy anti-theft snap enclosure. It also has an RFID Shield Pocket, which protects devices storing personal data or credit cards from digital snoops. A padded Airmesh backside and shoulder straps allow for breathability and comfort. Available in color choices of midnight black, forest green and khaki brown.
www.moshi.com $119.95
The Kingston DataTraveler Bolt Duo is one of those gadgets you don’t think you need, but once you have it you’ll wonder how you lived without it. The Bolt, essentially a flash drive but with an Apple Lighting connection, will give you extended/external storage for videos, music or photos. The setup is simple; download the free Bolt app and from there you can back even up your device or just access its data. Measuring only 2.5 x 0.78 x 0.43-inches, the Bolt won’t take up much physical space but the included key ring accessory comes in handy so you know where it is. The DataTraveler Bolt Duo also features an app security to set up a password or touch ID.
www.kingstongo.com 128GB $82.99, 64GB $56.99, 32GB $45.54
The Ventev wireless chargestand outputs 15W of power and is built with
Qi and Fast Wireless Charging technology for wireless enabled smartphones. There are eight possible positions, including portrait and landscape, that you can place your smartphone on the desktop stand for charging. The Ventev site has a chart listing the optimal positions to get the fastest charge, depending on where you position the charging puck on the adjustable and well made aluminum stand. The charging puck can also be removed for using on a flat surface. A 6-foot UL-certified power supply is included to get power to the charger.
https://mobileaccessories.ventev.com $48.52
Mission Workshop’s new Spec Laptop Sleeve is available in two sizes. The small model accommodates most laptops up to 13-inches and the large holds most laptops up to 15-inches. Both are fully padded and designed to be used on its own or with any of Mission Workshops Rucksacks or Cargo Packs. There’s a flap on top, which can be left open for easy in-and-out use or close it for keeping the contents secure. The Spec is available in choices of burly and light HT500 fabric (black and gray) or 500D Cordura (black camo).
https://missionworkshop.com large $65, small $60
