Review

15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar Review

The newly introduced MacBook Pro with touch bar is a pretty good machine. I've had a good user experience with the laptop the past month. My review goes into detail with how I used it and what my conclusions are, check it out!

I did some basic benchmarking of how OpenGL and Metal held up using two simple GFX options that can be found in the Mac App Store. The 2016, 15-inch MacBook Pro held up pretty well in both tests.

Then I jumped into rendering and exporting using Adobe applications (Premiere and Media Encoder respectively. This is what the project timeline that I rendered and exported.

The results are talked about in detail in my full review video found above. Ultimately, it's a great computer, but because of the high cost and the need to further invest in a change in work flow when talking about connectivity, it may be too much for people to jump into. I look forward to further development of the touch bar and to see what Apple brings to the next iteration of this laptop.

My Favorite Mobile Shooting Setup

Since posting my iKan VL35 review I have received some questions from people on what exactly am I using in this video.

Well let's get into what I was using in this video. Obviously I need the camera and the iKan VL35.

I used two different build-outs in this review, the first being the known as my barebones rig. This rig is the one I shoot with when I'm not worried about monitoring my audio (see image below).

A photo posted by Tomas (@tomas_villegas) on

First is my go to HDMI cable from Monoprice. I love these cables and have ordered at least five of them ever since I've started using external monitors. The next thing I recommend for those of you using external monitors is the GyroVu QR plate. This thing has saved me so much time I can't even begin to tell you how much total. Finally the SmallHD mini ball head is a really solid option, I've found going cheap with these types of ball heads end up costing you more in the long run.

My bread and butter when it comes monitoring audio while maintaining my mobility is added to what is above. This is by far my favorite shooting rig when I need to get out and shoot. Basically I add a few pieces; a great microphone, a set of solid headphones, and a different cold shoe mount.

Well that's about it for this awesome little setup. If you have any ideas on making this setup even better, drop a comment below.

iPhone 7 Plus Slickwraps Case

Slickwraps was kind enough to send me out another one of their cases they created with partnerships from Justin Maller and Spigen. The Loverman is a part of their Helmetica Series of cases.

The ultra hi-definition print really shines and looks fantastic on the black iPhone 7 Plus. I think Slickwraps has done a fantastic job making an otherwise plain case a interesting conversation starter. Spigen cases are some of the best on the market and the prints really complement them very well.

I have had no issues getting to the mute toggle switch nor have I lost any tactile feedback from the buttons. The design of the case reassures me that I am protected from minor drops because of Spiegn's Air Cushion Technology. I also don't think twice about laying my phone face down on flat surfaces, as the raised bezels keep it clear of any potential scratches. This also goes for the camera bump on the back. It's protected!

The case feels great in the hand, and my only complaint would be is that it's so clean it shows dust and fingerprints like no other. You'll definitely be cleaning this thing off regularly. Also it's priced kind of high; coming in at $33. Slickwraps often does site wide discounts, I would recommend you wait for one of those to come around if you're looking to pick one of these up and don't need it right away.

Ultimately, if you're into charaters from comics, TV shows, and the movies Slickwraps has you covered. Hit their website to check out there cases for your device.

P.S. if you're interested in winning yourself a brand new iPhone 7, check out the giveaway I have going on!

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Slickwraps and Spigen

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Slickwraps worked with Justin Maller to bring some of his really cool art work to their skins. As a result, Slickwraps partnered with Spigen to make some really nicely designed cases. Slickwraps was kind enough to send me one of their HELMETICA SERIES SPIGEN CASES for the iPhone 6 and it looks great while providing adequate protection to my device.

Spigen makes fantastic cases that add a significant amount of grip to a slippery device, you pair that with a really great looking matte print then you have a winner in my opinion. The one Slickwraps sent me was the Midnight Warrior and the ultra high definition print does a great job fitting in with the design of the phone in a minimal way.

Now that the design has been addressed, I want to talk about practicality of this case. The design of Spigen case provides a significant amount of air cushioning around the frame of the phone that will protect against light drops. It sits snuggly on the iPhone 6 adding raised bezels that add 'lay-flat' protection to the camera bump and screen, meaning the screen and camera are raised from surface contact when you put your device on a moderately flat surface.

All the ports are easily accessible even when using headphones even if they are not the OEM Apple Earpods. Along with that, the buttons are very responsive and provide a satisfying click feeling when the volume rocker/power button are/is pressed; with the iPhone the mute toggle switch is accessible as well.

In the end, if you're a minimalist, but enjoy a bit of flavor and require a decent amount of protection the Slickwraps/Spigen case may be the right fit for you. Now if you're a fiction character fanatic (e.g. Game of Thrones, Marvel, or DC) then this case is a no-brainer. Feel free to check out the devices they support and the case designs they provide.

FYI they're currently running a 'Back-To-School' special with a discount code, enter the code "SCHOOL" at checkout to take advantage of 42-percent off your order.

Anker PowerCore - The Only Power Bank You'll Ever Need

Anker was kind enough to send me out some samples of their Quick Charge 3.0 power banks and I must say I'm extremely impressed. The build quality and performance of the 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh PowerCore battery banks have definitely impressed me. Not only to they charge your devices quick, they recharge very fast as well - definitely making the PowerCore my battery bank of choice. Whether I'm shooting video or just out and about with my family, these things get the job done perfectly.

They're very reasonably priced and work well within my workflow. Thanks to Anker for sending these out to me for review!