The Anniston Star, Ala., Chris Pittman column [The Anniston Star, Ala.]

Oct. 27--MYID PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION BRACELET -- ENDEVR, $40

Advanced technology has greatly increased the success rates of emergency situations. ENDEVR is hoping to leverage technology by reaching the huge number of people with smartphones. The company's myID Personal Identification Bracelet is a decent piece of tech that could save your life.

The myID band's main purpose is supplying emergency personnel with a quick method to check your medical history. The bracelet has a scannable quick response code that will provide instant access to the wearer's medical history.

Each band purchase gives the buyer a one-year subscription to a premium online health profile. This profile contains personal information, allergies, medications, physicians, insurance information and emergency contacts. The user can choose what information they wish to put into the profile.

The band is very comfortable, but it's impossible not to notice while wearing. Instructions to size the bracelet are a little vague in the packaging. Still, it's fairly easy to figure out with a bit of messing around.

I found the QR code on the band to be pretty spotty with most scanners. It seems to be hit-or-miss depending on the particular scanning application you use. However, medical personnel can simply visit the website and enter in the credentials to access the profile. Still, that is precious time wasted in a probable emergency situation.

The biggest problem is whether emergency crews would even know what to do with the bracelet. The QR code is found on the back of the band plate, making it a bit cumbersome to reach or even notice. I would also worry that response teams would give up after failing to successfully scan the code multiple times.

ENDEVR's myID Personal Identification Bracelet is a great idea, but I don't see it being very useful until first responder's can quickly leverage the band's benefits.

www.endevr.com

iSlider -- Rain Design, $49.90

The portable design of tablets makes them a perfect partner in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it can be quite a task mixing up your dinner while holding an expensive device in your other hand. Thankfully, Rain Design's iSlider is the perfect prop for your digital cookbook.

The iSlider is a small and solid tablet stand that gives the sleek appearance of an official Apple product. The aluminum casing hosts a small sliding piece for holding the device. Simply pull until you get the angle that best fits your situation.

Rain Design's product can be used in landscape or portrait modes, making it a great companion piece with a bluetooth keyboard for high-productivity sessions.

Many stands require the iPad to be outside of a case or smart cover. The iSlider works perfectly with covers intact.

A nifty carrying bag is included for hauling your iSlider around. The leather bag is very tight on the device, preserving the minimal design.

The iSlider is compatible with older iPad models as well as the iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display.

Rain Design's iSlider is a solid option for those interested in propping their tablet.

www.raindesigninc.com

Contact Chris Pittman at [email protected].

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