Product Review: Anker Powerwave Stand

(See my other Product Reviews) – I had problems with the Qi charging pad (W-18 Thunder Plus Fast Charging Wireless Charger) I originally bought and used with my iPhone 8 so I looked on Amazon and found the Anker Powerwave Stand. I have been using it now for a couple of months and I am very happy with it. 

The phone sits on the stand and easily aligns with the magnetic coil for consistent charging. It has dual coils that allow for either landscape or portrait orientation on the stand. The stand is capable of “Quick Charge” for Samsung phones, but I only use the Standard Charge Mode with my iPhone 8. I can even leave the Otterbox case on my phone and it works well with it. 

If you are looking for a Qi charger for you smartphone, I can recommend this one. 

Pros

1. Qi Certified
2. Less than $20 on Amazon ($18.99 the day I write this review)
3. Works with phone in landscape or portrait orientation

Cons

1. Fast charging on iPhone is not supported
2. Uses a USB Micro-A connector for power input 
3. Only a 3 ft USB cable is provided
4. You must provide a 5V 2A power source

Mac Accessory – Executive Leather Messenger

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs of San Francisco, California, an innovative leader in custom laptop sleeves, bags, and cases for digital-minded professionals, announces the Executive Leather Messenger, a full-grain leather laptop bag that blends classic looks with modern features. Dual padded compartments cradle both a laptop and a tablet, a rolling suitcase passthrough keeps hands free for airport travel, organization pockets stow tech accessories and personal items, and a COBRA(R) quick-release paragliding buckle closure adds panache.

“The premium leather we use for this bag is a perfect blend of rugged and luxurious. It feels sumptuous and smells amazing,” said company owner Gary Waterfield. “It’s not a pretentious bag. It’s an approachable bag designed for the kind of guy who likes to roll up his sleeves and get to work.”

Executive Messenger Bag Features:
* Thick, full-grain leather with raw edges exudes rugged yet sophisticated look; develops a beautiful patina
* Dual-layer leather flap shuts securely with authentic paragliding buckle; easy to operate with one hand
* Dual padded compartments cushion both Apple or PC laptop and iPad or tablet
* Gold, water-resistant liner lights up the interior for increased visibility
* Two interior pockets: one with zipper for valuables, one open-topped for cords and accessories
* Pen slot for ballpoint, Apple Pencil or Surface Pen
* Luxuriously-soft, lined pockets under front flap cradle a smartphone and other quick-access items
* Adjustable shoulder strap with a removable floating shoulder pad keeps the strap in place
* 180-degree D-ring strap attachments adjust for a single shoulder or crossbody carry and are arranged to keep bag’s surface area against the body for maximum comfort
* Comfortable leather handle, secured with strong metal rivets, offers a more formal carry option
* Rear panel slides over wheeled-suitcase handle for hands-free airport navigation
* Metal key fob facilitates convenient key retrieval
* Handcrafted in San Francisco

The Executive Leather Messenger’s premium materials, built-to-last construction, and unique paragliding buckle closure make it an ideal bag for self-made professionals who want a streamlined leather laptop messenger that is unique yet understated and that works as hard as they do. The timeless, heirloom-quality bag can be handed down through generations. It joins a full-line of WaterField messenger bags, briefcases, and backpacks designed to serve busy mobile professionals and travelers.

Availability & Pricing
The Executive Leather Messenger

Compact size: $379.
14.25 x 10.5 x 3-2.75 inches
3.25 lbs.
Laptop compartment fits: up to 13.75 x 9.5 inches
(15-inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar, 13.5-inch Surface Book 2)
Tablet compartment fits: up to 12 x 8.75 inches
(iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio, Surface Pro 6 with Type Cover)

Full size: $399.
15 x 12 x 3.5-3.25
3.5 lbs.
Laptop compartment fits: up to 14 x 9.5 inches
(15-inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar or Retina, 15-inch Surface Book 2)
Tablet compartment fits: up to 13.5 x 8.5 inches
(iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio. Surface Pro 6 with Type Cover)

Colors: black, chocolate and grizzly premium, full-grain leather.

Mac and iPad Accessories – Developer’s Gear Case

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs of San Francisco, California, an innovative leader in custom laptop sleeves, bags, and device-specific cases, introduces the Developer’s Gear Case, a semi-rigid, fully-padded organizational case to protect tech accessories of all shapes and sizes in transit. An innovative design feature allows users to connect their phone in the front pocket to their battery inside the case for on-the-go charging. Developers, digital editors, and others who regularly carry significant electronic gear can now carry bulkier items like battery chargers, hard drives, headphones and such, along with cords, adapters, and dongles all in one beautiful, handcrafted leather and ballistic nylon accessory case.

“Our customers who carry a lot of tech told us they must often check several places before locating a specific accessory. They asked us to design one efficient case to organize all their gear in one place,” explained Gary Waterfield, company founder. “We designed this structured gear case to hold odd-shaped items along with basic cords and smaller items. The sumptuous leather panel and an innovative feature that facilitates in-case phone charging really set this case apart from others.”

Developer’s Gear Case Features:
* Zippers on three sides allow the case to open like a book
* Two interior compartments are separated by a padded middle divider
* Upper slim compartment with six mesh pockets – two larger zippered and four smaller open-topped – organizes cords, dongles, and other small items
* Gold lining behind mesh pockets makes items inside easy to spot
* Deep, plushly-padded lower compartment stows bulky items: hard drive, mouse, battery charger, international power adapter, camera lens, etc.
* Stretch bands secure bulky items in place or lie flat making way for large items like headphones
* Matching, travel-sized, leather mouse pad attaches to the middle divider and provides an extra layer of protection
* Ultra-soft, padded front pocket holds quick-access items like iPhone and AirPods
* Pass-through charging port allows the wire to connect an iPhone in the front pocket to a charging battery when stored inside the case
* Pen/Apple Pencil holder keeps these handy
* YKK waterproof zippers repel moisture
* Two quick-grab handles enhance convenience

The Developer’s Gear Case can be used on its own as a small satchel by attaching an (optional) shoulder strap, or it can be inserted into any of WaterField’s larger bags, like the Bolt or Executive Pro backpacks. The sumptuous leather is available in four color choices. The elegant materials and clean design lend the case a professional look befitting any work environment. The new gear organizer’s smartly-executed features address specific customer input gathered from WaterField’s 2018 Gear Case community-design project.

Colors and Materials:
* Black ballistic nylon with Black, Blue, Chocolate or Crimson premium, full-grain leather
* Dimensions: 9.75 x 6.75 x 3.25 inches
* Weight: .75 lb.

Pricing and Availability:
Developer’s Gear Case is priced at only $129 (USD).

Mac Accessory – Tech Rolltop Backpack

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs of San Francisco, California, an innovative San Francisco designer and manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags, and device-specific cases, introduces the Tech Rolltop Backpack, a multi-use backpack that eliminates the need for a separate work, carry-on, and sports bag. A padded MacBook-iPad compartment and abundant organizational pockets are easily accessible on the bag’s exterior, leaving the expandable main compartment open for bulkier items. As suitable for the office as for the soccer field, the Tech Rolltop Backpack is the ultimate bag for active professionals.

“We designed the Tech Rolltop Backpack so active customers can carry one comfortable bag with both their work necessities and after-work supplies, whether those be cycling cleats and a bike helmet or a change of clothes and toiletries for an overnight trip,” explained owner Gary Waterfield. “With a variety of pockets that balance security and convenience, the versatile Tech Rolltop Backpack keeps me ready to roll, no matter where I’m headed.”

Available in two sizes and three colors, the Tech Rolltop Backpack suits work, play, travel or any combination of the three. The backpack closes with an adjustable nylon strap secured by a no-fuss, magnetic, self-seeking Fidlock® buckle. Synched down, the Rolltop is a compact pack for a mobile office; unfolded the Rolltop expands an extra three to six liters to hold athletic gear for an evening scrimmage or personal necessities for overnight trips. Mesh-lined padding on the ergonomic shoulder straps and the bag’s backside wicks away moisture, and a leather-lined grab handle let users opt to carry the bag briefcase-style in more formal settings.

Ample exterior pockets leave the interior open for large items. A wide, easy-access, upper pocket closes with an invisible magnet; a lower zippered pocket with a handy key fob is protected with a rain-guard flap; and dual side pockets keep water bottles, umbrellas, and other items within easy reach. A secure, padded MacBook compartment at the rear grants easy access in meetings or at TSA security stations and keeps the backside straight and comfortable, even when packed with bulky items.

Inside, an additional padded compartment protects a second MacBook or iPad, a small zippered pocket secures loose items, and the remainder of the gold-lined interior is open for tech, sports equipment, or a change of clothes and overnight necessities. Shock-absorbing foam along the bottom of the bag protects its contents, prevents the bag from sagging, and helps the bag stay more upright when set down.

Early adopters who order the new Tech Rolltop Backpack through May 10, 2019, will receive a complimentary WaterField medium Gear Pouch to organize cables, adapters, and other small accessories.

Availability & Pricing
The Roll Top Backpack:
Price: Compact – $229. Full – $249.
Colors and materials: Brown or blue waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon.

Dimensions, weight, volume:
Compact size – 16.5 X 10.5 X 4.75 inches; rolled up – 12 liters, expanded – 15 liters; 2.4 lbs.
Full size – 19 X 12 X 5.5 inches; rolled up – 18 liters, expanded – 24 liters; 2.8 lbs.
Rear zippered laptop compartment fits: Compact – up to 13-inch MBP Retina. Full – 15-inch MBP Retina.
Interior padded laptop compartment fits: Compact up to – 15-inch MBP Retina. Full – 15-inch MBP Retina.
Pre-order now. Shipping begins on May 17, 2019.

The Gear Pouch:
Price: Medium – $45. (Complimentary with Tech Rolltop Backpack orders through May 10, 2019)
Colors and materials: Brown or blue waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon. YKK self-locking zippers.
Dimensions and weight: 10″ x 5.3″ x 1″; 4.4 oz.
Available now.

macOS Accessory – Wirelessly Share iPhone or iPad display with Mirror for Mac

Product Announcements – AirBeamTV of Naarden, Netherlands has released “Mirror for Mac or Windows PC“. With this app every iPhone or iPad owner can mirror the display of their phone or tablet on a Mac or PC.

Wireless phone screen sharing:
The idea for the app arose from the demand of app developers and other professionals who could not find an easy wireless alternative for presenting the content of their phone. “Nowadays it is common practice to connect your computer with a cable to a projector or large TV screen during presentations or demonstrations. Our new app makes it possible to share your phone screen with the same setup without the need of an AppleTV or additional cables,” says Jan van Ottele, CEO of AirBeamTV.

Ideal classroom solution:
In addition, according to Van Ottele, the app is excellent to use in a classroom or training environment. “Especially when teaching at external locations, it is usually not practically organized in terms of technology and you are dependent on the computer systems present. However, with our app you can always share videos, photos and apps from your own phone, as long as the computer or screen you are viewing them is connected to the internet and has the free Chrome browser.”

Device Requirements:

• iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
• Requires iOS 12.0 or later
• 124 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Mirror for Mac or Windows PC 3.3.1 is free to download in the App Store. Users can test the app free before upgrading to the paid version ($4.99 in the US App Store). The premium version has no time limits for mirroring and supports lifetime updates. For both the free and the paid version, everyone can count on fast and free customer service.

Product Review: W-18 Thunder Plus Fast Charging Wireless Charger

UPDATED 3/30/20 – Sometime along the way, Apple has updated the iPhone firmware. Now I can again charge my iPhone8 with this charger without any problems. 

UPDATED 10/15/19 – Sadly since I updated to iOS 13 this charger no longer works flawlessly with my iPhone 8. The device does charge my iPhone, but the iPhone beeps every 30 seconds or so and seems to reset the charging process. I tried to find the charger on the “official” Qi Consortium Certified device list, but it was not there. It looks like I will have to buy a replacement if I want Qi charging at my bedside at night.

Product Reviews – After I purchased an iPhone 8 last fall, I saw these Qi chargers for sale in one of the Malls in Singapore. We purchased a pair of these as my wife also has an iPhone 8.

So far they have worked well for us. I should have placed a ruler in the photo to give a feel of the size of the charging pad. It is 4″ square and about 1/4″ thick. Power is supplied to the charging pad by a USB Micro connector from any 5V 2A source. As you can see from the photo, the charging pad is lit by a green LED when not in use.

When you place your device on the charging pad the LED changes to a slowly pulsating deep blue.

Pros

• The convenience of just laying your device on the pad to charge
• Supports iOS 7.5W charging
• lightweight, easy to transport

Cons

• Works, but with the constant beeping I would opt for a Qi Certified charger
• pulsating blue light while charging might be a little distracting when at your bedside at night for some

This is a product that I would not recommend.

Mac Accessories – Sutter Slim Backpack

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs, a San Francisco designer and manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags and device-specific cases, introduces the Sutter Slim Backpack, a lightweight, executive-style pack for work or travel. The meticulously-designed laptop backpack includes padded compartments for both a MacBook Pro and iPad and evenly-distributed pockets to balance the load for comfort and efficiency. With its sleek, streamlined aesthetic, the Sutter Slim Backpack is the ideal bag to carry a day’s work essentials. Customers who order the Slim through January 31 will receive a complimentary WaterField Tech Pocket.

“When gathering customer input for WaterField’s recent Sutter Tech Sling crowdsourced-design project, it became clear that there’s a strong need for a lightweight, executive backpack to carry a day’s work and tech gear,” explained owner Gary Waterfield. “The Slim’s weight-balanced design makes efficient use of space. No matter how much you stuff the bag, it keeps its svelte shape and remains comfortable on your back.”

Highly-functional features enhance the comfort and sleek styling of the Sutter Slim Backpack:

• Two plushly-padded compartments cushion up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
• Rear panel slides over wheeled-suitcase handles for hands-free airport navigation.
• Efficiently-placed pockets in distinct zones prevent bulging and ensure a balanced carry.
• YKK waterproof zipper secures exterior top pocket for ultra-convenient, quick access, especially when the bag is set down or resting on suitcase handles.
• Interior open-topped pockets organize tech accessories.
• Swing-around front pocket, accessible from either side with the bag still on one shoulder, lies behind a full-grain leather panel that extends beyond the zippers to protect contents from the elements.
• Key fob inside the front pocket allows quick key retrieval without fully removing the bag.
• Gold, water-resistant liner lights up the interior for increased visibility.
• Stiffened side and bottom panels prevent sagging and help keep bag more upright when set down.
• Ergonomic, padded shoulder straps and rear mesh padding enhance comfort and airflow.
• Comfortable leather handle facilitates an easy grab-and-go from a car seat or overhead bin.
• Rugged tan waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon with a premium full-grain leather panel presents a look that will upgrade any wardrobe.

Early adopters who order the new Sutter Slim Backpack by January 31, 2019, will receive a matching complimentary Tech Pocket. WaterField’s newest gear pouch, the Tech Pocket organizes the frequently-used, small tech gear ubiquitous in today’s digital society. Lined with super-soft, almost cashmere-like padding, the case closes with a silent, snap-shut magnet. The main compartment and two internal pockets organize dongles, adapters, keys, an iPhone and more. A front pocket for additional accessories closes with a self-locking YKK zipper. Loops at either end of the case can attach to a strap or carabiner.

Pricing and Availability:
The Sutter Slim Backpack:

• Price: $229
• One size: 15.5 x 11.5 x 3.75 inches; 2.2 lbs.
  Colors and materials: Tan waxed canvas with distressed, full-grain chocolate leather panel or black ballistic nylon with full-grain black leather panel.
• Padded laptop compartment: fits up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro or 15-inch Surface Book.
• Padded tablet compartment: fits up to a 13-inch iPad or Surface Pro.
• Pre-order now. Shipping begins February 1, 2019.

The Tech Pocket

• Price: $49. (Complimentary with Sutter Slim Backpack orders through January 31, 2019.)
• Colors: Tan waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon.
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.75 inches; 2.5 oz.
• Available now.

Mac Accessory – Leather Desk Accessories Collection

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs, a San Francisco designer and manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags and device-specific cases, unveils its premium Leather Desk Accessories Collection in time for the holidays. Four new sumptuous, full-grain leather accessories; the Charging Valet, Desk Pad, Mouse Pad, and Stylus Pencil Case, keep furniture surfaces protected and organized while conveying an exquisite look for any desk, nightstand or dresser.

Having a clean organized workspace helps me think more clearly, said company owner Gary WaterField. The beautiful Leather Desk Pad protects my desktop and adds an elegance that motivates me to keep my work area clean. My mouse glides smoothly on the Leather Mouse Pad, and my Stylus Case keeps small office supplies organized and accessible. At night I empty my pockets into my Charging Valet and plug in my iPhone and Apple Watch, so when I wake up, everything I need is ready to go and easy to find.

The WaterField Valet Charging Valet in luxurious, 10 oz. vegetable-tanned, brown leather serves as a go-to place for charging phones and an Apple Watch, and for keeping track of keys, glasses, coins, and other pocket contents or frequently-used items. Forged from thick leather held together with stainless steel rivets, the Charging Valet includes an opening for power cords, so iPhones and Apple Watches can remain flush while charging. The interior safeguards phones and glasses from scratches and the exterior preserves wooden surfaces. Maintaining a dedicated holding spot for these essentials, keeps them easy-to-find quickly, thus maximizing efficiency when rushing out the door.

WaterField’s new Leather Desk Pad, made from thick and smooth full-grain, distressed, chocolate leather, protects expensive furniture from spills and scratches. The rich chocolate color helps lessen eye strain by reducing glare, and it lends an elegant, warm feel to any workspace. Large enough to fit a MacBook or monitor and a keyboard, the Leather Desk Pad prevents items from slipping while providing a comfortable surface for hands and arms, and a level surface for typing or writing. Made from the same premium leather, the matching Leather Mouse Pad provides a frictionless surface ideal for a Magic Mouse.

The WaterField Stylus Pencil Case, now available in distressed, chocolate, full-grain leather, is a padded, pouch with a dedicated slot for the Apple Pencil that insulates them from pens, pencils, and small cords in the main compartment. An additional interior small pocket is optimal for stowing extra tips and keeping other small items organized. A self-locking, waterproof zipper closes the compact leather case. The elegant new WaterField Leather Desk Accessories are all hand-crafted in San Francisco from naturally-tanned, luxuriant leather and make welcome gifts to give or to get this holiday. Individually or as a set, they transform any desktop into a sophisticated workspace.

Availability and Pricing:
Leather Charging Valet
Price: $59
Colors and materials: Thick, dark brown, 10 oz. vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather; stainless steel rivets
Dimensions: Bottom base: 9.5 x 7.5; Top opening: 11.25 x 9.5; height: 1.5 inches

Stylus Pencil Case
Price: $59
Colors and materials: Chocolate, distressed, full-grain premium leather. (Also available in waxed canvas or ballistic nylon: $39.)
Dimensions: 7.25 – 8.0 x 2.25 x 2.0 inches
Weight: 2.5 oz

Leather Desk Pad
Price: $79
Colors and materials: Chocolate, distressed, full-grain premium leather
Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.75 x .7 inches
Weight: 0.7 lb

Leather Mouse Pad
Price: $29
Colors and materials: Chocolate, distressed, full-grain premium leather
Dimensions: 10.375 x 9 x .7 inches
Weight: 0.2 lb

Pre-order now. Shipping begins November 27, 2018.

Mac Accessories – Mac mini SleeveCase and Mac mini Travel Case

Product Announcements – WaterField Designs, a San Francisco designer and manufacturer of custom laptop sleeves, bags and device-specific cases, introduces the Mac mini SleeveCase and Mac mini Travel Case for creatives, developers and other professionals who tote the new Apple computer from place to place. The custom-fitted SleeveCase shields the device inside another bag. The Travel Case serves as a minimalist Mac mini bag for the keyboard, cables, mouse or trackpad, and more. Whether the new Mac mini is used for coding or power-editing video, or even as an entertainment center at home and on trips, the SleeveCase and Travel Case protect Apple’s portable power tool for creators on their road to inspiration.

“In addition to our classic SleeveCase, we wanted to create a minimalist, protective Mac mini case for everything you need to hit the road with Apple’s highly portable workhorse,” explained company owner Gary WaterField. “Whether you’re using your Mac mini as your live concert sound engine or you’re running Final Cut Pro, 3D rendering or coding, the Mac mini Travel Case keeps the computer and accessories organized for quick accessibility, with pockets for the Mac, various cables, mouse or trackpad, keyboard, and more.”

The WaterField Mac mini SleeveCase combines a rugged waxed canvas or nearly indestructible ballistic nylon outer shell with a high-grade neoprene interior that absorbs shock as it cradles the computer. A loop at one end lets users grip the Mac mini sleeve in order to easily remove the device. A grizzly, full-grain leather strip adorns the waxed canvas SleeveCase, and an animal-free black textile accents the ballistic computer sleeve.

The new Mac mini Travel Case in waxed canvas or ballistic nylon with premium, full-grain leather accents is a slim folio that holds everything but the monitor. The TSA-friendly case opens like a book to reveal four soft, padded pockets two on one side for the Mac mini and a Mouse or TrackPad and two on the facing side for the Apple Magic Keyboard and an HDMI or USB-C cable. A quick-access, pleated pocket on the bag’s face is lined with gold, water-resistant lining making items inside easy to spot; the pocket includes three internal mesh pockets to organize multiple cords and accessories and closes with a waterproof zipper. Two small D-rings attach to a removable shoulder strap, and dual handles offer a briefcase-style carry option for the compact and lightweight Mac mini bag.

Mac Mini SleeveCase:
Price: $59. Optional D-rings $5; Simple Strap $12; Suspension Strap $22.
Colors and materials: Tan waxed canvas with distressed, grizzly, full-grain leather; or Black ballistic nylon with black, perforated vegan textile
Dimensions: 9.3 x 9 x 1.9 inches
Weight: 11 ounces
Pre-order now. Shipping begins November 16, 2018.

Mac Mini Travel Case:
Price: $179. Simple Shoulder Strap included. Optional Suspension Shoulder Strap: $10.
Colors and materials: Tan waxed canvas with distressed, chocolate, full-grain leather; or Black ballistic nylon with black, full-grain leather
Dimensions: 14.25 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Pre-order now. Shipping begins by January 15, 2019.

Disney Wallpapers for the Holidays

Disney – If you like Disney and want to bring the spirit of the Holiday Season to your computer or mobile device, the official Disney Parks Blog has just what you need. You can see a sample of these in the montage above. The site has 24 different images available, most in both desktop and mobile formats. You can even pick the size of your wallpaper.

If you have a Mac, it is easy to set up these wallpaper images to randomly appear as your desktop.