Tech

Label Everything with the DYMO LabelManager 160

The kids went back to school and you are left wondering if anything you sent with them will ever make it back home again. You gave them a shiny new backpack and a cool set of lunch containers but will they ever see the light of day in your house once more?

Kids forget stuff! Adults forget stuff! Label it! The DYMO LabelManager 160 is a compact, handheld labeler that makes labeling everything you own simple. If you take the extra step to add labels to everything you send to school with your kids, it may just make it back to be used for another day.

The DYMO LabelManager 160 is easy to type on because it features a computer-style QWERTY keyboard and has one-touch Smart Keys. There are 6 font sizes and 8 text styles (bold, italics, underline and a combination of each) available for use in the DYMO LabelManager. You can also customize your labels with a built-in library of 228 symbols and clip-art images.

The DYMO LabelManager 160 is lightweight and is about 8″ long. It fits comfortably in both hands. I found that it works better with two hands than just one . It is powered by 6 AAA batteries (not included) and will turn itself off after a few seconds of non-use to preserve battery power. You can also power it with an 9V A/C adapter (not included).

The light blue Power and Print buttons are large and easy to find. In between these buttons you will find some useful formatting buttons for 1) font enlargement 2) bold 3) italics 4) underline and 5) vertical printing.

The soft keys on the keyboard have bright white letters which make them easy to find, especially if you are a “hunt and peck” kind of typer. It works better with two hands and is easy to type with your thumbs like you would a smartphone.

The DYMO LabelManager 160 uses DYMO D1 labels that are available in 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ widths. The cartridges are easy to change out. Just lift the “back door”, lift the old one out and pop in a new one. You can even buy NEON green and pink label tape.

Now onto the printing – we found that the labels came out clear and crisp and adhered to surfaces with no problem. A really cool feature you may overlook is that the DYMO LabelManager has a “last label memory” feature so you can reprint without retyping. You will definitely want to keep one of these around the house to label not only your kid’s school items but to label all kinds of things. I even label light-switch panels in the kitchen because I can never remember which one is for the outside light and which one is for the yard light.

The font point size will show on the LED screen. It is a little small so I pointed it out for you below.

The label cutter is on the right side. Just press it to cut the label once it is done printing.

You will have to do a few test labels to see what the font looks like. I made the first one 16 point and it was too small. I made the second one 24 point and it was too large. I settled on 20 point. This was for my YARD and PATIO labels I put on the light-switch cover. The larger font would have worked somewhere else.

The DYMO LabelManager 160 Hand-Held Label Maker is affordable at less than $20 and is a good tool to keep in the kitchen drawer for all of your labeling projects.

Review of Kidz Gear Wired Headphones for Kids

As frequent travelers, we will let our children use our iPads or DVD player to pass the time in the car or on an airplane.

On my son’s first plane ride, at the age of 2, he hated the headphones that came with the DVD player – they did not fit on his head properly, he could not hear his movie well, and they were simply not comfortable. ,Not using headphones on a full plane was clearly not an option, either! While we attempted to purchase a smaller pair of headphones for him, we were unsuccessful – even on the smallest setting, they always fell off his head.

We finally tried Kidz Gear Wired Headphones for Kids, and it was a whole new world for us! Upon seeing the headphones, my son instantly fell in love with the bright orange color (they also have pink, blue, green, and purple), and said “those are JUST my size!”

Besides the great colors, the best part of the headphones is that they fit comfortably on his head!

More importantly had some great “mom approved” features – there is a Volume Limit Cable to limit audio volume to approximately 80% (~ 20dB lower) of original maximum volume, so I don’t have to worry about my kid’s little ears!

I also love that the headphones are adjustable, so they will grow with my children well, allowing me to save money over time. They fit perfectly on my 2 year old’s head, and with a slight adjustment, also fit my 4 year old. The quality of sound is incredible – for the price tag, and this being a children’s product, my expectations were not high, but the product exceeded every other product that we have tried.

The Headphone and Audio splitter cable is a perfect addition to purchase as well, if you have two kids who will be listening to the product. The Kidz Gear Headphone Carry Bag is also a helpful way to keep your gear together in one spot for whenever you need it. This bundle provides absolutely everything that I would need for comfortably traveling with my two children.

This will definitely change the way that we travel, both for my children, and for me!

Disclosure: Kidz Gear sent me a pair of headphones, carrying case, and an audio splitter to test out. All opinions express are my own

Motorola Elite Sliver Bluetooth Headset Review

The Motorola Elite Sliver Bluetooth Headset is one high-powered bluetooth device that reminds you of all the little things you take for granted in technology…quality, useability, simplicity, battery life. The device was designed to be a modern looking piece, one that doesn’t resemble a telemarketers headset, without lacking in performance. It offers exceptional clarity through its HD Audio Plus capabilities and has a unique setting which gives you the ability to adjust the level of background noise going into the microphone.

So, if you’re at a bar when your girlfriend thinks you’re still at work, this might help. Motorola’s headset, if it can really be called a headset, comes ready to roll in a carrying case that doubles as a charging station, keeping your blue-tooth from dying in the middle of those important phone call.

A free app, My MotoSpeak, turns the headset into a talk-to-text master. If everyone in traffic knew you were using this, they would feel a lot safer.

This is one handy bluetooth. These days I won’t even think about using a cellphone without a bluetooth and the Sliver’s abilities make it almost incomparable. The sound quality on phone calls is super crisp and clear while the talk-to-text makes the concept actually applicable. Also, the devices ability to read texts back to you is very handy, especially for driving, but the process can get a bit laborious and you definitely feel like you’re talking to a machine (that can get a little bit awkward if you’re listening to text from your girlfriend or your wife).

Pairing the device with your phone is a cinch, all you have to do is tap the carrying case to your phone and you’re done, as long as the phone has Near Field Communication technology you’re good. My only complaint was that designers just don’t take into account people with less than typical ear shapes when they build these bluetooth headsets. (Cauliflower ear anyone?) But I suppose that can be forgiven.

In the end, Motorola Elite SliverBluetooth Headset is basic and worthwhile. The sleek design is an upgrade to most of the bulky headsets out there and the capabilities are unmatched.

Casio G-Shock Absolute Toughness Smartphone

Introducing the manliest phone you’ve never even heard of. With a unique design, and all the durability a man could need, the G-Shock “Absolute Toughness” may soon turn the smartphone world on it’s head. Carrying the rugged name of G-Shock, the concept smartphone sets high expectations of durability and usability for future designs.

I was well aware of Casio’s mission to provide high-quality equipment that can survive the elements before learning about the G-Shock Absolute Toughness Smartphone. You may have seen one of Casio’s previous smartphone designs in the Verizon G’zOnE COMMANDO (that doesn’t require a contract).

The “Absolute Toughness” device hails from Casio’s G-Shock line and carries more distinct lines and a highly recognizable shape that the Commando does not illicit. The same rugged exterior that has long been a part of G-Shock’s namesake watches accompanies this concept as the makers seek to get out of the box of the standard “smartphone”.

With the ability to survive a ten foot fall, withstand 1 ton of pressure, and survive 1 bar of water pressure, roughly 10 meters, this phone is sure to be able to handle whatever you throw at it. We can only guess what type of operating system would accompany such a man-friendly device, and we’re assuming it probably wouldn’t include all of the bells and whistles that the newest phones are coming out with but a GPS might be nice. Maybe a compass. Altitude reader. Barometer.

Could Verizon be teaming up with Casio yet again? Are we going to see another device that we could possibly bring outside with hurting its dainty exterior? We sure hope so.

Our Walmart Family Mobile Plan Review and Experience

When I learned about the Walmart Family Mobile plan I had no clue what it was, well other than it was a cell phone plan, so off we went to our local Walmart store to find out for myself. Once I found the Family Mobile kiosk I asked the Walmart employee what the difference was between this plan and a contract plan.

I learned the difference between a contract phone and a non-contract phone. We have always “rented” cell phones because we have a contract with another cell phone provider so it was quite an eye-opener for me.

Contract Cell Phone Service

Instead of purchasing the phone you sign a one- or two-year contract with a cell phone provider. Thus what I call “renting” a cell phone. You own it eventually but it might take one or two years. The cell phone provider absorbs some of the cost of the phone and you pay a minimal charge. Some phones can be 1 cent while others can cost you $199 but it’s still a fraction of the actual cost of the phone if you bought it. Then you purchase a monthly plan. You can’t cancel whenever you want. You have to wait until your contract runs out or pay an early cancellation fee of usually $175.

Non-Contract Cell Phone Service

Basically, you purchase the phone and then pay for the monthly plan. You can cancel anytime without penalties. You do have the pay for a full month of service I believe, although it could be pro-rated for the time you use when you cancel it. You can also purchase “minutes” on cards at Walmart if you don’t want to sign up for a Family plan.

With the Walmart Family Mobile plan there are a group of affordable phones to choose from right at the store and you can also use an existing phone you already own.

Even though our kids are grown, two of them and our daughter-in-law are on our existing cell phone Family plan with another cell phone provider. When your kids grow up and are on their own they still like to save money and having a family plan is great for everyone because it saves money. We don’t mind having them on their plan as long as they pay their bill. They are very good at that and it saves everyone money.

So, right now we have 5 people on our family plan. Each person pays around $70 each month to get unlimited plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and Web.

To test out the Walmart Family Mobile plan we purchased the LG Leon LTE phone because we wanted the web capabilities and a phone that would take better photos. This phone was around $79 so it was quite affordable. I also saw cheaper phones for $20 like the ZTE Zinger or the Alcatel Evolve 2 at $34 that would be perfect for a tween or teen just starting out with a cell phone of their own. If you have your own phone you can just use it as well.

What do you get with the Walmart Family Mobile Plan?

The Walmart Family Mobile plan allows you to have up to five lines on the same account. You will need to buy a Starter kit for each phone you want to activate. The Starter Kit has the SIM card you need to put in the phone and costs $25.

The Walmart Family Mobile plan has two prices: $29.98 OR $39.98. Each plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data. The $29.98 plan gives you 1G of LTE (4G) data to use for email, video, photo sharing, Twitter, Facebook, and more and the $39.98 plan gives you 3G of LTE (4G) data. If you want to add another line to the account the cost is even cheaper at $24.98 for each additional line

After comparing our existing cell phone Family plan to the Walmart Family plan, I see the potential savings is huge – $30 a month per person!

Activating the Walmart Family Mobile Plan

Activating the phone is super easy. I went to the Walmart Family Mobile website located at myfamilymobile.com and activated it. You can also activate it through a toll-free number they give you in the Starter Kit. Online it only took about 5 minutes to setup. Once you activate the phone you are given a number and a temporary password are sent to the phone by text message. From there you can just log into your account on the Walmart Family Mobile and you are good to go.

One thing I already like about the Walmart Family Mobile plan is how easy it is to use their site and how you can also pay your bill through your phone or at the kiosks at Walmart stores.

The test will come over the next month as I use the phone and see how good the service is. The Walmart Family Mobile is on T-Mobile network. Before you even decide to get this plan they give you a brochure that shows the coverage in your area. For us, the coverage is good.

Walmart Family Mobile Plan One Month Update

We’ve been using the Walmart Family Mobile plan for about a month and I wanted to follow up and share with you our experience

Signing up for the Walmart Family Mobile plan was super easy. It only took about 5 minutes and I did it online through their easy-to-follow myfamilymobile.com website. I also found out that I could easily transfer my existing phone number to the Walmart Family Mobile plan.

Once I charged up the phone and turned it on, I immediately started looking through the documentation to learn how to use it. I wasn’t familiar with the Android system but it was easy enough to figure out.

I received an automated text message from the Walmart Family Mobile plan on the phone that reminded me of my phone number.

Setting up the phone number was easy. Getting the Internet to work took a little bit more time and I struggled with it for about 2 hours. I could never get it to connect and I wasn’t sure who to call to get help so I visited the Walmart site. I learned that I go into any Walmart store or call 1-877-760-8760 to get help but I decided to utilize their website to see if I could troubleshoot the problem myself.

Their online tutorials and troubleshooting section is great but for this problem it took me awhile to pinpoint exactly what I need to type in the search on their site to solve my problem. Eventually I found what I was looking for and once I went through the steps my Internet started working immediately. It hasn’t had any problems since I set it up.

In case you have the same problem connecting to the Internet using the Walmart Family Mobile plan, here are step-by-step instructions from their website to help you solve the problem.

Verify and update the APN settings:

From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
Tap Settings.
Tap Wireless & Networks or Wireless Controls.
Note: Depends on software version.
Tap Mobile Networks.
Tap Access Point Names or APNs.
If there is a T-Mobile APN, touch it. If not, press the Menu key, and tap New APN.
Verify and update the following settings for the Data APN:
- Name: T-Mobile
- APN: web.omwtoday.com
- Proxy: < Not set >
- Port: < Not set >
- Username: < Not set >
- Password: < Not set >
- Server: < Not set >
- MMSC: http://wirelessfour.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
- MMS proxy: < Not set >
- MMS port: < Not set >
- MMS protocol: WAP 2.0 (Most phones do not have this field)
- MCC: 310
- MNC: 260
- Authentication type: <Not set>
- APN type: <Not set> OR Internet+MMS (depending on software version)
Press the Menu key.
Tap Save.
In the list of APNs, delete all others that appear.
Exception: Do not delete the FOTA APN.
To delete an APN, follow these steps:
- Taph the APN you want to delete.
- Press the Menu key.
- Tap Delete APN.
Verify there is a circle next to the remaining APN to indicate it is activated.
Perform a soft reset.
Test the data connection and access the web to verify it is working correctly

Once I got the Internet to work I started using the smartphone to do all kinds of things. I downloaded the Twitter, Instagram, Dropbox and even Words with Friends app. It was easy to download apps using the Google Play market. All you need is an existing Google account. Log in with that and start downloading apps. If you don’t have a Google account you can create one for free through your Android-based phone.

Paying the Bill: When my bill was due I received an email to let me know that I could pay it online. They notified me a couple of weeks ahead of time so I knew it was coming. I also received a text with the exact amount I owed – which was pro-rated since it had not been a complete month since I signed up – and it also told me I could pay by texting my account number to 611 through the phone itself. That is really convenient!

Connection Speeds: I found that I was able to connect to 4G a lot of the time and when it wasn’t connecting to 4G it would connect to 3G. I have this same experience with my other cell phone provider so it is comparable. Walmart uses the T-Mobile backbone so it is a reliable option.

When I setup my phone number on the Walmart Family Mobile website I also created an account. Now I just log in to pay the bill and I can also see how many minutes and how much data I have used.

Overall I am happy with the Walmart Family plan so far. Have you used the Walmart Mobile Family plan before? Share your experiences below.