RAVPower Portable Power Bank 12000 mAh Car Jump Starter Review ( Model RP-PB27 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

Carrying case with handle

I recently received a RAVPower Portable Power Bank 12000 mAh Car Jump Starter Review ( Model RP-PB27 ) for a product review.  This definitely was different than the standard USB battery packs I have tested.  The package included:

- Plastic carrying case with handle
- 12V cigarette lighter adapter to charge the power pack in the car
- AC power adapter to charge the power pack in the house
- USB to microUSB cable to charge devices
- Cable to jump start your car

Inside the carrying case

First, I focused on the normal function of a USB battery pack and noticed the following differences based on other high capacity packs:

- The pack was a bit larger than a 18200 mAh RAVPower pack, but this one has 12000 mAh capacity which still isn't bad.
- While this does have a LED flashlight, it is definitely not the same as other packs I have tested (I will explain the difference later).
- It has two USB outputs which is common
- It has uses 4 LEDs to represent increments of 25% of remaining capacity which is common

RP-PB27 (Left) and RP-PB27 (Right)

The first difference is the LED flashlight.  It is definitely brighter, and has three modes:

- Normal: On like any other light
- SOS Mode: Blinks SOS in morse code (3 short 3 long 3 short)

- Flash: Just what you would expect, it flashes on and off

The flash mode isn't a fast "strobe" type of light that an emergency vehicle would have, but I would imagine if you are changing a flat tire at night and put this on your trunk it would help make sure you are seen.

Blue LEDs showing full charge, USB output ports, charging port and jump start plug

To test the battery pack, I used two DROK USB volt/amp meters and two load devices (switchable 1A/2A load).  From testing the devices, the volt/amp meters are not super accurate but they are a great way to perform some quick tests.

Here is what I found during my tests:

- Output 1 (Rated 1A): Was able to handle over the 1A rated capacity.
- Output 2 (Rated 2.1A): Was able to handle over the 2.1A rated capacity.

I was actually able to get each ports up to about 2.8A, but when I tried to push it to 3A and 4A the port actually shut-off which I believe was due to internal safety mechanism the pack has.  The pack was actually able to support a 2A load on each port at the same time, but that is over the rated capacity so I wouldn't recommend doing it.

From real world tests, the smartphones and Nexus 7 tablet I have tested never went over 2A so I think this battery pack can easily handle 2 devices without any problem.

Jump Start Cables

While I was looking forward to testing the ability to jump start a car, I was not able to test that feature out.  Initially my plan was to just remove the battery from my car completely, and try to jump it using this pack but once I read the instruction manual for the RAVPower pack it clearly stated that you should not try to jump start a car with a completely flat/dead battery so I figured a missing battery was also a bad idea.  It wouldn't be fair (or smart) to test the device for a situation it wasn't designed to handle.

I am going to try to think up a way to test it, and will keep the pack in my car in case I run across someone who needs a jump.  Either way, I will update this review if/when I am able to actually test the feature out properly.

Update to review : I just use the power bank to jump start a Chevy Tahoe (large SUV) with no problem, two times and the power bank still showed full charge - very impressed!

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Car Jump Starter: While I wasn't able to test this feature, I have to say this is pretty much the main unique feature of this pack.  I have seen other portable devices to jump start a car but they are usually much larger.  As a gift, this has that extra "oh wow that is neat" aspect that anyone who is into cars and technology would love.  It would also be good for anyone who just wants the peace of mind of having the ability to not only charge their phone in an emergency but also jump start the car.

LED Flashlight: Recently we have had a power outage or two on our street, and I quickly found my LED flashlight to be useful - not only to get around the house at night, but also to leave on as a night light for my youngest.  This light is actually much brighter than the normal packs, but as an emergency light for both the house and car it works great.  The flash function would be useful in situations where you need to make sure you are seen (such as a broken down car on the side of the road) and while I hope I never need the SOS function I would imagine if someone does need it they will be happy the feature is there.

High Capacity Battery Pack: At the end of the day, even if you never need to use the jump starter function or LED flashlight this is still a portable battery pack.  The 12000 mAh capacity is still enough to keep multiple devices charged.

Bottom line: This portable power bank is the perfect "just in case" / emergency use device.  The ability to charge USB devices, act as a LED flashlight and jump start a car are useful capabilities of any emergency kit and you get them all in one device.  Of course a gadget geek would love something like this, but even the average person could keep it in their car just in case they need it.

Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00SH1SN6C

RAVPower Xtreme Series 18200 mAh External Battery Pack Review ( Model RP-PB26 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

Battery pack and packaging

I recently received a RAVPower Xtreme Series 18200 mAh external battery pack ( model RP-PB26 ) for a product review. In addition to the battery pack itself, the package also included 2 USB to microUSB cables (one short, one long).

NOTE: My test unit was part of the first batch of this new product, I have been advised that future units will come with a carrying bag.

Battery pack and two USB-to-microUSB cables

I noticed the following things in comparison to some of the recently battery packs I have tested of similar (but less) capacity:

- The pack is a bit larger and slightly heavier than other battery packs I have that are high capacity (15000~16000 mAh range) but none are 18000+ mAh.
- Built-in LED flashlight which has been a common feature
- 3 USB outputs (instead of the common 2 USB outputs)
- LCD screen which displays the remaining capacity on a 0-100% scale when most other packs just use 4 LEDs to represent increments of 25%.

Normally once you get into the higher capacity battery packs, you aren't really worried about size and weight so I think those are not really major issues especially when you consider the extra features this unit has.

To test the battery pack, I used two DROK USB volt/amp meters and two load devices (switchable 1A/2A load).  From testing the devices, the volt/amp meters are not super accurate but they are a great way to perform some quick tests.

3 USB outputs.  The charging input is on the right, and the LED is below it.

Here is what I found during my tests:

- Output 1 ( Rated 1A ): Was able to handle over the 1A rated capacity.
- Output 2 ( Rated 1.5A ): Was able to handle over the 1.5A rated capacity.
- Output 3 ( Rated 2.4A ): Was able to handle over the 2.4A rated capacity.

Using Output 2 and Output 3, I was able to handle both 2A loads (total of 4A, measure at about 3.8A).  I even connected my Moto X on Output 1, and was able to charge it at 0.5A with both 2A loads going - total of 4.5A which isn't bad at all.

From real world tests, the smartphones and Nexus 7 tablet I have tested never went over 2A so I think this battery pack can easily handle 3 devices without any problem.

Fully charged and ready to go
"IN" shows up on the screen when charging

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

High Capacity: Bottom line, this pack has 18200 mAh of capacity.  In theory, I could charge my Moto X and Nexus 7 tablet 3 times each before this pack runs out.  I know that is just based on simple math, but this should work great for a power user or family of tech users.

3 USB Outputs: Most of the packs I have tested only have 2 USB outputs, but this one has 3.  This is definitely a plus for a power user who may have multiple devices.  If you consider some people carry multiple devices (phones, tablets, speakers, even cellular hotspots) the extra port could come in handy.

LCD Display: I consider this more of a neat feature than a required one but for some users knowing how much capacity they have left may be important and the simple 4 LED approach many other packs use may not be enough.

Bottom line: If you need a high capacity battery pack with the ability to handle multiple devices at the same time, or need the ability to keep an eye on the capacity to a greater degree of accuracy then this external battery pack is a great option to consider.

Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00RYHVFXI

DROK NFC Enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver Review ( Model IBT-08 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a DROK NFC enabled Bluetooth audio receiver for a product review. The receiver itself was a bit smaller than I expected based on the pictures, but larger than another adapter I recently tested.  In addition to the receiver itself, an audio cable and USB cable were also included.

Product box, receiver, and included cables

The back of the receiver has two audio output options ( 1/8" headphone style jack and RCA jacks ) and also has a USB connector that allows you to use a single power source to run the adapter and charge your phone.  Power is provided to the receiver via a micro USB port.

Back of device
Left to Right : Power In (microUSB), Power Out (USB), Audio Out (RCA), Audio Out (1/8")

On the front, you have buttons for volume and play control.  If you long press the volume buttons, it will restart the current track (-) or skip to the next one (+).

Controls on front of unit

To test the receiver, I used the included cables to connect it to the aux in of a portable speaker.  I was able to pair with my Moto X phone just by touching my phone to the top of the receiver (where the NFC word is).  I didn't have any problems playing music, and the quality was good.

Size comparison next to a standard AA battery

I also tested my Nexus 7 with the adapter, and it paired using the NFC feature pretty easily ( I had to try it more than once, when I kept the Nexus close to the receiver while pairing it worked better ).

In addition to testing the receiver in my house on a portable speaker, I also tested it in my car.  I used the aux-in cable to connect the Bluetooth receiver, and was able to play music just fine and I found it useful being able to hold the + button to skip to the next track since I didn't have to look at the screen to make it work.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Audio Output Options: The receiver has multiple audio output options and includes a cable with headphone plug on one side and RCA on the other.  As long as your stereo has some sort of aux or RCA input you should be able to hook up this receiver without any extra cables.

Power Pass-Through: If you plan to use this on your desk, or in the car, where you don't have multiple power options I think the USB power output is a nice extra feature.  I tested it with my Nexus 7 tablet and it worked.

Ease of Use: If you have a NFC-enabled phone or tablet, it is very easy to pair with the device.  The manual explains the various features of this adapter and how to use it, but once you read the manual it is very easy to use.

Bottom line: This is a nifty little gadget if you are looking to add Bluetooth to your home or car sound system.

NOTE: I used this product as one of the options for my Nexus 7 install here:
http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2015/02/nexus-7-in-car-setup-non-permanent-mount.html

Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00Q2ND632

HooToo USB 3.0 Hub Review (Model HT-UH15 and HT-UE02)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received two USB 3.0 hubs from HooToo for a product review. I decided to review them at the same time, since they are very similar.  One is a 4-port hub and the other is a 3-port hub with built-in Ethernet port.  They are bus-powered, so a power supply isn't required.

Both hubs, they are about the size of a candy bar.

I tested both devices to make sure they worked properly on both Windows 7 and Ubuntu.  I expected the 4-port hub to work without any problems, but I was unsure if the 3-port with Ethernet would have drivers available or if I would have to load them.  The 3-port hub with Ethernet does come with a CD that has the drivers.  I had no problem with either device, and was able to get the Ethernet port to work on Windows and Ubuntu without having to use the driver CD.

In addition to functionality tests, I also wanted to see what sort of load (power wise) they pulled.  I used my DROK USB testers to measure load, and come up with the results below.

4-Port Hub ( HT-UH15 )
- Hub only: 0.03A
- Hub + 16GB microSD card in adapter + external hard drive: 0.42A

3-port hub w/ Ethernet ( HT-UE02 )
- Hub only: 0.07A
- Hub + Ethernet in use: 0.20A
- Hub + Ethernet + 16GB microSD card in adapter + external hard drive: 0.6A

Two options to choose from, depending on your needs.

Based on the tests above, both of these hubs should be able to handle multiple USB devices without any problems but be careful when using power hungry devices (such as an eternal USB drive) since they can push the limit especially with a USB 2 port that only provides 0.5A of current.

For my final test, I used Ubuntu to perform benchmarks on an external USB 3.0 case (with a 500GB 7200rpm drive in it).  The hubs had minimal (maybe 1%) impact to the measured speeds, which is similar to what I have seen on other hubs.

Here are the main points I noticed about these products:

Ease of Use: As a USB 3.0 hub, there isn't much you have to worry about since they pretty much just work when you plug them in but it was nice that two operating systems (Windows 7 and Ubuntu) were able to support the adapters without any additional drivers.

Style: I normally focus on performance and usability since I consider these tools, but the aluminum cases and good built quality are worth noting.  They aren't too big, about the size of a candy bar.

Performance: Both hubs pulled less than 0.1A for the hub itself, and had no real impact on the USB 3.0 performance of a connected USB hard drive.  Unless you are going to use multiple power hungry devices, these hubs should do the job and do it well.

Bottom line: Both of these hubs are solid options if you are looking for a portable USB 3.0 hub.  I would recommend you only consider the 3-port with Ethernet if you have a need for it, otherwise just get the 4-port.

Amazon Product Page: HooToo HT-UH15 USB 3.0 4-Port
Amazon Product Page: HooToo HT-UE02 USB 3.0 3-Port Hub w/ Gigabit Ethernet Port

TaoTronics Elune LED desk lamp review ( Model TT-DL01 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a TaoTronics Elune LED desk lamp for a product review. I have tested other LED lamps before (including the TaoTronics TT-DL04) but this one seemed to have a wider range of output options.  The lamp is larger than the TT-DL04, however I don't consider that an issue since the base itself doesn't take up too much space.  I think the TT-DL04 was more of a neat gadget (with the detachable lamp) but this lamp has a much wider range of light output options that the TT-DL04 did not have.

The TaoTronics lamp on my night stand, fits in with my other geek gear
( 4 port charger, battery pack, wireless charger and LG G Watch )

The setup was simple, and lamp has a good range of motion.  The instruction manual explains multiple operation modes including the following:

- Reading Mode ( Stimulates concentration & reduces eye strain )
- Study Mode ( Increases attention & concentration )
- Relax Mode ( Promotes relaxing along with improved mood )
- Sleep Mode ( Encourages deep sleep with a comfortable soft light )

In addition to the 4 modes (which changes the color temperature of the light) you have 5 levels of brightness control.  It also has a 60 minute timer so you can just hit the button and have the lamp turn off automatically.

Next to a 2 liter bottle of soda for size comparison

Now I will be honest I wondered about the claim that the different color temperatures would really have any major impact.  I did some research online, and this site had a pretty good layout that made me feel like what they were claiming was real and not just marketing magic.

http://www.westinghouselighting.com/color-temperature.aspx

When I actually tested the different light modes, I could definitely tell the difference in the color temperature and the lowest setting "sleep mode" was very dim.  I think this gives a very wide range of options so each person can adjust to what they need.

Close up of the base of the lamp, showing 0.69A output on the USB port as it charges my phone

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Ease of Setup and Use: The directions are easy to follow for both the setup and the use of this lamp, and the instruction manual does a good job of explaining the purpose of each of the modes.

Variety of Output: This lamp can put out a variety of color temperature to match different moods / purposes, and within each mode you have 5 levels of brightness control.

Other Factors: The lamp has a built-in USB port (1A output) for charging devices which is great if you happen to only have one available spot to plug in your lamp and still need to have the ability to charge a device on your desk or night stand.  The lamp itself is a good looking lamp, it won't stand out like some clunky old lamp on your desk or night stand.

Bottom line: While I do not consider this lamp as "geeky" as the TT-DL04 I reviewed it is a very good product with a wide range of lighting options.  I think anyone who is going to use the lamp often will appreciate the range of output, and the stylish design of the lamp.

TaoTronics Product Page: http://www.taotronics.com/taotronics-elune-tt-dl01-black-desk-lamp.html
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00APAQSP6

Inateck MicroSD card reader with OTG Review ( Model CR1001G )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck MicroSD card reader with OTG ( model CR1001G ) for a product review.  Other than the reader itself, nothing else came with the product which was fine since it wasn't anything complicated.  The reader itself is very small and light, and it had a short string connected to a small plastic plug to insert into a headphone jack.

Adapter with microSD partially inserted.  Notice the microSD port cap.

To test the product, I inserted a 16GB MicroSD card that I had available which already had some video files on it.

To connect the reader to my smartphone, I simply removed the cap over the micro USB port and then inserted it into my phone.  I didn't have to do anything in the software to mount the drive, and I used MX Player to play a video file from it with no problem.  Some devices may require additional steps or software to make it work, so you may want to research that first if you aren't sure.  Just make sure you don't knock the reader into anything, you don't want to break it (or worse your phone's microUSB port).

To connect the reader to my Windows 7 Pro computer, I simply inserted into a USB port.  It feels a bit snug, so you may have to put pressure on it to insert it but after use it seems to loosen up a bit.  Make sure you put pressure pushing it into the port only, and pressure up/down could damage something.  Once inserted, Windows immediately recognized the storage device and I was able to play the same video file again with no problem.

Notice the USB port and plastic plug for inserting into a headphone jack.

I did not test access speeds because that wasn't a main concern for me, as long as I could play movie files then any other use (playing mp3s for example) shouldn't be an issue.

The fact I had to put some pressure inserting this into the USB port was initially a concern, but after more use it is getting better.  The microSD feels snug, and for the most part the reader stays closed (it did flap open a few times when I pulled my phone out of my pocket but it was never an issue).

Size compared to a nickel

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Portable: The reader is very small and light, and is easy to carry around.  The headphone jack insert is a nifty little way to always keep it attached to your phone.  I have kept it in my phone this way and it really hasn't been a problem other than making sure it isn't in the way of your camera when taking pictures.

Ease of Use: No drivers needed, and worked without any special steps on both my Android phone and my Windows 7 computer.  Of course your device must support mass storage devices, otherwise it will not work.

Versatile: Since this adapter has both standard USB and microUSB connectivity, it is a great way to move files between your computer and mobile device.  However, due to the small size it can also be a great way to carry around files you may need to keep handy or you can probably even load a USB bootable Linux installation as a repair / diagnostic kit.

Bottom line: This is a great little tool if you have a need for this sort of device.  Although there are other ways to use USB storage devices with both your computer and smartphone using cable adapters, or even custom USB drives with both plugs this device allows you to use existing microSD storage cards you may already have with this low cost adapter.

Inateck Product Page: http://www.inateck.com/inateck-cr1001g-portable-memory-expansion-adapter-black/
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00LNU0PFG

Inateck Ultra-slim Universal Bluetooth Keyboard Review ( Model BK1003E )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck Bluetooth keyboard for a product review. I have reviewed a keyboard before ( Inateck BK1002E ), so this review will also make some comparisons to that model.  In addition to the keyboard itself, a USB cable for charging and the instruction manual was included.  I really liked the look of this one over the prior one I reviewed - don't get me wrong, the one I reviewed before didn't look bad but it didn't really have any style and this one actually looks nice.

Inateck keyboard model BK1003E

Back of the keyboard

The main value of a keyboard like this is that it goes great with a smartphone or tablet when you need to do some writing (email or blog post for example) but don't want to use the touchscreen for input.  The keys are about the same size as the average laptop so although it is compact, it is not so small that you feel like you are pecking away on a children's toy.

To test the keyboard, I paired it with my Android phone (Moto X) and then with my Windows 7 Pro computer.  I didn't run into any issues with pairing, and the keyboard worked as expected.  The top row does have some special function keys, as you can see in the pictures below so I tested those on my Moto X.

On my Android Moto X phone, the keys had the following functions ( Left to Right).  If there is no description the key performs the expected function.

Top picture

1) Home key: Goes to home screen (same as pressing Home button)
2) Search key: Brings up search screen when you do this on the home screen
3) Select All
4) Copy
5) Paste
6) Cut
7) Previous Track: Controls audio

Bottom picture

1) Play/Pause: Controls audio
2) Next Track: Controls audio
3/4) Volume Down/Up: Controls volume
5) Pause/Break: No action
6) PrtSc/SysRq: This actually takes a screen shot which I thought was neat
7) Delete

I didn't really test too many of these in Windows, normally you can use the function keys (F1-F12) to do certain shortcuts.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Ease of Use: Pairing is pretty simple.  Charging is very simple also, and the indicator LEDs help keep aware of status.

Design: I really liked the design of the keyboard.  It is very slim with a slight curve, the front part is black ( not shiny ) and the back is described as brushed steel.

Other features: Instead of using batteries like the BK1002E, this keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery.  The instructions state that it can last 60 hours per charge, and it has a sleep mode to help conserve energy.  As mentioned above, the keyboard also has a row of function keys at the top which also perform special functions when using with an Android device.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a Bluetooth keyboard, Inateck has a few models.  Considering the design and features of this model ( BK1003E), I would recommend it as a solid option however if you don't care about having a stylish keyboard and prefer to use AAA batteries the BK1002E is a great option also.

Inateck Product Page: http://www.inateck.com/inateck-ultraslim-wireless-keyboard-bk1003e/
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00MWS1C32

Anker Universal Cell Phone Car Mount Review ( Model A7117011 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Anker universal cell phone car mount for a product review.  Normally I don't comment about the packaging that much, but I wanted to point out two things I noticed about the packaging:

Product box ( Left ) and the two main parts of the mount

1) Inside the box is a simple card with "Happy?" on one side and "Not happy?" on the other.  If you are not happy, they provide you contact information for their support.  If you are happy, it suggests that you enjoy living a slightly smarter smart life, share your experience on Amazon as a review and connect with Anker at their website, Facebook and Twitter.  I think this is a very simple yet creative piece of marketing and customer support.

2) The outside cover of the cardboard box slides off which is normal, but it has a blue "tear to open" band on it and the instruction is actually on the inside of the box.  This is a creative way to provide the user with instructions, and as it says on the box an eco friendly approach.

Left : Happy / Not Happy card (I was happy)
Right: Outside of box with directions on the inside

Unfortunately for me, I like to keep the original packaging so I didn't tear the blue line but I could still read inside without any problems.

To test the car mount, I first tried to mount my phone.  It worked fine on the Moto X, however if I let it rest of the bottom part of the holder the side grip would press the volume down button.  Frankly I don't consider this an issue, I am used to adjusting my phone for universal holders.  The bottom "rest" can't be removed or folded in, but considering you can turn the mount upside down if you want you shouldn't have a problem finding a position that works.

I tried another Moto X with a case and the case seemed to give it enough clearance to avoid any issue with the buttons, I also tried my wife's Galaxy S5 (with a case) and fully opened it had enough space to handle it without a problem.

The next test was to actually mount it in my car.  I didn't do the traditional window mount, any suction cup mount can handle that.  I actually tried to mount it to my dash, and to the bottom part of my cup holder - both surfaces that were somewhat flat but not perfectly smooth.  In both cases, the mount worked perfectly.  The mount has a sticky material on it which helps give a good grip, but didn't seem to leave any residue behind.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Ease to Use: The directions clearly explain how to put it together and mount it, nothing complicated about this mount - I think I spent more time trying to determine exactly where I would mount it than I did setting it up.

Flexibility: The mount was able to handle various smartphones with no problem, and although I didn't test it should be able to handle other devices such as GPS units and music players.  The mount itself can be turned to any position, so you can put your phone in landscape mode if you prefer.

Design: The part where you mount your device has a little lip at the bottom to rest your device, and there is a split in the middle that should accommodate power cord.  Overall, once you suction the mount in place it seems sturdy and it actually looks nice compared to other universal mounts that only focus on function and not looks.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a quality mount for your device, this option is definitely worth considering.  If your device has buttons on the side you may have to adjust the position up or down a bit to avoid the grips touching the buttons but that is likely a factor with any universal mount.

Anker Product Page: www.ianker.com/product/A7117011
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00PAJN32S

RAVPower 36W 4-Port USB Wall Charger Review ( Model RP-UC07 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a RAVPower 36W 4-Port USB Wall Charger (Model RP-UC07) for a product review. The packing included the charger itself, power cable and the normal other paperwork (manual and warranty info).

Original box, instruction manual, charger and power cord.

NOTE: This seems to be an upgrade of the RP-UC07.  The original and this model are both 4-port, but this new revision seems smaller and handles more current ( 7.2A vs 6A of the original ).

I recently tested a USB 3.0 hub that also had charging capability, but the hub takes up space on my nightstand so I immediately appreciated the smaller size of this charger.  To test this charger out, connected multiple devices ( Moto X phone, wireless charger for my Nexus 7 and a LG G Watch ) and it worked without a problem.  I wasn't going to do any test using my DROK USB testers, since I didn't have enough testers or load to max out the rated 7.2A.  However, based on my own tests I know that other RAVPower products meet their rated specs and 7.2A should be more than enough for multiple devices.

Quarter next to the adapter so you get an idea of the size and thickness

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Design: The adapter is a small black box, great for putting on your desk or night stand without taking up a bunch of space.  The bottom has rubber to keep it from sliding around.  They also have this charger available in white if you prefer.

Portability: For the traveling power user, the idea of taking one adapter that can handle multiple devices is a great way to avoid hauling around multiple chargers.  At a hotel, many times the power outlets already have one device connected (alarm or lamp for example) leaving a power user in a situation where they have to spread their devices around the room.  Using a single power outlet and this charger allows a traveler to keep all devices in the same area for charging.

Bottom line: A 4-port charger like this RAVPower product is a great way to keep multiple devices charged while avoiding the headache of multiple chargers.  This is even more important for the traveling power user, especially when you consider the lack of available places to plug into the wall at a hotel or even at the airport.

RAVPower Product Page: http://www.ravpower.com/36w-4-port-usb-wall-charger-black.html
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00OT6YUIY

Inateck Bluetooth Receiver Review ( Model BR1001 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck Bluetooth Receiver ( model BR1001 ) for a product review. The device itself is very small, and the package includes a short USB cable for charging and an audio cable.

Included items: Original packaging, the device itself, USB cable and audio cable

To test the receiver, I used another Bluetooth speaker that happened to have an audio input port so you could directly connect devices.  Once I connected the Inateck Bluetooth receiver to the speaker, I paired my Nexus 7 tablet which was fairly simple.  The audio quality was great.

The Inateck receiver also has a built-in microphone, so I paired with my smartphone and while playing music I had someone place a test call - they did say it was a bit "distant" when I had the mic pointed away from me, but once I turned it a bit they said it sounded better.  I think this feature is more of a convenience thing - if someone calls while you are listening to music you can quickly take the call then get back to music.

Inateck BR1001 Receiver next to a quarter

During my testing, I noticed that the device seemed to wait to pair with the last device it was paired with and if that doesn't happen after a short amount of time it goes into pairing mode.  I plan to test further, including using the device in my car and will update this entry if anything relevant comes up.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Easy of Use: Overall the device is easy to use but make sure you read the manual.  The manual tells you the useful tricks such as holding the volume up button to make it go to the next track.

Portable: As you can see in the picture earlier, the device itself is very small so you can easily carry it around with you if needed.  The built-in battery allows for flexibility in where you use the device since you don't need to be near a power source.

Versatile: Considering this device can act as a Bluetooth receiver (for music) and support phone calls, it gives options for how it is used.  Some users may find this perfect for their car, where others may have a home stereo just waiting for an adapter like this.

Bottom line: If you are looking to add Bluetooth audio capability to an existing system (home, car, or whatever you come up with) this is a great device worth considering.

NOTE: I used this product as one of the options for my Nexus 7 install here:
http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2015/02/nexus-7-in-car-setup-non-permanent-mount.html

Inateck Product Page: http://www.inateck.com/inateck-br1001-bluetooth-audio-receiver/
Amazon Product Page: http://amzn.com/B00LM6BNP2

Inateck Portable USB 3.0 Hub Review ( Model HB4008 )

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck 3 port USB 3.0 + OTG hub ( Model HB4008 ) for a product review.  In addition to the hub itself, it also came with a SanDisk adapter so you could use microSD cards in the SD slot.  I really appreciated this, since I had no clue where my adapter was and I only had a microSD card handy.

Inateck portable USB 3 hub

To test the hub, I used my DROK USB tester to measure the current required.  Here is the current it required for various items:

- USB hub with nothing attached pulled 0.1A
- Adding a wired mouse made it increase to 0.11A
- Adding a wifi adapter and thumb drive pushed it up to 0.25A

So even with the hub, a mouse, a thumb drive and wifi adapter the total current was only 0.25A which is under the limits for both USB 2 and USB 3.  I was even able to get an external USB hard drive to work, but when I connected two drives it started to cause problems - which is to be expected since that is too much for one port.  If you plan to use an external USB hard drive, make sure you limit the other devices to lower current devices or just get a powered hub.

Close up of OTG (USB to microUSB) adapter and memory card adapter

After that test, I put my microSD card into the included adapter and was able to read files from the memory card with no problem.  I even used the OTG adapter on my Nexus 7 tablet and was able to use my mouse on my tablet.   I didn't test any memory cards or thumb drives since my Nexus 7 is not rooted and out the box it doesn't really support mass storage devices.

To test performance, I used Ubuntu to do a benchmark on an external USB 3.0 case ( Inateck FE2005 ) directly connected and via the hub -- no noticeable impact to the benchmark.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Easy to Use: As with any hub, it was pretty simple - connect it to your device (computer, smartphone or tablet) and then connected the USB devices you want to use into the hub.

Versatile: In addition to acting as the normal USB 3.0 hub, it comes with an OTG adapter for use on microUSB devices (such as a smartphone or tablet) and has a built-in SD reader (with microSD adapter) allowing you to use various memory cards.

Portable: The hub itself is about the size of a candy bar, and does not require a separate power adapter so it is easy to use as a "grab and go" device.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a portable USB 3.0 hub than can work with memory cards, and with various devices (such as smartphones and tablets) this is a great option.

Product Page: http://www.inateck.com/inateck-hb4008-3-port-usb-3-0-otg-hub-with-sd-card-reader/

Google Chrome OS Pilot Program .... Yes the one from 2010

Last year, around Christmas time, I had a bit of a geeky "remember the good ol days" moment.  I remembered back to 2010, just a week or so before Christmas.  I was sitting there with my wife, and I noticed a package near the front door.  Since it was Christmas time, I was used to her ordering things so I asked "what did you get this time" and she said it wasn't hers.

Once I opened the box, there was another box inside with this strange picture on it.  Just in case you are wondering, yes I actually kept the original box all this time.

So next I wondered what I ordered, and I looked at the sides of the box.  I saw "S/N" so I figured ok it has to be something nice, then I saw "MEID" and the "ah ha" moment started to happen.  Back then, I don't think they were using the term Chromebook - they referred to this as a Chrome OS laptop I believe ( model number CR-48 ).

Once I opened the box up, and read the instructions.  The actual instruction flyer had some pretty funny statements mixed in with the real information as you can see in the pics below.  Here were some of the ones that made me laugh a bit:

"Read this paper.  Then recycle it

Or make it into a super cool paper airplane that you can give to your nephew"

"Do not expose the device to water, moisture or rap music".

"This product contains small parts which may present a chocking hazard to small children, as well as men who have not emotionally matured"

"This device includes a lithium-ion battery, as that whole cold fusion thing
hasn't been figured out yet."

So it has just been over 4 years that I have had the Chrome OS Laptop / Google Chromebook or as we call it "baby laptop".  Like many other items, over time you consider it a tool and use it when it is the right tool for the job.  Due to the very quick boot-up time, it is a great option for when you need to browse the web real quick.  For my teenage son, it works great for projects where he can do school projects in Google Documents or do research.

So where is my Chromebook now?  It isn't sitting packed away in the box unused or damaged.  It is on the charger, ready for use.  It is used weekly, primarily by my son for school work and research.  It isn't because he has a lack of options - he has both a Moto X phone and a Nexus 7 tablet but sometimes the Chromebook is the right tool for the job.

Frankly, I have to say that I am impressed that the laptop is still working.  I believe I have it on the dev or beta channel (not the stable one) and honestly I can't remember ever having any issues with it or ever having to force a re-install of the OS.

Of course you can't purchase this specific model new, but if I was able to get 4 years (and still going) out of the CR-48, I have to imagine that any current Chromebook you purchase should give you a few years of usable service without any maintenance headaches.

Anker 2nd Gen Astro E5 16000 mAh battery pack review ( Model AK-A1208011 )

Disclosure: I received this product free on a Facebook giveaway.  There was no requirement to post a review.

Anker was doing a Facebook promotion where you could enter to get a free product, they did this a few days in a row and I was successful on the day they were giving away the Astro E4.  When the product arrived, I unpacked it and looked over the manual.  The box and manual stated it was the E4 model, but when I flipped the device over it was the 2nd Gen Astro E5 with 16000 mAh capacity.  Of course, I am not complaining but I did contact Anker to let them know about the situation.  I guess it was an early Christmas gift with a bonus for me!

Left : Carrying Pouch, Right : USB Cable
Center Top : Product Box, Center Bottom : Anker 2nd Gen Astro E5

I compared the Anker product to a RAVPower Deluxe 15000 mAh, and they have pretty much the same weight (about 1 oz difference) but the Anker was thinner/longer.

Left 2 items : RAVPower Deluxe 15000 mAh and carrying pouch
Right 2 items: Anker 2nd Gen Astro E5 and carrying pouch

To test the current output (rated at 3A) I connected two of my DROK USB testers as follows:

- Port 1: Two Nexus 7 tablets, measured at 1.1A
- Port 2: Two Motorola phones, measured at 1.5A

Based on my test the Anker battery pack was able to support a total of 2.6A, unfortunately I didn't have the right mix of devices to see if it could support 3A but considering it supported 2 tablets and 2 smart phones this should be more than enough for the average user.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Design: The battery pack is slim and long, which is good (especially if you plan to put it in your pocket ) but the case is a shiny plastic which is a fingerprint magnet.  The blue LEDs that reflect capacity/charging are small and not distracting.

Ease of Use: Just like other battery pack I have tested, this one is simple to use.  Plug it into a charger to charge it or plug your devices into this pack to charge them.  The charger has 4 blue LEDs on the side to reflect charger level (25% per LED) and it blinks to show it is charging.

Other factors: The charger comes with a cloth carrying pouch which can hold the charger itself and the USB cord.  The charger also has LED flashlight which you can activate by long pressing the power button.  I have found these flashlights useful personally, even if you don't know of a reason to have one at least you have it if you need it.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a high capacity external battery pack, the Anker device is a great option to consider.  It is a solid and good looking device, and due to the high capacity and 3A output it should be able to handle multiple devices with no problem.

Product Page: http://www.ianker.com/product/A1208011

Anker USB 3.0 7-Port Hub Review ( Model AH240 )

Disclosure: I received this product free because I answered a survey Anker posted on Facebook and they randomly selected one contributor for the month.  They actually gave me the choice of any Anker product they had available, and I decided on this hub.  There was no requirement to post a review.

Just in case you didn't read the disclosure above, I won the opportunity to get any Anker product I wanted.  As I looked at the various products Anker has available, I narrowed in on this hub.  To me, the main selling point was that it essentially acts as two devices:

1) When connected to a computer, it is acts as a USB 3.0 Hub.
2) When not connected to a computer, it acts as a multiple port charger.

Anker USB 3 hub with USB 3 cable and power supply

As a USB 3.0 Hub, the Anker AH240 does the job well.  It does not specifically call out how much current it provides for normal devices, but I am sure it supports the 0.9A per USB 3 spec.  For devices that are "BC 1.2-compliant" it can support up to 1.5A even in data mode.

To test the performance as a USB 3.0 hub, I used Ubuntu to benchmark an external hard drive connected directly and via the Anker hub and the performance was essentially the same (less the 0.5% difference).  I added a USB 2.0 device to the hub to see if there was an impact, and it made no difference.  The hub worked with every device I threw at it -- USB thumb drives, USB to SATA adapters, and a Nexus 7 tablet.

As a multi-port charger, when you disconnect the computer it can provide up to 2A per port (total of 10A for the unit) which is more than enough to keep a few phones / tablets charged up.

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Ease of use: Basically hook up the power, hook up the USB to the computer and you are good to go.

Design: I like the look of the hub, it had a clean/simple design and I did like the fact that each port had a blue LED to indicate when there was data connectivity.  There was no indicator for power, but with most devices there is a way to know if they are getting power (phones/tablets show they are charging for example).

Bottom Line: This product acts as two products - a USB 3.0 hub and a multi-port charger.  Even if it only served one of these roles I would say it was a good product, but for it to serve both functions makes it impressive.  For the traveling tech user that has multiple USB devices, this is a great single device to not only serve as a hub but also as a charging station for your tech gadgets.

Anker Product Page : http://www.ianker.com/product/68ANHUB-BC7A

LG G ( Android Wear ) Watch Thoughts

Don't get me an Android Wear watch... 

As Christmas was coming up last year, any time I would mention an Android Wear based watch or look at one in the store I would tell my wife not to get me one.  In my mind, I wanted to research things more - I have a tendency to over think / over analyze things.  I was worried about battery life, and wondered if I should consider other non-Android options.  Well she did what wonderful wives do sometimes, she ignored me and still got me a watch and a few things to go with it.

LG G Watch
Spigen screen protector
Ritche stainless steel watch band

After getting over the initial joy of seeing the box, I opened another box that had a screen protector and another metal watch band.  I was ready to get the device setup, so once all the gifts were open I immediately set it to charge.  I started the fun (for a tech geek at least) of setting everything up, and pairing it with my phone.

Another shot of my LG G Watch

About a week or so later, I decided to write this blog entry about the watch but I didn't want to do a traditional product review there are plenty of those.  I wanted to focus on my experience after getting the watch and use it for a bit.

Here are some of the thoughts I want to share:

Battery Life: As I expected, the battery life isn't great on this watch.  I am having to keep it charged more than once a day, but that may smooth later because I am still in the mode of loading apps and playing around with settings.  (Update on battery life: On my Moto X phone, I had the LG G Watch as a "trusted device" to keep my phone unlocked but this seemed to impact battery life now that I am not using it as a "trusted device" the battery life is much better).

Charger: On the plus side, the charger is super easy to use.  You just place the watch on the charger, and it has magnets to keep it in place.  The back of the watch "sits" in the charger so it is aligned properly and the magnets are strong - I even put it up side down (just to test) and it held the watch in place.

Charger (Left) and back of LG G Watch (Right)

Watch Faces: There are a huge amount of watch face options for Android Wear.  I have tried a few different options, even used an app called WatchMaker to play around with making my own.  Bottom line, if customizing your watch face is important you will have plenty of options.

Watch Strap: I haven't installed the Ritche watch band I got for Christmas yet, but it seems you can use any standard 22mm watch band.  I would recommend doing a little research, although any band should work you may run into some issues (for example it may not sit in the charger properly.

Ritche 22mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch Band Strap

Pairing Limits: Apparently Android Wear devices can only pair with one device at a time, and to change devices I believe you have to reset the watch completely.  For me, I have a smartphone and tablet so I was hoping to pair with both but honestly it isn't an issue.  If you have two Android phones (for example, one for work and one for personal) you will have to choose which one to pair with.  I think this is a minor limit for most users.

Here are some of the software capabilities / apps I have found useful so far:
Note: The app name is a link to the app in the Play Store

At Work: Let's you clock in / out of work, and even gives you a reminder when you have worked you hours - pretty useful if you have a work schedule which allows a flexible start time.

Baby Time : Android Wear Lock: My daughter is the reason this app is important for me.  Anytime she is near me and notices my watch, she feels the need to touch the screen.  You wouldn't expect a baby to be able to use Android Wear but somehow she manged to run the IFTTT app and trigger a test action I had that caused my phone to ring.  Not even 2 years old, and she is already using technology!

Google Keep: You can make notes for yourself that are stored in Google Keep.  This is very useful, for example the other day I was thinking about watching Dave Chappelle and I just said to my watch "note to self Where can i watch Dave Chappelle online" and it saved my message to Google Keep.  Sometimes it may get a word wrong, but in this case it didn't.

IFTTT: If you aren't aware of this app, read up on it here ( https://ifttt.com/wtf ).

Reminders/Alarms (Built-in): Another very handy feature is the ability to set alarms and reminders quickly using voice.  For example, you can set a reminder for a certain amount of minutes if you are cooking or doing laundry.

tinyCam Monitor Pro: I use it as a baby monitor, but it could also be used for other situations where you need to see video from an IP camera on your watch ( security system for example ).

WatchMaker: One of the many apps for loading and even creating watch faces, as I mentioned earlier there are many options for faces so try things out and read reviews.

Wear Apps Tracker: On your phone it lets you see the apps that have an Android Wear aspect, and on your watch it will give you notifications when Wear apps are installed, removed or updated.  I like knowing what is going on with my apps -- in fact I use Changelog Droid on my phone to see what changes when apps are updated, before I had that app I hated using auto-update because I wanted to see what changed.

Wear Battery Stats: Track your watch battery life.

Wear Mini Launcher: Great way to launch apps on your watch, and much faster than using the built-in option.  It also gives you a way to chance a few settings on your phone, and even check the battery status of your phone and watch.

Wear Party Mode: This is one of those apps that is good to use to show off how cool your watch is.

Closing Thoughts / Other Resources

Overall, from a geek side of things I really like this watch and plan to keep trying out various applications to see what other capabilities exist.  I will probably get a 2nd charging base for work, that way I can use it without worrying about battery life.  I have had the watch less than two weeks, and have already had a chance to figure out everything I used to pull together this post and I am sure this is just the start.  I didn't really mention the Spigen screen protector, but I did install it (which was fairly easy as long as you follow the directions).

I would recommend the following resources to anyone who just purchased a LG G Watch, or any Android Wear watch:

1) Join online communities for information and help:

- On Google+ Communities, I joined one for Android Wear and another specific to the LG G Watch
- Reddit has good information /r/AndroidWear
- XDA has good information, some of it is more focused on "expert" users

2) Consider getting SquareTrade warranty ( www.squaretrade.com/smartwatch-warranty ).