Nomatic Method Luggage Check-In Review

More and more as time goes on, electronics continue to get more integrated into our lives. Electronics can make our lives easier. Small GPS trackers can keep our items from getting lost. But ever go on vacation and the airline lost your luggage? Nomatic has fixed that. Up for review is their Nomatic Method Luggage Check-in. MSRP is $449.

 

Features and specs:

• Full-Perimeter expansion from 12.75” to 14.5” D

• 360-degree silent glide wheels

• Compression panel

• 2-stage aluminum trolley handle

• Internal organization pockets

• Concealed GPS Tracker pocket

• Easy clean interior

• Weight: 10.5 lbs

• Capacity: 86L - 127L

• Dimensions: Height: 30” Width: 19.25” Depth: 12.75 - 14.5" (When Expanded)”

• Includes: Folding Compression Panel, TSA-Approved Lock

• Materials: Polycarbonate Shell, YKK Zippers, Silent Glide Wheels, Aluminum trolley handle

 

The Nomatic Method Luggage Check-in came in a standard brown box. It was protected by a cloth bag. Materials used in the construction was mostly polycarbonate, aluminum, and some plastic. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, is excellent.

 

I love the design of the Nomatic Method Luggage Check-in. Ever used a small GPS tracker you put on your keys or in your wallet so you could find them? Now you won’t lose your luggage. And if an airline has every lost your luggage, you know how helpful this can be! Nomatic built-in a concealed GPS tracker pocket, inside one of the pockets. So no more lost luggage!

 

While no lost luggage is nice, Nomatic thought of everything else as well, for a feature full well-made luggage. To start, it’s made from a hard polycarbonate shell, so your belongings will be protected. The wheels, while the housing is plastic, are very durable and have rubber on the actual wheels, and roll easily and smoothly. On top, the handle is built-in and is two stage aluminum. The TSA-approved lock is even built-in. Zippers are YKK for long lasting quality and unzips for a full expansion of 1.75 inches for even more storage.

 

Nomatic thought of everything on the outside and they did they same for the inside. Micro welding on the inside makes construction smaller for more space inside. A liner-free inside also makes for easy cleaning. Storage is also assisted with internal organized pockets and a compression panel. And while space is minimized through smart construction, they also made it lighter weight.  So you’ll have not just more space for your belongings, you’ll also have more weight allowance for your stuff due to the successful lighter construction.

 

Nomatic also include a set of their compression packing cubes. These can be critical. Especially if you are going on a long trip, or if you’re like me and tend to overpack. They really help you get a lot of clothes in a small space. This in turn also helps to maximize the space in your luggage. And in Nomatic style, they’re also well made.

 

I also love Nomatic’s old school philosophy. It’s been generations since this was the norm, but products used to built to last. My grandparents had this philosophy; buy a quality product, so you only have to buy it once. Nomatic products are built-well with pride, and it’s backed by a refreshing lifetime warranty. It’s a wonderful synergy of a well thought out product that is built extremely well, to last the rest of your life, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Now let’s see how it performs.

 

The Nomatic Method Check-In luggage proved to be a great performer. Polycarbonate shell is very strong and durable and I loved the micro welding that maximizes space inside. And it is very easy to clean. The compression panel helped to keep things organized as well as maximizes storage capacity. The internal pockets added to its organization. The full perimeter expansion proved to be extremely helpful in giving one extra capacity, and the built-in TSA lock was very convenient. And while the silent glide wheels looked really nice, I was really surprised at how smooth it rolled and effortlessly changed directions as I navigated through the airport. It was a pleasure to use!

 

The Nomatic compression bags also proved to be extremely helpful. It came with three bags, a small, medium, and large. Their design proved simple to help get the most clothes into a smaller space. And getting the most possible into your bags means the less bags you’ll have to tote around! I also love the built-in zipper that reduces the bags size, so they are easier and smaller to store when not in use.  I can’t see traveling without them.

 

The Nomatic Method Check-In luggage performed in spades. It’s a well-made luggage to provide a lifetime of use with a lifetime warranty to back it up. And it provides excellent features to make traveling more pleasant. I especially love the hidden pocket for a GPS tracker. So if your luggage happens to get lost, well, it isn’t really lost! And $449 MSRP is a fair price for what you get. If you’re on the lookout for some new luggage, Nomatic deserves to be on your short list. Based on its design, features, quality and performance, the Nomatic Method Check-In luggage, along with their compression bags accessory, has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and speck, check out their website at www.nomatic.com.

Kingston Introduces Next-gen XTS-AES 256-bit Hardware- Encrypted USB Drive

 

Kingston Introduces Next-gen XTS-AES 256-bit Hardware- Encrypted USB Drive

 

• FIPS 197 Certification by NIST

• Brute Force Password and BadUSB Attack Protection
• Multi-Password Support with Complex/Passphrase Modes

 

Fountain Valley, CA – March 16, 2026 – Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced the launch of the next-generation IronKey™ Locker+ 50 G2 (LP50 G2) hardware-encrypted USB flash drive. The drive provides enterprise-grade security with FIPS 197 and AES 256-bit hardware encryption in XTS mode. It also safeguards against BadUSB with digitally signed firmware and against Brute Force password attacks.

LP50G2 features a premium space grey metal casing and supports both Admin and User passwords with options for Complex or Passphrase modes. Complex mode allows 6–16 character passwords using at least three of four character sets. Passphrase mode supports PINs, sentences, word lists, or other memorable phrases from 10–64 characters. Admin can enable or reset User passwords as needed. To aid in password entry, the “eye” symbol can be enabled to reveal the typed-in password, reducing typos leading to failed login attempts. Brute Force password attacks protection locks the User password after 10 failed password attempts in a row and crypto-erases the drive if the Admin password is entered incorrectly 10 times in a row. Additional safeguards include virtual keyboard to protect against keyloggers and screenloggers and anti-fingerprint coating on the casing which helps with resisting scratches

Designed for everyday convenience, LP50G2 is easy for anyone to setup and use, with no application installation is required . It is compatible with both Windows® and macOS® systems so users can access files from multiple systems.
          “With the LP50G2, the Kingston IronKeyline up is all XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-encrypted with a baseline FIPS 197 certification by a NIST authorized lab,” said Martin Komal, encrypted product manager, Kingston. “In addition, IronKey leads the industry with three best-in-class FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validated drives. This portfolio offers superior data protection solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of consumer, enterprise, and government customers."

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 G2 is available in capacities from 32GB – 256GB and is backed by a limited five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability.

For more information visit kingston.com.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 G2

Part Number	Capacity
IKLP50G2/32GB	32GB IronKey LP50G2
IKLP50G2/64GB	64GB IronKey LP50G2
IKLP50G2/128GB	128GB IronKey LP50G2
IKLP50G2/256GB	256GB IronKey LP50G2

 

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Features and Specifications:

• Enterprise-grade hardware-encrypted USB drive: FIPS 197 Certified, XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption safeguards important data with built-in protection against BadUSB & Brute Force password attacks.
• Multi-password option with Complex/Passphrase modes: Admin can reset a User password to restore User’s access to data with either Complex or Passphrase password mode. Passphrases can be a numeric PIN, sentence with space characters, list of words, or even lyrics – from 10 to 64 characters long.
• Additional security features: Reduce failed login attempts and frustration by enabling the “eye” button to view the typed password. LP50G2 has anti-fingerprint coating and a virtual keyboard to shield password entry from keyloggers and screenloggers.
• Key certification: FIPS 197 certified and TAA Compliant
• Interface: USB Type-A
• Standard/Speed¹: USB 3.2 Gen 1, 145MB/s Read, 115MB/s Write
• Capacities²: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
• Dimensions: 60.56mm x 18.6mm x 9.6mm
• Weight: 22.94g
• Casing material: Metal + Plastic
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C
• Storage temperature: -20°C to 85°C
• Minimum system requirements: Two (2) free consecutive drive letters required for use³
• Compatibility: USB 3.0/USB 3.1/USB 3.2 Gen 1
• Warranty/Support: Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support
• Compatible with: Windows® 11, macOS® 13.x -26.x

 

¹ Speed may vary due to host hardware, software and usage. USB 3.2 Gen 1 host device required for optimal speeds.

² Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the product. For more information go to Kingston's Flash Memory Guide. 

³ First free drive letters after physical devices such as system partition, optical drives, etc.

 

Kingston can be found on:

 

YouTube              Instagram

Facebook            LinkedIn

Threads          TikTok

 

About Kingston Digital, Inc.

From big data to IoT devices, including laptops, PCs, and wearable technology, Kingston Technology is dedicated to delivering top-tier product solutions, service, and support. Trusted by leading PC manufacturers and global cloud providers, we value our long-term partnerships that help us evolve and innovate. We ensure every solution meets the highest standards by prioritizing quality and customer care. At every step, we listen, learn, and engage with our customers and partners to deliver solutions that make a lasting impact. To learn more about Kingston Technology and our “Built on Commitment” vision, visit Kingston.com.

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Kingston and Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston FURY and the Kingston FURY logo are trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

écoute audio debuts the TH2, evolution of the award-winning TH1, at CanJam NYC

New York, NY — March 2026 — At CanJam NYC on March 7-8, écoute audio will debut its most anticipated release to date: the écoute audio TH2. Show attendees will be able to audition both the original, award-winning TH1 and the new TH2 side-by-side.   Anticipation for the TH2 has been building across the hi-fi community. The TH2 raised over $500,000 in preproduction reservations within its first two weeks on Kickstarter and is on pact to surpass $1 million before the campaign concludes on March 12.

The TH1 rewrote the rules— The TH2 perfects the form

Two years ago, écoute introduced the TH1 — the world's first headphone integrating a true vacuum tube preamp and dual-mono amplification. It challenged assumptions about portable hi-fo and earned critical acclaim. Magnetic Magazine awarded it an Editor's Choice distinction, writing:   "These headphones don't sound like headphones. They sound like a reference-grade two-channel system."   The TH1 proved that a proper analog signal chain — vaccum tube gain, discrete amplification, and firmware-level tuning — could exist inside a wearable format without compromising system integrity.   The TH2 advances that architecture with measurable refinements in acoustic performance, noise control, shielding, and ergonomics — while preserving the end-to-end dual-mono signal path from DAC to driver. Unlike conventional system-on-chip headphone platforms, TH2 maintains discrete channel separation and analog gain integrity throughout the signal path.

What's New in the TH2 Same architecture. Greater performance. Deeper bass extension and more extended treble for increased resolution Lower-noise active noise cancellation and more natural transparency Improved passive isolation with reduced bleed Enhanced RF and microphonic shielding around the tube stage and more extended treble Eight-band firmware level-tuning with ±12 dB per band Modular construction with interchangeable pads and headband wraps Redesign chassis and hybrid suspension headband for improved durability and long-term comfort

Portable Hi-Fi Without Compromise The TH2 isn't design to replace your home system — it's designed to let you carry its sound with you. By building the same dual-mono architecture and real vacuum tube gain stage found in serious two-channel rigs directly into a headset, écoute preserves the structure integrity that defines high-end listening.   Whether you're at work, on your commute, or on a plane, it sounds like a full system because it is one.   "I have been involved in audio for over 40 years, and when I heard an early écoute prototype, I was blown away! So I joined the company. Technology should support your real-world needs, not make you conform to the tech itself. at écoute, we engineered a real hi-fi architecture into a wearable form — so wherever you listen, you're not leaving your system behind."   - Andrew Regan, President and Co-founder

Experience TH1 and TH2 at CanJam NYC Visitors to CanJam NYC can audition both the original TH1 and the new TH2 on March 7-8. On the show floor, listeners can evaluate the evolution firsthand — hearing how the TH2 builds thoughtfully on the TH1's foundation while further refining the same dual-mono, tube-driven architecture.

The campaign concludes March 12 https://bit.ly/TH2-Kickstarter

About écoute audio écoute audio is an award-winning high-end headphone company redefining portable hi-fi. As the first company to integrate dual-mono architecture and a genuine vacuum tube gain stage into a wireless headphone, écoute brings the proven design principles of reference-grade home systems into a compact, wearable format.

Onkyo Creator Series GX-30ARC Powered Monitors Review

When it comes to computers, there’s a lot of content creators. And it’s not just about graphics or video. The audio portion should be taken into consideration. For that reason, Onkyo came out with their Creator Series of speakers. Up for review is their Onkyo GX-30ARC Powered Monitors. MSRP is $349.

 

Features and specs:

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:  Powered Monitor (pair)

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:  55Hz-20kHz

MAX OUTPUT:  115 dB (1M Stereo Pair)

TOTAL SYSTEM POWER:  50W Total System Power 17W LF+8W HF/ch

HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER:  3/4 inch (19mm)

LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER:  4 inch (101.6mm) cone woofer

ENCLOSURE MATERIAL:  MDF with PVC

ENCLOSURE TYPE:  Bass-reflex via rear-Slit duct

BLUETOOTH®

VERSION: Bluetooth 5.3

A2DP Codecs: SBC

SPECIFICATIONS

INPUTS: HDMI-ARC with CEC, Bluetooth® 5.3 wireless technology, Phono/Line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal), 3.5mm analog mini jack, USB Type C, Optical

OUTPUTS: Single RCA line level output for connection to subwoofer

PRODUCT DIMENTIONS:  5.75" (146mm) x 8.66" (220mm) x 6.69" (170mm)  (W X H X D )

PRODUCT DIMENTIONS W/STAND (W X H X D):  5.75“ (146mm) x 10.55” (268mm) x 8.27” (210mm)

WEIGHT:  Primary: 6.0lbs (2.7kg) - Secondary: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)

BOX DIMENTIONS (W X H X D):  16.7" (423mm) x 14.2" (360mm) x 11.2" (285mm)

GROSS WEIGHT:  17.6lbs (8kg)

FINISH:  Black / White

VOLTAGE:  100V-240V 50/60Hz AC Adapter

 

The Onkyo GX-30ARC came in a standard white box. Opening the box revealed a well-protected speaker held in place by custom molded Styrofoam. Materials used in the construction was MDF, PVC, and steel. The speakers appear to be made using a paper cone with rubber surround for the woofer, and the tweeters appear to use silk for the dome. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish, is very good. Also included were the speaker stands, remote, AC adaptor, speaker cable, HDMI, and USB-C cables.

 

I love the design on the Onkyo GX-30 ARC powered monitor. Whether gaming, websites, or other content creating with a computer, it’s part of their content creator Series. It works great connected to a computer, but it can also do so much more. With imputes that consist of RCA with phono, 3.5 mm, optical, HCMI, USB-C and Bluetooth, it can be used with just about anything. You could connect a record player directly to it, as well as to a TV like a soundbar. You can even set them up by themselves in a living room or den and use your smartphone with Bluetooth to listen to your music. So many possibilities.

 

They are also designed for great sound, tapping into Onkyo’s decades long heritage. They employ a ¾ inch silk dome tweeter for smooth highs. And while they also use a smaller 4 inch woofer to keep the enclosure size down, they still have it ported to improve bass performance. Onkyo even has them bi-amped, for the best sound possible. This means there is a separate amp for the tweeter and woofer, which would also control the frequencies they play.

 

I also love the synergy that seems to have been realized due to the sum of the parts done right. It stars with the quality drivers, great electronics, efficient design, down to the multitude of connects for ease of use. And lastly an efficient and well-made enclosure. It’s a well-made product that should provide years of use. Now let’s see how it sounds.

 

Guns & Roses: Patience – The whistling was silky smooth with excellent harmonics and a tone of air.  The strings from the acoustic guitar was really crisp and clean with really good resolution to show off not just the good dynamics of the strings as they were plucked, but also hear the decay. Vocals were smooth like honey with good texture of the timbre. 

Nat King Cole: L-O-V-E  - hi-hat was really crisp and clean, piano sounded really natural, violin was silky smooth with great resolution of the bow across the strings.  Th bass was equally smooth with not just good low-end extension, but also played with authority.  Trumpet was extremely dynamic with excellent harmonics without being too brassy.  Snare drum was also dynamic.  But just as impressive was not just the soundstage that was really big, not just deep but also forward.  The imaging on a dime was equally impressive.

 

Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nickie Minaj: Bang Bang – The various drums and claps were nice and dynamic with great pitch definition.  And while it was the stellar harmonics and timbre of the multiple parts of the female vocals that seamlessly came together to steal the show, I am also impressed with the bass performance.  It had good low-end extension and played with more authority for its size than I expected.

 

The Onkyo GX-30ARC performed as well as I expected.  They had a neutral sound signature as expected from a monitor.  The highs were crisp and clean, with silky smooth mids, and bass that performed well for its size.  What I was not expecting was the level of soundstage and imagine that I heard at its price point.  It’s not perfect, but at only $349, it’s a grand slam for bang for the buck. 

 

Onkyo has a reputation for making great products. And it’s products like the Onkyo GX-30ARC Powered Monitor, that bring a smile to my face, to see that Onkyo is not just sitting on their Laurels. They want to protect their reputation. And the Onkyo GX-30ARC proved to be not just  a great sounding speaker, they are made to be used in many different set ups. They’re even well made to be able to perform for years. Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Onkyo GX-30ARC has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. If you are looking for great sounding a small package, the Onkyo GX-30ARC Powered Monitor should be on your short list. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.onkyo.com.