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You are here: Home / 2017 / Archives for July 2017

Archives for July 2017

Speck Back To School Backpacks for 2017 Preview

07/31/2017 By Hakan Can

Speck back to school backpacks 2017

We’re halfway through Summer, and with that said, Back To School Shopping Season begins. Speck, the best-selling mobile phone case maker in the United States, just released their latest line of school and college backpacks for 2017. These four new school bags, 3 Pointer, Candlepin, Module, and The Ruck, offer something different for nearly everyone, and at a price point to please. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Speck Back To School Backpacks for 2017 preview.

Speck back to school backpacks 2017

Introducing Speck Back to School Backpacks 2017

Press Release

Per the Speck Products press release, “Speck’s 2017 Backpacks are durable, stylish, and ready to go with you to class or on your next adventure. Each bag fits up to a 15-inch laptop and has a sleeve to protect and secure a tablet. For all of your other gear, each bag features plenty of space and pockets to keep you organized.”

Read:   The Best Speck CandyShell iPhone 6/6s Cases of 2016

The Ruck Backpack

“With two compartments, several pockets, and dedicated sleeves for a laptop and tablet, The Ruck gives you enough storage space for everything you need to carry.”

  • Available Color Patterns: Khaki, Charcoal Grey
  • Padded laptop sleeve protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops.
  • Interior tablet sleeve secures and protects a 10-12″ tablet or e-reader.
  • Front pocket keeps cables, phone, and other small items handy.
  • Side water bottle pockets, one per side.
  • Mesh foam strap and back padding provides superior comfort.
  • Hangar hook and padded top handle offer easy and comfortable transport.
  • The contoured design makes it comfortable to carry.
  • Dimensions: Currently not available.
  • Weight: Currently not available.
  • Warranty: 3 Years
  • MSRP $49.99
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Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

3 Pointer Backpack

“The 3 Pointer has a classic style with plenty of room for your daily essentials.”

  • Available Color Patterns: Navy
  • Padded laptop sleeve protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops.
  • Interior tablet sleeve secures and protects a 10-12″ tablet or e-reader.
  • Front pocket keeps cables, phone, and other small items handy.
  • Polyester exterior for durability.
  • Cushioned shoulder straps keep you comfortable.
  • Dimensions: Currently not available.
  • Weight: Currently not available.
  • Warranty: 3 Years
  • MSRP $39.99
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Read:   Lexar JumpDrive C25i Review for iPhone or iPad

Candlepin Backpack

“Candlepin is the perfect bag for your on-the-go, sporty lifestyle.”

  • Available Color Patterns: Grey/Black
  • Laptop sleeve protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops.
  • Interior tablet sleeve secures and protects a 10-12″ tablet or e-reader.
  • Front stash pocket keeps cables, phone, and other small items handy.
  • Elasticized water bottle pockets, one on each side.
  • Eyeglasses pocket provides protection from scratches.
  • Mesh padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable.
  • Dimensions: Currently not available.
  • Weight: Currently not available.
  • Warranty: 3 Years
  • MSRP $39.99
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Read:   Petzi Treat Cam Review

Module Backpack

“You’ll stay organized with the Module backpack. It features several pockets to store everything you carry each day, from notebooks and pens, to cables, chargers, and your favorite tech.”

  • Available Color Patterns: Black
  • Laptop sleeve protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops.
  • Tablet sleeve secures and protects a 10-12″ tablet or e-reader.
  • Elasticized water bottle pockets, one on each side.
  • Front pockets keep cables, phone, and other small items handy.
  • Eyeglasses pocket provides protection from scratches.
  • Padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable.
  • Polyester exterior for durability.
  • Dimensions: Currently not available.
  • Weight: Currently not available.
  • Warranty: 3 Years
  • MSRP $39.99
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Read:   Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Final Thoughts

All four Speck back to school book bags are perfect for junior high through college age students. They are currently available on the Speck website with a minimal $5 two-day shipping fee. All four school bags come with a limited three-year warranty.

With the back to school shopping season upon us, these school backpacks should appear any day now on Amazon.

FTC Disclosure: This writer is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Speck Products.

Read:   Introducing the Targus Mobile ViP Collection - Premium Laptop Cases

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: back to school, backpack, Laptop Backpack, Speck 08/01/2017

American Horror Story Roanoke Release Date Announced for Blu-ray and DVD

07/28/2017 By Hakan Can

American Horror Story Roanoke DVD Release Date

Available this October on store shelves and online everywhere comes FX Networks American Horror Story: Roanoke. The American Horror Story Roanoke DVD release date is set for October 3, 2017. Pricing is set at $49.98 for Blu-ray™ and $39.98 for DVD boxed sets, respectively for the 10-episode complete sixth season. Both sets include a Digital HD copy. Currently on many platforms, AHS: Roanoke sells for $24.99 and $16.99, respectively. Single episodes are available for $2.99 (HD/HDX) and $1.99 (SD).American Horror Story Roanoke DVD Release Date

Read:   American Horror Story: Hotel Release Date Announced for Blu-ray and DVD

You can order American Horror Story: The Complete Sixth Season along with the previous five seasons at any of these five digital stores:

  • Apple’s iTunes Store
  • Amazon
  • Google’s Play Store
  • Sony’s PlayStation Store
  • Vudu

American Horror Story Roanoke DVD Release Date is Set for October 3rd

PRESS RELEASE

From the minds of Creator/Showrunner Ryan Murphy and Executive Producer Brad Falchuk comes AHS: Roanoke.

Per the Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment press release: “Life imitates grisly reality TV in one of television’s edgiest and most acclaimed shows ever! Told in gripping true-crime documentary style, “My Roanoke Nightmare” — this season’s show within the show — chronicles shocking paranormal events. Hoping to begin a peaceful new life in a rustic North Carolina farmhouse, Shelby and Matt Miller flee Los Angeles, only to find murder, mayhem and madness! From a girl ghost to a swine monster to murderous nurse sisters to a sadistic cult leader known as “The Butcher”, the couple’s home is filled with nonstop terrors.”

The sixth season stars a killer cast that includes Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr, Denis O’Hare, and Sarah Paulson.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ROANOKE | OFFICIAL PREVIEW

Read:   Grimm The Complete Collection Release Date Announced for DVD/Blu-ray

AHS: ROANOKE BONUS FEATURE INFORMATION

  • Bonus Feature: The Paley Center for Media: Q&A with Cast and Creative Team from PaleyFest 2017
  • Bonus Feature: Collection of American Horror Story: Roanoke Promos

BLU-RAY™ & DVD TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Street Date: October 3, 2017
  • Formats: Blu-ray™, DVD, w/Digital HD
  • Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (1.78:1)
  • Blu-ray™ Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD-MA, French 5.1 DD, German 5.1 DTS
  • DVD Audio: English 5.1 DD, Spanish 2.0 Surround DD French 2.0 Surround DD
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, German (Blu-ray™), Portuguese (DVD)
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Total Run Time: 398 Minutes
  • Closed Captioned: No
  • Studio: Fox

American Horror Story: The Complete First through Fifth Seasons are currently available on FX NOW and the digital stores listed above.

All photos and video are the courtesy and property of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and FX Networks, LLC.

Coming in Fall 2017: American Horror Story: Cult.

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 3 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases Tagged With: American Horror Story, Blu-Ray, DVD, FOX Home Entertainment, Roanoke 07/28/2017

Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

07/26/2017 By Zach Can

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

Plantronics is back at it again with their series of RIG gaming headsets. They’ve been on a roll the past couple of years releasing gaming headsets in this successful and ever-expanding series. Released late last year, the RIG 600 is cross-platform compatible with the big three: Xbox, PS4, and PC. Is the RIG 600 an improvement over their RIG 400 and Flex LX headphones? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 600 headset review.

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Pros:
• Classic, all-black design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Soft memory foam earcups
• Very comfortable fit
• 40mm dynamic drivers

Cons:
• Only one color pattern is available
• No wireless capability (which is okay)

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

RIG 600 Design and Fit

Upon unboxing the item, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight the headset was at 247 grams. The design is very clean with markings in gold and black. This created a look of luxury. This look is further reinforced by the (gold-stitched) cushioned headband and earcups. The headband is adjustable and can fit a broad range of head frames with its 16 adjustment settings. This comes to roughly 2″ on each side, thus yielding a more comfortable fit. The inside headband is made from a deep black colored, perforated and breathable fabric.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a deep black colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “R” is visible on the inside of its respective ear pad. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out. Included in the box are two interchangeable 3.5 mm cables and a splitter which I will go into further detail later.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

The Plantronics RIG 600 headset is definitely a step up from the Turtle Beach Call of Duty AW headset that I’ve been using. The former’s pillow–like earcups and headband provide such a comfortable experience that it feels like it isn’t even there. These are a pair of headphones which you can keep on for hours without that feeling of having your temples pinched due to the hard plastic feel of lower-quality gaming headphones.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 111 dB SPL/V
• Driver Diameter: Dynamic 40 mm
• Input Power: 40mW
• Cable Length: 1.3 meters
• Cable Connector: 3.5 mm dual 3.5 mm Y-adapter
• Sound-isolating earcups

• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
• Microphone Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional
• Microphone Signal to Noise: >42 dB
• Microphone Sensitivity: -45 dB SPL/Pa
• Microphone Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 247 grams

Read:   Lexar JumpDrive C25i Review for iPhone or iPad

RIG 600 Features

The RIG 600 is designed with 40mm dynamic drivers to provide a balanced listening experience. I decided to test the headset first on the Sony PS4, and the RIG 600 did an excellent job producing the sounds in Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. With every footstep, I could hear the puddles I stepped in, as well as the blades of grass, and the creaking floorboards. This made an already scary game more terrifying.

Next, I tested the headset on my Xbox One S opting for Final Fantasy XV, a game which offers a beautifully crafted soundtrack, cut scenes, and battle sequences. The headphones did a great job replaying the music with some of the finer details such as sailing on the water and hearing the satisfying sound of a blade striking the enemy. The soundtrack is never loud enough to overwhelm the dialogue which is perfect for this game.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset reviewThe only issue I had with this headset was that there wasn’t an adjustable controller for volume on the 3.5 mm lines. On the Xbox One S, I had to get into the settings to adjust the sound which wasn’t all that difficult, yet might not be obvious to most.

The overall construction is well executed and shows a quality build. The headphones include a port for wired audio.

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Audio Performance

While it doesn’t have the deep lows of a pair of Beats headphones, I was surprised at how good this headset was at providing a balance experience throughout the different genres of music. I found rocking out to the sound of an acoustic guitar for country music to waiting for the beat to drop on an EDM song. It was a very satisfying experience.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

Conclusion

Versatility is probably the most attractive feature of the RIG 600. It was incredibly easy to switch and use the different 3.5mm cables between devices. One 3.5mm cable has a mic attached used for gaming, the other music listening purposes. Set up is very easy, no software needs to be installed and is plug-and-play. There isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets.

The RIG 600 gaming headset is quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous gaming. This headset is available for purchase at Amazon (see link below) and the Plantronics website for $99.99. They seem like a good pickup for those who value great sound, comfort, and versatility. If you can find it for less than list, it’s a steal. You won’t be disappointed.

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What do you think of this Plantronics RIG 600 headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Plantronics on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The RIG 600 gaming headset comes with a one-year limited warranty.

This review was co-written with Gamer Jesse Lin who put the RIG 600 through its paces.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 600 gaming headset sample for review purposes. These writers opinions are 100% their own and neither are paid product ambassadors.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Plantronics and Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Here are the AKG Headphones set for release in 2017

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, gaming headset, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, RIG 600 08/14/2017

Lexar JumpDrive C25i Review for iPhone or iPad

07/25/2017 By Elliott Hall

Lexar JumpDrive C25i review

If you have an iPhone, you are probably all too familiar with the pop message that reads “Storage Almost Full – You can manage your storage in Settings.” Even those of us with high-capacity iPhones are frequently deleting photos, videos, songs or documents in order to make room for new data. Since iCloud only offers 5GB of free storage, iPhone users have no choice other than to delete data or data dump on to their computer in order to free up space. Now Lexar offers us with an alternative solution. Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Lexar JumpDrive C25i review.

Lexar JumpDrive C25i review

Read:   Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Lexar JumpDrive C25i Review

Design and Features

Often times, deleting valuable data off your phone is not an option, and since the iPhone is a mobile-device, you probably do not always have your computer nearby to perform a data dump.

Introducing the Lexar C25i JumpDrive for iOS. With drive capacities ranging from 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, Lexar has created a product that expands the memory of your iPhone and allows for convenient portable storage. For iPhone users that take large videos or store a lot of music on their phone, the C25i is a godsend. Lexar’s solution is simple and efficient.

[envira-gallery id=”8715″]

Using the Lexar Media Manager app for iOS, you simply plug the C25i into the Lightning connector at the base of your iPhone, click on the app, choose which files to move onto your jump drive and which to leave on your internal drive. If you want to playback files that you have transferred to your C25i, you just plug the device into your phone and open the file via the Media Manager app. When you are ready to transfer the files to your computer, you merely plug in the USB 3.0 and download the files as you would with any standard flash drive. The C25i requires no batteries or network connection to operate, uploads quickly and sports a sleek metal design.

Only music files not protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) can be managed with the Lexar Media Manager app. You will not be able to select grayed-out, DRM-protected files.

“The app is compatible with iPhone 5/5s/5c, iPhone 6/6s/6s Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPad mini 2/3/4, iPad 4, iPad Air 1/2, iPad Pro 9.7 inch/12.9 inch, and iPod touch (sixth generation).”

Read:   Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

Final Thoughts

With the 64GB model priced at $71.49 on Amazon ($94.99 Retail), Lexar’s C25i is quite a bit more expensive than your standard 64GB USB flash drive, but this device offers far more functionality and compatibility than the average portable drive. With its modern physical design, intuitive app, high-speed transfers, and simple iOS integration; the Lexar C25i JumpDrive is a high-value investment for any Apple iOS user.

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The Lexar JumpDrive C25i flash drive is available for purchase at Amazon (see link below) and the Lexar website.

What do you think of this Lexar JumpDrive C25i review? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Lexar on Twitter
• Follow Lexar on Facebook
• Follow Lexar on Instagram

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Lexar homepage to see their current line-up of products. The Lexar JumpDrive C25i flash drive comes with a 3-year warranty. Should you need to contact North American Technical Support, feel free to check out their Support page. A toll-free telephone number and online chat assistance are available.

FTC Disclosure: Lexar provided Beantown LLC with one (1) JumpDrive C25i 64GB flash drive sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Lexar/Micron or Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Filed Under: Phones Phablets Tablets Tagged With: C25i, Flash Drive, JumpDrive, Lexar, Micron 07/25/2017

Moshi Vacanza Weekend Travel Bag Review

07/22/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

Last week, we reviewed the first of two products Moshi recently introduced to kick off their Summer  2017 Travel Collection. With Summer in full swing across Europe and North America, what better opportunity than now to review their latest offerings, Costa and Vacanza. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at the second of two recently released products in this Moshi Vacanza travel bag review.Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

Pros:
• Modern design, great construction
• Durable fabrics and weather-resistant materials
• Crush-resistant front pocket
• Designed for both men and women

Cons:
• Currently only two color schemes available
• No luggage tag
• Price may be deemed high by some

Read:   Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Moshi Vacanza Travel Bag Review

Per the press release: “Moshi has announced two new bags, Vacanza and Costa, as part of its Summer Collection tailored for the modern traveler. Whether it’s for business or a short trip to the beach, the new collection combines Moshi’s minimalist style and thoughtful functionality to add a level of ease and sophistication to your journey.”

Forget name brands for a moment. If you saw this weekender travel bag on a store shelf or online, wouldn’t your first impression be ‘Wow?’

To present the proper perspective on the Vacanza bag, it must be compared to similar ones from other premium brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Tumi, just to name a few. Visit any of the brands’ websites listed below and you’ll see that the Moshi’s Vacanza stacks up well against these upscale brands. It turns out that the quality and craftsmanship of the product is a non-issue, and hardly worth mentioning.  Along with more features, what you’ll see is a much better price, and to the high majority of us, that’s a deciding factor.Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

To give you a comparison, I went through each of the stated websites and checked out their weekend travel bags and satchels. Here are three products worthy of comparison:

  • Watson Lane Large Lyla from Kate Spade
  • Jet Set Travel Large Leather Weekender from Michael Kors
  • Double Expansion Travel Satchel from Tumi

Throughout each bag, you’ll see similarities to the Vacanza, and you should since they’re all weekender bags. In most cases, the materials of construction and the craftsmanship are identical; this covers both the exterior and interior of each bag. All four branded bags have quality shoulder straps, handles, pockets, zippers, lining, etc. Three out of four bags even have a double expansion feature, which positively adds to their appearance. Where the Vacanza leaps over the three is with its larger frame (in all but one case), crush-resistant pocket, weather-resistant surface treatment, and finally, price.

I welcome you to compare the Vacanza to those more expensive bags linked above. Only then will you know you’ve found the right bag and come to the right decision.

Read:   Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

Weekend Travel Bag

As I’ve stated on numerous occasions while reviewing Moshi bags and backpacks, when I say this weekender bag looks great, it’s not an overstatement.

If you’ve spent some time looking at Moshi’s bags and backpacks, then you’ll have noticed that the exterior of the Vacanza is made from the same high-resilience polyester materials with the same weather-resistant surface treatment that appear on Moshi’s 2017 bags and backpacks. The similarities don’t end there. The Titanium Gray and Charcoal Black colors that grace the Arcus photography backpack also appear on this product.

Starting with its front side, the Vacanza travel bag comes with a crush-resistant compartment. It has two faux-adjustable straps with magnetic snap latches, and is sized at 12″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″. There’s a sleeve for business and identification cards and one pen within. Like you, as someone who travels around with a pair of glasses, sunglasses, and numerous mobile devices such as a phone and in-ear headphones, I often worry about their condition when stored. Now you can begin to worry less.

FYI The Arcus backpack and Costa satchel also come with a crush-resistant pocket. It provides reliable protection. There’s the now-standard square ‘moshi’ logo on the pocket as well.Moshi Vacanza travel bag reviewOn the rear, there’s a trolley strap making airport transit less adventurous as well as three hidden pockets. These pockets are unnoticeable until you feel around the surface. My recommendation would be not to put anything beyond slips of paper so as not to change the shape of the pockets.

What you won’t see beyond the 22″ top zipper are any additional zippers. Both metal zipper handles have an embossed surface for better grip.

What differentiates Vacanza from Costa is its larger size, the addition of a water bottle pocket, and a double expansion feature. As stated earlier, the double expansion feature is a welcome addition which adds more class to an already impressive bag. Then there’s the adjustable mesh pocket for holding a bottle. None of the comparison bags nor the Costa incorporated this side pocket. It was so needed here.

Wrapping up the top are the vegan leather handles as well as the long, durable, adjustable, and removable shoulder strap with a well-padded, sliding, and removable shoulder cushion. This shoulder protection is identical to that on the Aerio, Costa, and Urbana bags. What you may not notice is the proprietary ViscoStrap™. This viscoelastic strap was designed to mitigate shoulder strain by as much as 30%. As someone who uses shoulder and messenger bags regularly, it’s good there’s a product which can alleviate some of that strain. The shoulder strap attaches via two points, one on each short side of the bag.Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

And finally, we come to the underside. Here, there’s a thicker, more durable padded surface to protect contents against drops. To protect the high-resilience polyester material from getting dirty, scuffed, or worse, the underside of the bag has four rubber feet.

As stated in the past Moshi reviews, “The zippers and straps are of high-quality, and the stitching is put together well.” As this is a new product, the weekend travel bag currently comes in two color patterns: Charcoal Black and Titanium Gray. I’ve seen both colors, and they’re equally attractive.

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

And Now For What’s Inside

The inside of the Vacanza is broken down into three compartments. The first is a thickly padded laptop compartment which protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops. Should the bag become upside down with the zipper open, you need not worry. The Velcro strap prevents the laptop from sliding out holding it in place. There are also three pockets with padding on one side.

The second is a 10″ zippered by 7″ deep section which can hold a smaller iPad or Android tablet. This pocket is padded on one side only. Our preference would be for padding on both sides.

On the left side, there’s a discrete pocket which you can use to store identification cards, wallet, passport, etc. Its other function is to store a reusable wet/dry bag. To our knowledge, like the double expansion feature, this is a first for Moshi.

Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

The third and final compartment is the middle at 6.5″ wide at the bottom and 13″ deep. It’s able to hold plenty of clothing and footwear. It was surprising how much we could place in the bag while still maintaining its handsome appearance.

The lining of this Moshi bag is luxurious, and it’s throughout their 2017 lineup. It’s exactly like what you see on the stylish bags listed above. On both models, the lining is tan colored.

Like the Arcus and Costa, you get a large dust/storage bag with the Vacanza. If you’re not using the weekender bag for an extended period, store it, and prevent it from getting accidentally damaged around your home. Another use for the medium-gray colored storage bag would be to cover the Vacanza when placing it in an airplane’s overhead storage bin.

It’s these little things like a beautiful lining, and wet/dry and storage bags that set the premium brands apart from their rivals. It’s worth noting that none of the three comparison models come with both bags.

Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

This bag weighs 56.4 oz and has dimensions of 19.69″ x 7.09″ x 11.42″. For you Metric System users, the weight is 1.6 kilograms, and its dimensions are 50 x 18 x 29 cm.

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Conclusion

Let’s say it’s a Thursday and you’re set to take a 3-day weekend holiday to Seattle, WA, Montreal, Quebec, or The Hamptons in NY. Ask yourself one question, is this the ideal weekender travel bag for you?

The Moshi Vacanza weekend travel bag delivers much with its feature-rich, modern design. If you’re a weekend getaway traveler or someone who has a 2-3 day business trip and likes to accessorize with a great-looking product, then I believe you’ll be quite pleased with the Vacanza. When compared to those premium travel bags above, the sub-$200 price tag is most enticing.

Both colors (patterns) of the Vacanza travel bag are available for purchase on either Amazon (see link below) and the Moshi website.

Based on everything above, Moshi’s Vacanza is one handsome travel bag and our favorite in the Summer Travel Collection. If your travel needs steer you to something smaller, then I direct you to Moshi’s Costa.

Moshi Vacanza travel bag review

Read:   Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

What do you think of this Moshi Vacanza travel bag review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best weekender bags for men or women in 2017? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
• Follow Moshi on Facebook
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Vacanza weekend travel bag sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: carry-on bag, Moshi, travel bag, Vacanza, weekend travel bag, weekender satchel 09/13/2017

Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

07/19/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Costa travel bag review

Nearly two months ago, Moshi, the west coast maker of premium backpacks and bags, headphones, mobile device cases, and other digital lifestyle products, introduced their Summer 2017 Travel Collection. If you’re familiar with this website, then you know that we’re fans of this lifestyle brand. With Summer in full swing across America, what better opportunity than now to review their latest offerings. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at the first of two recently released products in this Moshi Costa travel bag review.Moshi Costa travel bag review

Pros:
• Modern look, lightweight design
• Durable fabrics and weather-resistant materials
• Crush-resistant front pocket
• Ample padding where needed
• Designed for both men and women
• Four color schemes available

Cons:
• Price may be deemed high by some

Read:   Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Moshi Costa Travel Bag Review

Per the press release: “Moshi has announced two new bags, Vacanza and Costa, as part of its Summer Collection tailored for the modern traveler. Whether it’s for business or a short trip to the beach, the new collection combines Moshi’s minimalist style and thoughtful functionality to add a level of ease and sophistication to your journey.”

As Moshi is a premium product brand, I felt the need to compare their Costa work/travel bag against those from Grafea, Kelly Moore, ONA Bags, just to name a few. Visit a large department store like Nordstrom or Lord & Taylor, or any of the above-stated brands’ websites or Amazon for that matter, and you’ll see that the Costa stands tall against these smaller, upscale brands. It turns out that this work/travel satchel is well-priced against the competition.
Moshi Costa travel bag review

Read:   Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

One Handsome Urban Work/Weekend Travel Bag

As I’ve stated on numerous occasions when referencing Moshi backpacks and bags, when I say this travel satchel looks great, it’s not an overstatement.

If you’ve spent some time looking at Moshi’s bags and backpacks, then you’ll have noticed that the exterior of the Costa is made from the same high-resilience polyester materials with the same weather-resistant surface treatment that appear on Moshi’s 2017 bags and backpacks. The similarities don’t end there. The Bahama Blue color that graces the Urbana briefcase also appears on this product.

Starting with its front side, the Costa travel bag comes with a crush-resistant compartment. It has two faux-adjustable straps with magnetic latches, and is sized at 12″ x 6″ x 1.5″. There’s a sleeve for business and identification cards and one pen within. Like you, as someone who travels around with a pair of glasses, sunglasses, and numerous mobile devices such as a phone and in-ear headphones, I often worry about their condition when stored. Now you can worry less.

Note: This is not the first Moshi product with a crush-resistant feature. The Arcus backpack and Avanti headphones come with a crush-resistant case. It’s some strong protection. There’s also the now-standard square ‘moshi’ logo on the compartment.Moshi Costa travel bag reviewOn the rear, there’s a trolley strap making airport travel less adventurous as well as three hidden pockets. These pockets are unnoticeable until you feel around the surface. My recommendation would be not to put anything beyond slips of paper so as not to change the shape of the pockets.

What you won’t see on this satchel beyond the 19″ top zipper are any additional zippers. Plus, there are no water bottle holders. They’re just not needed on the Costa. Both metal zipper handles have an embossed surface for better grip.

On the underside, there’s a thicker, more durable padded surface to protect contents against drops. To protect the high-resilience polyester material from getting dirty, scuffed, or worse, the bag’s underside has two rubber feet.

Closing out the exterior are the satchel’s vegan leather handles as well as the long, durable, adjustable, and removable shoulder strap with a well-padded, sliding, and removable shoulder cushion. This shoulder protection is identical to that on the Aerio and Urbana bags. What you may not notice is the proprietary ViscoStrap™. This viscoelastic strap was designed to mitigate shoulder strain by as much as 30%. As someone who uses shoulder and messenger bags regularly, it’s good to have a product which can alleviate some of that strain.Moshi Costa travel bag review

As stated in the past Moshi reviews, “The zippers and straps are of high-quality, and the stitching is put together well.” This work/travel bag comes in four color patterns: Sandstone Beige, Slate Black, Bahama Blue, and Granite Gray. I’ve seen all four colors, and they’re equally attractive.

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

What’s On The Inside

The inside of the Costa is broken down into three compartments. The first is a thickly padded laptop compartment which protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops. Should the bag get upside down with the zipper open, you need not worry about the laptop sliding out. The Velcro strap holds it in place. There are also three pockets with padding on one side.

The second is a 10″ zippered section which can hold your smallest iPad or Android tablet. This pocket is padded only on one side. I would have preferred both sides being padded, but it may not be necessary. If you choose to, use this zippered pocket to store identification cards, wallet, passport, etc. as there is no true discrete pocket in the travel bag.Moshi Costa travel bag review

The third and final compartment is 5.5″ wide at the bottom and deep. It’s able to hold clothing, footwear, over-ear headphones, and a meal. It was surprising how much we could place in the bag while still maintaining its stylish appearance. There’s even an adjustment strap on one side.

The lining of this Moshi bag is luxurious, and it’s throughout their 2017 lineup. It’s exactly like what you see on similar, stylish bags 2-3x higher in price, for example, from the likes of Tumi. What’s different this time around is the lining color has changed. On the Spring 2017 bags we’ve reviewed, the lining was tan-colored. With the Costa, the color is a light-to-medium gray, yet lighter than its Granite Gray exterior.

You even get a large storage bag for the Costa. In our sample, the color is medium-gray. If you’re not using the satchel for an extended period, store it, and prevent it from getting accidentally damaged around your home. Moreover, cover the Costa when storing it in an airplane’s storage bin.

It’s these little things that set the premium brands apart from the lesser rivals.

Moshi Costa travel bag review

This bag weighs 37 oz and has dimensions of 20.08″ x 5.91″ x 11.81″. For you Metric System users, the weight is 1.05 kilograms, and its dimensions are 51 x 15 x 30 cm.

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Conclusion

Let’s say it’s a Friday, and as an example, you’re about to take a train ride to Portland, ME or Hyannis, MA from Boston. Follow that up with a ferry ride to some island. Ask yourself this question, would this be the ideal weekend getaway travel bag for you?

The Moshi Costa work/travel bag delivers much with its stylish and spacious design. If you’re an urban professional or quick getaway traveler who likes to accessorize with a great-looking product, then I believe you’ll be quite pleased with the Costa. When compared to work/travel bags from other premium brands, I believe the $150 price tag is enticing. Feel free to compare this bag to those from more expensive or established brands. Only then will you know you’ve come to the right decision.

Both colors (patterns) of the Costa work/travel satchel are available for purchase on either Amazon (see link below), B&H, or the Moshi website.

Based on everything above, Moshi’s Costa is one handsome work or travel accessory and hands down a must for this Summer, and for many to come. If you’re into larger weekender bags, then I would direct you to Moshi’s Vacanza.

Moshi Costa travel bag review

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

What do you think of this Moshi Costa travel bag review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best carry-on travel bags for men or women since its introduction in May 2017? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Costa travel satchel sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: carry-on bag, Costa, Moshi, satchel, travel bag, urban work satchel, weekender satchel 09/13/2017

Gaming: Patriot Viper V570 Mouse Review

07/17/2017 By Hakan Can

Patriot Viper V570 mouse review

Until recently, Patriot was best known for its DRAM memory, flash/solid state drives, and memory cards. Over the past two years, they’ve jumped into the gaming arena with their Viper line of gaming accessories. Over the past few months, they’ve gradually introduced their second round of headphones, keyboards, and mice, and they are impressive. I’ve spent the past few weeks with the Viper V570 gaming mouse, customizing and learning every detail of it. Is this piece of gaming hardware a worthy addition to your rig? So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Patriot Viper V570 mouse review.

Patriot Viper V570 mouse review

Features:
• FPS and MMO hybrid design
• Resolution settings up to 12,000 DPI
• Avago 9800 laser sensor and Omron switches
• 13 programmable keys
• Custom tailored RGB profiles
• Custom tailored weight system
• Multiple surface materials for a great feel

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

Patriot Viper V570 Mouse Review

Viper Design

There’s so much to like and almost nothing to dislike when it comes to this V570 mouse.

We’ve got a whole lot of gaming mice around here, but none quite like this. For those who are familiar with GAMDIAS, you could say that the Viper V570 is a cross between the ZEUS eSport and P1. The Viper V570 also has similarities to the Corsair Scimitar PRO. Either way, we like the Viper’s First Person Shooter (FPS) + MMO appearance.

Obviously, this mouse is designed for the right-handed user which is a drawback to a small percentage of you gamers. The V570 has a dozen or so buttons from left and right click, forward and back, wheel click, and DPI loops. These standard buttons are pre set. The remaining buttons are up to you and programmable within the Advanced Functions settings of the Viper software. There’s even a left side sniper button which drops the resolution down to 400 DPI

Unlike the Scimitar PRO whose keys are a 3 x 4 set of columns and rows, the V570’s buttons resemble a set of teeth. Keys 1-8 are easily and comfortably accessible to your index finger and thumb. And just like teeth, there’s enough separation between them to know where each one starts and ends. The left and right click keys, as well as the scroll wheel and DPI keys, fit well with my index and middle fingers. The only bit of discomfort I had was two-thirds up my ring finger. I believe the curvature of the mouse where the ring finger rests is too pronounced. If this were to be shaved down a bit, the fit of the mouse would be 100% perfect in my hand.

[envira-gallery id=”8585″]

The mouse has four unique surface materials, five if you include the red numerical keys. The left side is rubberized and textured with tiny rectangles while the right is smooth with some grip. The top utilizes two materials, one clear, one not, with the latter so smooth that your index and middle fingers slide across it. The dead-centered transparent surface allows for the Viper logo to show.

Within the mouse, there are an Avago 9800 laser sensor, Omron D2FC-F-7N primary switches, and configurable streaming multi-zone RGB LED lighting.

There’s a removable top piece which hides the location of the adjustable weight system. This system consists of six 5.7 gram weights with a seventh as a spare. There’s also a container to store the weights. In our test mouse, we used three weights.

The underside of the V570 has five ceramic foot pads which allow the mouse to glide across any flat surface.

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Specifications

• Tracking Method:
• Dimension(L x W x H):
• Weight:
• Buttons:
• Resolution:
• Polling Rate:
• Omron Switch Lifecycle:
• USB Cable Length:
• Graphical User Interface:

• Xtreme Precision Laser Sensor
• 13.3 x 8 x 4.4 cm
• 157 grams +  up to 34 grams
• 13 programmable
• 4 settings from 50 up to 12000 DPI
• Up to 1000 Hz
• 10 Million
• 6 Feet
• Viper Software

Package Contents

• V570 Gaming Mouse
• Weight System
• Two Patriot Viper Stickers
• Quick Start Guide

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Viper Software

As previously mentioned, the V570 mouse comes with Viper software support that configures the RGB LED lighting, macros, buttons, acceleration, and DPI, just to name a handful. With five Light Effect settings available (Customize, Wave, Invert Wave, Random 1 & 2.) When you select Customize, the lighting in any of the seven zones can either breathe or always stay on.

And before I forget, the richness and brightness of the colors are spectacular. I firmly believe you’re going to like this lighting feature a lot.

Patriot Viper V570 mouse review

The first field in the Viper software covers the buttons and the five Profile settings. Whenever you press the No. 9 key, you’ll cycle through the five customizable Profile settings. In fact, push the key, and you’ll see it change within the software as well as in the upper left of your monitor. And if you modify the Profile within the software, the color on the mouse will change. Even the Profile names can be changed.

Press any of the 13 programmable keys within the software, and another dialog box appears. Now you have access to Mouse, Keyboard, and Advanced Functions as well as Macros and Key Cycle. It’s pretty wild what the software offers.

Just behind this is the No. 10 key which adjusts the sensor resolution. This DPI indicator is color-coordinated too. Press the key and watch the DPI settings change within the software as well as in the upper left of your monitor. Each DPI setting can have independent X/Y axis values.

[envira-gallery id=”8582″]

The third field within the software is the Macro Editor. There are three macro types: One-time mode, Loop mode, and Firekey mode. There’s also 6990 bytes of mouse memory. The right side of the editor is the Function Menu where you can create, edit, and save your macros. Just remember that you have up to 64 lines within the macros list, and each line can have no more than 14 characters.

Within the Setting field, you have access to the 500 Hz USB polling rate and three general options such as Angle snapping, Enable DPI/Profile on screen display, and Disable mouse acceleration (OS). Finally, there’s the Model as well as the Driver and Firmware versions of the software displayed.

The user interface is clean and straightforward, and the software worked flawlessly.

Read:   Gaming: Patriot Viper V361 & V370 Headsets Review

A Product Update

If you’re not a fan of red buttons, you need not fret. Patriot recently introduced the Viper V570 Black Edition replacing red with black. I suspect many of you will like this version more. It’s available for purchase on Amazon for under $60 as well as on the Patriot Store at a list price of just under $70.

Conclusion

For a $60, this new Patriot Viper mouse delivers many high-end features at a fair price: up to 12K DPI resolution, customizable color profiles, adjustable weight system, and 13 programmable macro keys.

This mouse massively leans toward the higher-end of the gaming spectrum. If you need an RGB gaming mouse that gets the job done at a reasonable price, the V570 ought to be on your short list. In fact, all three Viper Gaming mice are worth your time and consideration when looking at the $25-90 price range.

All-in-all, this is a well-designed mouse which easily earned a 4.75 out of 5-star rating.

Patriot Viper V570 mouse review

The Patriot Viper V570 gaming mouse is available for purchase on Amazon for under $50 (see link below) as well as on the Patriot website.

What do you think of this Patriot Viper V570 mouse review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Patriot’s Viper Gaming page to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. The Viper V570 RGB mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Patriot Memory provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Viper V570 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Patriot Memory LLC and Beantown LLC © 2017

Read:   Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB Gaming Mouse Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: gaming mouse, Patriot, Patriot Memory, V570 07/19/2019

Gaming: HyperX Pulsefire FPS Mouse Review

07/11/2017 By Hakan Can

HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse review

Until a few months ago, HyperX was best known for its DRAM memory, flash/solid state drives, and gaming headsets. This year, they’ve jumped further into the gaming arena with their Alloy FPS gaming keyboard. More recently, they’ve introduced their first mouse and a second Alloy keyboard. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks playing with their Pulsefire First Person Shooter mouse. Is this gaming mouse a worthy addition to your rig? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse review.

[envira-gallery id=”8668″]

Key Features of the HyperX Pulsefire FPS:

  • Ergonomic first person shooter design
  • Four on-the-fly resolution settings with 400 to 3200 DPI
  • Pixart 3310 optical sensor and Omron switches
  • Six buttons configuration with two large skates
  • Multiple surface materials for an excellent feel and grip
Read:   Gaming: HyperX Alloy FPS Keyboard Review

Per Marcus Hermann, Senior Business Manager, “HyperX is excited to offer our first gaming mouse. After extensive testing, our lab developed Pulsefire FPS to deliver the features gamers want at an incredible price point.”

HyperX Pulsefire FPS Mouse Review

Pulsefire FPS Design and Features

There’s much to like and hardly anything to dislike when it comes to this back-to-basics FPS mouse.

The shape of this mouse reminds me a little of the Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex mouse, but without the long-term pain.

This mouse is designed for the right-handed user, which is a drawback to a small percentage of you gamers. The Pulsefire FPS has half a dozen buttons from left and right click, go forward and back, wheel click, and DPI loops. These standard buttons are pre set and make audible sounds, especially the left and right buttons.

All six buttons fit my thumb, index, and middle finger well. The only bit of discomfort I had was two-thirds up the inside of my ring finger. I believe the transition from the mouse’s top to side where the ring finger meets both could have been less pronounced. Had the edge been smoother, then the fit of the mouse would be 100% perfect in my hand.

[envira-gallery id=”8669″]

The mouse has many unique surface materials. Much of the left and right sides are rubberized and textured with an alternating pattern offering plenty of grip. The top, while smooth, provides a little grip. The resolution button has four different colors (white, red, blue, and yellow) representing the 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 DPI settings, respectively. Where the base of your hand meets the mouse, there’s the red HyperX logo. And the scroll wheel feels terrific with its repeating S-tread pattern.

On the underside, there are two large skates (foot pads) which allow the mouse to glide across any flat surface.

Within the mouse, there are a Pixart 3310 optical sensor and Omron D2FC-F-7N primary switches. Package contents include the mouse with its 6′ braided cord and a quick start guide.

Read:   Gaming: Patriot Viper V570 Mouse Review

HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse specifications

Read:   HyperX Cloud II Headset Review

Final Thoughts

Although we wish it was priced a little less, the HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse delivers the goods at a fair price of $50. There are plenty of gaming mice available with a variety of features, so shoppers will compare until they find the right mouse for them. If you’re looking for a no frills, back-to basics gaming mouse, then place this one on your short list.

All-in-all, this is a well-designed mouse which we continue to enjoy using.

The HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse is available for purchase at Best Buy, on Amazon (see link below) and the HyperX website.

What do you think of this HyperX Pulsefire FPS mouse review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the HyperX homepage to see their current line-up of products. The HyperX Pulsefire FPS gaming mouse comes with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, feel free to call one of these two numbers: 714-435-2639 or 800-435-0640 or check out their Support page.

FTC Disclosure: HyperX provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Alloy Pulsefire FPS gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Kingston or Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   HyperX Cloud Revolver S Headset Preview

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: gaming mouse, HyperX, Pulsefire FPS 07/19/2019

RobotoKits Magnetic Levitation Express Train Set Review

07/07/2017 By Hakan Can

maglev train toy set review

Kids love to build stuff. With electronic gaming and YouTube viewing all the rage, how does a toy manufacturer peak their interest? A child’s introduction to trains starts at an early age, often receiving their first train set on Christmas morning. A large number of toddlers and preschoolers receive a wooden train table or something with the name “Thomas & Friends” on it. But what about older kids who have outgrown such toys, yet still love trains. How do they get a more hands-on interaction? Priced at under $60, the OWI Magnetic Levitation Express is an affordable train set unlike anything most of you or your children have ever seen. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this RobotoKits maglev train toy set review.

maglev train toy set review

Pros:
• Creative, modern design
• Solid track construction
• No glue required
• No electrical cords needed

Cons:
• Possibility of parts breaking apart during a derailment
• Would prefer a darker color with a matte finish in lieu of the yellow track

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

RobotoKits MagLev Train Toy Set Review

When an adult or parent purchases this product for their child, they’re trying to spark some level of thought and creativity. You see, the Magnetic Levitation Express is so much more than a mere train set. It’s a toy, a train set, an engineering project, and an educational kit all-in-one.

Upon opening the packaging, you’ll notice this train kit is very similar to the model car or plane you built as a child. But this is not an open the box and ready to operate train set. You have to assemble the track, and build the three trains as well. With 155 well-labeled parts plus ten stickers, building the trains and the track is a time-consuming affair. When I tell you it could take 3-4 hours to completion, it’s no exaggeration. But when you’re finished with the project, provided you built it correctly, there’s that feeling of accomplishment.

maglev train toy set review

The assembly and instruction manual is over 40 pages in length. It’s a good thing too as you’re going to pay attention to every page. It’s easily one of the best manuals I’ve ever seen. And if you encounter an issue, you’ve got video tips at your disposal. Full disclosure–I used two such video tips. Here’s a tip of my own–keep a nail clipper handy. You’ll use it over a hundred times to clip of the burrs.

I highly suggest you do everything in the order as it appears in the manual. It will make the experience go more smoothly. Within the box, you’ve got 18 yellow tracks and clear guide rails and twice as many magnetic strips to install in the tracks. These magnetic strips are numbered as are the undersides of the tracks, so it’s difficult to mess up the placement. There is one thing to be mindful of here. Pay close attention to the surface colors of the magnetic strips. It’s an easy mistake to install one upside down, one which I made. What happens here is every time the first train passes over the incorrectly installed strip, it derails. That’s how you know you’ve made said mistake.

maglev train toy set review

Installation of the track and magnetic strips is the most time-consuming part of the build. Once this is done, take a short break. You’ll have earned it.

The completed track measures no more than 29 x 18 inches and is less than 2 inches in height.

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The Three Train Cars

The trains are propelled by wait for it, magnetic levitation. This mode of transport has been around for over a hundred years but is rarely utilized for a variety of reasons. Rather than explaining how magnets suspend and propel a train forward, I’ll refer you to Wikipedia. Everything you would want to know about maglev can be found in this link. I for one would prefer to ride on this type of train or Elon Musk’s anticipated Hyperloop rather than a conventional one. You don’t have to look any further than the near-daily bad news stories on New York’s MTA.

Of the three trains, the two outer ones are mirror copies of each other. There’s no front or rear train car. It all depends on which direction you direct the train in. The building of the train’s cars shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to an hour. And because everything is well-labeled, it’s difficult to make a mistake.

maglev train toy set review

The trains operate via a 3-position switch. There’s an off position and one of two on positions. P1 will operate the train in either direction for 90 seconds. Call it an appetizer. P2 will operate the train in either direction until the two installed AAA batteries run out of charge, or in my case until your cat knocks it off track. According to the manual, if you started with fresh batteries, the operation of the train should last approximately two hours. You may want to invest in a 4-pack of rechargeable AAA batteries.

The color pattern of the train is an attractive one with its solid white and transparent blue features. It measures no more than 11 inches in length. As no glue is involved, parts can become undone should the train derail. Be mindful of the surface which you place the train tracks upon. It should be large enough to contain a derailment.

maglev train toy set review

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Conclusion

While the RobotoKits Magnetic Levitation Express train set was a challenge to build, and a time-consuming one, it was a rewarding build. With all the science involved, your child should find this an educational experience. Maybe a university degree in physics or engineering is in their future.

The finished product turned out great. It delighted not only the 6-year old who assisted in this project, but it also intrigued my cat to a point where she kept derailing the train with every whack.

If you put this train kit in front of someone in their pre- or early teens, I believe they’re going to love it. Plus, it’s a conversation piece among adults.

At $58, which I believe to be fair, the RobotoKits Magnetic Levitation Express is among the best-rated toy kits of 2017. For you kids you love to tinker and build stuff, we highly recommend you try this maglev train set out.

maglev train toy set review

What do you think of this RobotoKits Maglev Train Toy Set review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the OWI News Page to see their latest announcements. The Magnetic Levitation Express train toy set come with a 30-day limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: OWI provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Magnetic Levitation Express train kit sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of OWI/RobotKits and Beantown LLC © 2017-2019.

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Filed Under: Toying Around Tagged With: Mag Lev Express, Magnetic Levitation Express, OWI, OWI Robot, RobotoKits, Toy Fair NY, Toy Review, train set 12/05/2018

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