Gadget Girl Reviews

Your photo review guide to the latest in gadgets technology and photography.

[gadgetygirl]

See my full photo review of the Cardsharp 2

[gadgetygirl]

Waterfield Smartphone Travel case

Please see my full review on my main gadgety review site for the

Waterfield Smartphone Travelcase

 or read on here.

Waterfield Smartphone Travel Case

With our age of gadgets and devices we want them with us all the time and that includes travelling.

Some of our gadgets are expensive and sensitive and cannot simply be thrown into our bags and I personally have found it hard to find good gadgety bags that you can trust; with great padding, good quality zips which also have style and design. I am certainly now one of those people that cannot leave the house without my mobile and tablet and solar chargers and lots of other bits and bobs, but I end up just throwing them in my hand bag and having to be careful with what's banging against each other. I had actually given up finding good fashion styled bags; as it was more important to get padding etc.

I then discovered a US firm called Waterfield Designs who design and make bags for every gadget. See my full photo review after the jump.

They are designed and made in San Fransisco 

Gary, the founder, is a long-time cyclist, a former Boston bike messenger, and an admitted bagophile. In 1998, while cycling to his corporate job as General Manager of a Mountain Bike Company, he had an epiphany. Why not combine the best elements from his bike messenger bag (roominess and accessibility) with the organization of a company briefcase (lots of pockets)? This eventually led to WaterField's signature product, the Cargo Bag. Gary’s designer friends, of course, freely expressed their opinions on the first prototype, and Gary took all their comments to heart and used them to hone the Cargo Bag’s design. Even now, customer feedback continues to be the inspiration behind the design of every product in WaterField’s line of bags, computer cases, totes, and accessories.

So I was really excited when the lovely people from Waterfield sent me their Smart Phone Travel Case for this review today. 

This travel case is fully padded and specially designed with plenty of pockets to find everything I need quickly without fumbling around and hauling everything out on your lap or on the ground, a table...you know what I mean girls dont you..you've lost your keys and they naturally migrate to the bottom of the bag, so everything has to come out wherever you are...sheesh?

Now everything has its place!

Packaging

My Smart phone travel case arrived within a week from the US and was packaged perfectly and arrived in a clear polybag to protect it.

Description

This stylish padded pouch comes with self locking zippers brilliant with such expensive smart phones and gadgets. The idea is that the case looks and feels thin and compact even when full. It can then be quickly and safely packed into a backpack, purse or messenger bag.

This fully padded pouch comes in 3 different sizes to suit your gadgets and requirements;

Large Travel Case 10" x 5.5" x 1.5" / 7oz

Medium Travel Case 7" x 3.5" x 2" / 4oz

Small Travel Case 6" x 2.75" x 1.5"/ 2oz

I was lucky to receive the large...eeep I certainly need it with the amount of technology I want to carry with me nowadays.

It also comes in 6 colours

Mine arrived in this gorgeous metallic red. Its not a bright red it has a lovely soft metallic sheen to it giving it an expensive elegance.

 The outer case is ballistic nylon used in bullet proof vests. Its highly durable and keeps its lustre for many years.

You can see how nice and chunky these zips are as well as being a nice deep tooth too. They are industrial strength heavy duty self-locking zips; meaning you just flip it down and it wont just fall open, you have to lift it up to unlock.

 They are a nice large sized zip, easy to grab and use in a hurry.

  It also has a lovely 1.5 inch looped handle to easily slip this through your fingers for extra stability; and can be easily clipped to another bag with a carabina etc, or even looped through your belt if hiking etc.

One of the first things you notice is actually how easy it is to just pick up the bag, its slim design makes it perfect to slip into cases, backpacks and messenger bags.

I absolutely love the rubberised material base and sides, giving it a really rugged finish.

Its similar to that of a baseball type texture and the rubberised nodules means it wont slip and slide off shiny surfaces, it grips well and it also makes it easier to grip and pick up.

The rubbery base also means it stands up by itself.

You dont have any worries if you need to put this case on a wet surface; although the red ballistic nylon material is water resistant not waterproof so dont knock it in the bath, but it will be fine if caught in a rain shower. 

The whole bag has been beautifully finished and stitched, the seams are just perfect.

I love attention to detail and even the zips have been neatly finished and blended extremely well into the rubberised sides.

 You also get the embroidered Waterfield designer logo.

The Smartphone travel case has 2 major pockets, one main and one on the front, each area divided up to make it easier to store your cables and gadgety items and find them easily.

Main case

The Main case has 5 inner pockets and room to slip something inbetween. Measurements

The 2 inside pocket measurements one side

12cm width by 10cm high each,

The 3 inside pockets the opposite side.

9cm x 11cm high,

8cm x 10cm high,

9cm x 11cm High.

There is approx 4cm of added room above the stated measurements up to the zip; to slip items taller than the pockets themselves...do I need to say this... ;-)

All 5 pockets are made of a foamy texture and lined in felt as is the whole inner case. The clever bit is the gorgeous gold bottom lining, so it not only looks cool and modern but is uselful as it helps you see what's in the main bag. As much as I love my fashionable black bags they are a nightmare to see what you have lurking at the bottom.

The whole case is padded to approximately 1cm all round and then the pockets themselves have an added 2-3 mm padding so your devices are completely protected.

 The case is completely flexible and its designed to see easily inside.

 Front pocket

Front pocket The front pocket doesn't have the padded fronts of the main pocket as its meant for smaller thinner items like cables or credit cards etc. The pockets are made of fine black net which is still extremely durable and strong. The 2 large pockets in here are approximately 12cm x 12cm.

 Again gold material gives an expensive feel and makes it easier to see inside.

Use

Being addicted to my gadgets I have acquired quite a few that I want to carry around with me...okay cant bare to be without...there I said it ;-)

So Im so pleased to finally have somewhere to keep my precious devices safe and secure. When I first picked up this bag I was surprised how light it is considering the lovely thick padding. So your dying to know what did I get inside it, well I even surprised myself.

Wait for it...I have to show you just what's inside this Tardis bag...I hope your sitting down!

I was amazed at just how many items I got into this gorgeous bag, without it looking like it was busting from the seams.

(Click for larger image).

In the main case I got...

Main pocket

Iphone 3G

Power Monkey Explorer solar charger and battery pack (review soon)

Bluetooth keyboard (review soon),

USB mini torch (review soon),

Bassbuds Earphones,

Creative Stealth 64GB flashdrive (review soon),

Pocket Monkey (review coming soon),

Sportshaler,

Iphone & Nano 6th gen charger cable,

Front Pocket

Apple Nano 6th with Digem,

Iain Sinclair Cardsharp 2,

Iain Sinclair EON Credit card flashlight,

Emobox 8GB creditcard flashdrive,

Pill box,

Booklight,

Sensu Brush stylus (review coming soon),

Parker pen,

Notebook,

World of Warcraft authenticator so I can play anywhere,

Sandisc jessops, compact flash hi speed USB,

My faithful lippy of course...most importantly.

 The zip shows absolutely no signs of strain.

Im so impressed with how much is inside with it all zipped up and its hardly bulging.

Plus its still maintaining its slim look; despite the amount inside, its perfect.

Cosmetics and Jewellery

I just thought I would mention too, this case doesn't have to be just for gadgets.

 I also wanted to show you another version I tried with some of my cosmetics and jewellery, as a holiday or overnight bag; its a perfect case for any occasion.

 The top 2 lines of make-up and creams fitted easily into the main case and all the jewellery and watch you see at the front fitted into the front pocket.

Please click for larger images!

Phew..all those years of gaming; playing Tetris really paid off!!! ;-)

Opinion

Im absolutely blown away with what excellent quality this case is. With our daily technology comes its cables and chargers and we all need something to keep all those extra bits and bobs together. Whether its for a holiday, weekend away or a daily commute this case will be invaluable. Im now keeping all my chargers and gadgety bits all in one place, I know they are safe and I can just grab the bag and take it with me anywhere. This will protect every item inside until you need it and the well designed pockets make it easy to organise your items for easy access. The case has gorgeous aesthetics giving it a sporty but really modern designer feel. The high quality materials and choice of colours makes it certainly a unisex case and I feel everyone NEEDS one of these. Dont waste your money on cheap nylon-plasticky cases, youve paid alot for your smart phones and gadgets dont skimp on its travel case; its not worth it. But this is not the only case Waterfield offer, choose from wallets, ipad cases, laptop bags and sleeves, gear pouches, gaming cases, keyboard cases and accessories.  Whatever your taste in bags they will have something for you. Take a peek at their other designs HERE. Pro's Excellent quality materials, Fully padded gadget case, Ballistic Nylon, Self locking zips, Great colours, Water resistant, Rubberised base and sides for grippyness, Con's None,

 You can buy your own Smartphone Travel Case

from Waterfield Designs

 Large $39

Medium $37

Small $35

 All my thanks goes to Waterfield for sending me this gorgeous case for this review. 

My views, photos and opinions are my own.

[gadgetygirl]

Please see my full review and video on

The Cardsharp 2 on my main site gadgetgirlreviews.com

or read on here.

The Cardsharp 2

by Iain Sinclair

I was excited to receive a couple of products from the well known company Iain Sinclair which has been established since 1964, the design house that conceives, designs and develops highly innovative consumer products.

 Cardsharp 2 and the EON Classic Credit Card flashlight

For full photo review and video see after the jump! They created some of the very worlds first ever ultra thin torch products including the Liteblade (the first ultra thin flashlight of 1987), Flashcard (multimillion selling, ultrathin flashlight of 1993), More recently the team have developed a new collection of four credit card sized products including a highly innovative folding utility knife, a high performance flashlight and a range of high definition 'point and shoot' cameras (the camera idea was conceived by Grant Sinclair).

I recently reviewed the super bright EON Classic Credit Card flashlight Today I'm bringing you this ingenious Cardsharp 2

I absolutely love gadgets that are disguised or can turn from one thing into another, must have stemmed from my childhood love of watching the transformers. The Cardsharp 2 is a new and improved super light supersharp utility knife which is the size of a credit card.

With just 3 origami moves this credit card turns from a flat safe piece of plastic into a useful knife whenever you need it close at hand in your bag, drawer. Ideal for the hobbyist, camper or fisherman who needs a handy knife to carry light.

I have added a video on just how easy it is to use this Cardsharp 2.

3 Ninja style moves turns a credit card into a precision utility knife.

Packaging

One thing you notice as soon as you receive anything from Iain Sinclair is their modern elegant packaging, all ready to wrap and be given as a gift. Like the Eon Classic Flashlight it arrives in a cardboard CD style case.

The presentation really is gorgeous, arriving in a sleek black CD cardboard sleeve; the promotional design is black and simplified and gives a more expensive feel.

Pull out the inner card which opens out like a book to reveal the cardsharp sitting in its own cardform, with it you also receive a small card explaining about your new knife.

Description

This extremely useful utility knife is cleverly disguised within at first glance as a credit card; no one would guess it was a knife at al. It simply sits with your credit cards in your bag until you need it. We all know when we need a knife, we....really...need one. Camping, fishing, gardening or just to cut some tape or paper; you will always know where you have a knife.

Within the plastic is a 3 inch stainless steel surgical blade making sure it will always be rust-free and long lasting. This ingenious design means in 3 quick Ninja style moves you have transformed this card into a usable firm but light knife ready for action. These clever hinges are guaranteed for life and comes with a unique safety lock which cannot accidentally open in your pocket and is childproof.

Plus its made in Great Britain woohoo!

Measurements Closed Credit card - 8.5cm X 5.3cm / 3.3 X 2.1 inches and I must mention its ONLY 2.2mm thick! Deployed the knife -14.4cm long and 2.75cm in width across the main length and 3.5cm at its widest; (genius-keeps your fingers safe). The blade itself is 8.7cm/3.5 inches long, but 6.5cm of blade is visible.

It is so light at ONLY 13 grams compared to carrying around a small Victorinox pocket knife of approximately 25 grams. You honestly dont know your have it in your pocket.

 Back of the knife you can see is also completely safe and secure with absolutely no sharp edges anywhere to catch on clothes or your bag.

Use

Im really excited to bring this to you as I love gadgets like this, its a fantastic conversation piece and you cant wait to show everyone, its so James Bond like. Im sure he has one too.

When I first got the Cardsharp out of the packaging I was really amazed at how light this is and my immediate reaction was if its light its going to be flimsy and easily breakable....WRONG! This Propylene plastic is the perfect balance of being rigid and flexible. I do have to stress its not a huge heavy duty knife and if your planning on camping or trekking through the jungle for a few weeks do take a more heavy duty one too. But it certainly has a rightful place in the backpack.

"Thats NOT a knife"!

 "Now Thats a knife"! When I first saw this knife I just couldn't see how a flat piece of plastic could "Fold" into a sturdy knife is that scientifically possible?  I couldn't wait to get this out of the packaging and within seconds I had easily transformed this card to the knife. It has to be one of the worlds lightest but usable knives. 

Locking safety catch

The fact this has a secure lock is just brilliant, I couldn't begin to imagine the accidents if this unfolded in your pocket or bag. The lock design itself is just genius as its ridged enabling you to use your thumb to grip to turn it.

You simply turn the ridged circle with your thumb, until it lines up with the knife's edge and you cannot see any of the bright luminous green circle. The blade then lifts from the end of the card...unlocking the knife to then be origamied into a strong handled utility knife.

The fact its a brightly coloured means you can see in an instant whether its locked or not. The overlapping circle is all that is needed to safely secure this blade from any accidents.

Once unlocked you flip the knife forward and in 3 easy folds you have your strong utility knife.

 The design includes clever strong pop studs to secure the knife inplace.

The final fold has 5 plastic press studs which clip together firmly to form the handle below. These do not accidentally open up or unclip, they are extremely secure.

This overlapping fold is so you keep your fingers behind and away from the main blade, really clever design addition. A nice touch is that Iain Sinclair is embossed into the handle giving a nice modern design and adds to the extra grip too if your hands are wet.

The clever wrapped handle.

This amazing design means that the handle surrounds the base of the blade itself to form a really strong handle.

It then fits comfortably and easily into your hand. It maybe a credit card shape at the beginning but this isn't just a cheap gimick, it really is a super sharp blade not to be taken lightly.

 Back of the knife.

 The gorgeous approx 3 inch blade has a shallow bevel angle which gives a beautiful precision super fine sharp blade, great for spearing things.

 Back of the blade.

 They have even designed 4 small finger ridges to gain extra grip and press to prevent any slippage while cutting, just brilliant.

Easy cutting position with your index finger on the ridges. It has a nice cutting angle for which you dont need alot of pressure to cut anything and the handle feels quite grippy.

So does it cut well?

The main question on your lips, oh yes this is no toy blade, this really is razor sharp, I have used it on paper, cardboard and wood as well as slimmer branches.

 Its perfect in my green house and Im finding Im not even folding it away Im using it regularly now.

 Its ideal for more delicate cutting as its so razor sharp.The fine point gets into small places and you need very little effort to cut anything.

Everyday carry (EDC)

This Cardsharp 2 is perfect for the EDC, in any kit bag or handbag, infact I would go as far to say everyone needs one of these. Its amazing how many times you just need to cut or trim something and never have anything handy.

 Reverted back to a card its safe in your hand and only takes up the footprint of one of your credit cards.

 Perfect for the handbag, be aware legal restrictions apply in the UK, so this is just for photo purposes. No one would notice at first glance this is actually a handy knife it easily sits with your credit cards.

Perfect for the simple things of slicing paper and cardboard, cutting out magazine articles precisely to cutting up fruit during your lunch break, slicing or peeling that apple, picking out pips, cutting slicing meat. As well as the tougher jobs of whittling wood, slicing small twigs, scoring! Or during the apocalypse spearing fish and gutting rabbits. It also washes well, simply run under a hot tap and you have no worries of rusting being stainless steel.

 Opinion I know you gadgety collectors out there will love this utility knife.  Its a James Bond super spy must have. Im sure Daniel Craig has one in his wallet; plus every would-be James Bond and now...little old me! Im so impressed by this incredible design everyone would use one of these at some point, it really has earnt its place in every campers, fisherman's or hobbyist kitbag and especially a travellers backpack. The 3 origami moves are easy and quick to do, with no fiddling, the supersharp blade is supported well with the strong inflexible handle and is comfortable to use. The Cardsharp 2 can most certainly cut it when compared to other small pocket knives and just to be able to store it flat and in safety is a must in our busy lives especially those of you with small children. Most credit card tools can be pretty cheap and gimicky and I haven't seen any with this length and width of blade and certainly not with this gorgeous quality of stainless steel blade. The Cardsharp 2, your getting a precision knife with the accessibility of keeping it safely with you till you need it. The plastic hinges are guaranteed for life and I can say there is absolutely no signs of wear and tear and Ive used this quite alot already, my black teflon blade isn't even scratched. This is an affordable gift for almost anyone especially the guys to keep in their wallet...plus not forgetting the girls who love their gadgety things. I love mine and I cant wait to show people; its such a conversation piece. Its an excellent quality fun gift for everyone who loves their gadgets especially as Iain Sinclair offer an engraving service, which is a really lovely touch for any gift. Pro's Credit card shape, Stainless steel precision blade, Safety lock, Choice of  Teflon black (as above) or natural brushed stainless steel. Personalise your blade with their engraving service. Hinges are guaranteed for life. Con's None.

 You can buy your own Cardsharp 2 

For ONLY

£15

 or for an extra £5 have it personalised with up to 30 characters.

available 2 colours

Electro ferritic (non scratch) stainless steel (mine) and natural brushed stainless steel.

All my thanks goes to the lovely people at Iain Sinclair for sending me the Cardsharp2 for this review.  My views and opinions are my own.

Please see my other gadgety review from Iain Sinclair

The super bright EON Classic Credit Card flashlight

[gadgetygirl]

Under Construction, please be patient!

Gadget Girl Reviews WordPress is under construction from my original site.

Please be patient…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

The Plamp

  The Plamp

  What is a Plamp…well sounds like a plumber’s tool for unblocking drains and it…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Beaded stylus keeper and Dragonfly charm Review!

  Personalised beaded Stylus keeper and a Dragonfly charm dust plug.

From

Beaded Allsorts

  View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Manson Gothic Wig

  Manson Gothic Wig

  Something a bit different for Gadget Girl, this is an archived review I…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Popbands Review

Popbands

  Are you a girl who tends to wear a hair band in her hair, then takes it out and…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Remote Controlled Gyro Zoomer. When I found out I was getting this fun opportunity to review such a… http://wp.me/s37YzI-910

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

iCushion Pillow Stand Review

iCushion iPad cushion holder

From MobileToyz

Mobile Toyzis a technological product…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Under construction

Gadget Girl Reviews is under construction from my original site.

Please be patient while I am…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Neoprene laptop, camera and tablet cases Review

Phone and matching tablet cases.

From

 Perfect mobile shop

  As you know I love my…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Bassboomz Bluetooth Portable Speaker.

Bassboomz

by Bassbuds

Those of you that have been following my reviews will know I reviewed…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Bassbuds I was really excited to have received these gorgeous Bassbuds to review Thanks guys Im… http://wp.me/s37YzI-299

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

iHat Music Hat From  ParamountZone The lovely guys at ParamountZone kindly sent me this… http://wp.me/s37YzI-244

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Solar Boost Phone Charger

Solar Phone Charger – Solar Boost From ParamountZoneI adore solar power as I love anything that…

View Post

[gadgetygirl]

Rock safe key Hide Have you ever locked yourself out or has the wind caught the front door and its… http://wp.me/s37YzI-154

View Post