Gotta Have Gadget

Newer Technology Power2U

This is simply one of those “Gotta Have Gadgets” that you look at and instantly think, “Why didn’t I come up with that idea?”  In the simplest of terms, the Newer Technology Power2U is a standard outlet with two built in USB charger plugs.  How many of your outlets are taken up by your iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry or even your GPS?  With a wife and two kids in the house we have more USB devices plugged in than we do any other power outlets.   No more fumbling around to find that USB power outlet, simply plug your USB device right into the Power2U plug and you are up and charging in no time.  Newer Technology makes it easy for businesses with 10 packs, 20 packs and even 100 packs.  How many times during the day does one of your co-workers ask to borrow a charger because their smartphone is running out of battery power?  This is as simple to install as a standard outlet, and has an internal fuse to protect from a power surge.  The USB plug is designed to handle USB 3.0, 2.0 and older 1.1 plugs.  All four power outlets can be used at one time.  Such a simple design with a powerful space saver idea.  Being a “Gadget guy” I need at lease two or three of these house in my kitchen alone!  Perhaps this will help my wife as well, as she will certainly have to yell, “Can you clean up your mess” far less thanks to the Power2U outlet.  For all the technical specs, check them out online at www.newertechnology.com.

This holiday season, one of the questions I get asked the most is, “What is a good reliable phone I can get without breaking the bank?”  The LG Revolution is a great deal right now!  At $199 (with a two year Verizon contract) the LG Revolution gives you the quickness of 4G LTE, a 4.3 inch screen, high res camera and Android marketplace.

Some features I really like are micro-HDMI port for quick connections to a TV or computer to transfer your 720p HD videos, and the 5 megapixel camera.  I know what you are going to say, there are much higher resolution camera phones out there, yes there is, but the LG Revolution gives you options which takes far better pictures than you would expect with a 5 megapixel camera.

Something that is over looked now a days with cellular phones is audio quality.  With the backing of the Verizon Wireless network, I didn’t lose a single call and the audio was just fine.  The battery life is what you will find in most data phones, of course the more you use it, the less the battery will last.  If you are a heavy data user, a back-up battery is always recommended.

If you don’t need the latest and greatest phone the LG Revolution is a great alternative at a reasonable price that will give you everything you need and with the power of Verizon’s 4G LTE service, it will give you it quickly.

For all the latest LG phones, you can check them out at http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/view-all-phones/view-all-phones.jsp.

PowerSkin iPhone 4S

Looking for some holiday swap gifts or some great stocking stuffers?  Do you know someone with a SmartPhone?  Of course you do, most 13 year old kids have one now.  What is the biggest complaint?  Battery power!   I have a PowerSkin for my iPhone and now I never have to worry about the battery.  I can surf the web all day, use the GPS for golf, make calls or check email and still have a full battery at the end of the day.  The PowerSkin is basically a protective case that has a second battery built into the case.  Find your PowerSkin at www.power-skin.com.

***UPDATED 2/7/13***

I wanted to give a shout out to the customer service team at Power-Skin.  I had an issue with the mini-USB connector which for some reason would not charge the battery.  With a quick e-mail the customer support team is replacing my power-skin!  In my humble opinion this kind of customer service is rarely seen!  All the more reason to visit www.power-skin.com!

Does dad own a motorcycle? Cardo Systems’s G4 PowerSet is a Bluetooth headset that helps motorcyclists stay connected while riding. The Cardo System’s G4 PowerSet comes in a package of two that are paired together to help riders communicate with one another. The G4 Powerset has some great cool features. First you can communicate with another rider with a range of up to 1 mile! Secondly, with the Click-to-Link™ feature, if you see another rider with a G4 PowerSet, you can easily connect to communicate with that rider. Thirdly, with the multi-device connectivity, you can listen to your MP3 player or connect to your cell phone in addition to talking to your riding partner. Fourth, having the windscreen mouthpiece will reduce the amount of bugs in dad’s teeth! For more information or technical specs, visit them on-line at www.cardosystems.com.

Is dad always on the go?  Does he have to stay connected via his laptop?  If so, trying to find a wifi hotspot or paying $20 per day at a hotel is a pain.  Virgin Mobile’s MiFi® 2200 with Broadband2Go can give dad instant nationwide Sprint® 3G network coverage.  Dad can connect up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices to the 3G wireless internet with no contract needed!  It doesn’t matter if dad has a PC or Mac, the Virgin MiFi® 2200 can connect to either with very little set-up.  The pay as you go is probably the best feature of the MiFi® 2200 because dad can change his plan based on his personal needs with Broadband2Go plans as little as $10.  Backed by the Sprint® 3G Network, dad can find the coverage he needs.  Check it out at www.virginmobileusa.com.

If mom or dad have an iPhone give them more power!  You have all seen the Energizer Bunny, but did you know Energizer can power your iPhone too?  I received the Energi to Go® AP1500 just in time.  My iPhone was almost completely drained.  I simply slid the iPhone into the AP1500 and instantly had power.  Read the rest of this entry »

Another great present for mothers or fathers day!  Does your mom or dad love to watch golf?  What do they do when they are not home?  With the Samsung Mythic, and AT&T Mobile TV service, they can watch sporting events or any of their favorite programs from CNBC, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile, FOX, MTV, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and more!  The Samsung Mythic is all mom & dad will need from a smart phone and then some.  Read the rest of this entry »

Philips makes some great gifts that are perfect for the holiday season.  In keeping with the iPod touch/iPhone theme earlier, the Philips DC315 docking system would be a great gift for the business executive on your holiday list.  What is cool about this system is you can dock your iPod touch or iPhone, connect the system to your PC via a USB cable and synchronize your contacts, to-do list and calendar.  All that with the ability to accept calls via your Bluetooth connection and an audio system that sounds great, all while charging your iPod touch or iPhone.  Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to Verizon Wireless phones, check out the Casio^® Exilim.  Im having a hard time figuring out if this is a fully functioning camera with a built-in phone, or a fully functioning phone with a built-in camera.  The phone features built in VZ Navigator^SM and V Cast Music with Rhapsody.  Most camera phones take low resolution photos that at best can be used as part of a picture message.  Read the rest of this entry »

If you happen to be a Verizon Wireless subscriber, I have a Gotta Have Gadgets to help you as well.  Depending where you live, any cell service could have a weak signal.  Verizon Wireless has an amazing gadget called the Verizon Wireless Network Extender.  I am a Verizon Wireless customer, and to get a signal in my house I had to find a spot, stand on one leg, and have my left hand raised above my head to get a single bar.

As soon as I plugged in the Verizon Wireless Network Extender, hooked it up to my wireless router, within minute I had full service in every part of my house.  The Verizon Wireless Extender can help up to FOUR phones in your network.  I chuckle now when I see my neighbors out on their front lawn searching for a single bar!  I look at my phone and have full service!  The Verizon Wireless Network Extender would be a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season!  Check them out on-line at www.verizonwireless.com

How many times have you run around looking for your phone when your cell phone starts to ring?  By the time you find the phone you may have missed an important call.  AT&T has come up with a brilliant idea incorporating Bluetooth technology in their cordless home phone.  The AT&T TL92278 DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone has built in Bluetooth technology, so you can sync up your cell phone and not have to run all over creation to find your cell phone.  Simply sync your Bluetooth cell phone to the AT&T system and when your cell phone rings, you can answer it from any of the cordless phones.  You can program the AT&T phone for a distinct ring tone so you know the call is to your cell phone.  Read the rest of this entry »

For moms on the go, check out the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece.  Many states now have hands free laws in place so if mom wants to use her cell phone while on the road, she will need a Bluetooth headset.  The Plantronics Discovery 925 is easy to sync with your Bluetooth cell phone and will keep mom safe while driving.  Read the rest of this entry »

If you hate clutter, I have the perfect gadget for you!  Is called the E-ZCHARGE Docking Station.  This is a very simple concept that organizes all the wires and chargers that you have to keep things neat and clean.  Simply wrap your charging cord around the E-ZCHARGE and place your cell phone or mp3 player or Bluetooth earbud on top and there are no more wires all over your counter, Read the rest of this entry »