The Speed You Need! The TP-Link Deco X60

Hey guys…. Time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK!!!

Alright, let’s face it, we are all doing a lot more at home these days.  Parents are working from home, kids are attending classes remotely, and we all are binging more and more shows on streaming services to stay entertained.  What do we need to do all that?  Good Wi-Fi!  To make sure everyone has the bandwidth and signal strength they need, I recommend adding a mesh network system to your home set up.  While there are lots of options out there, and trust me I’ve tried a few, the one I am currently using at home is the Deco X60 Mesh Network System from  TP-Link.

 If you’re a speed junky and early adopter like me, you’re going to want a system that has the latest Wi-Fi protocol out there, Wifi6.  Wifi6 (or AX band) is the most recent Wi-Fi protocol,  and it comes with some new features and advantages.  These include:

  • Higher data rates
  • Increased capacity
  • Increased range
  • Better performance in busy environments with many connected devices
  • Improved power efficiency

While most of us will never be able to test out its theoretical maximum speed (9.6 Gbps wow!), where this really helps is in the increased capacity and performance in busy environments.  If you’re like me and you have a lot of connected devices (laptops, tablets, phones, smartwatches, voice assistants, and home automation toys), then having a router with a brain and signal to handle the traffic is important.  With the Deco X60 and Wifi6 protocol, you can ensure all of your devices are not only getting a strong signal (the bars we all know), but that they are getting the right amount of bandwidth as well.

Having used the TP-Link Deco Mesh Network System for almost a year, here is what I have found 

The Good:

  • Easy to set up.  Like most mesh systems, just download the app and follow the instructions.  Pretty straightforward.
  • Strong signal.  If you live in a house with a lot of walls like I do, having a strong signal really helps to keep things connected.  That is where the Wifi6 signal comes in handy.  I was able to reach the back corner of my house when other’s couldn’t due to interference.
  • One network, no switching.  Unlike old school range extenders, that extend your network by creating a new one, the mesh network technology allows you to extend your network with a consistent name and seamless switching between points.  Move around freely without dropping your connection.
  • Visible connectivity LED.   A bright LED right in front lets you know how you’re doing.  Green you’re good, yellow you have some work to do, and red you’re dead.
  • Two ethernet ports.  These can be used to connect devices via a hard line for optimal speed and stability or to connect your Deco device to your network for a dedicated backhaul.  This gives your devices better performance.  No more buffering
  • Control everything from the app.  Set up your network name, change the password, add new access points, see who’s connected, and customize your performance settings all from the app.
  • Mix & match Deco devices to add points and extend your network.  The TP-Link Mesh Network System allows you to mix and match Deco devices to help extend your network.  This provides good flexibility and economical expansion options.  Just make sure your smartest device is connected to your modem/gateway, and you’ll get all the latest features.  Great way to allow you to grow and update as new tech becomes available.
  • Network security protection built-in.  TP-Link partners with Trend Micro to provide anti-virus protection to your IoT devices through the router.  Great way to protect things that can’t protect themselves.
  • Amazon Alexa enabled.  If you’re a smart home geek like me, you love being able to check things with your voice.  The Deco system allows you to connect your router to your Amazon Alexa eco-system and do things like run a speed test and enable a guest network.  While not overly useful, it is cool, and I can see it growing in the future.

The Not So Good:

  • The app can be a bit flakey.  Unlike others I have tested, the app interface can be a bit unstable at times, showing false errors for your access points that disappear when you refresh the screen. 
  • No full system reboot option.  Again, unlike others I have tested, the Deco system does not have a full system reboot option to restart all devices in the app.  While you can restart individual points, and all points through the web admin interface, you cannot do so in the app.  This would be useful when rebooting your system to ensure optimal performance.

Like what you see, check them out at the links below:

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Block Out The Noise! Jabra Evolve 75 Wireless Headset

Hey guys…. Time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK!!!

Alright, now I realize I just published a post saying “Ditch the Headset!“, but let’s be honest, sometimes you need them.  If you’re like me and you work in a noisy environment from time to time, at home or in the office, having a good headset to block out the background noise for you and the folks listening to you is important.  That is where these guys come in, The Jabra Evolve 75’s.

These guys are great!  Like other Jabra products I have tested, I have found that the Evolve 75’s are perfect for use on a video & audio call.  While they won’t blow you away as headphones, as I noted in my review of the Jabra Speak 710, Jabra focuses on providing a great communication experience over entertainment.  The noise isolation of the microphone is great, and it allows you to be heard clearly on the other side.  The on-ear design is super comfortable, and the wired or wireless options are convenient.  I have used these guys in an open office environment and at home.  They are great at blocking out the noise around you from colleagues and kids alike.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the video below for a sample of how these things work.  Yeah, I realize that the music/noise sample is lame, the lighting could be better, and I say speaker not microphone a couple of times, but hey, go easy on me.  I’m no YouTube sensation 😊.

Jabra Evolve 75 in action. Yeah…I know it’s rough, but go easy, it’s my first time.

As you can see, the Evolve 75’s do a great job isolating your voice and blocking out the background.  I think these guys are pretty cool and I think you will too.  Here are some quick notes from my testing over the past couple of years:

The Good:

  • Solid & comfortable design.  Unlike some of its competition or lower Jabra models, the Evolve 75 have a solid feel.  The padded headband and earpads are great.  I’ve kept them on all day at work with no issues.  Throw them in your bag in the slim hardshell case, and always have them with you when you need them.
  • No more wires.  The Evolve 75’s are a wireless headset that can connect to your PC and phone via Bluetooth, at the same time.  They come with the Jabra Link 370 to allow for a USB connection to your PC and control through the Jabra Direct app.  They use Bluetooth 4.2 and allow for a range of up to 100 ft.  Great if you need to take a quick stroll for a bio break while on a call.  Just remember to mute your mic 😊
  • Blocks out background noise on both sides.  Using Active Noise Cancellation in the headphones and a noise-canceling uni-directional ECM boom mic, you’ll be heard clearly and hear everyone, even in a noisy environment.
  • Great battery life.  Specs say up to 18 hrs talk time,  17 hrs for music, and 15 hrs in stand by.  After using them for a while, I’d believe it.  I’ve never had to charge them during the day when using them actively.  Forgot to charge them overnight?  No problem, just plug them into your PC with the provided USB cable and use them while they charge.
  • Show everyone you’re busy.  The integrated red busy light on both sides lets everyone around you know you’re on a call.  Not that that will stop your kids and colleagues from trying to talk to you, but at least it gives you something to point to 😊
  • Easy mute function.  Don’t struggle to find the mute button when you’re on a call or video conference.  Simply flip the boom mic up, and you’ll get an audio prompt confirming you’re muted.  Great for when you need to mute yourself quick, like when your kids bust in singing unannounced.

The Not So Good:

  • Make sure you charge them overnight!  The headset takes roughly 120 minutes to charge from a dead battery, which is pretty long.  No quick charge option like some headphone competitors (like Beats).  Thankfully, you can still use them while charging with the included USB cable.
  • The boom mic doesn’t store all that well.  While Jabra includes a magnet in the mic to allow it to connect to the headband, it is a bit weak.  Over time, mine has stopped connecting altogether.  Would love to see a more integrated storage option in the headband, as they have on some of the over-ear models.  This would allow you to use them more as headphones if you were so inclined.
  • Ok music quality.  As I noted before, while Jabra Evolve 75 does a great job with the calls as a headset, they make ok headphones.  They have a lot of clear highs and ok mids and lows.  The volume level is solid.  Unfortunately, you do not really have an interface to fine-tune the sound, besides the basics in the Jabra direct PC app.  Overall, these won’t replace a good pair of over-ear headphones for traveling and cranking some tunes.  But that is just my opinion, as I like a bit more bass.

Ring Security-Looking For A DIY Home Security System? Ring Has You Covered.

Hey guys… Time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK.  ⁠

⁠Calling all you Ring fans out there! if you are addicted to IoT as much as I am, you probably have some Ring devices around the house.  Admittedly, I go a bit nuts, but I like to keep things in a consistent eco-system when possible.  That is why I love Ring. 

When you add the Ring Security hub to your set-up, you get a whole interface that allows you to control your door locks, video cameras, motion sensors, contact sensors, leak sensors, Smoke & CO sensors, lights & more.  Add a Ring Protect Plan to your account for just $10/month, and you get monitored security service, extended warranties, and discounts on Ring products.  Ring allows you not just to keep an eye out for porch pirates, but to protect your home and automate your home as well.  All and all, a pretty cool solution that you can install and manage yourself.

After using the system for a year or two, here are my findings:

The Good:

  • Everything all in one place.  Cameras, door locks, sensors, lights & more.  All controlled in one app and fully connected.  Simply put…. Awesome.
  • Control who’s coming & going.  More than just locking and unlocking your door on-demand, using the Ring app and smart door locks, you can assign codes to grant folks access when needed.  And since the codes are specific to the person, you can see who came and when.  Great for kids, neighbors & contractors.
  • Added peace of mind.  With the Ring Protect option added, you get monitored service, extended warranties, and product discounts.  All good stuff.
  • Insurance discounts.  With a monitored system, you are eligible for discounts on Home Owners insurance.  While not huge, every little bit helps.
  • Integration with Alexa.  With Ring now part of the Amazon family, products tie in well with Alexa.  Great to help you arm and disarm your system in a pinch, or see who’s coming on your Echo Show devices.

The Not So Good:

  • Careful with your sensor placement.  With monitored service, you need to be mindful of where you place smoke alarms and when you arm the system.  Take it from me, having the fire department show up due to a smokey kitchen or the police due to a test, can be fun.  Yeah, they’ll call first, but sometimes they just have to come 😎.

Sound like good stuff? If yes, included below are some links as to where you can find Ring Security devices to get started.

Links:

YouTube TV- My Cable Alternative

Hey guys… Time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK!

With the cost of cable getting ridiculous, everyone is looking for an alternative.  Of course, “Cutting The Cord” from cable to streaming services seems like the way to go, right?  Well, I did it in July 2020, and I haven’t looked back. While I liked my Comcast service due to their customer service and TV interface, I found a great option that gives you that same look and feel, but saves you money overall!!  My choice was YouTube TV.

To do it right, you need to take these 3 steps:

  1. Sign up for YouTube TV at www.tv.youtube.com and choose your package and channels. It starts at $64.99/ month and goes up from there. I went a little nuts and got all the movie channels, but that’s just me. Doing so got me access to HBO Max in the process, which has been great for the comic geek inside me.
  2. Beef up your internet with your chosen provider ( Xfinity or Verizon).  Since you’ll be doing everything via internet/WiFi, you’ll need a pretty beefy plan (400-600 Mbps or higher). I suggest that because we are all doing more video conferencing as well for school and work. I went with a 1 GB plan from Comcast and Verizon. Both are great but have their benefits and drawbacks. More on that in a later post. Either way you go, the cost should run you around or under $100/month.
  3. Grab yourself streaming sticks for your TV’s!  While everyone likely has smart TVs these days, I have found their WiFi cards leave a little to be desired. I like the Chromecast w/Google TV and Roku Streaming Stick+. Both get you a voice remote like you had with your cable service. They take a little work to activate services on them, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Have a phone or tablet handy.  But more on those devices to come.

Boom!!!  Now you’re ready to rock and roll.  To get used to it and compare channels, you can keep both services for a period, as I did. Unfortunately, YouTube TV only offers a 7 Day trial these days.  That’s not as long as others, so be sure you are ready to test.

After months of regular use in my household, here are some quick notes on YouTube TV:

The Good:

  • Sign up easily using your Google/Gmail account.  Let’s face it, we’ve all used Google before in some way, right?  Most of us likely have a Gmail account already.  Simply sign-in using your Google account, and you’re enrolled in YouTube TV.  No new account and password to remember.  We all have enough already.
  • Cable-like streaming TV interface.  Unlike others I’ve tested, the YouTube TV interface is the most smooth and natural cable-like interface I’ve found.  This includes the streaming options from providers like Xfinity (Xfinity Stream beta).  Other interfaces seem clunky and computer-like, forcing you to navigate a bunch of screens just to play a show.  YouTube TV feels more like a standard TV experience than a computer that streams live TV.  This gets even better when paired with the new Google Chromecast w/Google TV.
  • You get Live TV.  Unlike others, you truly get live TV with no delay!
  • Month to month service.  Don’t like it, just cancel. No harm no foul. Want to change channels?  Just log into the website and adjust. Easy peasy 😎. Great flexibility.
  • You get your local channels.  Depending on your area, you get most local channels like ABC, CBS & FOX affiliates.
  • Unlimited DVR space.  With a cloud-based library, never run out of space again, or worry about recording more than one show at a time.
  • Up to 6 profiles per account.  YouTube TV allows you to have up to 6 user profiles per account.  This allows for customized DVR libraries, guides, and recommendations on what to watch per user.
  • Customizable guide.  Don’t like certain channels in the package?  Want to see your favorites right up front?  YouTube TV allows you to customize the Live TV guide to your needs.  Remove & re-order channels the way you want using the web interface.
  • Take your TV with you wherever you go.  Your service comes with you no matter where you are.  Just pay once and take it from location to location. All you need is a device and data connection. Great for those with vacation homes ( first world problem I realize).
  •  Get true 4k content from the source.  With more and more content coming out in 4k, getting access straight from the source is great. No more limitations on the box.
  • No more monthly box fees!  These guys really add up!  Pay one time for the streaming sticks and you’re done. Or use built-in apps if you prefer to really save money.
  • Put a TV anywhere you have power, no more cable jack required.  Great way to set up an outdoor TV for fun. Perfect these days for watching the game with family friends while staying socially distant.

The Not So Good:

  • Month to month service (yes again).   While great for flexibility, it does allow YouTube TV to change pricing.
  •  They limit the number of concurrent devices.  While you get up to 6 profiles per account, you only get 3 concurrent devices at a time. With all of the content you get from other services, this hasn’t been a big thing for me.  But just keep that in mind if you’re thinking of sharing the service with your family, not that anyone would do that right? 😜.  Smart safeguard by Google/YouTube TV.

Included below are some links to more info.

General Pictures of the Interface (Yes, I picked Goonies in the background for fun)

Ditch the Headset! Wireless Speakerphone-Jabra Speak 710 UC

Hey guys… Time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK.  ⁠

Alright, with everything going on in the world, we are all spending more time on conference calls and video conferences these days.  While our phone and computer speakers and mics are good, to make sure you can hear & be heard, an external mic and speaker(s) are a good idea.  And, let’s face it, we all can only take so much time with earbuds and headsets on 😜 . 

That’s where one of these guys can come in handy. Wireless speakerphones.  While I have tried a couple, the one I use in my home office set up is the Jabra Wireless Speakerphone (Speak710 UC).  The Jabra brand is well known for its quality headsets that are used in call centers and office settings.  The Jabra wireless speakerphones are another business class computer/mobile accessory, that prioritize communication capability over entertainment.  This means that unlike your Bluetooth speaker you probably use to play music, that says it can make calls, this is intended to make calls first, and sure, it can play music as well.

After over 2 years of use, here are some of the things I found in my testing:

The Good:

  • Ability to connect to both computers and phones at the same time.  No need to switch headsets.  Now that’s pretty darn convenient!
  • Good clear sound and volume. Allows you to hear the other side with good volume.  Voices on the other end are very clear.
  • Good noise canceling for limiting background noise.  But remember, this is a speakerphone.  It won’t block your kids out if they are climbing your back during a call😜
  • Portable design. Just throw it in your bag and take it with you on the go.  Use it when plugged in, or as a stand-alone speakerphone on battery.
  • USB charging cable storage on the device.  The charging cable neatly wraps around the bottom of the device for storage. No more searching for a cable when you need it.
  • Beefier speaker & mic array.  While the 710’s little brother, the Jabra Speak 510, is very good, the 710 is a decent step up.  Jabra claims the 710 can handle up to 6 people on a call, helping to isolate their voices, versus the 1-4  on the Speak 510.  Not that you’ll be having 6 people in your home office, but it is nice to know it can 😊.
  • Multi-Button allows you to create a stereo pair.  Again, you likely won’t need to do this, but if you were looking for a pair of stereo speakers for your PC, the 710 supports linking multiple devices together.  Alternatively, link 2 together in a larger room to support up to 12 people on a call.

The Not So Good

  • Be careful what version you buy.  Jabra offers an MS version that is certified and made for Microsoft Skype for Business use.  This specific configuration can make it a little tricky when using other services as a result. I recommend the UC (Unified Communication) version if you plan on using it with other platforms like Teams, Zoom & Webex.
  •  Check & test your mic and speaker set up before using it on a conference call.  Having your mic and speaker coming from different sources can lead to feedback or echos.  I found this more common in the MS version I tested at work (Speak 510 MS).
  • Check your softphone system to see if it can be used on Bluetooth or USB.  Some, like Fuze, require(d) a USB connection to mics & headsets.  That is where the included Jabra Link 370 is great.  Makes a connection to PC via USB and device via Bluetooth.

In case you’re interested in a sample of performance, I have included 2 audio samples here.  They were taken in my home office set up using my iPhone 12 Pro and leaving a voicemail.  In each case, there is a louder portable heater fan running in the background.  What I notice when comparing the sound is that the Jabra sound is a bit crisper and less bass-heavy.  Both seem very clear to me, but you can judge for yourself.

Direct From iPhone 12 Pro Sample (ignore my commentary)
Jabra Speak 710 Connected to iPhone 12 Pro (again, ignore my comments)

Interested in purchasing one for your home office set up?  I have included a couple of links to where you can find it below. 

Links:

TALOYA 12″ Smart LED Ceiling Light Flush Mount

Hey guys… a little more Tech Talk w/TK. ⁠

Alright, here’s a little more home automation fun.  While it drives my wife nuts, I am an avid user of smart lights and smart bulbs.  All of my lights can be triggered by my voice.  When I went looking for a new LED fixture for my office, I was looking for something sleek, fully adjustable, and connected to my smart home eco-system.  I came across this one on Amazon (like most things these days), and I could not be happier.

Here are some quick notes on it.

The Good:

  • Easy to install- The mount and instructions were clear and straightforward.
  • Ties into voice assistant- Using SmartLife App, the device is easily is added to both Amazon & Google Voice Assistants.
  • Provides both good task and ambient lighting.

The not so good:

  • You may want a second set of hands if installing on the ceiling, or that could just be me 😎.
  • Depending on what you are looking for, unlike others, when selecting color it uses a separate set of LEDs to provide ambient vs direct light. Personally I kind of like it, but may not be good for everybody use.

Included below is a link to where you can find it.⁠

Links:⁠

Ring Dual Battery Charger

Hey guys… It’s time for a little more Tech Talk w/TK. ⁠

Alright, as I already said before, I can go a bit overboard when it comes to my Home Automation solution, in particular when it comes to Ring products. As I am a not an electrician by trade, I tend to use a lot more of their battery-powered options, allowing me to place devices where I want them, and not where power is. While this is great from a flexibility perspective, you’re going to want some spare batteries around to swap out from time to time. ⁠

With a bunch of Ring Solar Floodlights, Spotlight Cameras, Stick Up Cameras, and, of course, Video Doorbells, having 2 extra batteries lying around, ready to be used, seems like a perfect fit for me. While having them individually plugged-in works, the charging can time be tedious, and the number of loose wires and batteries drove me a bit nuts. That’s why I was psyched to see the new Ring Dual Battery Charger get released. This thing not only charges the batteries faster, but it allows you to store them cleanly and have just one wire to charge both. Tack on the ability to just drop them in and pull them out when you need them, and I am a happy camper.

So here is a quick summary or the goods/not so goods :-):⁠

The Good:⁠

  • Ease of battery storage- very clean and easy to access⁠
  • Fast Charging-Way better than the basic cable to USB port thanks to QC3 charging protocols⁠

The Not So Good:

  • Huge Power Brick- While I get it is fast charging 2 batteries, but man that thing is a beast⁠  

If you’re interested in picking one up yourself, I have included a link below.

Sonos Move

Hey guys… a little more Tech Talk w/TK.  ⁠

Alright, so I have another obsession… wireless speakers.  I have owned all kinds of Bluetooth speakers over the years, from the tiny to the large.  Always looking for the next best thing, and driving my wife nuts (“another one?”).  What’s better than a Bluetooth speaker you can take with you on the go and connect to your phone?  One that will also connect to your whole home audio system, that’s what!

I love Sonos!  After trying them several years ago, I quickly fell in love with the sound quality and app interface.  You can literally sync all of your speakers together or set a different song on each, from whatever streaming service you choose, all from one interface.  With the Sonos Move, you get the sound quality and whole-home capability of a wired Sonos speaker, with the portability of a Bluetooth speaker.  Oh yeah, did I mention it runs on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?  Having both connection options allows you to use it around the house, say in the backyard, or on the go.  While it may have its quirks from time to time, I really like it overall.  Here are a couple of notes from my testing and use:

The Good:

  • Big sound from a medium-size- While it is bigger than a lot of its Bluetooth competitors, it has a much richer soundstage and more punch.  Good volume, clear highs, and solid lows for bass heads like me.
  • Compatible with both Alexa & Google Assistant- You heard me right, it will serve as an Amazon or Google smart speaker, just configure which service you want it connected to in the app.  I have 2… 1 for each 🙂
  • Self-tuning sound optimization-The speaker literally adapts the sound to the space it is in using its far-field mics and Sonos TruePlay tuning algorithm.  This makes a huge difference!  TURN IT ON!
  • Designed to be portable- With a rechargeable power source, Bluetooth option, and water-resistant design, take it where you want, and have fun.

The Not so Good:

  • Connectivity hick-ups- When moving it around, be prepped to re-add it to your Sonos system.  It seems to disconnect and need to be re-added from time to time.  But that could just be my mesh Wi-Fi.
  • Charging options are limited- While the included charging dock is great, and it accepts USB-C for charging on the go, you need a pretty decent USB-C charging brick to make that happen (like the Samsung 45W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger).  Sold separately of course.

Included below are a couple of links to where you can find it.⁠

Links:

Sidelinx UV-C Sanitizing Bag

Hey guys… a little more Tech Talk w/TK. ⁠

Are you guys looking for a way to get your devices and commonly handled stuff clean?  Better than just wiping them down individually?  Do you take your phone with you everywhere like me (you know where I mean)?  Do you believe that UV-C light sanitizing is a thing?  Well, with everything going on, I was looking for a way to keep my stuff a little more germ-free.  After checking with a couple of medical professionals, I have bought into the idea that UV-C light can be used to kill the little things that you can’t see.  So, I set out to find a solution that was big enough for my iPad and was affordable.

The device shown and listed here is what I went with.  Here are some quick notes on it.

The Good:

  • Easy to use- Just place your devices inside, zip it up and press the button.  Done!
  • Large enough to handle my iPad and other daily carry items (keys, wallet, sunglasses, MASKS, and more)
  • The device is portable if you’re looking for that.  Just fold it up and take it with you.
  • Full Coverage- Lights on top and bottom of the device, reflective interior, and raised tray for devices.  Gives you 360-degree coverage.
  • The UV-C light kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria in 3 min!  At least in theory 🙂

The not so good:

  • Nothing really, but you have to buy into the whole UV-C Sanitizing thing 🙂

Included below is a link to where you can find it.⁠ I’m sorry the links aren’t clickable. For clickable links, check out my Linkin.Bio to get to the Tech Talk w/TK Facebook page.⁠

Links:⁠

Amazon

Hoidokly 15W Mag-Safe Wireless Charger

Hey guys… a little more Tech Talk w/TK. ⁠

As a new iPhone 12 Pro user, you may be wondering (I know I was), what’s all the fuss about Mag-Safe charging all about?  Isn’t it just another wireless charger?  Well, it is and it isn’t. 

What we’re looking at today is an example of a new Mag-Safe 15W wireless charger by Hoidokly.  Those of you who know me know I love my wireless chargers.  I have them everywhere!  Unfortunately, while wireless chargers can be super convenient, they can be a bit finicky at times.  You drop your phone down, and if you don’t place it quite right, no charge for you! That is where the new Mag-Safe chargers come in.  Now when you drop your phone down, the chargers snap into the right position, ensuring a solid connection and successful charge.  No more guessing, did I hit it right?

The 15W Wireless charger by Hoidokly does just that.  I was intrigued by the sleek square form, shiny black color, and integrated kickstand.  So I gave it a whirl.  Here is what I found:

The Good:

•    Charger snaps securely in place on my iPhone 12 Pro

•    It utilizes the USB C connection to help optimize charging performance

•    When connected to a good charging brick, like the Anker Nano 20W USB C, it charges faster than the basic Apple charger.

•    The kickstand allows you to raise your phone in a portrait mode for viewing while charging. 

The Not-So-Good:

•    No charging brick provided.  Why not provide a charging brick to ensure peak performance from the device?

•    A little pricey- At ~$26, having to BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Brick) makes it a little pricey vs some competitors

•    The kickstand is just a metal piece that wedges into the back.  While it stores magnetically, I would have loved to see it connected and able to fold out.  I can definitely see it getting lost over time.

Overall, while the Hoidokly 15W charger is a pretty cool Mag-Safe wireless charging option, it’s not as cool as I thought it would be. 😊

Included below is a link to where you can find it.⁠

 Links

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