The Giz Wiz, Week of June 18, 2013, Netcast 1421

A product from CES 2013 hits the retail market.

Back in January at CES Kingston showed a beta-version of their MobileLite Wireless device. This looks, and in some ways, is similar to a device we saw more than a year ago, The Kingston Wi-Drive. The Wi-Drive uses Wi-Fi to give your iOS device like an iPad or iPod, or I Pod Touch plenty of extra storage space. The Wi-Drive had built in memory, while with the newer MobileLite, you provide the memory. It supports USB flash drives, microSD, or a standard SD card to add memory and functions to your iOS or Android device. The MobileLite allows three users to share photos, videos, etc. over the built-in WiFi network. Kingston says the three uses can even watch 3 different movies from the single MobileLite device. I downloaded the app and paired mine my my iPod Touch. I put in a memory card with some movies on it, and in about 30 seconds I could watch a movie on my Touch. No internal memory needed. The MobileLite ships with a micro USB cable and a SD card adaptor, which you use to play the content on a micro SD card. There’s even a way to use the built in battery to charge to your portable device. It's a Li-Polymer 1800 mAh 3.7v battery which should let you enjoy files from the MobileLite for about 5 hours. Of course using it as a charging device will quickly reduce battery capicity for sharing. Camera Roll support allows users to move photos or videos from their mobile device to the MobileLite Wireless in order to free up space. On Amazon it’s $59.99.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEB5QU2/?tag=twnene-20   (This is a TWiT Link. You pay the same price, but if you buy it, TWiT gets a pittance.)

Company website:

http://www.kingston.com/us/usb/wireless#mlw221

Amazon link:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CEB5QU2/ref=s9_al_bw_g147_ir03

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1421

Giz Wiz Video of the Week: My Big Hose.

Okay, so it’s nothing that I can’t show in public. You’ve probably seen it a bunch of times on TV in those gushing-announcer late night commercials! I’m talking about the amazing Pocket Hose! It’s not only available on TV, but it’s online too. Here’s the quickie description of the Pocket Hose from Amazon: Pocket Hose, the garden hose that's small enough to fit in your pocket, then expands automatically to a giant full sized hose. Pocket Hose is super lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient to hang or store anywhere - even in your pocket. And now back to me! When there’s no water in it, and it’s dry Pocket Hose does shrink down a lot. But 50’ of hose in your pocket? You WILL look weird! As you’ll see in the video, it kind of works like it does in the commercial. I was impressed. But then before you buy one, you should read the reviews on Amazon. You’ll see that lots of people said it worked for a short while, then tore, leaked or fell apart. For the 15 minutes I used mine, it was fine. I’ll do an update once I use it for a bit longer. It’s just under $22 at Amazon for the 50’ version. There’s also a 25’ and 75’ version online. I bought my 50’ Pocket Hose at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $19.99. 

Giz Wiz with his Pocket Hose: http://youtu.be/9-SgK0j-HQM

Amazon link: http://amazon.com/dp/B00ATZZWQS/?tag=twnene-20

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1421

Magic Mesh Screen Door – One Year Later!

Fairway has no trouble walking through the Magna Mesh Screen Door. Only the bottom few magnets open, then close behind her.Maybe it should be called Magic Mess.   --   I got almost a season of use out of my Magic Mesh screen, but it became torn and rugged rather quickly. You’ve probably seen their ads on TV a lot, and now this product is widely available in stores. Mine fell apart after about 3 months, and now I installed a different brand that I expect to last longer. It’s called Magna Screen. I got mine on Amazon. Here’s the description: Easy to install: No tools required sets up in minutes Keeps bugs and pests out while letting in fresh air Uses 20 high-powered magnets to securely open and magically close behind you Fits standard single and sliding doors Measures (2) 83in x 19.5in screen panels, 12 hook & loop strips and 20 wood tacks. $13.70. And now back to me. There’s free shipping for Prime Members. The online Amazon reviews for Magna Screen are pretty good. 3.5 Stars from 61 reviews, Vs. 2.3 stars from 41 reviews for the Magic Mesh. (Magna Screen is a bit more expensive than the Magic Mesh, but to me the better construction is worth it.) It’s under $14.00 at the link below:

Here’s the video from last year’s Magic Mesh. The Magna Screen operates exactly the same, but it’s better made and hopefully will last more than one season.

UPDATE! 7/19/13 -- One month in and this morning I find two magnets have come loose. The screen itself is in great shape and the magnets just snap back on, but I'm sorry to see this happening after only 30 days. I mean add tape to keep them together.

Giz Wiz Magic Mesh YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/WLjhQc-M3wc 

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GXDKLO/ref=s9_al_bw_g147_ir03

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1421

Leo finds a brand new piece of crap for all to share!

This week Leo turns cook with the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

First, here’s the description from Amazon: Forget the fast food drive-through. With the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker, you can enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast sandwich in under 5 minutes. Simply place the ingredients inside, build the base of your sandwich in the bottom layer, place the egg on the cooking plate and close the lid. Slide the cooking plate out and your sandwich assembles itself. Open the lid and your hot breakfast sandwich is ready to eat. The included recipe book provides a variety of breakfast sandwich options, from the traditional egg, ham and cheese to the unique cheddar, apple, bacon and egg croissant sandwich. $24.00.  And now back to me! Leo made his own breakfast sandwich live on camera in this show, so be sure to watch the video version. He also did some amazing chemical experiments during the 5 minutes it took for the sandwich to cook. The verdict: Leo likes the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker. Even though we all saw him put far too much salt on it, he ate entire the breakfast sandwich and said he thoroughly enjoyed it. My guess is that kids will love gadget too!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTIUYOO/?tag=twnene-20

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1421

Back to Dick's Gadget Warehouse! With another viewer video & how to sumbit your video.

The submission always starts with an email, just like this one:

Hello Dick and Leo.

Long time fan from ZDTV days... yadda, yadda, yadda... and keep up the good work!

This video was taken with a Samsung 10.2 Megapixel Camera, so the video is limited to 640x480, which ironically is the same resolution this gadget can do from 1998. Be sure to have Chad and Sarah watch the video, there is something in it for them too.

Keep up the good work all of you :)

Joey Pomeroy

Link to my youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b77G8ostfU&feature=youtu.be

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1421

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. Here's what we're looking for:

Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - (four maximum) in the 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.

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 of all time! Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be something you just bought too.

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it.

NEW! NEW! NEW! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of all the "crap from Sky Mall" he's collected. So there's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv

Letter of the week!

Your Name: Paul Griesbaum

Subject: Rio mp3

Message: The very first MP3 player is on ebay. Check out how much it's going 
for.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-MUSIC-PLAYER-THAT-ROCKED-THE-MODERN-WORLD-RARE-MUSEUM-MP3-ART-RADIO-/161036900165?pt=Other_MP3_Players&hash=item257e8c1745