Category Archives: Reviews

Check out the Menu

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If you browse on a mobile device, you will see the menu button.

On a PC you will see all the menu options automatically.

But these won’t appear automatically on a mobile device. So if you are looking for something hit that magic menu button.

I’ve also added a Podcast page. Click here for the subscription links to “Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast”. Also use this page to directly listen to the latest and previous episodes.

There is also a discreet magnifying glass icon near the top right. Use this to search on anything on Gavin’s Gadgets.

Joby Ballhead and the Sony QX10 / QX100

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The Sony QX10 and QX100 lenses are a unique piece of kit. 

Both lenses received a welcome firmware update which added extra functionality.

When mounted on a tripod the hardest thing is to have a level lens.  Well a solution I use is by Joby. The Joby Ballhead attaches to your tripod and then the QX10 or QX100 attach to it.  The ball head is fully adjustable and tightens firmly.  You can also use it with a full size camera. 

What’s special about this piece apart from the bullet proof build is it has a spirit level to ensure you have a level lens.  This provides a much easier and faster way to level the photo without adjusting the tripod legs.

Available from Joby

Cellz Power Case for the iPhone 5/5S

The Cellz Power Case for the iPhone 5 looks great in white. It is a case, a battery pack and it still allows for syncing too. It currently costs £17.49 with free shipping to the UK.

Obviously using a case with a built in battery is going to add considerably to the weight and size of the iPhone. The case weighs 166 grams. The additional battery however is a decent 2,202mAh.

In the box is a leaflet with the instructions, a micro USB cable and the power case itself. The inside of the case is lined with a soft material to prevent any scratching. The top of the case removes to allow you to insert your iPhone. On the rear of the case are 4 LED lights that allow you to track its battery level. Turning off the power case is as simple as holding the power button for 2 seconds. The case does feature 1,000 mAh fast charge in case you’re in a rush.

The case itself is curved to feels comfortable in the hand but you do notice the weight. But I must admit I don’t mind the extra bulk versus the additional longevity of the battery run time.

However, the bulk and weight might put some people off, but for long journeys or if you are a power user this really is an essential item.

But some of the downsides of the case are an inaccessible headphone jack. You would need some sort of extension (not included) or you will have to use Bluetooth headphones. Also, I found removing the iPhone from the case quite tricky as you have to slide it up to remove and there was no logical place to grip from. Also, the plastic removal top piece seems flimsy and I wonder if over time this will break.

So in many ways this case solves a problem, but in another way it does create issues like additional weight.

Rating 7/10.

Is this case for you?

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Episode 8 Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast is live – Please RT

As you know, I co-host a weekly podcast with David from UKMobileTech called Gav & Dave’s Tech Podcast. It is a light hearted tech podcast broadcast bi-weekly. To subscribe click here for iTunes or copy and paste this link into your favourite podcast app.

Episode 8 is now live.

If you have a moment please could you leave feedback in iTunes to help others find the podcast.

Cellz Mobile Accessories and Tempered Glass for iPhone 5/5S

Cellz are an accessory part of the Cellz Group Ltd based in Hong Kong. In addition to selling accessories, they are also responsible for the manufacture too. I have added them in the Shopping section of my blog for quick reference in the future.

Over the next week, I will have a selection of accessories that I bought for my iPhone 🙂 .

First up, and one of the first things I do with any new phone is fit a screen protector. But I’ve learnt tempered glass protectors are the way to go.

Cellz sell the Rootacase Tempered Glass Film of iPhone 5/5S.

Applying this glass protector means no bubbles, high resistance against soiling, no rainbow effects or silica gel, anti fingerprint coating too as it has an oleophobic coating. It comes in a sturdy plastic case to protect it from being broken in transit, and is so easy to install. Once on, you can’t really tell if it’s fitted. It currently is £7.20 with free shipping to the UK.

Rating 9/10.

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Gavin’s Gadgets updates

Over the weekend a few changes have been applied to my blog.

I’ve updated the design to a more modern style which is meant to look great on all devices including mobiles and tablets.

Check out the additional pages either tapping directly to the page or using the Menu system.

Reviews have been overhauled into separate pages.

Smartphone reviews, click here. Notice the reviews are now divided into operating system. 

Accessory reviews, click here. This section has been also divided into many categories from cases, headphones, wearables, app enabled accessories and more.

The HTC One has its own page here. It’s still receiving so many views I have kept it’s own page for now.

Don’t forget the Shopping, Dartmoor Weather which is updated twice a day every day, and finally if you would like to know more about me click here .

And if you could manage a small donation, please paypal me using this email. Clicking the link will reveal paypal email. Thanks in advance.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions please let me know here or on twitter @gavinfabiani .

Brando Shopping – Screen Protection – review

Brando Shopping sell a range of screen protection, from the classic screen protector to Tempered Glass Protector.

Brando Workshop 0.2mm Premium Tempered Glass Protector, is designed 33% slimmer yet still provides extremely high protection for your phone display screen. It really is super slim design and offers the LCD a “nude” yet durable protection. Tempered glass protects LCD from scratches, shock or any kind of damages while maintaining touch screen’s sensitivity. It is extremely easy to install, no residue if removed. The ultimate screen protector for your LCD.

Brando Shopping also provide a range of ultra clear protectors and mirrored style too. I’ve used their screen protectors for over 10 years on so many devices I’ve lost count.

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The tempered glass protector is shown above fitted to my Note 3 but if you look at the bottom left hand side it looks like I left smudges. I had several attempts at installing this to get it straight, but I am still keeping this one fitted as in use with the screen on you don’t notice it. I have had no issues with S-Pen either. Superb idea.

At some point in the future I will fit the ultra clear protector by Brando, but based on my earlier devices these have always worked a treat.

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Brando Shopping – Short Lightning Cable review

Brando Shopping sell a short lightning cable which is ideal when you don’t won’t long lengths of cable getting in the way. I so prefer this shorter length of cable.

Features
USB 2.0
Lightning Connector
Useful / fashion / convenient and durable
Charge and sync at the same time
Designed for iPhone 5s
Perfect for travel
Length: 21.5cm long
Weight: 4 grams

Compatible Models
iPad Air
iPad mini with Retina display
iPad 4
iPad Mini
iPhone 5
iPhone 5c
iPhone 5s
iPod Touch 5G

Available from Brando Shopping

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