Book Reviews and Money Saving Tips

Thank goodness for whatever committee decided to standardize on the micro-usb connector for power on so many portable devices.   This power port adapter (power port formerly known as Prince,oops, I mean cigarette lighter) will charge both my phones and both my tablets.    I get a warm fuzzy feeling in knowing it is a Motorola device as I have had positive experiences with Motorola equipment.   To top it off, it has a very cool blue light when it is charging.    So a free light show is included.   Nice charger at a very reasonable price of $6.61 on Amazon. Product Features From Vendor: ·   Works with most devices with a micro USB connector ·   Talk and Charge at the same time ·   Fully charges your phone in 2-3 hours ·   Guaranteed for over-voltage protection, which helps protect the phone warranty ·   Illuminated LED Motorola logo when charging ·   Connection through the micro-USB port ...

Dealgadgets Purple Vivid Butterfly Shell Rubberized Skin Hard Case Back Cover For Samsung Galaxy S3 SIII i9300 With Screen protector & Stylus & Cleaning cloth This case snapped on and fit tightly on the first try.    It is very fashionable and offers a modicum of protection.    It does not have reinforced corners such as the Aero Armor case I reviewed last post.   However since this phone is normally carried in a purse it should provide the needed protection.    Again, a stylus was included which I find useless but may be appealing to someone.    The screen protector that was included, installed easily but left a couple of small bubbles which were impossible to get out.    Overall this is a attractive case at a good value.    I would recommend the Aero Armor case with the reinforced corners if you tend to bang your phone around but this case is much more stylish. From the vendor: ...

This seems like a nice little case but the fit is a bit questionable.   It states that it is for the S4 and it does go on but it doesn't fit well.   The power button is not lined up perfectly with the power button on the phone.    However after starting to write this I decided to fight a little more with the case and the power button lines up now.     The corners are nicely padded and obviously the most logical place for damage to occur.    The back is non-skid and provides a good grip got on the desk, dashboard or hand. Don't be afraid to play with it to get it to fit correctly.   I almost gave up and am glad I didn't.   Now I am happy with it.    The stylus is an unnecessary bonus.   I threw it in my desk with the other stylus that I have gotten.   I guess for some users it would be nice but I just don’t use them.   This does have a little noggie on it that inserts in your headphone jack so ...

This bulb is compared to a 60 watt incandescent light bulb by the manufacturer.    I thought it actually was a bit brighter than a standard 60 watt incandescent bulb.    The light was also a bit warmer with none of the blue tint I have become accustom to seeing with LED bulbs.    I popped it into a chandelier that uses a dimmer and it worked as advertised.    I did see that the LED bulb stayed brighter than the incandescent bulbs as you dimmed.   You would not want to mix this bulb with incandescent bulbs due to it staying brighter longer as you dimmed the light.    The claimed advantage is that you get 60 watts of light which translates into 800 lumens of brightness but you are only paying for 12 watts of energy to get that 800 lumens.   Doing the math, Bulbrite estimates $1.45 annual energy cost based on 3 hours use per day.    This would compare to the $7.25 annual energy cost on a ...

I have been using a Microsoft wireless keyboard that sadly was displaying some idiosyncrasies.   I bought this to primarily test whether it was the keyboard or computer giving me issues.   The quality of the keyboard is adequate but I guess for the price ($7.99) that is to be expected.   It is a bit mushy and does not have a crisp down stroke when typing.    I would also prefer a more noticeable protrusion on the J and F keys for touch typing.   I have remedied that with past keyboards with a drop of superglue. However it did allow me to determine that my wireless keyboard was the issue as the flakiness has disappeared. (Assuming of course, I eliminate the flake using the keyboard)   This keyboard appears to be a viable alternative until I get around to ordering a new wireless keyboard, plus it is always good to have a hard wired backup keyboard.      If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of...

This pump worked out of the box with no issues whatsoever.   It put out a substantial stream of water at approximately a four foot head(pumping height).   It came with three screw in connectors for different size hose.    I have had very good long term success with Little Giant pumps.   A significant detail is that Little Giant has a customer service line that is manned by human beings speaking easily understandable English. ·   Submersible magnetic drive statuary fountain pump ·   Corrosion resistant body specifically for submersible use ·   Easy to install and maintain; 130 GPH capacity; 11-watts; 6-feet cord ·   5.5-Feet maximum pumping height; 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch barbed discharge ·   Built-in adjustable flow control valve; 3 year warranty If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Ad hoc ruler of Quebec City If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

My initial evaluation was that this is a nice little compressor.   I wanted it just for keeping tires inflated properly and to blow up an occasional pool toy.   The instructions were detailed and easily followed.   The disappointment only set in when I tried attaching the air hose to the unit.   The air hose is so stiff that attaching it was quite difficult.   To properly attach it you had to pull it somewhat straight to get to the appropriate spot.   Pulling it straight was not easy and the first twist to turn the metal connector into the metal connection, the hose crimped.   BTW I mention the metal connectors because many of the units I looked at had plastic connectors which seemed very short sighted for long term use.   You are advised to disconnect the air hose after each use.   The metal connectors addressed this concern but the crimped hose defeated the foresight of having metal connectors.   I disconnected the...

Gillette Fusion Proglide Silvertouch 1 Razor 2 Cartridges This is a nice razor but I do not see a significant upgrade from my Fusion power.   I know it is the Fusion Proglide which seems to indicate it is an upgrade but frankly I just didn’t notice a difference.    It gives a good shave but I didn’t find less pull than my Fusion Power.   I didn’t see any more smoothness either.   All in all it is a fine razor but I don’t see it as an upgrade from the Fusion Power.   Perhaps from a plain Fusion it is an upgrade.     from the manufacturer: 5 Blade ProGlide System + 1 Precision Trimmer Incredible Comfort - even if you shave every day   Thinner, Finer Blades glide effortlessly through hair with less tug and pull* * first 4 blades vs Fusion   Reformulated lubricating strip - with more lubricants and a touch of mineral oil   + 1 Precision Trimmer Blade. Precision Trimmer, with anti-clogging r...

Case Logic has yet to disappoint me.   I have a Case Logic camera case and it is holding up quite well after several years of abuse.   This is a well constructed little case that offers superior protection for a wide variety of tablets.   It fits my Kindle and my grandson’s Nexus with room to spare.   It is priced reasonably at $16.41 at Amazon, particularly for the quality of the product.   From the manufacturer: ·   Designed to fit a wide variety of 7-8" tablets ·   Front pocket stores cord and accessories ·   Slimline case protects your device on its own or in your favorite bag ·   Stylish and trendy exterior to express your personality   If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.