loading...

Rabu, 16 Desember 2015

Wheres (not) WALLE?


Wheres (not) WALLE?

I had all my WALLE's together for a family photo and someone else has sneaked into the photo.

Who is that masked droid?


Oh BB-8...is that my Rover phone track your sitting on and whose arms have you pinched....someone is armless...tut...sigh? 
I see I'm going to have to watch you....

Here he is on his own cute charging station; along with another two of my reviews coming up soon, the remote controlled quadcopters (the smallest in the world).

Course we still love you BB-8 afterall your going to be one of the most famous new robots this week.

Welcome to the family BB-8!
Review coming soon!

Kamis, 10 Desember 2015

Rebelite Portable 24000mAh power bank #Review


As you may know, I'm on a mission to find the most powerful power bank that I can, as we seem to get alot of powercuts where we are in the middle of nowhere. So my eyes lit up when Rebelite kindly sent me their latest and most powerful power bank they offer...24000mAh to share with you all.

With a super tech age most of us have so many devices to save time and make work and play easier...BUT...and there's always a but...the world of tech just hasn't quite caught up with the power thats needed to keep these super clever devices charged through a whole day, away from a main power source.

I am super excited to review this power bank and Im keeping everything crossed thats its going straight to my number 1 spot of power banks...

Click after the jump to see if it makes it?


Packaging
You can always tell a product from Xtreme as they have excellent packaging with good product images and explanations before you even get inside.

 Love the fun logo "Got Juice", cleverly taken from the popular "Got Milk".


So whats in the box
You get your large powerbank, USB to micro USB mini cable and 2 instruction leaflets, one in English and one in French. Its nice not to have a War and Peace novel to look through, you simply have an English and a French thin leaflet.
(There is no lightening cable supplied, but you can use your own for apple products).

Description
Ok, so we have the latest Powerbank from Rebelite which is 24000mAh...twenty four thousand thats alot and it makes it officially my largest power bank I own and I cant wait to see just what this bad boy can do.

When you first get this out the box what strikes you the most is its weight, all battery packs are heavy but this really has some substantiated weight to it.
It has a Matt white finish with grey side edging which gives it a modern elegance.


Measurements
15.3cm long by 8.3cm wide with a depth of 2.2cm so its a really good size, it has to be with this size battery.


The top of the powerbank show an LED battery indicator strip so there's no more guessing how much charge you have left in your powerbank, I love this.
 This lights up with 4 LEDs each one indicating the percentage left.


The back is the same design.

Showing the printed details of the capacity and outputs of the 3 ports...yes I did say 3 ports, you can charge 3 things at once...woohoo Im in gadgety heaven right now.

On the side you have an excellent quality responsive on/off button.

Here, where we have 3 output ports and something extra...a torch..then the input port to charge the powerbank itself.
Output 1 = 1amp
 Output 2 = 1amp
    Output 3 = 2.1amp
Outputs 1 & 2 best for phones and kindles Output 3 for tablets.

Clever Note: Unlike the box image the Output 1 & 2 faces one way, Output 3 is inverted so you dont make a mistake, or it makes you think...so dont force it.

 So Im off to charge this enormous power bank and then put it to work.

Compatible with?
Any device with a USB cable can use the powerbank. 
Phones, tablets, MP3 players, Kindles etc.



Use
Now this review has taken some time as its not like you simply turn it on and off and use it straight away.

It takes upto 15 hours to charge fully...18 hours the very first time.
 The outer box also states it arrives fully charged but the instructions inside state it needs to be charged.
My powerbank did need a full charge and I would always check this anyway.
The brilliant thing about this charger is you get to re-use the same cable. Use it one way like above to charge the powerbank itself, then simply reverse it to charge your devices from one of the ports.
Of course you will need to use your other cables when multicharging.

This little cable is only 22.6cm long which is great for storage, your not carrying around tangled cables.

NOTE: I will always recommend charging a powerbank from a mains charger as one its faster and two you will get a better charge.

Next I just have to sit and wait until Ive flattened my phone...(which wont take long), tablet and kindle many times just to see how many times this can charge my devices to give you guys a fair review.

So to let you all know the facts.
My phone is the Samsung S4 which has a 2500mAh battery
My tablet is the Nexus 10 which has a 9000mAh battery
 Its these two devices I'm testing the powerbank out on as its these that I flatten way too often lol.

I also have a battery app Ive installed onto both my tablet and phone to be able to show you a charge of the exact times its taken and any fluctuations. I use this when reviewing all my powerbanks so you get a real and fair reading.


So firstly my Samsung S4
Here you can see the powerbank has a full charge as its showing all 4 blue LED's and my phone has a 0% battery...so common for an S4 lol!

Here are just a few of the charts from my phone battery app to show you the speed of this chargers (Green is the powerbank).
The chart at the end is a charge from the mains for comparison.
I also wanted to show you some of the times when it wasn't flattened completely to see if it made any difference and by looking at these charts its doesn't seem to. You can see the same equal charging curve despite how much charge was left.
This shows the quality of this powerbank, cheaper ones show my chart all over the place.

You can see how superfast the powerbank charged before leveling off near the end; the mains power chart (number 4) shows a slow and continuous charge till 100%.



Now my Nexus 10 
The Nexus is a battery guzzler if anyone has got one or had one will know; so I had everything crossed for the powerbank to be able to charge this.

 My Nexus 10 however wasn't as quick as the phone obviously with such difference in mAh. 
Phone 2500 and tablet 9000 mAh and it took quite awhile to charge from 0% - 100% .....approximately 14.5 hours....but it does take a long time even from the mains. But, even so you can still see its an even smooth curve with no blips.

 I also wanted to point out too that the powerbank actually had 50% left (I took a photo just after it had fully charged to show you); so I knew I could probably get at least another complete charge on my phone.
Most powerbanks can only manage to charge 1 device per charge. I love that I can now get several charges or charge phone and tablet together...woohoo!



Device Variables
Obviously there will always be variables in the time and amount of charge depending on;
  • If you charging more than 1 device at a time?
  • Each device will be taking different power from it?
  • Each device, particularly phones are all set up differently and will be working in the background even while turned off. Its checking emails, updating files etc so will be using power at different times?
  • Did you charge your powerbank from the wall or PC; this can make a difference however slight? 
  • How old is the device, everything has a shelf life, inbuilt batteries and hardware.
  • Screens vary in size and pixel dimensions, if the item is turned on more power lost.



 The Torch
 What this powerbank has that makes it a bit different is the fact it also has a torch and not just any torch its a damn good one too. Take a look at the piks, its bright and I guesstimate its about 50 lumens.

It still is a bit heavy to just carry as a torch alone, but being a charger as well its a great bonus to have. Saving you lugging around 2 products you have a 2 for 1 in your bag.




Opinion
Aesthetics - I love the white a grey design, the smooth edges allow good grip. It looks elegant and expensive and the Matt smoothness of the case gives it a nice feel.
Its sturdy and could certainly withstand bumping around in your rucksack or bag. However it is quite heavy so you really need to be based to use this comfortably, its not a powerbank to just slip in your bag unless your desperate to use portable power. Leave it in the tent or car till you get back for the day.
However if you are camping and hiking your reducing the need to carry several powerbanks and a spare torch. So it completely depends on your situation.

This powerbank managed 4 complete charges of my S4 which I felt it should have done a few more, but Im still using it and as with many chargers they need to be "worked in"....so I will update this if I can get a few more out of it.
It managed 1 full charge of my Nexus 10, which I personally feel it should have been able to do another. But again my Nexus 10 had alot going on inside.
Note: You have to remember that no power-bank or battery will ever work to its full stated power, and as I say they often need to be flattened (discharged) completely before a full recharge a few times...so watch this space..

The Apple iphones have smaller batteries, some 1810mAh so you will be getting more charges than me.
So to summarize its a fab powerbank and at such a high mAh its certainly worth keeping one in as you just never know when you may have a powercut and with a family of phones, tablets and kindles it would mean disaster to not have social media, emails or just simply phone calls.
Always be able to have many hours of music and stand-by power.

Afterall power-banks could save a life.

So here's my traveling kit; my phone, tablet and powerbank. Im not carrying it around for long distances but its perfect for in the car or staying away. Plus the torch is so useful in emergencies.

Pro's
  • High Capacity battery.
  • Sturdy build.
  • 3 device ports.
  • 2 modern and elegant colour options.
  • Duo use micro USB cable.
  • Torch.
Con's
  • No carry case for the price.



You can buy yours from 
Amazon.com with a choice of 2 colours
    (This model is identical in build)


    All my thanks goes to Rebelite for kindly sending me this to share with you all for an honest, unbiased review.
    Review Coming soon


    More of my Rebelite reviews.

     









    Senin, 07 Desember 2015

    Introducing LUNA-Pi and WALLE-Pi our own Raspberry Pi 2 projects.

     Hi!!!

    As you guys know if you've been following us on here we have a few Raspberry Pi 2 projects on the go.
    Checkout ZX3.14 plus more that are being put together in different levels of completion that I will show you later.
    Drumroll.............
    I would like to Now officially introduce you to......

    LUNA-Pi and WALLE-Pi

     If you've been living on another planet for a few years or this one, you may remember WALL-E from the film of the same name, this has to be my all time favorite robot.

    So after collecting every sized WALLE I/we could, my other half suggested maybe building the new Raspberry Pi2 into them and enabling them to do far more than the original...toy...ever could.
    Out of the box when new, the toy could only go forward, backwards and right, so to go left, you had to go right 3 times.
    These two will both be autonomous so they wont bump into things and also can be controlled by keyboard or phone and viewed by a monitor from each of their built in cameras.

    These two are still being built but I just couldn't wait until they were finished as its absolute cuteness overload!!!

     So we have WALLE-Pi

    He has almost every gizmo going that will fit inside his little "compactor" body (110mm x 110mm).

    • A 2.8 inch TFT monitor screen, a 5mp camera for pictures and video, arm and neck servo's and head adjustment servos. all being controlled by the Pi and a Laika board.
    • He has his own beating heart LED. 
    • His eyes are sexy blue 8x8 matrix so he can blink and wink at us or LUNA.
    • A matrix mouth too, that will be sound controlled with the WALL-E voice.
    • As well as a gorgeous programmable PiGlow for effect plus lots more.....!
    • 10,000 mAh Power Bank, he needs it he is a bit on the heavy side.

     You can see his Laika board on the back. Little WALLE trying to help at the side...hmm...!
     Then we have LUNA-Pi our latest Raspberry Pi 2 project, made up out of some of the unused parts from building WALLE-Pi, He had needed the motor, Both tracks and some of the body parts for himself, an eye here and an arm there, this just left a box of bits.
    Due to the demise of a popular online Pi shop we acquired a couple of Dagu Rover chassis cheap, this genius idea of using one of these track chassis then shortening it and adding distance sensors to the front meant that WALLE-Pi now has a girlfriend.
    The electronic item you see built into the front of the chassis is a distance HC-SR04 sensor so she doesn't run into anything and boy is that receptive.


     She also has her own red beating bigger heart (dot matrix) and soon to have a tiny LCD screen built into the left that will say LUNA...

    LUNA WALL-E
    This makes her quite different to WALLE-Pi even though technically he has alot more going on. The tracks give her a unique edge.

     So as you can see these two are Hi-fiving themselves, as they know how clever they are.


    For WALLE-Pi love is blooming as I type and I cant wait to update you when they are both finished.
    Video coming soon.


    Let me know what you think?
    Are you creating your own Raspberry Pi 1 or 2 or Zero project, we'd love to see it.

    Incase you missed our other Raspberry Pi 2 project 
    ZX+3.14
    check it out below.
    Project PI #1 Introduction.
    Project PI #2 Choosing the case.
    Project PI #3 Introducing the new ZX 3.14.
    Project PI #4 The Build 
    Project PI #5 The Build is nearly finished.


    WALLE's and Raspberry Pi's built with products from these popular companies.
     Modmypi
    PiHut 
      Pimoroni
    Element 14
    RS Online
    Dawn Robotics 
    Sadly closed but never forgotten, we got LUNA-Pi's chassis from them.

    Minggu, 06 Desember 2015

    Peony Artificial flowers Haul and Video Review



    Today is something quite different to my usual gadgety reviews, but Im sure every gadget-a-holic wants a nice home so I just wanted to share with you my latest addiction.
    Do you love gardening but do not have a garden, do you live in a flat? Do you struggle to maintain a garden because of work and home commitments with no time or energy.
    But you still want to bring the garden indoors?
    Then Peony flowers are for you.


    Peony Flowers are based in Shropshire on the Ragley Hall estate where they not only grow hundreds of real flowers in their stunning gardens; but they take hundreds of photos so they can duplicate the beauty within their silk flowers for us to enjoy.

    I decided after collecting quite a few now; I wanted to share them all with you too.
    See my full video review of my latest buys on their
    Winter sale and also see the flowers I already own from my collection.



    I really am excited to share these with you as I have 9 of them already and they make such a difference to our home in so many ways.

    If you'd rather listen to me ramble than read it  :-)   then scroll down to my full video review.

    Okay I know Im a gagdety site but one of the reasons I love Peony is the fact they have used technology and modern materials to produce something so natural looking and beautiful.

    Peony flowers are the best faux flowers I have ever seen and Ive seen alot; we live in the middle of the English Countryside in a beautiful old cottage, but our small windows do not let in enough light for live flowers and plants to live a healthy life and Ive lost way too many that is until I discovered Peony...thank you QVC.


    About Peony

    Royal Horticultural Society
    Peony are very proud to be the only manufacturer of faux flowers that has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society for their floral excellence. So life-like, their flowers really are indistinguishable from the real thing.
    Growing in Soil
    Peony potted plants and bulbs look truly authentic Growing in Soil or moss. Using their exclusively developed technique they set soil firmly in place creating a long lasting, life-like look to each plant.
    Still Water™
    Developed exclusively for Peony arrangements, the Still Water™ formula is cured to ensure a long lasting clear, magnifying effect; just like the real thing. So life-like you too can add real water to your Still Water™ arrangement and combine fresh stems to 'create your own'.


    Why I love Peony
    Since I found Peony Ive been addicted to these stunning designs, they offer not only huge and beautiful flower displays but stunning smaller designs like mine. 
    I wanted the "Ive just nipped outside and taken a cutting and popped them in a vase".....look!!!



    Packaging
    As you can see I went a bit mad buying from their Winter sale last week, but look how well they were packaged...checkout my video to see me unboxing these 3 flowers.



    These two were my first 2 buys from QVC about 8 months ago and are still going strong today.
    On the left is a Scabius flower with Ranunculus and a pink rose and on the right are Freesias and a single white rose. 
    I love how the designers plan what flowers look good with what, as they are always stunning.

     They are all hand finished and I cannot express enough just what amazing quality and attention to detail each flower is.

    Checkout the detail and how beautiful they look "Close-Up"

    Peony also offer flower room sprays, that dont just spray around the room, you spray on the actual flower itself. The silk material soaks up the scent and your room smells like the actual flower for days. This is just genius. I have the Freesia scent that I spray regularly on the flowers above and my room smells like a Spring day all year round.
    *Note to self I really need to get some more.....


    Even down to the detail on the leaves.

    Peony's own form of "water" resin thats is added to the gorgeous glass vases and is then placed in a warming room to set hard. Tell me this doesn't look real, it even has the bubbles.

    My last buy was from QVC a few weeks ago where I picked up this gorgeous Rose and sweet pea set of three. The rose on the left is actually deep pink..not red as the image shows...we then have cream and light pink, see the video for the correct colours.

    Here is my full Peony collection.
    Left at the back is (1) the Scabius and Rununculus, (2) The Freesias and rose, then (3) one of my newest 3 is the Dahliah jug, (4) foxglove plant and vase.
    (5) Then at the front you can see 3 single roses (Pale pink, dark pink and cream) with sweetpeas and (6) next to that is my favorite Lavender sprigs and right at the front (7) is my smallest 2 roses in a small vase.


     The fireplace looks dressed now with the Foxgloves and the Dahlia jug on it, real foxgloves simply wouldn't survive as this room is fairly dark.


    This is one of my favorites...well how can you choose...these sprigs of lavender are just beautiful and these will look incredible anywhere in your home.

    Peony flowers look amazing even when just plonked onto the windowsill any old-how.

    Nooooo.........
    They are pretty bomb proof too, the wind blew it straight off my table and it didn't even smash; the glass is pretty thick and none of the stems bent or were damaged.
    (Couldn't believe my camera caught this shot lol).
     Ive also found them easy to care for and any dust just flicks off or you can wipe them. (see my video).




    Checkout my video on my full collection of Peony; just grab a coffee and cake first as Ill show you a box opening and detail on each flower I have, plus my thoughts of course.
    But the main fact is you get to see all the flowers in real time with actual siizing NOT an image which could be photoshopped and I challenge you to tell me these dont look real.



    Opinion 
    I think you know already especially if you've watched my video that I love Peony flowers and yes its an addiction as they are always bringing out new designs. They also offer bunches of flowers so if you have your own vases you can make your own arrangements too.
    The flowers are extremely well made and the attention to detail is second to none as they are all hand finished.
    They are so affordable but you also have to remember you have these flowers for life, they wont die off, get greenfly, you dont have to remember to water them; perfect if you have a busy home or are always traveling, you can still enjoy the beauty of flowers by bringing nature indoors.

    So dont forget to watch my video where I do walk-through every flower in detail for you. If you want me to do another post on each of the flowers with more close-ups and in more detail let me know?

    I warn you now you will be addicted!!!


     Here are the ones from my collection they have on their site in the sale right now. But they have so many more and I know you will find something you like.



    Also checkout more of the range on QVC, Ive got a few from there too.


    As you've probably noticed I use these flowers as backgrounds to my reviews as they look so good and Im sure you will be seeing them in many others too. Let me know what you guys think?

    Aromatherapy Diffuser
    DreamScience