In a previous article on the Booster Brolly Tech Umbrella we took a look at just how much gadgetry can be stuffed into a simple everyday device that has retained essentially the same form-factor decade after decade, and with good reason. "It just works", to quote Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. fame. Jobs understood that technology for technology's sake is not the answer, and sometimes a very simple ergonomic or esthetic change can make a big difference to end-users; and so it is with the Brolly Rain Umbrella.

Apple became a company that sometimes competes with Exxon as the most valuable company on earth because Steve Jobs recognized the "elephant in the room" that others in technology companies could not see. Perhaps the other companies have simply not even been in the same room. Jobs recognized that selling something useful did not mean producing products with bleeding-edge specifications. His product improvements have typically involved a laser-like focus on the user experience (UX), and as such the physical look and feel of Apple products have taken PCs, tablets, and smartphones to exceptional levels of success.

The word "brolly" is typically used by the British in reference to the common umbrella. The primary difference between the Brolly Rain Umbrella and its British and other brethren throughout the world is very simply its handle, which is shaped very much like a set of brass knuckles. That handle utilizes a soft conforming rubbery material inside the finger-holes and ABS plastic for the remainder. That shape and selection of materials provides a far more comfortable experience in high winds while reducing the chance of having the umbrella ripped from one's hand to practically zero. It may also be helpful to anyone suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.

That handle's design however, also facilitates texting and e-mailing on  smartphones which may be better explained with the link to this video.

Like most umbrellas the Brolly Rain Umbrella incorporates an aluminum frame, but uses fiberglass to insure greater flexibility for the ribs in windy conditions.

Available in combinations of blue & black, or green & black, the Brolly Rain Umbrella is about $20 and is a product of Brollytime located in Chicago.