Gadling gear review: Supertooth HD Bluetooth car speakerphone

by Kraig Becker on

One of the best accessories for any road trip these days is a good handsfree Bluetooth device that allows drivers to take and make phone calls while keeping their hands firmly on the wheel. An increasing number of new cars come equipped with these systems, but for those of us not fortunate enough to own such a vehicle there are a number of options available that deliver similar functionality. Take for example the Supertooth HD, which packs a lot of features into a small, easy to use device.

The Supertooth HD comes with a built-in clip that securely fastens the device to a vehicle’s sun visor. This keeps the unit conveniently close at hand for when the driver needs to access the controls and helps to more clearly pick up voices when on a call. The device also features a powerful speaker, which makes incoming calls sound loud and clear, while two integrated microphones help to reduce background noise for the person on the other end of the line. A large jog-wheel makes it a snap to adjust volume without taking your eyes off the road and several well-placed buttons grant access to some of the Supertooth’s more advanced features with just a click. Some of those advanced features include the ability to voice-dial contacts, announce incoming caller ID and read texts and emails.

On paper the Supertooth HD seems like the perfect handsfree device for those looking to get the most out of their smartphone while on the road. It does feature good sound quality, both incoming and outgoing, and is a breeze to pair with a phone. It took me just a minute or two to connect with my iPhone, for example, and I was making calls shortly there after. Some of the other features are not as easy to use, however. For instance, to get the most out of the voice dialing system you’ll have to program it with specific numbers ahead of time or rely on the built-in voice dialing on your specific phone as a fallback. The device also has the ability to read incoming text and email messages for you, although that particular feature is only available on Android and BlackBerry devices, and not the iPhone.One of the other big features of this device is that it can compose and send outgoing texts, emails, tweets and Facebook status updates using just your voice. It is a useful feature to have at your fingertips while driving, although it does require the Handsfree Assistant subscription service, which comes at an added expense. Using the service can take a bit of getting use to, and at times it can be slow to respond, but in my testing I found that it was accurate and reliable, for the most part.

Powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, the Supertooth HD is good for 20 hours of talk time and a thousand hours of standby. Those numbers seem fairly accurate from my use of the device, which can be recharged with the included USB car charger. Supertooth has even included the ability to inquire about the status of the battery at any time through a simple voice command.

For the most part, the Supertooth HD is easy to recommend for road warriors looking for an inexpensive and easy to use handsfree speakerphone for their vehicle. It offers excellent sound quality, easy set-up and the ability to connect two phones at the same time. Android and BlackBerry users will get a bit more functionality out of the device, although iPhone owners will find a lot to like as well. It even works well with Siri, which can trump some of the features that are a part of the subscription service.

If you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speakerphone system for your car, then the Supertooth HD should be on your shopping list. It delivers a lot of value for the $129 suggested retail price.

Gadling gear review: Camelbak All Clear water purification system

by Kraig Becker on

Finding safe and clean drinking water while traveling can often be a real challenge, particularly if you’re visiting some of the more remote destinations on the planet. Wandering off the beaten path may be one of the more rewarding elements of travel, but it can also be detrimental to our health as many of the world’s water sources contain bacteria, viruses and even parasites. Fortunately there are a number of ways to treat potentially contaminated water, making it safe to drink, including water purification tablets, micro-filters and treatments of ultraviolet light. Of those, UV light is the most effective and has become a much more viable option over the past few years.

Camelbak, the company that practically invented the hydration pack, has recently introduced a new product called the All Clear that looks to marry a high-quality water bottle with a UV purification system. The company has cleverly integrated an ultraviolet light into a specially designed lid for the bottle that when activated will kill more than 99.99% of all bacteria and viruses found in water. That makes it an incredibly useful item to have in our bags when visiting destinations where clean water can be at a premium.

Using the All Clear couldn’t be easier. You simply fill the bottle with water from any source you have at hand, secure the lid on top of the container and activate the UV light by pressing the power button. That will initiate a 60 second countdown timer on the integrated LCD screen which serves as a prompt to begin slowly rotating the bottle back and fourth in 180 degree turns. That motion helps to ensure that all of the water inside the bottle receives equal exposure to the purifying light, which is vital for killing off the harmful bacteria. When the countdown has finished the UV light shuts off and the contents of the bottle should be ready to drink.The All Clear is powered by an integrated battery pack, which is recharged using an included USB cable. That means the device can be powered up by plugging it into your laptop, a USB battery pack or even a portable solar panel. This adds a great level of versatility for travelers but brings a bit of unevenness to the process. Recharging from my laptop took about 4 hours but Camelbak estimates that it will take 15-20 hours using the sun. When fully charged the All Clear is good for about 80 uses, which is enough to purify 16 gallons of water.

Camelbak has clearly taken great care to consider the needs of travelers and backpackers while designing the All Clear. For instance, they have included a second lid that is better suited for drinking from the bottle and have added a convenient carrying case for the UV lid to the package as well. They’ve also printed step-by-step instructions on how to use the device on the outside of the bottle making it nearly impossible to get the process wrong. Those little touches may not seem like much, but they are greatly appreciated when packing for a trip.

For many of us a good water bottle is almost a mandatory piece of travel gear these days and having one with an integrated UV purification system is a great option. That said, the All Clear’s UV lid is a bit on the heavy side – especially when compared to the competition – although it isn’t particularly large or bulky. The heavier cap does include a more powerful ultraviolet light, however, and is designed to work well in a variety of conditions including colder weather.

If you frequently find yourself traveling to destinations where the drinking water is suspect then the Camelbak All Clear is the kind of purification system you’ll want to take with you. It is an easy to use system that knocks out nearly all of the harmful bacteria and viruses that we could potentially encounter on our journey and it does so in a fairly compact and rugged package. The system comes with a $99 price tag and includes a good water bottle, two lids, a carrying case and a USB charging cable. That is a very good package for the price and one that I think you’ll appreciate on future excursions.

Gadling gear review: Keen Harrison 15 messenger bag

by Kraig Becker on

When setting out on any trip these days, a good carry-on bag is one of the best items that you can have at your disposal. Considering we rarely leave home without our laptops, tablets, iPods, and various other gadgets, the ability to carry all of that gear comfortably and safely is a high priority. It doesn’t hurt if that same bag can help us quickly and easily navigate through airport security checkpoints while still managing to look good in the process.

The Harrison 15 messenger bag from Keen meets all of that criteria and then some. Designed from the ground up for travel, this bag has plenty of options that frequent fliers will definitely appreciate. It not only features two large compartments for carrying a laptop, iPad, or file folders, but also includes an interior mesh pocket and a larger exterior pocket located just under the lid. All of those storage options come in handy and are extremely helpful in keeping us organized while on the go. The bag’s wide shoulder strap allows travelers to carry large loads with aplomb, while its high quality zippers and Velcro fasteners keep interior items safe and secure as well.

Built from water resistant fabrics and sporting heavy duty buckles, the Harrison 15 is also designed to handle the rigors of day-to-day use without showing too much wear and tear. I’ve been using the bag on an almost daily basis for a number of weeks now, and it still looks like it just came off the rack. That speaks well for the overall build quality of the Harrison, which should prove to be a loyal and sturdy travel companion for many years to come.
Perhaps the best feature of this bag is that it doesn’t require travelers to remove their laptops for inspection by airport security. The Harrison 15 conforms to new TSA specifications that allow computers to stay safely inside their protective sleeves while passing through the x-ray machine, keeping them well away from prying eyes or a potentially tragic fate on the airport floor. As someone who rarely travels without his laptop, this was a major selling point in favor of this bag. There is an undeniable sense of satisfaction that comes with breezing through security as quickly and effortlessly as possible, and the Harrison 15 can help accomplish that.

Traditionally I prefer to use a small backpack as my carry-on bag, but I found some nice benefits in going with the messenger style instead. For starters, it provided more convenient access to the various items stored inside the bag and kept everything well organized too. The shoulder strap design also provides hands-free access to the interior, which is much appreciated when juggling passports, boarding passes, and a cell phone while standing in line.

The Harrison 15 won’t completely replace my backpack however, as I found that it doesn’t carry larger loads quite as nicely as I’d like. For instance, while it was great for hauling my Macbook Air and iPad, along with other basic travel items, adding a DSLR camera to the mix made the bag overly bulky and less comfortable to wear. This may simply be a personal preference of course, but for me, the messenger bag was much better suited for lighter tasks.

That said, the Harrison isn’t just for travel. Commuters will find that it is an excellent bag for general day-to-day use and I’m sure that more than a few students will enjoy using it on campus as well. This is a durable and versatile bag that helps keep you organized and provides plenty of space to carry all of your gear. With a price tag of $110, it is an affordable option for someone looking for a high quality carry-on for their next trip, that can also pull double-duty while at home.

Gadling Gear Review: Heat Holders Socks

by Pam Mandel on

I suffer terribly from cold feet; it’s why I don’t cheap out on socks. It’s also why I have one of those electric heater mats on the floor under my desk (a gift from my mate who sometimes just nails the gift giving with weird yet supremely likeable prezzies). Socks are way low on the scale of glam gear down with quick-dry underwear and refillable three ounce bottles, but they’re essential, and having warm feet can really make the difference between a lousy day or a good one.

Because of my terminally chilly paws, I was keen to see if Heat Holders are any better than the merino brands that stuff my sock drawer (SmartWool, IceBreaker, Dahlgren, and Darn Tough Vermont) at keeping my feet warm. (I am a fan of good socks, you may have guessed.) The short answer? Well, sort of.

I have a strong preference for natural fibers, it’s a “less plastic stuff” thing. I’m not totally naive; I do know that sometimes, the synthetics are the way to go. I’m just not that keen to spend a couple of hours waxing a canvas raincoat because I want to go with heavy cotton over far superior modern materials like GoreTex or PolarTech. Heat Holders are an acrylic poly blend; there’s nothing particularly natural about them.

They feel fine, though. They have a deep pile fleecy inside, they’re kind of cuddly, furry, even, a little bit like the inside or your lambswool slippers. (No, I don’t have those. The husband does and they’re sweet.) Outside, they’re, uh, a little plastic-y. I’ve been spoiled by merino, which I tend to prefer. But it’s the outside of the sock, who cares?

Here’s my issue with these socks. They’re really bulky. All that fluffy really does work to keep your feet warmer, and they’re great for sleeping in. But I couldn’t get them in most of my shoes. I’m not totally sold on the idea that adding bulk is the best way to stay warm. I get it — loft is how you hold heat and the loft that these socks somehow manage to provide, even after a full day’s wear, works. They worked great in my wellies, which are a little big, but I couldn’t wear them with many of my other winter boots. I’m wearing mine around the house and with my rain boots out in the wet, but for travel? Nope, too bulky.

The marketing text on the elaborate packaging says that these socks are “seven times warmer than your basic cotton sock.” That’s probably true. But I’m not sure they’re seven times warmer than some of the wool or alpaca fiber socks I’ve got, and that’s a more useful comparison.
Heat Holders socks come in a few styles: stripey, long, and in a slipper sock. Their original sock goes for just just under $20.00.

Snow Angel Dynamix Flare Leg Pants

by Pam Mandel on

I’ve posted before about my search for clothes that I can wear on the plane without looking like I’ve just fallen out of bed or come from yoga class. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t care what you wear on the plane, and I will not give you crap if you show up in seat 17F in your flannels with the penguins on them.

I’m trying to dress like the kind of human who might get an upgrade if she asks, nicely. I still believe in that fiction. Also, I feel slightly more human when I’m dressed like I actually bothered rather than put on whatever what was lying next to the bed. Still, I want clothes that are soft, don’t bind, and feel fine after six eight ten hours in flight.

Snow Angel is a sport line — base layers, long underwear, that kind of thing. But they’ve got heavier pieces that work well for travel. The shirts are nice, if a little shiny for my style, but I really like the Dynamix Flare Leg Pants. They’re cut like a pair of jeans, with patch pockets on the pack and two shallower front pockets, but they’re all stretch and give, easy to move around in.

Because they’re made of a heavier weight fabric, they don’t immediately read as yoga pants. They have a nice wide, flat waist band, stretchy and comfortable. There are no zippers or buttons or ties, they’re just pull on and everything fits flat and smooth.

The fabric is all artificial stuff — supplex and spandex. That’s why you get that great stretchy feel. I have really sensitive skin and I had some doubts about whether these were going to work for me, but after two washings, whatever was making me itchy was gone, they’re nice and soft now.

The pants come in two colors, a royal blue and a black. I prefer the black, you really can wear them with a nice blouse or sweater and look perfectly acceptable in most casual environments.The cut is quite flattering, too, ladies, you’ll look good loading that bag into the overhead bin. They run true to size, though you could go up one size if you want a little more room.

The Dynamix pants aren’t great for hot places, their made out of a not particularly breathable fabric, I found. But I was very comfortable wearing them on my last round of flights. They’re wearing well and surviving the wash, plus, as I mentioned, I don’t look like I just came from the gym while I’m standing at the coffee counter in SJC, IAH, or whatever airport I find myself in at 6am.

Snow Angel’s Dynamix pants are 70.00 directly from their website.