When it comes time to look for a backpack, messenger bag or a simple sleeve for you iPad (or other tablet), the choices that are out on the market can be mind boggling. The options seem endless, but there is hope around the corner. While walking the show floor at SIA, we noticed a booth of bags with a look that was different from any others that we had seen before – simple, elegant and functional. Just about every pocket, closure and strap had a purpose. Once we learned that the bags were Italian designed and manufactured, it made even more sense. The company, O-range, has a product line worth looking at when the time comes to purchase that next bag or sleeve. Continue reading SIA: O-range ‘Welded’ Bags Charge Us Up!
Tag: waterproof
SHOT Show 2012: Writing in the Rain
In this high-tech era with texting, email and video chat sometimes the older technology gets left behind. But there are still times when you might need to write something down on actual real paper. But try taking that paper out in the rain, or even on a run or bike ride where sweat will get it wet, and you end up with soaked pulp. Water and paper don’t mix – at least most of the time. We’ve seen waterproof cameras, waterproof headphones so why not waterproof paper?
At SHOT Show in Las Vegas this week we were shown Rite in the Rain, a new type of waterproof paper that can survive rain, sweat and spills. The company has introduced a variety of paper products, including a nifty Outdoor Journal that can allow hunters, hikers, and just about anyone else who still take handwritten notes to have a notepad that can survive the elements. Video after the Jump
CES 2012: Hit the Showers
After a workout it is time to hit the showers, and now you can enjoy some music while you get clean. At CES this week iDevices introduced its iShow, a water resistant, Bluetooth-enabled speaker that can stream music from portable devices. And while it is the “i” in the name, an Apple device isn’t required. It will stream directly from any device that offers Bluetooth, including a PC or Android device, making it ideal for use in the shower, or just at the beach or by the pool. It features a 200-foote range, and runs for 15 hours on three AA batteries. Press Release after the jump
CES 2012: DryBUDS SPORT Waterproof Headphones and Mic Let You Gab in Water
Cell phones and H2O should normally never mix, but for those who cannot live without their phones even when in or near water, the DryBUDS SPORT headphones with built-in waterproof microphone is the accessory for you.
Shown this week at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, the DryBUDS SPORT is completely waterproof, according to its manufacturer, Dry Corp. That means you can bring it into the pool or shower to listen to your tunes. Paired with your phone using Dry Corp’s DryCASE vacuum-sealed waterproof case, you can utilize the microphone to make/receive calls while you soap up your bod or perform your backstrokes. The ability to access your phone through the headphones is also great for times when you can’t physically reach for the phone, like when you’re busy canoeing down a river, for example.
CES 2012: Fujifilm Get Rugged
This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Fujifilm is showing off 19 new digital cameras, and these include the ruggedized FinePix line, with the XP150, XP100 and XP50. The former two are waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to a 6.5 foot drop, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and of course dustproof, so these are pretty much ready for just about any excursion. The XP50 will be for the budget minded offering a little less protection but still rugged enough for most adventures. It is waterproof to 16.5 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, with the same freeze- and dustproofing.
All three cameras will be driven by 14 megapixel CMOS sensors, with continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, and will feature 5x wide angle lenses. The cameras will be able to record 1080p video with sound, even underwater, captured at 30 frames per second. The XP-series will also feature dual image stabilization to mechanically stabilize the sensor while also adjusting shooting variables to compensate for camera shake or movement.
The FinePix XP150 and XP100 will be available in March for $279.95 and $249.95 respectively. The XP150 will be available in black or orange, and the XP100 will be available in black, blue, orange, silver, or green. The XP50 will also be available in March, for $199.95, and will also be available in black, blue, orange, silver, and green. Additional images and Press Release after the jump
CES Preview: Uwater K7 Delivers Big Sound in Small Package
The Uwater K7 won’t shrink in water and that’s a good thing, because it is about as small as could be already. The world’s smallest 100 percent waterproof FM radio/receiver will be showcased at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show, and is provides music, news, sports and talk radio to swimmers.
The device has a built-in Li-Ion rechargeable battery, which juices up from a USB port, and it can run for eight hours on a single charge.
It features a one-inch LCD screen, 19 station preset, stereo sound, indoor/outdoor reception (even under water) and “twist & lock” earphones are included. The silicon ear tips even come in two sizes, and at just an ounce this one won’t hold you back in the water.
Easy Shot Makes Underwater Video Easy
There seems to be no shortage of portable video cameras that can take a dive, but the Easy Shot Clip HD Diving Kit is one more to consider. Developed by Concord Keystone, this small HD digital camera allows divers and swimmers to capture 720 HD video and sound from depths up to 100 feet. It comes with its own waterproof housing that is clipped to a 360-degree rotating mounting bracket, so it can be attached to diving or swimming masks or goggles. Video after the jump
Oregon Scientific Mounts ATC Mini Waterproof Camera
These days if you participate in an extreme sport, you may not be a part of it unless you film the action. Now there’s several cameras that make that bit easy. The newest is the ATC Mini from Oregon Scientific. The ATC Mini is a waterproof video camera that is mountable on many objects including helmets and weighs only 70 grams.
Continue reading Oregon Scientific Mounts ATC Mini Waterproof Camera
CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award
The idea of “life proofing” portable electronics is a good one, especially with mobile smartphones. These things get dropped, get spilled on and get put through conditions that frankly they weren’t designed for. After dropping an iPhone many users probably have a moment of fear and do a quick “proof of life” test to see if it still works. Instead of worrying whether that fall or spill “killed” the handset, LifeProof it instead.
(Video after the jump) Continue reading CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award
Hands on: Elite Pro Cycling Jacket by Showers Pass
Showers Pass Elite Pro Cycling Jacket Review
The weather in Colorado can be unpredictable. Sunshine, hail, high winds, and snow can all happen within a few hours even on a summer day. With this kind of variability you learn to carry a jacket at all times while on the bike.
The Elite Pro jacket is made with a three layer proprietary fabric and is highly waterproof. The wind-blocking is exceptional. Beyond the basics, the jacket is loaded with features designed specifically for cycling. The Elite Pro is light, form fitting and doesn’t flap in the wind. At the waist, it is short in front and ultra-long in the back. This feels a bit awkward when you try on the jacket, but once on the bike, it is spot on. The sleeves have the same style. They feel freakishly long when standing and perfect when on the bike. I’ve learned to cinch the wrist up when off the bike, positioning the sleeves at the wrist to keep them from falling over my hands.
The jacket has tremendous ventilation. There are two core zipper vents that replace armpit zippers on previous models.
Continue reading Hands on: Elite Pro Cycling Jacket by Showers Pass
CES 2011: Mini Video Camera Takes on Water Activity
If you’re having too much fun doing water sports or want to film all three stages of your next triathlon, the SportsCam Waterproof Mini Video Camera from Swann Security may just be for you. The SportsCam is sheathed in a rugged waterproof case and has a handful of mounting options to secure it to your person or equipment and get you set up for filming. Continue reading CES 2011: Mini Video Camera Takes on Water Activity
CES 2011: MP3 Player Would Be U-Boat Commanders
This week Fitness Technologies Inc. will show off the world’s smallest waterproof MP3 player. Given that there aren’t all that many MP3 players out there that are truly waterproof we didn’t know what small meant. An MP3 player smaller than a U-Boat could be considered small!
But UWaterG2, from FitnessTechUSA, is far from submarine size, let it can dive to 10 feet/3 meters. The micro-sized player is just 0.4-inches by 1.25-inches by 1.75-inches. It is available now in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB sizes, as well as five colors. It features “Twist & Lock” earphones to completely seal out water, and provide againt corrosion. Best of all at less than $60 this MP3 is priced for the able seaman yet is worthy of a U-Boat commander.
Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More
There is an episode of The Simpsons from way back in the first season where Bart Simpson ordered a spy camera, and hilarity ensued. Actually, the best part was Bart saying to the mail carrier, “where is my spy camera” supposedly for six months. That’s pretty much how we feel about the new spy watch camera that was released this summer.
This wasn’t your run of the mill spy watch camera either. This was a 4GB waterproof, motion detection, spy watch, hidden camera with mini DVR. How’d they get all that stuff in the camera-watch we don’t know, but it is worth noting that this sleek time keeping device didn’t come from Japan either, this is Chinese technology at its finest. As with many Chinese products it is hard to tell exactly who made it, kind of like how it is hard to tell exactly what is in Chinese food. We did find that this watch (Model TL-WSC-010) is sourced by Omejo Technology from Hong Kong. Continue reading Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More