appleJAC Users Group

OWC Envoy Pro SX: Rugged T3 Power

a review by Tom Piper

Solid state drives (SSDs) have made huge advancements in SSD and Thunderbolt technology over the past 40 years which have produced devices of super-fast speed, small size and very sturdy construction.

OWC Envoy Pro SX is a USB4 and Thunderbolt 3-certified bus-powered small, storage solution. It has incredible speed up to 2847MB/s real-world performance. At 0.6” x 2.8” x 4.5” and 10.4 ounces in size, with a detachable 27” Thunderbolt 3 cable, this unit runs cool and soundless enclosed in a black aluminum case (IP67 rated) that provides great data protection. It is so rugged that my data is protected by military-level drop toughness, plus being dust and water-proof.

As OWC states online, this new unit is: “Super-fast. Super-versatile. Super-portable. And rugged enough to endure the most perilous work and play settings.” This SSD handles all data storage and backup challenges with the following benefits:

• Advanced OWC Aura Pro SSD storage technology with TRIM support works with Thunderbolt 3
• Perfect for audio, video, photography, graphics, gaming, and general data storage and backup uses
• Bus-powered and smaller than most compact smartphones
• Fan-less, heat-dissipating aluminum housing 
• Compatible with macOS and Windows built-in encryption
• LED for at-a-glance confirmation of power and activity status
• 3-Year OWC Limited Warranty

I can now use my 240 gigabyte Envoy Pro SX as a super-fast data-transfer drive for my 16” MacBook Pro, plus a convenient volume for more storage, movies and a variety of other handy uses. I also use it with my 12.9” iPad Pro, and 15” Asus Chromebook. Most importantly, data transfer runs faster than any other storage device that I use.

In real life use, a 5.52 GB folder of 16,369 files copied over in less than 3 minutes! Single files transfer even faster, such as a 1.31 GB movie that copied from my computer in only 4 seconds!!!

Obviously, this device is meant to be used for situations where spinning hard drives would be slow and cumbersome. Whether its large video files being transferred in extreme conditions, music productions being frequently edited, frequent relay of data from one technology to another, or cloning backups for Apple’s latest M1 computers, the Envoy Pro SX is the best choice for raw speed, functionality, convenient-size and durability. This is an incredible tool to support my technology needs.

To learn more about this enclosure, go to https://www.owcdigital.com/products/envoy-pro-sx where it can be purchased for $179 - $479 (240GB - 2.0TB) with a 3-Year OWC Limited Warranty. This is a wonderful solution for storing and transmitting our precious data, video and power from a company with a long and dependable history of quality and effective digital products.

 

n max n Gorgeous Tech Sleeves

a review by Tom Piper

Every year I often meet the most wonderful vendors at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas with the most incredible products. This year was exceptional for the items I brought back for review.

 

Two years ago I met James Lee from n max n from Taipei Taiwan who introduced me to their delightful and highly functional leather products. He then provided me with their iPhone 14 Pro Max leather case with credit card holder and wrist handle, which I have used for the past year. Their display (see at bottom) was also incredible.

This year at CES 2024, he provided me with two gorgeous sleeves for my 13" MacBook Air and 12.9" iPad Pro. The bronze brown and chocolate colored  Fleeve laptop case is made of genuine leather, no plastic, hand stitched and a great fit. Also available in carbon black, navy blue and carbon black, capsicum red, and scottish green. With the magnetic close flap and protective enclosure, this is an excellent choice for travel, storage and
general use. It is also an excellent  laptop stand for perfect angle of use

  (see video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IcvgpBb2cElwibe7iMd0cELrYoEvDugH/view).

The second case is a mist blue recycled pineapple leather material with hand stitching. Also available in foggy gray or fog brown, or if  using Naples PU Leather in black, brown, gray, green or red. With the same standard of excellent quality, this is a convenient and protective case with magnetic latch for easy transport and storage.

 

The quality and functionality of these products demonstrates the excellent standards of this company who I highly recommend for great values.

 

The laptop case is available 
for $114.60 (13"/14" case) or $135.00 (15"/16" case) and the iPad case for $80.7 (13"/14") - $87.50 (15"/16") or $56.90 (13"/14") - $63.70 15"/16") by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://www.nmaxn.com.

 

March 2024 Meeting Presentations

    

The March 5, 2024, meeting videos about Getting the Most Use Out of Your iOS Devices  can be viewed by seeing the video of the first half of the meeting (Apple Announcements, Apple Vision Pro presentation, Q&A) is available at https://www.facebook.com/appleJAC.org/videos/1660203728117654; and for the second half (apps), click on https://www.facebook.com/appleJAC.org/videos/252554077922605 (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

For Tom's slides, just click on AJ slideshow 03-05-24 (the blue links will also go to interesting websites). For Julie's slide, click on View this photo, for Peggy's slide, click on IOS Tips, and for George's information, click on 10 MacOS lesser known features.

The next appleJAC meeting will be April 2, 2024.

Mokibo review

Mokibo Magnificent Models

a review by Tom Piper

 

Today's modern keyboard concept traces back to the original typewriter in 1868, while the computerized GE version started in 1972. The first touchpad was added on the right side of a Apollo keyboard in 1982, while the trackpad was introduced on Apple's PowerBook 500 in 1994. Last year, Mokibo introduced the first trackpad keyboard which combines both functions into a single amazingly small device.

 

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES24) in Las Vegas, I was introduced to the full range of Mokibo devices, as well as their inventor Eunhyung Cho from Seongnam, South Korea (see photo at end of review). 

 

The Fusion Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9" was the first incredible device that I saw a year ago at CES23, and was awestruck by how well the full well-designed keyboard was also an easy-to-use and fully functional trackpad. This year, I brought this model back with me and use it literally every day on my big iPad. To glide my finger across this trackpad is so easy, and the "click button" is in red in the middle of the split space bar, so easy to access. And, when typing, the keys have a very responsive and sensitive touch, which works extremely well.

 

Much to my surprise, I was also introduced this year to the versatile and delightful Fusion Keyboard Universal (picture above), which is a standalone keyboard (same layout as the iPad version). This too has the trackpad feature across its entire keyboard range. This model was intended to be used via Bluetooth with any computer (Mac or PC), iPad or iPhone. I now use it with my Apple Vision Pro, which is convenient and wonderful. It is lightweight and the perfect size to fit my lap, table or wherever I am sitting (even while traveling). It has 3 keys, each of which can be paired via Bluetooth to different devices.

 

To further my education about protective devices, I also acquired a FreeAngle Flex which accommodates my 12.9" iPad very nicely at many angles from 17° to 77°, and includes a folder Pencil holder very securely. This wrap-around case is not only great protection, but also easy to use for viewing and/or Pencil drawing.

 

All of these devices are held together with durable, attractive, cleanable, grip-able covers in white, black (for keyboards) and pink, blue or green for the FreeAngle. At trip to the Mokibo website (https://mokibo.com/pages/fusion-keyboard-collection) will show discounted prices from $104 for the Fusion Keyboard Universal to $120-$135 for the 11" or 12.9" Fusion Keyboard for iPad, and the FreeAngle Flex for only $20.

 

I can't say enough good things about these quality products from an ingenious inventor. This made my visit to CES24 rewarding and very satisfying.

Stellar Data Recovery review

Stellar Data Recovery Professional

a review by Tom Piper

This review is of version 12.0 of the latest version of Stellar's newest data recover utility which is 301.3 MB in size and very robust in its performance which I tested on my 16" MacBook Pro (M1) using MacOS Sonoma 14.3.1.

After about a 15-second opening of the app (a dialog box reports that it is "initializing" during this time), a window appears asking "What To Recover" with the options of either "All Data" or "Customize Your Scan" for Documents, Emails, Videos, Audio or Photos (a simple check will select any of these. The next step is to click on Next at the bottom which then shows the titles of the Volumes and Disks which are attached to my computer (including a Lost Drive option). This then allows me to check any one of these that I wish to Scan for my lost data . . . followed by clicking on the Scan button (Deep Scan is also a option to turn on during this process).

The left panel also provides me with many other options which can be seen below:

My test scan of an attached 4TB flash drive took less than 2 minutes an yielded an accurate list of the files it found, including some that had previously been deleted. It not only showed me what it found, but also reported the total number of files and folders found, and amount of data recovered. This information can be displayed as a list, icons, columns or cover flow for ease of viewing. 

There is also a question mark (?) which, if clicked, will immediately take me to an excellent explanation of what I'm viewing and how to modify the contents for maximum information and previews. The final option is to recover any files or folders that are selected and save them to the volume that I specify in a browse mode. The entire process is easy to identify, understand and implement.

This is a very robust, versatile and powerful data recovery program that has all the options needed to get back information that may be on a corrupted volume. It can be purchased online (https://www.stellarinfo.com/disk-recovery/mac-data-recovery-standard/buy-now.php) for Standard $69.99, Professional $89.99 or Premium $99.99 for individual one-year licenses. 

As others have noted, this app has the best data recovery tools, with highly customizable searches, a huge file-type library, and deep scan abilities. I highly recommend this program if you need to recover lost data.

 

February 2024 Meeting Presentations

The February 6, 2024, meeting videos about CES 2024 Report and Demo can be viewed by seeing the video of the first half of the meeting (Tips & Tricks by Joe Mertzlufft, Q&A, CES Report) is available at www.facebook.com/appleJAC.org/1835017753586596; and for the second half (CES Treasures), click on www.facebook.com/appleJAC.org/1070007744266950 (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

For Tom's slides, just click on Apple announcements 02-06-24, CES2024briefvideo and Download CES 2024 pres (the blue links will also go to interesting websites).

The next appleJAC meeting will be March 5, 2024.

 

October 2023 appleJAC Presentations

 

The October 3, 2023, meeting videos about new Apple Products including hardware and operating systems presented by Tom Piper, George Kopp, Joe Mertzlufft, Alice Kopp and Peggy Landwehr can be viewed by seeing the video of the first half of the meeting (Tips & Tricks by Joe Mertzlufft, Q&A, Apple Hardware and iOS17) is available at facebook.com/appleJAC.org/634497265469542; and for the second half (iPadOS17, WatchOS10, AppleTVOS10), click on facebook.com/appleJAC.org/724183772874553 (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

PDF versions of the presentations can be downloaded by clicking on Tom's video link (macrumors.com/apple-announced), George's slideshow (Whats New in iOS 17), Joe's video link (youtube.com/iPadOS17), Alice's slideshow (Apple WatchOS 10), and Peggy's slideshow (Apple WatchOS 10).

The next appleJAC meeting will be November 7, 2023, about 15 Gadgets in 60 Minutes at Kennedy Hall in IC Schools.

 

September 2023 appleJAC Presentation

The September 5, 2023, meeting videos about Artificial Intelligence (AI) presented by Tom Piper can be viewed by seeing the video of the first half of the meeting (Tips & Tricks by Joe Mertzlufft, Apple Announcements, Q&A, AI start) is available at facebook.com/appleJAC.org/673644344407889); and for the second half (Q&A continued), click on facebook.com/appleJAC.org/6506564386117261 (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

PDF version of the Apple Announcements and AI presentations can be downloaded by clicking on Apple & AI pres.

The next appleJAC meeting will be October 3, 2023, about New Apple Products at Kennedy Hall in IC Schools.

 

September 2023 appleJAC meeting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being talked about a lot in the news today. Do you have questions about AI such as:  What is AI? Where is AI being used? What are the pros of AI? Are there any cons? 

 

At our next meeting (agenda below), Tom Piper will be presenting all about AI, ChatGPT and related apps — so come and bring any questions you might have.

Xebec Tri-Screen: Expanding Productivity

a review by Tom Piper

When I got my first Apple ][ 48K computer, it was connected to a black-and-white tube-type television with a cassette recorder for long-term memory, from which I could load programs and save data. Viewing screens have come a long way in the 44 years since then, with great new innovations.

At CES 2023, I visited the Xebec exhibit which was demonstrating their new Tri-Screen 2 and other products. In another location I had already seen a single-screen attachment to a laptop, but here I was excited to find a setup with a 10” screen on both sides. Not only that, but they easily, quickly and securely clamped onto the laptop screen without magnets or adhesion.  

During my review, I tested this unit with my MacBook Air M2 which has a pair of USB-C ports and a 13” screen. The pair of 10” screens seemed small UNTIL I used it with a variety of different apps (more on this later). Because my laptop normally only supports one external monitor, I also acquired the Tri-Screen Adapter which activates the second screen, thus allowing one continuous desktop from left screen across the laptop to the right screen. I was surprised to find included a variety of cables and connectors to fit almost any computer configuration with two USB-C to USB-C, one USB-C extension, two HDMI to MiniHDMI, one USB-C 90° elbow, and two USB-A to USB-C adapters. Plenty of online instructions and videos are available online, as well as Tech Support and FAQ assistance. It seems like they have thought of everything!

The hookup initially seemed a little tedious and bulky with the extra adapter, but with practice and understanding of the two bottom-mounted USB-C ports and mini-HDMI port, all went very well. I really like the retractable screens and elastic strap across the back, which work together for a firm fit, and compact transport afterwards. Thankfully, it only takes a couple of minutes to setup. My only disappointment was that the extra ports could not accommodate a flash drive (the work-around is to use a separate dock, like the OWC Travel Dock which worked fine for me).

Actual use of the twin screens is a joy. Once mounted, a quick trip into the Mac System Settings and Displays mode allows me to Arrange the desktop layout properly, which more than doubles the viewing area of my computer. In order to improve the viewing angle, I also got their Airstand that adheres to the bottom of my MacBook Air, which elevates the keyboard to an angle of about 20 degrees, which eases neck and typing pressure (to match this angle and take pressure off the laptop hinge, the screen frame includes a foldout stand at the back). The designers of this unit were very thoughtful about making this setup comfortable and rewarding to use.

In addition to this great system, Xebex also has provided a very comfortable  compact Bluetooth mouse. It includes an innovative 4-way scroll wheel which allows me to move forward and back and sideways (also programmable in Settings). Other buttons include a Sensitivity Settings button on top (600, 800, 1200 dots per inch), two buttons on the left side (forward and back actions), and two switches on the bottom (on/off and Bluetooth). It is easily rechargeable (500 mAh battery) with an included short USB-C cable to USB-A power supply (not included). It is very small (1.4” x 3.9” x 2.5”) yet pleasingly comfortable in hand. 

Even more, Xebex also has a wonderful lightweight keyboard that is small (0.3” x 11.5”x 6.2”) and very handy (including a nifty cloth sleeve for safe transport). It is rechargeable (300 mAh battery) with an included short USB-C cable to USB-A power supply (not included). The tilt can be adjusted at multiple angles with the full-length kickstand on back. Its size and layout strongly resemble my MacBook Air with a few Mac and PC labeling distinctions, and the key touch is also very similar. In everyday use, this keyboard is comfortable and very portable (it also can be paired with my iPad Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max (a nice addition would have been buttons or switches to move among up to 4 devices).

All in all, this combination of screens and accessories is a great tribute to quality engineering and functionality the Xebex masterminds instilled into these products. Whether at home, office or travel, they will enhance productivity and enjoyment for any laptop user. I even found that I could attach one of the screens to my 12.9” iPad Pro using the adapter or a dock.

To learn more about the Xebec Tri-Screen system, go to https://www.thexebec.com/ where the The Tri-Screen 2 is available for $499, the Airstand for $29, the Mouse for $79, and the Keyboard for $99. Many thanks to Alex Levine, Samantha Whitford and Catherine Hague for introducing me these fine products, as well as Sam and Sawyer for excellent followup after CES to assure that everything was working as planned. Not only do they have great products, but also exceptional service.

 

Rolling Square cables: Durable Flexible Versatility

a review by Tom Piper

Cable connections for my electronic devices take me back to my early Apple ][ and Mac days when serial, ADB and FireWire were the standard wires used to connect various peripherals. Today, the latest advances are based on Lightning, microUSB, USB-A, USB-C and Thunderbolt. 

At CES 2023, I revisited the Rolling Square exhibit which was demonstrating some of their most innovative products, including inCharge XL cables where their slogan is: “The ultra fast Swiss army knife of cables”. I found that these are the only cables that I need for home, office and travel because they feature 2 Inputs and 3 Outputs, for a total of 6 different connections. 

InCharge® XL throughput allows Ultra Fast Charging up to 100W and Apple's Fast Charging up to 27W, supporting both charging and data transfer, which allows me to quickly transfer my data at speeds up to 480Mbit. These cables even allow an android phone and many tablets to become a power source I can use when standard charging ports are not nearby (only available using USB-C phone as input), such as charging my Apple Watch from my 12.9”  iPad Pro.

Each cable features metal housing and N52 Magnets for the ends, plus 200 braided copper wires in a TPU and nylon-reinforced cable using aramid fiber in black, yellow or white colors. To fit different needs, 1’, 6.5’ and 10’ lengths are available. For the longer cables, a silicone pouch, magnetic desk support and eco-friendly packaging is included. The result makes for a very strong yet flexible connection to my MacBooks, iPads, hard drives, SSD drives and much more.

To learn more about the Rolling Square cables, go to https://rollingsquare.com where the 1’ version is available for $29.00, the 6.5’ version for $35.00, and the 10’ model for $39.00. In addition to these excellent cables, Rolling Square also produces quality chargers, device mounts, cases and other innovative devices. Kudos to the company PR & Influencer Marketing Manager Laura Ragazzi in Switzerland for introducing me to this terrific collection of innovative and highly-useful products.

 

Cell Gel Mounts: Incredible Nano-Suction Grip

a review by Tom Piper

For many years, we have relied on sticky adhesive tapes and glues to temporarily mount our valuable devices on various surfaces, only to leave behind damaged areas and residue. Major technological advances have produced much more practical and useful bonding materials using some interesting old principles.

At CES 2023, I discovered CellGelMounts which uses nano-suction technology (tiny suction cups that stick to non-porous surfaces by vacuum) on various reusable mounts. Their slogan is “MOUNT.IT.ANYWHERE — the new way to temporarily mount your handheld device to most surfaces, then move and reuse as often as you want!” Truly innovative concept based on some ancient principles of adherence.

The first item to catch my attention was the Reusable Phone Mounting Brackets which are cleverly designed to allow me to conveniently place my iPhone 14 Pro Max on my bathroom mirror right above the radio. Its easy to see, the built-in sound holes project music outward for easy listening, and everything is dry and out of the way (unless my wife puts her iPhone 13 Pro Max in it first). These L-shaped mounts are simple to install, but can be removed with a slow twist (no residue left behind), and used again elsewhere (they even come in a plastic storage case for storage or transport). If some “stickiness” is lost, I can just wash and air dry to restore adhesion strength.

Next in the exhibit was a 6-pack of Strong Hold Hooks, each of which has a metal swivel wire hook attached to a 2.75” x 2.75” adhesive flexible plastic patch. Since it can be attached to glass, tile, wood, metal, plaster or almost any flat surface, the potential uses indoor and outdoors, bath and shower, coat and towels, lights and decorations, and so much more. I use mine around the office for hanging cables, headphones, CES bags and even tethered walking sticks. These hooks are incredibly strong and versatile, but can still be removed with a slow peel and reused multiple times in many places.

Another item in this interesting exhibit was the Reusable Mount, designed specifically to used for phone pop grips, ring grips, action cameras and other devices which have small handles. This mount works great with my GoPro Hero 9 whenever I need a fixed location for video and photos. It easy to quickly attached, then twist and remove for a different location (it also comes with a small plastic case to store and transport in my backpack). The adhesion pad is only 2” x 2”, yet strong enough to hold even my iPad, if I want to temporarily mount it on a wall (need to be careful on some surfaces where paint might be removed). As their slogan says: “Mount.Remove.Repeat”. 

Much to my surprise, they also had a Magnetic Charging Stand which is sturdy enough to support a phone, tablet or other screen device. This aluminum stand is double-jointed for base and back tilting, as well as 8 notches and 5 holes for the included 6-foot woven charging cable with removable Lightening and USB-C magnetic tips (works with my iPhone 14 Pro Max and 12.9” iPad Pro). The base also includes 2 pads of adhesive for more secure mounting on flat surfaces, easily removable with a slow twist. As with all of their adhesives, if they become contaminated, these pads can be washed and air dried to restored their adhesion.

To learn more about the Cell Gel Mounts, go to https://cellgelmounts.com where set of phone mounts is available for $11.99, the 6-pack of strong holds for $6,00, the pop mount for $10.99, and the charging stand on sale for $24.99 (free shipping on all orders too). Kudos to the company president Jason Truda in Virginia for designing and marketing this terrific collection of innovative and highly-useful products.

 

February appleJAC presentations

The PDF of the February 7, 2023, meeting slideshow (including the Apple announcements, CES slideshow and CES gadget demonstrations) can be viewed again by clicking on CES 2023 appleJAC pres (best if viewed in Preview so all imbedded Internet links work).

The video of the first half of the meeting (reports, Q&A, and CES images) is available at (facebook.com/appleJAC.org/020723Avideo); and for the second half (CES gadgets and discussion), click on (facebook.com/appleJAC.org/020723Bvideo) (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

The next appleJAC meeting will be March 7, 2023, about Apple Mail Management.

 

December 2022 appleJAC Presentations

The overall PDF of the December meeting slideshow (including the Apple announcements and gadget images) can be viewed again by clicking on aJ slideshow 12-06-22 (best if viewed in Preview so all imbedded Internet links work).

The video of the first half of the meeting (reports, Apple & Me, gadget) is available at appleJAC.org/videos/823731572018525 plus Peggy's video about her scanner at youtu.be/1NmpKhnhWZQ; and for the second half (gadgets and Annual Meeting), click on appleJAC.org/videos/1107871396592475 plus the Joe's slides about his gadgets at Tips & Gadgets (it may be necessary to click on the resulting image in order to hear the sound with picture).

At the Annual Business Meeting, the following people were elected:

• President:            Peggy Landwehr    Members-at-Large:
• Vice-President:   George Kopp          Todd McCluskey
• Secretary:             Joe Mertzlufft         Julie Smith
• Treasurer:            Sue Snell                  Alice Kopp          
• Webmaster:         Tom Piper                Greg Breuer
•                                                                  Ann Lane
•                                                                  Mark Snell

The next appleJAC meeting will be February 7, 2023 (January 3 is postposed since it is so close to the holidays).

 

appleJAC on the Radio

KWOS Open Air Saturday with Hal Dulle at 8:00am on December 3, 2022, hosted an interview with appleJAC President Tom Piper. The topic was technology with lots of discussion about iPhones and Apple-related products, along with electric cars and predictions of future technology.

In order to listen to this 46-minute session (advertisements removed), just click on:

Open Air Saturday 12-03-22

Any observations, reactions or comments may be sent to Tom at [email protected].

 

March 2022 agenda & followup

The overall March 1 meeting slideshow, including the CES 2022 product descriptions, can be viewed again by clicking on aJ slideshow.

The video of the first half of the meeting (reports, Q&A, Tom about CES showing gadgets) is available at youtu.be/7MCIDQfR1E0. For the second half (George about Apple in Microsoft world), click on appleJAC.org/videos/941432176568158.

The CES video can be watched by clicking on youtu.be/OtYzW_volnk. And, an unannounced extra is a list of product review website from many Apple user groups can be downloaded at AUG Product Reviews

Download Disclaimer

VidPro Card Reader/Writer: Multipurpose & Compact

a review by Tom Piper

Universal Serial Bus (USB) was an industry standard established in 1996 for cables, connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply for many electronic devices. Card readers New technology has produced devices that are small, sturdy and multi-faceted.

Found at CES 2022, the Vidpro SD and microSD Card Reader can download and share my media content using one SDXC card slot and microSDXC card slot, both of which operate using the UHS-I bus. This device connects to my 16” MacBook Pro (M1 Pro version) via the 480 Mb/s USB 2.0 standard and a USB Type-C or a USB Type-A port. For Windows and Android users, the USB Type-A port flips up to reveal a micro-USB port. 

This is a great device for easy video, photo, music playback, and file sharing. Its small and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and includes caps to protect the USB plug terminals. Compatible with Windows 10, 8, and 7, macOS 10.4.6 and later, and Android devices (not compatible with Apple iOS or Kindle Fire devices).

To learn more about this device, go to https://www.bhphotovideo.com/vidproreader where this cable can be purchased for $14.95 (generic version also available at Walmart for $9.87). This is a wonderful solution for reading and writing to your SD cards.

 

Linq: Outstanding Digital Business Card

a review by Tom Piper

The earliest examples of business cards were actually called "visiting cards," first appearing in China in the 15th century, as small cards that people would carry around, describing how awesome/interesting/important they were. In the 17th century, addresses were not commonplace so "trade cards" were invented with one side containing promotional business information while the other side featured a map to the business location. As the industrial revolution emerged, visiting and trade cards were combined into interesting and informative business cards, which have now progressed beyond paper.

At CES 2022, I encountered Linq, which is a networking platform that allows me to share my information with others using completely customizable pages. They make it easy to share my Linq remotely, and with one of their SmartProducts. I can share my links and socials, my webpage (using Leap can connect to any website), my personal contact and business information, and much more. A free Linq app is available to help customize everything, and, since my Linq page is 100% dynamic, my Linq products are also 100% dynamic. I can change the info on my page an unlimited number of times. 

The other person does not need the Linq App; they can just tap my product, or scan my QR code with their camera, then they instantly have my info. 99% of phones can point the camera at my Linq QR code (on my iPhone 13 Pro Max or in the app) to get to my Linq page. 95% of phones can also get to my Linq page by simply tapping my iPhone and reading the NFC chip inside.

Linq Pro is an optional, supercharged upgrade that gives my advanced analytics and allows me to add more rich content right to my page, like video embeds, buttons to book a meeting straight to my calendar, Spotify and Soundcloud players, forms to collect info, and more. 

To learn more about Linq Digital Business Card products, go to https://buy.linqapp.com where the Linq Card is available for $11.99 (many other products are also available there). Linq is free to use, or they offer advanced features through Linq Pro for $5/month or $50/year, but it is a completely optional upgrade. 

Elliott Potter, Jared Mattsson and Patrick Sullivan (three longtime friends and all colleagues at Birmingham tech giant Shipt) cofounded Linq in 2019 to provide an alternative to the business card exchange. After an awkward business card exchange at a networking event, as software developers, they thought, there had to be a better way, so they created it. (see https://www.birminghambusinessalliance.com/regional-news-1/linq for more information about this company).

 

Fledging Hubble for iPad: Functional Diversity

a review by Tom Piper

Apple’s iPad was an innovative tablet first introduced in 2010 which has evolved from the first 7.9” and 9.7” versions up to the 8.3” and 12.9” versions today. The dock connector has also evolved from the original 30-pin proprietary connector through the Lightning to the most recent USB-C connector. Each has required a series of accessories to help enable other devices to be attached at the same time.

At CES 2022, I discovered the revolutionary Hubble for iPad which can transform any space into a productivity playground. Its connections include a travel switch (for turning off the hub when not in use to save power), a USB-C port for charging, a USB-C port for data transfer, a USB-A port for data transfer, an SD card reader, a microSD card reader, an HDMI port that supports up to 4K 60Hz, and a 3.5-millimeter audio jack for great sound. Forget the clutter and upgrade your iPad Pro and Air into a super-tablet outfitted for every situation.

This beautiful hub is encased in space-age aluminum and machined to the exact specifications to meet the iPad's dimensions. Hubble is built to celebrate the beauty of Apple’s design with sleek lines, a minimalist integrated case, and an aerospace body that matches my space gray iPad Pro. For my 12.9” iPad Pro, it measures 12.2” x 8.7” x 0.4” and is very light weight. It is easy to install, very convenient to carry around, and sets on a desk easily in horizontal orientation.

To learn more about the Hubble for iPad, go to https://fledging.tech/products/hubble where it can be purchased for $139.99 (available in silver or space gray for 10.9” iPad Air, 11” Pro or 12.9” Pro). Fledging is a limited liability company based in Birmingham, AL, specializing in consumer electronics with a focus on storage, data transfer, and power delivery. They also have a variety of excellent products at https://fledging.tech/products/.

 

Fledging Spruce Charger: Petite Mega Power

a review by Tom Piper

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard established in 1996 for cables, connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply for many electronic devices. New technology has produced devices that are super-fast speed, incredibly powerful and very sturdy construction with USB-C 3.1 units leading the field. 

At CES 2022, I acquired the Spruce Charger which can charge up to 5 devices at the same time, fast, using 3 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port, and a Wireless Charging Pad. Spruce packs so much power into a neat package using GaN (Gallium Nitride), a new semi-conductor that is 4 times as efficient as silicon. 

Features include a blue LED display light, Quick Charge for USB-A and SuperCharge Protocol for USB-A/USB 3.1 port, 36” USB-C to USB-C white braided charging cable, 6 foot power cable, 4.3” D x 3.2” W x 2.0” H size, and 16 oz weight with adjustable height wireless smartphone charger. Any of the USB-C ports can output 100W each plus 30W on the USB-A port (or any other port at the same time), while the wireless pad is 10W all the time. It also comes with a very nice cloth travel bag.

This is a very impressive unit that now replaces my ugly power strip and other chargers and cables on my desk . . . it attractive, compact and handy. With the ability to charge multiple computers, iPad and my iPhone 13 Pro Max all at what time, what more do I need?

To learn more about the Spruce Charger, go to https://fledging.tech/products/spruce-charger where it can be purchased for $124.99 (available in white, black or space gray). Fledging is a limited liability company based in Birmingham, AL, specializing in consumer electronics with a focus on storage, data transfer, and power delivery. They also have a variety of excellent products at https://fledging.tech/products/.

 

Popl: Premier Digital Business Card

a review by Tom Piper

The earliest examples of business cards were actually called "visiting cards," first appearing in China in the 15th century, as small cards that people would carry around, describing how awesome/interesting/important they were. In the 17th century, addresses were not commonplace so "trade cards" were invented with one side containing promotional business information while the other side featured a map to the business location. As the industrial revolution emerged, visiting and trade cards were combined into interesting  and informative business cards, which have now progressed beyond paper.

At CES 2022, I found the Popl Digital Business Card which packs all my contact information into one convenient electronic location only a tap away. Popl is a small tag placed on the back of my iPhone (compatible back to iPhone 7); also available as a card, keychain or bracelet. It lets me instantly share my social media, music, payment platforms and contact info just by tapping my phone to a compatible smartphone (most of those  produced since 2015). But if I don't want to share my whole profile, I can use their new patented Popl Direct feature to instantly pop someone to my Instagram, LinkedIn, contact card, Snapchat, and other information.

To share to an iPhone XR and newer, a recipient can tap my Popl to the very top of their iPhone (to share to an Android, tap my Popl to the center of the Android, NFC must be turned on in settings). For an iPhone X and older, they can use a in-app Popl QR code to share. No passwords are ever needed to link my social accounts with Popl. Popl uses only usernames and links to create your digital business card.When someone pops or connects with me, the new person gets added to my Popl Contacts automatically. This page saves the Popl profile of everyone I meet so I can make sure to never lose another important connection. I can also export this list of contacts to Salesforce, HubSpot and a normal CSV for exporting into the CRM of my choice.

To learn more about Popl Digital Business Card products, go to https://popl.co where the Popl Card is available for $14.99, Popl Flat for $19.99, custom Flat or Card for $29.99, and many other products up to $199.99. The app is free, or the Pro plan is $7.99 per month, or $79.99 per year.

Jason Alvarez-Cohen and Nick Eishens founded Popl in 2019, and now this Y Combinator-backed company has more than one million customers.