We're looking for new writers to join us!

Hooked Up - NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit

Hooked Up - NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit

Written by Dan Keener on 2/19/2009 for AV  
More On: Hooked Up
Welcome to Hooked Up, the Gaming Nexus series that puts the spotlight on gaming related products that impact the Video Game experience. This week we take a look at NewerTech’s 11-piece Computer Tool Kit.

Product

What is it?
The NewerTech 11 Piece Portable Toolkit provides a centralized location for the tools needed to work on changing out PC components, iPods and other devices. It features seven screwdrivers, tweezers, hemostat and two pry tools for iPods, all stored in a nylon carrying case.

screwdriver

Product Quick Reference  
Company Newer Technology
Product 11 Piece Portable Toolkit
Price $17.99
Product Website www.newertech.com

Impressions
This is a very good toolkit to have at your disposal for doing and sort of job around computers or otherwise. I had to do a memory upgrade to a laptop over the Holiday break, and it was a nice feeling to have everything I needed zipped up tight in the little case. The two biggest pluses in my mind were the inclusion of the oversized tweezers and a hemostat (surgical clamp.) Both are invaluable when working in tight places, especially if you need to get deep into an area or behind something.

The tools themselves seem sturdy enough and up for the tasks (albeit delicate ones) of working with PC and electronic components. The tips of all the screwdrivers are coated in some sort of magnetic material, so they can easily pick up or hold a screw in place while working. I would advice using any of these to do anything besides screw and unscrew, because the coating will wear off eventually.

While the case layout is good (with everything in its own location) the only negative I found about the kit was with the interior construction, specifically the foam used to separate the tools. Unfortunately, the foam did not always hold the tools in place once they were used for the first time. It is designed to work best when all the tools are in their place and use force to hold everything together. As tools are removed and replaced, the padding moves around and some tools are not as securely held as they once were. While this is not a big deal, it is a bit of an annoyance.

content

 

Pros Cons
Great Tool selection Case Interior
Magnetized Tips  
Zippered Case  
Good Value  

Gaming Impact
With the way the component market for PC is constantly evolving, most do-it-yourself gamers are probably upgrading several times a year and for those of us that have built or maintain our own PC’s, a toolkit like this is invaluable. Having all the screwdrivers and an extra-large tweezers readily available in one place is much better than hunting through toolboxes for the 3-4 items you might need to complete the job. I can’t tell you how many times I have dropped a screw inside a PC case, or the one time I had one get away from me inside a laptop I was adding memory to. The tools in this kit would have saved me some serious aggravation and grief.


The Skinny
The NewerTech 11 piece toolkit is a must have for PC gamers that are constantly modifying and upgrading their PC components or building machines. While the interior of the case may give you a few headaches with tools rolling around, the fact that what you needs is there and ready to roll overcomes that issue in my mind. As the old saying goes, anyone can do anything as long as they have the right tools at their disposal. The NewerTech 11-piece Portable Toolkit provides you just about everything you will need for most PC upgrades.


Where to Find/Buy

The NewerTech 11 Piece Computer Tool Kit can be found at the NewerTech website . In addition, it can also be found at numerous online retailers.

If you have a gaming related product or accessory that you would like to see featured in Hooked Up, please contact the Author regarding inclusion.

* The product in this article was sent to us by the developer/company.

Hooked Up - NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit Hooked Up - NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit Hooked Up - NewerTech 11-Piece Toolkit

About Author

Like many gamers in their 40's, I developed my love of gaming from my Commodore 64 after we wore out our Intellivision. I spent countless hours wandering around the streets of Skara Brae, as my life was immersed in The Bard's Tale series on the C-64, D&D Titles and any/all Epyx titles (California Summer and Winter Games) and sports titles.  After taking the early 90's off from gaming (college years) minus the occasional Bill Walsh College Football on Sega, I was re-introduced to PC games in the mid 1990's with a couple of little games called DOOM II and Diablo. I went all-in with the last generation of consoles, getting an Xbox 360 on launch weekend as well as adding a PS3 and Wii in subsequent years.  I now am into the current-generation (latest?) of consoles with the WiiU and Xbox One.  Recently, I was able to get back into PC gaming and have enjoyed it very much, spending most of my time going solo or playing with my fellow GamingNexus staffers in controlled multiplayer action.

While my byline is on many reviews, articles and countless news stories, I have a passion for and spent the last several years at GamingNexus focusing on audio & video and accessories as they relate to gaming. Having over 20 years of Home Theater consulting and sales under my belt, it is quite enjoyable to spend some of my time viewing gaming through the A/V perspective. While I haven't yet made it to one of the major gaming conventions (PAX or E3), I have represented GamingNexus at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in nine of the last ten years.

Personally, I have been a staff member at GamingNexus since 2006 and am in my third tour of duty after taking off the last year and a half.


 

View Profile