Delivered (Finally!)

After being all worked up and excited to try the Jot Script yesterday, I was bummed (because you know, to gear-heads like myself get excited about this sort of thing) to find out it was delayed another day. Well, I'm pleased to report that it was delivered, but alas, I'm at work...

Note to self, don't ask for the USPS to not disappoint.

Here it is! Should have a review in the coming week or so.

Custom Domain!

If you're reading this, you may have noticed that I have moved my blog to www.gototechreviews.com. Hopefully this will help in expanding my audience.

Excited...

I'm not gonna lie, I have had a lot of fun with the blog so far. It is allowing me to share some of the thoughts I have with technology and devices that I use. I never thought I would enjoy writing as much as I have with this blog, I'm more of the hardware testing type (thus my profession as an electrical engineer in SSDs) and usually avoided writing classes like the plague. Life is funny that way.

On a side note, I should be getting my Adonit Jot Script Evernote Edition today after 7 weeks (I missed the preorder window by a day). This will also be my first video review as I am also getting a stand for my camera for better recording. So, stay tuned!

Don't let me down USPS. :)

Review: Tech Armor Retina Shield Blue Light Filter for iPad Mini with Retina Display

Buy for iPad Mini at Amazon
Buy for iPad Air at Amazon

Like many of you, I use my phone or tablet on a daily basis. Getting the screen covered is crucial to keep the device in pristine shape to handle regular use. Really, you want to protect your hard earned purchase. Well, Tech Armor makes an interesting proposition to protect something else, your eyes. Here are there claims they make regarding this particular screen protector:

• Works with iPad Mini and iPad Mini with Retina Display

• Filters harmful Blue Light from phones and tablets which may damage your eyes and make it more difficult to achieve fast, peaceful sleep

• Ideal for children and adults

• Promotes healthy melatonin levels for better sleep AND protects from digital eye strain

Now, I am by no means an expert on these claims so I can only review them from experience over time, which is why this review will be done in two parts. The first portion will be everything that can be reviewed on the first day of use while the second will be to review of the effects of the blue light filter. All I can say is, I do use my iPad pretty much every night before bed.

Ease of Use and Application
One thing I have really come to like about the Tech Armor screen protectors is their ease of application. The instructions that come with it are clear and the same as seen on other Tech Armor screen protectors. I will also direct you to their helpful video for those who have not applied screen protectors, which can be found here:

http://www.techarmor.com/how-to-install.html

I highly recommend you watch it if you have not done this before, especially since this pack only comes with one screen protector. I would rather there be at least two protectors included, just in case of a slip up. Fortunately, I have done enough of these and have the best luck in applying Tech Armor screen protectors that I got it right on the first try.

Look and Feel
Before I applied the screen protector, I did notice there was a slightly darker tint to it than the HD Clear, but that's not a bad thing, it's just an observation. I can say that there is no perceptible change in the overall look once I had it on than that of the HD Clear or with no screen protector.

The feel is very much the same as the HD Clear screen protector I reviewed from Tech Armor in the sense that I do not even know it's there.

Package contents.

Blue Light Filtering
This is really at the heart of this particular screen protector. Again, I am not an optics expert so testing this out quantifiably is rather difficult, so I did the best with what I had. The first day into it, I realized very quickly that in order for this to be effective I would have to minimize my time with my other electronics: laptop, other tablets (yes, more than one), my phone, PS Vita, television, and even the LED lighting in my house. So, my challenge was to try and just use the iPad which proved to be more difficult than I care to admit.

There are other variables that come in to play with my sleep patterns: my wife, my kids, my dog, my day at work, etc. So basing how well I slept on my iPad use really is next to impossible to quantify.

With that said, I did have one of my better weeks of sleep in a while. Whether or not that was the blue light filter technology, or that my kids and wife have been sleeping better is the reason is hard to say. I guess I can say that I don't feet like it impeded my sleep any.

Bottom Line
If you are a heavy electronics user, especially before bed, it may not hurt to grab one of these. I would suggest you go all in however and get a blue light filter for each of your devices if you need to go this route.

Something to keep in mind is no-hassle Tech Armor Lifetime Warranty. I luckily haven't had the need to exercise this, but if you are having problems with your screen saver they will send you another. Really, it sounds like you can't go wrong here, especially if you're having troubles installing it.

A good measure for me is whether I can tell if the screen protector is there or not and again, Tech Armor does very well here. I would recommend these to someone who uses their iPad heavily before bed and may have trouble sleeping. Though I may not be able to perceive it doesn't mean someone else wouldn't, this is still a reasonably priced and high quality screen protector so you can't go wrong really.

REVIEW: MoKo Slim-Fit Case for iPad Mini

I was looking for a good case that wouldn’t add too much bulk to my retina iPad Mini while giving it the protection it needed. Let’s face it, regular day-to-day use will abuse a naked tablet/iPad, especially for those of us with kids (not that I let them use it anyways).

Form and Fit
I read another users review saying that it added a lot of thickness to their iPad Mini, but to be honest, I didn’t think it added unnecessary bulk at all. In fact, it felt about right for the protection this case offers. The feel of the faux leather is actually quite pleasant and doesn’t have the usual cheap feel that I have seen on other faux leather folio styles.

Clean overall look.

Protection
The number thing I look for in a tablet case is corner protection. Both my parents bought folio cases that either had soft/no corners protection for their iPads. They take care of their stuff, but were surprised to find damaged corners after removing their iPad from their cases several months down the road. This particular case covers the corners well and hold it firmly in place. The bottom and top edges are somewhat exposed and could, if dropped right, still manage to ding it up a bit. I don’t think that’s the typical scenario though since most instances I’ve see have involved the corners one way or another. It’s by no means bullet proof, but the case offers up reasonable protection while still maintaining for and fit.

Latch on the middle right. Corners well protected, but bottom and top still slightly exposed.

Positions
This particular folio case is uses a design where you pull the left corners out of place and then place the edge of the iPad in one of three notches, allowing for several viewing angles. Some people may not like this since you will fingerprint up the back side of the iPad in this process. There is actually a 4th viewing angle since you can go past all the notches and have the iPad rest in the hook, which coincidentally is the position I find myself in 95% of the time. Each notch is deep enough for the iPad to not slip between positions which is quite nice.

Sleep/Wake
I’ve read where people have had issues here with the magnet not lining up correctly and the wake/sleep function not working properly. That is not the case with mine and it works perfectly. There’s a bit of a latch/overhang on the cover portion that hooks over the iPad when you shut it. The inside part of that curved overhang has a silky fabric to aid with friction, though I found that after a week that fabric started fraying. I bet this is likely due to the chamfered edge. Though in fairness, it doesn’t change the feel of it so i just cut the frayed portion off.

Value
Like most people, I’m trying to find the best bang for the buck to get as much case for my dollar as possible while feeling confident that my iPad will be safe in day to day use. I have found the Moko Slim Fit case to do just that and would highly recommend it to anyone trying to find a good case that offers a clean look and offers good protection.

REVIEW: iPhone 5S / 5 Case Ultra Hybrid

Let me start off by saying I had never heard of SpiGen before I bought this case, and like you, was looking at the reviews to decide if this was the case for me.

I have been through many iPhone cases in my day and can never seem to be content with every point listed above. I have been searching for a long time for a case that would meet these requirements without compromises.

Form and Function
I'm going clump these to together here because they are usually mutually exclusive, but not the case here (no pun intended). I wanted to be able to show off the iPhone's original beauty while still being able to keep it reasonably protected. While it's not bullet-proof, the SpiGen has a clear and thick TPU on the back that shows off it's original beauty while keeping it away from the elements, scratches, and smudges. It covers the key components and performs wells. The outside band is a nice TPU that covers the power and volume buttons. I must admit, it feels nice and natural and keep those protected. SpiGen hit a home-run here with maintaining what I feel is the best balance between looks and durability. I can also add I have dropped it about three times and the case has done it's job perfectly.

Look and Feel
The thicker TPU feels great in the hand, not too grippy but not a bar of soap either. It maintains the original thin feel of the iPhone and adds minimal bulk. This way key for my search of the perfect iPhone case and SpiGen nailed it here.

Clear back to show iPhones natural beauty while still having excellent protection.

Function
I am able to access all buttons and functions of the hardware without a hitch, I must add though that my studio headphone have a larger audio plug mount and the TPU around the headphone jack is just a tad small for it. With that said, all my other earphones, including the Apple ones, have no problem.

Value
These cost a fraction of other cases you can buy in the store or online. Simply put, SpiGen offers up the best vlaue and bang for your buck.

Conclusion
Is it the most durable case out there? No. Is it the most colorful or is it going to turn lots of heads? Not really. But what is is, it's my perfect iPhone case that gives me the minimalist look without compromising the key durability functions while maintaining a thin profile. I have already recommended friends and family use this case as well and they have loved it too.

I will likely buy more SpiGen products in the future as their products have been stellar quality and will likely become a favorite in the future for other users such as myself.

Hope this review helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

Upcoming Reviews...

Adonit Jot Script Evernote Edition

Let's just say I am really excited to try this one and will be getting it in a few days. I also want to point out that I will be reviewing this on the iPad mini with retina display (which I haven't found a review that does yet). Should be interesting to compare with the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 I had for a while.

Tech Armor Premium Ballistic Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 5s and 5c

My wife's iPhone 5 will be the perfect candidate for this particular review. The phone is in and out of her purse all the time with small hands trying to grab the phone and play games and watch movies on a daily basis.

REVIEW: Tech Armor HD Clear Screen Protectors for Retina iPad Mini

Let me start off by saying that I go through a lot of devices from phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, etc. One thing that is common among those is the need for quality protection for the device. I personally recommend the combination of a case that covers the corners and key components of the device and a screen protector. In this instance, I got my shiny new 2013 Retina iPad Mini and wanted to cover the screen immediately. On a tablet, the screen is front and center and the crowned centerpiece of the device; you want to keep it covered and safe. Since the iPad Mini and iPad Mini with Retina Display have the same physical 

Number of Sheets
There is not a lot to say about screen protectors, but there are few things to look for and remember. One of the top things I look for is how many come in the package. This is important because there is a high probability that you will mess up at least once and possibly twice. I can not tell you how many screen protectors I have burned through in my days, and not to mention i do not like bubbles or blemishes because they are hard to ignore.

The TechArmor packet comes with three screen protectors which gives plenty of confidence and practice if needed. I can happily report that I was able to get mine on the first try. I even bought some for my mother and got hers on the first time as well. Keep in mind I have done this a lot, which leads me to my next point...

Instructions
I have seen other screen protectors that simply do not explain how to apply their product, and if you have not done this before, you will burn through all of your protectors (it's nice to end with extra).

TechArmor does a great job of explaining in simple detail how to apply it. Follow it to the T and you will get your first or second on satisfactorily. I felt their explanations were sound and would help a newbie. They also have a good website for us visual learners:
http://www.techarmor.com/how-to-install.html

Clarity and Use
I have had protectors in the past that seem to affect the clarity of the picture and it can be a real drag and become a nuisance quickly. Some will have a sort of sticky feel and resistance when using the screen interface in daily use.

The TechArmors have been awesome this way, super clear with no perceived image quality degradation. You know you have a good screen protector when you forget it's there and these live up to that in day-to-day use,

Conclusion
The price is excellent for getting three and the value per dollar isn't even in the same league as what you buy in-store, which are often overpriced and you typically only get one or two.

If your serious about keeping your iPad Mini in tip top shape, and like me eventually sell to upgrade, these TechArmor screen protectors are a must. I will continue to buy TechArmor screen protectors and possibly other accessories in the future.

I will do my best to answer any questions. Thanks for reading.

Welcome to Go-To Tech Reviews!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Matthew and I am addicted to technology and have been a gear-head as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are playing the original NES or figuring out how the camcorder worked. I have always been the go-to guy among family, friends, and co-workers. I finally decided, what the heck, let's open up the audience and start to tech reviews on a larger scale. I am still in the early stages, but plan on extending the content as I start making reviews. Also, I'm sure the process and layout will evolve the more reviews that I do, so stay tuned!