Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000

Since starting my new job, I have been confined to work, and the woods. I have no TV, and more importantly, no internet. Since I am also away from my family from Monday to Friday, I have very little social contact as work is very professional. I debated getting a laptop and dongle but that also meant I had to get a data plan which ran into a significant cost. I researched and came across the Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 "smart phone".

For some strange reason, the USA didn't have the 3G variant as widely available as Europe. This feature makes the phone a useful substitute where a laptop would be too big. It enables you to to conect to the mobile network and access the internet, which was just the feature I wanted. I also liked the fact I could expand the memory using Micro SD cards. This meant that instead of being limited to the 16 gig on board memory, I could expand it to 48 gig by using a 32 gig Micro SD card. The European version also had bluetooth enabled whcih the wifi version found in the USA didn't.

Initial Impression
I am impressed with the Galaxy Tab. I heard complaints about the size but to me it isn't an issue. here it is in my hands so you have an idea of scale.

Functionality
The Galaxy Tab is not a PC. It does have many PC like functions but expecting PC performance from it is asking a little much from such a small package. What it does offer is flexability. You have the following:

• portability
• expandable memory
• 3G and WiFi (at least with the European version)
• Bluetooth (again with the European version)
• Access to Android programs and apps

The access to Android programs cannot be understated here. I view loads of pdf, excel, powerpoint and word documents at work. I am chuffed that for a small cost (I think I paid about $20 USD total), I can view and modify all these documents. To add, there are also other programs worth getting like:

• speed test
• skype
• msn mercury
• scientific calculator
• measurement converter
• Opera web browser (which runs much better than the standard browser that is pre-installed)

Now I am no computer buff. I simply went to the marketplace on the phone, and purchased these programs. Many were free which was a bonus. Having WiFi helps as it makes the download much faster.

Usability
If you have used an i-anything, you can handle the Galaxy Tab. It is intuitive and there is a great deal of info online about how to optimize it's performance and battery life. Like any smart phone, it's an energy hog. The screen gobbles power at high brightness setting so I have mine turned down low. I also have programs that constantly need updating turned off and also don't engage WiFi unless I am using it. This helps conserve the battery and most times I get 2 - 3 days before thinking to charge the Tab.

Like the ipad, the screen also orientates itself using a gyro which is handy. This feature can be locked as sometimes you want the orientation to remain fixed. The speed at which the screen orientates itself is not the fastest (about .3 - .5 of a second by my estimates), however it's sufficient.

Buttons are located on the side where the sim and memory slots are found

At the top of the Tab, you will find the headphone / handsfree jack. Here is a tip:

You need to push the jack into the port HARD. If you don't, it will not engage and you will think you have a faulty headset as you will have no sound.

When it comes to sound, the Tab does a decent job. I watch films on mine every day as I have no TV. The little stereo speakers at the bottom do a good job and have respectable audio clarity considering the constraints. The picture quality is good and games / films alike look good on the screen

The screen resolution is 1024 x 600 which is sufficient given the size of the screen. This makes viewing documents easy on the tab.

Must Have Accesories
I am not much of an accessory fan, but there are some things I consider a must. These are:

1. screen protector
2. case
3. extra memory cards
4. bluetooth earpiece

These accesories mean your Tab is protected, and you can carry out your tasks with convenience. Since the Tab is bigger than a phone, a bluetooth headset means the awkwarness of using the Tab as a phone is avoided. I don't really have this issue as I have quiet rooms at work, however in some cases it is a convenience. Since the Tab is so flexable, you will find storing films and music will be inevitable. I like my work stuff on 1 card, and my private to be on the other. Eventually I will get a bluetooth mouse and keyboard so a review of those will be coming later.

Case
I bought a Roocase for my Tab. they had gotten good reviews and were significantly cheaper than the over priced Samsung variant. They are made of decent quality leather and look smart while protecting your Tab.

From the photos you should be able to tell that the case is good quality. It is backed by a lifetime warranty which is a positive. The only thing is that electronics usually get outdated after a year so there is no way this will be worn out by then. So how does the Galaxy Tab fit? Quite well. It does not slide around and seems well protected and snug. My only gripe is that the cut out for the screen is a little off and the Tab does not sit centrally. Having worked with leather though, I know this is extremely difficult to acheive so I am slowly letting my OCD dendencies subside.

In Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab keeps me connected. I have been very impressed with it and after a month using it, I am still happy with it. I bought it late in the release stage and because of this, I beat the early rush premium price. I am not a nerd nor am I technophobe so this fits the bill for me. With the addition of a bluetooth keyboard, the Tab does everything I would normally do on a PC. I don't care much about Apple vs Samsung and am not a fan boy of any particular company. I simply try to buy what is reliable, practical and economic. The Galaxy Tab was all these things when I needed them and so far I have not been disappointed.

Casio Protrek PRG - 130T - 7V Review

Since starting my new job, I have needed to be particularly pedantic about my timekeeping. I have to run meetings as often as 6 times a day and require the audience of talented, educated people. So far, my Casio G-shock 2210 has performed admirably. This watch has been on my wrist through all of my call-outs as a firefighter, including house fires and survived being bashed against walls and collisions involved with being a gym teacher. It has been scarred and is looking tired and as such needed to be replaced now that I have a white collar job.

As usual, I do a great deal of research before I buy anything. I hate buying poor quality but don't like paying for a name either. This was the list of requirements I had for the watch that would take my G-shock's place:

1. Must be robust
2. Solar powered
3. Perpetual calendar
4. Wide viewing angle
5. Non alergenic (sounds strange but I get reactions to resin bands)
6. Not too flashy
7. Not too heavy

Initially I was eying the Citizen Eco-zilla, however the lack of a perpetual calendar was a deal breaker as a watch is only as tough as it's weakest part. The way I see it, having to adjust the calendar wears the seals and therefore effects the water resistance over time. I loved the look of the watch, but I couldn't pull the trigger because of that.

Casio Protrek PRG 130T 7V
Convinced with Casio's reliability and robustness, I decided I would either get a G-shock or a Protrek as they seemed to have the features I was looking for. I don't care much for resin / plastic watches so I wanted something metal, which I thought the 130T was. Here are the specs as they are found on Casio's website:

PRG 130T - 7V specs

I assumed that since the band was titanium, the watch would be too. Heck they even looked the same colour. This was not the case. I didn't know this and ordered it.

Packaging
The watch was very well packed. I have bought watches that cost more that were not as well packaged. It was delivered in a cardboard box which contained a box made of MDF which was very sturdy.

The instruction book was used as filler material so packaging was minimal. I liked this as it shows attention to detail. Upon opening the MDF box, I was greeted with this:

There was a card describing the main features of the watch, and an ID tag for the watch.

Fit and Finish
As you can see, the watch is very well finished. Everything mates as it should and nothing is damaged or out of place.

All buttons are large and easy to access. The 3 buttons used to access the main functions of the watch (compass, barometer / thermometer, altimeter) are well finished. They are larged and have very good grip due to a cross hatched pattern.

The sensor and mode button are located on the other side.

The back of the watch is also well finished and contains the important data; model no. country of manufacture etc..

The Band
I guess the band deserves special mention. The T on 130T denotes a titanium band, nothing else. Slightly misleading I guess however looking at the durability of my resin G-shock, I can't forsee this being a problem. It does make the watch light, as mine measured 102 grams. The band is high quality and everything snaps together with a satisfying "click"

As you can see, the clasp has a secondary safety clasp. I like this design as it stops the watch from being accidently unfastened.
Instruction Book
The instructions deserve special mention. Many times when the feature count increases, so too does the complexity of the instructions. I didn't have any difficulty understanding the instructions. They were logically written and very easy to follow with sufficient pictures. I managed to set the time, date and also enable the auto light within 2 minutes of picking up the book. This should not scare anyone away as I believe that Casio have done a good job at assembling the instructions.

Most Useful Features
In my opinion, the most useful features of any watch are those that aid in reliability, maintenance reduction and useability in various environments. The PRG 130T - 7V fits this bill. It features:

• perpetual calendar
• 200 meter water resistance
• electro luminescent light
• 5 independant alarms
• pre-set world times
• auto daylight savings
• solar power

Although initially disappointed that the case was not titanium, I am content with this watch. Casio are watches that just work. They may not look too fancy but they are bomb proof and give reliable service. This watch should be no exception. I purchased this watch for $270 USD which was the cheapest I could find anywhere. For that price, I am happy with the mix of materials and functionality of the PRG 130T - 7V

*Note, if buying this watch online, be prepared to adjust the band. You will need to take some links out. Unless skilled in general mechanical things, take it to a jewler to avoid any damage.

Tuatahi Work Axe Review

The Road to a Tuatahi
I ordered my Tuatahi Work axe 3 months ago and have been waiting very patiently for it to arrive on my front door. Since becoming interested in axe reprofiling and refurbishing years ago, I have dreamed of owning a racing axe. The truth is though, I probably wouldn't use it because the wood I cut is not as clean as it should be for such a performance axe. This is when I decided that a work axe would be the better option and set my mind on this:

The Tuatahi work axes and racing axes come from the same steel and are forged in the same manner. This is the information from Tuatahi's own site:

"At Tuatahi we also forge axes suitable for use as work axes. These axes are forged from the same high quality steel as the main tuatahi racing axe, but have a thicker edge"

http://www.tuatahiaxes.com/workaxes.html

This means that you are getting a quality work axe made by the same hands and steel stock that produce thoroughbred race axes. This to me was a no brainer considering there are numerous other companies making axes in the $150 - $170 price range which don't have such a rich history in the axe racing sport. Here is a price example:

GB American Felling Axe: $144.60 USD
Council Tool Velvicut: $169.95
Tuatahi Work Axe: $222.00 USD

Since there were no real reviews on the internet, I promised Jo I would do a detailed review of the Tuatahi Work Axe to help other folks interested in purchasing one.

Initial Impressions:
When the axe arrived, it was very well packaged. It was contained within a sturdy cardboard box filled with shredded paper. The edge had a protective plastic slip on it while the head of the axe itself was wrapped in New Zealand's finest newspaper, taped carefully and then secured in it's own cardboard box. The cardboard box itself was wrapped with 4 blue packing straps. There was no way this was going to get damaged in transit.

The Tuatahi Work Axe Head
Upon tearing the wrapping off the axe head, I was presented with a finely shaped axe smeared in a thick oil / grease. There was no rust on the head at all. When I cleaned it off I was gobsmacked. Jo at Tuatahi told me the guys were putting something special together for me and as such needed a little extra time. I was presented with a work axe that resembled their No. 1 grind which they had put a chisel grind on.

I was very impressed at the attention to detail and the craftsmanship. This axe is just lovely to look at. As a complete axe nerd though, I needed to give it a good look over. The profile looked very good.

The blade of the axe arrived extremely sharp and ready to use. I love how they just know people are going to want to try it right away.

The Tuatahi Work Axe Handle
When you handle one of these axes, you will notice just how nice it is to hold. The grip swells out to a large knob which assists with holding onto the axe while it is in full swing. When compared to a regular axe handle, the others seem anaemic in comparison.

What good is a great shaped axe handle though if the grain orientation is bad? Well let me assure anyone in doubt, all axe handles are carefully selected and only the best hickory is used. When I sighted mine up, I couldn't help but to smile! Below is one of the 2 rough turned blanks I ordered just in case. It was the worst of the three and even then, it was better than any of my "good" off the shelf handles I had previously bought for axe projects.

The handle fitted was extremely good. No irregularities in the wood and grain orientation was excellent.

The wood does not have the shiny finish that so many companies like. Instead, it has a rougher finish with slight rasp / sanding marks on the grip. This is not uncommon for felling axes and racing axes as it assists in gripping the handle, but also helps avoid blisters. It was finished in linseed oil.

Measurements
The axe handles are 78cm / 30.7" unfitted, but when fitted to the head some wood is trimmed away, meaning the over all length is 75cm / 29.5" long and together with the head the axe weighs about 2.8 kg or 6.2 lbs.

The Human Touch
Tuatahi axes are hand made. Yes, machines are used in the process, but at each stage the axe is inspected and passes from one set of hands to another. Because of this you will no doubt see some irregularities that would otherwise be absent if the process was fully automated. I only found 1 flaw and it was only obvious because the finish on the axe was so good, it had nowhere to hide.

You can see that the roll pin was struck before it was properly aligned so there is a slight mark near the hole. Again, if Tuatahi were not so fussy with their shiny finish, I would have never known.

Tuatahi Work Axe Test
I was pretty keen to get out and put the axe to the test. It's one thing to look at an axe, it's another thing entirely to swing one. I went outside to my trusty old birch chopping block.

I took down some old, gnarled apple trees 2 summers ago. The wood was now extremely dry and despite being a soft wood, was giving my axes grief because of how twisted the grain was. I had trouble splitting and I had trouble chopping. I believe that if a person is going to spend $222 USD on an axe, it needs to be able to handle a variety of tasks, including splitting.

I put a 10 inch piece on the block. It was warped and twisted and the pieces before gave my other axe serious grief. I took a swing and the Tuatahi blew straight through it. The combination of the edge, the polished finish and the weight gave it the required "oomph" to blow the wood apart. I thought it was a fluke until I did it again, and again. I was grinning like a loon I moved onto a large apple wood log.

I took 6 chops at the log. Big pieces were hanging off and chips began to fly. I was having a great time.

At this point I can only emphasize how impressed I am at the workmanship and quality of the Tuatahi Work Axe. Jo at Tuatahi was in contact with me while I waited and any details or delays were communicated to me. I was never left in the dark and believe that this is a huge advantage Tuatahi have over large companies making premium axes.

So who would this axe suit?
This axe is for those more practiced with axes. You need to know how to look after an axe, and, how to use one safely. You need to have good technique and be strong enough to use a 6.2 lb axe. Due to a length of 29.5 inches, one needs to be aware of what they are doing. This size may seem strang to many but it's the standard for the racing axe. The longer the handle, the higher the velocity of the head and the harder it is to control. On this weight head, the handle length makes it feel right when in use.

Final thoughts and Comments
I would like to say thankyou to the folks at Tuatahi, and especially Jo. They went above and beyond and what I bought from them will become an heirloom. I am very happy with my purchase and would not hesitate in dealing with Tuatahi again. I think when it comes to axes, a person never really knows what they are missing until they use a high quality axe. And really, when you think about it, you can't get much better than a Tuatahi.

Black Diamond Speed 40 Review

After 3 years of faithful service as a teacher, upon my resignation I was awarded a 500 Norwegian Kroner gift certificate to a sports store. I really don't need anything because the way I see it, I have a pretty good selection and system for each season. I wandered from product shelf to clothing rack to see what caught my eye. I am a bargain hunter so I was trying to find something on sale that I could get even cheaper because of the certificate. No luck. I walked to the backpack section and started looking at the Black Diamond bags. With my new job I train at the gym from 0600 - 0700 and that means I need to store all my work clothes, towel and odds and ends in a bag. My current bag gets stuck in the turnstile at work and it drives me mad. I happened across the Black Diamond Speed 40 and took a shine to it.

The Black Diamond Speed 40 cost 1199 NOK, which equates to 219 USD. A complete rip off considering the RRP in the USA is 129.95 USD, and can be bought directly from the website for 89 USD at the moment. Anyway, I digress. With my voucher I got a mustard colored Speed 40 for 126 USD which is expensive still, but bearable. So lets get some initial impressions.

The Standard
I compare any bag I buy to my Haglöfs Climber 40. The reason I do this is because the Haglöfs is such a high quality bag with regards to fit / finish and materials and is also very well thought out. It is water proof, has excellent quality zips and is constructed of Cordura. This bag has served me very well but is a little too hardcore to use as a work bag. So here are the two, side by side.

As you can see, the two back packs are very similar in size. The specs for the Black Diamond Speed 40 are as follows:

Volume :

40 L, 2,441 cu in (M/L)
38 L, 2,319 cu in (S/M)

Average Stock Weight :
1.17 kg, 2 lb 9 oz (M/L)
1.14 kg, 2 lb 8 oz (S/M)
Average Stripped Weight :

690 g, 1 lb 8 oz (M/L)
680 g, 1 lb 8 oz (S/M)
Materials :

Tough 420d nylon and lightweight 210d nylon ripstop

They are both technical bags, used by rock and ice climbers. They have an array of compression straps and allow for a large degree of body movement. At this point in time it is also worth noting the relatively low weight of the Speed 40. It comes in at 1.17 kg for the M/L size. That is really light, however the weight saving does come at a cost. What you save in weight, you often lose in rigidity and durability when carrying heavier loads. I am an advocate of carrying a larger pack and having it half full than trying to pack too much into a small pack.This rule applies to the Speed 40. The bag is made of Nylon, not Cordura. This means that it is going to be more fragile. I would NOT recommend loading this thing with more than 10kg of equipment because:

1. The bag is made of such thin material that you will start to tear it
2. Weight is also saved on the padding. This bag will start to get uncomfortable if you exceed 10kg (IMO)
3. You will start to get a loss of rigidity because of the design of the V-lite suspension sytem and lightweight frame

If you understand the Speed 40's limitations and intended use, then this weight limit won't be an issue. This is not a pack-mule bag. This is a lightweight, technical bag designed for good range of movement while still providing some comfort. Moving on...

Fit and Finish
The Speed 40 seems to be well made. I looked closely at the seams and aside from the very occasional protruding loose thread, there was nothing shonky about it's stitching. Good quality zippers and clasps are standard as is a chest clasp with whistle.

I make mention of this feature because I believe this should be made standard on all bags. The whistle is a proven life saver when people don't have the strength to call out. All the straps were well stitched and also of high quality.

Compared to my Haglöfs Climber 40 though, the shoulder strap seemed a little anaemic. This is to be expected on a light weight climbing bag though.

Features
The Black Diamond Speed 40 is not really a feature rich bag. It's goal is to provide a basic bag for storing climbing related impliments at as low weight penalty as possible. That said, it does have some features worth mentioning.

Ladder Design Top Pocket
There are times when you fill up your bag and your top pouch ends up forcing your head forward because it rides so high. This is a serious annoyance, especially when skiing. The Speed 40 uses a ladder design with hooks to adjust where the pouch sits. At this point a picture or two is worth a thousand words:

This is becoming a standard feature on climbing bags because it shaves off weight and functions well. I isn't as strong as a dedicated buckle, but I wouldn't be swinging my bag around by the top pocket anyway.

3 Storage Pockets in Hood / Top Pocket
Most bags I have owned and used have 2 pockets in the top section. The speed 40 has 3.

This is nice to have as it allows better organisation of the smaller, easier to lose items like keys, wallet, headlamp etc...

Ice Tool Loops / Crampon Patch / 3-Point Haul System

For those interested in this bag for climbing, there are some features aimed at you. These can be adapted for the non climbers too. For example, the ice axe holders could be used to hold walking poles or even ski poles. These can be taken off where you will find 2 of the 3 points for hauling.

The crampon patch is just a tougher piece of fabric that saves your bag from the sharp crampons. There are no bungee straps or straps of any kind for that matter. I guess this was a weight saving feature from Black Diamond? Below you see the rudimentary patch and the loops that you can use after you buy some straps.

Although I didn't mention them in the sub title, the bag features zed-compression straps.

These are a faster and easier method of securing the load as you only need to pull one strap and it compresses a greater portion of the bag. These are a good addition.

Packing and Comfort

Whenever I read complaints about back pack, it's usually because they are over-loaded. 40L does not mean 40L of water and therefore 40kg. Low weight bags needs some assistance in maintaining their rigidity and this can be done in several ways.

1. Carefully plan where you store your heavier items. Store them close to your back and as close to your center of gravity as possible.
2. Help the bag out by packing clothes in a way that they support the back plate. If you have water proof bags and you have some extra space that the compression straps can't take care of, inflate the bag enough to sort out this problem.
3. Adjust your straps correctly.
4. Don't overload the bag.

I am not a climber. I won't be using this bag for it's intended purpose but I will be using it for over night or 2 day trips in late Spring, Summer and early Autumn. This is the typical gear I would take:

We have:

1. A summer sleeping bag
2. Bivvy bag
3. Inflatable pillow
4. First aid kit in ziplock bag
5. Co-tima waterporrof bag with food
6. Sleeping bag liner
7. Cook set, utensils, Platy Bag
8. Toiletries / Hygiene items
9. Rain pants

Missing:

1. Headlamp (in jacket pocket)
2. Lighter (jacket pocket)
3. Beanie (pants pocket)
4. Pocket knife (pants pocket or belt)

This is all the equipment packed:

And on my back:

I am 6'2" and the Speed 40 fits my back very well. It seems extremely comfortable although you need to be careful not to overload it. I had about 7kg in the pictures and it felt right when I moved and articulated my arms and legs.

Early Days Yet
The Black Diamont Speed 40 seems like a decent, well thought out bag. It's not feature ritch nor a trojan work bag but it has never been advertised as that. For a lightweight bag designed around the needs of climbers, I think it would function well. For the hiker and backpacker the Speed 40 could also be a decent little pack. I am heading off to Sweden this coming weekend to catch up with friends and I will be taking the Speed 40 with me to try it out. Everything I have written up until now is based on initial impressions and could change when it is put through some decent use. Stay posted for an update when I get back.