**REVIEW** 10-foot USB Phone-Charging Cable

There's nothing special these days about a USB cable for our phones. Between my phone, tablet, and vape devices, I have cables in every room of my apartment.

The reason I have so many cables is that they eventually fray around the ends - from being bent, pulled, twisted, and stretched - and I have to replace them.

What is kind of special about this one is the banded protection on each end.

their photo was better than mine

I am really hoping that this kind of protection extends the life of the cable. I am hopeful...

The 2 cords I am trying are each 10 feet long, but the seller, CyvenSmart, has the same type cords in different lengths. They have a lot of other style cords also, but what I needed was this Type C cable for Samsung's S8 phone.

In addition to the length, I like the tough TPE covering the rest of the cord. It's stronger and feels a lot more durable than the fabric that covered my last cords.



The very best thing about this cable is that it is the first I've had in a while that charges as fast as OEM cables that came with the phone.

Not much else to tell you, but I had not seen this type of cable before so I wanted to share the info. Keep in mind that there were cheaper cables and I even found a set of 4 cables for less than the $11 I paid for these 2, but I am not disappointed.

Peace
--Free


I was in the mood to post some spoken word art and was going to post some Gwendolyn Brooks poetry or something by Tupac but... I remember being obsessed with Def Poetry Jam. A friend I and used to sit around, drinking cheap wine and crying over life while we watched video copies of DPJ. For those who missed out, here's a sample.

Maybe for this holiday season, do something to support a starving and brilliant artist.

**REVIEW** Samsung Galaxy Note4 Spare Battery Charger

For anyone who uses a cellphone, I don't think there is such a thing as having too many spare batteries or chargers. Or too many charging cables.

Recently, I got the chance to grab a spare battery and charger for that battery for a review. I love having a spare battery. Having the included charger was nice but I found a better charger.

Front of case
case door closed
Charging indicator light at very top

First off, I love the way the charger is made. Inserting a dead battery will trigger a red/orange light; a charged battery triggers a green light. Once I charge up my spare battery, I can just drop the case into my bag and go. The one other charger I have is of an open design. The battery moves around and sometimes will fall out of the charging position and there's absolutely no way to pack it around with a battery inserted.

This case by Samsung is a nice and neat design. Looks very clean and it's super lightweight. Another benefit it has over my other (open-face) face charger is that there is no hassle in having to line up the charging nodes. All I need to do is drop the battery into the case, shut the door and then plug in a cable and cord:

Case door open, battery insterted

The one and only negative to this case is, for the price, I was surprised that there was no cable included. Using the right charging cable makes a HUGE difference.

The product page for the charger indicates an approximate 2-hour charging time. The first time I used the charger, I attached it to one of the spare universal cords I keep around the house. Bad move. I had the charger plugged in for over four hours and the battery was still not charged. I left it overnight so I'm not sure exactly when it finally charged up the battery to full. That was kind of a test. The next time, I made sure to use my fast-charging Samsung cable. Took about and hour and 15 minutes to charge up a mostly depleted battery.

Lesson learned: the charging cable makes all the difference!

The charging case is perfect for someone like me who is always forgetting to check their current battery level. I never realize how low my battery is until I am walking out the door on the way to an appointment or to run errands. My family hates when I leave the house and there is no way to get in touch with me. They worry I will get sick and not have a way to call for help or let them know. Hell, I worry about that, but my memory is bad so... I forget to check my battery.

This case is just what I needed. Now all I have to do is get a few more rapid charging cables to go with it.

view of charging port

Like I said, the design is perfect for a take-along. The case is slim and thin and lightweight. I can slide it into the back pocket of my jeans and forget that it's there. It takes up almost no room in my purse.

Slim enough for pocket, purse, bag

For some reason, when I ordered, the case was priced at $15.98. I see that it is now showing a price of $9.99. For the higher price, it should have come with a spare cable...

Now that I do have a charger I love and that works really well, I am on the lookout for an extra battery, cable, and wall plug. If anyone knows of something good, reasonably priced, and (this is the important part) actually a verified OEM (original equipment manufacturer),please shoot me a message. I am finding a TON of parts that say they are OEM, but customer reviews are outing some fakes and substitutes. Come to think of it, I might need to bypass Amazon and go straight to the Samsung source.

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Xtra-Funky Shiny Mirror Case (for Galaxy Note4)

While I love, love, love my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (most of the time) and I do try to keep it safe by using protective cases, I don't usually buy decorative cases. I'm mostly about keeping my phone safe and working. Pretty is not a priority.

But...

I saw this case when I was ordering Christmas gifts for DJ. I can't remember how I came across it, but it certainly caught my eye.

How could it not?

That's the photo from the product page for the (get ready for the name) Xtra-Funky Range Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Slim TPU Silicone Shiny Mirror Case with Sparkly Crystal Diamante Rhinestones - Silver

I will just call it the mirror case. The photos mostly speak for the product, but I will give you my opinion of course.

Hard to get photos because of the shine. Almost looks like the case is floating, doesn't it?

I like that the case really is as shiny as it looks on the product page. My own photos don't capture it so well, but it is truly a mirror-like finish. Seriously.

It's nice to have a mirror attached to something that I always have on hand. I have to admit that when I was in the store today, I was using it to spy on a cute guy that I'd passed in one aisle! Not sure if that's what the intended use is. Since the mirror is my main attraction to this case, I have to mention that it smudges easily. That doesn't take away from the use of the mirror though.

The one thing I don't like about the case is that the "rhinestones" are so cheap looking when you see them up close. They aren't even actual rhinestoned - just really cheap and cloudy-looking plastic chips in the shape of the stones. I know that rhinestones are cheap imitations anyway, but these are so dulll-looking that I wish I had gotten a case without them added on.

I want to point out that even though the mirror is really nice, the case itself (inlcuding the mirror part) is not a hard substance. The plastic is a soft, molded unit that bends with very little pressure. I guess that's a good thing since a harder plastic would break. The winter weather here is really cold so I like the more pliable plastic.

Another thing about the case is that, while it does provide covering (and some cushioning) to the back, it's not something I'd count on offering a lot of protection should I drop the phone.

Overall, I really do like this a lot. That mirror is something else. I guess the only real negative I can point out (other than those rhinestones) is that I have to press harder on my side buttons to get them to work. For the purpose of the buttons, it would be nice is the case were more rubberized than plastic.

Though I don't like the cheap look of the rhinestones, they only look bad at a close view. From a distance, the stones really don't take away from the look of the case. And, once again, that mirror makes it worth it.

Bottom line, the case cost less than 5 bucks. That's a great price and very much worth it.

I've been over on Amazon looking at the other items in the Xtra-Funky storefront. I see a few things that I like for gift items, including cases and accessories for all kinds of phones. My family is a mix of Android and iPhone users, so...

I can tell you that I do like the case I got and that the service was great from the Seller. I will be purchasing from them again.

Peace
--Free

***REVIEW*** CJS Dash Mate Cell Phone Vent Mount

Sometimes I get to try a product that is just okay for me, but I can tell that it's going to be perfect for someone else.

very cool, yes?

                                       
That right here is the CJS Dash Mate. It's a vent mounted holder for cell phones. I will first tell you that it's a great concept, but why it's just an okay product for me: my car vents are awkwardly placed.

~sigh~

I drive a Honda Accord. I've always hated only one singly thing about that car: the vents. They are too high up for getting the heat or air conditioning aimed at passengers. Whenever I am in someone else's car, I get vent-envy. Seriously. This is Alaska, home of freezing winters and scorching summers. The only time I am comfortable in my car is on overcast summer days...

So.

I have nothing negative to say about the Dash Mate. Not their fault about my car vent placement.

Now, for the Pros to this product:

• Simple (deceptively simple) design
• Easy to attach & detach to the vents
• Held my heavy Note 4 with the also-heavy Pelican case attached

Even with my awkward vents preventing me from enjoying all the features (for instance, I can't really see the screen well enough when phone is mounted), I still like using this. It's cool to be able to keep my phone in view. I often forget and leave it in the car until my headset reminds me. Also, the only other convenient place to set the phone is on the passenger seat or crammed somewhere into the center recessed under the radio. I liked being able to mount the phone while it was charging without having that cord dangling around the gear shift.

This is such a nice, handy, simple product that I have to recommend it. My concerns that it would not hold my phone or that it would be too flimsy were calmed. I rode around for about an hour (on our infamously raggedy roads) without problems. It did take me a little practice learning to detach my phone without also removing the Dash Mate. 

The Prime Price is perfect, but the list price is too high.

Dash Mate has a 100% guarantee so you can get a refund or replacement for whatever reason. I can say that I had chance to communicate in general with the Seller before ordering the product and he was very courteous and quick to respond.

Peace

--Free

DISCLOSURE: I received this product via Giveaway Service in exchange for providing a fair and honest review.

**REVIEW** Pelican ProGear Voyager Case & Holster

I like to boast that I am always very careful with my phones. And, usually, I am. VERY careful.

Next to my vehicle, my phone is probably the most important necessity in my day to day life. It's not just a convenience (though it is very handy) but. because of my memory and health issues, it's my lifeline. Seriously. Besides all that, I haven't had a landline phone since living in Arizona some years ago.

Out of all the cellphones I've owned, I've lost one and dropped another into water. The one I couldn't find disappeared under really strange circumstances (as did a few other things) in the house in Arizona. We decided that we had a Bermuda Zone type of thing going on in one spot in that house. I'm not kidding, but that's a post for another day.

Every other phone I've had, I've kept til they die. Even back when I could afford to buy new phones whenever I wanted, I thought it was a stupid waste of money. Phones are not cheap. This is why I try to be so careful with mine.

I love a good case, and this one is my absolute favorite of all time:

The clip swivels and makes a stand

Those stripes are not that visible, btw

That's the ProGear Voyager Case & Holster by Pelican I have. Of course, I got the one made for my Galaxy Note 4, but there are models for most popular phones.

I got mine at AT&T because I dropped my phone while I was right down the walkway from the store at the mall. If I hadn't been so paranoid about waiting a few more days, I could have saved $10 by getting it at Amazon.

Real quick, before I get to the review, let me mention that this is the best link to the Pelican site if you're looking specifically for phone cases. I didn't realize that Pelican made cases for lots of products, but you can get to the main page at their official site for all of that by going here. Their Amazon page of products is here. (Can you tell by now that I really like these guys? Good, cos I do.)

Now. Where to start with all that I love about this:

• Fits very securely around the case of my phone
• Is not heavy like some cases
• Holster/Clip detaches for fitting into another outer case if you want
• The clip functions as a stand & stand extends to several stages of placement
• Clip has a hooked bottom so it won't slide off or pockets
• Case comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee in case it breaks

Personally, I can say that I like this case way better than one I got by the much hyped Otterbox brand a few years back. That case cracked at one edge, then the replacement they sent also cracked. Done with that.

Not that I was trying to put the case to a real-life test, but.... I did. Right after I got the case, I dropped my phone (or, rather, DJ bumped it out of my hand) onto a concrete floor at Walmart. The case did protect my phone. I'd already put a crack in the glass screen protector (which I'd been smart enough to get when I bought the phone) and even that crack didn't get any worse. I think the Pelican is "military rated" to drop at about 4 feet. I'm 5 foot 5 and I dropped my phone from about waist high.

Almost more than I like that this protects my phone is the fact that the stand is so good. The last stand I used with a case was sort of flimsy. The bottom would skid and topple the phone over. This one is nicest because it has 5 position tabs, rotates, and is steadied with a metal claw.

Lots of notches for positioning the stand
(notice the bottom where the "tooth" is on clip

Clip rotates for horizontal or vertical wear

 If I have to nitpick for some negatives...

In this position, holster won't/shouldn't be
detached from phone

There's no slot for ID/cards or folding money (but that's the same for most hardback cases), and I'm not crazy about the fact that there's no camera hole in the holster. I have to detach the holster/clip part to use the rear camera. Also, I sometimes forget to rotate the clip so that it's easier to remove the holster. But that's all really petty considering how well this case protects my investment.

I did recently find a really affordable faux leather case with clip that will work with the Pelican case (minus the holster/clip attachment). It's not made for holding cards or folding money either, but some other reviewers have told me that I can fit those things in with the phone. I would just have to be careful not to lose those items when removing the phone from the case.

INSERT PHOTO of that item

Like I said, I had to really look for some Cons with this Pelican case. I'm beyond impressed - not just with the case but with the guarantee. All I can say is "Yay for Pelican!" I don't think I will ever want a case by anyone else. (But "Boo! to AT&T for the jacked up price...)

There you have it. Pelican is apparently well thought of by other reviewers for good reason. I wish I could find more variety in colors from them for this phone. Or even one of their cases made with a ID/money slot.

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** LG G4 Wallet Case by Abacus 24-7

As promised, I have some more product reviews ready (though not in the order I expected!)

This first item up is this phone case I plan to give to a friend when this review is finished.

It's the LG G4 Wallet Case from Abacus 24-7. The case has four functions:

1. Case
2. Wallet (holds cards, ID and cash)
3. Stand (for viewing videos, etc,)
4. Protects the out part of the phone

And, best of all, you could get it for under $10 if you catch the discounted price. 

Now, that said, I have bought cases in the same price range that were a total waste of the money. Get what you pay for, right? One case that I paid around $20 for (still not too pricey, but...) and the clasp didn't work if you put more than one card in a slot. Another case I bought literally started to come apart at the seams. My library card sliced right through one of the slots because the "leather" was like paper.

This case is not real leather. Of course not. It's a $10 item. The product info describes it as "premium quality artificial leather". Okay.

On the plus side, the artificial material is not that shiny, cheapest-looking kind.

What I like about this is that, for the price, it's not bad. The clasp does work, even when you put a card in each of the slots. I only had three bills to test the cash slot with, but... the magnetic clasp still closed.

The artificial leather is thin. When the description indicates protection for your phone, I take that to mean that it will protect the outer parts from scratching. This is not one of those cases that keep your phones safe from being dropped on hard surfaces. Not a lot of cushioning.

It looks good. Though it might not stand up to a lot of long-term wear and tear, this is actually a decent case. Best uses will be for when you don't want to carry a big purse (or a purse at all) and just need to keep your phone, ID, cards and some cash nearby.

Like I said, I got this to give to someone who likes the case I keep my phone in. I'm always dashing to the store or just up the street, and I love having my essentials with me without hauling the luggage I use as a purse! LOL

Also, this comes with the assurance of "30 day risk-free buying" and there is a 1 year warranty. You don't always get that with a product triple the price. Not a bad gift for yourself, a friend or a young person. By the way, Abacus 24-7 has cases for various phone models.

Peace

--Free

DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.