CAT Active Urban Rugged Phone Case - Updated Colours Review

CAT Active Urban Rugged Phone Case

Hiya guys and girls, I have an update and a couple of smart phone cases to show you today. These CAT Urban Active range cases are perfect for those with outdoor jobs or just a bit klutsy like me.

Most of you have heard of Caterpillar which is now a household name. It was founded in 1925 with the first crawler type tractor and the formation of Daniel Best's Caterpillar Tractor Company. The CAT brand is now the cornerstone of the Caterpillar portfolio; representing products and services all over the world.

CAT Urban Active Rugged phone case

Back in May I reviewed the gorgeous black Urban Active CAT case, which I absolutely loved and it really is a tough case too.

My only niggle was the lack of choice of colours...well in July this year CAT launched some more colours to this range and I was kindly sent 2 more to show you guys. Yellow and White.

Many of us change our covers as fast as our clothes these days so we can coordinate...or is that just me then... ;-)
 

Checkout the new colours and see just how tough these cases are!

More here

As I mentioned in my previous review I'm really torn when it comes to my phone cases as I love my girly bling; but then I can be a bit of a klutz and need that extra protection for my phone; especially when out taking my wildlife photos; in all weathers, so its so nice when a company can combine feminine and ruggedness...you can have both now girls.

If you have read my previous review of the
Black Active Urban Rugged phone case
Then you can just flick through the new images of the case colours; the info is roughly the same. This review is if you haven't read my previous review and I will briefly go over the information I posted last time with NEW images of the 2 new colours yellow and white.

Packaging

Packaging

Like before I was really impressed with the packaging. I generally just skim over a products packaging but this is definitely worth another mention. They each arrive in a large plastic box with a transparent window to see the case and the standard CAT colours black and yellow and of course the CAT logo. 

I did love the yellow handle on the top; obviously for retailers but I liked it anyway. You could always give it as a gift and hang it somewhere for someone to find it.

On the front of the case is a hole so you can actually feel the highly textured case. It really does have to be felt as visually you assume its going to feel soft and rubbery. But it doesn't it actually feels like a harder armored plastic.

Description

These cases are so light and comfortable in your hand. The back is highly textured for grip using this modern slatted design. You would expect squidgy bendy rubber and infact its made exclusively from SAIF an active material with unique shock and impact absorption properties. It actually feels hard and firm to the touch with a rigidity that doesn't initially feel its going to bounce....but it really does...I know!

This case will protect your phone from drops of up to 1.8m preventing that dreaded cracked screen.

I have to say Ive never been a fan of yellow but this is the CAT brand yellow and it really works and I love it, especially on my black S4.

The whole of the case is made of SAIF and its beautifully made and feels excellent quality too.

All four corners have extra squared nodules to protect from bumps and scrapes. Its these that your phone will probably land on if dropped.
Legend has it that if dropped a cat will always land on its feet. 

The cases have strips of anodized metal screwed on tightly to the sides to support the whole case. The different colours means you get coordinated coloured metal sides. All the colours have silver metal strips except the CAT yellow which has the black which I really I love.

 Plus different coloured logos too.

 All 4 sides in all 3 colours.
See how the colours really changes the cases look.


 CAT have thought of everything in that they have added extra rubber buttons over your phones own for extra protection from dust and moisture.

Measurements

14.5cm x 8cm (5.75 x 3.1 inches).

The case makes my S4 smartphone looks so neat despite having such a tough case surrounding it, its very minimalistic from the front. What do you think?

Use

I never get bored with trying new cases for my S4 and Im on a mission to find the toughest case I can. Living in the middle of nowhere and spending alot of time outside, my phone needs extra protection. I used my black CAT case for nearly two months and have really grown to love it; my only grudge was the colour I wanted something more feminine and blingy as well as tough and rugged.

I now have a brighter colour and toughy case...YAY... thank you CAT!
Since using the black CAT case I have had a few "heart-in-mouth" phone drops and I have to say this case has saved the day on a number of occasions now.  Those corner bumps are usually where the phone lands causing it to bounce slightly; yet this material doesn't feel the bouncey type...but bounce, it does!

Fitting

These cases are extremely rigid with the metal sides for even more support; they are not the easiest cases to get on. If it had been softer rubber it would have been easier to squeeze in; but then it would not have the rigidity this case is famous for. You just have to take a bit more care as once they are on they are on.

The sides have an extra lip which extends 3-4mm over the front screen of your phone to really encapsulate it. It snaps in firmly and immediately your phone feels extremely well supported and secure. Believe me your phone isn't going anywhere its held tightly inside with no movement at all. 

Laid flat down on the screen, the raised edges will keep your phones screen off the ground or surface a few millimeters.

 These images were taken from my previous review

I really love the depth of protection surrounding the camera and lens if you lay it on its back. Keeping any surface completely away from the lens. 

This has been a huge bug bear for me over my Samsung Galaxy S4 design; due to the fact of them producing the camera lens that is raised up. So its the first thing that touches any surface you lay the phone on getting easily scratched or damaged. 

Samsung what were you thinking...really!!!  

Not with this case though, the lens is completely surrounded by a 3-4mm depth of the case which is also cleverly tapered so not to effect the flash in anyway.

Another Samsung Galaxy S4 design fault is the speaker...the only mono speaker "On the back of the case"....stop me when you see the problem...!

But again CAT have cleverly protected the speaker with its depth of the case.

The volume button makes a lovely addition as its more pronounced than my S4's own volume button making it easier to use. See the difference between the white and yellow really change the look of the phone.

 The on/off button is also more pronounced so even if your hands are wet or cold its easy to use the buttons.

 The earphone socket and sensors are also well protected.

As is the charging port.

Drop test

If you have read my previous review then you will know already I didn't drop my phone and CAT case on concrete from 1.8 m...and...nooo...Im STILL not going to do it...sorry NOPE...you will have to rely my word and CAT's own videos for those tests lol ;-)

Stated from my last review

I have actually dropped it twice off my bed (by accident) onto a hard wooden floor. It bounced off as my dog jumped on and I watched in horror and slow motion as my gadget baby S4 rocketed into the air and landed...and then...bounced...on the floor...yes it bounced something I really didn't think this rigid material would do. 

A few days later I managed to catch the charging cord and whip it across the floor and again it bounced and NO DAMAGE....It didn't do much for my heart though...sheesh, but this gorgeous CAT case has proved itself to me...Im really impressed as I feel it would have definitely been damaged as the back and sides of the standard S4 case is flimsy PLASTIC...don't get me started on that!

 Thank you CAT for ruggedising my phone!

TIP; If you want to change your case regularly like with your clothes, special occasions etc; they can be difficult to get off. You need to take your time so not to damage the phone. 

This is however perfect for those of you that just want one durable case and want it to last. It stays on secure and firmly.

Same strength different colour; something for everyone...even for the girlies now!

Opinion

I was already happy with my black CAT Urban Active case and have been using this case when I know Im going to be outside alot and my phone needs that extra protection. But I have been swapping it back to a more feminine blinged-out case when going out.
But now CAT have launched these more colorful cases I have been using my gorgeous Yellow CAT case since it arrived YAY; a brighter colour and I love it. I'm not too much of a white case person being out in the country as I'm scared of getting it too dirty, great for special occasions however. Ideal for those of you with Apple white systems it would look stunning.
These cases have given me complete confidence as they feels grippy, robust and secure and even if your hands are wet you can still easily use the buttons and hold the phone.

I have also discovered it coordinates perfectly with my
new Aqua Trek phone charger (Torch and powerbank - Review next).
How cool do these look together WOW!

They were made for each other, I highly recommend both case and charger as they not only look amazing together, but everyone needs an excellent quality power bank to keep their phone topped up. 

Perfect for those of you that work outside or in a harsher environment eg; a builder, fireman, policeman, works in a garage etc; literally anywhere that's dusty, dirty and dangerous this would make the ideal gift for them....Plus charger

 Despite CATS tough reputation its modern, robust design is still slender, lightweight and stylish and is great for both guys and girls.

Most people recognize the CAT logo so it also makes a great designer phone case for those that love their labels too. You would always be proud to show this case off and have the peace of mind to know it will protect your phone.

Its an ideal affordable gift for anyone who works in a tougher environment, has a demanding lifestyle or is just plain clumsy; as your phone will easily survive those everyday knocks and scrapes with a CAT case.

They really give you complete peace of mind to know your phone is protected. Plus you now have the variety of colours to choose from; these two are very much unisex, but there are a few pastel colours just for the girls too.

To show you how strong checkout these drop tests on this video.

Pro's

• Made from SAIF,
• Tough, Durable,
• Gorgeous modern design,
• Water resistant,
• Affordable,
• Lightweight,
• Rugged.

 Con's

• None.

You can buy yours from Amazon Uk
Or from from  amazon.co.uk, mobilefun.co.uk, O2.co.uk, phones.4.co.uk and totallygadgets.c
Starting from £24.99

 Read more about CAT Active Urban rugged phones on their 

Facebook pages

CAT website

 CAT Twitter


All my thanks goes to the lovely girls at Kondor and Caterpillar for sending me these cases for this review.
All my views and opinions are my own.

Jack Strong and the Red Giant by Heys Wolfenden Book Review

Jack Strong and the Red Giant by Heys Wolfenden

Blurb

Jack Strong and the Red Giant revolves around a young twelve year old boy, called Jack Strong. One day after getting beaten-up by the school bully he runs away from home, only to find himself face-to-face with an alien spaceship. Once on board, he must overcome his lack of confidence and low self-esteem in order to become accustomed to his strange, almost magical surroundings and get on with his new alien 'shipmates". Crash-landing on a barren, volcano-infested planet in the shadow of a Red Giant Star, he must do all that he can to ensure not just his survival but also the lives of his new-found friends.

I was kindly sent this debut novel to read by Heys and I read the blurb and something about it really caught my interest.Written by someone else this could have gone terribly wrong, but something about his style of writing I knew it was going to be a fun, fab read.
Marked as a YA read I would say that's spot on, but those of you that like reading space fantasy adventure stories will really enjoy this too.

Its a fun fast paced read about a shy 12 year old boy Jack Strong, beatenup by bullies, couldn't say boo to a goose. Jack just couldn't take anymore and runs away from home; where he discovers a space craft....like you do....
He finds himself inside and not alone as some fab characters join Jack on this journey; each of them so very different.
The storyline is compelling and addictive and I read this in 2 nights. Loved the strong tough girl Valeria and their gradual friendship interest...well his only 12 years old...people!
Heys's incredible imagination and fast paced plot carries plenty of space action, deceit in the ranks and excellent descriptive scenes of space and highly advanced technology.
Its definitely more of a YA read but I still thoroughly enjoyed this...and Im...quite a bit older...than young...adult...eeep...say no more! Its a fun all action fantasy adventure and would make a great film; revolving around some well defined characters. Great character development all round particularly Jack as I loved watching him evolve from unhappy nerdy earth-boy; to space hero within the pages with a fab all action ending.
Well written and a fabulous first book from Heys; I cant wait for more adventures from this quirky group....please....!

You can buy your copy from from Amazon UK
Goodreads

Author Bio

An older Children's/early YA writer and a poet, I have spent the last four years living and teaching in Beijing; before this I lived in Seoul, South Korea for 2 years. Both of these countries - the environment, the people, the culture, the food, the mountains - have had a great impact both upon my life as well as my creative output. Much of my travel and work experiences in Asia have formed the backdrop to my first novel "Jack Strong and the Red Giant"; whilst my poetry (the long in gestation Made in China)relates to the many different aspects of life for the Chinese people.

All my thanks goes to Heys for sending me this book for this review.

All my views and opinions are my own.

Kinivo ZX100 Rechargeable Portable Speaker Review

Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker

Hi gadgety lovers; I have something for the music lovers amongst you today.

This year I have noticed the bewildering array of mini portable speakers that have flooded the market; and I have reviewed quite a few already if you have been following GGR.

So when Kinivo contacted me to ask if I would like to review one of their popular mini speakers for you all, I couldn't wait to see it. 

These adorable ZX100 have a wonderful modern design and really are dinky little speakers; plus the choice of colors is just gorgeous; something for everyone.

Its brilliant to be able to take your music, video or skyping anywhere you want to, but where do you start in picking the right speakers for you?

In no particular order I try to look at sound quality, price, build quality, weight,  volume and bass; so if your on the look for a mini speaker, checkout my full photo-loaded review and mini sound test video below and see if this is the one for you.

The ZX100 is a wired speaker and I was initially disappointed it didn't have bluetooth; but when this little speaker arrived and I held it for the first time, it didn't matter.

The quality and feel of this fun speaker is amazing!

Packaging

The Kinivo packaging is a modern designed white and green box with the ZX100 sitting in a clam-opening transparent plastic shell. Each side of the box explains something really cool about what this little guy can do; which I will explain more as I go along.

I received the gorgeous purple and grey ZX100. In my images however it does look more pinky; so Ive added both colors below to show you the difference between the purple and the pink grey versions. The pink on the right is a lovely bright girly neon pink and the purple is a more lavender purple.

Purple and pink Kinvo ZX100 so you can see the difference.

Inside the box you have your 

• Kinivo ZX100 speaker.
• Longer charging cable and 3.5mm Jack.
• Instruction manual.
• Pouch.

Description
This adorable diddy mini speaker has a really gorgeous modern design, I really love this unique shape. The circular shape gives 360 degree all round sound unlike some squarer designs or ones with speakers only at the front or at the back...yes I have had a speaker with its speaker at the back...doh!
This mini design makes it so easy to go anywhere, its curved shape means it fits easily into bags and even your pockets. It slips perfectly into the webbing sides on rucksacks when your hiking or camping or at a festivals etc.

I love the UFOish shape especially when you pop up the ERCD- Expansive Resonator Construction Design...the...what...design...I hear you say.

This speaker may not have bluetooth but it makes up for that in sound and its all because of the uber-clever ERCD. You simply twist the top a little and up pops a clever corrugated plastic expansion to give the best low frequency output. For bass lovers like me!

 Simply twist right to gently open, you can do this with one hand its so easy.

 It has a patented Vacuum bass system which allows for better sound.

 The top of the speaker that you twist up has Kinivo cutout and looks really trendy. Im loving the O as an on/off button design.

 Kinivo have made use of every centimeter of this mini speaker.

The button are firm and precise, no fragile rocky buttons here. The purple coloured wavy strip area are the actual buttons...NOT where the icon is which is pretty cool!

 Each side has a job, Kinivo logo (very important job), On button, then Plus and Minus volume buttons.

On three sides of the ZX100 from left to right you have

• A micro USB charging port/audio.
• A buddy 3.5mm Jack plug for even more sound to daisy chain extra speakers.
• A vacuum hole lets air in for the resonators for extra bass.

It doesn't stop there, this clever speaker has a hidden secret underneath. It stores a short 5 inch /12.7cm 3.5 jack plug to plug into your device. All in a nice neat square recess to press it into for storage and neatness. This is so you always have your cable with you, you cant forget it now.
You also have the brand of the speaker, email and support contact email if you need it.

It has 4 neat rubber feet for extra grippyness on slippy surfaces.

Kinivo have even put thought into the cable itself.

 The cable has 2 cables in one and is 16.75 inch/42.5cm long.

• A micro USB to charge your speaker,
• Plus a longer 3.5 jack plug incase you need a longer length than the one built into the speaker underneath.

What makes it even better is that they are connected together so you don't lose them. Plus a small strip of velcro to keep them nearly tied together...genius!

Charging your ZX100

This mini speaker is easy to charge using either the attached short 3.5mm Jack plug or the extra long one supplied.

It has a bright LED above the micro USB and it changes from Red charging to a bright blue to show its fully charged after a few hours. The blue LED also stays on while working too.

I can also charge my little Kinivo via The Traveler Solar Charger I reviewed recently, so you get extra time outside.

Which devices can you use your speaker with?

The ZX100 is compatible with all ipods, iPhones, MP3 players, CD players, laptops and smartphones..anything with a 3.5 jack plug.

Science Bit

Measurements

6.8cm square by 4.4cm high (closed) or 5.6cm high (Open).

96 grams in weight.

Long lasting Lion rechargeable battery.

40MM Speaker.

Input L/R 360mV.

Power Output 3W.

S/N >80dB.

Charge Voltage 5V

Charging time 2 hours.

Use

I absolutely love this little diddy speaker; it not only looks amazing it has brilliant sound output as well.
The only way I can show you a speaker properly is to do a video with the Resonance up and down; so you can hear the bass differences for yourself, so checkout my mini sound test video below and see what you think.

 Mini Resonance sound test

There is a definite bassy sound difference having the Resonance up than down; its more pronounced with certain music than others as you will see in my video. The first song from Razorlight is a more rocky bassy song and the difference is quite pronounced; the bass is just gorgeous. The second song is more jazzy pop and you only get a slight bass sound difference. I always have it up as I always prefer more bass to treble on all my music and it looks really cool too, so Im more than happy with this mini speaker.

The speaker has good depth of sound which is well balanced with good mid range sound too. But high volume bass does cause a bit of distortion on higher levels which is to be expected.

Its small enough to slip in my bag to go anywhere, the grey hard plastic gives it good protection from bangs and knocks and I feel it could definitely survive a fall as despite being plastic its a ruggedy type of plastic, if you get what I mean!

The fact you can choose such a variety of colors makes this speaker a great pressie for anyone who loves their music.

I found the first time I charged it, it was fully charged within an hour this is brilliant but I left it for two as it was its first time....you know my rules on that don't you ...Ive nagged you all enough by now lol!
Incase you haven't visited me before; I cannot stress enough about charging a rechargeable device for the full amount particularly for the very first time you get it. DONT be tempted to charge for 5 minutes just to hear it you may never get that full charge again.
Nag over.....! ;-)

I have since found it charges quickly well within the two hours described.

 I also love the fact that Kinivo have thought of everything in that it supplies you with 2 lengths of 3.5 Jack plug depending on what you need at the time.

This photo shows using the longer length supplied cable; so I can still be using my phone easily and move around a bit.

 Here you can see the built in cable is just the right length to use with my Galaxy S4; but would be harder to move around etc.

You can sit your speaker ontop; if your just listening to music its perfect size.

 When you first plug in your Kinivo it starts at half volume rather than full like some Ive had in the past; deafened before you started lol! Not here halfway is just perfect to press + or - volume to suit.

You can also charge and play your speaker at the same time from your PC or laptop too which is really cool.

My Laptop has the worst built in speakers so its been brilliant to have this speaker with not only my music but gaming too. Finally I can hear whats creeping up behind me on World of Warcraft lol.

Closed and open Resonator.

Opinion

Do I love the ZX100 Ohh...yess, I love the size, colour, build quality, the extra jack plug lengths and to top it all it has good sound quality for this size speaker. For those that are bass officinadoes this may not be the speaker for you; but for taking out on picnics to the beach, in the garden, for barbeques, festivals, camping etc its just perfect!

The fact it so lightweight and slips into any of my handbags is just brilliant. It has enough ruggedness to withstand some knocks and I can crank it up when I want to without loosing too much quality. I love bass and it gives me good bass on certain songs at about 3/4 volume.

I would have liked bluetooth but the simplicity of just plugging in and going is just perfect!

I love that it comes with a pouch to keep the speaker and cables together. Kinivo really have thought about everything for this little speaker. Even a strip of velcro to keep the cables tied up small to go in the pouch.

It gets alot of attention as it has a really quirky, funky design; so many people will want to...er...borrow it.. so lucky its affordable too.

Perfect gift for anyone who loves their music, videos, gaming or skyping. Personalize yours by picking your favorite colors, coordinate with your handbag girls.

So what you waiting for; go grab yourselves a Kinivo speaker its perfect for your favorites vibes on the go, no worries about dropping bluetooth connections its fun, funky and affordable for portable mini speakers.

Pro's

• Works on all devices with a 3.5mm jackplug.
• Enhanced Bass resonator.
• Slightly rugged in appearance.
• Rechargeable. 
• Choice of 2 lengths of cable.
• Fast to charge.
• Lasts approx 2 hours.
• Lightweight.
• Comes with a pouch yay! 
• Variety of colours.

Con's

• None.

Buy your own Kinivo ZX100 from Amazon Uk

for ONLY

£10.49

Choice of 7 colours.

All my thanks goes to Kinivo for sending me this speaker for this review for you all.

My views and opinions are all my own.

Those of you asking about my Samsung S4 Phonecase shown in this review is
The Strawberry Bling case from Mobile Madhouse.
Its also in several colours and designs.