Tag: Health & Fitness

If you’ve ever used multiple screens for your work PC, you know just how beneficial it can be to your productivity. Being able to monitor emails or social media without switching between tabs is really convenient. The same goes for working on a document with source material on a second screen.While it’s not entirely uncommon to have two screens for the home or office computer, you certainly don’t see that very often with laptops. Nobody has perfected an affordable portable experience with two screens.It’s possible, of course, to plug your laptop or Chromebook into a hub/dock or to simply connect to a monitor as needed. That’s nice and all, but the screen takes up space and it’s not something you can take with you on the road.The Vissles-M ($199), is a portable 15.6-inch display that connects to your computer, laptop, and other devices. It also allows for touch, and that’s pretty damn cool, if not something you get in a traditional monitor.With two USB Type-C ports and one mini-HDMI port, it plugs into your gaming consoles (Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch) and Android phones. Indeed, it allows for you to put a screen where you normally wouldn’t, bringing about new levels of productivity or entertainment.There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack which comes in handy should you find yourself working in a coffee shop; built-in speakers are located at the bottom.The Vissles-M is an IPS panel with a non-glare surface and a contrast ratio of 800:1. Its resolution is 1920 x 1080, which should be on par with your standard laptop screen.Included in the box are a number of cables, which we certainly appreciate. It’s nice not having to hunt down a USB-C-to-USB-C cable or a mini-HDMI cable just to get going.The display has a magnetic protective cover that keeps the screen from getting scratches. It’s also this cover that becomes the stand to prop it up. We found it does well with varying angles for different viewing perspectives.The whole thing weighs in about 1.5-pounds so it travels very well. And because it’s ultra-thin, you can put it in the same bag as your laptop without notice.We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the overall picture, it is a monitor after all. Brightness is contrast is good, but you’ll want to plug into a power source if you can.We didn’t get above 65 percent before our unit wanted to power off. Plugging in a second USB-C cable into the wall let us get all the way up to 100. With that said, we do appreciate when we’re able to adjust the image based on environmental or situational needs.The picture is clear and has a nice contrast, and we found it has good viewing angles. There’s something in the non-glare coating that gives it a bit of a dull or flat effect. It’s not terrible, and really only makes itself obvious when contrasting to your laptop or other screens. If you’re using it for watching videos or gaming, you’ll probably be happy with the image.We paired ours up with an entry-level Chromebook for a few weeks and came away feeling like the image was nearly identical. Stick it with a Pixelbook or something premium, though, and you’ll see the difference.This isn’t a gaming monitor, to be sure. Don’t buy this for that aspect or you’ll come away less than pleased. The real demographic here is someone who might need to boost productivity from time to time. Whether that means duplicating/sharing their screen, engaging in Slack or Zoom chats while working on a document, or blowing through emails, it works well.We had mixed results when using our phones as the Vissles-M mirrors your handset but doesn’t allow for touch. It doesn’t fill the screen and the image sits vertically in the middle. The only real use case we can see here might be for sharing your screen with someone else, and even then that’s not great.We’d love to be able to open up email in a tablet-like experience. At a minimum we’d like to be able to rotate the image to better fill the screen.We’ve enjoyed having this on the standing desk as it makes working from a laptop more practical and efficient. It largely stays put around the office, but we’ve found it fun to take with us for a little bit of downtime. Getting in some Paper Mario on the Nintendo Switch is a a unique experience when you can do it tabletop at the park or on the back deck.Learn more about the Vissles-M at the Vissles website where it’s also available for purchase. Pick yours up for about $200 right now.

Sony uses its expertise in cameras, screens, and design on the desirable and unusual, but rather niche, Xperia 1 II.

Boost Mobile on Monday introduced three new entry-level plans for consumers who may need to stick to a tight budget. The trio include unlimited talk and text with varying degrees of high speed data.Boost Mobile already has two rate plans which cost less than $50, a 10GB ($35) and $45 (15GB). With the addition of the new options Boost subscribers now have five choices under $50.$10 – Unlimited talk, text, and 1GB data$15 – Unlimited talk, text, and 2GB data$25 – Unlimited talk, text, and 5GB dataIn addition to the new rate plan, Boost Mobile is also introducing high-speed data add-on packages which can be recurring or one-time usage. Pricing is $5 per gigabyte and is available in one and two gigabyte options.SEE: Boost Mobile Buyer’s GuideBoost Mobile does have a pair of unlimited data plans which cost $50 and $60 per month. The difference between the two being the former includes 12GB mobile hotspot while the latter has 30GB hotspot and unlimited HD video streaming.Boost recently launched a new $hrink-It! plan which starts out at $45 per month and includes 15GB data. Customers who pay their bill on time three months receive a $5 discount on their plan. Do it again, and Boost will shave another $5 off each month, putting it at just $35 per month after six total on-time payments.

We might be largely stuck at home as the summer 2020 season kicks into high gear but that doesn’t mean we’re completely hopeless. Businesses are open, albeit with limited hours, and likely a few safety measure in place.One segment of business that a lot of us missed during the shutdown was the workout and personal fitness one. Sure, we can get in a few exercises and routines at home, but there’s nothing like having a dedicated place to go with proper equipment.If you’re among those willing and/or able to get to and from a gym, you’ll want to pack the right gear. For some that means just a quick change of shoes. For others it might mean a dedicated outfit, headphones, water bottle, and more.Up for review today is the WaterField Bootcamp Gym Bag, a perfect companion for toting your items back and forth to the gym. 1 of 4 We’ve been a fan of the WaterField brand since we first had to chance to check out its products. And after spending some time with this one, we’ve fallen head over heels with it. In fact, we’ve come to use it on an almost daily basis, gym or no gym.Almost square in stature (13.5-inches x 12.5-inches), the Bootcamp Gym Bag is available in tan waxed canvas or ballistic nylon. Our review unit was the former, which we’ve found gets a nice patina and unique look after a few weeks.The size is just right for putting into most gym lockers, and adequate enough for the stuff we carry with us on a day-today basis. Some days that means a portable charger, pair of shoes, notebook, and a magazine. Other days it’s car keys, water bottles, and a change of clothes.We appreciate that there are two pockets for (up to 3-inch) bottles, one at each end. This is great for days when you might leave the house with any combination of protein shake, sports drink, energy drink, or water.The main interior can be accessed by way of both side. On one you’ll find it is zippered nearly all the way around. On the other there is a zipper across the top which lets you quickly reach an internal pocket. We like that the bag allows for easy access — even when the bag is in a locker.The “rip-stop” lining is not just functional, preventing tears and snags, but also provides an eye-catching complimentary color.On the exterior is a pocket that snaps closed with a magnet, and is often where we toss our keys, earbud case, and wallet. Flip it around and you’ll find a pocket that fits magazines, books, and other items to be hastily stashed.If you’re the type who gets up at the crack of dawn, ready to take on the world with CrossFit, you’ll dig this bag. It’s the right size for your wrist straps, gloves, and other gear. The same goes for indoor wall climbers and weight-lifters. The WaterField Bootcamp Gym Bag is the right size for your daily tools.Depending on how and where you use the bag, you might find yourself using the shoulder strap. It’s included with the bag and sort of re-purposes it into a daily commuter bag. While it doesn’t have a laptop or tablet sleeve, it does have enough nooks and crannies to stow away pens, notepads, phones, keys, and more.This will likely become our go-to bag for traveling by air, if and when that ever happens again. It’s convenient, flexible, and comprises of quality materials.If you like the distressed look, get out there and own it. But, if you want to touch it up or refresh the coating, you can purchase wax and apply it in a matter of minutes. Doing so also gives your bag a water repellent finish and makes it so spills and stains can be wiped away.One of the biggest reasons we’ve become fans of WaterField and its products is that they stand behind them. Indeed, the Bootcamp Gym Bag is backed by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.Learn more about the Bootcamp Gym Bag ($199), and other bags at the WaterField website.