Product review: Surge Protector, Firstbuy 3200 Joules SurgePlus Power Strip Power Socket

This strip has 6 tightly packed outlets and one outlet that is spaced out so I can plug in a large plug or charger.  In attached photos I show how several different plugs fit on this power strip to give you a better idea of the spacing. The strip is 9 3/4" long, 4" wide and 1 1/4" high. It has holes on the back for hanging (both vertically and horizontally).

In addition to AC outlets it also has 5 USB outlets.  I measured each of them with USB power meter and both my Android and Apple devices had good reading. Android phone charged at its optimal rate, the iPadMini was not optimal but pretty decent.  Attached photos show the actual readings for those who are interested in the details.

This power strip offers surge protection. In order to tell the difference between a power strip and a surge protector, you have to look for an electric rating.  A surge protector will have a rating in Joules of energy, as well as the maximum voltage it can take from a power spike.   These numbers can appear either on the box or the strip itself.  I prefer them to be on the strip but this this strip has on the box.  If  you get a power surge the strip should be replaced, it can only protect one time.

This power strip is not UL listed.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Rii K18 Wireless Keyboard With build-in Large Size Touchpad Mouse

This is a compact wireless keyboard from Rii.  Its size is 12.75" long x 4.75" wide x 5/8" thick.

It weighs only 10.8 oz.  I tested it with my Android TV, Windows laptop, and Linux desktop.  All three worked right out of the box, no special drivers were needed.

The keys have a very low profile. I am a touch typist and found that I make a few more mistakes than my regular keyboard.  The spacing of the keys is comfortable, but something about their height makes me miss the right character every now and then.  Not of often but enough to notice it.  The touch pad works very well, it is sensitive and accurate.  The keyboard is solidly built, I accidently dropped it on the wood floor and the keyboard survived without any issues.

The keyboard is rechargeable. It has a 6.5" built in cable micro USB cable and a separate cable for 17" extension.  I do not like this because both of them are short. I would have preferred to use my own long micro USB cable. It would have been nice if the build-in cable would be removable, so I can use it or replace it with a long cable of my own.

The on/off label is on the top of the keyboard, but the switch itself is on the side.  It took me a few minutes to find it, because even the documentation show the top of the keyboard when it indicates where the switch is.

Overall, this keyboard has pluses and minuses which I highlighted in this review. 

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.
Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: All Design's Turkish Dobby Terry Border Hand Towels - %100 Cotton

This is a set two hand towels made in Turkey, they are 100% cotton. I like their thickness.  They are plush without being too thick. The towels are soft and absorbent.  They got softer after two cycles through the washing machine. After the two washes they look good and they are color fast (I ran the wash with a color catcher).  I selected the brown color and the brown color is a rich chocolate color.

They are exactly what I hoped for.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: ProEtrade Women Comfort Knit Printing Winter Boot Crew Socks

This is a set of socks in subdued colors. I like the colors but the socks finish is a bit sloppy.  Every one of the the socks in 4 pairs has loose threads at the top of the cuff.  When I pull on them they don't seem to unravel, so I think this is just unclipped threads and will not cause runs.  I will post an update if the the socks develop runs.

I have small feet (7.5 shoe size) and these socks fit me very well - the heel is in the right place. The socks extend 7.5" above my ankle. The socks are made out of a blend of fibers: 68% Cotton, 27% Terylene and 5% Spandex.  I would describe them as medium thickness socks, they feel soft.

Looking at any garment inside out really tells you about the quality of the constructions. These socks look very neat, they low flat seams and no bulges at the toes. I have worn them for a few weeks, so they have been through a couple of laundry cycles and they still look good.

The socks were packaged with a staple through the socks.  This weakens the socks fibers and can lead to holes and snags.  These socks were not damaged, but many times I had brand new socks damaged by the staples and I hope sellers will stop using this packaging.  Paper ring or clips at the toes are much better.

These socks are provided by ProEtrade for evaluation with a request for a review as part of a new product introduction. If you skeptical about my review because of that I invite you to examine my reviews to see that I leave critical reviews when the product deserves it. These coks are comforable but loose threads effect their apperance.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Timeliker Digital Kitchen Cooking Timer by Timeliker

The best thing about this timer are the large and easy to read numbers.  The controls are also very simple: to clear push both minutes and seconds at the same time. To set press minutes or seconds. This kitchen timer runs on one AAA battery.  The battery is included.

The timer works well. The timer can be mounted two ways: using a magnet or using a stand.  The magnet is strong enough that the timer does not slide.

I received this timer for evaluation and review. The buttons are big and simple to operate, the numbers are large and easy to see. This is a very simple timer and just right for my needs.  Note that it has only minutes and seconds.  

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Vitovill HXY-H4 Universal Intelligent Multifunction LCD Battery Charger

My review is for the 18650 charger by Vitovill.  This listing combines several chargers and my review is for 4 bay Vitovill charger. Batteries were not included.

This charger is able to charge Li-ion, LiFePO4, Ni-MH and Ni-CD rechargeble batteries.  To select the right mode you need to the button above each battery for 10 seconds.  You can also select the charging current (500mA or 1000mA) by quickly pressing the button.

Short press the button A/B/C/D 1S: Select of charging current 500mA or 1000mA. Long press on this buttons switches between Li-ion battery and LiFePO4 battery mode.  

The battery has protection from inserting the battery in a wrong direction (wrong polarity) and overcharging.  In attached video you can see me put in a battery the wrong way.  When I did that the battery screen displayed "Err".  Nice!

I like that the charger charger allows me to charge an odd number of batteries at the same time. Some of my devices run on a single 18650 battery, so the fact that can handle recharging single batteries is very useful for me.

This charger is fairly large, its size is 5.5"L x 4"W x 1.25"H. The AC cord is 36".  The display on the battery is nice - it shows which typy of battery it is charging, it shows the voltage, and how long the battery has been charging.  The battery charger shuts off after 4 hours.

These batteries were provided to me with a special discount for testing and review as part of the new product introduction.  I like it!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Ufriday Water Cube Shower Curtain EVA No More Mildew and Bacterial with Metal Grommets

This curtain is made out of EVA. I have a strong preference for EVA shower curtains because they are totally scent free right out of the box. 

When I first looked at the shower curtain I thought it had a different design from the stock photo - no interesting 3D effects. However, as soon as I put it up and the light began shining through it showed the 3D effect I saw and liked in the stock photo.  It really looks like the shower curtain has 3D bubbles - but it is totally smooth and flat. I like the neat effect.

The shower curtain is thicker than the liners (the kind one can pick up at Wallmart and similar stores) but it is not a thick shower curtain either.

I like that this shower curtain has magnets at the bottom of the shower curtain. They add a bit of weight to the bottom of the shower curtan and help keep the shower curtain inside the tub even if the tub is not iron and is not magnetic.

I like that the hook holes that are re-enforced with metal grommets.  They are not going to tear even if the curtain gets snugged on something.

What is missing? It does not have suction cups on the sides. My favorite shower curtains have small suction cups on the sides so the water does not splatter from the sides.

I received this shower curtain for testing and review. Getting a free sample does effect what I say. I have a history of leaving critical reviews when the product deserves it. Whether I had a good experience or bad experience you will hear exactly what happened.  Bottom line here is that despite missing suction cups it does a good job, it is scent free, and I really like the design.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★