How To Combine Internet Connections for Faster Speed

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Full disclosure, Speedify is an advertiser on this site.  I recently tried their trial access and was impressed by its ability to solve my traveling internet issues (at least partially) so that I can upload files on-the-go using various connections.

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Basically this allows you to combine bandwidth / internet connections (called bonding) together for faster speed.   They cannot be from the same provider so my usage will be using FREE cafe internet access in addition to my mobile hotspot for combined throughput.

On my Macbook I use an external, extended range wifi adapter plus the internal wifi adapter to take advantage of two different networks.  At home where I have one main internet line and a backup line I can do one via wired connection, another via another wired connection or use wifi without much additional equipment.

Plus, its also a VPN as well so you get that added functionality while traveling when needing to access something local in the USA (like netflix, or P2P).

Why SkyRoam Won't Work For Me

I don't have a SkyRoam, and have never tried or used it.  I'm sure its a good device and service because it gets great reviews on Amazon.  So this is not a review of the device, just some preliminary findings based on what I wanted to know before I spend money to consider reviewing or evaluating SkyRoam.

I had to dig a little bit about this for a number of things:

1. Where does it work?

2. How fast are the speeds?

3. Cost for the data?

4. What don't they tell you up front?

 

1. It works pretty much globally.

2. Somewhere between 3G and 4G speeds.  

3. $8-$10 a day 'unlimited'

4. You only get 350MB of high speed.  After that you get 2G speeds, which is very, very slow.  "

"Note: Skyroam is not optimized for video services like YouTube, Netflix or other heavy streaming activities."

The answer to #4 pretty much makes this no better than what T-Mobile already provides for me on my phone.  I can get slow speeds that are OK for emails, and light browsing already with no additional cost with my plan in many countries.
What I want to be able to do is upload photos and videos while on the go, and the SkyRoam only ensures that I can send and receive emails for $10 USD a day which is something I already get with my T-Mobile Plan.
**Not an endorsement for Tmobile and SkyRoam**

I Don't Consider Myself a Pixel Peeper

Let's scratch what I said in the subject.  I am a pixel peeper from time to time but only when I happen to be using Photoshop to review pictures and check for clarity, and noise. Most of time this happens when I get a picture that is clearly heads and shoulders above in sharpness, contrast, color and details that make me want to go back to some of my other pictures to compare pixels.

I pretty much done this mostly when I review photographs taken with the Sigma DP Quattro series, typically in low ISO and high shutter speed, or on a tripod.  (The other times have been when I've shot with my Zeiss 135mm f/2 lens.)
If you are pixel paper, either consider moving to really expensive equipment or get a full beyond powered Sigma Quattro series (or Merrill) class camera and l and get your technique down; spend a lot of time in Sigma's horrible Photo Pro, and pixel peep!  I do from time to time, and it's fun.

 

iPhone SE Takes Some Getting Used To

So far, day two - its not as bad as I thought going back to a smaller iPhone.  I love that the bulge in my pocket is much smaller and that the whole phone fits easily in my hand, making it easier to hold the phone and talk without fear of losing my grip.

What bugs me so far is the same as several years ago front facing camera.  That alone might make me switch back to a 6S or 6S Plus because I do intend to record some video blogs while traveling.  Does that outweight the extra portability and smaller size?  I have less than 2 weeks before the return date.

Fuji SP-1 Is Great! SP-2 Is Going to be Better

According to Amazon, and Fuji - the SP-2 is coming in a week, and its going to be priced at the original $199.99 price point the SP-1 was at launch.

Its a little bit bigger, has lithium ion battery (which you can exchange), a higher resolution, a new print engine using lasers so the prints come out (develop) almost twice as fast. 

 

Xbox One S Pre-Orders On Amazon Now

Xbox One S – 2TB Console

Includes Xbox One S console, 2TB Hard Drive (Internal), Xbox Wireless Controller (with 3.5mm headset jack), Console stand (for vertical orientation), HDMI cable (4K Capable), AC Power cable, 14-day Xbox Live Gold Trial.

Just don’t let its size fool you: with an internal power supply and up to 2TB of internal storage, the Xbox One S is the most advanced Xbox ever.

 

 

Experience richer, more luminous colors in games and video with High Dynamic Range.

Stream 4K video on Netflix and Amazon Video, and watch UHD Blu-ray movies in stunning 4K Ultra HD.

Enhanced comfort and feel of the new Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring textured grip and Bluetooth technology.

Peak Design's New Kickstarter - 4 New Products!

Each one looks awesome.  I currently use the Everyday Messenger Bag - just as intended, every day.  And while I do have some issues with it, it has proven to still be my favorite choice.  

Now, they give us 2 backpacks to choose from, a tote and a sling.  Since a lot of people have been asking for a backpack, myself included, they produced two different sized backpacks.  I went for the 30L myself, but I may add a 20L later...  

So many good choices...

Segway MiniPro Deal on Amazon Prime Day

It is a full $300 off what I paid last month. I'm going to go ahead and give this transporter two thumbs up and my highest recommendation for the best non-hoverboard hoverboard.  This is much closer to the life changing transportation device that Dean Kamen promised many years ago before the introduction of the first Segway.

I use mine every single day.  I come up with excuses to use it.  I ride it inside and outside the house.  If you have some money to spend on an electric vehicle, this should be on your short list of devices to consider and I honestly was not expecting this when I pre-ordered mine.