Gadgets

If your Chromebook has a wifi only connection because of a lack of ports, Dick has a gadget for you! The OWC USB-C Travel Dock plugs it into a Chromebook to not only give it a wired connection, but also a 100 watt power pass through, so you plug it into your USB-C powered notebook or Chromebook, and then you'll add six ports, one of which is the USB-C power pass-through. You don't even need to remember to bring a cable because one is built into the bottom of the unit.

Dickie D is here with a "really useful travel gadget." It's the Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Cube, a plug adapter that offers high-speed charging: with a 30W USB-C port equipped with Power Delivery to charge phones, tablets, and even some laptops at high speed. In total, the cube has 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port. That's enough to deliver power and charging for up to 6 devices. At less than 2 ½ cubic inches, this compact power strip is perfect for your travel bag or even on your nightstand at home.

Here's an easy way to keep cool and to light up a tent at night this summer. It's the X10 Portable Camping Fan/LED Lantern with 7800mAh rechargeable battery. It has a racketing 180° head rotation that stays in place where you set it. A fold-out hook makes it easy to hang in a tent, on a branch, beam, etc. The entire device is small enough to pack. It has USB-C charging in, plus a 2A quick charging out function. That means the 7800 mAh battery can also be used as emergency power to charge your phone, GPS, iPod, etc.

Dick recently found "neck fans" on Amazon that can keep him cool while he's working in the garden over the summer. They're sometimes called 'bladeless fans' because you don't see any moving part; everything is built into the case and they fit around the next. The Jisulife Neckfanworn has a 4000 mAh rechargeable battery.

This week's gadget from the Giz Wiz is Anker's new Nano II series of chargers ... the first in the world to take advantage of Gallium Nitride (GaN) II technology. The new Nano II lineup includes 65, 45, and 30 watt chargers - smaller and faster-charging options for consumers. This new generation of Nano II charger series is not only smaller and more portable but also makes a leap forward in compatibility and charging safety.

This week's gadget is a $6 universal microphone that you can pick up from 5 Below Stores. The irony is, it's the same mic that you can buy on Amazon for $25. It's a Bluetooth karaoke studio wireless mic w/ speaker. The built-in speaker also lights up. Just connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, queue up ur fave song & sing away! Mic & volume controls, plus dancing LED lights! No matter what for $5.95s this can provide a lot of fun family entertainment!) There's $5.95 shipping if you buy it online, so look for it at the Five Below store if you have one nearby.

This week's gadget from Dickie D is a cheap 2K webcam from China. Said to be a true 2K - 2560 X 1440, 30Fps per second obviously should be better than 1080P. These inexpensive webcams all seem to have wide-angle lenses; one mentions 105 & another 110 degrees. Note that they are fixed non-zoom lenses. But wait, there's more! The two webcams I bought came with a free privacy cover & tripod!  
  

This week's gadget promises fast coffee in the morning. The Hamilton Beach 5 Cup small coffee maker (48136) is great for small kitchens, dorm rooms, boats, and small offices. Amazon says “even travel”, but yes, for an RV, perfect.

This week's GizWiz gadgets are a pair of mini keyboards. The first is a backlit Mini Wireless Keyboard + Touchpad + Mouse with Laser Pointer by ETopBest. Plugin the 2.4 GHz computer, charge the mini keyboard and it's ready. But you'll have to turn it on, too. It also has a sleep mode to save battery, some really nice LED backlighting with a choice of colors, and even a laser pointer. The small design makes it easy to hold by hand and it is small enough to slip into a pocket. Powered by a 450 mAh Lithium-ion battery. Price as of 5/6/21 is about $24.

Dickie D joins Leo to talk about how you can protect your Vaccination card after you get the shot. Here are a few ideas:

Here are two options from Amazon:

This 4" x 3" Inch Record Cards Protector comes with a clip that can be used without any additional accessories. Simple to use and small, it allows you to easily show your CDC records Card at airlines and travel ports for quick entry. This badge holder is 0.8mm thick, thicker than others I've seen. 5/$9.00 approx $1.80. This price can change at any time! Actually, on 5/1/21 it's dropped $2.00 to $6.99.