By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
The Oregon Scientific Weather@Home (model BAR218HG) is one of those gadgets, which you don’t think you need until you need it.
With the weather station you no longer have to troll your TV stations, websites or apps to get weather reports. Instead you can become your own household’s weather-forecaster with the Bluetooth enabled weather station you keep inside; paired with a temperature and humidity sensor you keep outside.
The sensor is powered by a single AA battery (not included) to take readings and send it to the weather station wirelessly. Then with Bluetooth you can read the results on your smartphone with the device’s free app (Android and iOS), up to 55 yards away.
Temperatures are also taken inside along with daily highs and lows, humidity and forecasts.
I compared the weather station versus my local news weatherman and they were both right-on with predictions of temperatures over 100 with a slight chance of an afternoon storm. While it doesn’t take much of a prediction with that forecast, they were both accurate as the week went on.
The Weather@Home is powered by 3 AA batteries (not included) and has other alerts for storm warnings, wind, frost, fog, the percentage of moon phase and an auto setting clock.
Details: www.OregonScientific.com/us $53.64
Intelligent Bluetooth headset
When shopping for a Bluetooth headset, the amount of choices make you wonder if there’s a difference. I can tell you firsthand there is a difference.
While the cosmetics are important to many it shouldn’t be the only feature. Sound and battery life are the most important features to me. Having a great looking device without being able to hear your caller is useless.
The Voyager Edge from Plantronics has all the features you need in a Bluetooth (4.0) device along with NFC pairing with NFC enabled devices.
Like any other similar device, you have to pair it with your smartphone and you’re ready to go.
The Edge was described as “Intelligent” by a company representative before I tried it out and after using it I was impressed with how smart it is.
When I put the headset on, my phone instantly detected it and was ready to answer calls. Your voice command of “ignore or answer” will tell the device what to do next.
Noise canceling technology enables you to hear in-coming calls crystal clear and three built-in noise-canceling mics allow your caller to hear you just as well.
The lightweight and water-resistant Voyager Edge, unlike many other of its competitors is a complete kit. You get several sized silicone ear-tips for the right fit and clip-on ear-loops.
But what makes it a complete kit is the car charger and charging case to give you extra power on the go. The extra battery will give you up to 10 more hours of talk time on top of the headset’s battery for 6 hours.
A USB cable is included to give them both a charge.
Details: $129 available in black, white or gray www.plantronics.com
MackBook docking station
Henge Docks Vertical Docking Station is a space saver for the MacBook Pro (15 or 13-inch with Retina Display).
Just dock your laptop into the slick looking device and it connects to an external monitor, USB, audio (3.5mm) and Thunderbolt connections through built-in cables.
It’s constructed from a durable metal alloy and a finish to match your laptop’s look, which is an important aspect to many Apple users.
Once docked, rubber inserts keep your laptop scratch free, a built-in cable organizer keeps your cables in place and side vents are great for keeping the laptop cool.
To keep your laptop running while docked, since the cover is closed, you’ll have to keep it connected to AC power. If you plan on using the dock often, it might be a good idea to pick up an extra power cord.
This is one of those gadgets where there’s not a lot to it, it does exactly what it’s supposed to do and very well.
Details: http://hengedocks.com $119
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