Tech

Diamond Multimedia Internet Ethernet Kit Review

@Diamondmm The Diamond Multimedia Ethernet kit let’s you create a high speed network using your home’s existing electrical wiring. Say you have a device that is Internet ready but it is not wireless ready. You can’t plug it into a wireless router and use it so you would need a hard-wired network running through you house. Most people don’t have a network of cables wired into their walls and at best you might have long network cables running through the hallway and room to room – what a mess! The Diamond Multimedia kit solves the problem by using your home’s electrical outlet, your existing Internet access, and existing router to give you more Internet access points throughout your house.

The best part? You don’t have to be a geek or a techie person to set it up. It took us about 5 minutes to set it up and have it working.

Four Reasons to use the Diamond Multimedia Ethernet Kit:

1. For Internet-ready devices that do not have a wireless option.

2. For those who do not own a wireless router.

3. For those wanting faster speeds. Hard-wired networks tend produce faster transfer speeds than wireless networks.

4. For wireless devices that refuse to connect wirelessly

How to Setup the Diamond Multimedia Ethernet Kit

First, let’s look at what you get in the box. You get:

Two Adapters
Two Network cables
Instruction booklet
CD with manuals installed (not software)

The instructional booklet shows you exactly how to set it up but let me explain it here:

1. Take one adapter and plug it into the wall outlet closest to your router. You must have a router for this to work. It will not work with just an Internet modem.

2. Take the supplied network cable and plug it into an open port in the router. You may want to use your existing network cable if it is longer as these short, about 2 feet long.

3. Take the second adapter and plug it into the wall outlet closest to the device you want to get onto the Internet. This does need to be an Internet-ready device. If it doesn’t have a place to plug a network cable in then it is not an Internet-ready device.

Internet-Ready devices can include TVs, XBOX, Wii, Blu-Ray Player

4. Plug the second network cable into the Internet-ready device.

If you are using a computer or laptop for the device you are plugging in you may have to enable the Network option. I had to log off and then log into Windows again to get it to work. If that doesn’t work then try to restart your computer. It really should automatically pick up the Internet without you having to do anything special.

If you have it installed properly, which is basically just making sure the cable is plugged in securely. If you hear it click you know it is plugged in properly.

Watch this video from Diamond Multimedia to see a more visual view of the setup.

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Then, take a look at the adapter that is plugged in the wall. You will see three lights and a simple connect button. Here is the explanation of each light. These lights will blinks as they are being used and sending data back and forth. If it doesn’t appear to connect you can push the Simple Connect Button.

The top light is power – showing you that it is on

The middle light is power line activity – showing you that you have power coming in the wall outlet

The bottom light is Ethernet activity – showing you that you have Internet activity

Use to connect your Netflix and other internet-ready devices such as media players, Blu-Ray players and gaming consoles

We have had problems with our laptop not connecting through our wireless router and this device would have solved the problem. When we tested the laptop with it for this review it connected immediately after logging off and back into Windows without any reconfiguration necessary. And, when I tested the laptop on the Internet with Firefox it was definitely faster than my wireless connection. A definite reason to use the Diamond Multimedia Ethernet Kit.

This kit gives you the option of having fast and stable Internet access anywhere in my house without always having to fuss with the Wi-Fi speeds and deadzones. It also gets rids of network cables snaking throughout the house and costly installations

The retail cost for the Diamond Multimedia Ethernet Kit is $79.99 and may be purchased at Amazon.com with free shipping.

Disclosure: Diamond Multimedia sent us this kit to test out and review. We have given you our honest opinion. It is a good product that does what it says it will do.

The Kingston urDrive Flash Drive Review

What is different about the Kingston urDrive Flash Drive that would make me want to write about it? Aren’t all flash drives created equal. Well most of the time I would say yes. But, when I received information about the urDrive I was intriqued to find out just what was so different about it and now I know. So let me tell you what I found out.

Another thing that is great about this drive is the price. An 8GB retails for $9.95 and a 16 GB retails for around $19.95.

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First, when you see the Kingston urDrive you know it is different because it is super tiny. You could add this flash drive to your keyring and hardly even know it was there. Take a look at my pictures. The larger drive is your standard flash drive. Once it is open you see how much bigger it is than the urDrive. The Kingston flash drive doesn’t even need to be opened. The end is protected enough so it doesn’t need a cover, mainly because the USB connection is inside and not protruding.

Okay, so it that it? It’s just tiny and can fit on my keyring? Actually, no. This is just the beginning of what makes the Kingston urDrive flash drive so different from other flash drive.

Pop the urDrive in a USB port and when the window comes up click to open it. You will see three files. Double-click on urDrive.exe to bring up the main screen.

You will see this screen:

Click on each of the icons at the bottom to see what they have to offer.

The Kington urDrive includes:

8 GB of storage on the drive itself
USB 2.0 compatible
Norton PC Checkup
Built-in Browser
6 GB of online storage with VDrive
Fooz Kids
Social and Multiplayer games
the uDrive Store for lots of extra apps

After you click on each to see what you are getting click the large green, Get Started button.

Just follow the prompts. It only takes about 1 minute. Then you are presented with the home screen.

This is the screen you will see from now on. Look around and see what is available. At the bottom you will see the Home button. Use that to come back to this screen each time. At the far bottom right you will see the Settings and Help. Settings will give you options to change the background image and also uninstall the software if you don’t want it any longer.

Look at my screen below and located the blue arrow next to the STORE icon. By clicking that arrow you will be presented with more icons for apps you have installed.

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are already programmed in the Maxthon browser and they give you an icon to make it easy to go to each one. You will find those if you click the arrow.

Once you figure out what you can to use on the urDrive CLICK on the icon. If you find that whatever you clicked on does not load press it a little harder until you see it turn gray.

Some things will require installation and others, like the browser will just pop up and are ready to use.

Maxthon Browser

The Maxthon browser that is included is full features and has tabbed windows just like Firefox and other popular browsers. It can view Flash and has a favorites list. You can also import your favorites into it from your Internet Explorer browser at home or any HTML favorite files.

VDrive Cloud Storage

A V-drive account gives you the instant alility to back-up and sync up to 6GB of your personal files and folders to a secure account in the cloud that is also synced to your favorite internet-enabled devices. From that point on, V-drive automatically backs-up and syncs your files to your Kingston urDrive device. Think of V-drive as your own secure, filing cabinet in the sky. Think of every device you use that connects to the internet. Imagine all of them — USB drive, laptop, work PC, mobile phone and that cool new tablet computer — communicating with each other to ensure *each* device always has the most current copy of all of your files.

To use the VDrive online “cloud” backup feature you need to create an account. A VDrive account is free.

Fooz Kids Platform

One of the coolest things, especially if you are a parent or guardian with kids, is Fooz Kids.

Fooz Kids is an application that provides kids with a secure and entertaining Internet environment – controlled by YOU, the mom or dad! Click on the Fooz Kids icon and begin the installation process.

Note: You will need to make sure you are connected to the Internet when you first install the Fooz application as it has to download the installation software.

You have to create an account for the child. Once they log in or you log in for them, you are presented with this home screen. Fooz Kids is so much more than games. They can send messages to other Fooz Kids members, do crafts, watch full movies, play games of course, and browse the web with kid-only sites that are already programmed into it.

This is what the Fooz Kids Home Screen looks like. You can see all of the options there are for doing fun stuff.

Fooz Kids Flix

This is what the movie screen (FLIX) looks like. Pick a category and all of the individual movies appear under that category. Click on a movie and it shows in a theater-like setting.

Fooz Kid Web:

When your kids pick the Internet option they are presented with pre-included Kid Friendly sites. All they have to do is click on of the icons and it opens the browser and takes them there.

You don’t worry that your kids will go off to other sites you don’t want them to visit. They can only stay on those sites once they visit. If they click on something that isn’t approved they get this screen.

Fooz Kid Creator

With the Fooz Kid Creator your kids can design who they want to be on Fooz Kids. They can pick the hair, skin, eye, eyebrows, shoes, clothing and accessories. In the Mall they can “buy” extra clothes and accessories (it’s free).

There is SO much stuff for kids to do. They are going to love Fooz Kids and since it is all on your Kingston urDrive you take it wherever you go.

Import Files, Photos, Music, Videos and Apps

At the bottom of the home screen you will see the icons for files, photos, music and videos. Click on each one and look for the Import button at the top right to add all of your photos, music, videos, and even apps to your Kingston urDrive.

In conclusion, I think the Kingston urDrive is one awesome Flash Drive. I could go on and on because there are so many features within each feature you get. You can take all of your and important data with you and sync it to your “cloud in the sky” so you make sure you always have the latest copy. Your kids will have lots to do to keep them busy if you are on vacation. Whether you bring your laptop with you or use the hotel’s computers everything will be there waiting for you on the Kingston urDrive.

Review of the Arpeggio Bluetooth iPad Keyboard

We received an Arpeggio Bluetooth Keyboard from “The Joy Factory” for review. The particular one we received is compatible with the iPad tablet or Mac. Let me tell you a little about The Joy Factory (thejoyfactory.com) before talk about the keyboard. They offer several specialty accessories for smart phones and tablets; including protective cases and portfolios, rotating stands and versatile mounting and charging solutions.

The Arpeggio keyboard is a slim, compact, full-featured keyboard that can be used with your iPad or Bluetooth-enabled Mac. I am not sure why you would need it for a Mac if they are talking about a laptop since a laptop already has a keyboard but since this keyboard does work from 33 feet it could be something you use on your lap while the laptop sits on a table further away. Because it is Bluetooth Class 2 compatible, there are no wires or cables needed. The Arpeggio can be 33 feet away from the iPad or Mac and still interface with either. In addition to the standard keyboard features, it has several special multimedia keys.

Arpeggio comes with a lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery that can be charged quickly. After four minutes of non-use, it will automatically go into sleep mode to conserve the battery charge. A lighted power indicator lets you know when it’s on. A USB charging cable is included with the keyboard. They also offer the keyboard with a dual-pocket carry case making it easier to carry your iPad and keyboard around with you.

Upon taking it out of the box, I noticed how little it weighed and that it was slim and compact, just as they stated. As with any electronic device, it is recommended to fully charge the device prior to first use. It was easy to charge, just attach the USB charging cable and plug it into your computer. Or connect the USB charging cable to an USB charging adapter and plug it into any standard 110v outlet. I choose the latter method and it was fully charged in approximately 90 minutes. There is a battery status LED on the F11 key of the keyboard. If the light is out, the battery is fully charged. If the LED is slowly flashing, the battery is low. If the LED is quickly flashing, the battery is charging.

Note: the USB charging adapter I used to charge it in an outlet does not come with the keyboard. You have to buy it separately and I just happened to have one when testing out the keyboard.

The little pamphlet they include has step by step instructions with pictures so it makes it super easy to figure out how to connect the keyboard to your iPad and figure out what the extra indicators mean on the top row of keys.

It was seven easy steps to pair (interface) the keyboard with our iPad2:

Power on the keyboard.
Tap the Settings icon on the iPad.
Select the Bluetooth option under the General tab on the iPad.
Turn Bluetooth on from the iPad.
Press “Connect” button on the bottom of the keyboard. This button is recessed and can be pressed with a pen or fingernail file. The blue LED on the F12 key (WiFi) will start flashing.
Tap the keyboard name on the iPad to begin Pairing it.
Type the password on the keyboard that is show on the iPad and press Return. Pairing is completed and LED on keyboard F12 key will stop flashing.

I haven’t used other wireless keyboard for the iPad so I don’t know if this is standard or not but I found the Connect Button on the back to be a little inconvenient. It is the black dot in the picture below. It is kind of a rubberized button that sits slightly below the surface of the plastic keyboard surface making it hard to press. I had to use the tip of a fingernail file to actually use it. I would think this would be a raised button with a hard surface so you don’t need anything to press it but your finger. Everything else about using and connecting this keyboard was great though.

Having this portable keyboard makes typing on the iPad much easier than the touch-screen keyboard. Because it has a range of 33 feet, I could use it like a remote when I have my iPad attached to my TV and am watching movies through Netflix without having to get up. Other than that I am not sure why you would use a wireless keyboard and have a Mac or iPad that far away from you. I can see using this (with a case) attached to the iPad to make it work more like a laptop. An iPad is so much lighter than a laptop and having a wireless keyboard makes it more convenient and easier to type on.

The battery charge can be extended if you turn off the keyboard when you are finished using it.

There are four rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard to keep it from sliding around on smooth surfaces.

The keyboard does has the standard 5-row layout and the Function keys offer iPad/iPhone specific functions such as turning on/off the Home screen, launching universal search, multimedia playback controls, launching on-screen keyboard, and more.

Also on that row of keys you will see the battery indicator and WiFi indicator. When the keyboard is connecting the WiFi button has a blue light that flashes but once it is connected you don’t see an indicator that let’s you know it’s on so you have to make sure to check the On/Off button on the back so you don’t run your battery down when you aren’t using it.

The keyboard may take a little time to get comfortable using as it is a little smaller than a normal keyboard or even a laptop keyboard. But it is a little larger than the keyboard on a Netbook. The spacing between the keys is about the same as a normal keyboard.

In summary, the Arpeggio Bluetooth Keyboard from “The Joy Factory” is compact and light-weight, that offers the standard keyboard layout and keys. It works with any Bluetooth capable smartphone or tablet, but has several iPad / iPhone specific control keys. It is a good device to take with your iPad while traveling, especially if you have the carrying case. Is makes typing on your iPad / iPhone much easier than the touch-screen keyboard.

I didn’t test to see if this bluetooth keyboard would work with any other tablets but it would be interesting to see if it could be for dual tablet use. It is specifically designed for an iPad or Mac though, as the packaging indicates.

You will find The Joy Factory on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube too.

Disclaimer: We received the Arpeggio Bluetooth keyboard to test out and review. I gave my honest opinion about this device.

Nextbook Premium 7 Multimedia Tablet Review

I have been testing out the Nextbook Premium 7 tablet by EFUN and this is my review. This is a snazzy little tablet that has a ton of great features. You can’t compare it to a Galaxy Tab or iPad because it is not in the same price range but you will be pleasantly surprised at just what this tablet has to offer.

The Nextbook has the following features:

Bright, crystal clear Capacitive 7″ touch-screen
Android-powered 2.3 OS system that is Flash 10.1 ready (can be updated)
Built-in 802.11 WiFi
eBook Reader + Kobo for purchasing more eBooks
SlideME application manager
OfficeSuite Pro
ASTRO File Manager
1GHz processor
4GB of built-in flash memory
SD/MMC card slot for up to 32 GB
SD memory card slot for expansion purposes
G-sensor
Task Killer app
Mini 2.0 USB
Earphone jack
integrated speakers (in the back)
Protective suede-like cover
wall power adapter unit with cable
USB computer cable

If you like surfing the web, checking email, listening to MP3 music files, watching videos on You Tube, chatting on Twitter, Facebook, reading eBooks, playing games, keeping an electronic grocery shopping list, or checking the time and weather, the NEXTBOOK Premium 7 could be just the tablet for you.

The price is much less than one of the larger tablets at $299.99. You can purchased the Nextbook Premium 7 at AAFES (Army/Air Force Exchange), Alcos, Conn’s, HSN, MCX (Marine Corps Exchange), Adorama, CWR Electronics, Heartland America, NEX (Navy Exchange), Bon-Ton, Fingerhut, ABC Warehouse.

The Touch Screen

I found that the touch screen is very intuitive and easy to see because it is clear and bright. It recognized my touch easily and typing on the keypad was easy as well. The buttons on the Nextbook are also intuitive and very similar to other tablets.

Just like a lot of tablets and Smartphones, you can turn the tablet in any direction and the screen will turn. You can lock it too through a setting on the tablet (not a button on the side like the iPad).

The App Store

I found it a little hard to find apps to install but then I watched one of their instructional videos on the Nextbook site and figured out. You have to use the SlideME app and then bring up the search to find the app you want to install. Touch Download, Install and then touch Settings because the Nextbook will block any installing of apps until you allow it to access the Wifi connection you are using. Once you are in Settings touch next to “Unknown sources” and touch OK. The you can continue with the install. I found this a bit confusing until I watch the video and once I figured it out I didn’t have to do it each time I wanted to download something.

Just so you are clear, even though this is an Android operating system you cannot use the Android Market to get apps. You have to use the SlideMe app market and pick from the apps available. That means you will not be able to get every app made for the Android systems. I was not able to find Angry Birds but I did find lots and lots of apps like the Flashlight, games similar to Angry Birds, eBooks, videos, utilities and lots more. There are 10s of thousands of apps, many free so even though you might not be able to get some you heard about you will definitely have more than enough to keep you busy. If you have kids definitely try out the LEGO Master app. When I looked it was on 30 cent.

EBook Reader and Kobo Store

The Nextbook has apps already installed like an eBook reader that has 25 books pre-installed, ready to read. To add more ebooks to the built-in eBook reader you will have to attach the Nextbook to your computer.

It also have the Kobo eBook store built-in. This means you can download books directly from the Internet with your WiFi connection.

Built-in Features

Because it is on the Android system you can customize your home screen (which you can’t on an iPad) and put just those apps you use a lot on it. It also has a neat photo gallery and a lot of photos you can use to customize your background on the desktop.

Here are some of the other cool features I found on the Nextbook Premium 7:

Large Time and Weather feature right on the main screen
Task Killer built-in so you can kill apps that are open and zapping your battery’s life
Nextbook Guide installed so you can look for help when you can’t figure something out
Calculator
Astro File manager to easily see the files you have downloaded from the Web, from attachments via email, or through your computer
OfficeSuite Pro – yes, you can create and read Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint or slideshows
Google search right on the home screen which makes it convenient for searching the web

Sound

The speakers are in the back. I never understood why tablet makers put them in the back. If you are on a train and are sitting across from someone you often have to turn the sound up high and then it blasts the person across from you and you still can’t hear it. This is a problem for many tablets, not just this one, and maybe it isn’t a problem but more of a personal annoyance on my part.

Adding Videos, Music, Photos, Documents

You will need to hook the Nextbook tablet to your computer if you want to add videos, music, photos, or documents you already have. You can also email the documents to yourself and check your email on the Nextbook and download or open the attachments you have sent to yourself.

At the current time I haven’t found apps you can use to download music or videos from the web similar to iTunes but there may be something available in the SlideME app store.

Nextbook Accessories

You get a USB cable and power cable with the Nextbook Premium 7 and also a suede-like pouch to keep it in. I am using the pouch to keep the manual and the cables in. I purchased a leather-like case to put the Nextbook in and it helps to keep the dust off and protected when I put it in my purse.

You can get a cover fairly cheap from Amazon.com. The one I purchased was for the Nook and fits perfectly. I think it cost me around $20 and it came with all kinds of extra like a screen protector and extra cables. Definitely make sure you get a screen protector.

Update: You can buy just the leatherette cover that has the soft velour fabric inside for around $11 on Amazon.com

In Conclusion:

The Nextbook Premium 7 Tablet is a snazzy little tablet that does just about everything you need it to do. You aren’t going to get this tablet and expect to replace your computer. I also own an iPad, which is much larger, and I can’t work on it either. Tablets are for convenience if you don’t own a Smartphone or want something you can give to your children or teens to use when they are in the car on a trip or at home. I don’t ever see them replacing computers. The Nextbook Premium is super fast, super clear, and has tons of features that make this well worth the price.

Update: If you ever have problems with your Nextbook just call their Customer Service number at 1-888-415-5177 or visit their Tech Help section on their site at nextbookusa.com/techsupport

Disclosure: I received this Nextbook Premium 7 in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given above.

Energizer Energi to Go iPhone Charger Case Review

If you have an Smartphone and use it a lot for things like Twitter, posting to Facebook, email, taking pictures or videos you know how fast that battery drains down. If you are just using it for calls and texting the battery will last a lot longer but apps seem to really drain the battery.

I have an iPhone 4 and decided to look for a solution. When I am away from my computer I am always on Twitter or Facebook, taking pictures and sending and receiving emails. I am often at a conference or event that doesn’t give me access to charge my battery. If I was even able to charge my battery then I wouldn’t be able to use my phone becuase I would have to set it somewhere while it charged.

I found the Energizer iPhone “Energi to Go” Charger Case(Model AP1201) through my friend Robyn, and because she had such success with it I decided to give it a try. One thing right off that is nice about the Energizer Energi Charger Case is the price. It cost me $29.99 through Amazon.com and shipping was free (the price could vary). A comparable model from Mophie can cost you almost $100. There are other brands like Boost, iCase, and Exolife and they all work about the same. The only one I tested out was the Energizer Model AP1201 Silicone case (see video review below). The case is also available in a hard plastic and costs about the same price.

I tested out the Energizer charger case for 2 weeks and this is my opinion of it.

A charger case is super easy to use. I got the silicone cover version and it was flexible. It easily forms it over the phone once you slip the phone down into the connector. I thought it was going to get dirty because fuzz and dust was sticking to it but over time I found that was not the case. Maybe the oils from my fingers gave it a coating over the silicone, I don’t know, but I have not had any problem keeping it clean.

You can charge both the iPhone and charger case at the same time without removing the case by plugging in the supplied cable to the case and then into the computer. When the case is fully charged you will see 4 blue lights on the back. While it is charging those lights will blink until they get solid once fully charged. You won’t see the lights until it is charging or you press the side button because they are embedded into the case.

When you remove the cable your phone will work off of it’s internal battery and when the charger case senses that the battery is draining it will charge it up. You can click the button on the side to see how much is left of the charger case’s charge or hold the button to give you phone a quick charge.

You will see a battery charging icon at the top right when the charger case is charging your phone. When you press the button and hold it the light will turn red indicating that it giving your phone a quick charge. If you press the button and no lights appear then the charger case batter is dead and needs to be recharged.

The difference in a charger case and an actual battery extender is the fact that the phone gets put inside of the case and the battery is part of the case instead of a unit that you hook to the bottom.

You can get a battery extender to your Smartphone but those hook to the bottom of the phone and look bulky and not too convenient (see below). This is why I purchased a charger case becuase it works just like any protective case you put over your phone but charges the battery at the same time.

Now to the results. Did the Energizer Charger Case work and give me extra usage for my iPhone 4? That would be a yes! I got up to 8 hours more with my iPhone because of this battery. Now I can go anywhere and not worry that my iPhone Smartphone is going to die on me. Just make sure you go out of the house with it fully charged first though.

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Disclosure: this was a personal purchase and these are my opinions.