TRENDnet® Launches Outdoor PoE Access Point

TRENDnet® Launches Outdoor PoE Access Point

TRENDnet announces a powerful new outdoor rated SMB PoE access point for building-to-building or wireless internet service provider applications TORRANCE, Calif. - August 28, 2014 - TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of the 10 dBi Outdoor PoE Access Point, model TEW-738APBO. "The TEW-738APBO provides the ability to extend an existing network to a remote location or connect to a wireless internet service provider network," stated stated Sonny Su, TRENDnet technology director. "It's rated for extreme weather conditions and features a powerful internal directional antenna." TEW-738APBO 10 dBi Outdoor PoE Access Point Wireless N300 building-to-building networking Connect to a wireless internet service provider network using CPE + AP mode Built-in 10 dBi 2.4 GHz directional sector antenna Clear line-of-sight connections for distances of up to 8 km (5 miles - when connecting to the same model) Supports Access Point (AP), Wireless Distribution System (WDS), Repeater, and CPE + AP modes IP67 rated aluminum housing PoE injector included Pole and wall mounting hardware included TEW-738APBO page: http://www.trendnet.com/products/proddetail.asp?prod=215_TEW-738APBO TEW-738APBO images: http://www.trendnet.com/support/supportdetail.asp?prod=215_TEW-738APBO TEW-738APBO warranty: 3 year limited TEW-738APBO availability: Currently available from retailers and other TRENDnet partners TEW-738APBO MSRP: USD 269.00

About TRENDnet To learn more about and connect with TRENDnet, visit www.trendnet.com/company/, www.facebook.com/TRENDnet, www.twitter.com/trendnet, and www.youtube.com/Pixelpro80.

Kingston 64GB DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 Review by Kirk Spencer

Today we're going to review the Kingston 64GB DataTraveler microDuo 3.0. This little guy is super small and has a trick up its sleeve. The drive measures in at just over an inch. This thing is super portable, easy and light enough to attach to a key chain so you never leave it behind. This USB 3.0 drive has two tips. One of the tips is a regular USB 3.0 tip that you can plug into any old computer. The other tip is a micro USB 2.0 OTG tip which you can plug into Android 4.0+ devices which at the time of writing this is 85.7% of the Android market.

SPEED

We always enjoy seeing how fast USB 3.0 is. Some drives are definitely quicker than others, so let's take a look:

From the results of this ATTO benchmark you can see that our best read speed is just over 100 MB/s. The write speeds were between 60 and 70 MB/s. It's definitely not the fastest we've seen from Kingston, but this also isn't their HyperX line.

This result from CrystalDiskMark paints a different picture and one that is closer to our real world experience. Most of the files I want to have access to on my phone or from my phone are pictures, music and videos. Here's what we got while transferring a video file:

OTG USB

We were super excited to try out the OTG feature with this little drive. To access the micro USB OTG tip you simple pull the black and silver sections in opposite directions. The silver piece pivots and exposes the micro USB OTG tip. It's quite the design but it's not without repercussions

On the surface, I really like the design of this drive. What we noticed is that there's no nice way of plugging it in and leaving the phone on a flat surface. The best option was to hang the phone off the edge. I don't like either option. The first puts pressure on the USB port of the phone which could lead to ruining the phone's USB port. The second option leaves my phone sticking out over an edge which puts it at a higher risk of getting knocked off. I found myself going with the second option most of the time and taking extra care not to bump the phone.

The black piece can be pulled off easily enough; however, it still does not let the phone lay flat due to a bump on the silver piece. For this reason it would still need to stick out off of a surface. The good news is, you have options. A book is easy enough to use and certainly less risk that the edge of a desk.

CONCLUSION

GOOD

The drive is extremely small. It solves a problem for android users of transferring files from phone to computer or even phone to phone. It is reasonably fast read speeds.

BAD

The phone cannot lay flat without putting pressure on the USB port. The write speeds leave some room for improvement.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The drive is only $37.59 off Amazon. For the price and the awesome solution to sharing files between android phones and between phone and computer it's worth it. Don't expect the speeds you would get from a HyperX drive, but it's hard to argue that point when the cost is so low the drive is so versatile.  Based on it's design, features, quality, and performance, the Kingston 64GB DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 has earned our Value Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.kingston.com.

HyperX Releases Cloud White Edition Gaming Headset

HyperX Releases Cloud White Edition Gaming Headset

• Cloud White Edition Headset Provides Long Hours of Gaming Comfort
• 53mm Drivers Deliver Superior Audio Performance  

Fountain Valley, CA – August 13, 2014 − HyperX^®, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of HyperX^® Cloud White Edition. It features a stand-out white and black color scheme and the same award-winning comfort of its predecessor, HyperX Cloud Black Edition. The headset offers memory foam ear cushions, a soft leather-padded headband and an over-the-ear closed-cup design to get anyone in any game comfortably for long game play sessions.

            HyperX Cloud White Edition delivers great audio performance with its large 53mm drivers so gamers can hear every word of dialogue, gunshot and explosion. The headset is versatile with its detachable microphone to make listening to music on smartphones and tablets easy and enjoyable with enhanced bass and crystal clear lows, mids and highs.

            “The HyperX Cloud Black Edition headset has won many awards and has been very well-received since we launched it in April,” said Lawrence Yang, business manager, HyperX. “We are proud to add the White Edition now to give gamers and HyperX fans another headset choice with the same great comfort and sound as the original.” 

HyperX Cloud White and Black Editions are compatible with PC and PS4™ as well as smartphones and tablets. It is the official headset of Intel Extreme Masters, Alliance Gaming, CNB e-Sports Club, SK-Gaming and Team Liquid. HyperX Cloud is backed by a two-year warranty and legendary HyperX reliability. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/hyperxcloud.

HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston Technology encompassing high-speed DDR3 memory, SSDs, USB Flash drives, and headsets. Targeted at gamers, overclockers and enthusiasts, HyperX is known throughout the world for quality, performance and innovation. HyperX is committed to eSports as it sponsors over 20 teams globally and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters. HyperX can be found at many shows including Brasil Game Show, China Joy, DreamHack and PAX.

For more information visit the HyperX home page.

HyperX Cloud White Edition Features and Specifications:

Headset:

·         Transducer Type: dynamic Ø 53mm

·         Frequency Response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz

·         Nominal SPL: 98±3dB

·         Operating principle: closed

·         Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per system

·         T.H.D.: < 2%

·         Power handling capacity: 150mW

·         Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural

·         Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa

·         Headband pressure: 5N

·         Weight with microphone and cable: 350g

·         Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension + 10cm iPhone

·         Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)

Microphone:

·         Transducer type: condenser (back electret)

·         Operating principle: pressure gradient

·         Polar pattern: cardioid

·         Power supply: AB powering

·         Supply voltage: 2V

·         Current consumption: max 0.5 mA

·         Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ

·         Open circuit voltage: at f = 1kHz: 20 mV / Pa

·         Frequency response: 100–12,000 Hz

·         THD: 2% at f = 1kHz

·         Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1KHz)

·         Microphone output: -39±3dB

·         Length mic boom 150mm: (include gooseneck)

·         Capsule diameter: Ø6*5 mm

·         Connection: mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)

HyperX can be found on:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kingstonhyperx

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hyperxcommunity

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hyperx

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/164609?trk=tyah

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+kingston/posts

About HyperX

HyperX^® is a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer. Established in 2002, HyperX is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please call 800-337-8410 or visit www.kingston.com/us/memory/hyperx.

Editor’s Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact David Leong, Kingston Digital, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, 714-438-1817 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston’s press room at kingston.com/press/default.asp

Elite Screens Yard Master 100" Outdoor Projection Screen Review by Jenafer Roy

Video has come a long way. I remember the days when IT guys would bring home the business projectors to watch movies on the family room wall. Our first projector was a business one with a sheet! This was about 20 years ago.  Not only have projectors been perfected for home theater, they have also made their way to the outdoors. Up for review today is an excellent, portable outdoor screen from Elite Screens Yard Master 100" outdoor screen.

Features and specs:

• Ideal for any outdoor activities, such as camping, parks or movies in the backyard
• The outdoor DynaBrite Material is durable 24/7, rain or shine
• Available in diagonal sizes 100", 120", 150", 180" and 200" in 16:9 aspect ratio
• Also available with rear projection material, in diagonal sizes 103" and 123" in 16:9 aspect ratio
• Heavy-duty frame construction for all types of weather
• Setup and Takedown is simple and quick with portable carrying bag for easy storage/transportation
• Kit includes ropes and 8 stakes for wind stability
• Durable aluminum wheeled travel case included for easy storage/transportation (OMS150H / OMS180H / OMS200H models only)

The screen came shipped in a standard box opening the box revealed two carrying bags inside one of the zippered bags was the screen fabric. Inside the other zippered bag was the steel frame, broken down into multiple labeled pieces. The bags were made out of a heavy duty nylon weave material. The pole pieces appeared to be made out of steel or another type of durable metal with little metal pop up pins to hold the connections securely in place. Quality of materials used was very good and the same could be said for the quality of construction. The fabric for the screen appeared to be part nylon or polyester but also had some spandex type material with stretch to it. The stitching appeared very good as well. All in all, this looked like a product that would last quite a while. Included in the package were the two bags, one with the screen fabric and the other with the poles along with the instruction manual, stakes and rope for securing the screen in case of inclement weather.

Putting the screen together was fairly simple. And the included instructions were easy to follow. Each pole had a label sticker with a letter on it corresponding slots they were to match up with. The included storage bag was even labeled with each letter so you knew which piece stored where in the bag. I thought that was really cool. Once the frame was put together it was then just a matter of sliding the material over the frame. On the bottom of the screen were about 5 or 6 metal loops attached to Velcro straps to cinch down the screen for a tight tension that made for a good looking image to view. The included stakes worked well for securing the screen to the ground. The only complaint, if you could even call it that, was that the labels were little round stickers with the letter printed on them, if they were to come off, it might make set up a bit more difficult. I would recommend that they be wrapped with a bit of clear tape to keep them from getting scratched or coming off. I had a few stickers that were both. But that is an easy fix.

Now that it was set up, I was able to take a step back and look at the end result. I was pleased to see that I was not surprised. This is the type of product I have come to expect from Elite Screens. They really do make an excellent functioning as well as attractive looking product. And I could tell all of my nieces and nephews were all excited for the test run in the cul-de-sac. And as with all screens previously reviewed for elite screens, the image showed well lit, uniform, and detailed.  The contrast portrayed was just as my projector put out, with pleasantly deep colors without being overly saturated.  Not only was the image extremely detailed, there was good depth to the image as well for a 2D model projector.  Shadow detail and black levels were also good.    

Kudos to Elite Screens for continuing with their expected high quality products. The quality and features were very good, everything was very well labeled so it was easy to set up and put away and will give years of use to those looking for such a well made product. At an MSRP of $249 it has an excellent bang for your buck.  And everyone had a blast using it. It’s easy to think of Elite Screens as the Babe Ruth of their industry. If you’re looking for a high quality product with a lot of bang for your buck, Elite screens is constantly hitting it out of the park.  Based on their design, features quality and performance the Elite Screen Yard Master 100"Outdoor Screen has earned our Editors Choice Award!  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.elitescreens.com.

Launching a new Power Supply: INTEGRA is now Modular!

Fractal Design is proud to announce the new Modular generation of the award winning Integra PSU.  Fractal Design Integra M Series power supply units feature excellent electrical performance, including 80PLUS® Bronze certified efficiency. The modular flat cable system allows for a clean installation, and enhances airflow patterns inside the case. The short 140mm length makes for easy installation in small computer cases, and the extra-long ATX12V cable accommodates modern, bottom-PSU cases. Fractal Design Integra M units are equipped with a large temperature-controlled 120mm fan for reduced noise levels and optimum cooling. The Integra M is a great choice for medium-performance gaming computers and workstations.

Key Features Integra M

Modular cables. Only cables deemed likely for constant use (20+4-pin cable; 12V CPU cable, one PCI-E cable on 650W+ models) are fixed.7 80PLUS® Bronze efficiency ATX 2.4/ EPS 2.92 compliant, including full support for the new C6 / C7 power states introduced with the 4th generation Intel Core CPU Extremely short 140mm case allows for easy installation in compact cases Extra-long ATX 12V cable Quiet, temperature-controlled 120mm fan Warranty: 3 years Protection:  OPP / OVP / UVP / SCP / OCP Standby efficiency: ErP 2013 compliant (<0 .5w="" draw="" li="" power="" system=""> Available in Black Unit Measurements: 150*86*140 Available in different wattage: 450W, 550W, 650W and 750W

MSRP:                 450W     550W     650W     750W     USD        54.99        64.99      74.99         84.99 GBP         39.99       44.99       54.99        59.99 EUR        49.99        54.99       64.99        74.99     SEK         449           549           629           699 AUD             x              84           104            118

Model INTEGRA M 450W INTEGRA M 550W INTEGRA M 650W INTEGRA M 750W Article Number FD-PSU-IN3B-450W FD-PSU-IN3B-550W FD-PSU-IN3B-650W FD-PSU-IN3B-750W EAN/UPC 7350041082392/817301012393 7350041082408/817301012409 7350041082415/817301012416 7350041082422/817301012423

Contact Details

For more information, please visit  www.fractal-design.com

Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter Tent Review

If you like to spend time outdoors then you probably have gone through your share of gear.  And after all, some of the best ways to use your electronics gear is to take it outdoors. After all, you won't capture that beautiful sunset in your living room. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” When it comes to outdoor gear, design and quality usually means longer life and more comfort away from home. One such company that fits that mold is Alps Mountaineering. Up for review today is their Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3, in their Outfitter Series.

Features and specs:

Features

• Free Standing 3 Pole Design with 7000 Series Aluminum Poles
• Easy Assembly with Pole Clips that quickly snap over the tent poles
• 75D 185T Polyester Fly resists UV damage and stays taut
• Factory Sealed Fly & Floor Seams gives best weather protection
• 210D 110T Nylon Oxford Floor with 1500mm Coating
• Extra Large #10 Zippers on Doors and Vestibules
• Easy entry with 2 Doors (both with zippered mesh windows)
• 2 Vestibules for gear storage and extra weather protection
• Weatherproof Fly Buckles On for maximum adjustability and protection
• Multiple Fly Vents increase ventilation

Specs

Base Size: 6'8 x 8'
Center Height: 4'2
Vestibule Depth: 36"
Tent Area: 48 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 36 sq. ft.
Tent & Fly Weight: 8 lb. 1 oz.
Total Weight: 8 lb. 12 oz.
Packed Size: 8" x 24"
Pole Diameter: 8.5 mm
Color: Tan/Green/Tan
Style: Three-pole Free Standing
Use Rating: 3 Season
Sleeps: Three

The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter came shipped in a standard box. Opening the box yielded the tent’s carrying bag with everything stored within, a well protected tent body, rain fly, a loft, poles, stakes and their corresponding bags.  The outside of the bag showed pictures of the tent along with the instructions sewn into the bag. The tent fabric was made of a very good quality nylon. Being the Outfitter Series, they use a much larger, more durable zipper with a more durable nylon floor. The quality of materials was excellent as was the quality of the construction. Stitching was tight, the seams were sealed, it was put together very well. It was obvious that this is a premium product. I really liked the small lightweight yet strong aluminum poles, made out of 7005 series aluminum.

Having reviewed Alps Mountaineering products before, including their Extreme 2 Backpacking Tent, it was only natural to jump at the opportunity to review their Extreme 3 Outfitter tent from the Outfitter Series. The Extreme 2 Series tent was a similar, premium product with a focus on lightweight for backpacking, while the Outfitter Series is designed more for the long haul. Not that the Extreme 2 Backpacking Tent won’t last years of use, it’s just a little more delicate. Being a Scoutmaster and seeing the abuse and the demands that a tent can receive with a lot of use, the Outfitter Series just used some of the features such as larger zippers that just are more capable of handling that abuse. Yet while the floor is a bit more durable than the Extreme 2, one thing that I would have liked to have seen used is an even more durable tent floor with a more solid nylon material, like on nylon tarps. Other than that, this tent was truly amazing.

Setting up the tent was very simple. It was basically a matter of pulling out the ground cover (a separate accessory, yet highly recommended to reduce ware on the tent floor) and unpacking the tent body, poles, stakes and rain cover. Once unpacked, setting up the tent was as easy as assembling the poles, attaching them to the grommets, hooking them to the body and snapping the rain fly (if needed) into place. The three pole design is extremely sturdy, so much so that I’m a bit surprised that it wasn’t classified as a four season tent. When I reviewed the Extreme 2 tent, it was taken on a winter campout and in the morning, I awoke to an additional 3 inches of snow that had fallen during the night and it didn’t even flinch! Once set up it is freestanding and unless you are in a strong windstorm you don’t even need to necessarily sorry about staking it down. The same goes for the rain fly. Unless you are in a rainstorm, with a good amount of wind, you don’t really need to stake it down either. Staking down the rain fly would give you a lot more room in both of the side vestibules, but if there is no wind, the snaps at each of the four corners that secure it to the body of the tent will easily hold it into place. I also liked the included loft. Hooking it up to the inside top of the tent was as easy as attaching the hooks at each corner. And it made for a great spot to hang your personal items such as: keys, wallet, flashlight or all. It was actually quite large and could hold several items.

The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 used the typical tent size rating.  While it is classified as a three man tent, and it could fit three men, but only if they didn’t need any person space.  I’m more comfortable using it as a two man tent and then we can bring in some gear as well.

In the end, the Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 tent is an ideal tent for just about any situation. It’s well designed, very well put together with high quality materials to give years of use. The Aluminum poles are light-weight and very easy to use. And I love the color coded ends for the tabs sew into the body of the tent, matching the ends of the tent poles, making it just that much easier to set up. And the snaps for the rain fly is just a continuation in the Alps Mountaineering simplicity of setup. If you do any camping at all, I highly recommend the Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter Tent. With an MSRP of $320, I can think of a few big name tents that I would choose the Alps Mountaineering over. Base on their design, features, quality and performance The Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter has earned our Editor’s Choice award. For more info and complete specs check out their website at www.alpsmountaineering.com.

Peavey® to Release Line of Licensed Star Wars™ Products at San Diego Comic-Con International

Peavey® to Release Line of Licensed Star Wars™ Products at San Diego Comic-Con International Music Industry Leader Unveiling Line of Out-of-this-World Guitars and Accessories

Download High Resolution Image: Peavey Star Wars Darth Vader Rockmaster® Guitar Download High Resolution Image: Peavey Star Wars Luke Skywalker Rockmaster® Guitar July 23, 2014, Meridian, MS – Peavey Electronics®, industry-leading musical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer, is pleased to release a line of licensed guitars and accessories adorned with graphics based on the legendary Star Wars film franchise. The products are to be unveiled at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International.  “Star Wars is a giant in the world of film, TV and video games, and the same can be said of Peavey in the music industry – so this collaboration just makes sense,” comments Peavey’s Tony Moscal. “I can’t wait for movie fans and musicians to see what we’ve come up with.” Peavey’s line of Star Wars products is perfect for musicians and collectors alike. The products include full size Rockmaster® electric guitars, three-quarter size Rockmaster® electric guitars, half-size acoustic guitars, ukuleles and accessories.  The line will be on display at this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego, at Peavey’s booth (#2913-P) in the Star Wars Pavilion. Peavey’s regular line of Star Wars products will be available for purchase, in addition to two exclusive light side/dark side collector model guitars. Only 50 guitars have been created for each of these exclusive collector models. With a basswood body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard, Peavey’s Rockmaster guitars provide excellent balance, playability and tone, and feature Star Wars characters in a high gloss finish. A three-quarter size student model of the Rockmaster electric guitar is also available, and both guitars come with cable and picks. Ideal for starter musicians, Peavey’s half-size acoustic guitars are made of genuine wood with steel strings. The guitars include a removable headstock cover with matching graphics that protects fingers from string ends, and come with Peavey picks and a strap. Scenes from the Star Wars films are featured on the instruments in high gloss finish.  Also suitable for players of all ages or collectors, the line of products includes 20” ukuleles decorated with Star Wars characters. Made of genuine wood and featuring a high gloss finish, the instruments have easy-to-play nylon strings and locking tuning pegs which help to keep the instrument in tune. In addition to these high-quality instruments, Peavey is producing a selection of Star Wars-themed straps and picks. To learn more about Peavey’s line of award-winning musical instruments and audio equipment, visit www.peavey.com.  About Peavey Founded in 1965, Peavey® is one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Peavey has earned more than 180 patents and distributes to more than 130 countries. Peavey is a member of the top 150 licensee list. Peavey and its MediaMatrix®, Architectural Acoustics®, Crest Audio®, Composite Acoustics® and Trace Elliot® brands and affiliates can be found on concert stages and in airports, stadiums, theme parks and other venues around the world. To find out more, visit www.peavey.com.   STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & ©  Lucasfilm Ltd.

Alps Mountaineering Comfort XL Self Inflating Air Pad Review

It seems like with the demands of everyday life, things can just get more and more stressful. With that it’s easy to turn to the outdoors to get away from the stress for some enjoyable relief.  But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be comfortable while doing so. One product often used to help provide a good night’s sleep is a nice air mattress. Up for review today is a great one from Alps Mountaineering. It is their Comfort XL Self-Inflating Air Pad.

Features and specs:

• Jet Stream Wave Foam
• Faster Inflating and Deflating
• Brushed "Suede-like" Top Fabric
• Extra Comfort and Less Sliding
• Anti-Slip "PVC Dots" Bottom Fabric
• Slides Less on Tent Floor
• Non-corrosive Brass Valves
• Long-term Durability
• Additional XL and XXL Features: Thicker Pillow Area, Extra Comfort, 2 Valves and Faster Inflating

Regular	7150003	20" x 72" x 1.5"	2 lbs. 10 oz.	4.5" x 21"	Backpacking	$79.99
Long	7250003	25" x 77" x 2"	4 lbs. 1 oz.	6.5" x 26"	Camping	$99.99
XL	7350003	30" x 77" x 3"	6 lbs. 7 oz.	8" x 31"	Luxury Camping	$149.99
XXL	7450003	30" x 77" x 4"	8 lbs. 7 oz.	11" x 31"	Luxury Camping	$189.99

The product came shipped in a standard box. Upon opening the box, I saw the mattress, a nylon stuff bag and instructions. Also included, a rarity with such products, was a repair kit. That was really cool! The nylon stuff bag was a typical stuff bag with a pull cord at the top to cinch closed the bag during storage and a spring loaded plastic holder to keep it closed and secure. The mattress itself had a soft velvety finish on top. The bottom was covered with small rubber dots to help keep it in place while in your tent so you don’t slide around at night. The Valve was made of high quality brass with a round cap that screwed open and closed. Quality of materials was excellent as was quality of construction.

According to the specs, this XL model was 3 inches tall, which I thought was hard to believe. But after getting it, with it being new I opened up the valves and kept it open for a couple of days to fully inflate and was surprised that it actually was right about 3 inches when fully inflated! I also liked having dual brass valves which made for faster inflating and deflating with its larger size. Having done a lot of camping, one thing I don’t like is sleeping on the hard ground, especially if it’s rocky. Having it inflated, I thought I would put it to the ultimate test and just laid it down on my hard tile floor to see how it would do.  I didn’t want to expect too much from the pad, but lying down on it on the floor, I couldn’t feel the tiles of the floor under me. What was even more impressive to me was when I kneeled down on the mattress, to lay down, I had all my weight on just my knees and I couldn’t feel the hard tiles. I was expecting to be comfortable and not feel the ground, especially given its thickness. But to not feel anything when I dropped on my knees was just…WOW. The slightly raised end with a built in pillow was also a nice touch, although it was only slight.  So I still needed a pillow. The inside of the mattress had some type of foam. Depending on how you like your bed, whether it is firm or soft, you could fill the mattress accordingly.

Having had it open for a while to fully inflate and to do an official test, it was now time to deflate it and store it until I had a campout of its test run. Opening up both valves made for an easy deflation and I was able to get it tight enough to where it easily fit into the storage bag. Once deflated, screwing the valves closed easily kept the mattress form self inflating again. I know that tents can sometimes be a nightmare to get it folded exactly right to fit back into the bag, but I had no such problem with this mattress. And after having it in the bag, it was just a matter of closing the draw sting and it was ready for storage until further use. And I kept the repair kit in the bag, just in case it’s ever needed, I’ll know where it is!

Now it was time to put it to the test for a real campout. Setting up the mattress was extremely simple, it was just a matter of pulling it out of the bag, unrolling it where I wanted to sleep and opening the valves. Then once I had my desires firmness, I just closed both the valves. Done. It was that easy. Sleeping that night was really nice. Better than a regular blowup mattress. Plus I don’t need to worry about either manually blowing up the mattress or remembering to pack the pump and making sure the pump had sufficient power. The Alps Mountaineering Comfort XL Air Pad is self inflating. Once it was time to pack up, it was as easy to take down as it was to put up. Just open up both valves and tightly roll up the mattress. It deflated as I did so. Once tightly rolled, close both valves and secure in storage bag.

I’ve reviewed Alps Mountaineering products in the past and given the opportunity to do so again was a no brainer. The Alps Mountaineering Comfort XL Air Pad was a little bulkier and heavier than most self inflating mattresses. But most of my camping is not backpacking, so I would rather have a more comfortable mattress, even if that meant a bit more bulk and weight to an item. If you are looking for a similar product, you can’t go wrong with the Alps Mountaineering Comfort Air Pad. If you are more of a backpacker and size and weight is an issue, they have other products that are worth your consideration. They also have an excellent warranty and stand behind their products. Based on their design, feature, quality and performance, the Alps Mountaineering Comfort XL Air Pad has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.alpsmountaineering.com.

THE WORLD’S FIRST SMART LED LIGHTING CASE FOR ANY ANDROID 4.4 SMARTPHONES!

cPulse – WHEN LIGHTING STRIKES

THE WORLD’S FIRST SMART LED LIGHTING CASE FOR ANY ANDROID 4.4 SMARTPHONES!

 

Paris - July 15^th - CODLIGHT (www.codlight.com) proudly presents cPulse, the world’s first smart LED lighting case for Android smartphones exclusively on Kickstarter. With this smart, social, sleek and interactive smartphone case cPulse reinvents the way we interact with lighting. Moreover, cPulse is the very first versatile consumer electronics product printed in 3D. 

 

 

Imagine that any mobile transforms into a smart source of infinite visuals, a dazzling lighting experience, and turns the classical handheld into an unparalleled communication tool made of sound and light. Imagine you communicate through immensely variable lighting effects and visuals. And what would you say if you could create your own customized cPulse lighting case printed in 3D and delivered to your doorstep - and order a new case each time you change your Smartphone, reusing your lighting system, all thanks to 3D printing. The first electronics device that lead the end of planned obsolescence movement. Lighting has never been as creative, smart, social and mobile!

What is cPulse exactly?
cPulse consists of an edge-to-edge case and a 128 LED panel. It is the very first mass-market consumer electronics product manufactured with an adaptable and replaceable 3D printed case thanks to Sculpteo.com and SketchFab.com. cPulse is a versatile new means of communication whose capabilities go far beyond the boundaries of its protective shell: It is the first product of its kind to integrate both an electronic hardware and a flexible mechanical part, which adapts to any Android smartphone from version 4.4 thanks to the 3D printing technology.

What does cPulse do?
cPulse offers a multitude of applications:

• Augmented Music Lighting Player: First of all it delivers an augmented music experience. Its new lighting file format enables the user to create, share and play a lighting track the same way we use digital music (MP3).  Lighting tracks based on favourite songs can be created, broadcasted and played simultaneously on multiple cPulses. Users design and share their own lightshow with friends and family, a new concept for reinventing parties, concerts and dance floors.
• The very first Mobile Lighting and Sleeping System: cPulse can also read your sleep patterns, trigger a softly hued or flashy coloured sound and wake you up align with your sleep cycles. With slowly changing colour brightness and soothing sounds, the user gets a good night’s sleep, has a chance to complete a full sleep cycle and wakes up refreshed.
• cPulse lets the user create his Personal Lighting Ambiance, illuminate his environment and set the visual mood of a uniquely coloured scene for various occasions. The user can also personalize his smartphone with Customized Lighting Notifications and messages.

How does cPulse work?
The low-consumption LED lighting system is application controlled and equipped with an embedded 128 LED panel (10x more lighting compare to a LCD Smartphone display) powered by an ambilight sensor for high intensity and a colourful visual experience. CODLIGHT developed a hinge similar to the ones used for display rotation in some camcorders and digital cameras to position and maintain the LED panel and quickly access the Smartphone display. cPulse uses ultra-low power components to ensure the best luminous efficiency while minimizing the impact on the battery (1h of lighting for 7% of battery consumption). Communication and power feeding is done through a micro-USB port between the Smartphone and cPulse.

The Kickstarter pre-order will feature 9 levels of pledges. The MAKER’s pledge will be rewarded with an unprecedented experience: The Kickstarter members will turn into “MAKERS” and assemble this unique 3D printed cPulse. The cPulse 3D file for the case will be available on Sketchfab.com/codlight for download and personalization, a special deal with the online 3D service Sculpteo.com will offer an amazing rate for the 3D print. All components will be delivered to the Kickstarter member for assembly. The result will be a unique and customized Smartphone, which transforms into sound and light at the touch of a finger!

cPulse will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter from July 15th 2014.

Kickstarter Campaign
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/673471954/cpulse-worlds-first-smart-led-lighting-case-for-an

Video link
http://youtu.be/xPq-jbnO1Vo

About CODLIGHT
CODLIGHT’s mission is to re-invent how people experience and interact with lighting. CODLIGHT was founded by Yan Lee-Dajoux & Francois Mazard in December 2013. Both have 15 years of experience in the mobile industry and have worked for the Wireless Division of Texas Instruments. cPulse is the world’s first smart LED lighting case for Android smartphones. For more information and to pre-order cPulse, please visit: http://www.codlight.com/