#216 Cobra JumPack #CES2014

This is one amazing battery back and it’s something no field tech, and no field vehicle, should be without. Cobra is known for making car radar detectors, but, they have an electronics division that does so much more.

The Cobra JumPack is a small, hand-sized power pack. It sports a 7,500mAh (that means it can charge something for a really long time) battery, an LED flashlight, and surprisingly, it will jumpstart the battery in your car not once, but, several times. That is simply, amazing. On top of all that, the JumPack takes only a few hours to charge.

The JumPack will be available in April (just in time for my birthday!) for $129.95. I’ve owned similar power packs that I paid about $100 for. It’s worth the extra $30 for a flashlight and car jump starter.

Would you use this? Would you recommend your company buy them for the field vehicles? If you have a large, clunky, battery charger for jumpstarts in your field vehicle, would you switch to this? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you in the field!

#213 Seidio Smartphone Cases #CES2014

I know many of you out there have Android phones. It’s OK. Nobody’s perfect. Just kidding! Don’t send hate mail! Anyway, I saw a great little video from the people over at Geek Beat about Seidio cases. I hadn’t really heard of them before now but they seem quite good. They also have iPhone cases. Check out this video:

Head over to Seidio and see if there is a case for you.

Also, check out ShopAndroid. They’re having huge discounts on cases every day CES is on.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the field!

#212 June Sun Exposure Monitor #CES2014

 June, by Netamo

This handy little device actively measures your sun exposure and the current UV index in real time. The companion iPhone App tells you all about the sun conditions around you.

The way it works is through a stylish crystal that you can wear as a bracelet, or pin it to your hat, backpack, or field clothes. Check the UV index throughout the day and put on the appropriate sunscreen with the right SPF and in the right quantities. 

I think this device would be great for people that don’t like to put on sunscreen first thing in the morning and would rather wait until they need to. Also, sunscreen only lasts so long and if you put it on too early and don’t reapply it loses it’s effectiveness.

I have to admit, the style of this device is a little feminine. However, I'd gladly pin the crystal to my backpack and still get all the benefits. Actually, that would probably work better anyway. Many archaeologists wear long-sleeve shirts that would cover up the crystal anyway.

What do you think about this? Would you use it? Would it help? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the field!