Top
About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

Search Giz Wiz Biz
  • Contact Me

    This form will allow you to send a secure email to the owner of this page. Your email address is not logged by this system, but will be attached to the message that is forwarded from this page.
  • Your Name *
  • Your Email *
  • Subject *
  • Message *

Attention: Starting October 1, 2022

If you're using 

www.gizwizbiz.squarespace.com 

please start using:

www.gizwiz.me or www.gizwiz.biz

This site will no longer update as of October 1, 2022.  

   Gadgets I showed on WORLD NEWS NOW are here the new site:            

  https://www.gizwiz.me/world-news-now


(This site uses a very old Squarespace format that has become too unstable. Google has also marked this site: "Not Mobile Friendly". The new site meets Google's mobile standards.)  

Entries from August 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021

Friday
Aug202021

Show #1845 Thursday August 19th 2021 Independent Show 324 

Wow! We're in year 16 of The Giz Wiz Show! (The first Giz Wiz Show – called The Daily Giz Wiz back then – was February 20th 2006!) If it wasn't for our loyal supporters, the Giz Wiz Show would be gone. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/

On this week's show we start with the MOYOTEC 4" Cordless Mini Chainsaw.

 

I never owned or used a chainsaw. When I saw one as a 'deal of the day' for under $30, I figured I should own one. Now this is one small, 4" chainsaw. Here's a few bits of info from the company: The mini battery-powered hand saw adopts an integrated guide plate that dissipates heat quickly and is very resistant to drop and abrasion. We add a safety lock button to prevent accident start. Please note that the safety button and switch button must be pressed at the same time when starting, the safety button can be loosed when using. The portable mini chainsaw is equipped with high hardness chains and 24V rechargeable battery that can ensure smooth cutting and keep continuously running in high power output for about 30-45 minutes. Suitable for wood cutting, tree pruning and trimming, and gardening. – And now some info from The Giz Wiz. Big disappointment – the safety lock on the one I got DOES NOT WORK. The chainsaw will start no matter where the safety lockout button is placed. This is not good. As you'll see on this week's show, the saw does a pretty good job cutting small branches. (Branches up to almost 4” I believe the company says.) In addition to the faulty safety lock, the 24V battery doesn't fit exactly fit right, so I wonder if there are any other flaws in the device. I'll guess I'll be returning it on Amazon. Also for some bizarre reason, the MSRP as of 8/20/21 went up to $77.00. It was $59.99 a few days ago. I'm not recommending this.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/j9nz6FLfxsc

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2W6gkWY  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more but I don't recommend this model. There are other choices here. I haven't used any of them however: https://amzn.to/3mncOSM 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1845 

Friday
Aug202021

Want to be ready for any emergency? Here's the BioLite Solar Home 620 Kit!

I like the philosophy at BioLite: We are on a mission to empower people and protect our planet through access to renewable energy. With that in mind that have produced (and given many of these away to 3rdworld countries) the BioLite Solar Home 620. This kit includes a 6 watt solar panel, mounting screws, the control box, three individual string lights with individual switches, including one with a motion sensor. The handsome control box includes a 20-watt hour rechargeable battery to store solar energy, 2 USB device charging ports, digital display for feedback on power availability, and control for the built-in speaker. You can use the built-in FM radio or use the SD card reader to play your own MP3 music files. The company says this kit is perfect for cabins, sheds, backyards, camping, RV's, and power outages. Someone in the chatroom added “it's perfect for tree-houses”. I also read one review where a person who keeps everything possible for emergencies keeps one of these kits standing by “just in case”. The 6 Watt Solar Panel Charges up a 20 Wh Control Panel (Hence, the name 620!) to bring multi-room lighting, device-charging, and music pretty much anywhere.

Product video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=say6ILpMZA8

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/N2MB8aQdIDw

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3j315qu 

 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1845 

Friday
Aug202021

Meet The New OWC Envoy ProElektron USB-C 10GB/sec Portable SSD!

OWC says their new ProElektron is the fastest, toughest mini-sized USB-C bus-powered SSD enclosure in the universe. Pocket-sized tiny, the crushproof, dustproof and waterproof Envoy Pro Elektron puts massive sized personal and work files in the palm of your hand. Utilizing the latest USB technology, the Envoy Pro Elektron is plug and play compatible with Mac, PC, and tablet computers. Transfer gigabytes of data in seconds to yesterday’s machines, today’s USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 models, and well into the future. And yes, compatible with iPad Pro and Chromebook tablets. With the included Type-C cable with tethered Type-A adapter, you can plug into anything, anywhere. Truthfully listing the Envoy Pro Elektron’s up to 1011MB/s real-world test results defines our commitment to the “OWC Difference” which ensures you’ll be completely satisfied the Elektron will handle your most demanding needs. ---- Okay, with all of that said, this device IS amazingly small and rugged. But as you might expect, it is not inexpensive. But for business folks who travel and need the ultimate in speed and to know pretty much nothing can destroy their mini-external SSD drive, this is a perfect choice. MSRP: $119 & up.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/9PbWVw5sxAw

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sJcsan 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1845

Friday
Aug202021

Chad's Cheap Gadget August Theme is cheap “What The Heck Is It?” Gadgets!

Chad had a great idea and put 'What The Heck Is It?” on the list of themes for the Patreons to vote on for his August Theme. It was the run away winner for his August theme!

Chad's 3rd WTHII gadget is the Follow by Edgee Auto-Face Tracking Phone Camera Mount.

The company says this gadget is ideal for Zoom Call, LiveStream, YouTube, TikTok Video Shooting, etc. There's no app required. And no need to connect via Bluetooth or WiFi. Simply mount your cellphone or tablet in the holder and press the power power button. It will automatically monitor and follow you anywhere. (Well, from it's stationery position, that is.) Wherever you go, you’re the center all the time. With a rechargeable Li-On battery, you can use Follow anywhere with a flat surface and good lighting. You can charge the battery via the USB-C and power another USB device by the USB-A port. $19.99.

And Chad's take? Chad liked this, especially for the price, but points out a couple of drawbacks. As you'll see in the video he shot using this device, it swivels with a bit of a jerky movement. And it only follows you by panning, it can't adjust tilt up and down, so you have to be careful to keep your head in the frame. But for under $20, not bad!

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3B3Bowq As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1845

Friday
Aug202021

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To Win An Autographed Copy of MAD Magazine.

Our viewer video email of the week is another “What The Heck Is It?” gadget from our most loyal and frequent contributor, Mo Torres. I looked at his video and could not guess what it was. Can you?

Hey Guys, I have another guess what the heck it is?

 

All info is below, try to guess, before looking.

Mo

 

YouTube: 

 

https://youtu.be/pUwcawG9GnQ

 

It is the: Unlock Reuse CABLE TIE OPENER un-lock Tool

CABLE TIE OPENER | Only 1 Second To Unlock Cable Tie | Let's Reuse Cable Tie | Pocket-sized | Stainless Steel. Cost: $9.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3D8NCFO  - 
Amazon: As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more. 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1845  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show! Here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:
I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.
-
I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.
-
My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.
-
My Favorite Gadget (favorite old, or favorite new): Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.
-
Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you'll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it's a copy. We've tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you'll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.

 All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Email of the week

 Hi Dickie De and Chad!

 Thanks for showing my website! http://www.norrishallstudio.com/ 

 It says “Time to Brush Clocks are Back!” because I had been making them for almost 20 years and decided to stop making them. I made them by myself and it got to be too much work for too little money.  But my dentist customers raised such a fuss, that I started making them again with the help of a business partner who took on most of the work (that’s him in the video).

 Anyway, here’s a link to the video on my website showing the clocks in action. The first four minutes shows how we make them. Just scrub forward to about 4:09 to see them hanging up and “brushing”.

 http://www.norrishall.com/clock-video/2019/8/29/making-of-time-to-brush-clocks-2 

Thanks again! Norris