Bill Loguidice's Blog, page 90
June 12, 2017
Review: Tactink Red PLA 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament
In my ongoing quest for tracking down excellent PLA 3D printer filament, I’ve come across the Tactink Red PLA 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament. It’s a large, 1KG/2.2 lbs. roll.
The box.
Inside the box.
As you might expect, the Tactink comes professionally packaged in a shrinkwrapped casing complete with dry pack (desiccant) inside a cardboard box. Per usual for a full-sized spool, I’m relying on an external spool holder from Creker, which makes handling these larger rolls much easier for my modest New Matter MOD-t 3D printer.
Loading into my printer.
Another angle.
Using my digital calipers, I noted that the filament’s dimensional accuracy was to spec. My printer was able to handle the material without issue, and the final object print quality proved excellent, with a nice strong structure. The spool’s vibrant red coloring held true in the final print.
A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on Jun 11, 2017 at 7:14pm PDT
Having had such excellent results with the red PLA from Tactink, I’m curious about some of their other colors, especially the clear. For now, I can say if you’re looking for a true red PLA that delivers quality results, Tactink has a great solution.
Just finished printing!
Another look.
Pluses:
– Dimensionally accurate
– True red coloring
– Excellent material strength
Minuses:
– Large roll may not work with all 3D printers
Summary:
Accurate dimensions, excellent coloring, strong structure, and reasonable pricing for a large roll of PLA filament add up to an excellent purchase.
Thanks to Tactink for the review unit.
The post Review: Tactink Red PLA 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 11, 2017
Review: SB Spinner Fidget Toy
I was hesitant to procure the SB Spinner Fidget Toy because I certainly have enough middling spinners. With its traditional spinner design, I thought little of this spinner’s chances of wowing me. Fortunately, I was intrigued just enough by the promise of extended spin time to give this a chance. I’m glad I did.
It comes nicely packaged.
In terms of looks, the color is a truly vibrant blue. It’s rich, dark, and consistent. The spinner itself is solid, with ceramic bearings. The edges are well-machined and rounded.
What’s inside.
In terms of performance, the spin is very smooth with great balance. This is designed just right, which bore out in a spin time that exceeded 5 minutes in only my second sub-max spin.
A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on Jun 11, 2017 at 6:07pm PDT
Although featuring a purely pedestrian design, the SB Spinner Fidget Toy nevertheless delivers in all other areas. As the topper, the SB Spinner Fidget Toy is about half the price of most other premium spinners. So yes, for the price of a budget spinner with lower spin times, you can get this premium model with superior spin times.
Pluses:
– Vibrant coloring
– Smooth action
– Well-balanced
– Excellent build quality
– Long spin time
– Incredibly inexpensive
Minuses
– None
Summary:
A premium spinner with super long spin time for very little money.
Thanks to Stop and Buy for the discounted review unit.
The post Review: SB Spinner Fidget Toy appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Review: BaiEcom Angleizer Measuring Template Tool
Even before becoming a fledgling Maker in my mid-40s, one challenge that has nevertheless always presented itself to me in various projects has been one of accurate measurements and alignments. While it’s easy enough for me to be obsessive about alignment and scale virtually in software and make the necessary adjustments, in the physical world, it can be something of a challenge. While I’ve used regular rulers and even digital calipers, this is my first time using something like the BaiEcom Angleizer Measuring Template Tool. It won’t be the last.
The package.
The concept is simple. Slide the Angleizer’s rulers into the shape needed and tighten the screws to lock the shape in place. You then use your custom template to repeat or repeatedly verify measurements. In terms of measurements, like a standard ruler, it features Inches on one end and Centimeters on the other.
The back of the package.
The materials that go into the Angleizer make it seem like it will hold up over the long term. It has solid metal bolts with plastic screws and base, as well as a glass-filled nylon frame, which adds strength and flexibility. In the package are two extra plastic screws in case you ever need replacements.
It’s easy to adjust.
Although it’s unlikely you’ll ever use the Angleizer as much as a regular ruler or even digital calipers, there are still likely to be plenty of use cases for such a versatile measuring device. Whether a budding Maker like me or a seasoned handyperson, having something like the Angleizer in your toolkit can only be a positive.
Pluses:
– Useful concept
– Well-made
Minuses:
– May not be quite as useful as more generalized measuring devices
Potpourri:
– The Angleizer name would make Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz proud!
Summary:
A well-built and clever measuring tool quite unlike what you’d typically find in a standard toolbox.
Thanks to BaiEcom for the discounted review unit.
The post Review: BaiEcom Angleizer Measuring Template Tool appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 9, 2017
Press Release: AtGames Announces the Atari Flashback 8 Gold Activision Edition Console
PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: JUN 9, 2017 08:00 PDT
AtGames, in Partnership with Atari and Activision, to Deliver the Atari Flashback® 8 Gold Activision Edition Premium Plug and Play Console
El Segundo, CA, June 9, 2017 (Newswire.com) – AtGames® Digital Media Ltd., a leader in interactive entertainment products; Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment; and Activision, a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment; today announced the Atari Flashback 8 Gold Activision Edition console that features the greatest Activision published Atari 2600 games along with Atari first party favorites. The console will be available at major retailers in Fall 2017.
The all-new Atari Flashback® 8 Gold Activision Edition features 130 built-in games, including 39 Activision classics. These games include legends like Activision’s Pitfall!, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, as well as many other all-time Atari 2600 classics like Centipede™, Chopper Command™, Enduro™, and River Raid™. Two high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired joysticks and paddle controllers. Other features for the Activision Edition include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
“Atari is delighted to welcome Activision to the Flashback family,” says Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari. “Activision created amazing Atari 2600 content that deserves to be enjoyed alongside other contemporary classics by a new generation of gamers.”
With an expanded product line, including the Atari Flashback® 8 Gold Activision Edition, and smart new features, AtGames is creating a modern home for all things retro gaming with the AtGames Flashback Zone (AFZ). AFZ features an all-star roster of classic publishing partners, including Activision, Atari, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Konami, Sega, Taito and Warner Bros., making it, in cooperation with major retailers everywhere, the definitive destination for classic gaming. Thanks to AFZ, celebrating classic gaming heritage has never been easier, whether for nostalgic old-timers or newer generations looking for a taste of the best of the past. Expect these products and many more from AtGames in stores this fall and beyond.
“The Activision Edition is a unique, value-packed premium console that celebrates two of classic gaming’s giants together on one of the most iconic consoles of all time,” says Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “We invite gamers of all generations to have a blast rediscovering the joy of these proven Activision and Atari 2600 classics.”
Atari Flashback® 8 Gold Activision Edition Game List:
3-D Tic-Tac-Toe, Adventure, Adventure II, Air Raiders, Air·Sea Battle, Aquaventure, Armor Ambush, Asteroids®, Astroblast, Atari Climber, Backgammon, Barnstorming™, Basketball, Beamrider™ , Black Jack, Bowling, Boxing™, Breakout®, Bridge™, Canyon Bomber®, Centipede®, Championship Soccer, Checkers, Chopper Command™, Circus Atari®, Combat®, Combat® Two, Cosmic Commuter™, Crackpots™, Crystal Castles®, Dan Kitchen’s Tomcat, Dark Cavern, Decathlon™, Demons to Diamonds™, Desert Falcon, Dodge’Em, Dolphin™, Double Dunk™, Dragster™, Enduro™, Fatal Run, Fishing Derby™, Flag Capture, Football, Freeway™, Frog Pond, Frogs and Flies, Frostbite™, Fun with Numbers, Golf, Grand Prix™ , Gravitar®, H.E.R.O.™, Hangman, Haunted House®, Home Run, Human Cannonball™, Ice Hockey™, Indy 500™, International Soccer™, Kaboom!™, Keystone Kapers™ , Laser Blast™, Maze Craze, Megamania™ , Millipede®, Miniature Golf, Missile Command®, MotoRodeo, Night Driver™, Off The Wall, Oink!™, Outlaw™, Pitfall!™, Plaque Attack™, Pong® (Video Olympics), Pressure Cooker™, Private Eye™, Radar Lock™, Realsports® Baseball, Realsports® Basketball, Realsports® Soccer, Realsports® Volleyball, Return to Haunted House, River Raid™, River Raid II™, Robot Tank™, Saboteur®, Save Mary, Sea Battle™, Seaquest™ , Secret Quest, Skiing™, Sky Diver, Sky Jinks™, Slot Machine, Slot Racers, Solaris, Space Attack™, Space Shuttle™, Space War, Spider Fighter™, Sprintmaster, Stampede™, Star Ship, Star Strike™, Starmaster™ , Steeplechase, Stellar Track™, Street Racer, Submarine Commander®, Super Baseball, Super Breakout®, Super Challenge Baseball, Super Challenge Football, Super Football, Surround, Sword Fight™, Swordquest: Earthworld™, Swordquest: Fireworld™, Swordquest: Waterworld™, Tempest®, Tennis™, Video Checkers, Video Chess, Video Pinball, Warlords®, Wizard, Yars’ Return, Yars’ Revenge®
About Atari
Atari Interactive, Inc. (www.atari.com) is an interactive entertainment production company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.
Atari has offices in New York and Paris.
Media contact:
Tony Chien
Senior Marketing Director, Atari
1-212-726-4280
Tony.Chien@Atari.com
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world and is a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), an S&P 500 company. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com, or by following @Activision.
Media Contact:
Kerstine Johnson
Activision
Kerstine.Johnson@activision.com
About AtGames
AtGames Digital Media Inc. (http://www.atgames.net) is a leader in innovative consumer-oriented interactive entertainment products. The company leverages the latest technology to develop and publish its best-selling classic video game products for worldwide distribution. AtGames is based in Los Angeles, with international offices in Taipei and Shenzhen.
Media contact:
pr@atgames.net
Source: AtGames, Atari, Activision
The post Press Release: AtGames Announces the Atari Flashback 8 Gold Activision Edition Console appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Press Release: AtGames Announces Fall 2017 Sega Genesis Classic Gaming Hardware Lineup
PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: JUN 9, 2017 08:00 PDT
Company to Deliver Value, Portable, and Premium HD Releases of its Sega Genesis Classic Gaming Hardware
El Segundo, CA, June 9, 2017 (Newswire.com) – AtGames® Digital Media Ltd., a leader in interactive entertainment products, today announced their latest classic gaming releases: Sega Genesis Flashback, Classic Game Console, and Ultimate Portable Game Player. Each console and portable system include an amazing selection of built-in Sega Genesis games, respectively, as well as an impressive range of innovative features. The systems, which are headlined by a brand new premium high definition (HD) output model, will be available for pre-order via select retailers Summer 2017, and in stores everywhere Fall 2017.
“These upcoming products are our best hardware lineup ever,” says Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “Building on our long history of delivering value-packed, nostalgic products for our customers, this new line-up takes classic gaming to a stunning new level.”
The all-new Sega Genesis Flashback has a stunning new design, reminiscent of the original Sega Genesis console, and features 85 built-in games as well as an integrated cartridge port that plays almost all of your favorite Sega Genesis and Mega Drive original cartridges. Built-in all-time favorites include the Sonic™ series, Mortal Kombat™ series, Phantasy Star™ series, and Shining Force™ series games. Two new high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired gamepads. Other new features for the Sega Genesis Flashback include 720p HDMI output, scanline filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
The Classic Game Console returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 81 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include role-playing and strategy legends, Shining Force™, and Shining Force II™. Two wired controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional original controllers.
The Ultimate Portable Game Player returns with an enhanced selection of 85 built-in Sega Genesis and Mega Drive classic games. The selection of blockbuster games includes new additions PAC-PANIC™ and Splatterhouse 2™, as well as many more surprises. You can even add your own games with an optional SD card! Returning for 2017 is save game support for the included Phantasy Star™ series and Sword of Vermillion™ role-playing games. A built-in, rechargeable battery, means the on-the-go fun never has to end. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high-resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
With an expanded product line, new titles, and smart new features, AtGames is creating a modern home for all things retro gaming. The AtGames Flashback Zone (AFZ) has an all-star roster of classic publishing partners, including Atari, Sega, Taito, Warner Bros, Konami, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, and Activision, making it the definitive destination for classic gaming at major retailers everywhere. Celebrating classic gaming heritage has never been easier, whether for nostalgic old-timers or newer generations looking for a taste of the best of the past. Expect these products and many more from AtGames in stores this holiday season and beyond.
Product Game List (titles vary by system):
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Alien Storm, Altered Beast, Arrow Flash, Beyond Oasis, Bonanza Bros., Chakan: The Forever Man, Columns, Columns III, Comix Zone, Crack Down, Decap Attack, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, ESWAT: City Under Siege, Eternal Champions, Fatal Labyrinth, Flicky, Gain Ground, Golden Axe, Golden Axe II, Golden Axe III, Jewel Master, Kid Chameleon, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat III, Phantasy Star, Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, Phantasy Star IV, Ristar, Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Spinball, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog II, Sonic 3D Blast – Flickie’s Island, Sword Of Vermilion, The Ooze, Vectorman, Vectorman II, Virtua Fighter II, Shining Force: The Legacy of Great Intention, Shining Force II: The Ancient Seal, Shining in the Darkness, Super Thunder Blade, Adventure in the Park, Cross the Road, Jack’s Pea, Jewel Magic, Curling 2010, Plumbing Contest, Wall-Breaking, Bubbles Master, Break the Fireline, Mahjong Solitaire, Hangman, Warehouse Keeper, Chess, Memory, Snake, Air Hockey, Spider, Naval Power, Mr. Balls, Cannon, Fight or Lose, Bottle Taps Race, Bomber, Checker, Hexagonos, Whack-A-Wolf, Mirror Mirror, Panic Lift, Black Sheep, Flash Memory, Brain Switch, Mega Brain Switch, Hidden Agenda, Dominant Amber, Hide and Seek, Jura Formula, Jurassic Jungle, Skeleton Scale, Dinosaur, Puzzle, Lost World Sudoku, Meatloaf Rotation, Mya Master Mind, T-Rex Memory Match, Yawning Triceratops
About AtGames
AtGames Digital Media Inc. (http://www.atgames.net) is a leader in innovative consumer-oriented interactive entertainment products. The company leverages the latest technology to develop and publish its best-selling classic video game products for worldwide distribution. AtGames is based in Los Angeles, with international offices in Taipei and Shenzhen.
Media Contact
pr@atgames.net
Source: AtGames
The post Press Release: AtGames Announces Fall 2017 Sega Genesis Classic Gaming Hardware Lineup appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Press Release: AtGames and Atari Announce Fall 2017 Classic Gaming Hardware Lineup
PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: JUN 9, 2017 08:00 PDT
Company to Deliver Value, Portable, and Premium HD Releases of its Classic Gaming Hardware
El Segundo, CA, June 9, 2017 (Newswire.com) – AtGames® Digital Media Ltd., a leader in interactive entertainment products, alongside Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today announced their latest classic gaming releases: Atari Flashback® 8 Gold, Atari Flashback® 8 Classic Game Console, and the Atari Flashback® Portable Game Player. Each console and portable system includes an amazing selection of built-in Atari 2600 games, as well as an impressive range of innovative features. The systems, which are headlined by a brand new premium high definition (HD) output model, will be available for pre-order via select retailers July 2017, and in stores everywhere September 2017.
“We are excited to partner with AtGames again to release three new gaming systems,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari. “The new hardware includes a robust collection of classic games and features which will give our audiences many options to relive the golden age of gaming at home or on the go.”
The brand-new Atari Flashback® 8 Gold features 120 built-in all-time favorites. These games include iconic Atari 2600 classics like Missile Command®, Asteroids®,Centipede™, and Millipede™, as well as many other legends like Konami’s Frogger™, and Activision’s Pitfall! and River Raid™. Two all new high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired joysticks or paddles. Other new features for the Atari Flashback 8 Gold include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
The Atari Flashback® 8 Classic Game Console returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 105 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include Activision legends like Pitfall!™, Kaboom!™, and River Raid™. Two wired controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional wired joysticks or paddles.
After a blockbuster 2016 debut, the Atari Flashback® Portable Game Player returns in 2017 with an amazing selection of 70 built-in games, including the legendary BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment arcade hit, PAC-MAN™. Other blockbuster games include Dig Dug™, Pitfall!™, and Frogger™, and you can even add your own games with an optional SD card. A built-in, rechargeable battery means the on-the-go fun never ends. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high-resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
“These upcoming products are our best hardware lineup ever,” says Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “Building on our long history of delivering value-packed, nostalgic products for our customers, this new line-up takes classic gaming to a stunning new level.”
With an expanded product line, new titles, and smart new features, AtGames is creating a modern home for all things retro gaming. The AtGames Flashback Zone (AFZ) has an all-star roster of classic publishing partners, including Atari, Sega, Taito, Warner Bros, Konami, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, and Activision, making it the definitive destination for classic gaming at major retailers everywhere. Celebrating classic gaming heritage has never been easier, whether for nostalgic old-timers or newer generations looking for a taste of the best of the past. Expect these products and many more from AtGames in stores this holiday season and beyond.
AtGames Atari Game List (titles vary by system):
3-D Tic-Tac-Toe, Air Raiders, Adventure, Adventure II, Air·Sea Battle, Aquaventure, Armor Ambush, Asteroids®, Astroblast, Atari Climber, Backgammon, Barnstorming, Basketball, Beamrider, Black Jack, Boxing, Bowling, Breakout®, Bridge, Canyon Bomber®, Centipede®, Championship Soccer, Checkers, Chopper Command, Circus Atari®, Combat®, Combat® Two, Cosmic Commuter, Crackpots, Crystal Castles®, Dan Kitchen’s Tomcat, Dark Cavern, Decathlon, Demons to Diamonds™, Desert Falcon, Dodge’Em, Dolphin, Double Dunk™, Dragster, Enduro, Fatal Run, Fishing Derby, Flag Capture, Football, Freeway, Frog Pond, Frogs and Flies, Frostbite, Fun with Numbers, Golf, Gravitar®, Grand Prix, Hangman, Haunted House®, H.E.R.O., Home Run, Human Cannonball™, Ice Hockey, International Soccer™, Indy 500, Kaboom!, Keystone Kapers, Laser Blast, Maze Craze, Megamania, Millipede®, Miniature Golf, MotoRodeo, Night Driver™, Off The Wall, Oink!, Outlaw™, Pong® (Video Olympics), Plaque Attack, Pressure Cooker, Private Eye, Radar Lock™, Realsports® Baseball, Realsports® Basketball, Realsports® Soccer, Realsports® Volleyball, Return to Haunted House, River Raid, River Raid II, Robot Tank, Saboteur®, Save Mary, Seaquest, Sea Battle™, Secret Quest, Skiing, Sky Diver, Sky Jinks, Slot Machine, Slot Racers, Solaris, Space Shuttle, Space War, Spider Fighter, Sprintmaster, Star Ship, Steeplechase, Stellar Track™, Street Racer, Submarine Commander®, Super Baseball, Super Breakout®, Super Challenge Baseball, Super Challenge Football, Super Football, Surround, Space Attack™, Stampede, Starmaster, Star Strike™, Swordquest: Earthworld™, Swordquest: Fireworld™, Swordquest: Waterworld™, Sword Fight™, Tempest®, Tennis, Video Checkers, Video Chess, Video Pinball, Warlords®, Wizard, Yars’ Return, Yars’ Revenge®
About Atari
Atari Interactive, Inc. (www.atari.com) is an interactive entertainment production company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.
Atari has offices in New York and Paris.
Media Contact
Tony Chien
Senior Marketing Director, Atari
1-212-726-4280
Tony.Chien@Atari.com
About AtGames
AtGames Digital Media Inc. (http://www.atgames.net) is a leader in innovative consumer-oriented interactive entertainment products. The company leverages the latest technology to develop and publish its best-selling classic video game products for worldwide distribution. AtGames is based in Los Angeles, with international offices in Taipei and Shenzhen.
Media Contact
pr@atgames.net
Source: AtGames, Atari
The post Press Release: AtGames and Atari Announce Fall 2017 Classic Gaming Hardware Lineup appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 4, 2017
Review: Helect Fidget Spinner (H1031)
Some spinners try to gain attention with an unusual look, some with a low price, and others with premium materials. The Helect Fidget Spinner (H1031) goes for the latter strategy.
The packaging.
With an aluminum body and stainless steel center ball bearings, the Helect has a nice feel and notable heft. While this is not the cheapest spinner out there, you won’t feel cheated by the design.
The contents.
In terms of the most important fidget spinner indicator, the Helect was able to spin on only my second try for 4 minutes and 8 seconds with a sub-maximal push. That places this spinner at the upper end of the performance curve.
The spinner.
In use, the Helect felt well-balanced and stable. When spinning, the mechanism was smooth and quiet.
A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on Jun 4, 2017 at 11:13am PDT
Despite its modest looks, the Helect delivers good quality and performance. It’s a fidget spinner worth looking into.
Pluses:
– Quality materials
– Good weight, balance, and stability
– Relatively quiet
– Good spin time
Minuses:
– Near the upper end of fidget spinner pricing
– Pedestrian styling
Summary:
A substantial and well performing premium spinner.
Thanks to Helect for the discounted review unit.
The post Review: Helect Fidget Spinner (H1031) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 1, 2017
Review: Unitek Aluminum USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station with USB and SD Card Reader
After previously trying out and liking the versatile UNITEK 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Card Reader, I was anxious to try out their Aluminum USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station with USB and SD Card Reader.
The box.
Like that other product, this docking station combines multiple functions into one unit, not only taking up just a single USB port, but also providing you with access to two USB ports in return in addition to its other features.
The accessories.
Feature-wise, you get a docking station where you can plug in bare 2.5″ or 3.5″ SATA I – III hard drives and SSDs up to 8TB at 5Gbp/s, an SD/SDHC/SDXC slot supporting cards up to 2TB, and two USB ports suitable for both data transfer and charging, the latter at 2.4A for even the most demanding devices, like larger tablets. This is all made possible through the dock’s single USB connection and use of the included 12V/3A AC power supply. While by its nature this is not a portable docking solution, its compact frame takes up little desk space.
The front of the unit.
The rear of the unit.
The docking station is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices, and is of course driver-free and completely plug and play on most Windows-, Macintosh-, and Linux-based systems.
The top of the unit.
This is definitely a versatile device at a reasonable price point. Even if you’ll rarely use one of its functions, there are several others that can help prove its value.
Pluses:
Clever combination of features
Can charge multiple devices at once over USB, even larger devices like iPads
Excellent performance
Discrete on/off switch
Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity for increased power efficiency
Minuses:
AC adapter wall wart is obnoxiously long and bulky
Summary:
Another versatile and value-packed multi-function device from Unitek.
Thanks to Unitek for the review unit.
The post Review: Unitek Aluminum USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station with USB and SD Card Reader appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
May 30, 2017
Review: Soul IMPACT OE WIRELESS High Efficiency Over-Ear Headphones with Bluetooth
Unless you’re well-immersed in audio companies, you may not be aware of SOUL Electronics. They’ve been around since 2009, which is not particularly long as companies go, but is at least indicative of a brand with some staying power in these particularly competitive times. Between the abundance of $5 headphones you might get at a discount retailer and headphones costing well over $1000, goodness knows that choosing a good pair somewhere on the lower end of those price ranges can be overwhelming.
The box.
Another angle.
Perhaps that’s why I like these Soul IMPACT OE WIRELESS headphones so much. With a price right around $100, they’re not too cheap where you know sacrifices had to be made in sound quality and construction, but also not priced too high where us mere financial mortals can’t afford them.
Inside the box.
Opening the case.
It’s handy and fits the headphones well.
Basic features of the IMPACT OE include:
Bluetooth 4.0 audio streaming with HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP
Two 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers with a frequency response between 20Hz – 20kHz
Optional 3.5mm audio cable to listen over a wired connection
Line-in controls and built-in microphone
Padded ear cushions and headband
Lightweight at 8.1 ounces and foldable for easier storage or travel
Up to 18 hours of play time from a single charge of its 300mAh lithium ion polymer battery
For testing purposes, I first paired the IMPACT OE with my Windows 10 desktop PC, and then my iPhone 7 Plus. Pairing was straightforward, with the headphones showing up as SOUL IMPACT OE in the Bluetooth listing. Using Spotify’s maximum quality levels, music sounded great, with clear vocals and instrumentation, as well as a powerful, but not too overpowering, bass line. I then listened to audio podcasts, and the voices were perfectly clear.
The styling is classy.
One thing to note is that these are powerful headphones. What I mean by this is is that you can really crank the volume to ear splitting levels. Amazingly, the audio remains clear even at the “now you’re deaf” setting, but this power (these go to 11!) is something to keep in mind when letting younger ears listen.
In testing the microphone, callers said my voice was clear. In turn, I could hear them with excellent clarity.
Although the IMPACT OE may not win any awards for its somewhat conservative looks (something my middle-aged self who prefers professionalism frankly likes), it more than delivers when it comes to sound quality. About the only potential negatives I can levy against these headphones is that the sizing band tends to slide out of position after you remove them from your head and the heavily cushioned earpads are small and meant to go on top of your ears, rather than over. My personal preference is for the latter style, although these are so heavily padded that it definitely doesn’t bother me as much as it usually does.
Despite some niggling issues, if you want a premium, versatile Bluetooth wireless headset that doesn’t break the bank, you would do well investing in these headphones.
Pluses:
Latest Bluetooth technology
Can be used with wired 3.5mm connections too and requires no power in this mode
Great sound
Gets as loud as you could ever want and still pumps out clear audio
Built-in microphone
Long battery life
Lightweight and portable (they fold up)
Premium packaging and materials
Reasonable price
Minuses:
Earpads are sized to go on the ears rather than over, so that may or may not be a negative
Sizing band does not lock in place
Summary:
The IMPACT OE headphones deliver excellent Bluetooth performance with premium sound quality.
Thanks to Soul Electronics for the review unit.
The post Review: Soul IMPACT OE WIRELESS High Efficiency Over-Ear Headphones with Bluetooth appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
May 27, 2017
Review: 3D MARS 3D Printing Filament (PLA)
As 3D printer owners soon come to know, there are a ton of filament options out there. Some are expensive and exotic, some are inexpensive and basic. Others are just cheap in every sense of the word. So how does the 1.75mm PLA filament from 3D MARS stack up?
The box.
Inside the box.
First off, it’s packaged properly. It’s in an overwrapped cardboard box, then the filament itself is shrinkwrapped with a silica gel (desiccant) packet. As for the filament, I’m reviewing the white, and I can say it’s really white, with low reflectivity. Using my digital electronic calipers, I can confirm that my roll had consistent dimensional accuracy.
My usual white spool, on the left, is more reflective and not quite as bright white as the 3D MARS filament.
Loaded using my external spool holder.
This is a large 1.2kg spool, which is much heavier and larger than the usual .5kg spools. Fortunately, using my Creker 3D Printer Filament Spool Holder with Bearing, even my modest New Matter MOD-t 3D printer can accommodate it without issue. Since this PLA works with an extrusion temperature of 195°C – 220°C (383°F – 428°F), as long as it can handle a larger spool size, I can’t imagine any printer not being able to work with this material.
A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on May 26, 2017 at 6:32pm PDT
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The first print at the larger size had some slippage starting at the necks.
The second print at a smaller size came out much better.
As you can see from the images, output quality is excellent, despite my printer “slipping” from the neck up on the first cat model (unfortunately, it does that once in a while; I have two other printers on the way; Anyway, I then printed the cat models at a smaller size, which you can see resulted in no slippage) and there being a slightly stronger odor than I’m used to with PLA. Nevertheless, considering the price is less than most spools of filament half its size, it’s easy to recommend the 3D MARS filament.
Pluses:
– Well packaged
– Meets stated specifications
– Pure white color with low reflectivity
– Low price equals high value
Minuses:
– Might be too large and heavy of a spool for some printers
– Slightly stronger odor than other PLA
Summary:
If you can work with large spools of filament, the 3D MARS 3D Printing Filament (PLA) is a high quality, value-priced choice.
Thanks to 3D MARS for the review unit.
The post Review: 3D MARS 3D Printing Filament (PLA) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
