krkevin

Hi,

I currently have an Asus Zenbook 14 and am looking for a laptop backpack with a rain cover. It rains here a lot here and I want my laptop to be fully protected.

Any good recommendations? I am looking for something under $150 CAD and with a laptop compartment that isn't too big for my laptop.

P.S I am the same person that was looking for a waterproof laptop briefcase but got no replies, so I'm guessing they don't exist, yet.

Hi, I own a Asus Zenbook 14 (slim 14 inch laptop in 13 in chassis) and am looking for a waterproof briefcase for it. Does anyone know any good ones?

I live in Metro Vancouver, since it rains a lot here I want to be able to carry my laptop during the rain.

I just need something to carry my laptop, its charger, and mouse (mx master).

Swappable Popgrips on https://www.popsockets.com allow wireless charging, but it saids on the site that you have to remove the PopTop.

So, as long as you're ok with this idea, you should be fine.

8 hours ago, SupaKomputa said:

You'll be surprised on how much of todays non ip certified or non waterproof phones are actually can be dunked into water and still operates.

Especially phones with non replaceable batteries, the body is essentially glued shut, leaving only small openings like speakers, usb and headphone jack.

So basically some plugs will make it water resistant, so a small splash won't damage the phone.

Water resistant not water proof that is.

 

I agree that your tip can help damage from splashes, but how about full submersion? What if that small splash comes in contact with the water damage indicator and voids the warranty? You mentioned phones, but not tablets. The method you are recommending has never been widely recommended by anyone, therefore has no guarantee it will work like actual water-resistance.

One option I can recommend is getting a waterproof case.

Here are some: https://ebookfriendly.com/waterproof-tablet-ereader-cases/

21 hours ago, SupaKomputa said:

You can waterproof any tablets by having a silicon plug on each ports like usb and headphone jack.

Umm, probably not a good idea to try that to add water-resistance. A tablet that originally isn't water-resistant, can never be water-resistant as easily as that.

If your an average consumer, you don't need more than one phone. iOS features like Facetime can be convenient to have, but Facetime isn't the only video calling app on iOS. I personally don't think you should get a side device of any kind, and find another option.

There are apps that are on both Android and iOS which can be used cross-platform like Facebook Messenger.

I recommend either sticking with Android, or switching to iOS entirely. I don't think having both is a realistic option, whether you can afford it or not. The only kind of people I know that own multiple phones are Tech Reviewers. It's their job to review multiple phones, so it makes sense for them, but not for average consumers.

I recommend not getting a side device and sticking with your current phone. If you really want to have a side device, I recommend getting something that isn't a phone, like a tablet.

Definately S9+.

Some Reasons:

-much thinner bezels

-significantly higher resolution that can also be adjusted to save power

-way more features like Always On Display and Stereo Speakers

-usually cheaper

I personally use a Galaxy S9, it's not comparable to iPhone 8's mediocre and outdated specs.

In some way, yes. The only downside is the massive coverage difference.

https://www.unrealmobile.com/coverage

https://www.verizonwireless.com/featured/better-matters/?map=4glte#maps

I don't live in the US, but I know there is a carrier here in B.C called Freedom Mobile, which offers extremely cheap plan prices compared to mainstream carriers such as Bell or even Fido. Despite the extremely cheap deals Freedom Mobile offers, I will never go with them due to their poor coverage area. I'd rather pay a little more for a good plan and good coverage, but still not paying extreme prices such as $80+ a month.

So in conclusion, the two carriers you listed most likely won't be able to be compared against mainstream carriers. Cheap can be better sometimes, but prices that cheap are a waste of money.

Try restarting your phone. Also, which choice did you check? "Over Wi-Fi only" or "Over any network"?

I own a Samsung branded wireless charger. This one: https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/mobile-accessories/phones/fast-charging-stand---black-ep-n5100tbegus/

It takes roughly 2h 30m for a full charge, and also makes a bit of noise that can be heard when sleeping in silence. It's very convenient, but I rarely use it due to it's noise at night. Also, Samsung branded wireless charges aren't cheap either.

As long as you're getting a branded wireless charger (Samsung or brands like Belkin and Spigen), you should be fine. People buy wireless chargers for the convenience, not the speed. Do not buy no-name wireless chargers, or any no-name charger for that matter. No-name chargers can damage the hardware very easily, since they're not designed as well as branded chargers. You don't want that expensive phone to be damaged by a $10 wireless charger and end up paying hundreds to fix it.

4 hours ago, BioFlash said:

I own a pixel 2 so should be good with some parts from what I have been seeing is titanium backup the best way to go? If so where do I get it from?

If you want to backup "Everything", backup software such as Titatnium Backup will do it for you. I forgot to tell you one thing though, you need to root your device for third party backup software to work, not worth the risk in my opinion. Rooting voids warranty and can very easily make your software completely unusable. Besides, if your using Android, the world's most custom mobile operating system, rooting seems pointless in my opinion.

Built-in backup software such as Google Backup is the best option. No need to root, and most of the time it backups automatically. If that doesn't work, you're forced to root to use a third party backup software that can seriously mess up the software. You own a Pixel 2, so I doubt you would want it to stop working completely because of rooting. Rooting is a very risky thing, just like how jail-breaking on iOS is very risky. If you don't know what you're doing, software bricking is almost certain to happen.

Use only if you know how to root like an expert: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup

You have to realize LinusTechTips is located in Surrey, B.C, Canada (Greater Vancouver Area). Please be patient, they sometimes release phone reviews slower because its not as easy for them to review phones as fast like the people in the US. Contacting them won't really help much. If they're planning to review the Asus ROG phone, they will eventually review it.

So far, they have a Asus Rog Phone "first impressions" video, seen here: 

They will review it, you just have to give them more time.

2 hours ago, zrmaxwell said:

All of that is true. I forgot to mention anything about when support for a certain phone ends.. A person who has a samsung or another android phone get updates for a certain period of time, and then they end after lets say 10 months or a year and a half at max, what the hell are they suppose to do then? Cough up money for a brand new up to date phone? What if that phone is $1K or more? I get that payment plans are a thing, but it all adds up. If that person can't do that and they have to stay with their non up to date or not updated phone, do they just deal with it or complain and hope that it changes? well, it will never change, so i guess the answer is shelling out 1000+ dollars for a phone and hope that person picks the right one..    

Most manufacturers do that to convince you to buy a new phone. No phone is designed to last forever, but you should expect any flagship phone to last at least 2 years. iOS and Android are vastly different, one is simple and the other is pure customization. Never expect Android to be as seamless as iOS, because they aren't the same operating system. If your this concerned about the fragmentation of Android, you're better off sticking with iOS.

9 minutes ago, zrmaxwell said:

I just hate that updates on other android phones besides Google are not faster. I wanted an android phone like a Samsung or an LG phone, but their lack of updates are what kill it for me and why i will stick with the iPhone until i grow old. I also wish other people with Samsung phones could experience the updates situation that i currently have had on my iPhone.. and i mean that in a positive way. 

I own a S9, and currently running Android Oreo. All non-google companies take their time on android updates, some companies release slow, and some companies release faster. Samsung is known to have one of the slowest android updates, due to its highly customized skin, TouchWiz, on top of Android. But I don't mind it.

There are so many features on the S9, that I don't need to have the latest software. There will always be minor security updates that get released as soon as possible, but Samsung was always this slow, so I got used to it.

Like I said, Android has always been like this, and I really predict it won't change any time soon. You just have to either accept that fact, or go with Pixel phones. Basically, go with non-google phones and wait for updates, or go with a google phone and get the latest updates as soon as they're released. You will get used to the slow/fast updates once you choose the right phone for you.

It's because that's how it always was, and it won't change anytime soon. Fragmentation is a common problem in android. The issue is the customization each manufacturer places on top of the default android software, and also carrier bloatware. This won't change anytime soon. If you really want a android phone with the fastest updates, Pixel is the only phone so far.

There's a reason why Android is called "stock android" on pixel devices. Google designs both hardware and software, simultaneously, without adding any other extra customization. It's normal to complain, but you have to admit, Android is a mobile operating system designed to be customized.

By the way, its impossible to know what software Note 10 will come in. It's only October 2018, and Note 10 is expected to be released in August 2019. Way too early to determine anything about the Note 10.

4 hours ago, jpguitar said:

Good point!  I guess the last thing I wonder is, do the headphone dongles mean you can plug into the AUX jack in the car?  And if so, are there dongles that allow plugging into the car as well as simultaneously charging the phone?

There's no results on regarding the part where you can use the dongle into the car, but I've never heard people do it either, so I highly doubt it will work that way. Also, I never used a dongle, ever. I own a Galaxy S9 currently.

No phone has two USB type C ports, but there are dongles that allow you to charge and listen with wired headphones at the same time, like these https://apple.co/2EoHaAd

Personally, I think it will be very hard for you to live without a headphone jack. Don't get a phone without a headphone jack, because remembering both the headphones and dongle can be very annoying. If you lose it, its $10.

1 hour ago, jpguitar said:

Hmmm ok, interesting.  Thank you so much for taking the time to write this post.  So, maybe the issue is actually the Bluetooth in my 2017 Honda Fit...

Your welcome.

Yes, that may be the issue, since car manufactures tend not to implement the best Bluetooth hardware, especially in less-expensive models.

Bluetooth 4.2 is limited compared to Bluetooth 5. When I call using Bluetooth 4.2 headphones using my S9, I feel no difference, but the moment I turn on any graphic intensive task (ex. almost any android game), that's when I hear a slight 0.5 of lag.

So far, a wired connection is still superior compared to Bluetooth 4.2. It's been a while since Bluetooth 5 has been released. Although most flagships today come with Bluetooth 5, most headphones do not. Both devices (phone and headphones) need to be Bluetooth 5 compatible to work. If one device is not Bluetooth 5 compatible, both devices will automatically switch to Bluetooth 4.2 or even lower.

You can't expecet the same superior connection you get from wired headphones compared to Bluetooth 4.2 headphones. (Bluetooth connection quality can also vary depending on headphones, even if its Bluetooth 4.2)

To conclude, a wired connection will always have a better connection than Bluetooth 4.2. But once Bluetooth 5 becomes more mainstream, it might as well revolutionize Bluetooth for good, if the advertised connection speed matches everyday performance.

Also, check if your headphones is either Bluetooth 4, 4.1, or 4.2. If it's not 4.2, that might be the issue.

It's going to be annoying once you realize you need to carry your wired headphones and a dongle. The headphone jack is dying, Google doesn't even include it in their latest tablet, Google Pixel Slate, which proves Google is ditching the headphone jack altogether, which means Google is unlikely to include the headphone jack in future generations.

One option is to switch to Bluetooth 5. Never tried Bluetooth 5 headphones (just 4.2), but they advertise better connection speed and range. Some Bluetooth 5 headphones exist today, like this one (which is cheap compared to mine, I paid $200 CAD + tax for it): US: https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-Soundcore-Cancelling-SweatGuard-Technology/dp/B07B9R67WR

International: https://amzn.to/2AblVNS

A bit pricier than your average affordable wired headphones, but just stating that it's an option.

The notch is also a trend that won't go away until smartphone technology is developed enough to find viable alternatives to the notch, without mechanical parts that can fail over time. Once you buy the 3 XL, you'll get used to it. There are many tech reviewers who first hated the notch like it was a design flaw, but once they used multiple devices, some say they're used to it (Ex. Dave2D).

To wrap up, a lot of sacrifices are made in smartphones and that space get's replaced by something better (usually), such as a bigger battery. You can hide the notch on the Pixel 3 XL with software if you get annoyed, but if you don't want a notch at all, get the reglar Pixel 3, not the XL. If you're on a budget, go with the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.

Hoenstly, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are known to have excellent cameras, sometimes even better than the Note 9, and that came out in August 2018. This proves that people don't need the latest and the greatest anymore, since smartphones have slowed down, a lot.

9 hours ago, BioFlash said:

it  seems like that covers all the needs what isnt covered i cant quite figure that out?

It doesn't cover photos and videos unless you have a Google Pixel device, but you can easily backup photos and vidoes on Google Drive automatically on WiFi by turning on "Camera Upload Feature". It just depends on how much photos and videos you own. If it's a large amount, you're better off backing up themi on an external drive like a USB flash drive, since it's much cheaper than buying a subscription plan on Google Drive every month. Just don't lose the drive.

If you have any game/app data that doesn't get automatically saved to the cloud, that will be deleted when you factory reset the phone. Only way I know to backup that game/app data is using a third party backup software, such as Titanium Backup.

SMS won't be backed up either unless you own a Pixel device. SMS backup depends on the device. For example, Samsung has their own cloud backup solution that backs up SMS and various other data automatically, once you enable it (i own a Galaxy S9). I can't guarantee your phone manufacturer will have its own backup solution. You can manually backup your SMS via Titanium Backup, or take screenshots of the parts you really need.

That's all I can think of for now, tell me if I'm missing anything, and I'll tell you how to backup them.

1 hour ago, GiantEvilPig said:

I had the tablet, I dropped it and got a crack on the screen and half the digitizer stopped working. I bought a replacement panel from Ebay which didn't solve the problem. The seller actually just sent me a bottom board and should be coming in about a week. The only physical damage is on the old screen though, I was thinking one of the sockets for the ribbon cable the screen connects to could have broke during the fall.

One drop and half the digitizer stopped working, seems suspicious. Nexus 7 was released in 2013, so no part of the device should be like new. It's completely normal for it to break easily since its a old device. Normally, when any device cracks, it should still work like it didn't crack, but just with the cracked glass.

My recommendation is, if you can return it, return it. I can give you suggestions on a different tablet if you want. (not from Ebay). Just name your price and type of currency.

Other than that, it's hard for me to guarantee "good device health" on your Nexus 7, since it is outdated, honestly. Check the software on your Nexus 7, it's most likely not even 8.0 Oreo.

Does your Nexus 7 has any physical or internal damage? (Ex. cracks/dents and water damage). If not, it's most likely the hardware getting broken due to normal wear and tear. It is a 5 year old tablet after all.

Also, I see that you bought the tablet from Ebay, and not from an official store such as Google or Best Buy. It wasn't in "refurbished" condition, right? Since there is a difference between refurbished and used. If you have a budget, try not to buy it from places like Ebay, since it's usually hard to determine whether what the seller describes meets the actual product. They might even have sold you a defective Nexus 7, without you knowing it. Personally, I almost never buy from Ebay.

9 hours ago, BioFlash said:

Can you back up an entire android phone to google drive?

https://support.google.com/drive/answer/6305834?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

That's all you can backup via Google Drive, so not everything, but close.

There is one option, backing your data on the cloud. You don't need an iPhone for this.

Personally, i rely on backing up data via cloud. I avoid apps that don't automatically back up its data (Ex. Subway Surfers). It's annoying that I have to manually backup that data with third party backup software, so I tend to avoid those apps. Once I know everything is on the cloud, I don't have to worry. I can format my device, set up as new device, and easily retrieve all my backup data from the cloud, which is fully automatic.

Another is manual backup, such as using Titanium Backup.

https://www.thewhizcells.com/smartphones-still-come-removable-battery-2018/

https://thedroidguy.com/2018/10/5-best-phones-removable-battery-2018-1079207

In conclusion, none of the flagships released this year offer user-replaceable batteries.