Misc

A place for all those other gadgets you want to review - you know, the ones that just don't fit in any of the other topics, but that you want to tell the world about anyway!

Where voice quality is important, a headset has a key role to play with vendors such as Jabra and Logitech producing headsets with noise cancelling microphones which are much more effective in meeting user needs.
Two useful things, the first for when the selfie needs to be more than at arm’s length as well as when you need not to be at that place. The second a small item to do just a single job that otherwise would involve several steps to complete.

835515 boompod maxpod portable chargeA Double Battery Charger

Published in Misc by mfereday on 6 Sep 2014
If you have not had the battery of a mobile device die on you then you must be incredibly lucky. But do not tempt fate and check out this battery charger.

Shutter Ball and 32GB OTG

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 31 Aug 2014
First a small round ball with a rubber strap to allow it to be attached to a bag or belt, the result you can take photos remotely on more than one device. Second a tiny 32GB microDuo OTG flash drive for transfer of data and this is USB.

835134 Devolo dLAN 650 Triple Plus Starter KiTriple Powerline

Published in Misc by mfereday on 26 Aug 2014
If a wireless network does not work for you then this next Devolo product might provide a solution.

835497 freeloader ISIS solar panel battery chargeFreeloader iSIS

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 24 Aug 2014
A mobile charging device, not just a standard device but one that should be able to charge your devices – it can do several at once – for no additional cost after you have purchased the Freeloader. This feat is accomplished by using solar power.

834968 g technology g drive thunderbolExtra Storage Space

Published in Misc by mfereday on 19 Aug 2014
While perhaps not “as cheap as chips” as one television presenter is inclined to mention when discussing the value of an item, the cost of additional storage for either Windows or Apple computers is becoming increasingly affordable as the amount of storage capacity on offer increases.

834800 samsung R3500 Gear Fit Smart WatcAn Early Christmas Wish List

Published in Misc by mfereday on 9 Aug 2014
With temperatures rising during July, many companies are keen to show off their Christmas wares.

834708 ubuntForay Into Linux

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 27 Jul 2014
Apart from the Simplicity Linux I looked at nearly two years ago I have only used Linux run from a CD-ROM. So with a Windows XP notebook now redundant – it has too little memory etc to upgrade - time to install Linux and try to master it.

834504 nuvi359Garmin’s useful voice commands

Published in Misc by adrianmorant on 21 Jul 2014
The Garmin nüvi 3597LMT is a top of the range satnav providing European coverage. It has a high resolution 5inch display and incorporates a wide range of features aimed at improving navigation and enhancing its usability.

Moonpig Gift Box

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 21 Jul 2014
As regular readers know I rarely go beyond two items in a single review. Here I break my own rule by covering three. First the Touch Speaker, a close sibling of this earned a 5x5 award earlier this year. Also covered here are Zip Earphones and iPlunger.

Two Ways of Mobile Charging

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 20 Jul 2014
First what could be called a standard device a solid battery that transfers stored power to the device. Second something that looks like a larger standard battery and in effect it is as it uses three ‘AAA’ batteries to do the charging.

834281 Olympus LS 14 4GB Linear PCM Recorder DictaphonA Hand-held Audio Recorder

Published in Misc by mfereday on 15 Jul 2014
With its menu of cameras and recorders, a recent Olympus event introduced me to the company’s range of hand-held audio recorders.

834197 Metropol iPad Mini CasFilofax Goes Digital

Published in Misc by mfereday on 8 Jul 2014
While there are numerous covers for our various mobile devices, one company takes this add-on feature a stage further with extra accessories.

825408 pcworld smart zonSmart Tech Zones

Published in Misc by mfereday on 26 June 2014
As a leading force in the field of electrical appliances and digital devices, Currys and PC World plans to offer customers a look into the future.

825405 sandisk dual drivUltra Dual USB Drive

Published in Misc by mfereday on 24 June 2014
Recently I reviewed the SanDisk Wireless Flash Drive. Now it is the turn of the company’s Ultra Dual USB Drive.

834161 PNY PowerPack 5200mAh Dual Port PNY Device Charger

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 22 June 2014
For the last few weeks I have neglected my phone as I have been using other review units, for my trip out my phone needed to function. I switch it on for it to beep and show 0%. Luckily this PNY device had just arrived fully charged.

821406 innergie life huInnergie LifeHub

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 15 June 2014
A simple device to do one job – I seem to have written that a lot recently – but it is something that most people can use to make things easier. It is a USB hub on a long lead meaning you do not need to be tied that closely to your PC or even a power outlet.

820186 Onaji Pawa power card battery chargeA Multifunction Battery Charger

Published in Misc by mfereday on 12 June 2014
When I am hungry I can be tempted by a snack (crisps and chocolate tend to head the list) but what do you do if your mobile device is hungry for power?

821399 Cygnett 1A ChargeUp Portable Powerpack for Apple iPhone iPod touch SmartphonCygnett ChargeUp Portable Power

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 8 June 2014
The Cygnett 1A ChargeUp is a charging device that helps you out when your phone or tablet goes flat and a power plug is not in sight. However this has another feature that can also have a use when power is lost it has a built in torch in the end of the unit.

814784 retro ipod touch speakeRetro Touch Speaker

Published in Misc by mfereday on 5 June 2014
This next product is available from the Gizoo.co.uk web site.

Healthcare on the phone

Published in Misc by adrianmorant on 5 May 2014
A virtual system has been launched which enables people to access a GP and other healthcare services via their smartphone. Named babylon –not to be confused with the online translation service or the Babylon Search toolbar – it will enable users to be put in touch with an experienced GP or, as appropriate, a specialist consultant. It is the first organisation of its kind to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and receive designated body status from NHS England.

787898 archos 79 platinum android tableAn Archos Tablet

Published in Misc by mfereday on 26 Apr 2014
It has been quite a while since I last had the opportunity to check out an Archos device. This lengthy period was brought to an end with the arrival of a product with a slightly unusual title.

782394 Connected Data CTP1D99US2R Transporter Sync Private Cloud Storage DevicA Personal Cloud

Published in Misc by mfereday on 24 Apr 2014
Rather than keeping their head in the clouds, users are increasingly using this virtual environment for storing their data which is then accessible from various locations.

782385 Kingston Digital 32GB Data Traveler MicroDuExternal Android Content

Published in Misc by mfereday on 19 Apr 2014
If you do not have enough storage space on your Android device for your music and videos then this next product could solve your problem.

780783 USB Mix Tape by Suck UTwo from thumbs UP

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 18 Apr 2014
First an item for those who remember – or maybe like me – those who still have a collection of cassette tapes and a use you maybe put one to. Second a Coffee Mug with attitude that will certainly be a talking point around the office.

784432 Eye Fi Mobi Wireless SDHC Card for Digital CameraEye-Fi from camera to mobile

Published in Misc by adrianmorant on 14 Apr 2014
Despite smartphone and tablets now having cameras with more and more megapixels, the results cannot match those of a good quality “bridge” camera and certainly not the performance of a digital SLR both of which have a range of advanced features including optical zoom. Eye-Fi Mobi, provides the best of both worlds as it enables one to use Wi-Fi to transfer camera images directly to one’s smartphone or tablet.

781661 Kanex Getting Gigabit from USB

Published in Misc by adrianmorant on 7 Apr 2014
The Kanex DualRole Gigabit + 3-Port Hub, which is compatible with those Macs and PCs that have a USB 3.0 port, will be of interest to users of machines lacking an Ethernet port. When plugged into a USB 3.0 port it provides that missing Gigabit connection as well as extra USB 3.0 ports.

iPhone Camera and Case

Published in Misc by paul_smart on 6 Apr 2014
Two items that may suit those with a recent iPhone (it also works with a 5th Generation iPod Touch) a clip on camera to give both zoom and macro. Second a slip case that cleans your screen every time you place it in the case.

779060 windows 8.1 the missing manuaWindows 8.1 – the missing manual

Published in Misc by adrianmorant on 31 Mar 2014
In much the same way that Windows 8.1 is an updated version of Windows 8.0, “Windows 8.1 – the missing manual” is an updated version of the original book. As such, it covers the Windows 8 tile and touchscreen interface together with the enhancements introduced with Windows 8.1. Hence, it should meet the needs of the power user who may or may not have been initially using 8.0 as well as the person who is coming fresh this latest version of Windo