Cheap Thrills
By Wayne Maruna

    I read an article recently where the writer, James Kendrick, a frequent ZD-Net contributor who focuses on cell phones, wrote about how he attended a funeral not long ago. Out of respect for the proceedings, everyone pocketed their cell phones and left them there for the duration. I would not be surprised to learn that this resulted in more frequent trips to the restroom where cell phone addicts could get their email fixes away from the disapproving gaze of other attendees. The writer claimed it felt refreshing to be liberated from his cell phone, to the point where he was going to proclaim a weekly no-gadget day.  Well go ahead, fella, and if you want to declare a no-underwear day as well, feel free, but I’m not signing up for either one.

    I admit I’m a tech junkie, which can be an expensive hobby if you let it get out of control.  However, sometimes the cheapest purchases can be among the most rewarding.  Let me share of couple of my little treasure finds with you.

Tempered Glass Cell Phone Screen Protector
    Most people use screen protectors, thin plastic overlays that help keep scratches off the glass screen of their cell phones and tablets.  I have a heck of a time getting those protectors on correctly.  When I buy one, I buy three, because I usually screw up the first one or two trying to get them on straight without trapping dust and air bubbles underneath, leaving unsightly little blips to look through.  I buy most of my cell phone accessories from www.cellphoneshop.net which has amazingly low prices on every accessory imaginable.  It was there I chanced upon a tempered glass screen protector for my Samsung Galaxy Note II cell phone. It measures only 0.4mm thick.  It’s a bit stiffer than a regular screen protector, but by no means rigid.  One of the customer reviews on the site said it was the easiest screen protector installation he had ever done, and I agree completely.  The stiffer nature allowed me to position it perfectly the very first time, and it adhered with just a couple of minor bubbles that I was able to easily squeegee out.  At $6 each, these are a fantastic bargain.  I bought two, knowing my history, but one was enough.  You’ll have to check the website to see if they make one for your particular phone.  I do know they sell them for the iPad Mini for only $11. If you’re wondering how they respond to finger gestures, they work just like any other screen protector.


Blue Tooth Keyboard for iPad
    My iPad is my morning newspaper.  I like to get up early, make breakfast, and enjoy a quiet, undisturbed meal while reading about how my Browns managed to embarrass themselves and their city yet again. If I’m still able to digest my food, I check my email and occasionally come across one that requires a lengthy reply which would be unwieldy on the built-in virtual keyboard.  That’s when I reach for my nearby Bluetooth (BT) keyboard, flick on the power button, and start to type.

     There’s certainly nothing new about a BT wireless keyboard for an Apple iPad.  Apple will be happy to sell you one for $69 plus tax.  My find was a BT keyboard that looks identical to the untrained eye, and cost me all of $13.84 delivered through Amazon.com. You can search there for ‘Sanoxy Bluetooth KB’.  No, I’m not being dyslexic, it is not a Saxony brand as one might expect; it is in fact a Sanoxy.  I think it is a Chinese translation thing. Current Amazon price at this writing is $12.91 plus shipping (free shipping for Amazon Prime members.) You can’t beat that with a stick.  Is it the world’s most comfortable and accurate keyboard?  No, but it performs well and doesn’t embarrass itself, not like some sports teams I know. It’s perfect for occasional use, and it doesn’t break the bank. At this writing, Amazon has only one left in stock, but I assume they will get more.

Tivo Glow Remote
    In one of my many weak moments, I allowed my mouth to talk my brain into getting a Tivo DVR unit and a pair of Tivo Minis from Suddenlink a few months back.  I have to admit my brain is happy it went along, as I enjoy time shifting shows I would not otherwise see.  Do you have any idea how many versions of Christmas Carol there are?  Anyway, the Tivo comes with a standard remote that can turn the Tivo and your TV on and off with the push of one button.  But since I run my surround sound system through a receiver, I needed a button that would turn three things on and off simultaneously.  Enter the Tivo Glow. It’s a $40 version of the standard remote with the obvious benefit of having back-lighting, great for use in a darkened living room or bedroom.  Push any button and they all light up.  But the Glow also has the unobvious advantage of being able to control three device at the same time.  It’s a shame they don’t supply this up front, and it’s not necessarily a bargain, but nevertheless it was well worth the purchase price.

    It’s a gadget filled world, no doubt. When the doctor tells me to take two tablets and call him in the morning, my first thought is to choose between the iPad, the Nook Glowlight, and the Kindle Paperwhite. That’ll show you where my head is at.