Belkin QODE Bluetooth Keyboard Folio Case for Kindle Fire HD 7" (Previous Generation) by Belkin

    Adds a Valuable Dimension of Usefulness to my Kindle Fire HD 7" (Previous Generation)


Yes, I realize that this keyboard is out of production. But, Belkin makes a similar product (superficial differences in the molding, where the logo is placed and the way Kindle is attached to the case) for the new Kindle Fire HD 7" and the HDX 7" and I figured that this review would give you a solid idea how those would work. The Amazon link on the left is for the keyboard that fits the older Kindle, the one on the right is for the current keyboards.

My Kindle with the keyboard attached.
My Bic pen is included for comparison.
Photo by DWD.

The keyboard and rubberized case just about doubles the height of the kindle if it is laying flat on a table. It has a magnetized flap to keep it closed. The keyboard is almost the same dimensions as the Kindle but it weighs less than half as much as the Kindle. The keyboard is charged by way of a mini-usb port.

In my opinion, this keyboard case would be a poor everyday case - it holds the Kindle snug but not tight, the keyboard would bump against the screen leaving scratches (I have a protector on the screen, but it would scratch it as well). I use a simple leather cover to protect it from water, everyday bumps, etc. This case is equally susceptible to water and bumps and can be damaged.

But, it is great for those times when a regular computer is not an option. This keyboard virtually turns my Kindle Fire HD 7" into a netbook with a touch-sensitive screen and that makes this keyboard a worthwhile purchase. Removing my Kindle from the other case and moving it to this case and syncing it up only takes a couple of minutes, but it is well worth it if you have to do a lot of typing and you hate the on-screen keyboard. The keyboard is relatively small, like a netbook, but it does the job and it has added a valuable dimension to my Kindle Fire HD 7".

Note: I received this keyboard for free from the manufacturer in exchange for an honest review through the Amazon Vine program. 

I rate this keyboard 4 stars out of 5.

NETGEAR AC750 -802.11AC Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Range Extender (EX6100) by NetGear

      Easy to Install


So, a WiFi extender is a simple enough concept - pick up the wifi signals and repeat them. In my case, the WiFi is in one corner of the house and does a so-so job of reaching all of the house. I put this extender about 2/3 of the way across the house so that now the signal reaches everywhere in full strength, even several feet out into the back yard and out to the street in the front of my house.

This WiFi extender has two ways to set it up. The easy way is to use a button on your router called a WPS. My NetGear router does not have a WPS button. I have no idea what a WPS button is but if you have one, this looks like the easiest way to go. It just causes the router and the extender to sync up.

The extender plugs into the wall but does not have to take up the entire wall outlet. It has two external antennae that are kind of ugly. The manufacturer claims that the device works better because they are external antennae and not built into the unit. 

I had to use the "smart setup" plan. It looks like a total pain on paper but it was very easy once I figured out how to get into the network manager on my Chromebook. After that, it was a simple three steps and then I was extending WiFi all over the place.

The extender creates two new WiFi sources to log into. You can name them whatever you want but the default is a variation of your WiFi's name. After testing them, the two new channels seem to work just as well as the original WiFi signal. 

It may seem obvious to some, but after having a discussion with my high school-aged child, let me point out that the extender does not create more WiFi, it just makes it easier to access your existing bandwidth.

NetGear has an app for a smartphone that measures your WiFi strength. This is meant to give you a better idea where to place your extender. If you place your extender where the signal is weak, you'll just be extending a weak signal. I did not use the app. I just walked around with my phone and my Kindle and watched the signal strength indicators on them both and put the extender in a location that both showed had strong signal strength.

I do suggest that you put the instructions away in a very safe place.

Also, I must commend the manufacturer for its packaging. It is all recyclable. All of it.

Note: I received this WiFi extender for free from manufacturer in exchange for a fair and honest review.