What Improvements Have Been Made in the New D-Link Wireless Day/Night Network Cloud Camera 1150?

Thank you to D-Link for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon. All opinions expressed are my own.

We are a fairly technological family. I think we have nearly 20 connected devices throughout the house (or possibly more). I can honestly say that I am “online” every waking moment in some fashion or another. The fact that I work in IT and my wife is a blogger only compounds our networked lives.

We embrace much of the tech we use, but one technology stands out because it helps with our peace of mind. A few years ago we added a couple of D-Link network cameras in the house, primarily to keep an eye on the kids. Nothing beats the ability to watch them instead of jumping up and going to them when you have a concern. I can do so using any connected PC, most smartphones, and most tablets, so checking on them could not be easier. There are D-Link apps for both Android and iOS devices.

Recently I had the opportunity to add a new D-Link camera to our network. I was excited to try the D-Link Cloud Camera 1150, a newer version of the cameras we have in place, to see what new features and improvements were made.

The most significant new feature was the addition of an “Extender” mode. This feature enables the wireless camera to act as a wireless range extender for your network. Nice touch. Enabling Extender Mode could not have been easier, it was literally as easy as clicking a checkbox. Unfortunately, that was the only easy part of the set up!

In general, I have always had easy experiences setting up my D-Link devices, including the 2 networked cameras already installed in my home. But the D-Link Cloud Camera 1150 came with some unforeseen challenges.

The instructions are very easy to follow and the concepts are simple to understand. The problem came when the results of running the configuration wizard were not what was expected and not covered in the setup guide. The wizard was unable to find my wireless connection from my desktop computer, even though the camera was plugged directly into the wireless router. I thought maybe it needed to try its search from a computer that could connect wirelessly itself, like a laptop (I was right). I solved my first issue.

The problem, however, is that the wizard and instructions did not cover this or even suggest what I should do. When I review tech devices like these, I approach them from the point of view of a complete tech novice and judge from there. I always picture my mom trying to solve the problem. Well, to be frank, that first issue alone would have resulted in the camera being returned.

The second issue I had, was that once properly placed and connected wirelessly, I received an error trying to see the image. Now mind you, I already have older D-Link camera working perfectly. It turns out I needed to update my JRE (Java runtime environment). Easy enough for this IT guy to figure out, but what would my mother have done? Returned it.

Once connected and configured properly, the D-Link Cloud Camera 1150 is excellent. The images are sharper than the old cameras and it seems able to deliver better color in less lighting (the old cameras require bright lighting to show color). There are more options in the advanced setting page for more customization too. Overall it is a nice improvement over its predecessor, not to mention the wonderful new Extender feature.

Would I still recommend the D-Link Cloud Camera 1150 after my installation issues? Yes, with some caveats. It's a great camera for a decent price and it does exactly what you want it to. BUT, if you're not computer savvy, I would get some help setting it up, or at the very least be ready to phone into D-Link support to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.  This cloud camera also picks up audio, so it would be a nice alternative to the standard baby monitor.

To learn more about this and other D-Link products, visit DLink.com.

JumpSport iBounce Kids Trampoline with Tablet Mount

As part of his occupational therapy, Quinn uses a trampoline frequently and I’ve been wanting to get him one to use at home for over a year. When I learned about JumpSport’s kid’s trampoline, the iBounce, I was very excited to get one for Quinn.  This award-winning toy has won 8 awards in 2012, including the 2012 Creative Child - Kids Product Of The Year.

Quinn lacks proprioceptive input (body awareness) and has problems regulating his energy output, so indoor trampolines are perfect for him. This one has the added benefit of having exercise videos that comes with it featuring an adorable kangaroo, RompyRoo, and it has a tablet mount so he can watch his RompyRoo videos right on the trampoline’s handle bar via his iPad. Rompy is a little “babyish” (as he’d say), but he still enjoys the videos.  Take a look for yourself . . .


The JumpSport iBounce Trampoline is a fun and engaging way for toddlers and preschoolers to get exercise. This personal-sized trampoline provides hours of fun, develops coordination and balance, builds muscles and stamina, is a great outlet for pent-up energy, and, for kids on the spectrum, really helps improve their body awareness. It is made of very sturdy steel, sure to hold up with recommended use, easy to assemble, safe, stable, and fun. It is recommended for kids ages 2-6 and up to 75 pounds. The tablet mount fits any tablet up to 10” and is great for tech savvy parents and children. The mount is very secure and has not given me any reason to worry it will drop the iPad.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

We really love this trampoline and it’s improved Quinn’s behavior and endurance so much since having it. I see him heading over to jump many, many times a day; sometimes for just a few minutes and other times for the length of the video. He loves following RompyRoo’s instructions and doing the fun moves he does. It has proven most useful for when Quinn starts to enter “meltdown mode” because it really helps release all the anger and frustration that builds up. I am very grateful we got this and look forward to Quinn getting many hours of daily use in the future.

To learn more about the JumpSport iBounce Trampoline complete with tablet mount and RompyRoo videos, visit www.jumpsport.com and JumpSport on Facebook.  The iBounce is currently on promotion for $129.95.

Thank you to JumpSport for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.

NOTE TO 3G2S READERS:  Keeping with the spirit of the Holidays, I have included an extra entry into this contest for liking a small charitable organization on Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

Constructive Playthings Jr. Champ Boxing Set for Kids

Since our 7 year old son has been studying taekwondo since he was 3 years old, we had been thinking about purchasing a punching bag of some variety for use at home for quite some time.  We have been putting it off because the twins were still young and we worried that they would not understand why it is okay to punch and hit one thing and not another.  Now that the twins are 4-1/2 years old, this adjustable Junior Champ Boxing Set from Constructive Playthings is the perfect punching bag for all three of our children.

This set is recommended for ages 5 and up.  It includes the punching bag, a stand, a pump, and a pair of boxing gloves.  The only instructions that come with this set are printed on the box.  The assembly was pretty straight-forward, except I had to figure out for myself that the metal post needed to be forced through the base in order to reach the blockage screw.

The hand pump came with a needle and was easy-to-use.  It took awhile for the heavy-duty vinyl bag to be completely filled, so that all the seems were expanded.

Adjusting the height of the stand was very simple.  It was only a matter of loosening the knob, sliding the top post up and down to get the desired height, and then tightening the knob once again.  The hollow plastic base needed to be filled with 40lbs of sand or water.  Since I did not have any sand handy, I used water.  After filling the base completely with water, the stand could still be moved, but it was weighted enough not to tip over while being used.

The 6oz boxing gloves that come with this set seemed to fit our 4 year olds and our 7 year old without any problems.  Because the gloves are so thickly padded, it was difficult for our 4 year old twins to make a fist.

All three of our children loved playing with this boxing set, since there are not too many occasions when hitting or punching is allowed in our house.  I love that the base is only about 14" in diameter, making it easy to put this toy in an out-of-the-way corner or in a closet.  When I built the stand, I tightened the screw which attached the post to the base as much as I could without stripping the threads, but it still seemed to come loose after the children played with it for awhile.  My husband tightened it a bit more and now it seems fine.

The Jr. Champ Boxing Set retails on CPToy.com for $33.99.  You can save 15% off your Constructive Playthings purchase by shopping through the animated button on my sidebar.

Thank you to Constructive Playthings for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Jr. Champ Boxing Set.

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canadian entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Click the button below to view the selection of toys offered by Constructive Playthings. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item a child in your life would love to have this summer (aside from the product reviewed in this article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.  Remember that shopping through the button below entitles you to a special reader discount of 15% off your order.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, sign up for the Constructive Playthings e-Newsletter. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry each, follow Constructive Playthings on Twitter and/or "Like" Constructive Playthings on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, June 13th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

TKD Kid Review: Discovery Kids 3-Piece Adventure Play Tent Set

TWINtuitive Product #30

I chose this Discovery Kids 3-Piece Indoor/Outdoor Adventure Play Tent Set from BJ's Wholesale Club, who always carries the hottest toys every year during the holidays, to feature as a "TWINtuitive Product" because this is one of those rare toys where two children can play together, but still play separately at the same time. Even though twins are often voluntarily inseparable, they are often involuntarily sharing everything. It is nice that they can be together, but still have their own space with this toy.









The Discovery Kids 3pc Adventure Play Tent Set consists of two tents and one collapsible tunnel, which simply slips into the circular openings on the side of each tent. The three pieces are never really connected. The only reason I can think of why this would be a good feature is if you had to gain quick access to a child located inside the tunnel.

(Click any image to enlarge)

The tent was fairly easy to assemble and even easier to disassemble. Basically there are two tent poles per tent. The ends of the poles slip into pockets at the bottom corners of each tent and then the two poles are secured together with the attached ties. There are also two flap windows per tent which can be rolled up and tied to keep them open.

Each tent is approximately 48" square and 37" in height. The tunnel is about 19" in diameter. Although the tunnel is approximately 96" long, that does not take into account its tendency to scrunch up a little bit like an accordion or the portion of the tunnel on each end that extends into the tents.

Here are my nearly 7 year old son's thoughts about this play tent set in his own words . . .

"I love it, but the tents are small because I'm 6-3/4. I had fun. Luke and Makenzie love it. I like the tube the best. I wish, in the middle of the tube, there was a big tent big enough for me. The tent was built well and I don't know how they sew it all together. My brother ripped the tube out crawling through with his backpack on and we had to fix it. I wish the tube was clipped on." ~The TKD Kid

This toy is recommended for children ages 3 and up and is available during Holiday 2010 exclusively to BJ's Wholesale Club members for just $19.99 in-store. Visit BJs.com to find a store location near you or to learn more about a BJ's Wholesale Club membership.

Thank you to BJ's Wholesale Club for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

A portion of this review was written by: