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Reviews

Review of the Canon Pixma MG5750

If you are looking for a high quality wireless all-in-one printer from one of the best-known printer manufacturers in the world then you could consider the Canon PIXMA MG5750.

Canon have a well-earned reputation for designing quality printers that are innovative, reliable and efficient. Not only does the MG5750 deliver great print quality, it is ideal for both personal and home office use.

The MG5750 is one of a range of devices from the PIXMA series that includes the MG5751, MG5752, MG5753 and the MG6850. These printers are well known for their modern and practical design and are also reasonably priced. This means that you can print, scan and copy using a quality printer at a price point that you will find hard to argue with.

Design

The first thing you notice about the MG5750 when you take it out of the box, is its classic design and sleek looks. Not only is this printer good value for money, it looks pretty impressive too.

The innovative engineers who work for Canon have also put a lot of thought into designing the controls on this printer in a way that makes them very easy to use, and their efforts have not been wasted. All of the vital controls have been located prominently on the front edge of the device. The control panel includes an easy to use 4-way control pad and there is small LED screen with three buttons below it, which allow you to scroll through the menus with ease.

Printing

You will be pleased that the MG5750 makes scanning, printing (single sided and duplex) and copying, (single sided and duplex) quick and easy to do. Furthermore, this model has a print speed which is faster than many more expensive models on the market. With automatic 2-sided printing, borderless printing and a very useful 100 sheet paper tray, you can be confident that this printer has better output quality that many, if not most, of its competitors.

Another great feature of the MG5750 is that you can print out your documents or photographs on another person’s PIXMA printer, if you both have Canon’s PIXMA Cloud Link Scan and Remote Print feature. So, the MG5750 makes printing and sharing photos and documents easier than ever before.

Ink cartridges

Another very useful feature is that the printer uses five different coloured ink cartridges. Longer lasting XL versions of these cartridges are also available. One bonus of this arrangement is that you only need to replace the empty colour when it runs out. Like so many printers at the budget end of the market, replacement cartridges can be relatively expensive but if you are willing to hunt around a little online there are many companies out there offering cheap ink cartridges for brands like Canon.

Printer Dimensions

The dimensions of your printer are also very important. Canon recognised this the MG5750 is also reasonably sized (45.5 cm long, 36.9cm wide and 14.8cm high) and weighs in at a little under 6.5 kg. This means it will fit neatly on all but the smallest desk or table. Considering the device’s modest footprint, if you are struggling to find space for your printer it may even be possible locate it out of the way on a larger shelf or on top of a cupboard in your home or office.

Nov 21, 2017 0 comment

Gaming Mobile Apps Reviews

Pokémon Go Raids Are Finally Here, But You May Be Disappointed

written by Don Eminizer

The long-awaited Raid Battles feature was finally released a couple of days ago, but already some obvious flaws have surfaced. Initially, only Pokémon Go players level 35 and over could take part in the battles – which means not a whole lot of players got to enjoy the update. Throughout the day, however, those levels were revised – first going down to level 31, then 28 and finally 25. It is unclear if level numbers will further drop or if this is the final call, but it certainly means Raid Battles are now available to more players.

The battles are also only available at select gyms, so players have to find out which ones are near them and go there if they want to take advantage of the new feature. The rewards are interesting and include rare Pokémon, Golden Razz Berries and Rare Candies, among other things. But the issues this reviewer found with the new Raid Battles might make the rewards – and the rare Pokémon – hard, if not impossible, to come by. He reports that the gyms are crowded with up to six Pokémon who, when defeated in one battle, only lose a measure of ‘motivation’. Three to five battles are requires to erase them, and by that time, more likely than not, it has been replaced by an even stronger beast.

He and this veteran, a level 40, seem to agree that the game is lacking, and not only where fighting is concerned. It would seem that coins and stardust are extremely hard to come by, or at least they were, until Niantic tweaked the update to allow for better rewards, at least where holding a gym is concerned (from one coin an hour to one coin every ten minutes, or up to 50 coins a day). It would seem that the growing amount of complaints from dedicated players has been heard by the company and that it has decided to listen. Whether further issues will be addressed is unknown, but this is a step in the right direction.

Here’s hoping that fans continue to send their feedback and that Niantic continues to listen. For now, all that we’ve seen from the Pokémon Go Raid Battles is a new feature that may have potential but that has started out as a disappointment for users of all levels.

Jun 24, 2017 0 comment

Gadgets Reviews Technology

The Punkt MP01 is the Newest Digital Detox Gadget

written by Don Eminizer

You can now (again, if you’re that old) party like it’s 1992. That’s the year the first text message was sent from a computer to a cell phone and now, 25 years later, you can go back to basics with the Punkt MP01 phone. The small gadget retails for $295 and only lets you do two social things: text and phone. Sure, it has an alarm clock, calendar and contacts list, but that’s about the extent of its functionality. It’s a digital detox tool, remember? No social media, no web browsing, no touch screen. It’s legit old school. And it’s a popular new fad trend with celebrities and minimalists to boost.

It DOES feature very cool alarm sounds. This reviewer described his chosen ring tone as “…an eerily realistic bird chirp…” and the sound you hear as you press the buttons “…the crisp “click” of each digit input” satisfying. So is the sleek finish and enhanced audio (thanks to a curved back casing), which might explain why this arcane based piece of technology is so expensive for the little it does for its users. Maybe.

The phone was designed by a Swiss tech company and operates on 2G networks exclusively, which means that it cannot be used in a great many countries of this world, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Australia as of September 2017. Canada’s last 2G provider is set to drop the service next year. In the United States, you’d have to be a T-Mobile customer to use the Punkt MP01, and then they only guarantee 2G coverage until 2020. After that, it’s a hope and a prayer for Punkt users.

The display is monochrome, and in order to text, you need to go back to basics. Remember how you used numbers repeatedly to input letters on your old flip phone? That’s what the text function works on the Punkt MP01. Three taps on the ‘1’ for a ‘C’, and so on. It’ll get your thumb muscles right back on track though. Or it might mean you text a whole less than you used to on your smart phone.

But hey, that’s the whole idea. Text less, go out more, meet people, speak face to face. Don’t bury your head in social media, get out there and BE social. If you can leave Facebook and GPS and Pinterest behind, but still want to be in touch with what really matters, maybe the Punkt MP01 is just the dumb smart phone for you.

Jun 22, 2017 1 comment

Reviews Technology Web Apps

Why Online Website Building Tools Are Helpful: A Look at ucraft

written by Deborah Anderson

With so much emphasis on the digital, it is clear that if someone has a business, they need a website. That said, one must consider quite a few things when going down the path of website creation. Many people and business owners have already made those decisions. However, that doesn’t mean that a person shouldn’t take a look at options that are available. This is especially the case if a website revamping is in order in the future.

Online Website Builder

Among the available options, is the online website builder. A website builder is a great tool that can help small business owners create their own website. However, like most things in life, there are both positives and negatives to using a tool like this.

Website Design

Content Management System (CMS)

Website builders usually follow a content management system principle. This means that there is a definite distinction between the content and design of the website. Before making the decision to use a website builder, it is a good idea to take a look at the resources available, which in this case include offline and online web creation tools.

Actually, the discussion of a true CMS goes beyond the scope of this article and originally, what we consider a CMS was not really the case. However, we are not here to quibble over definitions and website design has come a long way in the past few years. It is a combination of CMS (which it needs to be, in this fast-paced digital world!) and design. Fortunately, the modern website builder tools help to integrate those two aspects so that you don’t have to worry about it.

Sidebar: Understanding Offline vs. Online Website Creation

As the name suggests, an online website builder becomes usable when an active online connection is in place. One major advantage is that it usually includes easy functionality. Another advantage over the offline is that it is available wherever there is an internet connection. It is also possible that it is usable on a myriad of devices that access the internet.

Since most of the platforms do not require skills in coding, users are able to design their website quickly. They can design in a usable way, instead of trying to think like a programmer. (That work has already been done for them!)

Although an online builder has a multitude of benefits, offline website creation should still be a possibility. The group of individuals who do well with the offline choices are generally those such as the experienced programmer.

What is an offline builder? Ok, to answer that question, let’s use an example of a particular popular software. Well, at the least, it was very popular a few years ago (that should give you an idea about the growth of popularity of online tools, as well). The software is Dreamweaver, by Adobe, which used to be available as a full-fledged offline software program. It is now available as a subscription, from the Adobe Creative Cloud. To go into an explanation of what it does and how cool it is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say, it was/is an awesome tool for programmers and even those who simply understood how to code in HTML.

Making the Final Decision

There are a few things to consider when making a final decision. First, let’s talk about why choosing an online website builder is likely a better choice, overall, than a software choice. Hey, we are not here to tell you what to do, but we are distilling out the points that were discussed in the above section, to demonstrate what is left. In other words, those aspects that likely affect your final decision, which is, of course, YOUR final decision (not ours).

Cost Effectiveness

In comparing the two examples that we are using for this article, website builders are more cost effective than the standalone software application. The website builder, ucraft, is $8/month. The online Adobe Creative Cloud Dreamweaver application (not completely offline) is $19.99/month.

Ease of Use (vs. Need for Coding Skills)

As mentioned above, online creators do not require exceptional coding skills. Coding skills help, but are not generally required. This allows the online website builder tools to be a bit easier, especially for the novices and those new to the web (newbies). In comparison, coding skills (and exceptional coding skills) are generally helpful for software applications like the Dreamweaver software (generally offline, but available via the cloud).

Monitoring (Previewing) Changes

Users can also easily monitor any changes made to the site, right away, after (or as) the changes are made. In comparison, truly offline software applications present a bit of an issue in this area. At the least, there is either a less-than-exact preview of the site, or more steps to acquire the same preview. Disclaimer: This is a comparison to the offline Dreamweaver software application. Creative Cloud version of Dreamweaver may have some desirable online features (beyond the scope of this article).

That said, it still stands that the online website builder/creator tools over very acceptable preview options. This is often called WYSIWYG (“What You See is What You Get”). This is desirable. And, it is available to you in most website builders.

Detective Work

Next Step: A Little Detective Work

Ok, we have spent some time differentiating between online and offline (even if accessible via the internet) tools. Even if you have chosen to move forward with the online website builder, you still need to evaluate the options. Those options vary between website builders. This is true regardless of the fact that they all fit in the category of “online website builders.”

This is another way of saying that you might be wondering what to look for in a website builder. Before jumping in with both feet, it’s a good idea to do some detective work. This means finding a program that feels right. For example, ucraft (more on ucraft, below) offers templates customized to your specifications.

Geared towards both newbies and advanced users, the skill sets of all business owners are covered, in most website builders. They are able to create many different types of pages. Of course, that still requires that detective work we mentioned, to ensure that the tool that you have chosen provides what you need, when it comes to matching your skill set, and that of your team.

Look for a Trial Period (While Continuing to Match Your Skill Set)

Some website builders offer a trial period, to allow you the opportunity to do the detective work. Again, using ucraft as our example, they offer a 14-day trial period. This allows users the ability to explore everything the tool has to offer. Taking time to explore the ins and outs of each website builder can help to ward off problems down the road. This is especially the case if someone is just starting out on that road. Easy functionality should sit high on the list of must-haves when deciding which website builder to choose.

Another feature to look for is a builder that offers several different themes and color scheme templates. If the interface seems complicated from the start, it is probably better to continue searching for another website builder. You want a builder that is navigated in a straightforward, easy-to-follow manner that suits your skill set. So, again, we have options, navigation, and a good fit for your skill set.

Final Words on the Selection Process

Ultimately, whether ones uses a website creator or not comes down to what you are looking to accomplish. Fortunately, creating a website has never been easier. Thanks to all of the builders online, creating a solid website is only a click away.

ucraft

A Deeper Look into ucraft

Using our process from above, let’s list the options and features that we need (or want) in an online website builder. First, let’s start with the features that ucraft lists, right on their website:

“professionally design templates;
focus on user experience;
customizable to your needs;
absolutely no coding;
responsive design;
free subdomain and hosting;
unlimited pages;
SEO [search engine optimization] app;
No ucraft brand[ing on your pages];
24/7 support;”
free hosting on Google Cloud.

These features are all listed on the same page that is linked above, for ucraft.

Discussion About the ucraft Features

Now, as you can see, many of these listed items are actually on your list for your detective work. That means that that work has been done for you! Makes it a bit simpler, eh?

There are also several additional items on the list that we did not cover explicitly, but which are definitely helpful. The hosting and the 24/7 support are two of those. When was the last time you were working on something in the middle of the night and needed help? Well, in this case, ucraft has you covered! Also, if you are in another country, different time zone, ucraft has you covered with the 24/7 support.

And, we didn’t even have a discussion about SEO, but ucraft has you covered on that one. Confused by SEO? Fortunately, ucraft has the SEO app built into the website builder. The step-by-step process provides what you need for your SEO-ready site.

Many times website builders (especially the free ones) require their branding to appear on the website, as advertising for their own website. That actually makes sense if you are not paying anything for the builder, but fortunately, you will not have that with ucraft. It is all about you, in this case.

Great place to leave it, eh? Now, go ahead and move forward on your dreams and goals and succeed. You have the tool(s) that will help you do just that!

Oct 11, 2016 0 comment

Reviews

Review: New Bottle Keeper Beer Cooler

written by Ben Neal

There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than a cold, refreshing beer. But there’s one problem: when the temperature is scorching, and the sun is beating down without mercy, it can be nearly impossible to keep your beer cold.

Sure, you can try one of those cheap foam coozies that you see everywhere… but it won’t make much of a difference. Leave your beer unattended for any length of time, and it’ll be warm and flat before you know it.

Thankfully, the folks over at Bottle Keeper have found a better way.

The Bottle Keeper is like a thermos for your beer. It has a neoprene lining beneath it’s sleek stainless steel exterior, for solid insulation. The lining also serves as a protective cushion, in case of drops and spills.

And the best part is: the cap seals your bottle, keeping it fresh as well as cold.

The Bottle Keeper comes in 3 sizes: the standard 12 oz, the “Stubby” 12 oz (for shorter, fatter bottles) and the 22 oz “Bomber” — for more serious drinking. They also come in several different colors, and can be customized with decals from your favorite sports teams, or even a bottle opener that clips to the cap.

Regardless of the size, they all work the same way. The bottom comes off by simply unscrewing it, then screws back on after you’ve slid your bottle into the Keeper. The cap is designed to accommodate bottles of different heights — it will screw all the way down on some shorter bottles, only part way on taller brews. That’s intentional. Even if the lid doesn’t go all the way down, it will still seal the bottle inside.

This has been one of the most enjoyable product reviews I’ve ever done. The perfect excuse (as if I need one) to go outside and sip on a nice, hoppy IPA. Or a rich, complex Belgian Ale. Or both. (“No, really honey — it’s research!”)

I tested the standard 12 oz Keeper with several different craft beers, which varied quite a bit in height. They all fit just fine. I left it sitting on the porch, in the sun, while I mowed my lawn. I came to check on it 30 – 45 minutes later, it was still delightfully chilly. And the cap kept the bugs out, too. Bonus!

All in all, the Bottle Keeper does everything you want it to do, better than any other coozie or insulator I’ve ever used. I wouldn’t use it all the time — loading and unloading the Keeper is too much of a hassle if you’re drinking indoors where it’s cool, for instance. Or if (like me) you can easily guzzle down a beer before the sun even has a chance to melt the little chips of ice that cling to the sides of the bottle.

But on those occasions when you need to leave your beer sitting for awhile — at the beach, playing sports, doing yard work, etc. — this baby comes in really handy. You can walk away from your beverage knowing that it will still be cold and fresh when you return.

Now the real question: is it worth the $22 price tag? Well, that depends on you and your drinking habits. As an avid gardener, landscaper, and all around outdoorsman, I think I’ll get a lot of use out of it. But if you don’t do much drinking outside, then you’ll probably be able to survive just fine without it.

P.S. If you do decide to try it out, check out their rewards program. If you create an account, you can earn credit for a free Bottle Keeper every time you refer a friend.

Oct 1, 2016 0 comment

Reviews

Review of the Tech Restarter by FRESHeTECH

written by Ben Neal

The Tech Restarter is simple device designed to solve a nagging problem.

When you’re troubleshooting any device — your modem, router, cable box, printer, etc — what’s the first thing you do? You turn it off, then turn it back on, of course. How many times have you had to do that? I’m guessing the answer is: alot.

Well, this clever little gadget from FRESHeTECH makes this a thing of the past. The Tech Restarter is like an alarm clock for your electronics. You program the time you want your devices to turn off, and when you want them to turn back on again.

Set it, and forget it! Your gadgets will be rebooted every night while you sleep. So that when you wake up in the morning, they are ready and running at optimal performance.

I tested a sample version of the Tech Restarter Model 1.0 over the weekend, hooking it up to my high speed modem and router. The device is simply a rectangular block, a few inches long. It looks just like a tiny blue alarm clock. It plugs directly into your wall socket, and it has two 110V plugs for your electronics, one on either side. It’s small enough to be hidden away out of sight, but sleek enough that I don’t mind leaving it out in the open.

It was super intuitive and easy to use. Anyone who has ever used an old school digital alarm clock (you know, back before smart phones) will recognize the interface. I set the timer to turn off shortly after I go to bed, and turn on shortly before I wake.

Sure enough, when I woke up in the night for a glass of water, those bright blue flashing lights were off — so the device definitely works as it should.

Did I notice any improvement in my internet speed or performance? Honestly, not really. I haven’t had any problems, and no need to reboot — but it was already working fine, before. Time will tell whether the Tech Restarter is worth the price ($39.99 as of this writing). If I never have to manually reboot my modem again, I’ll be a happy man! It’s only been a few days, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my days of poor connection and lost signal are behind me.

I will continue to use the Restarter, not only for the good of my electronics, but also for the good of the Earth. I like knowing that those devices are off when not in use, instead of being on all night, wasting energy. Shaves a little off my electric bill, and my carbon footprint.

It might not be much, but every bit counts.

Apr 27, 2016 0 comment