technology

The Tiny Tower

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Since having a spinal fusion I have needed to use a laptop stand to keep from constantly looking down.  For years I took one with me, the folding table type, everywhere I went.  I still use it, but now it stays put in the house.  When I would travel, the biggest issue was with its size.  I always had to be mindful of where I sat.  During conferences I would have to make sure using it would not get in anyone’s way.  Because the legs angle out, it takes up far more room than it should.  That being said, I loved that the computer would be at the perfect height and that it was relatively portable.  Yes, it was bulky, but it did the job.  Ultimately, I needed one that was more travel-friendly and space-saving.

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Razer Blade Stealth

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In case you didn’t know, I L-O-V-E Razer.  They make wonderful, efficient gaming gear among other products.  I have pretty much everything Chroma.  Is it necessary?  No, but it’s aesthetically pleasing; plus, there are millions of color options.  Who doesn’t love customization?  When the Razer Blade Stealth was unveiled at CES, it won a “Best of CES; Best PC” award.  They then made history, as Razer won their sixth consecutive “Best of CES” award.  I am so proud to know the people behind the brand.  

Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com
The Stealth currently on sale, which varies in price (i.e. $1,599.99 reduced to $1,449.99 for 512GB, UHD).  Side note:  If you have the student discount, save it.  The current sale price is a better option.  You also get FL Studio 12 included with your purchase.  I was fortunate enough to get one, and all I can say is, “WOW!”  The picture clarity is amazing– minute details I never knew were there are visible.  It weighs in at 2.75 pounds compared to the MacBook Air, which weighs 2.38 pounds.  Currently there is no hardshell case for it, but some companies offer skins.  The one brand with the highest reviews is dbrand.  They have some fun customization options, and can be re-adjusted.  I wish it had come with a sleeve or something to protect it, even though most laptops/ultrabooks do not.     
This ultrabook is incredible!  The touchscreen is very receptive.  I need to get a screen protector; don’t know about you, but fingerprints on the screen drives me nuts.  The backlighting on the keys can be adjusted, and there are millions of combinations to make it your own.  You can customize profiles to fit your wants.  I have a profile for WoW, which only lights up keys used for MMORPGs (there are various gaming settings).  I also have one for daily use, which is spectrum cycling, that cycles through all different colors.  There is also a breathing option, where the colors pulsate.  Options that I haven’t listed are noted here.  My desktop setup has the colors sync together (keyboard, mouse, headphones, mousepad). 
The downside to the Stealth is that it does heat up quite fast.  If you have it on your lap, it might burn your legs.  I always use a stand (it came with a fan), so it’s not an issue for me.  I highly recommend getting one if you decide to purchase this.  I also read that the battery life is not the greatest (unplugged), but I generally always have my laptops plugged in.  Fingerprints definitely show on the outer parts of the ultrabook, which isn’t pretty, but that’s why they have skins.  Should you decide to purchase the Stealth (especially if you’re a gamer), I recommend getting the 512GB, since space is limited already, and the last thing you want is a computer without space.  The first thing I installed was WoW, and it actually plays even without the Razer Core.  In case you were wondering, I did not purchase the Core simply because of the price.  As much as I love Razer, it seems as though they are starting to price themselves out.      
Pros:
  • Visual quality/clarity
  • Gaming capabilities
  • Chroma (not necessary, but it’s beautiful!)
  • Speaker quality/clarity
  • Small power brick (fabric-covered cord)
  • Lightweight
  • Travel-friendly 
  • HDMI port
  • 2 USB ports
Cons:
  • Can overheat fast
  • Battery life is low
  • Generally does not play high-end games without the Core
I’m sure there are more cons, but overall this has been one of my favorite products.  I have only had it for a couple of days, so after more use I will update this post.
Do you have the Stealth or a Razer system?  What are your thoughts?

CES 2016!

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The top of my CES badge.

We are back at CES, and this time it’s (supposedly) bigger than ever, with even more drones & 3D printing areas.  Not that we really need more, but why not?  I am looking forward to seeing everything that will be coming out in the next year.  Over the week, I will try to post updates on what we experience.  I am especially looking forward to seeing what new products Razer and iHealth will be producing over the course of the next year or so.  Virtual Reality (VR) is another thing I am quite excited for, and not just for the gaming aspect.  With VR, you can be just about any place at any time.  Last year, we were chased by a T-Rex, we attacked a giant robot destroying the city, and watched two cute cranes play ball.  Oh, the future…

Stay beautiful!      

Gadget Travel Essentials, Vol. 1

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There are so many gadgets out there that it can be difficult to decide what to take, especially when we travel.  What items do I need to take?  Which cables will I need?  How will I pack them?  How much room will they take up?  These are a few items I like to take whether I am flying or driving to my destination.

1.  Macbook Air + Charger  ($899.00 and up)

Image courtesy of apple.com

I am so glad that I was able to purchase the MacBook Air.  It was awhile ago (mine is the 2011… I think), but it still runs as well as the day I purchased it.  I chose it for several reasons.  It has everything I need program-wise with ample storage.  Another big selling point was the weight.  It weighs next to nothing (~3lbs.), so I carry it with ease.  Since I have neck and back problems, it is difficult to carry weight.  If you are in the market for one, I suggest that you look at the refurbished section first.  Anything that needs replacing is fixed, so you pretty much get a new computer with the same warranty for less.  If you are in education or are a student, they also have educational pricing. 

2.  Western Digital MyPassport  (~59.99 and up)

Image courtesy of Western Digital

I love WD.  My friend gave me a MyBook awhile back, and it is what I back up everything to.  I do a lot of travel, and it was quite cumbersome to pack.  When I saw the MyPassport on sale at Target, I couldn’t pass it up.  This mini version of the MyBook takes up about as much room as an iPhone 6.  I purchased the one for Mac with 1 TB of storage.  They also make them for PCs in a variety of styles, colors, and shapes depending on the specs.  I can back up everything regardless of where I am, which allows me to have another back-up and clear up space on my computer.     

3.  GoalZero Flip 10 Recharger  ($29.99)

Image courtesy of GoalZero

This power stick is awesome!  I received mine at CES, and take it everywhere.  It is important that you know it does NOT come with a cable for the iPhone 6.  The cable is for Android phones.  That being said, it is compatible with any cable, and since I always have extra iPhone 6 and iPad cables in my pack, the lack of one is not an issue.  This power stick weighs 2.5oz, and has the following dimensions:  3.6 x 0.75 x 0.75 in.  The USB allows me to charge the power stick in the USB port on my computer and my phone simultaneously.  Charge it at night, and when you wake, unplug the power stick and toss it in your bag or pocket.    

4.  AfterShokz Blues 2  ($99.95)

Image courtesy of AfterShokz

Image courtesy of AfterShokz

If you haven’t already, check out my post on these Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones.  They are perfect for the gym, airport, plane, and anywhere else you are.  They are lightweight and have a continuous play time of 6 hours (standby time = 10 days).  The Bluez 2 will never hurt your ears since they rest just beyond the tragus.  They also allow you to hear everything around you.  Remember: Safety first!  Each pair comes with a charging cable, carrying bag, and reflectors that are perfect for the night.      

5.  Clarisonic  ($99.99 and up)

Image courtesy of Clarisonic

Okay, I know you are probably thinking that a skincare tool shouldn’t be in this list, but hear me out.  Plenty of men care about their skin, and if you don’t, you should.  Clarisonic helps you to put your best face forward by providing a deep clean with its oscillating brush.  They come with a carrying case (Mia 2), and one charge will hold for at least two weeks even with regular use.  Toss it in your grooming kit (charge it so you don’t need to take the cable), and ensure that your skin will always look its best.   
 

Tech Tuesday: Razer Chroma

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Over time, I have used Turtle Beach, Corsair, and other gaming-specific brands, until I found Razer….then, I fell in love.

Currently, I have the Naga mouse, and my friend has the mouse and headset.  While at CES (a HUGE shout-out to Ryan who helped us out, and Hilmar for all the information), we were introduced to the Chroma line.  The BlackWidow Chroma and BlackWidow Chroma Stealth (Stealth available on their site, only) are two of the most beautiful keyboards I’ve seen.  They are very durable, and the vibrant backlight options allow you to pick from over 16 million customizable color options!  There are 5 additional macro keys and, of course, a gaming mode option.  It is so easy to fit the keyboard to your needs.

Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com

The Naga Epic Chroma mouse works just as well as the Naga, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing.  It also doesn’t have a wireless option nor a magnetic dock.  There is also the Death Adder Chroma, but it doesn’t have the 12-key.  I would compare the Kraken Chroma headset (7.1 surround sound) to the Bose noise-cancelling headphones.  I have used both, and must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Chroma blocks external noise.  Whether you are watching a concert or playing your favorite game, the headset immerses you in the experience; it feels like you’re (literally) there!  Like the rest of the Chroma line, you can choose from over 16 million customizable color options regarding the backlight.  Another plus is how comfortable it is to wear.  I noticed with others that the top of my head would get sore after a little more than an hour of gaming.  There is no discomfort at all with the Kraken Chroma, and I sometimes forget to take a break; the time just flies by!  The ear cups fold in for easy portability, and the mic is a high-quality.  It also can be pushed in when you’re not using it, which means no bulky mic.  

Since CES, we have both purchased the complete Chroma set (I’m waiting just for my keyboard to arrive!).  Everything works seamlessly together, and I love the fact that the colors on the keyboard, mouse, and headset change simultaneously.  Does the backlight affect how the products work?  No.    But it does make gaming experiences that much more enjoyable.  I also love that the keyboard can be set so that specific keys are lit during gameplay, and the rest are not.  It’s all about quality, and Razer makes some of the best gaming products out there.  Right now, they have some great promotions.  You can even purchase a tee, and 100% of the profits will go to the Save the Children Organization.  The Razer team is incredible, too, and their customer service is top-notch.