~Elecom Trackball for MAC & PC computers

ELECOM WIRED TRACKBALL MOUSE ~ For Mac & PC’s…. © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Are you tired of wireless trackballs that need frequent battery replacement, or constantly having to be charged, as well as their sensitivity pitfalls? The ELECOM WIRED TRACKBALL MOUSE (M-HT1URBK) may be your solution? I recently tested this trackball after much frustration with my previous wireless models. The ELECOM trackball provides precise cursor movement by means of its various settings and adjustments. The cursor’s DPI sensitivity, how fast it can respond, can easily be adjusted to a DPI setting of 500 (low), 1000 (medium) or, 1500 (high). This feature alone is worth the upgrade. The track ball rests on three 2.5mm large ruby style ball bearings. They provide an extremely smooth motion as you navigate the ball. This system minimizes the need for cleaning as often as well. When you do feel the need to clean, the ball easily pops out of its socket. The overall positioning of your hand over the mechanism is specially designed on six specific points in the hand and how the muscles and your skeleton system interact. Optical tracking technology provides precise cursor movement for excellent accuracy so you can easily navigate quickly to where you wish to go on the screen. This feature far exceeds what any other trackball that I’ve ever tested, or owned could do. You can assign the 8 buttons to up to 10 different functions to accommodate your work, or gaming needs. A left/right scrolling tilt wheel provides limitless clicking and movement combinations.

The ELECOM TRACKBALL interfaces with a wired USB connection to both MAC OS 10.12 or later & PC Windows XP, 7, 8.1, RT8.1 and Windows 10, or later. This trackball will not disappoint! I highly recommend it! MSRP: $69.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information visit: https://amzn.to/3QcC4bb Available at Retail & Amazon. Pricing varies! Graphic credits: Amazon & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted bskidmore@mac.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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

BUG ZAPPER THAT REALLY WORKS

Dedady Indoor Bug Zapper ~ by XIAMEN LAIKEN LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY…. © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Have you ever been plagued by Mosquitos, Nats, Moths, Fruit-Flies, Beatles and other pesky flying insects, and not known how to best combat these critters? Well the DEDADY BUG ZAPPER, also sold under various other brand names & suppliers, may just be your low-cost solution. The beauty of this device is that it does not use, nor emit, any chemicals to kill the bugs it traps. Instead it emits noiseless, ultraviolet rays via a recessed blue lamp that attracts bugs to fly into the device and then electrocutes them via an electrified power grid mounted in front of an ultraviolet lamp. This kills them before they ever reach the ultraviolet lamp.

An easily removable blue plastic protective cover prevents accidental access by the user, children and pets thus eliminating the possibility of shock. Naturally, you should still keep this product out of the reach of children, or pets as it’s not a play toy! An on/off switch is provided for your convenience as well. The low power of the lamp is very energy saving, quiet, without radiation, without any special smell and without the possibility of secondary pollution since the trapped dead insects are not distributed to other places such as food, drinks and dishes. Cleaning the device is a breeze too, as shown below:

The DEDADY BUG ZAPPER is an inexpensive, environmentally safe way to trap most insects. Having a wide range of applications, it’s suitable for households, restaurants, hotels, and many other consumer and professional applications. Think about all the bug sprays you won’t have to purchase. Like all methods it’s not going to be a 100% solution, but certainly comes extremely close. I’m very impressed!!! Available from Amazon, Walmart and other suppliers MSRP: Amazon $12.95 Single unit - $39.99 Six-pack (Cost can vary by other suppliers) GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3Q8K6BG Graphic credits: Google Images; Amazon; Manufacturer 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

360° REARVIEW MIRROR SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT

A 360° REARVIEW MIRROR SMARTPHONE CAR MOUNT ~ An Easy, Safe Way To View Your Phone In Your Car…. (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I’ve tested and written several previous columns about smartphone mounts, or holders for your car, but I think I’ve found the “piestar resistance” of such devices. Amazon refers to this gadget as the 21-H02 (ASIN: B09V4L46H) Mirror Phone Holder by Imcneal. The model reference ID may seem a bit odd, but that’s probably due to its being a Chinese import directly marketed by Amazon. This phone holder is made of a new ABS+ metal material and thus resists scratches and breakage while still being simple, practical and easy to install. Unlike other brands, it features a 0.5 – 1.1-inch adjustable mounting jaw clamp to easily attach to most mirror mounts, or other types of mounting surfaces. Unlike other devices, the clamp that holds the phone in place on the holder does not block portions of the smartphone’s screen’s viewing area. Its 360° rotation allows for easy adjustment to any viewing angle, with a fully retractable, adjustable arm, allowing you to position it for maximum viewing in most vehicles. Naturally, you can rotate the holder’s phone clamp to allow for vertical, or horizontal viewing. Its clamp accommodates phone sizes within 3 - 7 inches. Unlike some other holders the fully adjustable capability of the 21-H02 virtually eliminates any daylight washout of your phones display screen, a viewing problem that’s akin to other similar looking products on the market. Without a doubt this is one of the most versatile and practical smartphone mounts I’ve ever tested. And yes, it does not block the driver’s vision thru your car’s windshield since it’s positioned away from the glass and below the mirror. Unlike smartphone cupholder models that require you to totally look down and away from the windshield, viewing is just a slight, quick glance away. However, please remember that smartphone mounts, and the viewing of smartphones, should be limited to navigation and incoming phone call alerts and not the viewing of videos, Facetime, or email and text messages. The latter uses are strictly forbidden by law, and could subject you to a traffic citation as well as be the cause of deadly accidents. If there’s a negative at all, it might be that any attached cables for power, etc., have to hang straight down unless you’ve made other provisions to cosmetically, permanently hide them is some way.

GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $12.99 at AMAZON For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3MAtd0I Graphic credits: Amazon 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

A Source For Meds At Affordable Prices

COST PLUS DRUGS ~ Finally, A Source For Meds At Affordable Prices… (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Drug prices seem to drastically vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Even insurance company’s mail order pharmacy suppliers seem to have difficulty keeping the cost of meds down to an affordable price. So, is there an alternative, a possible solution? Well one of ABC TV’s Shark Tank, Sharks and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban and his business partner, Dr. Alexander Oshmyansky, MD, PhD, think they have one. On January 19, 2022 they formed the MARK CUBAN COST PLUS DRUG COMPANY (MCCPDC) on-line pharmacy, and just weeks later, the launch of their Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) was established. Both these entities are efforts in their pursuit to help shield consumers from inflated drug prices. Here’s how it’s structured. Let’s use the drug Albendazole (200mg – 2 count) as an example. Their cost is $26.08 per course. They mark it up 15% so they can run the company and further invest in disrupting the pricing of as many drugs as they possibly can. This brings the base price of the drug to $30. Then they add the additional cost of $3.00 that their pharmacy partners charge them to prepare and provide your prescription to you. This makes the final sales price on their web site to $33.00. An additional shipping cost of $5 is added at checkout. The retail price at other pharmacies is as much as $437.68 equating to a savings of $404.68 not including shipping. This is a startup company so they don’t have every drug on the market, but they are adding drugs to their inventory on a daily basis. In effort to keep you informed on new drugs available they publish a FREE monthly newsletter with these additions to their inventory. You can subscribe to it by going to their website: https://bit.ly/3lYUCxn Here are some more drug cost comparisons: Imatinib 30 count supply of 400mg’s -Leukemia treatment - Retail price $9657.30 per month – lowest price with a typical voucher $120 per month – COST PLUS DRUG price $39.00 per month; Mesalamine – ulcerative colitis treatment – Retail price $940 per month – lowest price with a typical voucher $102 per month – COST PLUS DRUG price $32.40 per month; Colchicine – Gout treatment – Retail price $182 per month – lowest price with a typical voucher $32 per month – COST PLUS DRUG price $8.70 per month. All prices shown above subject to possible shipping charges and prescriptions by your doctor are required. To price compare your medications visit the link below. Click on MEDICATIONS at the top of the site, fill in the brand name, generic name, or by health condition and click your ENTER, or RETURN button. Now, be prepared to be surprised! If you don’t find your medication return to this site periodically as COST PLUS DRUGS is adding additional drugs on a daily basis. To order medications have your physician contact them at: 833.926.3384 (NCPDP ID # 4940208). COST PLUS DRUGS currently does not accept payment from any insurance carriers. Naturally, this is always subject to change so check with them periodically. While their prices are generally the lowest, you always want to shop your medication needs with other suppliers before committing to anyone! Recently, the U. S. Congress passed a bill that will cap annual medication costs for Medicare participants to $2000.00 annually. This bill also allows Medicare to negotiate with drug companies on specific medications. Any discounts they are able to agree to could also result in that drug being available to non-Medicare users at a better price. This bill does not begin to take effect until 2023 and we all know that the government does not operate on the fast track! So, be patient, but know whatever happens will aid the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to negotiate better pricing on your behalf. For more information: https://bit.ly/3lYUCxn Graphic credits: Cost Plus & Google Images 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

THE NOTE TOWER FOR COMPUTERS AND MORE....

NOTE TOWER ~ Desktop Pro 2-Page Document Holder …. BOB SKIDMORE (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED We all have occasions where we are using paper documents to aid us in writing something on our computer, be it a MAC or PC. The problem we experience is having such paper documents in an easy to refer to position without having to strain our eyesight, or take up valuable, or limited desktop space in the process. The NOTE TOWER is one of a series of products that easily solves this problem while still being space saving and inexpensive. I tested and like the DESKTOP MINI version. This unit is a self-standing and supporting tool that features Nano-Suction pads that temporally grip most surfaces. It has twin fold-out thin arms attached on each side of a center document holder that accommodates eight flexible clips per side. These clips easily permit you to slip letter size sheets, photos, index cards and post-it notes on either side allowing for a display much like an open book. Simply slide the document into the flexible clips and the NOTE TOWER MINI will display them in direct view. What could be more efficient? At the bottom of the tower is a base that can accommodate a pad of 50 3x3 sticky notes. The tower is available in white, or black as are their other models. For those who desire something that easily attaches to your laptop’s screen’s edge, the NOTE TOWER MONITOR DOCUMENT PAPER HOLDER may be the answer since it easily clips on and off. This unit allows for documents to be featured on the right side of your screen. This style therefore does not appear as an open book.

GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $13.99 (stand-a-lone) ~ $16.99 (screen attached) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3s633cT (self-standing model) https://amzn.to/3KWnjGQ (screen mount version) Graphic credits: Amazon 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

Minimizing Robo & Scam Calls & Ways To Save Money On Cell Service

MINIMIZING ROBO & SCAM CALLS & HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON CELL SERVICE ~ Easy Steps You Can Follow…. (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Probably one of the most annoying things in today’s World is the robo call. These calls emanate from various domestic, or international places and quite often originate from people working from home to make a few extra bucks. Some such services use a live person to interact with you while others have automated prerecorded pitches. They use fake caller ID numbers, or in many cases no caller ID number at all. Your number is obtained from various lists complied from data bases obtained by hacking legitimate services, or vendors you have dealt with in the past who legitimately have your number. In some cases, your number may be sold to services marketing specific things you’ve expressed interest in with previous vendors. How can you minimize answering such calls? Be very careful to whom you give your number to and if possible, request that your number not be provided, or sold to others. Yes, some companies will comply with such requests. Secondly, maintain an accurate personal contact list on your phone’s contact app. Incoming phone numbers are automatically linked to your contact list first so you can see that the call is from someone that you know, otherwise, if the caller is legitimate their caller ID will automatically kick in and be displayed. If, however, the ID information is not displayed, or simply shows a city, or country of origin, or a number you do not recognize, simply do not answer the call. Be aware that some scammers will purposely engage in a conversation with you and ask a question that requires you to answer YES to it. This answer is recorded and used later to indicate your approval to something they are illegally attempting to gain your approval, or acceptance of. If you also have a landline with an answering machine connected, here’s a message you may wish to record: “Hello, you’ve reached 000.000.0000. If this is a solicitation call please be advised that this is a do-not-call number and violators will be reported! To leave a message please wait for the tone and then state your name, purpose of call and your phone number. Thank you for calling and have a nice day!” It’s been my experience that this message causes most such callers to hang up. If it is indeed an important call, the caller will leave a message so you can call them back. You can register on the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY, a FREE service, by visiting https://bit.ly/3O8fLS2 In 2019, Congress passed the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, to attempt to curtail illegal robocalls and prosecute/penalize scammers with fines up to $10,000 per call. You can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission, the primary government agency that collects scam complaints. To report robo calls visit: https://bit.ly/3mT9ONk or call 877.FTC.HELP. You can also report and file an informal complaint with the FCC about robo & scam calls. Call 888.225.5322, and be sure to include your full name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible.

Now a quick word about how to save on cell-phone service. There are several smaller cell-phone service providers who offer very attractive rates. If you have an Apple iWatch, or other such device that links to your cell phone service, be sure to ask if the provider you are speaking with supports such additional add-ons. Currently, most do not. Cricket Wireless, h20 Wireless and Consumer Cellular use the same towers as AT&T. Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Total Wireless, Twigby and Xfinity Mobile use Verizon’s towers. So, check the coverage of AT&T and Verizon first to see who offers the best coverage and rates, then contact the smaller carrier to possibly save money. Graphic credits: THE GADGETEER 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

PILL PERFECT UNIVERSAL PILL CUTTER

PILL PERFECT UNIVERSAL PILL CUTTER ~ A Pill Cutter That’s Near Perfect And Works Well…. © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Most of us at any age take pills at various times in our lives. Pharmaceutical manufacturers produce these meds in various doses, shapes and sizes that are considered to be the most commonly prescribed. Since your doctor may prescribe a dosage that’s not in a dosage typically available you may be resigned to cutting a pill to the prescribed dosage your doctor prescribed. This is a pretty common practice. The problem for the patient is how to easily and accurately cut a pill to match your doctor’s dosage requirements. There are various pill cutting devices on the market. Typically, the choice comes down to two models. One that has you slide the pill into a “V” shaped mold for cutting and one that has various preshaped molds to fit most pill shapes and sizes. In either design a prefixed blade is forced on to the tablet by the user resulting in cutting the size and dosage of the tablet.

The “V” shaped design can be highly inaccurate since tablets tend to slip and slide during the process. It also depends on the user’s ability to accurately line the tablet up and maintain this position during the cutting process.

The design of the PILL PERFECT UNIVERSAL PILL CUTTER eliminates any slippage of tablets you may have since it’s designed to cut 18 differently shaped pills, or vitamins with its removable cutout molds included with the cutter. Due to there being so many differently shaped tablets and sizes even the 18 supplied mold designs can fall short of meeting all your pill cutting needs. Another possible issue is that some pills have a consistency that can cause the tablet to somewhat pulverize during the cutting process. This is not necessarily the fault of the cutting device, but rather the makeup of the tablet’s ingredients and is unavoidable unless you have a worn-out cutting blade that needs replacing. Naturally, this can somewhat alter the dosage amount and could be a concern to speak with your doctor about. The PILL PERFECT UNIVERSAL PILL CUTTER’S self-retracting curved blade helps with the cutting process thus greatly minimizing crumbling and crushing. The PILL PERFECT UNIVERSAL PILL CUTTER is certainly a great solution to most of your pill cutting needs. The ease of use and device cleaning make this a great possible alternative! Available from various on-line sites MSRP: $15.00 (Average on-line price) GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★ For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3id3zlR Graphic credits: Google Images 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

DJZNDINGJIEJIE ~ Non-Slip SmartPhone Pad For Your Car's Dashboard

DJZNDINGJIEJIE NON-SLIP PHONE PAD ~ Car Dashboard Smartphone Universal Phone Holder…. BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED We all know that the use of smartphones for texting, photography, or emailing is not permitted while you’re driving any vehicle. However, there are other applications where such use is permissible as in the case of navigation. These days there are several smartphone navigation apps available that are quite useful and I might say accurate. In some cases, they rival the performance of the old stand-a-lone GPS models many of us depended on. The question now becomes how do you mount a smartphone in such a way that you can easily view and listen to its directions without having to redirect your vision in such a way as to distract your vision from traffic? I tested one such mount that at first glance appeared to solve this need. The DJZNDINGKIEJIE mount sold by Amazon is an anti-slip/shake multi-functional pad made from a high-quality flexible PVC material. It can hold your smartphone while dispensing your favorite aromatherapy stick fragrance too. Fragrances available from on-line vendors and may not be included depending on the vendor you deal with.

It can display your phone’s number if you like with fluorescent numerical stickers that glow in the dark that you place around the mount and are clearly visible outside your car’s window. It can also accommodate storing other items such as your car’s key fob, as well as place your phone in a flat position for storage when it’s not being used as a display. Sounds good doesn’t it? Well, there are a couple of major drawbacks that affect many automobiles and smartphones. Since the DJZNDINGKIEJIE mount is designed to be placed on the dash your phone’s screen is easily washed out by daylight thus making it near to impossible to view. I’ve tried several mounting positions on my Prius’ dash, but simply can’t resolve this issue.

Secondly, the two mounting sticks that hold your phone horizontally, or vertically can obscure vital viewing areas at the bottom of the screen. This can still be a problem even if you find a way around the wash out issue. In summary, the DJZNDINGKIEJIE mount is a neat concept, but appears to have a couple of major flaws that could affect many users. Before purchasing be sure to review these issues as they may, or may not apply to your use. Also, make sure that you have “RETURN PRIVILEDGES” with your supplier. GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★ (Based on the two issues discussed) MSRP: $16.99 (Choice of fluorescent outline colors include red, green & white) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3JCyiDh Graphic credits: Amazon 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

ON-LINE PURCHASES ~ Buyer be ware....

E-COMMERCE ADS & PURCHASES ~ The Do’s & Don’ts ~ Facebook, EBAY, Amazon, PayPal and ???…. (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Shopping on line can be fun, easy and many times rewarding in terms of the things you find available and perhaps didn’t even know existed. The downfall is how honest is the description, the merchant and how easy is it to return the item and obtain a full refund. Sound familiar? Let me give you some personal experiences and how they were, or better yet, not easily resolved. My first advise is to stay away from social media sites such as Facebook unless the ad is posted by a reputable and well-known source. This can still be a problem with sites like Amazon as experienced by a buyer who thought he was buying from a third-party Amazon merchant. The transaction never appeared later as an Amazon transaction and thus Amazon refused to make good on the payment. This seller redirected the buyer to their site and wanted payment via Amazon gift cards. Legitimate sellers do not insist on payment via gift cards of any sort. Be especially wary if a third-party Amazon seller asks you to contact them via email, or text prior to making the purchase. It’s probably a ploy to shift the sale off the Amazon website and then leaving you with no legitimate recourse if there is an issue. My experience with EBAY has been flawless as most vendors are domestic and may even be dealers. The Facebook questionable ads usually represent Chinese merchants and are accompanied by very well produced videos to lure you in. Quite often these videos aren’t even the actual item they claim to sell, but rather a video that was hacked from another site and placed in their ad. They do not state the county of origin. I have responded to such ads only to receive totally incorrect merchandise worth much less than the item I thought I purchased. In my first experience there was no contact, or return shipping information provided. In another, a multi-unit commercial building site, with a California shipping address was shown on the shipping label. It listed only a unit number and not the merchant’s name. It too was from a Chinese source. Contacting the first one was impossible since the shipping information was lacking. In the second scenario my letters remain unanswered to this date. So, what’s your recourse? Most online sales other than Amazon only use PayPal as a form of payment. PayPal typically uses third party payment sources that you have previously set up with them such as a checking account, credit, or debit card. That being the case you must deal with PayPal directly (402.935.7733). In this day of Covid most reps that work for PayPal work from home, a method that could remain long after Covid resinds. Their resources are somewhat limited. You’ll need to complete paperwork and pay the return shipping charges so you have a receipt to prove it was returned. The USPS shipping charges quite often will be much more than the item you’re returning is worth. PayPal will credit you up to $30 per shipment for such charges upon receipt of proper documentation after the item was returned. This credit could be separate from a credit they might issue for the actual purchase price you paid for the item. Such a credit is given only after PayPal has communicated with the merchant. This delay can be weeks since PayPal unfortunately is inundated by these issues. Yes, the finality of this after everything is said and done could result in the merchant being dropped as a PayPal vendor. This can take months based on communications with the vendor and the shear volume of such incidents at PayPal. PayPal does want satisfied clients, but they have to protect their own interests in the process. (PayPal: I’m not degrading PayPal as a good payment source. What I like about dealing with them is that it provides another layer to protect your money as well as financial information, and help you with situations as discussed above. Just be aware that resolution of purchasing issues can be a lengthy and time-consuming process.) Buyer be ware!!! Graphic credits: Freerange Stock 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

HOW YOU CAN SEE INCOMING USPS MAIL VIA AN EMAIL

USPS INFORMED DELIVERY ~ Receive FREE Mail Delivery Notices On Your iPHONE and/or Your MAC & PC…. BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Here’s a FREE SERVICE from the United States Postal Service (USPS) that lets you know what mail is being delivered to your USA residential address today, or the next business day, whichever applies based on normally serviced, non-holiday, days of delivery. A business address is not eligible unless it’s your home address. Once you’ve signed up and activated this feature, you’ll receive images of the First-Class Mail coming to your address as well as a notice of any parcels scheduled for delivery that same day. Note that this is not name sensitive, but rather by the registered address used when you applied for the service. In other words, almost anything scheduled to come to your address no matter to whom it’s addressed to will be shown. It’s really easy to apply. Simply access the INFORMED DELIVERY WEB SITE at: https://bit.ly/3tRnr4k. Be careful to follow each registration step as the instructions can be a slight bit misleading, or confusing, a common phenomenon with many government sites and documents. The designers of many web related sites assume everyone is a tech guru like them and thus understands what they’re saying in a very condensed form. Lol! Once you’re informed by an acceptance of service email that you are successfully registered you can expect your daily notifications to begin within a couple of business days thereafter. As an Informed Delivery client, you can view and manage your scheduled mail and parcel delivery for that day on your computer, iPad or Smartphone. You’ll receive Informed Delivery email notifications that show you what incoming mail you have being delivered that day. Simply use the Informed Delivery dashboard, or mobile app to monitor your delivery status, reschedule deliveries and much, much more. Informed Delivery lists what’s coming to your mailbox, anytime, anywhere, even when you’re traveling. If you don’t have any mail or packages scheduled to be delivered that day no email notification to that affect will be sent to you, however, junk mail and magazines may still arrive. As I stated notifications are geared towards First-Class Mail only, so junk mail and magazines are not listed even though they’re being delivered that same day. I find INFORMED DELIVERY to be about 95% accurate and thus can be a useful tool, especially if you have a second residence. Receiving this type of information from second residences would require a completely new registration, as though you were first signing up for the service, since the address is different. Note, such registration is only necessary if you want the same information available for mail coming to that different address. I wish they would add a notification as to when delivery of the posted items were actually in your mailbox. Maybe that’s something planned for the future? We can at least hope so!

Another USPS feature and site that could be useful for many people is TRACKING PLUS at: https://bit.ly/3rIgorW. This feature is not free and can cost as much as $10 per item being tracked depending on the length of time you select to track a particular package. The cost varies on the individual parcel size and the length of tracking time you select for that parcel and could be for up to ten years. This can be a useful tool for lost or delayed shipments? Check out some of the other unique services available too. Hats off to the USPS for using technology to help us know more about our mail! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $0.00 For more information go to: https://bit.ly/3FU5Lai Tech Support: 800.344.7779 Graphic credits: Google Images 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

CES 2020 ~ A Car That Can Change Body Color

CES 2022 ~ BMW’s Color Changing Concept Car

BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2022 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Traditionally CES, THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, is held each year in Las Vegas, Nevada. It typically hosts thousands of eager manufacturers, distributors and dealers looking to display the latest in electronic gadgets that may appear in your local stores throughout the year. Canceled last year due to Covid, it reappeared in a scaled down version at the LV Convention Center even though a vast number of exhibitors opted for some form of virtual exposure, or simply became no shows. Attendance was only 40,000 compared to previous years of up to 200,000. Perhaps the most interesting and innovative presentation was from BMW, the well-known automobile manufacturer. Yes, in recent years car manufacturers have found CES to be a novel way to test the waters and see what electronic gadgets and features people would like them to include in their future models. BMW is no exception to this trend. They displayed the BMQ iX Flow, a concept car that changes colors at the push of a button. Yes, it can change from white for hot days, to black on cold ones.

The body is laminated with an electrophoretic film containing microcapsules that are the diameter of a human hair. Each capsule contains differently charged white, black, or colored particles which become visible when an electronic field is applied. This creates what is known as an Electronic Paper Display, EPD. This could become a viable option allowing you to match the color of the car to your mood, or color coordinate with what you are wearing as well as affecting the climate in your car in an energy saving manor. I should mention that the iX series itself is presently available from BMW in other models including an electric version. The Flow is just a concept at this particular time. Could it become the wave of the future? Possibly! Graphic credits: The Gadgeteer & Google Images 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

LOGITECH K750 - A Solar Powered Keyboard For Mac & PC

BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED LOGITECH K750 ~ Solar Powered Keyboard for MAC or PC (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Are you looking for a wireless keyboard for your computer? How about if it’s also being solar powered? The Logitech K750 may be just the perfect solution and is available in both MAC & PC operating system configurations. This gem *never needs batteries since it gets its power from the Sun, or any exterior light source. It has all the keys you are accustomed to in your wired MAC or PC keyboard. A solar app is even available as a download that allows you to easily monitor the energy supply status. Simply Google Logitech Solar App and then select the proper operating system for a download link.

No special software is required. Be sure to insert the tiny USB Unifying Receiver into an available USB port and switch the keyboard’s OFF/ON button located at the top right, ON, and you’ll be connected. Since there’s no cable connection you can easily move it around, or place it in your lap. It’s that simple and convenient to operate. Earlier I mentioned that that *no battery replacement is required since it utilizes Solar power to recharge the internal Maxell ML2032R button battery. Note, that the R in the battery number signifies that this battery is a rechargeable one, unlike its counterpart, the CR2032 that is not rechargeable and can’t be used. You should get 2 – 3 years of recharging capability at which point it will need to be replaced. Logitech offers no information as to replacement, however, it is possible. Flip the keyboard over and you’ll notice an indentation for a battery tray that holds the ML2032R. Take a jeweler’s flat edge screwdriver and work it out.

Yes, it does come out with a little bit of effort. Once replaced you should be back to normal operation. It’s interesting that Logitech offers no information on battery replacement. Guess they want you to purchase a new keyboard? If there’s any negative aspect to this product that’s probably it. TIP: If you operate this keyboard in a dark area you may wish to install a small LED strip light near the keyboard that can be easily accessed for charging when the keyboard is not it use: I have a slide out tray for my keyboard, so I’ve installed the LED strip above it. I just reposition the tray with keyboard so the LEDs make visible contact with the black charging panel at the top of the keyboard and illuminate when needed.

GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ COST: $99.99 For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3AaW2dI Available at Retail, Amazon and other on-line retailers. Graphic credits: Amazon & The Gadgeteer 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, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases 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. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore