Amzer Crusta; A rugged case for the iPhone 6, packing layers

We have received our first rugged case for Apple’s new iPhone and this gem has a couple tricks up it sleeve. The first are the numerous layers of protection, not one, two, or three, but four layers of Army Grade protection. The other standout feature is colors, lots and lots of colors, 42 different combinations to choose from. The Crusta is also the first case to use embedded tempered glass, which happens to be just one of the four layers of protection. The remaining layers consist of a glass screen protector, textured finish TPR ring, and a belt clip holster.

Once I got Amzer’s Crusta on my phone, it felt right at home and surprisingly did not feel too bulky, granted I opted not to use the belt clip as my phone usually resides in my pocket. I opted for the green ring and the grey TPR ring, and while it did regretfully feel Seahawk-ish, yuck. The case did install easily and did feel snug with no wiggles or rattles. The glass screen protector was also the easiest screen protector for me to install without bubbles, just be sure to clean the face well before install to remove dust and dirt.

I like Amzer’s Crusta, as it does provide the protection that our delicate devices need. The downside in which I immediately noticed was that this did not provide protection from water like a number of rugged case makers have started incorporating into the design. The plus side to the lack of waterproofing is that the case is also significantly more affordable, sporting a price point of $45.00. The plethora of color combinations is also a huge plus for the case as you can personalize to your liking to stand out or match with your personality.

CES 2015: After the dust has settled

A month out from the hustle, lights, and noises of the show floor the blizzard of emails have died down and I have started getting reminders of some of the items that have began to feel like distant memories. It is time to show off some of the items that were showcased on the show floor because we will be seeing them againin more in-depth beatings reviews. In no particular order, let’s get to it.

Braven steps up their Bluetooth speaker line with the Lux. This year Braven steps up the style with this chic portable speaker.

• Limited edition speaker redefines the look of Bluetooth speakers
• Easily pairs with a second LUX or 7 series for left and right sound
• Party-proof with IPX5 rating survives accidental splashes, drops or bumps
• Built-in noise-canceling speakerphone and mic to take calls anytime
• Charge all your devices with integrated power bank

Swann comes through again with another home or business all in one monitoring system, the Compact 1500 Security System.

• Free SwannLink™ app syncs cameras with tablet or smartphone for remote viewing
• Records in color during the day, black and white at night using infra-red LEDs
• DVR’s 500GB hard drive allows for “set and forget” functionality for up to 30 days of continuous recording, motion-activated feature extends continuous recording time

OptiShot, a company that is new to me has released a compact golf simulator that could be the next must have father’s day gift of the year.

• Works with every club in your bag, requires no elaborate set-up and is compatible with Windows and Mac
• Sixteen precisely-tuned, high-speed 48MHz infrared sensors, each calibrated to track your favorite clubs, before, during and after contact
• Play Mode: the user selects from an exclusive course library which displays realistic 3D images of popular world-class golf courses with multiple camera views
• OptiShot Live feature allows users to play 18 holes against other golfers from down the street or across the globe without ever leaving their home

Turntables will always have a soft spot in my heart because that was how I listened to music as a child and as an adult I still prefer vinyl at times. Pyle has released a Bluetooth turntable to put the old and the new in one package subtly named PVTTBT8.

• Includes ceramic stereo cartridge and handmade wooden cabinet for durability and built-in rechargeable battery for portability
• 2-speed turntable compatibility at 33 and 45 RPM
• Fold-out stereo speakers
• Charge by connecting to your computer via the USB cable or by plugging into a wall outlet using the included AC-USB adapter
• Plays your favorite vinyl records, and connects to your Mac or PC directly via USB port
• Music-editing and playlist-building software included
• Aux (3.5mm) line-in jack and stereo RCA output provides a richer sound for home theater system