Ruggedized USB Cable from @NexTekEnergy keeps #BTS teens charged up, ready to learn! #BTSTech

My kids are teens so that means we are what one would call a "plugged in family" with lots of devices and cells phone that "need" to be charged. For me they need to be charged so I can contact my kids for convenience and in an emergency. My kids definition of "need" is slightly different. They want to contact their friends, play a game, watch a You Tube video, and surf the web. Apparently the surfing is required for school research. Hey, Khan Academy started on You Tube so we am I to judge.

So as we prepare for back to school, and keeping in mind our "needs" being able to locate a cable to charge our devices is important to all of us. Here's the thing about teens ... they are not great at keeping these cables in an easy to locate place, and they aren't exactly gentle on ... well anything. Here's the thing about Moms ... they don't have either an endless budget to replace said items, or endless patience with lost and broken items.

With wi-fi at the high school more and more of the teachers are having students utilize their own devices in class, so my kids' phones and devices need to be charged and ready to go each morning. I added the NEXTEK Energy's Ruggedized Cable with braided sleeve to our back to school list and think it might be the perfect solution for both Mom and teens.  The price point makes it affordable enough to own a few, the nylon fabric braided sleeve makes it durable and it provides quick device charging. I like that the colour options make it easy to identify which cable belongs to whom. 

Another back to school must is a portable battery charger. All the "research for school" means my kids' phone battery power barely lasts the school day. Be sure to read Cathy Thinking Out Loud's Review of the Pocket Booster 4200 by NEXTEK Energy. 

For more information about all their products be sure to check out the NEXTEK Energy website and follow NEXTEK Energy on Facebook  or NEXTEK Energy on Twitter 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about getting ready for back to school.

Note: I received a Nextek Energy Ruggedized USB Cable for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with this product. 

@NEXTEKEnergy Illuminating USB Cable - Perfect #travel companion to ensure you power through #TSA enhanced security measures.

You might remember Cathy Thinking Out Loud's Review of the Pocket Booster 4200 by NEXTEK Energy. I loved the convenience of having portable power where and when I wanted it, whether it be on my Florida vacation, at We Day or at the BConnected Conference. With the TSA's recent announcements about enhanced security measures, having a way to quickly charge your devices and check the charging status is no longer just a convenience, it is quickly becoming a necessity.

I've got the power at BConnected 

NEXTEK Energy Pocket Booster 4200

At the beginning of this month TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration) implemented new enhanced security measures for electronics. "Electronic devices are already screened daily, but now, security officers might ask that you power up your devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft, so it's important to have them charged prior going through security." via The TSA Blog

These enhanced measures affect direct flights to the U.S. from certain overseas airports. Although Canada is not considered "overseas" and these security measures do not affect flights out of Canada to the United States, they are surely a sign of changes and the direction of airport security in the future. 

Canada is set to implement new enhanced security measures of its own, that will target electronic devices, and may require passengers to power on their devices in order for them to be allowed on an aircraft. via Radio Canada Report - New Security Measures Coming to Airports - July 8, 2014

Links for more information about the enhanced security measures:

CBC News - World - TSA Tightens Security (July 6, 2014)

BBC News - World - US enhanced security checks target electronics (July 8, 2014)

The timing couldn't be better for the release of the NEXTEK Energy's Illuminating USB Cable with a "build-in LED  indicator which provides quick visual feedback on charging status", makes finding your phone easy in the dark and comes in 5 fun colours. (Available in micro USB and Apple Lightning)

Personally I love the LED feature, and how the PISEN* for Galaxy and the Illuminating cable charge my phone at lightning speed. I also appreciate the "teen-proof" orange colour. No longer will my kids be able to say they thought it was theirs.

The Illuminating USB Cable is a perfect travel companion for your Pocket Booster, 

for power on go, wherever you go.

For more information about the Illuminating USB Cable and all the NEXTEK Energy products be sure to check out their website NEXTEK Energy.com or follow NEXTEK Energy on Facebook  or NEXTEK Energy on Twitter  

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about NEXTEK Energy Illuminating USB Cables and TSA's new enhanced security measures.

Note: I receive an Illuminating USB Cable free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, and a true reflection of my experience with this product.

Goldilocks and the Three Phones: Which One is Just Right? @SamsungCanada #Tech #WorthTheRead

Which Samsung SmartPhone is Just Right For Me: Samsung Galaxy S4, Mega or Note3?

I think we can all relate to feeling lost in the Tech-device Forest of smartphones, and features.

We need breadcrumbs of information to help us find our way through the facts and the fiction. Like most people I'm not a tech expert. Fact is, I can barely keep up with the names of all the new devices, apps, social media platforms, far less what they do. Plus, there are all the updates and changes to existing ones. 

Picking out a new phone is a big decision. Gone are the days of "Do you want a flip phone?", and "What colour do you want?". 

Phones are expensive investments, and like other investments, require that we do some basic research, before we spend our hard earned money. A list of wants, and needs is a good place to start. Ask yourself questions, that help you figure out what you want to use your phone for: camera, texting, social media, emails? Do you like a keyboard, or stylus? Does it need to be rugged to stand up to your work or sports you play? What additional accessories might add to the cost of the phone? Answers to these questions will definitely impact which phone you will want to choose for yourself.

I'm a fan of Samsung but even within that brands I find I have distinct preferences. 

They are all great phones, but there was one I much preferred over the others. This was not so much to do with the price points, none are inexpensive phones, but I realized I needed a larger screen to read. It's a fact of life, my eyesight is not as good as it used to be. I also realized I love a stylus and this is a worthwhile investment for me, but may not be for someone else. For my Husband the Rugby is water resistant, and has a built in case that keeps the dust out. For him this is important, and luckily the Samsung Galaxy S5 will make a great update when the time comes. 

Where do you find the information you need to know, in order to make the right decision for yourself? 

There are several sources to find this information, and when combined prove to be very helpful. Brand websites give you information about what devices are available and their specs. I start with brands I think might be of interest, in this case Samsung Canada - Mobile . Brands are also great at creating content and tutorials to help you maximize your device experience. Stores such as Future Shop Canada that sell phones and services, often have staff who are knowledgeable and tech enthusiasts. Service providers, such as TELUS can help you calculate the total cost of the phone including your service requirements. Many providers have in-store programs available by appointment to learn more about your services and devices. In general they are free and worth taking advantage of.

For some honest feedback, reviews and to learn what those "specs" actually mean, 

I've found Mobile Syrup which is a Canadian resource, and Techno Buffalo  which is out of the US  always have excellent product information and honest reviews of a product they have actually tested. 
These are just two of a long list of excellent review sites. 

For general Canadian Tech information that is up to date and relevant follow  TechVibes. 

Good luck finding the phone that is "just right" for you. The reviews, and tutorials are worth the read to find out how your smart phone can help you make smart use of your valuable time. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what's worth the read.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. All opinions are my own, and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers information or links I think they might find of interest.

With @NexTekEnergy for #Vacation #Travel #Emergency in a Snap... I've Got The Power!

A few weeks back I saw a tweet flash by on my twitter feed, and I said to myself @NexTekEnergy. What is this .... I've never see these guys before. Being a tech-challenged tech-lover I had to investigate. Off I went and found NexTek Energy is a Canadian company out of British Columbia that designs and distributes portable battery chargers. GREAT! I could definitely use one of those for myself and my kids! The kids are always saying "my phone died". It  would be great if they could actually use their phone to contact me in an emergency or for MY convenience BEFORE their phone battery dies. A battery charger would solve that problem.

ON THE PLANE! 

BConnected Conference

March and April were busy months and I had the privilege to test the NexTek Energy Pocket Booster 4200 on 3 distinct and different occasions: A trip to Florida, National We Day 2014, and BConnected a 2 day blogging conference. In each case, I was using my phone to take pictures for Cathy Thinking Out Loud  The long days made a portable battery charger essential, and the Pocket Booster 4200 was perfect for all three occasions.

The end of March gave me my first opportunity to try the Pocket Booster 4200 on a trip to Florida. I passed the time on the 2 flights and stopovers playing Suduko puzzles on my Note 3. In both directions at the beginning of my second flight my phone battery was low and in need of a charge. Out came the PB 4200 and I was back in the game, so to speak. It was also great on the marathon shopping days with my Mom, and we used it more than once to charge both our phones. 
I had it with me for the very full day of activities picture taking, and social media sharing during National We Day 2014. Almost everyone there was searching for a place to charge their phones during the day. It was great to know "I've got the Power" where and when I needed it. 

Lastly, I attended BConnected Conference a conference on blogging, and clearly social media was a big part of that. I needed my phone for sharing and taking pictures during each of the 9 hour days. With the volume of pictures and sharing done in those hours, there was no way my phone battery would last. Once again PB4200 was fast and easy and I was charging while I continued to share. 

These are only a few ways in which a Pocket Booster comes in handy, and each person has their own reasons for needing a portable way to charge their devices whether it be for convenience or in an emergency. I think this are a perfect gift, for my Snow Bird parents on the long drive to Florida, for my many teen nieces and nephews, for my siblings with small kids so they are never caught mid-movie on car rides or when waiting for an older siblings skating lesson to end. 

It makes a perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift too....hint hint!

The design is stylish, the build quality is outstanding, and the price point is great. 

For those of you, like my son, who need the specs: (Cue: Charlie Brown teacher ... wah wah wah for me) here are some details:

• available in 5 colours
• aluminium alloy body
• dimensions (mm): 96 (L) x 47 (W) x 24 (H) 
• weight (net): 150g
• 4200mAh battery capacity
• Lithium battery cell for fast charging
• comes with a specially designed USB charging cable, compatible with most USB devices.
• USB Input & Output rating: DC5.0V, 1000mA max

NexTek Energy has been kind enough to give my readers an opportunity to win a Pocket Booster 4200 just in time for Father's Day! Good Luck!

For more information about the Pocket Booster 4200, and all the NexTek Energy products be sure to check out their website at NexTek Energy.com, and NexTek Energy Facebook Page.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the NexTekEnergy Pocket Booster 4200.

Note: I received a NexTekEnergy Pocket Booster 4200 free of charge for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own, and true reflections of my experience with this product.

React Mobile: A Proactive APProach To Your Personal Safety! - Free iPhone or Android App

Nobody wants to feel scared, especially in their own home. Robb Monkman, the founder of REACT Mobile, was held at gunpoint during a home invasion while he was in college, and he “REACT”ed by creating a “tool that could be used to silently and discreetly alert a wide network, including authorities, of an emergency and its location”.

The REACT Mobile app allows you to take a proactive approach to your family's personal safety. There are so many perfect “app”lications or should I say App-locations this easy to use, free app would truly not only make you feel safer but actually be safer. You are in control of who your emergency contacts are, and how they will be notified in the case of an emergency. It could be by email, Twitter or Facebook. 

The "Follow Me" feature allows the contacts you select to track your location in real-time. 

The "I'm Safe" button allows you to let your contacts know you have arrived safely at your destination. It is also a perfect way for your kids to let you know they have arrived safely.

 By pressing the "SOS Shield" you “send out a panic alert containing a link to your GPS location” to your emergency contacts. 

By activating the SOS panic alert “you’re automatically prompted to dial 911”. 

In an emergency no one wants to be fumbling with numbers or buttons on their cell phone.

When my children were young, my husband travelled for work and I would have loved the security this app would have given me in the event of a home invasion, or an emergency. I regularly drive by myself, or with the kids to visit family that live out of town. In the event of a breakdown, getting lost, or an emergency the React Mobile app “Follow Me” feature would allow my family at home and at my destination to know I am safe. 

The React Mobile app is perfect for Joggers and Walkers as well. I love to go for walks in the beautiful parks and wooded areas that surround my neighbourhood, but I am always uncomfortable being on my own, and often encounter no one on these walks. I don’t like to walk the same route for safety reasons, but it also means no one knows the route I have taken. With the React Mobile “Follow Me” feature my loved ones would know exactly where I am. Not only would this be great for me but, now that my kids are older, they come and go much more independently. They take the bus or ride their bikes to activities, or to see friends. I can’t remember the number of times I have told them they must keep me informed of where they are, and the number of times they forget to call and let me know their plans have changed and they are actually somewhere completely different. Should there be an emergency I would have no idea where to start to look for them. Plus, let’s face it I could do without spending Friday and Saturdays nights worrying. The “Follow Me” feature would go a long way to help to eliminate that worry.

Isn't it time you took a proactive APProach to your personal safety and checked out:

For more information about React Mobile and their free app visit ReactMobile.com

Be sure to follow React Mobile on Twitter and Facebook for all their updates and news!

You can download the React Mobile free app for iPhones from iTunes iPhone download

or for select Android phones from Google Play Android phone download

I am Cathy thinking out loud about React Mobile and Personal Safety.

DISCLOSURE: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.