A lot of people worry about getting help if something happens to them away from a phone. Maybe they are aging or becoming confused or forgetful. Perhaps they have limited mobility or a disability. Maybe they are concerned family members worried about their loved ones.

One popular option is an emergency dialing system, like the Bay Alarm Medical Personal Alarm Response System, which allows you to push a button, then be connected to an emergency dispatcher who can determine what sort of help is needed and contact the right people.  Bay Alarm sent one of their systems to The Gadgeteer for review.

Bay Alarm’s system is a type of Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), which generally consist of three parts – a button that can be worn in several ways, a base station (the Linear Security PERS-2400), and the response team on the other end of the line.

Base station and cords, call button and optional mounts

The Bay Alarm system’s base station installs just like a cordless phone. You plug one cord from the wall socket to the station and another from the station to the base of your phone. Plug in the power cord (a large wall wart on a nice long cord), turn the unit on, and you are pretty much set to go. I set this up at my mother’s house for the test, and like many older homes, the phone outlet and power outlets are not conveniently located near each other. This is just a minor annoyance that we struggled with for answering machines and cordless phones too – no big deal, just something to think about. The service works on regular phone service, or cable, VOIP (with an adapter), etc. If you can use a regular phone, you should be able to use this service.

Base station bottom view

The 8″ long, 7.5″ wide and 2.5″ high station has few buttons or features that might confuse someone in an emergency. The big button labelled ‘EMERGENCY’ in red is hard to miss – visually or tactility. It even includes Braille on the buttons. Besides that, there is a ‘CLEAR’ button to cancel an accidental press, and ‘HOME’. There are also four status lights – POWER, TROUBLE, SENDING, and HOME. (Note: the HOME button and light are not used in this configuration. There is even a small self-adhesive square to cover the button if you wish.)  The station contains a rechargeable battery that can operate the system for 32 hours (be sure to remove the protective cover from the battery before use.)

The station has a very sensitive mic built-in so it can hear someone talking to it from some distance away. In my tests, the operator heard my mom’s soft voice from several rooms away – pretty much if I could hear her as I sat by the station, they could hear her as well. The station has a lot of volume to it, so whenever they could hear my mom, she could easily hear them. You will want to think about where you locate the station – where would it be most likely to hear the victim? In mom’s older two-story home, if the station was located to hear her in the upstairs bedroom with the door closed, it would not hear her from the laundry room. One nice touch is that it can be wall-mounted. You don’t need to cover the entire house – the operator will call 911 if they do not hear anyone after an activation.

The call button remote is pretty straight forward. It is small, light, unobtrusive, waterproof, and tough. It can be worn as a pendant or watch, or clipped to a belt or pocket. It has a 300′ range, but a ‘long-range’ version is available that reached 1,000′. As usual, the range is affected by doors, type of wall construction, etc. In my mom’s house with wooden construction but lots of doors and walls, it was generally only about 100-150′, and it did not reach from the farthest corner of the basement or the backyard.

Small call button in my giant hand

I had no issues with the call button, and appreciate that it is waterproof so it can be used while bathing, as so many accidents happen then. The button is light enough that it is easy to forget you are wearing it, but one could wish the plain grey unit was more attractive if it was going to be worn all the time. (That might be an interesting line of accessories- nice jewelery and accessories that could hide or function as the pendant.)

My experiences with the operators were uniformly very good. They were always cheerful and helpful, even when doing test after test. In the real world, what happens is you trigger a signal – either with the big button or the pendant, then the station exclaims ‘emergency’ for several seconds. This serves as both assurance that the unit ‘heard’ you, and to let you know when it may have been accidentally triggered. There is a bit of a lag until the operator comes on (very loudly, as noted above), usually about twenty to thirty seconds in my tests. This is about the same lag as the security company at my workplace, but can seem like a really long time in an emergency.

You fill out a contact form as part of the registration process with addresses, emergency contacts, and instructions on accessing your home in an emergency. When the unit triggers, it tells the operator who this is so they can communicate with you by name, and already have the key info handy. They can also update the info easily if you move or change numbers. Not every PERS has the flexibility to call a contact person instead of emergency services, and this comes in handy when you really need help, but not the type 911 offers.

One thing they thought of that you might not is how to gain access to the locked house in an emergency. They offer a lock box (that you can also get from most hardware stores) that securely holds a key somewhere outside and requires a combination to get into. Bay Medical will pass the location of the box and the code to emergency workers.

The station and service are portable – you can take it and use it anywhere you can hook up to a phone line and power. All you need to do is to call in and update the current contact information when you have it set up. It is also worthwhile to note that they will try to help anyone who hits the button – you can even purchase additional call buttons to cover other family members with no additional monthly fees!

If you are thinking about this for your loved ones, the company can bill you directly for it, and can provide a monthly report outlining how it was used.

Bay Alarm has been in business since 1946 and has a very good reputation. The contract is straightforward – the cheapest rate is their annual rate of $239.40, billed as $19.95/month. This gets you the equipment and service with no other fees or costs, or without signing any contracts. You can add fire and CO2 monitoring for an additional fee. The responses are available in 170 languages and they offer discounts to AAA or AARP members.

This is not a fun or sexy gadget, but it is a very valuable one. I had no problems setting the system up, even though I could not find any instructions in my box, and the paperwork (contact form, contract, cancellation form) was all emailed in advance so I could have had it ready even before the system arrived. It is a good system – well-made and well-supported. As my mom pointed out, it cannot cover every contingency, but nothing ever can.

Filed in categories: Health Related Gadgets, Home Tech, Reviews

Tagged: Medical alert, personal emergency response, Security

Bay Alarm Medical Personal Alarm Response System Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 23, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Many years ago someone invented a cable lock system that protected your bicycle from theft. Not so long ago, Kensington took that idea and applied it to a cable that was designed to secure your laptop. Now we have another product that uses this basic same idea. It’s the Rock Lock for your guitar. It’s made in the USA of heavy-duty braided steel cable and a special locking clamp that fits across the guitar neck like a capo. The Rock Lock’s clamp has a 2-1/8″ wide by 7/8″ tall opening that has been designed to work with most 6 string acoustic and electric guitars. It will not work with Flamenco, Nylon string, or Spanish guitars but may work with some 12 string or bass guitars depending on the neck size. This device probably won’t prevent someone who is very determined (and has some heavy duty wire cutters) from stealing your instrument, but it should help discourage random grab and run type theivery. The Rock Lock is available for $49.95.

Filed in categories: Musical Gear, News

Tagged: Guitar, Security

Secure your Guitar with a Rock Lock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 9, 2012 at 2:00 pm.

MobiSafe is a compact, high-impact plastic lockbox with a steel cable for security.

We write a lot about keeping gadgets safe from damage.  Cases, gear bags, screen protectors and the like are all subject to being damaged by something you may accidentally do. But what about preventing an unwanted transfer of technology (ie. theft)? We can’t all go around with safes and lockboxes strapped to everything, can we? Well, there is a company on the market now that tries to help you prevent an uncontrolled loss of gear access. FJM Security  has a series of products that can protect various items. Their MobiSafe  is a smallish plastic box with an attached steel cable and combination lock, designed to prevent anyone from walking away with your gear. Light and easy to open or lock, the high-impact ABS plastic case is held to any support that can be surrounded by a 2″ circle of steel airplane cable. I was sent one to test, and found it to be as described on their website. Let’s take a closer look at this little gadget!

MobiSafe next to an iPhone 4 for size comparison.

The basic construction is a clamshell case with a separate piece that contains a cable lock which clips into it, holding it shut. The cable can be released to slide around whole objects by sliding a simple trigger that is completely hidden from access when it’s locked into place. The airplane-steel cable that loops around to secure your goodies is covered with a clear vinyl coating, which will prevent rust and keep it from scratching things, should you attach it to a painted item.

MobiSafe can hold a wide variety of stuff - if it's flat and narrow.

While the case it thin and light, I think it would take a bit of work with a blunt instrument to remove the clip from the collar that holds it.

Usage is simple: Remove the cable assembly, open the case, fill with stuff, put the cable around something permanent or difficult to move, close the case and clip the cable into it. There is a pin in the end of the cable assembly that goes through a molded hole in each half of the clamshell, so there is no way to force it open without actually breaking the plastic itself. This construction greatly increases the strength of the storage compartment lock, but it also means you have to enter the code and remove the cable assembly every time you want to go into the storage area. It’s an irritation, but not as bad as having your ID or phone stolen, I guess. (This is why we can’t have nice things, people! Stop stealing!)

Details showing the pin on the cable assembly and the holes on the storage compartment. Note also the metal slide lock for the cable release on the far end of the lock.

There are two smallish holes on either edge near the cable housing, which allows you to have earbuds or a power cable going into your device. This means it would be nice for a display for, say, speakers, where you didn’t want anyone changing the settings or running off with your music source, but wanted music playing through the demo product. While a great idea, you’ll have to choose your connectors carefully, since most smartphones or iPods have their outputs on the top or bottom. This means the cable may not fit within the box while inserted.

The power or earphone cables may or may not fit into the MobiSafe when inserted.

The MobiSafe is shown on the website’s pictures on the beach, clipped to a railing at a ballpark, and to a chair at a poolside restaurant. While these places could be used, be aware that the case does not seal your devices from water, sand, heat, or humidity. Yes, it may be safe when you return from your romp in the surf, but it may also be covered in grit or seawater or spilled beer. I don’t think the plastic four-digit combination lock would work as smoothly with sand in it, either.

I enjoyed using the MobiSafe during bike rides and when at coffee shops or the like. It’s a hassle to balance everything when going to fetch your food order, or when ducking into the library to get your reserved books, and the safety afforded by this unit is quite nice. I’m sure, with the advent of tablets and larger smartphones, that this category will grow, and other units may have weather protection, etc. But, even as a start, this is a great case for those times when you’re just wanting to secure your phone, a few bills and your ID while you take a turn around the dance floor.

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: Mobile gear, Portable storage, Security

MobiSafe Portable Secure Storage Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 3, 2012 at 11:00 am.

With a traditional baby monitor, you have a camera for the child’s room and a monitor that you carry around with you so you can see what’s happening with the baby.  You’ll need a power source for the monitor, and that means finding an outlet in the room you’re in or keeping the monitor supplied with batteries.  With the BabyPing monitoring system (from a newly-created division of Y-cam Solutions Ltd), you won’t have to worry about lugging around a separate monitor.  Place the BabyPing camera in the baby’s room, connect it to your home WiFi network, and use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as your monitor.  The free app “offers a wealth of security and safety features which include double-layer security and alerts to inform the user if the baby cries, if the Wi-Fi connection has been broken or if the monitoring iOS device is out of range.  Using specially developed technology, the Smart Filter™  cuts out the background noise and static normally associated with baby monitors, while Constant-Connect™ acts as a permanent tether between the app and monitor, instantly notifying the user when the baby is upset or if the connection is broken at any point, ensuring parents can put their trust in this new technology.”  The BabyPing will be available in the UK starting in February for £149.99 (about $230).  You can sign up at the BabyPing website to be notified of availability.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Kid Gadgets, News

Tagged: baby monitor, Security

Use BabyPing and Your iOS Device to Monitor Your Child originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 18, 2012 at 10:00 am.

Ever had a dead car battery, reach for your cellphone to call for help, and find that your cellphone’s battery is dead, too?  If you kept a SpareOne cellphone in your car or purse for emergencies, you wouldn’t have to worry about that scenario.  The SpareOne is a Dual band GSM phone with patented technology that allows it to be powered by a single alkaline, NiMH, or lithium AA battery – the most widely-available battery.  When powered with an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA battery (included), you’ll have 10 hours of talk time, and it can keep its charge up to 15 years when unused.  The SpareOne is a very reliable phone to leave in your car for emergencies and as a means of keeping in touch with your children or older relatives.  SpareOne, equipped with an Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery and a micro SIM card, will be available in Q1 2012 in the US for $49.99.  Different versions (US, Europe, and Asia) will be available with WCDMA frequency options for selected regions.  It will also soon be available in customizable versions for businesses, events, and other uses.

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: cell phone, Security

SpareOne – the World’s Only Cellphone That Runs on a Single AA Battery originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 13, 2012 at 1:00 pm.

One of my friends had her email account hijacked recently.  The hijackers had obviously got hold of her password somehow and were sending out emails to her address book claiming she was stuck overseas and needed money sent to her. I’d read about this sort of thing  but never had it happen to myself or anyone close to me. I suspect that it would be quite easy for the less-knowledgeable and naive to not realize and send money and be taken for a ride, as it was certainly more “sophisticated” than the typical Nigerian scammer email.  I actually toyed with them for a while  (to the extent of trying to sending them to my mate Kon Stabel at the address of the local police station ) and the jackers were pretty “sneaky” about trying to get money out of me.

It was then I decided I should really do something about strengthening my own security around my accounts by turning on Google’s 2 step authentication which I’d read about but never got around to implementing.

Working in IT you’d think I’d know better; however, this got me thinking about all the information I have stored in my Google account. Access to my email alone would allow access to other sensitive information, which as a flow on from my emails gives them access to other websites indirectly. Password resets to the email address for other non-Google applications or sites could be performed, as well as the ability to gain access to applications that use your Google account as a “passthrough” login for that application. In addition if you’re part of the “Google-verse” (“luckily” my above friend had just a Hotmail email account ),  access to your Google account gives you access to email and all your other Google apps such as Google+, documents, photos, reader, YouTube, and other info. A bit scary really

Google 2 step authentication works on 2 things, something you know – your password – and something you have – your phone/tablet.

It’s easy to turn on from your Google Account Settings

Once you turn on 2 step authentication, whenever you login to your Google account you put in your normal password and the site will then ask you to enter your authentication code consisting of a 6 digit number.

 

Google Code Verification

This code can be delivered to you in a number of ways:

• SMS to a specified mobile number.

• Voicecall to a specified mobile or land line number.

• Google Authenticator app  for Android/iPod,iPhone,Ipad/Blackberry – This app  generates a real time, time-sensitive code for you to enter based on your account. The system is very similar to the more commercial- and business-related RSA tokens that many enterprise businesses use for their 2 step authentication. It will allow you to create codes for multiple Google accounts if you have them.

 

The Google Authenticator App for Android

So to log in, you need to know your password and also have your mobile phone to receive or generate your 6 digit code. So even if your password is compromised the would be thief still requires to get hold of your phone to finally hijack your account. Each code is only valid for around 30 secs.

You can apply this code to last up to 30 days, so you won’t get asked for a new verification code again for 30 days on that same machine. If you find yourself having to login to another new machine or onto an public/shared device, then you’ll have to input a verification code again.  On a public machine if you don’t use the 30 day option, the next time you logon to that machine you’ll have to reenter another verification code, something quite handy if you find yourself having to use internet cafes to access you Google account. Even keyloggers will only be able to grab your password, as your verification code you enter will only be valid for a short space of time.

 

Application Specific Code

Some devices and applications won’t let you enter the second security code so you need to create an Application Specific Password (e.g. Gmail login for Android). To enable these to access your Google account you generate a 16 digit alpha/numeric code that you use in place of your normal password. It appears to me that the code is a hash of your user name and what you name the application (e.g. “Gmail for Android Login”).  (As per below discussion it would appear it’s not a hash unless it’s time based as well.  Putting the same application name in gives different codes. Perhaps it is just random). You then use this code rather than your normal password to logon. You normally only have to use this password once, and you can always revoke the pass code if you need to for any reason.

If you’re out of mobile range or you don’t have your phone with you, Google can also supply you with a list of backup codes which you can print or store somewhere were you’d normally have access to it other than your phone.

As an exercise, sit down and work out what information and access would be available should Your Google account be hacked. While there’s a small amount of extra work involved with setting up 2-step verification as well as some extra “work” involved in logging into your Google account, the extra security you get is well worth the effort to protect your sensitive information.

Addendum: 4 Jan 2012  - I’ve just found that the Google Authenticator can also be used as a 2 factor authenticator  for  Lastpass password manager as well

Addendum: 7 Jan 2012 – A quick heads up about using the Authenticator on either multiple or on new devices.  If you turn on authentication and just follow the instructions on a single device  then when you want to add a new device ( which will happen with upgrades ) or add an additional device then you’ll actually have to turn off verification and recreate your account codes ( only your live ones, not the application specifics ) both on your old and new device.  The trick is that when you initially  turn it on take a screenshot of your bar code and/or the key it gives you and store in a safe place. Then you can just load GA onto your new device and rescan or manually input the account verifications when you create the account in the app.

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Reviews

Tagged: Gmail, Google, Internet security, Security

Google 2 Step Authentication Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 2, 2012 at 8:00 am.

The tiny Data Traveler 109 USB drive from Kingston comes preloaded with urDrive software “that gives you a new and exciting way to look at your data“, according to the maker. I am always interested in new and exciting ways to look at my data, so let’s take a look!

Kingston makes good stuff and the Data Traveler 109 thumbdrive is a nice piece of work:

• 2 capacities (8 and 16gb) and 7 colors
• 1.535″ x 0.486″ x 0.179″ (39.00mm x 12.35mm x 4.55mm)
• A bit more than a gram
• Compatible with any USB 2 system (urDrive is for Windows XP or newer)
• Convenient lanyard hole (that is pretty dang close to being bigger than the drive itself!)

The unit is very small in a plastic housing that would not be very tough in a larger unit, but is OK in the smaller package. The large lanyard hole makes it easy to slip on a keyring or, just maybe, a lanyard! In fact, I found I needed to thread a large rubber band in it during the review period just to keep it from getting lost in the detritus on my desk. No instructions are included in the packaging.

"Just how small IS it?"

I was sent an 8MG black and white unit to review, and it works perfectly as a thumb drive alone. It is pre-loaded with the 122MB URDrive software and applications suite which is designed to elevate the thumb drive experience. The site claims “Most USB Flash drives offer passive storage, which simply allows users to store and retrieve their data. urDrive offers engaged, active storage that allows you to easily access and organize your files, photos, videos and music.”

The urDrive is not bootable – it is not an operating system, more like a shell program that allows you to better use and view the files you choose to store on it. When launched from the screen icon or with autoplay, it displays several apps in the main screen, icons on the bottom, and some other scattered buttons or bars like ‘back’ and ‘search’.

The Home Screen

The large app buttons bring up several pre-loaded applications-

• Norton PC Checkup, which needs to be loaded onto your PC.
• Maxthon Browser, which needs an internet connection and can download data straight to the thumb drive.
• vDrive Backup, offering 6GB of free back-up. Needs to install on your PC and requires an internet connection.
• FoozKids Basic, a ‘kid-safe’ zone with educational activities and apps. Installs on the PC and offers a subscription service for more options.
• Games, similar to many on-line games sites, offering a selection of free and ‘for pay’ games.
• A store for apps and music, and apps for YouTube, Facebook and Twitter round out the offerings.

These programs are easily available on-line if you want them and there does not seem to be any benefit to getting them from the drive as opposed to loading them yourself – other than the portability of those that do not load onto your computer. You can also find reviews of each of these apps on-line to help you decide if they might interest you.

The ‘thumb drive shell programs’ are more interesting. Icons take you home, or to your files, photos, music, videos, (Kingston) news, settings, and help. You can use the ‘Import to USB’ button or just drag and drop files into the folder system. One small quirk is that you cannot drag to the Home screen with the apps, but you can to the ‘My Files’ screen. Note that if you drag and drop something like an MP3 there, it will not automatically go to your music file, but if you click on it, it will open with the included player.

The Maxthon Browser

The included players – photo, music, and video – are simple and work great. They seem to be based on Windows Media Player. They are nice enough that I would not mind using them on my laptop since they do such a nice job with such small footprints, but I suspect they actually use your computer’s copy of Media Player to do the job. When playing music or looking at photos, you can click on an icon for ‘Library View’, which taps into the entire media library on your computer – not just that on the thumb drive. This almost feels like a ‘back door’ since you cannot do this elsewhere in the urDrive, and I didn’t find a comment about it in the help.

The Music Player

The urDrive suite is nicely done – attractive, flexible, intuitive, and does everything it does nicely. I am not convinced it is helping me see my data in an new and exciting way, but it is sort of nice to have an on-board set of tools… even though I still have access to the needed tools on the main computer since this is not a bootable system. I suspect most Gadgeteers who are interested in this already have a thumb drive loaded with tools from places like PortableApps.com, which offers a wider range of customization, security, privacy, etc. (Just FYI- there does not seem to be anything in the urDrive that offers more security or privacy than what the Norton or other apps offer.) Regardless, the Data Traveler 109 is a pretty sweet drive!

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, Reviews, Travel Gear

Tagged: Flash Drive, Flash Memory, Security, USB Drive

Kingston Data Traveler 109 with urDrive Software Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 17, 2011 at 5:09 pm.

AirBeam is an app that will turn iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch or iPad) into a real-time video surveillance system with motion and sound detection. This system is quick and easy to use, but there are a couple caveats to setting things up, so let’s take a closer look.

Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view.

The biggest issue with AirBeam other than the fact that it’s priced at $3.99, is that you’ll need two iOS devices (one with a camera), if you want to set up a camera to view remotely. You’ll only need to pay the $3.99 once though. After that purchase, you can load it on all your other devices for free. The app is universal, so it looks good on the iPad too.

As far as configuring the application goes, it’s about as easy as it gets. Install AirBeam on two devices, tap the camera button on one device and the monitor button on the other. Done. As long as you’re on the same WiFi network, you’ll see a thumbnail of the remote camera on the monitoring device.

Tapping that thumbnail image, pops it up into a full screen viewer. In viewing mode you have several buttons at the top of the screen that will allow you do things like record live video, toggle motion sensing, toggle the camera on / off and activate the remote LED flash.

Video quality is pretty good at 640×480 resolution and up to 30 frames per second. Audio streaming is 16bit 44kHz CD quality. There is some latency, but it’s not bad at all. I would say that the video quality is nicer than some of the dedicated systems I’ve reviewed.

AirBeam is an easy way to setup a baby monitor or a camera watching out the front window for a delivery person. But the biggest problem with this app is that it’s designed to be used on your local WiFi network. If you leave an iOS device in camera mode and then drive down the road with your iPhone, you won’t be able to view the video using your phone’s 3G… Ok, you might be able to… IF you want to goof around with your WiFi router’s settings and forward a specific port to another port. AirBeam’s site alludes to this fact, but doesn’t offer any instructions on how to do it. I have never forwarded a port on my Linksys WRT54G router, so I had to google for the instructions, which seemed simple enough. I did so, but afterwards was not able to view the video from my iPhone through a 3G data connection…  It’s possible that I did something wrong, but I don’t think so. When I load the forwarded port address in a web browser on my iMac, I can see a bunch of garbage loading on the screen. But when I’d try that same port on my iPhone inside the AirBeam app, it will say it is trying to connect but after a few seconds it will give up.

AirBeam is fun to play with, but until I can easily monitor the video remotely with my Phone both at home and on the road, I’ll just stick to my DropCam system which I can access from any browser, iPhone or Android phone.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iOS, Security, Video

AirBeam Video Monitoring iOS App Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 6, 2011 at 10:00 am.

This post brought to you by Norton Small Business by Symantec. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I surf the Internet or read email, I always try to avoid places and situations that could be dangerous – I never open emails with attachments from people I don’t know, I never click on random links in emails, and I avoid sites that sound skeevy.  Still, I once got a virus from a website that I had been to thousands of times before.  That virus wrecked my computer so badly that it had to be reimaged, and I consider myself lucky that I didn’t lose any of my important files and that no one was able to steal my identity. I was foolish not to have Internet-security software on my PC.

Losing family pictures from a personal computer would be heartbreaking, but losing customer databases and financial records could destroy your business.  You’ll be careful, but you can you trust all your employees to be as careful?  And sometimes, simply being careful isn’t enough.  Norton Small Business by Symantec will constantly monitor your PC and stop viruses before they can be downloaded from emails or from harmful sites.  Click to learn more.

In a survey, about 28% of small-business owners say technology is of more concern to them than reducing labor costs.  And about 60% say they have experienced malware problems in the past 3 years, and half of them had to pay an expert to resolve the resulting problems.

Earlier this year, Symantec introduced two new products designed for small-business protection.  Both Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security 2012 protect against theft of your confidential business information so you can safely bank, surf, and do business online; notify you if a website or downloaded file is safe before your PC is infected; and protect your PC as you surf, email, and chat – all without slowing down your computer.  Norton 360 adds some important features: automatically backs up important files and documents to disk, USB, or secure Norton online data centers, and allows you to access them securely from any internet-connected computer; and keeps your computer running at top speed.

Best of all, Norton offers a 30% discount to small business owners.  Why not go learn how protect your Small Business from the latest online threats.  Or how it can protect important files and information on your personal PC, too.

Has your personal or business computer suffered losses from malware and viruses?  Let us know in the comments what Norton product could most benefit you.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, News

Tagged: Internet, Security

Protect Your Small Business with Norton Internet Security Products from Symantec originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 26, 2011 at 8:00 am.

The VueZone system from Avaak is an easy to setup wireless security camera system that we’ve reviewed here on The Gadgeteer. Before today, the VueZone cameras weren’t meant to be used outdoors because of a lack of weather resistance. Now the cameras can go outside when they are housed in the new water-resistant outdoor camera shell that protects the cameras from moisture. Other new mounting options include a new suction cup window mount and a table/ceiling mount. These new accessories are available now from $24.95 – $39.95.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, News

Tagged: Security

Avaak Announces New Mounting Options for VueZone Camera System originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 18, 2011 at 10:00 am.

This personal safety device from GreatCall gives you immediate access to trained personnel who can summon emergency services and notify your family.  The 5Star Urgent Response device fits on your keychain or can be clipped to a bag or backpack.  A single button push will connect you with highly-trained certified response agents who have access to your personal profile with information about your health and your emergency contacts, so they’ll be able to immediately summon the correct assistance.  The responders utilize GPS technology, stored frequent locations, and advanced location training to locate users when they press the 5Star button.  You can also use the 5Star to connect directly with 911 in your area.  The 5Star is an excellent safety device for elderly people living alone, for children, and adults who work or live in unsafe conditions.  You can purchase the 5Star device in silver or black for $49.99 directly from GreatCall or at Walmart and Sears stores nationwide.  Monthly monitoring service is $14.99/month; no contracts are required.  Additional users on the same account are only $8.99.  There’s even an app in the iTunes App Store for your iPhone; the $14.99 purchase price covers the first month of monitoring.  Read the full press release after the jump.

GreatCall Announces Introduction of the 5Star Responder™ Device – Empowering People to Be Prepared for Any Situation 

First-of-its-kind Wireless Device Provides Personal Security – Anytime, Anywhere

San Diego, Calif. – October 19, 2011 – GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services that enable people to stay connected, safe and healthy,today announced the immediate availability of the 5Star Urgent Response™ service and the 5Star Responder™ device, powered by one of the nation’s most reliable wireless networks. Available for purchase now at www.greatcall.com or by calling GreatCall directly at 800-650-3946, the 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, mobile device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. Beginning October 23, the service and device will also be available nationwide at Walmart and Sears.

By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency service, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed. Consumers can also use the device to contact 9-1-1 directly if needed. The 5Star Responder is a small, stylish, mobile communication device that’s available in silver and black.  Users can conveniently attach the GPS enabled Responder to a keychain, purse, or backpack.  Users can also rest easy knowing their Responder was designed and manufactured by AnyDATA, a trusted leader in innovative wireless devices.  The 5Star Urgent Response service is also now available as a downloadable smartphone app for iPhone on iTunes.

The benefits of the 5Star Urgent Response service are exciting.  No matter the situation, from a woman walking home late at night who suddenly realizes she’s being followed, to a child who is lost or feels unsafe at school, to an aging American living alone who’s concerned with a stranger pulling into their driveway, all can feel empowered knowing that 5Star is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to respond.

It’s especially powerful because so many people are afraid and hesitant to call 9-1-1.  In addition, many services provided by other companies are focused solely on responding to emergencies.  With 5Star Urgent Response, you don’t have to be afraid to call, whether it’s an emergency or any situation where you’re concerned about your well-being.

 “The 5Star Responder will revolutionize public safety,” said GreatCall CEO David Inns. “No matter how serious the situation – even if it’s just to have one of our Response Agents stay on the line with you as you walk to your car late at night – you can be assured that we are there with you until your situation is resolved.”

5Star Urgent Response™ Service Features:

• Reliable Nationwide Coverage - 5Star™ works nationwide and provides consumers with immediate access to help anywhere wireless coverage is available.  5Star service is powered by one of the nation’s largest and most reliable networks.
• Immediate connection to Certified 5Star Agents - 5Star gives consumers live, 100% U.S. Based Agents who are certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch®, trained in CPR and other emergency protocols and available to assist anytime, day or night.
• Enhanced location tracking with GPS - 5Star utilizes GPS technology, stored frequent locations and advanced location training to locate users.  The Agent will not locate the user until they hit the button to ask for help.
• 5Star and 9-1-1 work together - 5Star Agents will identify and locate you, assess your situation and then send the appropriate help including assistance in dispatching 9-1-1 emergency services.  Agents will stay on the line with users until their situation is resolved and can also conference in a registered nurse, family and friends.
• Affordable - Service is just $14.99 a month with no contracts and no cancellation fees. Service for each additional user on the same account is only $8.99 a month.
• Personal Profile - Contains comprehensive, personal details such as emergency contacts and medical conditions, which allow the Agent to better assist users in an urgent situation.  The profile is secured by an SAS 70 Type II certified data center, HIPAA compliant, and is only shared with first responders in the event of an emergency.
• Free LiveNurse – Includes GreatCall’s award-winning LiveNurse service FREE, for unlimited mobile health advice from friendly, registered nurses in English or Spanish, 24 hours a day.
• Multilingual - 5Star Agents can provide translation support for assistance in over 100 languages.
• The 5Star Urgent Response service is not a substitute for 9-1-1.

5Star™ Responder Device Features: 

• Convenient - The compact, lightweight (weighing only 1.8 ounces / 50 grams), and GPS-enabled Responder conveniently attaches to your keychain, purse, or backpack.
• Simple and Easy to Use - Single button operation with a powerful speaker phone and simplified service and battery indicators.
• Locator Service - Users also have access to an online locator so they can track the Responder and find the user themselves.
• 9-1-1 Direct - To connect directly to 9-1-1, simply press and hold the Responder button down for five seconds.
• Great Value - The 5Star Responder Device retails for $49.99.
• Specifications:

o    Available in black or silver.

o    Dimensions (H) 2.9 x (W) 1.6 x (D) 0.6 inches.

o    Battery has at least 3-4 days standby time before recharging.

To learn more about the 5Star Urgent Response™ service and the 5Star Responder™ device, please visit www.greatCall.com/5Star.

To access company logo and high-resolution images, please visit: www.greatcall.com/assets

Follow GreatCall on Twitter: @GreatCallInc; and on Facebook: facebook.com/greatcall

About GreatCall, Inc.

GreatCall is a company of “People You Can Count On” to provide wireless services that enable customers to stay connected, safe and healthy.  The company stands apart from other wireless services providers through its simplified, personalized and humanized approach, as well as its commitment to providing a high-quality customer service experience. The company has been widely praised for its ability to deliver the benefits of innovation and technology in a meaningful and easy-to-use format. GreatCall has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks.

GreatCall’s services, apps and cell phone handsets are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, Sears Hometown Stores, RadioShack Dealer Franchise, Fry’s Electronics and ShopKo, as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at GreatCall.com Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.greatcall.com

About AnyDATA Corporation

AnyDATA Corporation (www.anydata.com), headquartered in Irvine, CA, USA, is a global leader in the quality design and manufacture of high-performance wireless devices. A one-stop solution, AnyDATA provides a full range of device services—design, development, testing, certification, and manufacture. With 15 years of experience in wireless connectivity, AnyDATA helps network operators and major brands deliver stylish, reliable, differentiated devices to consumers worldwide. AnyDATA products have been certified by 60 operators in 45 countries.

Filed in categories: GPS, Health Related Gadgets, News

Tagged: Portable GPS accessory, Security

Stay Protected at Home or On the Go with 5Star Urgent Response originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm.

Every few weeks, I’ll see a Silver Alert news story about an Alzheimers patient or otherwise vulnerable adult who has wandered away.  That’s just in my area, so imagine how many of these at-risk people there are in the country and how many of them could be missing at any given time.  GTX has developed shoes that have a GPS locator inside that can be used to track your loved one if he/she is missing.  The locator and power supply are hidden in the shoes and have comfortable padding over them.  You won’t have to worry the patient will remove the locator like they could a bracelet or necklace device.  Use the Breadcrumbs or Geo-Fencing applications to monitor their location on the internet or on a smartphone.  The shoes are available in a variety of styles.  They should cost about $300, and they should be available soon.  Go to the GTX website for more details.

Filed in categories: GPS, Health Related Gadgets, News

Tagged: Portable GPS accessory, Security

GTX GPS Shoes Can Protect Alzheimers Patients originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 29, 2011 at 10:32 am.

This nanny cam from Gadgets and Gear is cleverly hidden inside a charging dock that can actually be used to charge an iPhone, iPod, or even iPad.  The camera is on the front of the charging dock near the iCharge name.  A DVR is located in the power plug, and it records onto the included 4GB SD card.  The 450 TVL Color CCD camera is motion-activated, so you can capture weeks of data in Mpeg-4 AVI format on the SD card.  The video is time/date stamped.  You can connect the iCharge camera to a TV (with the included cable) for evidence viewing.  The iCharge iPad / iPhone Docking Station Covert Hidden Camera is $395 with a 4GB card.  You can upgrade to larger capacity cards for an extra cost.

Filed in categories: Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Security, Spy camera

Catch a Thief While You Charge Your iPhone 4S originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2011 at 9:24 am.

This tiny iZon Remote Room Monitor from Stem Innovation lets you monitor any room from anywhere with your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.  Download the free Stem: Connect app to set up the iZon to let you monitor sights and sounds from any room.  The iZon “broadcasts its own wireless network, allowing you to communicate with it and share your local network information securely, with no need for cables or a PC.”  You can set up a single iZon, or multiple units in different locations.  You’ll receive alerts when sound or motion is detected via push notifications, and you can stream to your iZon camera over Edge, 3G, or WiFi.  Record video and audio automatically to your free, private YouTube account — or record 30 second clips at the touch of a button.  The iZon camera is $129.99 directly from Stem; it’s also available at Apple retail stores and select Best Buy locations.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, News

Tagged: Security

Keep an Eye on Things with iZon originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 21, 2011 at 12:00 pm.

A couple years ago I had the opportunity to review the VueZone Personal Video Network System. I liked it for its ease of setup, but wished it could do a few things that it couldn’t at the time. Fast forward almost 2yrs later and VueZone is now offering their 2nd generation motion detecting cameras and the features I asked for. Let’s see if this updated system is a good solution for keeping an eye on your property when you can’t be there.  Note: The images in this review can be clicked to see a larger view.

Package Contents

2 Motion Detection cameras
VueZone Gateway
4 Batteries (CR123 Lithium photo battery)
Ethernet cable
4 Magnetic bases with mounting hardware
Quick Install Guide
AC Adapter

The VueZone system requires you to connect the gateway to your Ethernet router. You don’t need a computer to actually run the VueZone system, but you will need one to set it up the first time. Setup is easy. The first step is to plug in the gateway to power and then connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the back of the gateway.

The new generation cameras are a bit wider than the first gen and have a motion detecting eye on the front.

There’s a power switch and battery latch on the bottom of each camera.

The cameras are powered by 2 CR123 cells. Luckily, 4 batteries are included in the package.

You can easily place your cameras on any flat surface as they have a nice wide base. Or you can use the magnetic dome mounts.

Four domes are included with the system. These domes have a nail slot and an adhesive sticker on the bottom so that you have different options for affixing them to a wall or other flat surface.

Once you have connected the gateway to your router, installed the batteries in the camera and turned them on, you just press the sync button on the top of the gateway so that it can recognize each nearby camera. The last step in setup is to register your system via VueZone’s website. This just requires you to type in a special number that is associated with your system. Within a few minutes, you’ll be able to remotely view video from the cameras.

The online interface is pretty basic as you can see above. You’re presented with small thumbnail images of each of your connected cameras. You can then click them to see a live view. Unfortunately, you can’t view both camera feeds at the same time via the web interface.

A larger (640 pixel) live view is also an option. Here’s a view of my kitchen. The video / picture quality is pretty good when viewing indoors in normal light.

But viewing outdoors like we see here isn’t too good at all. As you can see, the bright sunlight really washes out the picture. There are a couple lighting settings you can tweak to try to help the image quality, but I didn’t find them to be very helpful in my situation. It’s disappointing since my main use of these types of cameras is to monitor who is driving past or up to my house. The video quality looks much better on an overcast day or when the sun isn’t glaring like it was when I was doing my tests. That said, I’ve reviewed another system (DropCam) that doesn’t have this issue when used in the same location / time of day.

It’s also very important to note that the VueZone cameras are not intended for continuous monitoring. Mainly because they run on batteries. I was hoping this 2nd generation would allow for an AC power option… New batteries should last 6 months with normal usage which is defined as 5 minutes of viewing or recording a day.

One the features that I am happy that has been added is a recording scheduler.

There are options for a one time recording, same time each day or same time Wednesday, etc.

And of course there’s the new motion detection feature too. You can use this feature to automatically capture video when motion is sensed, or grab a snapshot. Either option can be set to you via an email. The free basic service plan will allow for snap shot emails, while the advanced (paid) plan gives you either snap shot or video – your choice.

You can also view, share and download all the motion captured images and videos which are automatically stored in your VueZone library online. The images are stored as JPGs and the videos are stored as MPEG-1 files.

There are also free apps for your iPhone (no fullscreen iPad version yet), Android and Blackberry that you can use to remotely view your cameras from wherever you happen to be. These apps (at least the iPhone and Android) give you the ability to view both cameras at the same time – sorta… It actually updates each camera view every couple of seconds so it appears you’re viewing them both live at the same time.

All VueZone systems include the features I’ve just described. For some extra features you have to pony up for a monthly service plan. If you’re willing to pay $4.95/mo
(or $49.95/yr) you’ll also get more storage online for your captured images / videos (2GB) and the ability to receive emailed videos when motion is detected, advanced smartphone alerts. You’ll also get a pan / zoom feature which will allow you to zoom in on an area in the video with your mouse.

I like that the VueZone system is so easy to setup and requires no wires for the cameras. But just like in my original review, I still wish the VueZone had a way to power the cameras via AC so that you wouldn’t need to worry about battery life. Better light balance for viewing out a window into a bright day really needs to be addressed and heck, let’s wish for an audio feature too. All that said, the price of this system isn’t bad considering the things you can do without having to pay a monthly fee. I will recommend the VueZone Motion Detection Personal Video Network for people that want an easy way to remotely monitor the interior of their home via the web or their smartphone. If you’re looking for a system to monitor exterior of your home, you need to look elsewhere. Although there’s nothing stopping you from setting one of the little cameras outdoors temporarily to try to catch some specific action. Just make sure it’s in the shade so that you’ll be able to see that action.

Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Home Tech, Reviews

Tagged: Security, Video

VueZone Motion Detection Personal Video Network Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Fans of HGTV may remember Matt and Shari and their Room by Room TV program.  I was looking around on their website recently and found they were featuring a neat product for keeping your spare house key safe outdoors.  The RocLok isn’t like those fake plastic rocks with a drawer on the bottom to hold your spare house key.  These rocks are molded from castings from real rocks, and hand-stained for a natural look that will blend in with your landscaping.  They’re cast in fiberglass-reinforced cement that is actually stronger than real rocks because the cast stone doesn’t have the fracture lines that real rocks have.  There’s a storage compartment with a combination lock with 1000 possible combinations hidden in the bottom of the rock.  It’s recessed into the rock to prevent the lock from getting wet and rusting.  The different styles of rocks range from 4 pounds to 12 pounds and cost from about $65 to $70.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, News

Tagged: Security

Hide Your Key Securely with the RocLok originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2011 at 11:00 am.

If you use your laptop in public a lot, you’d probably benefit from having a means to secure it against theft.  Griffin offers the universal TechSafe Cable Lock System that uses the laptop’s hinge as the attachment point, so it will work equally well with all laptops.  You slide the patented hardened steel LockBlade through the hinge – which Griffin says is the strongest part of the laptop, then you attach the TechSafe Cable Lock to the LockBlade and a table leg.  If there’s not an easy way to attach the cable to a piece of furniture, you can use the optional Anchor Clamp.  The TechSafe Cable Lock System is available at the Griffin online store.  The Cable Lock is $29.99, and the Anchor Clamp is $19.99.

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, News

Tagged: Laptop Accessory, Security

Keep Your Laptop Safe with TechSafe originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 23, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Instead of shredding all those papers with sensitive financial information, you can permanently obscure the information with the HomeSmart Black Out Security Stamper and Pen.  It looks like one of those self-inking return address stampers, but the Black Out stamper uses permanent ink that can’t be erased or washed out to stamp a jumbled pattern that can’t be read through over your name and address, account numbers and balances, social security number, and other important data.  You’ll also get a Black Out Security Pen filled with permanent ink so that names and addresses on checks can’t be altered.  The Black Out Security Stamper and Pen set is $10.99 from HomeSmart.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Security, Spotlight Gadgets

HomeSmart Offers a Low-Tech Way to Protect Your Identity originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 21, 2011 at 2:50 pm.

Wireless keyboards and mice can be a real boon to a lot of users. They can offer freedom of movement, supplement smaller keyboards on laptop, etc. You can find an amazing range of options now- ergonomic, enhanced, bare basics, and more. They are also considered a security no-no. The Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 addresses this with 128bit encryption, for under $40!

I know some readers are going to skip this as just another keyboard/mouse review, and to an extent, they will be right but the Wireless Desktop 2000 has a few tricks up its sleeve that may interest you.

128 bit encryption. This the strong point Microsoft is claiming for this system- high quality security between peripherals. Apparently, many keyboards broadcast their signals further than you would expect, and this signal can be picked up and decoded by anyone interested who happens to be in range with the right set-up. By encoding the signal, this set defeats this issue neatly.

Ergonomic elements. There is a subtle curve to the keyboard from left to right, and a gentle ‘wave’ from front to back. There is a ‘pillow-textured’ wrist rest (that as usual seems too low for my wrists to rest on), and the mouse has that nice high-backed curve that lets your hand rest on it naturally.

Extra features. As with so many other keyboards today, this one also features buttons and controls for music, zooming, a calculator, common Windows 7 keys, and more. The mouse has some interesting features as well such as ‘Blue Track Technology’ that works on a wide variety of surfaces and a 4-way scrolling wheel.

Pricing. This combination retails for under $40, which makes it a very affordable option… if it actually works and holds up. The earlier features interest me, but quite frankly- this is the feature that would most likely sell me on this device.

What comes in the box. (I apologize for the bad photos- I am using an unfamiliar camera right now.)

The packaging is pretty typical- keyboard, mouse, USB dongle, a pair each of AA and AAA name-brand batteries, the CD, a product guide (basically warnings) and an icon-based ‘Start Here’ booklet. According to the start booklet, you start by loading the CD, which whisks you down the Microsoft rabbit hole. You’ll be asked if you want to register the device. Foolishly, I tried this and got sucked into a whirlwind of re-doing my Microsoft Live ID and more. Yeesh. OK, then we put in the batteries, and plug in the USB dongle- this all goes smoothly.

After a couple minutes, the computer recognized the mouse, let me open an app, and recognized the keyboard. There is a period in which the computer seems to identify a burning need to load more keyboard and mouse drivers as you try different features, but it goes pretty smoothly. Once everyone is happy, everything  just plain works. No special training for the volume or zooming controls, etc. In fact, it works well enough that I am using it to write this review.

In use, although admittedly not the most likely use scenario!

There is a small program each for the mouse and keyboard that allows you tune the settings, set the hot keys, etc. Nothing fancy but it looks and feels familiar so I did not feel a need for additional instructions.

Some of the specialty keys- the blue keys are the 'Windows 7 Tasks'

Both the keyboard and the mouse are solid, responsive, and feel well-built. I cannot fault either one, especially at this price. The little flip-down legs on the back that are so chintzy in so many other keyboards are wide and feel solid. The mouse feels great in my hand, and the Blue Track technology seems pretty effective- no mouse pad or even really smooth surface and it tracked effortlessly. I really cannot test the security aspect of it, but a quick internet search reveals more about security leaks from wireless keyboards than I ever suspected.

OK, so there is no backlighting in the keyboard, and the dark blue ‘Windows 7 Task Keys’ are hard to see against the shiny black surface, but these are about the only two things I can find wrong with this set… other than the detail that I will never remember what all the icons mean. Overall- nice set for a nice price with the added insurance of encryption.

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Keyboard, Mouse, Security, Wireless

Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 19, 2011 at 11:00 am.

This spy camera is disguised as a working light switch.  The camera can record 320X240 video at 30fps or 1280X960 JPG files.  Recording is triggered by motion detection, and data is stored on an SD card or can be transferred to your computer with the included USB cable.  If you insert a SIM card in the light switch, you’ll be able to control the light switch camera from your phone, and you’ll receive notifications and images via SMS messages.  Chinavasion has the Spy Camera Light Switch with GSM Remote Control for $80.00.

Filed in categories: Digital Cameras and Gear, News

Tagged: Security, Spy camera

HD Spy Camera Light Switch with GSM Remote Control originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 27, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Most people and offices nowadays need some sort of shredder or other method of dealing with the large amount of potentially sensitive stuff we get every day. While a simple cheap ‘wastebasket-topper’ unit works for many of us, some of us need more.

The Swingline EX100-07 Stack and Shred Automatic Shredder may be your answer. The most interesting feature of this unit is that you can pre-load it with up to 100 sheets of standard paper, even with paper clips or staples, and it will cross-cut shred them as you get back to work. (Besides the main site listed, there is also an amusing interactive site for this product.)

This is a large unit if you are used to the little home versions- 17″ high, 12″ wide, and 17″ deep, 25lbs, with a 7 gallon hopper. The other specs are equally impressive-

• Runs at 60dB, claimed to be the quietest of its class
• Shreds to ‘Security Level 3/6′ in Swingline’s terms (based on size of shreds. Level 1 seems to be no shredding, and 6 seems to be total disintegration)
• Self-cleaning blades that do not require oiling (even though there is a link to the oil on the item’s page)
• ‘Non-stop Jam-free’ technology clears jams on the fly
• Can handle paper clips, staples, and credit cards, but not CDs
• 9″ wide cutting throat
• Power-saving auto-sleep mode when not in use
• Pull-out bin with viewing window and full indicator
• Auto-feed hopper can handle up to 100 sheets without pre-arranging them
• Manual feed slot can handle up to 6 standard sheets, heavier paper, credit cards, etc.
• Can run for 10 minutes before automatically shutting down for about 30 minutes to cool off
• 5 year warranty on the cutters, 2 years on the rest of the mechanism

Swingline Stack and Shred EX100-07

The MSRP for this shredder is $500, but it is widely available for under $225- not a bad price if you have a lot of stuff to shred and don’t want people just standing there shoving papers in a machine all day!

Opening the large box the shredder comes in shows that it was packed neatly and efficiently without a lot of excess padding. The thin instruction manual walks you nicely through the few things you need to know, so it is pretty much an ‘unbox, plug in and go’ operation. The upper part of the shredder, with the machinery, seems solid and well built. The bottom portion, basically just a plastic box inside another plastic box, seems less durable but adequate for its purpose.

You really don’t need the manual much, although it is helpful in knowing where staples and paper clips should be located for best results (within an inch of a corner) or when to use the auto hopper or the manual slot. Otherwise the controls and lights are well-labeled and intuitive.

Simple, intuitive control panel

Looking down the throat of the beast- the auto-feed hopper

The shredder came with an interesting brown paper liner bag. Bag number 1765026 is recyclable and seal-able. Because of vent holes, it is even compressible! It also has sticky tabs that hold it securely in the hopper. Oddly, the website links you to a bag that does not list this unit for compatibility, and this stock number does not show up on the site, or anywhere else I looked. Fortunately, you can just empty it and reuse it several times, or a plain brown paper bag, trimmed for height and taped to the sides, would probably work assuming you feel you need a bag at all.

On a related note- the 7 gallon hopper does seem to fill up quickly, seeing as how this is a 100 page shredder.

Hopper, liner, and examples of the cuts it makes

I am not a shredder junkie. We have some big units at work that I rarely use, and have had a succession of cheapo small shredders at home, so I have little to compare this unit to. It is much quieter than our ‘under $30′ basket-topper unit even though it is much more powerful. My wife and I have been using it enough to have filled the hopper three times now and only had one glitch.

Meet 'the glitch'- an assortment of types and weights of papers, staples, etc. About 30 sheets in all

The shredder tried valiantly to eat this stack, but it pulls the bottom page in from the middle, and the topmost stapled bundle got sucked in all at once, choking it. It tried to autoclear and may have succeeded on its own but I intervened and hit the reverse button until it came out. It had gotten about 1/2 of that last bundle, and probably would have gotten it all if I had broken it up first. The instructions state to not shred stapled or clipped bundles of over 25 sheets. but considering the mixed composition of this bundle- magazine pages, heavy stock, notebook paper- the pages probably did not slide the way they were supposed to.

Overall- this seems like a good, reliable shredder. Even when I intentionally tried to jam it, it cleared easily. If you shred enough to justify the cost, and do not need a higher level of security, it should take care of you very nicely.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Reviews

Tagged: Security, shredder

Swingline Stack and Shred Automatic Shredder Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 10, 2011 at 2:38 pm.

Amber Alerts notify us when a child has been lost or taken and is in danger.  Missing children aren’t the only vulnerable people in need of immediate recovery, though.  Elderly people, those with mental illness, Alzheimer patients, and others with cognitive impairment may also go missing and will need assistance returning home where they can get the care they need.  A few states have created a Silver Alert system to notify the public of missing and endangered adults, but that system still only alerts citizens to be on the lookout for the missing person.

EmFinders gives you a way to quickly locate and rescue your missing loved one before bad things can happen.  Your loved one will wear an EmSeeQ bracelet that looks like a standard watch.  There’s also a more secure version that requires two hands for removal.  The bracelets work with the 911 Emergency System, and EmFinders can trigger the bracelet to call your local 911 service so the location of the missing person can be triangulated.  The 911 dispatcher can continue to update the location information until the person has been rescued.  Monthly service plans or purchase/yearly plans are available, starting at $39.95 a month.  You can also check for coverage in your area before committing to the service.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: location services, Security, Spotlight Gadgets

EmSeeQ Emergency Locator Helps Recover Wandering and Lost Loved Ones Before it’s Too Late originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Most video surveillance systems don’t have the smarts to distinguish between a burglar jimmying the lock and the azalea bush blowing in the wind, and this results in a lot of false alarms and wasted recording space.  Archerfish say they have “Intelligent Surveillance Technology that’s more advanced than motion detection” that understands what it sees.  You simply define the area you want monitored – the front stoop, not the bush – and you can define the kind of events – a person on the stoop, not the neighbor’s cat.  The Archerfish Solo Outdoor/Indoor Video Surveillance and Recording System has a built-in DVR, and it also connects wirelessly to the internet via the Archerfish SmartPortal for anytime, anywhere access to view live and recorded video, and to customize system settings.  You can have video alerts sent to any number of smartphones or email addresses, watch live video any time from any online computer, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android phone, and Archerfish also automatically records the clips onto secure Archerfish servers so you can view them online at any time and save space on your computer hard drive.  The Archerfish Solo is $349.99.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, News

Tagged: Security

Archerfish Solo Outdoor/Indoor Video Surveillance and Recording System originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 29, 2011 at 8:18 am.

I know pepper spray isn’t the first thing you consider for a Mother’s Day gift, but I think giving something to keep your mother safe is a great way to show her you love her.  The Sabre Pepper Spray Home & Away Protection Kit contains a small canister for her keychain, and a larger glow-in-the-dark canister with a wall mount for home use.  The Sabre pepper spray kit is available at Amazon for $16.25 or at Sabre for about $22.  You might even have enough left for a small bouquet of flowers.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Security, Spotlight Gadgets

Help Keep Mom Safe for Mother’s Day originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 21, 2011 at 10:30 am.

Logitech has just released an iPad specific Alert security system app. This new app enables you to view HD video (720p) and listen to sound captured by your Logitech Alert security system via your iPad. This past month, I reviewed the Logitech Alert 750i Master System…..thought so highly of it, I have replaced our old ADT service with it. The Logitech Alert digital video security system enables you to check in on your HD security cameras from wherever you are, using your iPod Touch (via WiFi), smartphone, computer and, as of this week, your iPad. Like the rest of Logitech’s web-viewer apps, this app is free.

Here is a promotional video by Logitech showing off their new HD app.

Filed in categories: Home Tech, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, Security

Logitech Alert (App) for iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 17, 2011 at 9:00 am.