CONTROLLING YOUR PRESENTATION AND COMPUTER WITH A RING?

CONTROLLING YOUR PRESENTATION AND COMPUTER, WITH A RING?

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

The wearing of a ring often times is considered a symbol of control. The RING PRESENTER is just such a ring in that it not only functions as a laser pointer, but also as a Bluetooth mouse.

The RING PRESENTER, by Genius, is a dual platform device that interfaces with your computer via a mini Bluetooth pico receiver that plugs into the USB port of a Mac, works well in the keyboard USB port, or PC. A rechargeable battery powers the ring. Charging takes place by connection of a supplied custom cable to the computer’s USB port or a USB charger and the ring. A blue LED serves as a power-on/off and when blinking, low power indicator. Once charged operation is quite simple. A three-position selector switch allows selection of mouse/pointer, off, or pointer only operation. A CD is provided as driver for those computers that require it. While the Mac had no problem recognizing the ring without the software installed, an upgrade from the Genius website was necessary to smooth out the mouse’s functions.

The ring is worn on the index finger of either hand. I’m right-handed and found the left index finger to work best. This allows my right hand the freedom of other unrelated tasks since the thumb of the hand wearing the ring interacts with the ring.

The ring has two control, top-side, locations, a center button and a surrounding faceplate. The center button is used for tracking the cursor and clicking the enter function. The faceplate has four switches each located in opposite positions of the square faceplate. They serve to activate all the normal functions of a mouse. When used as a pointer the bottom button serves to illuminate the pointer while depressed. Positioning your index finger at a right angle points the laser beam in the direction of what you’re pointing to.

(TIP: Operation is typically performed with the thumb of the hand wearing the ring on the index finger. Naturally, it is possible to activate these buttons with the opposite hand’s fingers, but you’ll probably find that the thumb method works best. Never look at the laser beam directly as severe eye damage or blindness can occur.)

The RING PRESENTER is an interesting gadget for those who do presentations, but can be used for normal computer use as well. Since your pointer and mouse are incorporated in one device located on a finger it’s easy to walk around the room and not carry two controls. It does take a bit of practice, however. If you’re one that shakes a lot the fact that you can easily steady your hand while operating the controls of the pointer could be a plus. The instruction book is minimal and hard to read due to an extremely small typeface. There’s what’s listed as a Window’s downloadable manual available on the web site that really works for Mac’s too since it refers to general functions.

MSRP: $69.99

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/YIM7sL

GADGETEER’S RATING: ***

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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CyberPower UPS, An Uninterruptible Power Source

CyberPower UPS,

An Uninterruptible Power Source….

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

An Uninterruptible Power Source, UPS, is an electrical device providing emergency power and surge protection to other electrical devices such as a computer, when the mains power fails. It differs from a generator in that it will provide almost instantaneous loss protection from your local electrical power utility. It accomplishes this by energy stored in batteries commonly housed in a container with electrical outlet sockets, and a continuous charging circuit connected to the mains. This charging circuit detects the loss of electricity from the mains, sounds an alarm and automatically continues to power the device(s) connected to it. Naturally, the intent is not for you to continue operation of the device(s), but rather to allow ample time to power them down thus preventing possible data loss. The exception to this might be when powering low-power items such as routers, modems, and VOIP devices. Such gadgets might have the possibility of remaining operational for many hours or even days due to their low current draw.

(TIP: A UPS is commonly used for computers, data and telecommunications devices. It’s especially important with VOIP telephone modems allowing for continued operation since the electrical draw is minimal. Another application is with flat screen displays that are fan cooled, since post power shut-down requires such fans to continue operation for a couple of minutes until sufficient cool-down is achieved.)

UPS Power Sources come in various capacities and thus selecting the proper size is dependent on the sum total wattage of all the connected items. My tests were primarily for powering a VOIP such as the Vonage & Internet modem, a router, and a switch, a device that expands the number of router ports. After much research and testing, I chose a CyberPower CP600LCD 600va/340 watt model (100~140vac) since all these items are very low wattage.

Now, one might say, other than capacity, how different can one UPS be from another? Well here’s where the CyberPower CP600LCD shines. This model incorporates a multi-purpose, illuminated LCD meter indicating LOAD being consumed, INPUT voltage, OUTPUT voltage, BATTERY CAPACITY, and estimated RUNNING TIME, along with icons showing battery mode, overload condition, fault condition, and silent mode. All are  important features when the mains power fails. Other features include: USB port to PC, on/off switch, resettable circuit breaker, broadband network, phone ports and audible alarms for overload, battery power engaged, and low battery. Battery replacement is possible and easily accomplished. Expect about a two-year battery life span before replacement.

Like most other UPS’s, there never seems to be enough outlets. This model offers four back-up outlets and four pass-thru ones and is designed for horizontal, vertical or wall-mounted installation. When used with low-voltage devices power overload is generally not an issue. To over come the lack of sufficient outlets I used 2 triple cube taps. When properly configured they accommodate an additional 4 outlets and allows for the use of the oddly shaped power plugs generally used by such devices.

The CyberPower UPS system as tested offers the most bank for the buck! Well built, feature packed, and competitively priced makes it a great buy! Included is a “connected equipment” lifetime guarantee of $125,000.00, software and a 3-year warranty.

MSRP: $74.95

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/ZG759a

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. 

Reserve Power On-The-Go....

POWERTRIP & POWERSTICK,

Reserve Power On-The-Go….

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

We live in an ever-growing gadget world and with that comes the need for on-the-spot recharging of these devices. Naturally, there are many solutions out there, but what’s the most efficient and practical? Here are a couple that certainly meet the challenge.

ETI, Ecosol Technologies, Inc., of Canada, offers many recharging devices, two of which I have tested for this article. The first, PowerTrip, is a compact charger that can obtain a full charge from wall outlets via an internal folding plug (100~240 VAC 50/60hz), a supplemental charge through a USB port and a top-up via the built-in solar panel. It’s a feature that may just come in handy these days on cruise ships. With all these variables, PowerTrip can easily replace your OEM charger; in fact, it’s the only charger with its own battery. An iPhone 5 has a battery capacity of 2800ma making it possible to obtain several recharges from one fully charged PowerTrip. Special circuitry prevents over-charging and will shut down if any problem such as over-heating is detected in the device being charged. In addition, this charger also functions as a 4, 8 or 16gb memory device, depending on the model purchased, to store/transfer or back up important files from your computer.

(TIP: A built-in gauge shows remaining charge, charging taking place and recharging in progress.)

If you were looking for a truly pocket-sized, 40 grams, charging device, ETI’s PowerStick would certainly fit that need. (4.6”x1.3”x0.7”) It too, has a memory feature available in 2, 4 and 8gb versions. Having a 2300ma battery capacity, PowerStick can easily top off many smart phones and give tablets that extra boost in a pinch. Charging is accomplished by USB or an optional 5v/1.0a AC adapter that is not included.

(TIP: Re-charging times of either model vary depending on power source used. Multiple adapters and adapter cables are supplied to interface with most cellphones, PDA’s, MP3 players and tablets.)

I have tested both models and find them to exceed expectations. Their compact size, memory storage capabilities and built-in charging options make them an efficient and low cost, effective solution to your charging needs. Both are supplied with a soft travel case.

(TIP: An iPad PowerBinder version was introduced at this year’s CES Show in LasVegas. Product release is scheduled for late spring or early summer and we will be reviewing this model sometime thereafter. )

MSRP: PowerTrip: $109.00 – PowerStick: $49.50

Available on line worldwide with FREE shipping in the Continental U. S. and Canada on these models.

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/bK5Ut5

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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PENCLIC, Reinventing The Traditional Mouse

PENCLIC,

Reinventing The Traditional Mouse….

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

In 1981 the first integrated mouse intended for use with a personal computer was introduced by Xerox. Since that time there have been several variations including such devices as trackballs and built-in laptop/keyboard trackpads, but nothing revolutionary. Along comes PENCLIC, a Swedish innovative design, incorporating cutting edge technology that enables the extension of your hand’s movements to control the orientation of your computer’s cursor.

The name says it all. In the shape of a pen mounted on a small base or holder, the PENCLIC operates on most surfaces without any pad. It has controls mounted on the pen’s shaft for engaging left, right, middle, backward and forward clicking. A scroll wheel is accessible on the right topside of the base and a power on/off switch is recessed on the bottom. The button functions are based on HID 1.1 protocol supported by Windows and Linux. Apple has not implemented this standard, so only the left and right click functions will work. This should not be a problem for Apple users since you are accustomed to only using the left and right buttons anyway. At the moment, the best way to get the middle, backward and forward buttons to work on a PC is to program them. A free App site for this is: http://bit.ly/av8eBJ. As for MAC’s, you could try: http://bit.ly/m1Rfu. In either case, the PENCLIC works just fine for right and left click operation.

(TIP: PENCLIC, a right-handed user’s mouse, and is available as a wireless (R2) or wired (D2) device. The wireless version operates up to a distance of 15 feet, is supplied with a rechargeable NiMH battery that holds a 3-month charge, and incorporates an energy saving mode that kicks in after 10 minutes of non-use. Charging is via USB with a supplied cable. The PENCLIC will also accept an AAA non-rechargeable alkaline battery.)

PENCLIC supports all HID 1.1 operating systems including Windows XP or later, MAC OSX 10.1+ and most Linux/BSD systems. No software or special drivers are needed. It also works with Casablanca video editing systems, too.

(TIP: PENCLIC, may aid in the prevention of RSI, Repetitive Strain Injury, an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous system that is caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations and sustained or awkward positions.)

So, how does it work? You hold the PENCLIC like you would a pen, allowing your forearm and hand to rest on the work surface. The shaft portion rotates vertically & horizontally for maximum comfort. Holding left and right click buttons in for three seconds rotates a DPI sensitivity mode thru four selections. The base or PELCLIC holder acts like a traditional mouse, while your fingers grasp the PENCLIC’s shaft. The movement now resembles that of writing with a pen. Since the click controls are also mounted on the shaft your hand never leaves the PENCLIC. At first glance this all might seem a bit cumbersome, however, after an hour or so I found the speed, comfort and accuracy to be just fine. Over all, PENCLIC worked very well, made the mouse experience more comfortable and quite a bit more precise.

MSRP: Wireless (R2) or corded model (D2): $118.00

Available at retail and on line worldwide.

For more information go to: http://bit.ly/n94tkd

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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FIND YOUR STUFF, Bluetooth To The Rescue

FIND YOUR STUFF….

Bluetooth to the rescue!

© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

If you own an iPhone or iPad you no doubt have installed the Find My iPhone App. For the uninitiated, this app allows you to track the location of your iPhone or iPad from any location using any computer or another iPhone or iPad as long as you have an iCloud account. All you need to know is the Apple ID and password of the missing device, have both units connected via wi-fi, and have the missing device turned on. That’s great for finding Apple products, but what about your keys, purse, attaché’ case, backpack or Android phone? Here’s a neat solution that really works….

Cobra Electronics Corporation has introduced the BT 225 and 225uni, Bluetooth Tag alarms. These devices use an App on your iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone to assist you in locating lost items.

Here’s how it works. You download the free Cobra Tag App to your smartphone/iPad. Since the tag is a Bluetooth device, you mate it to your Bluetooth network on your phone or iPad. Once the connection is made your tag has been activated. Turn on the tag by holding in its activation button for several seconds until you see three blinks of the blue indicator light and hear a beep. Now the tag is engaged and capable of tracking whatever you attach it to. If the tag is separated by more than 30 feet, the typical range of Bluetooth technology, your smartphone or iPad will sound a siren alarm alerting you that you’ve forgotten something. In addition, it has the ability, while in Bluetooth range, of sending you an email alerting you that a specific device was left behind and gives you a link to Google maps with an indicator showing the exact location.

If you simply misplaced the tagged item you can open the Cobra Tag App and activate the siren alarm on the tag that’s attached to the missing item. If you’ve misplaced your smartphone or iPad you can press the button on the tag and the siren alarm will sound on either of those devices, perhaps a bit faster than using the Find My iPhone App and more effective since the iPhone App shows you a general GPS location, while the Tag’s ear-piercing alarm pinpoints you to the exact location.

(TIP: Bluetooth has an approximate range of 30 feet, so missing items need to be searched for within that range. When you separate your smartphone or iPad more than the working range of Bluetooth technology the loss of the Bluetooth signal causes the alarm signal to be activated on your smartphone or iPad indicating you’ve left something behind. )

Cobra has designed the Tag App to accommodate up to seven Tags. You assign each Tag a specific name and icon such as keys, purse, laptop, etc., and they are displayed and selectable on the App. The Tag itself will remain charged for about seven days so they say, however, my tests indicate about two to three days. It’s best to charge more frequently and avoid the Tag from loosing the Bluetooth connection. If the connection is lost you’ll need to go into the settings of your smartphone and follow the steps to reconnect. Now, the trick is to remember to charge it since if you forget to, the Tag will not operate. A mini/Std USB cable is included that plugs into a standard cube USB charging device, not provided.

The Cobra Tag is an excellent solution to finding misplaced items. It works well and has been a lifesaver for my wife many times. One use could equal the price of the Tag not to mention avoiding the aggravation and stress associated with loosing things.

MSRP: BT 225uni (iphone/iPad compatible) BT 225 (Android compatible) $79.99

Available at retail and on line.

For more information go to: http://www.cobra.com (Use cobra tag for item search)

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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SANDVOX 2, Web Site Creation Software, Revisited!

SANDVOX 2, Web Site Creation Software, Revisited!

© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Web site creation should be fun and easy. Last year I did a review of Sandvox’s Version 1, which did just that. Recently, Version 2.7 was released with a host of improvements and features. In this article I shall concentrate on some of the improvements. If you want more overall detailed information on the software benefits you can see my previous review that explores the original program in depth. http://bit.ly/dFTmw0

(TIP: Sandvox 2 uses HTML 5 to ensure compatibility with ios devices, such as iPhone, iPod Touch, MAC and Windows computer platforms. )

Sandvox’s system requirements have three options. Sandvox 2.2 runs on MAC’s OS 10.5, if you have OS 10.4 you’ll need to use the original Sandvox 1.6. If you have an Intel MAC you will want Sandvox 2.7, the most up-to date version and what we tested for this review. It supports English, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Brazilian & Portuguese), simplified Chinese and Japanese.

(TIP: You can use this software to create as many web sites as you wish. If, however, you are building a web site for someone else, and they wish to maintain it, they will need to purchase their own copy of Sandvox. )

The general construction template is very similar to Version 1. It’s based around the simple concept of drag, drop and publish. There are multiple new designs as well as the ones from the previous version, with many more available on line from third party designers. Once you have started working with a selected design it is possible to change the design without loosing the content, however, some rearranging of verbiage may be necessary. As is always the case, not all subject categories are represented, something that can be rectified with a custom design feature. This feature would be more for designers and developers and not the average user. http://bit.ly/263Zft

A new Inspector, a common MAC design tool, provides for better control making it easier to adjust layouts, add features and characteristics. You can now apply these changes to a single object or the entire web site. A new Photo Gallery offers a gallery style view with only one click in the Inspector window. You can easily add links to Facebook, Twitter, blogs and a comment section.

(TIP: Sandvox automatically organizes your site and page content in such a way that aids search engines to find the most important content. This is an invaluable tool in guiding people to your site. To make the most of this feature register your site with GOOGLE WEBMASTER TOOLS, http://bit.ly/oGe6PP )

Sandvox 2 has added what they call Flexible Objects. This feature allows you to quickly add blocks of text, images, movies, and Quick link to Amazon that includes using your affiliate tag. You can feature YouTube videos, RSS feed selection and incorporate news and/or weather content from other web sites. You can insert raw HTML to add custom features. All these extras make your site look current and alive. Sandvox claims over 60 major new features and improvements, too many to highlight here, but that’s what makes the Sandvox software so attractive.

As always, Sandvox offers a number of short tip links including a seven-chapter screencast. They are helpful, however, what’s missing, that was available with version 1, is an optional step-by-step CD. This CD walks you thru the process in creating a web site. The nice thing about this was that you could play the CD along side the template as you were developing your own site. When the disc was finished, your site was completed and ready to upload. Since Sandvox’s concept is to make the web site creation simple, so even the novice can use it, this is a much-needed tool to ensure that you utilize all the features and get the most from this powerful program. Presently, you may have to dig a bit to find all but the most-used features that are available.

Sandvox 2.7, 2.2 or even 1.6 software offers the easiest way to create professional looking web sites at a very low cost. Version 2 is so feature packed that you would be hard pressed to find anything else to compare it to. You can actually create and publish a five-page web site in under an hour with no prior experience. Whether you are an HTML pro or just a novice, Sandvox makes creating a web site fast, easy and fun, too. This may be your incentive to step up to a MAC! Remember, a MAC can run Windows, too.

MSRP: $79.99

Available on line

For ordering and more information go to: http://bit.ly/P1f0M

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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WeMo, Controlling Your Home From Afar

WeMo, Controlling Your Home From Afar…

© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Over 700,000 apps are now available for the iPhone/iPad/iPod, but do any allow you to control your home’s electrical devices? Belkin, a leading manufacturer of computer, tablet and smartphone peripherals, recently introduced WeMo, a series of plug-in modules that do just that when used with your Wi-Fi network.

So, how does it work? Presently there are two modules available that plug into your standard electrical wall outlet. The first module is a SWITCH that connects with any *120 volt, 15 amp (1800 watt) device such as heaters, portable air conditioners, lights, coffee makers, etc and includes a manual override button with a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator that’s also found on the MOTION.

(TIP: A unique application could be to reboot a device such as a DVR that’s frozen and can’t be viewed from afar via a Sling Box without momentarily cutting off the power to it.)

Once the SWITCH and the device are connected you may control the operation of the device via your iPhone (3GS+), iPod Touch (3rdGen+) and all models of the iPad, with a FREE WeMo app available from Apple’s App store. Android smartphones may be compatible in the near future. Sounds easy, and it is. The second module is known as MOTION and is used to control the SWITCH when the MOTION module detects any movement in its path and leaves the device on when set in the default mode. When used with a FREE web service from ifttt.com it can send you a text or email alerting you that MOTION has detected some sort of movement in its path, now making it a low cost security device.

(TIP: *WeMo is currently available in the U. S. & U. K. and will soon be released in France and Germany, followed by a world-wide roll-out in 2013. Naturally, those models will be designed with the proper plugs and voltage/wattage specifications and will vary according to country. Operation from your iPhone/iPad/iPod is via the Internet and not country dependent.)

The WeMo app offers a wide range of fine tuning settings known as RULES. These RULES allow you to go beyond simple manual on/off operation. You can now program specific times, duration of operation, and days of operation as well as sensitivity of motion detection to activate the SWITCH. Once again, you can be alerted when these activities take place if you subscribe to ifttt.com.

(TIP: ifttt.com (If This Then That) offers many features for expanding this device including the possibility of having a lamp momentarily turn on when you receive an email or a Facebook mention. Ifttt is certainly not limited to WeMo and may benefit you in many other ways. Worth checking out!)

Installation and operation are relatively easy. Belkin has provided a special WeMo customer support team specifically for this product that’s accessible by phone, on-line chat, email or user blog in the event you need assistance. Belkin’s customer service after the sale, is excellent!

I’ve tested this product extensively and find it to be well worth the investment. The SWITCH is available separately since the app can support up to 32 of them, or as a kit with the MOTION module included.

MSRP: $99.95 (kit) $49.95 (SWITCH or MOTION module only)

Available on line and at various retailers. For more information:

Belkin: http://bit.ly/zvyr8P

GADGETEER’S RATING: *****

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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