Cool Gear,Gadgets, Trends-Staying Connected, Protected Portable Power-OR S/S 2015

SLC/OR

Part 4

Want to live life everywhere, accompanied by some toe-tapping tunes? No problem, wherever one ventures forth- the sounds of music -or anything else broadcast on a smartphone/tablet- can be blasted out via many durable options -that project and/or power up personal electronics.

Highlights:

Braven got two thumbs from a fellow attendee-so we checked out their wide range of wireless bluetooth speakers and portable power-for the outdoors. Pictured on right the 20 watts of sound boomer 855S ($299.99) water resistant shell with tablet charging and kick out tunes for 20 hours. The white BRV-Bank™ $129.99 on left (and in back-other colors) Bluetooth enabled (interesting), USB controlled ultra rugged power bank delivering 6000mAh in a IPX5 water resistant rubber exterior.

OUTDOOR TECH's distinctive looking shock proof/water-resistant Turtle Shell speakers come in 2 sizes and rainbow worthy color options…delivering a wall of sound that is richly hi-fi -not tinny. Above Turtle Shell 2.0 -$129.99 -16 hours play time. Below Big Turtle Shell $229.95 with a 32 ft. of bluetooth range has an internal power bank with usb output. Party On!

Different sized ear outer canals are fitted A-OK with yurbuds™ one of the first in ear headphones made for the sporty type who sweat up a storm. Inspire Pro+ Limited edition both have a 3 button water resistant sweat tough microphone so one never misses a conference call when training for an Ironman…fully integrated with Apple products. Guaranteed never to fall out while on the go.

EnerPlex had attendees at the Outdoor Nation's fundraiser charging up with the ultra thin 3200 mAh Jumpr Stack 3 that extends smartphone's power by 100%-200% (up to 8 hours) with a tethered micro USB output. Also has tethered lightning output-fits camera charge cord. $39.99. PLUS: Pair (stack-up) more than one of these to simultaneously charge power hungry devices/ batteries via its magnetic stack and charge functionality. Nifty.

A Tech zone over in the PV section- showed off clever products aimed at protecting and enhancing smartphones…some highlights-----

Juice packs $99.95-extends life of many different models of smartphones in durable case-Power Stations of all sizes (from $39.95 up to $129.95) fire up smartphones+other USB devices. Juice Pack Outdoor Editions ($119.95-$149.95) super rugged case -2 versions pair up w/ GPS app while extending battery life

Riding around in your automobile is a multi-tasking endeavor with a Mophie car charger that can power personal electronics. IMO-must have.

For a 'low tech product'-that protects a high tech product-we thought Armpocket Armband cases just so practical-that although we don't workout to music…the clever interior slots for cards/keys-plus a separator band inside the über light foam holder-that can fit even another MP3s (or more cards, lip protector etc)…all without being bulky…is THE way of finding our smartphone/keys in a sec- without an archeological worthy expedition inside our backpack/oversized tote- hauled around on a daily basis.

different sizes for different size smartphones and arm widths…multiple color options. Water resistant ArmPocket armband cases also has earphone outlets and a plastic screen that allows for use of touch-screen devices ($29.95-$39.95). Bonus points…made from recycled PET and straps edges from bamboo rayon. Machine wash cold water (empty, duh).

There's a reason iPhones are replacing even wi-fi enabled cameras for the selfie generation…olloclip®'s clip on 4-in-1 (works with iPad mini and Air), Telephoto- with circular polarizing lens for 2x magnification and richer color, less glare+reflection, Macro 3-in-1, and original 3-in-1=lenses take photos/videos to a pro level of detail and clarity. Made of aircraft grade aluminum and precision ground coated glass optics.

4-in-1 lens

iPhone compatible =iPod adapter available…slides/snaps right on

fisheye lens…part of 4-in-1 lens-super clear images…also includes wide angle, and 2 macros -10x and 15x

QuickFlip™ case works with tripods via an included Pro-Photo Adaptor. Case corner rotates to create an easy to use shutter release with the + button on the phone.

crazy detail…massively impressive-Macro 3-in -1 lens=7x, 14x, or 21x Macro magnification.

all clip right on

wannabe Chuck Close painters will love the scary close details…not recommended for selfies

All lenses come with lens cap and microfiber carrying case doubles as cleaning cloth.

The InstaFocus™ hood (included) specially designed to diffuse the light and facilitate focusing

StrongVolt showed off their Suntrack Technology™ with auto reconnection-powers off in the shade and then can automatically reconnects your device to power win back in the sun.

a plug in USB (at top of indicator) and device selection indicator-helps gets perfect amount of power for device being charged-specifically developed for Apple products works with Android too…different sizes for different charge times $49.99-$159.99

pong-case contains a built in antenna technology-a micro-thin, gold antenna that redirects wireless energy away from the user's body. Probably a very good thing (up to 82% below SAR limit). ..and thereby increasing transmitted signal by 25%

$59.99-Classic size

PURE.GEAR® Making a Case For Life®-had a wide assortment of products for Apple/Samsung personal electronics

DualTek XT for extreme terrain certified IP65 rating (military standard, fyi)-dustproof +water resistant protection for iPhone

shock absorbing corners, ergonomic clip, screen shield bans scratches $49.99

new-arm band strap that easily clip on and off

slide off the strap-use the protective case on its own---great multi-tasker

Secur Solar-cellphone charger via the sun and a utility light-$-has micro usb port s for charging devices, 2 level LED light-emergency flash feature.

Another cool product from Outdoor Tech...

Annie Get Your Gun worthy (Irving Berlin's fab lyrics/music belted out by icon Ethel Merman) deftly channeled with the …anything you can do we can do 3 times better…CALAMARI…only one charge cable with 3 connector heads/one wire needed to power up all your devices …check out the top …comes in different colors too.

GOAL ZERO shows JUST HOW WATERPROOF their new Venture 30 recharger/portable power is...

IPX6 weatherproof rating, no rubber plugs needed, 30Wh 7800 mAh recharger, built-in micro USB cable tip-tangle free charging for phones/tablets, solar ready built in charging tip-4 hours USB or 9 hours full sun , high speed USB 4.8 A across dual ports ---can charge smartphones 2-3x..and 2 devices at one time. $99

Massively solid-this Brunton BOLT PRO XL and BOLT PRO devices= power giants should be mandatory purchase for all our suburban dwelling pals who lost 2 weeks worth of power-post Hurricane Sandy---even their back-up generators only lasted a few days.

delivering January 2015…ready in time for winter power losses---28 pound BOLT PRO XL $1899 -512WH Lithium Polymer Battery with 500 watt continuous output, several input (AC 110v, Solar)-output (2xAC, 110v, DC 15V, USB 5V) receptors-and a model for Euro 220V in/outputs also available , in an IPX waterproof case built in protection against overload as well as under voltage monitoring. Pretty fabulous and at 28lbs-stick it in a car…with a big screen tv…and violà---insta-outdoor movie/big game viewing. In case Mother Nature needs amping.

Brunton PRO Bolt model same features as above but lighter weight at 19 lbs/less capacity 265WH lithium polymer battery-continuous 400 watt output. $1099

GoPro cameras are mounted everywhere-kinda like Google Maps-mapping drones. It is a category definer---and even its debut on NASDAQ (symbol GPRO) exploded up. Holy Cow! Lucky insiders…

Brunton extends the video taking for GoPro® Hero 3+-water proof and water resistant All Day High Capacity Power Supply doubles as a power supply -other personal electronics too-via a sealed side access door. 3-in-1 adapter cable included, micro USB input-fits the GoPro case perfectly---$49.99