Holiday Gift guide Review: Kensington Keyboards

 

Kensington

The Professionals' Choice™

From docking stations, to computer cable locks, to mice and trackballs, to ergonomics, we're proud to design, engineer, and build award-winning products that are trusted by professionals around the globe.

Keyboard for Life

Features

• Spill-proof keyboard resists coffee, water, soda and other liquids
• Sealed membrane design lets liquid run through without damaging keyboard electronics
• Reliable plug-and-play operation with wired USB connection
• Built to last with a limited lifetime warranty
• Black keyboard with 104-key layout

Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard
The Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard lets you connect and switch between up to three devices at a time (computer, tablet, or phone), using Bluetooth (3.0 or 5.0) or 2.4GHz wireless with 128-bit AES encryption. Smooth, responsive scissor keys include multimedia hot keys. Windows, macOS, iOS, and Chrome OS compatible. Low battery indicator, so you’re never caught off guard. Includes two AAA batteries. Three-year warranty.

• Compact design makes it easy to take anywhere and great in tighter workspaces.
• Dual wireless offers the flexibility of Bluetooth (3.0 and 5.0) and 2.4GHz wireless, with government-grade 128-bit AES encryption.
• Connect up to three devices at a time (computer, tablet, or phone) and switch from one device to another in seconds.
• Works with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Chrome operating systems.
• Scissor keys deliver smooth, responsive typing. Hot keys provide shortcuts for common commands across compatible operating systems. Low battery indicator ensures you’re never caught off guard.
• Get up and running instantly with the included AAA batteries. A three-year warranty means you can rest assured knowing you’re covered by Kensington.

Trusted for more than 35 years, we pride ourselves on three timeless core values:

Design
Through meticulous research, design, and engineering, Kensington solutions meet the ever-changing performance and compatibility needs of today’s professional.

Quality
The Kensington Engineering team has three decades of experience in high-volume manufacturing of hardware IT products. Rigorous test cycles and quality control means all products are tested above industry standards.

Support
Kensington’s clients are around the world, and include companies large and small. Every customer is treated as a top-tier professional, no exceptions.

Shop Kensington products at kensington.com.

Our Thoughts

Seriously, why did I not know about Kensington keyboards? 

Sometime in the last year, my fairly ancient PC started giving up the ghost. Which meant, of course, new EVERYTHING because just like the PC, everything else was ancient too (well, maybe not quite ancient, but obsolete technology at any rate). I ended up switching to a laptop to be more mobile when working on bigger projects but as I quite dislike (ok, hate, really!) laptop keyboards, I looked for a new keyboard to plug into the docking station.  Now, I like a full layout best - not these dinky little keyboards that frankly aren't any better than the laptop's keyboard. All I could find at the time was a gaming keyboard.  Which sounds like it could be fun, right? Except it's always backlit and changing color, which I find distracting and annoying.  But, sigh, what to do except deal with the backlighting, or use a tiny keyboard . . . so backlighting it was.  Until the offer to review the Kensington Keyboard for Life came in.  Giddy, I tell you.  Giddy! I am literally typing this review on the Kensington Keyboard for Life. 

The layout is perfect.  You know how keyboards come with little stands on the underside to angle it? Also perfect - the gaming keyboard's stands were just *slightly* shorter.  You don't really think about motor memory until something is just slightly off.  Call me a happy camper! It's super easy to install, too.  No drivers or anything extra to do - I literally just unplugged my other keyboard and plugged this one into its place in the docking station.  

Now onto the Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard. This is a fun little keyboard.  You can use it on up to 3 devices - and what's really neat is you can switch back and forth between devices at the touch of a button - the (darker gray) F10 key. There's even a little light indicating which device the keyboard is currently connected to. Pretty easy to set up - for each device, I turned on Bluetooth and it picks up the keyboard right away. My iPad connects automatically, while my iPhone I have to tell to connect. The keyboard runs on two AAA batteries (which are included) and has an on/off switch. 

While a full size keyboard will always be my preference, I like the  Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard better than a virtual keyboard, although it is a bit unwieldy to carry two things around when you're really on the go. With both speech and motor apraxias, my son types for communication and this will make it easier for him to type when we're on the go. While he is able to type on the iPad's larger virtual keyboard, the iPad shoved into a purse can get quite heavy and this lightweight keyboard will allow him to use just my phone instead of trying to type on the phone's tiny keyboard.

Sometimes I do sit at the table, texting or messaging on both the iPad and iPhone depending on how many conversations are going on at the same time. I can have both devices propped up like two little monitors and switch between who I'm typing to by touching the F10 key. 

Kensington has a ton of different products for whether you're at home, at work, at school, or on the go. Check them out at kensington.com!

Holiday Gift Guide- The Under $50 Gift That Locates Lost Items: Pixie!

3 Simple Steps to Find Your Things:

Attach Pixie to your iPhone
Pixie Points talk to each other, so to keep track of your things apply the first Point to your iPhone.

Attach Pixie to Your Things
Pixie Points go on anything you want to find: keys, wallet, remote … even your cat!

See Your Things
The Pixie App shows you exactly where all your things are relative to you, it even guides you with accurate turn-by-turn directions so you can find them faster!

Pixie Points talk to each other (we all need friends), so to keep track of your things you apply one Pixie Point to your iPhone and the other Points to the items you want to track. Watch how Pixie Works (button to play video)

2-in-1 Functionality: See It! Hear It!

Only Pixie allows you to see EXACTLY where your lost things are! (That’s right, we even use Pixie dust!) Pixie uses augmented reality to easily show you exactly where your lost items are! Just don’t trip over the couch on your way there. Visual guidance is great for noisy environments where you can’t hear a beep!

Precision Matters

Pixie is the only finder accurate enough to show you where your things are…down to the last inch! Our Location-of-Things Technology uses Bluetooth, but it also uses signaling, allowing the Pixie points to talk to each other. This may not sound like much, but allowing the Pixie points to talk to each other is what helps to provide accurate distance directions to your lost item. We can offer a high search range, 30 - 50 ft. indoors and up to 100 ft. outdoors.

Out of Range…No Problem

Pixie shows you where your items last were. For those who have a hard time staying in the same place, this is a great starting point for when you wander too far out of range

Find Your iPhone…Even If It's Off!

We get it, sometimes bad things happen to good people, like forgetting to charge your phone.

Pixie lets you find your phone even if its, off, out of power, or on silent!

We’ve got your back!
Pixify Your Life

Each Pixie account can keep track of up to 7 items, in addition to the one on your phone,  and includes adhesives and key chains so that you can pixify just about anything…the limit is your creativity.

My Thoughts:

As a college student, I am constantly losing my things. Whether it's my computer, my textbooks, or even my iPod, something always gets lost eventually. Nothing is more annoying than being on the run and not finding what you need. However, when I read about Pixie, I knew it must be the product that was made with me in mind!

Pixie is very user friendly. Included in my box were two Pixie attachments (but you can order more if you would like). You can choose any item that your often misplace or even your pets collar! Just take your devices out of the box and attach it to your items. Yes, it is that easy! Lastly, download the app for your mobile phone. I've attached the specs so you can see if your phone or iPad is currently compatible with Pixie's groundbreaking technology: 

Specs:

Range: Bluetooth range up to 150' outdoor and 30-50' indoor
Accuracy: within inches
Battery lifetime: 12+ months, no charging needed
Compatibility: iPhone 5s or later and iPad 4 or later
Waterproof: up to 3 ft. to IP67 standard
Dimensions: 1.4” wide x 1.8” tall x 0.13” thick

• 1 Year Warranty
• 30 Day money back guarantee
• Works with all Pixie-enabled apps.

Worry no more because Pixie has your back! Once the app is installed you are good to go. When an item goes missing that you have labeled, power up your app and the search is on. The augmented reality and Bluetooth technology allows for you to see exactly where your items are. Ranges go from 30-50 ft. indoors and up to 100 ft. outdoors. Your items can run but they certainly cannot hide from Pixie. This is truly a must have item! 

Connect with Pixie:

Website Facebook  Twitter 

Get a back button for your iPhone with ClearTouch SmartButton from BoxWave

The ClearTouch SmartButtons is a screen protector that levels the playing field between iPhones and Android/Windows phones by adding buttons to the left and right of the iPhone's home button. You can now tap to the left to go "back" to a previous screen, or tap to the right to cancel/confirm screens.

Here’s a short YouTube video showing it in action:

Connect with BoxWave

Website - Facebook - Twitter

My Thoughts

I'm a big iPhone lover. I once had an android and we didn't get along well, but one thing I liked about it was the back button. Though, it's already easy to go back on an iPhone, you just press at the top of the screen. I was very curious about this and how it would work.

Putting it on my phone wasn't hard. I like the applicator they sent to be able to place it on your phone. It made putting it on super easy. Probably the easiest I've ever put on a screen protector. Once it was on, it took some getting used to, being able to use a button at the bottom.

You do have to press it firmly to work, but it did. If I pressed the small dot, my phone would go back a screen. I had my doubts, but it worked. It had taken some time to get used to using it with the habit of always using the screen, but it's fun to show friends.

If you're an android converting to an iPhone, this is the perfect screen protector.

Holiday Gift Guide - EYN Smart Phone Case

 EYN cases can fit on most smartphones including the iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android phone. The Eyn cases (which stands for “everything you need”) are 5” x 2 3/8 x 3/4, and services as an all-in-one storage piece for cash, credit cards, keys, and of course, your smart phone. EYN has a built-in storage compartment that also serves as protection for your smart phone as well. Also included is a mirror inside, which doubles as a stand to rest your case while watching videos or playing applications with ease. Cases are available in many colors, and each includes a strap to go around your wrist while going out to functions or just going to the gym

My thoughts:

This is a great phone case.  It serves as a phone case and wallet.  And comes with a wristlet strap.  All you need to do is pull down the bottom piece that slides off, insert your phone, and that's it. This case has rounded edges that wrap around the edge of your phone.  So if your phone is to drop this serves as added protection again breakage.   The extra storage piece stays firmly shut.   

I use this case all the time.  It serves two purposes to me.  A phone case and small wallet/wristlet.  Whether I am going to the store, gym, zoo with my kids, etc.  I am able to put my Driver's License, credit/debit card and even some cash in it.  

I have the red Eyn case for my I phone 4S.  There are however other colors to choose from like, Purple,Turquoise, Pink, Black, Syrah and Chartreuse.    

 

Noot Compact Portable Charger and Lightning Cable Review

Noot Lightning Cable

• Apple Certified MFI 6 Foot Lightning Cable l Support Latest iOS7.1.2 and Future Updates l Apple Trusted Brand
• One convenient Data/Charging Cable for All Latest Lightning Port Devices: iPhone/iPod/iPad ideal for usage while charging in home, cars, office, and more
• Premium Cable - Cable materials, connectors, design and packaging are directly Approved and Certified by Apple, to meet Apple performance standards under Apple's MFI Program
• Improved High Gauge Low Impedance Wire, Extended Boots and Study Cable is Strengthened for Use with Long Range
• Stylish and Slim Lightning connector design to allows to fits devices without removing your favorite cases and all usb car charger

Noot Compact Charger

• Compact, portable, sleek design. Convenient to carry with you anywhere; fits easily into any pocket or bag
• 3000mAh Portable Battery Charger. 1 Amp Output for Rapid Charging
• Provides you with some extra juice when you need it most. Its small size allows you to carry the power source wherever you go
• Constructed using Samsung Grade A cells and premium microchips to ensure the highest quality
• Charges: Cell Phones, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Amazon Fire Phone, eBook readers (Kindle, Nook, Sony Readers, etc), Digital Camera, MP3/MP4 Players and other USB Devices

Our Thoughts

If you're like me, your iPhone will be down to about 30% battery by 3p. There aren't very many times that I'm actually home or some place that I can easily charge my phone without having to walk away from it. The Noot Compact Charger and Lightning Cable make that easy.  I can plug my iPhone into the Lightning Cable and then the cable into the Charger. It's easy enough and I can still fit my iPhone with the charger into my back pocket, diaper bag or anything else I am carrying. The best part about this whole set up is that I can recharge the Charger with my iPhone plug. I just have to plug the USB charger cable that comes with the Charger into my brick on my side of the bed. 

This charger recharges my iPhone rapidly. I can go from 20% to about 75% battery in about 20 minutes time. I find that really awesome! So if you're looking for a good portable charger for your iPhone, or other phone, check out the Noot Compact Charger. And if you're looking for an affordable second cable for your iPhone, check out the Lightning Cable from Noot, too!  You can find both of these on Amazon!