Tech Lightning iReader

   I was intrigued when I saw this card reader, something that I can use to transfer data from my Windows PC to my Nexus 7 or to my iPod Touch 5? Yes I know what you are thinking "Why not just use iCloud or some other cloud service?", it is true that you can use some cloud service to transfer data to other devices but sometimes using a device like the Tech Lightning iReader is much simpler and easier to use, not too mention if you do not have access to the internet a device like this is would be perfect to use. When it finally arrived I noticed that the box has instructions on the back(see picture) to download the app from the App store. The App is called iDiskk Pro and is only 18MB.
  There is a total of three connection plugs, a lightning connector, a full size USB connector and inside the USB connector is the Micro USB connector which slides in and out. The reader did not have any directions on how to slide the micro USB connector in and out, you need to use your finger nail to slide it out, when you do you will hear a click, that means it is fully extended and locked into place, to slide it back in you will see a small blue square push that in and then slide the micro USB back into the full sized USB connector(see pictures). I used my Windows laptop, Nexus 7 and my iPod Touch 5. along with SanDisk Class 10 SD and Micro SD cards to test this device. I transferred pictures, videos and Mp3's to each device without any problems and the transfer was fast.
   The Nexus 7 and laptop easily recognized the reader and had no problems transferring data, with the iPod(or any IOS device) you will have to get the app in order for the reader to function. The App was a pleasure to use on my iPod, as soon as I plugged the reader in a notice popped up prompting me to use the app. In the App everything is presented quite nicely, you can have a list type or grid style display. You can sort the information, search for data or even make a new folder within the app. I did not find any instructions on how to use the app fully but within a few minutes I was able to figure out all of the functions. The Tech Lightning iReader accepts Micro SD cards and full size SD cards, great if you take a lot of pictures and want to transfer then from your camera(DSLR, MFT, Point and shoot etc.) to multiple devices. The device is cased in plastic and feels pretty sturdy, no squeaks or bends just a nice solid feel. I found that the clear plastic caps where a nice touch to protect the connectors, the card slots are a slide in pull out type, no spring loaded slots.
   Over all I do like the Tech Lightning iReader, the device is solid, transfers data quickly and is very easy to use. Even viewing a video from a SD Card was a pleasure, no stutter or lag, just a smooth viewing experience. This is a device that everyone should have especially if you have different devices that run different operating systems. I like the fact that I do not have to rely on a cloud service to transfer any of my data from one device to another and the iReader performs this task perfectly. There is only one thing that can improve on the experience and operation of the iReader is that Tech Lightning needs to put an instruction pamphlet in the box mainly to let the user know how to use the Micro USB connector properly, other than that I it was a total joy to use this device. I would definitely recommend the Tech Lightning iReader to anyone.

Iron Man Bluetooth Speaker

    Just like many people I own a few Bluetooth speakers, some are just ok some really good and some awesome. I came across this speaker while looking on the GearBest website. Yes it looks like Iron Man and the price was pretty low. At the time of me writing this review it was priced at $12.38. It does come in different colors I choose the black but it does come in white, red and blue. Delivery time for me was about three weeks, give or take a day, so not too bad on that. This speaker definately looks really cool, you can move the arms at the shoulder(up and down) and the head moves left to right but is limited.
   The C-89 Iron Man speaker has a non removable rechargeable 1000 mA battery, charge time for me took about 2.5 hours and playback time was around four hours, just remember playback time will vary depending on how loud you turn the speaker up, more volume means more power used!! THe audio quality was good but not the best I have heard. The highs are really dominant, the louder you turn up the speaker the more dominant the high end. The mid range is there but not strong enough to help cut through the high end, and the bass, well it is almost non existent, it is there but really low, what would have helped with the bass response is a passive port on the back of the head where the speaker resides, the port could have had a grill on it to help hide it and that might have had given this speaker a better sound to it.
    You get a charging cable with the speaker it is nineteen inches long. It also is a Y type cable, on one end is the male USB plug and on the other is a MINI USB (not micro) and a 3.5mm male plug. I would have liked to had a longer cable, 24 inches, but that is not a deal breaker. On the back there is a power switch(a slider type) a USB port, for charging a device, the AUX port, micro SD card slot and finally the MINI USB port to charge the speaker. I did not recieve any instructions with my speaker so I had to figure out how to use it on my own, that took maybe two minutes. After you turn the speaker on you hear a little tune and then "BlueTooth Mode" the eyes flash blue and a LED light in his chest slowly changes colors.
    Now the chest light is also the mode button, hold it in and you will hear "FM mode" followed by static, hold the button in again and you will hear "AUX Mode" . In the FM and AUX mode the C-89's eyes stay a constant blue and the chest light continues to slowly change color. You will see a white accent to the left and right of the chest light, these are the volume, scan ans track buttons, they do not light up. Just under the chest light there is a small pin hole, that is the microphone to take or make calls with. I have not tried to make a call mainly because of how the audio is on this speaker. For what I paid I really like this speaker, it looks really cool and the audio is good, not horrible but good. The price is about right as well, you cannot go wrong for $12.38.

Mpow Streambot Z Bluetooth FM Transmitter

 Upon receiving the Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z I was skeptical on its performance. Surely a device like this cannot perform as well as plugging in my device into the AUX port. I was right. The Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z does not perform as crisp and clear as using the AUX port on my radio, but then again it should not. There are many factors that affect a device that uses FM frequencies, signal strength of other radio stations, how many radio stations are in the area, your radio and even your spark plug cables can have an affect on a device such as this. I found the set up really easy, plug it into your power port, tune your radio to an un used station, pair it to your device and you are done.
In my testing I used a Lumia 640, Lumia 520, iPod touch 5, Nexus 7(2013) and a cheap LG phone from TracFone. Each device easily paired to the Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z and I never lost a connection or had the volume drop. I did notice however some radio stations work better than others. What I mean is some stations had more stactic(hiss) than others, some stations had a higher volume output than others and some had a bit of bleed through from other stations. When I finally found a good station to test on I found that I had to turn the volume up all the way on each device and the Streambot itself then used the radios volume last. It was still at a lower volume than using the AUX port but then again I expected that.
Despite the volume issue I found that the Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z performed really well, as I mentioned earlier I had no signal loss or dropped volume. I even drove over as many potholes as I could to see if jarring the device would have any effect on it and I am glad to say it did not. There is a USB port on the Streambot so you can charge a device while streaming, it easily charged each device with no problems. Taking calls was not that fantastic, the callers mentioned that I was a bit quiet, that might be due where my power port is located but I did hear the calls quite well. The Streambot is made primarily from plastic, to me it felt sturdy and not cheap and it did fit really snug into the power port.
You will see two bands of metal on the device the bigger one is the volume control and the thinner one is to tune the device to the radio station. On the top where you see the Mpow logo that is the power on/off button and you get two buttons for skipping forward or back. THe LED read out is red and is very clear to read, just under the read out is a small hole that is the microphone. There are a few negatives, the first is the part that plugs into your power port is five inches long, depending on your power ports depth this device may stick out too far you you to use or plug something into the USB port, so measure the depth of your power port(cigarette port) and do the math to see if this device will work in your vehicle, actually you should do this for any device like this.
Another negative is the adjustment knob, despite my fingers fitting nicely in the curves the knob is a bit too thin, I felt as if it might break if I have to keep adjuting the device. The last negative is the volume, the Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z is a bit quiet, if Mpow can boost the volume by atleast 10 percent I think that would make quite a difference. If you do not have an AUX port or a Bluetooth option on your radio I would recommend the Mpow Upgraded Streambot Z, it is a good option to stream music or audio books through your radio. Is it perfect, no, depending on your location, radio, radio signals you will have some static and the volume is a bit low but it is a good work around. Remember try different un used stations to find the best one, do not just go for the first one you find, there is a difference.

Mpow Grip Air Vent Car Mount

 I would like to start by saying I am not a fan of vent mounted phone holders, the reason for this is simple, some vent fins are not that sturdy, they can break easily, also in some vehicles the vent fin assembly can pop out. Vibration is the other factor, since vent fins are thin they are not as stable as a dash mount or windshield mount so you should expect vibration in a vent mounted holder.  When I received the Mpow Grip Air Vent Car Mount I was skeptical on how it would perform. The mount is made from a excellent high grade plastic and felt pretty sturdy, the hook is made from metal as is the spring. There is foam in the brace arms to prevent scratching the surface and foam is in the arms that hold your device.
   I used two devices to test this mount, my iPod Touch 5 and my Lumia 640. The Mpow Grip Air Vent Car Mount held onto both devices very well. I did not experience and slippage or fall outs. While driving I did notice some vibration, much less than your basic vent mount but the vibration was there. I drove over pot holes and speed bumps and the mount held both devices firmly. On the back of the holder you will see two buttons, the one on the top is the holders release, press it and the arms will open, the bottom is a lock, slide it up to unlock and down to un lock. What the lock does it to lock the release button, to stop you from accidentally pressing it and having your device fall, I like that function. THe holder is also on a ball swivel, loosen the nut, position your device to where you want it, tighten the nut and you are done. On the bottom of the holder there are two arms that swing out to hold your device, they are adjustable so even a small device. like my iPod can fit .
   I have to admit that I was impressed with the Mpow Grip Air Vent Car Mount, it held my devices securely and because of the bracing arms that rest against the surface, it reduces strain on the vent fins and it does help reduce vibration. The spring hook is quite secure, it will not slip or release like the slip on type mounts, it will come off only when you want it too. I am still not a fan of vent mounted holders but if you need to use one or you do not want a dash/windshield mount then definitely get this mount, in my opinion the Mpow Grip Air Vent Car Mount is the best vent mount to buy, and will have a less chance of breaking the fins in your vent.

Mpow MLens V2 Fisheye/Marco Lens

    The Mpow MLens V2 is a big lens for your phone. You will find that you just might have to use two hands while using this lens, one to hold your phone the other to hold onto the lens. While you are using this lens you will see the black border surrounding the subject, but with 180 degree angle you get quite a lot in your shot. Be careful if you are holding the lens that high degree of angle it just might pick up your hand(see picture below). The lens itself is an all metal construction and is built very solid. The clip is plastic but does not feel cheap it too is solid, you will find rubber padding on the clip where it comes into contact with your device, the spring, made of metal, is strong, at first I though it would press on my screen to hard but it did not. You will have to center your devices camera on this lens, the back lens is about 1 inch wide.
   If you want to use this lens for macro shooting, look where the word macro is printed, that is where the lens un screws to reveal the macro function. When I un screwed mine it was a bit tight, I really had to give it a good bit of force to get it loose. The rubber grip helped(see picture below). Despite the black box or barrel affect I enjoyed using this lens. It was fun to use my imagination to get interesting shots, it made me think about how the shot would come out and in doing so it made me take my time, which is a good thing. Picture quality is good, the center of the shot is clean and crisp but as you look to the edges the quality degrades. The edge of your picture will be a bit blurry, fuzzy and a little dis colored. If you take the price into consideration the quality is not all that bad, yes there are some fisheye lenses out there that are crystal clear but they do come with a hefty price tag.
   The macro lens is a joy to use, I was able to get within a half inch(sometimes less) of the subject and got some really nice shots, once again the center of the picture is crisp and as you get to the outer edges you will see a bit od distortion but not as pronounced as the fisheye. You can also get pretty darn close with the fisheyes lens as well, I was able to get within a half inch on most subjects and the shots were acceptable to fantastic. As a nice touch Mpow included a really nice cloth pouch to carry your lens in, it also doubles as a cloth to wipe away dust or fingerprints. You get a front and rear lens cap, the front is a spring loaded cap just like the DSLR's use and the rear cap is threaded. The Mpow MLens V2 has a thread size of 37mm which means that if you can use this as a add on lens for your camera as long as it has a 37mm thread.
   The Mpow MLens V2 is a really nice lens to shoot with, as I mentioned before it makes you think about the shot and that can get your creative juices flowing. Yes it is a bit heavy but I would rather have an all metal construction than plastic. The main thing that really holds this lens back is that the clip is to shallow, it only has a one inch depth, I was only able to use it on two devices, my iPod Touch 5 and my Nexus 7, the clips depth was to shallow to use on my Lumia 640, Mpow should have added another quarter of an inch or half an inch depth to the clip so all phones could have been accommodated, also if Mpow could atleast reduce the distortion around the edges a little that would definitely help. All in all this lens was fun and a joy to shoot with, I found myself taking a bit more time setting up the shot, looking at different angles and distance, it brought some fun back into shooting with my iPod.

Mpow AquaPro speaker

  For a small speaker the Mpow AquaPro puts out quite a loud volume. The speaker will fit in your hand quite easily. You get a USB charging cable and a 3.5 mm cable if you do not want to connect by blue tooth. I used three devices to test the speaker they are the iPod Touch 5, Nexus 7 and my Lumia 640. Each device easily paired to the speaker, just look for Mpow AquaPro on your blue tooth list. The audio reproduction is quite nice, you can hear each instrument and vocals, the actual sound of the speaker is a little lacking. The highs are a bit too much, they have that "tinny" sound and when you turn up the volume the high end gets too be ear piercing. The mid range is a nice punch, clean, clear and crisp, just what you would want from a speaker this size. The bass. or low end is there but it is a bit muted, it does give that thump but it is held back, the high end does over power the bass.
   I am guessing that the design of the Mpow AquaPro is the reason why the bass is lacking, there is no bass port and the speaker is only an inch and a half thick, so there really is no room for the bass frequencies to expand to give you that BOOM. Not too mention that this speaker has a IPX7 waterproof rating, this means that the speaker can fall into three feet of water and still work, so the waterproof design does affect the sound as well. Despite the lack of bass and the high end being what it is I do like this little speaker, it is small enough to travel with, take in the shower or just have it sitting on a counter or table and it takes up little room. From no sound to full volume I counted 14 clicks and I found that on the 8-10 is the best sound from this speaker.
    The Mpow AquaPro does have a feature that I find interesting, right next to the charging port is a SOS button. When held down the speaker will turn on a warbling sound that yes is annoying but that is the point. If you need help or in some kind of trouble press that button and the sound will attract attention. The speaker is built tough, I dropped it a few times from 3 feet to about 7 feet high, besides a few scratches the speaker held up and kept on working. I used it a few times in the shower as well, I made sure that water did hit the speaker and I must say it performed very well. no change in sound at all and yes it is still working. I will caution you though make sure that the flap covering the USB port is properly secured before getting it wet. Taking and making calls were easy and crisp and clear, I did not experience and dropped calls, interference of loss of volume.
   Battery life is really good, Mpow claims playtime is 8 hours I got about 7 and a half, but I did have the speaker turned almost all the way up, so just remember the louder you turn up the volume the more power the speaker uses which means shorter play time. Charging the speaker took about 2 hours and to me that was not all that bad. The blue tooth range is your average distance, I got 31 feet before the signal started to drop. Outside usage was a bit different than in my house. I found that I was able to hear the music quite a distance away due to the high end being the way it is so that is a plus as well. This little speaker is not really for tailgaters or back yard parties it is designed for personal use and will fill a room with sound. To me I wish there was a bit more low end produced by the Mpow AquaPro, I like a good deep thump while listening to my music. Overall the Mpow AquaPro is a good buy, great for backpacking, at the beach, working in the garage well you get the idea.

Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Headphones

    The Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Headphones are presented really nice in the box, you get a charging cable that is flat and 19 inches long, different sized ear tips and the instruction manual. The earphones feel really sturdy, no cheap plastic here, and have a matte finish with the Mpow logo nicely displayed. The cable has a nice spring to it and a rubberized feel to them. One thing that you will notice is a curve by each ear pod, these curves allow you to fit the earphones around your ear for a snug fit. I had no problems fitting these to my ears, they stayed in never loosened or popped out. Pairing theses to your device is simple the middle button is the power and pairing button. Simply press and hold the button, you will hear "Power On" keep holding the button until you hear "Pairing" then release the button and look for "Mpow Antelope" and you are on your way.
   There are two other buttons next to the power and those are volume control and track skipping, each one performed flawlessly, you will also notice a tactile click every time you press any of the buttons, I like that feature a lot. Charge time was about 1 hour 30 minutes for me and the run time I got was 7 hours and 35 minutes. Now you have to remember the louder you play your music the shorter the run time. Using the Antelope for taking calls was a breeze, the caller heard me crystal clear and I heard the caller clear as day. the blue tooth distance was average, the usual 30 feet and not once had I noticed any drop outs or fading. The noise cancellation was surprising, I expected a decent experience but Mpow really out did themselves, I thought that the noise cancellation was superb, only really loud noises made it through, like trucks passing by, fire engine, and a few car horns.
    Now for the part you really want to know. The sound quality was good, but not the best experience I have heard from Mpow. The highs are a bit too high they had that "tinny" sound and the higher the volume the highs became more ear piercing. The mids did have a punch, nice and clean and the bass was there, more of a flat response than a good sounding "thump". Still the reproduction of the music was good, you are able to pick out each instrument and vocals with ease, I just think Mpow should EQ these a bit better by lowering the highs a bit and raising the bass. The other thing I noticed it the cable connecting the two ear pods is a bit short, since I have a buzz cut they fit nice on my head, but if you have a lot of hair or really thick hair these might not be a great fit for your head. I do like these earphones, they fit me really nice and are quite comfortable, despite the lack of bass I have enjoyed using them and will continue to use them. Battery life is fantastic and the charge time is really great. The  Mpow Antelope Bluetooth Headphones, in my opinion, are worth the money.