February 2018 – Technotraveler

Review: Kwilt® Shoebox Personal Cloud Gateway

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Rex Suba

Posted in App-etite, Conferences, Events, etc., Internet, Schminternet, Moving Pictures, Music la la, Phones – Smart and not, Still Life, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!, Video & Television

Want an alternative to One Drive or Dropbox? Don’t want to pay for monthly or annual fees just to have access to your images and videos? Want to have control about the amount of storage you have in the cloud?

The Kwilt Shoebox is one solution that positively answers these questions. A personal cloud, scaled by you.

From September 2017, the Kwilt® Shoebox Launch Video:

With just a few small pieces of equipment, apps, USB storage and a WiFi connection that is under your control, you can create your own cloud. There are no additional costs beyond the cost of the Kwilt Shoebox unit (the retail price at press time was $69 US).

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox box front

Kwilt Shoebox, box back

Paper bits, including a fabulous K sticker, inside the Kwilt Shoebox box

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment before unboxing

From #CES2018: Kwilt Shoebox, equipment spread out

Kwilt Shoebox: mini-HDMI port, micro-USB for storage, micro-USB for power

Kwilt Shoebox: all plugs occupied

Kwilt Shoebox: only power brick plugged in

Only power and USB adapter plugged in

At press time, there was little reason to use the HDMI output. An expected feature called KwiltCast will allow you to view videos and photos accessible by your Kwilt account to a connected television. Your Kwilt app will act as your remote control.

HDMI port adapter and HDMI port (not yet functional at press time)

The last thing I did before proceeding with app acquisition, WiFi setups and testing, I plugged in a small USB drive.

Kwilt Shoebox: USB drive plugged into USB port adapter.

The point of the Kwilt Shoebox is you may turn single or multiple storage devices into your personal cloud. Your iOS or Android smartphone device is your computing and management tool for this. Your actual drive or drives are the storage medium for your cloud, something you can physically managed and control. Beyond your personal connectivity costs, media costs and the Kwilt Shoebox unit cost, you should not be worried about the (additional) monthly or annual fees you pay Dropbox or other services. Even then, you can integrate Dropbox into your Kwilt workflow if you already have it.

I started with this small SanDisk USB drive and then later tried out system with the addition of a powered USB 3 hub with multiple ports.

Kwilt app in the iOS App Store

The first network activity is to connect your mobile device directly with the Kwilt Shoebox.

Kwilt Shoebox: Talking to the box via the app

You will eventually connect your setup to your WiFi network. This works as expected with you are able to provide ID and password access to the device, like a typical home WiFi setup.

Kwilt Shoebox: naming and securing your setup

Kwilt Shoebox: an initial view of my iPhone photos before copying or transferring

If you have a large enough storage setup, you can copy or even offload your phone’s videos and photos to the Kwilt Shoebox. This means that you worry less about running out of built storage on the device. iPhone HEIC photos should be more fully supported by the time you read this. As press time, the Kwilt app could read HEIC photos and videos already on your iPhone or iPad. You could even transfer them to your Shoebox. Once there, though, the Kwilt app was not able to render or read them.

I found that WiFi connections worked well while my 4G and LTE connections were less peppy.

If you switch on the included KwiltKeys photo Keyboard for iOS, you can locate any image and place it in an app that takes keyboard input by.

KwiltKeys – custom keyboard input for images in collection

Beyond the basic backup and external storage functionality, Microsoft Office 365 apps can access your Kwilt app-acknowledged content, including your Dropbox account, if you so choose. These additional apps – Kwilt for Office 365 and Kwilt for Outlook – are available from the Office store.

KwiltKeys in Microsoft Word on my iPhone, looking for image to insert

Inserting photo of Jerry, one of my Birman cats, via the KwiltKeys feature

Following the instructions, I had no significant difficulties getting all of the expected features to work.

The main quirk encountered so far was navigating in and out of videos.

At about 59 seconds into the recording, the Kwilt app seems to quit or exit rather than return me to the file menu.

An alternative method for accessing videos is through the Kwilt app interface itself, rather than depending on this folder-based interface I demonstrated.

As mentioned earlier, the KwiltCast feature was not ready at press time. When I last connected the Kwilt Shoebox to my Sony HDTV, I see this screen.

Kwilt Shoebox: KwiltCast Coming Soon

When I happened to unplug the device and plug it back in when the television was still tuned to the Shoebox, I got this display. Seems that the TV identified it as a Raspberry device.

Raspberry code/instructions from the Kwilt Shoebox output

At press time, the release of the KwiltCast feature is expected for the early part of the second quarter of 2018. The Android app, in beta form as of this posting, is expected to be in its official form by the end of March 2018.

All-in-all, the Kwilt Shoebox meets all features available at press time. Its easy setup and ease of use, while limited to your 4G/LTE or WiFi Android and iOS devices (i.e. no wired Ethernet connection), is buoyed by the modularity of your storage options and the non-requirement of a subscription fee. While the KwiltCast feature will be interesting to play with, its lack of availability is not yet a major concern for me. The Kwilt app is clean but needs some refinement, like the navigation issue shown in my demonstration video. I experienced this each time I wished to move among my video clips.

I rate the Kwilt Shoebox a strong 9 out of 10.

Review: Filofax eniTAB360 Tablet Holders and Universal Tablet Case

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Rex Suba

Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Fashion Forward, General Site News, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

In 2012, when we launched technotraveler.com, we reviewed M-Edge’s Executive Jacket for the Barnes & Noble nook touch. Six years later, we return to the realm of device cases and holders, but with products in an evolved form. Filofax USA, known worldwide for their modular organizers, presented their line of tablet stands and cases at the Sands Convention Center during CES 2018. The team shared with me some related products to give them the technotraveler.com treatment.

Video, from Filofax’s website:

We begin this round of reviews with the eniTAB360 Tablet Holders. The Filofax team provided three units for review: a “small” holder for tablets and e-readers under 8.4″ and two “large” holders, for tablets and e-readers between 8.5″ and 13″.

What first makes the holders special is that you can adhere and remove the holder, reposition, switch to other devices. You have many stand positions and angles: a steep portrait view, twirled to a landscape view, or plunged to a nearly-flat typing position.

Filofax eniTAB360 tablet holders, two sizes in green

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 tablet holders, two sizes

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 tablet holders, two sizes in green (top)

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 large tablet holder, in black (top)

I started my testing with the unboxing of the large black eniTAB360 tablet holder. The stand is quite sturdy ABS construction and more than handled my weeks of testing (moving about, putting it in one bag, using, repeating, etc.). A “tool” card, with the consistency of a credit card, accompanies the holder and a slim instruction pamphlet. The tool is used for the removal and the procedure for removal is printed on this tool/card.

A large circle or dot of sticky material is the magic that sticks the stand to your device. It is meant to be used over and over. To refresh its adhesive qualities, you just have to rinse it (see the instructions)!

A clear plastic disc covers the sticky dot with which you adhere the stand. It isn’t necessary to keep this disc as you may use the removal tool to cover the sticky dot when the holder is not in use, i.e. attached to a device.

eniTAB360 large tablet holder, unboxed and ready for application to iPad Air 2

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 large tablet holder, unboxed and getting ready for application to iPad Air 2

Before you remove this clear protective disk and stick the holder to the back of your tablet or e-reader, you might wish to plan your positioning. Centering can be eyed or can be measured precisely. Precision will definitely be called for if you plan to use your eniTAB360-armed device with the related eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Cases.

Removing protective plastic cover from eniTAB360 large tablet holder

Once you have plotted your positioning, remove the clear sticker and place the sticky-dot-side of the holder in your planned location on your device’s back panel. Press gently in the middle of the dot area (there is a gap) , press around the dot area, wiggle gently for maybe 10 to 15 seconds.

Attempting to adhere the holder in a centered position. Pressing firmly

From #CES2018: Attempting to adhere the holder in a centered position.

Once you feel that the holder is securely attached (these are really secure!), you can try the various stand positions:

eniTAB360 Tablet holder, side view, iPad in landscape mode

From #CES2018: eniTAB360 Tablet holder, side view, landscape mode

From #CES2018: eniTAB360 Tablet holder, rear view, landscape mode

From #CES2018: eniTAB360 in Portrait mode/position

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 and iPad Air 2 in typing position

Removing the holder is not without its initial tension. Using the removal tool, I slowly shoved it under the area where I thought the sticky dot met my Apple iPad Air 2. While it looks a mess, it was generally smoothed out and certainly did not affect later attachment. Again, keep the removal card or tool around as it is what the instructions state is the intended protected cover when you do not have the holder attached to a device.

From #CES2018: What it looked like after I removed Filofax eniTAB360 tablet holder from iPad

Before I move on, I wish to emphasize that this product can really be used with multiple devices. If you don’t want to accumulate any more specialized accessories than necessary, these Universal Tablet stands can be combined with a variety of devices. Just note the actual dimensions of your tablet, not merely the diagonal screen display width.

More on this latter point later in the review.

A companion product, which depends on you already having a corresponding or matching eniTAB360 tablet holder, is the eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case (the review model was a leather-look Saffiano Wrap Black). For the review, I was provided a large model, which is actually the middle size of the collection. The large model is intended for tablets which are more than 8.4″ but are less than 10.5″.

Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case, in black

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case (“large”, for tablets under 10.5 inches), Saffiano Wrap in black

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case (“large”, for tablets under 10.5 inches), logo-side (back)

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case, inside view 1 (folded paper and pen added for demonstration purposes)

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case (“large”, for tablets under 10.5 inches), inside view 1 of 2 (folded paper and pen added for demonstration purposes)

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case, inside view 2 of 2 (business card pocket)

A pair of magnetic snaps secure the case when it is closed. A holder for a pen or a stylus is provided in the first flap/fold of the case (I tried two pens but then I couldn’t close the case). The large case offers an inside flap which can accommodate a small notepad or folded sheet of letter sized paper but it is quite the tight fit. The business card slot on the front flap was roomy and another pocket might hold tickets, parking stubs, etc.

To use the holder with the case, you slide the stand “arm” into the corresponding slot. A hook on the stand will catch on the opposite side of the slot to provide the tablet from escaping from the case. If you plan to use the case with the holder, please plan your position while the sticky dot is covered to ensure that you will not be surprised as to where everything ends up. If you don’t plan well, you can have one end of your e-reader or tablet extending beyond one side of the case when it’s closed. That’s really not much protection.

Inserting Tablet holder leg/stand into special sleeve of case

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Universal Tablet Case, inserting Tablet holder leg/stand into special sleeve

Universal Tablet case with holder and iPad Air 2, landscape mode

Universal Tablet case with holder and iPad Air 2, portrait mode

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Large Universal Tablet Case with iPad Air (closed)

I used the small holder with my Amazon Fire tablet (2017 model).

From #CES 2018: Filofax ‘small’ eniTAB260 Tablet Holder with Amazon tablet

Filofax eniTAB360 ‘small’ holder in closed position after application

Filofax eniTAB360 ‘small’ holder in typing/landscape position

I tried out the other large holder with my 10.1″ Android-based Insignia tablet (Best Buy).

From #CES2018: Large eniTAB360 Tablet holder with Insignia Android tablet

Large eniTAB360 Tablet holder with Insignia Android tablet, rear view

While the Filofax website indicates that the large tablet case is intended for up-to-10.5″ tablets, I found that the large case just barely worked with this Android, the screen display size of which exactly measures 10.1″. The actual screen dimensions of the Insignia tablet are what may cause confusion. Filofax might augment their site or package instructions with some measurement suggestions because Android tablets will vary widely in screen display dimensions vs. full screen dimensions. Non-iOS tablet shoppers could, then, get a size that will more comfortably fit their device. While the large stand (there are only the two sizes of stand) worked perfectly with the Insignia, the sides of the tablet just barely clear the edges of the case.

From #CES2018: Filofax eniTAB360 Large Universal Tablet Case with Insignia 10.1″ Android tablet (closed)

If I happen to the drop the unit squarely on the exposed edge or side, it might not be good for the tablet. I might opt for the x-large case.

What redeems this form-factor for me, though, is that the case can accommodate left-handed as well as right-handed users, perfect for a southpaw like me. My left hand can be positioned with the tablet in the left side of the open case, which translates that I am not rubbing the inside of the case and/or contents as I am drawing and/or writing. Because the stand allows for this rotation and this positioning, this eniTAB360 combination of stand-and-case is what elevates the Filofax products beyond the usual “case-only vs. stand-only” options.

Final view: Amazon Fire tablet with Filofax eniTAB360 tablet holder, portrait mode

The Universal Tablet Case I give a 9.5 out of 10. The minor 0.5 point is related to the measurement closeness for the devices based on the sizes of the screens; some users may need to contact Filofax Support if they are unsure about the fit of certain select tablet shapes. I believe that it cuts it too close for comfort on the wider Insignia but just fine for an iPad Air 2. The rotation of the tablet while using the case as a stand and as a holder that can be used with more than one make of tablet makes this form-factor incredibly versatile.

I heartily give the eniTAB360 Tablet Holder a full 10 out of 10. The tablet holders did what they promised they would do. Elegantly and strongly. Brava!

Review: ChargeGuardZ Cord Protector

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Rex Suba

Posted in Accessories make the traveler, Conferences, Events, etc., Phones – Smart and not, Tablets, e-readers, media players, oh my!

Sometimes, the most useful of tools, of accessories, are those that are clean and simple.

A distinctive looking item, the ChargeGuardZ charge cord protector, is one such tool.

ChargeGuardZ cord protector in black

Some background…

Have you experienced the faithful but well-worn device cable? You travel with it, use it in your car, on trips and the bit just around the plug breaks open and frays.

What do you do?

Some times you resort to specialized cables, like this right-angle Lightning cable for iOS devices:

Right-angle Lightning plug/cable

Sometimes you try to use specialized stands:

Metal stand with fixed opening for charging cable

All well and good, but what if you have devices that all have different connectors, like micro-USB?

The ChargeGuardZ cord protector works with various devices and, therefore, with all sorts of connector types.

ChargeGuardZ works with various types of cables – microUSB and Lightning shown

Here are additional photos of the black ChargeGuardZ unit that shared with me at the ChargeGuardZ booth at CES 2018:

ChargeGuardZ, sideview

ChargeGuardZ, top view

Some videos about the cord protector:

I can confirm that everything that had been demonstrated and shown by George Zaytoun at CES 2018 and in his company’s videos can be replicated by me and more.

Since CES in January of 2018, the ChargeGuardZ website has presented the cord protector for direct online sales as well as through Amazon and select retailers in the New Bern (North Carolina) area. The suggested retail list price is $9.99 US.

At press time, additional colors available included blue, green, purple and red.

To use the ChargeGuardZ to protect your cable, you first insert your plug into one of the openings on either leg from outside of the unit. Next you bring your plug up through the top opening. It may take some effort, as it is a secure, snug fit.

ChargeGuardZ: plugged first in through one of two sides and the up through top.

When you have pulled the desired amount of your cable plug through the opening, plug the cable into the port in question. Slide the Chargeguardz cord protector flush against your device.

ChargeGuardz: just inserted (landscape view)

Finally, gently pull the extra cord outside of the side opening to remove the slack.

ChargeGuardz: pulled in more tightly (remove slack)

To ensure a secure fit with larger phone cases, consider this from George that he shared online:

Larger phone cases require pulling the charging cord out of the top of the Chareguardz then when the cord is plugged into the phone, slide the ChargeGuardZ up tight against the case.

When not in use, the Chargeguardz can be used to wrap/organize your cable.

ChargeGuardZ: Extra cord wrapped around

I agree that theChargeGuardZ with my Amazon Fire Tablet made it easier to read and browse for longer periods of time by allowing the resting of the tablet on my chest (this was demonstrated in the first of the shared videos). May not necessarily be useful on other anatomy configurations, but it certainly was with mine.

My primary concern is that, while Lightning plugs are more often than not consistent in thickness, this is not necessarily the case with microUSB plugs/cables.

Some were modest or trim in size, similar to Lightning plugs/cables:

ChargeGuardZ, average-sized microUSB plug

Others were, well, huge:

ChargeGuardZ: larger microUSB plug, supertight fit

The ChargeGuardZ worked in these cases, but, boy, a really tight fit. My recommendation: get a dedicated ChargeGuardZ for these particular plugs.

I found using the ChargeGuardZ cord protector in my car’s beverage holder to be a default application. As we are barely into the middle of winter, it has held up well to plugging and unplugging multiple times per day for four weeks. The harsh summers in Las Vegas will surely be a significant test for the durability of this item but, so far, I’m pleased that it is so easy to use.

ChargeGuardZ: on my iPhone 7 Plus, in my Mustang

The ChargeGuardZ charge cord protector travels well, fitting easily in my messenger bags and my computer bags with the cords with which I tested the unit. It is flexible; its rubber form-factor meant I never worried about it breaking if I dropped it.

The cases I have did not present any attachment problems for the ChargeGuardZ cord protector. Happily, all of my application attempts worked: iOS, smartphone, tablet and e-readers.

ChargeGuardZ: microUSB connection with Kindle

Absolutely.

I give theChargeGuardZ cord protector a 10 out of 10. It does what it does well, easily and simply.

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