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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
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iPod Deals
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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Invites Media to 'It's Only Rock and Roll'
iPod Event on Sept. 9
The Mac
Observer's Bryan Chaffin reports:
"Confirming rumors that have been circulating for a week, on Monday
Apple began inviting the press to a media event for September 9th. As
with other media event invitations the company isn't offering details
on what will be included, but the image accompanying the event is
iPod-themed, with a tagline that reads, 'It's rock and roll, but we
like it.'"
Link:
Apple Invites Media to September 9th for 'It's Only Rock and Roll'
iPod-Themed Event
Apple Will Move to Multiple iPhone Carriers Next
Year
LoopInsight's
Jim Dalrymple reports:
"Consumers in the US may get their wish and see the iPhone available
on a number of wireless carriers, if one analyst's prediction holds
true.
"Gene Munster, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, believes
that Apple will transition to the multiple carrier model within the
next year. This is most likely next summer, a time when Apple typically
introduces new models of the iPhone...."
Link:
Analyst: Apple Will Move to Multiple iPhone Carriers Next Year
Whoopi Goldberg and the iPhone
One of the advantages of working at home is that I can watch ABC's
The View, to which I confess a bit of an addiction. I usually
don't watch it off air, as I'm busy working at that time of the day,
but I tape it for time-shifted viewing, and I'm a big fan of Whoopi
Goldberg. I frequently disagree with Whoopi's politics, being more in
harmony with Elizabeth Hesselbeck's perspectives, but I enjoy Whoopi's
commentary and repartee. She's much more of a thoughtful philosopher
than one would have imagined from her acting and comedy personas. Who
knew?
Anyway, it appears that Whoopi, while being something of a tech
skeptic, likes iPhones, having been photographed back in June 2007 by
iPhonity.com buying one of the original iPhones, and
Contactmusic.com reported, with photos, that she was so determined
to get her hands on the then new Apple iPhone, she queued outside with
thousands of gadget fans at the official unveiling.
Then more recently by Contactmusic.com leaving
the SoHo Apple Store in NYC with another iPhone, even though, she's
been
plugging the HTC myTouch 3G and Touch Pro2 from T-Mobile in a
commercial.
Coolspotters.com also has posted a photo of Whoopi with the
iPhone.
So, is Whoopi still an iPhone fan, or has she cooled on the iPhone
and become a T-Mobile user (or both) in real life?
Study Finds Cell Phone Use Increases Risk of Brain
Tumors
eWeek's
Michelle Maisto reports:
"The International EMF Collaborative released a
report to draw attention to studies linking brain tumors and cell
phone use and debunking the findings of the Interphone studies. The
report emphasizes dangers of cell phone use by children and teens and
recommends awareness campaigns."
Link:
Cell Phone Use Increases Risk of Brain Tumors, New Study Finds
Saskatchewan to Ban Use of Handheld Devices While
Driving
CTV reports
that drivers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan may soon be
legally obliged to eschew using handheld cellphones while driving and
put both hands back on the steering wheel and their minds back on what
they're doing.
The report says Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall announced Tuesday
that the province will introduce legislation this fall that would ban
the use of handheld electronic devices to text or talk while operating
a vehicle. Wall is quoted commenting that, "The information that's
coming in is irrefutable. We know that if you're texting, from a study
out of Virginia, you're 23 times more likely to be in an accident
. . . It's a serious issue."
Link:
Saskatchewan to Ban Use of Hand-held Devices While Driving
Apps & Services
FoodGauge App Takes Guesswork Out of Confusing
Nutrition Labels
PR: More than 66% of Americans are considered overweight or
obese by the National Center for Health Statistics. To help defeat this
overwhelming problem, the doctors of the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
(SWLC) PLLC announce the launch of FoodGauge, a new smart phone
application for iPhone, iTouch, and BlackBerry that helps people get on
the right path to weight loss by taking the guesswork out of confusing
nutrition labels.
Gone are the days
of wondering whether that bag of chips is good for you. Developed by
Robert Ziltzer, M.D. and Craig Primack, M.D., top weight loss
physicians and cofounders of the SWLC, FoodGauge takes four factors
into consideration: fat, carbohydrates, fiber and protein. By simply
entering this information into the application from the back of any
nutrition label, FoodGauge provides a numerical score, ranked from five
to one, that helps you choose which foods will assist with weight
loss.
"Weight loss does not have to be rocket science," said Dr. Ziltzer.
"Using the principles of sound nutrition and our background as
certified weight loss doctors, we have created FoodGauge to simplify
food choices for the average person."
Fruits, veggies and lean meats (foods that are healthy and keep you
full) will rank a four or five and can be consumed relatively
guilt-free. Food that scores a two or one is generally full of sugar,
butters and oils (empty calories that cause you to desire more empty
calories) and should be eaten sparingly.
"Many people think technology makes us lazy," said Dr. Primack. "Dr.
Ziltzer and I choose to embrace the tools at our disposal, such as the
iPhone and BlackBerry, and make them useful. Having a program in your
pocket that assists with weight loss is very appealing to those who
struggle with discerning between good and bad foods."
Available for 99¢ through Apple iTunes and $2.99 through
BlackBerry App World, FoodGauge is a convenient, inexpensive
application for people looking to be more knowledgeable about their
food intake in pursuit of shedding those pounds.
Scottsdale Weight Loss Center (SWLC) is a medical weight management
center providing comprehensive weight loss programs to the residents of
the Greater Phoenix area. Founded by Craig Primack, M.D. and Robert
Ziltzer, M.D., SWLC provides physician-supervised weight loss programs
that include strong coaching support and education to promote lifelong
solutions for managing your weight. Since 2006, SWLC has helped clients
lose more than 55,000 pounds.
Link: FoodGauge
greenMeter Eco-driving App Reaches Version 2.0
PR: Williamsburg based Hunter Research and Technology
announces greenMeter 2.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. greenMeter computes
a vehicle's power and fuel usage characteristics to help drivers
increase efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and cost, and lower
environmental impact. Results are displayed in real time while driving,
to provide instantaneous feedback, and can be shown with US or metric
units. Version 2.0 adds three new eco-driving efficiency displays.
Hunter Research
and Technology announces the immediate worldwide availability of
greenMeter 2.0 in the iTunes App Store. greenMeter computes a vehicle's
power and fuel usage characteristics to help drivers increase
efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and cost, and lower environmental
impact.
Using data from the device's built in accelerometer, greenMeter
calculates horsepower, miles per gallon, annual fuel cost, crude oil
consumption, and carbon footprint. Results are displayed in real time
while driving, to provide instantaneous feedback, and can be shown with
US or metric units. Because greenMeter uses a novel algorithm that
integrates and visualizes data over the entire speed range, the app
does not require GPS, thereby enabling usage on all generations of
iPhones and iPod touches.
In version 2.0, greenMeter adds three new eco-driving efficiency
displays: glowing leaves that change color from green to red, an analog
gauge similar to real vehicle instruments, and an LED-style bar graph
like the type used in many hybrid vehicles. greenMeter 2.0 also comes
with a new "easy setup" option to help users specify vehicle
characteristics.
Originally launched in September 2008, greenMeter has been purchased
by users in over 60 countries around the world. The app can help a
typical driver reduce environmental impact and save hundreds of dollars
in fuel expenses every year, but its overall global impact is even more
important. "Based on a conservative estimate of worldwide use in its
first year, greenMeter has likely saved about 2 million gallons of gas,
reduced fuel expenses by over $5 million, dropped oil consumption by
nearly 20,000 barrels, and prevented almost 47,000 tons of CO2 from
entering the atmosphere," says Dr. Craig Hunter, the greenMeter
developer.
greenMeter 2.0 works on any iPhone or iPod touch running iPhone OS
2.2.1 or later (including iPhone OS 3.0-3.0.1) and is available for
$5.99 on the iTunes App Store. More information, including screenshots
and demo videos, is available on the Hunter Research and Technology
website. Media professionals interested in reviewing greenMeter can
request a promotional code to download the app from iTunes at no
cost.
Link: greenMeter
LookItUp! Search All Search Engines in One
Place
PR: idealius.com introduces LookItUp! 1.0 (Búscalo!
1.0 for its Spanish version), their new search engine utility for
iPhone and iPod touch. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone's
unique abilities and interface, LookItUp! offers a radically improved
approach for searching anything. LookItUp! aims to be the most
comprehensive search engine of search engines.
From a single search, gain free, instant access to millions of pages
from hundreds of search engines. Users can find exactly what they want
by tapping into thousands of company websites, job boards, newspapers,
images, audio, video, articles, blogs and associations. It's the
perfect tool to drill down by keyword, site location as well as by
filtered search.
"I was tired of having to jump around from one search engine to
another, particularly from my iPhone" said Carlos G. Varela, CEO and
founder of idealius.com "With LookItUp! in the palm of your hand, now
anyone can search all these thousands of sites at the same time, on one
simple search, returning last minutes info."
LookItUp! features hundred of relevant search engines, including A9,
ABC, Accoona, AltaVista, Amazon, Ask, AskJolene, Atomfilms, FAST,
Alltheweb Image, BBC News, CareerBuilder, CNN News, dmoz Open
Directory, ezinearticles, Findarticles, FoxNews, goarticles, Google,
Google Blog Search, Google Images, Google Video, MSN, MSN Images,
PicSearch, Reuters, Technorati, Truveo, Yahoo!, Yahoo! Audio, Yahoo!
Jobs, and Yahoo! News.
Feature Highlights:
- Hundred of Relevant search engines
- Effortlessly Filter results
- Access thousands of sites from hundred of search engines in a
single search
- Access millions of filtered and rating pages
Supported Languages: US English and Spanish
System Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 3.0 or later
LookItUp! 1.0 for iPhone is 99¢ (0.79 Euro) and available
exclusively through Apple's App Store. There are US iTunes Store's
Promotional Codes for Press Reviewers that can be obtained upon
request.
Link: LookItUp!
ePapyrus Launches PDF-Pro
PR: ePapyrus Inc. launches powerful new PDF reader, "PDF-Pro
for iPhone and iPod touch" in The Apple App Store. ePapyrus Inc. has
introduced one of the most powerful iPhone/iPod touch PDF readers
through The Apple App Store. The reader, named "PDF-Pro for iPhone
& iPod touch" immediately sold almost 100 copies while it was
launched in The App Store.
PDF-Pro is built on the powerful and proven PDF engine from ePapyrus
Inc. that has been marketing its PDF products worldwide. Not only can
it handle single-byte character languages beautifully, but it can also
read double-byte character languages such as Korean, Japanese and
Chinese.
It also supports the password input window so that if you know the
correct password of an encrypted PDF document, you can always open that
encrypted PDF document with ease. You can also lock the default
auto-rotation function provided by The iPhone and iPod touch to prevent
unnecessary oscillation of your PDF document while viewing it. PDF-Pro
also supports other standard PDF reader features such as creating and
editing folders, bookmarks and zoom in/zoom out functions.
ePapyrus continues to add new products to its lineup for the
worldwide market and "PDF-Pro for iPhone & iPod touch" is the
latest addition. Currently there are only about 30 other mobile PDF
readers in The Apple App Store, however The ePapyrus PDF-Pro reader
provides some of the best functionality.
Mr. Jeong Kim, CEO of award-winning ePapyrus Inc. adds, "We are very
excited to launch a top quality mobile PDF reader for The iPhone and
iPod touch, based on our cutting edge PDF technology that has been
proven in the worldwide market. We will do our best to continue to
upgrade our PDF-Pro mobile reader to exceed the high expectations of
all iPod touch and iPhone users."
PDF-Pro can be downloaded directly through iTunes and the price is
$4.99.
Link: PDF-Pro for iPhone & iPod
touch
Total Baby 'Even More Total' Version 1.2
PR: ANDESigned releases version 1.2 of Total Baby for iPhone
and iPod touch. In addition to the new Backup/Restore/Transfer feature
previously released, which ensures your important data is safe and
sound or lets you move your data from one iPhone to another; Version
1.2 adds an array of new updates that continues to make Total Baby the
"Must-have high-tech accessory for Parents." Version 1.2 adds: Solids
support: Quickly add solids by selecting multiple items from a list of
55 built in solids that dynamically change based on the age of your
child. Time/Date editing by Duration: In addition to changing the start
or end date of a timed event, you can now simply choose the duration to
make manual entry and editing a snap. Change Active Timers: You can now
change the start time of an active timer to adjust for life's
uncertainties.
Total Baby will help you log and time all aspects of your child's
care through a smart and sleek interface that makes tracking easy and
fun. Inspired by my own family, I built this application from the
ground up to support multiple children (especially twins) with
"unmatched features on any computing platform." Total Baby combines 12
separate timing and tracking functions into a single complete solution.
Total Baby will help answer important questions, such as "How old was
my child when they had their DTaP shot?" and "When was the baby's last
feeding or doctor visit?"
Feature Highlights: Main Screen Complete summary of your child's day
grouped by time (Early Morning, Morning, Afternoon, and Evening) The
amount of time since the last timed start or end date (selectable via
preference setting) for each event Your child's current age, days until
their next birthday, and their most recent photo Edit or Delete any
entry without leaving the main screen Change the start time of an
active timer Jump to any date or tap the "Export Data" button to:
Export your data via Email; Use the Backup/Restore functionality to
backup all your data for safe keeping, and/or transfer this data to
another iPhone using local WiFi and your computer's browser.
Timers (All timers will automatically stop in case you get too busy
to remember to turn it off) Diapers Feeding (Nursing/Bottles/Solids -
fluid and solid selection dynamically changes based on the child's age)
Sleeping Bath Time Other (Create your own timer or single events like
Medicine or Temperature) Entries (The baby's age is shown for every
entry) Diary and Milestones (Add photos with the built in camera or use
previously saved photos) Doctor Visits (Grouped by Past and Future
Appointments) Growth (Show Percentages of change for Weight, Length,
and Head Circumference) Vaccines (Preloaded with vaccine description
and information) Total Baby includes 129 built in descriptions and
timer events to get you started, these are fully customizable and you
are able to create your own.
All Entries have a note and title field and all Timers have a note
and fast description picker to quickly add repetitive information such
as where your baby slept or how you held the baby during nursing.
Support for 6 children with an innovative dual timer display which
automatically detects twins or multiples (via a preference
setting).
Promotion of proper alternate side nursing with both visual cues
(safety pins) and automatic Start (alternate) side functionality.
Automatic conversion between all Units: Bottle: mL & oz Weight:
kg, lb, & lb + oz Length: cm, in, & ft + in Export data via
email, in a simple and easy to read table grouped by day.
Backup/Restore/Transfer over local WiFi with a computer browser. Use
this feature to restore the backup to the same iPhone or transfer from
one iPhone to another.
Ability to enter in the Expected Due Date of your child so you can
start using Total Baby before your little one enters the world. Total
Baby will show the amount of days left till the baby is born.
Minimum Requirements: iPhone and iPod touch 2.2 or later
Total Baby for iPhone and iPod touch is $4.99 and available
exclusively through Apple App Store.
Link: Total Baby for
iPhone and iPod touch
Vonage App Approved for iTunes App Store
PR: Vonage has announced that Apple approved its mobile
application for iPhone and iPod touch. Vonage is currently conducting a
beta test and general availability will be announced at a later
date.
This new service, along with the recent launch of the Vonage World
unlimited calling plan, continues Vonage's heritage of using innovative
technology to create significant value for its current and future
customers.
Link: Vonage
AdHouse Books First to Preview Comic Book Series
Through Comics by comiXology
PR: AdHouse Books will be pre-releasing the first "issue" of
FCHS, a comic book series described as "Archie meets 90210," through
the Comics by comiXology app for iPhone and iPod touch during the
Diamond pre-ordering period. FCHS is available today for Comics by
comiXology, while the print edition will hit retail stores in
November.
For the first time, a comic
book publisher will be offering a free digital preview of its
soon-to-be-released graphic novel through the Comics by comiXology app
for iPhone and iPod touch devices. AdHouse Books will be pre-releasing
the first "issue" of FCHS, a comic book series described as "Archie
meets 90210," through the Comics by comiXology app during the Diamond
pre-ordering period, and the Diamond pre-order number will be prominent
in the app. Comics by comiXology's retailer locator will enable
customers to contact local retailers from within the app itself to
order the comic.
"We enjoy our close relationships with indie publishers, and believe
our Comics by comiXology app is the ideal way for them to increase the
exposure to their titles that may otherwise not receive the attention
they deserve, while increasing sales of the print editions once they
become available," said David Steinberger, CEO of Iconology, creator of
the Comics by comiXology app.
FCHS is available today for Comics by comiXology, while the print
edition will hit retail stores in November.
"I'm very excited for this opportunity," said FCHS co-creator, Vito
Delsante. "A lot of folks didn't get to see the Free Comic Book Day
comic, and this is a perfect opportunity for those folks to not only
read that, but 12 extra pages from the first chapter!"
"I welcome the opportunity to work with comiXology in a new way to
spread the advance word about our upcoming Fall release of FCHS," says
Chris Pitzer, publisher of AdHouse Books. "I think it is a win for
everyone involved from the creators, to the publisher, to the
distributor, to the retailer and ultimately, to the comic reader."
The Comics by comiXology App is available, including over 30 free
comics, for 99¢ from the App Store. Retailers can pre-order FCHS
via Diamond Order Code: SEP09 0568
Link: iconology
Palm Pre: The Missing Manual
PR: Answers to Your Questions about the Year's Hottest New
Smartphone
If you've got your hands on this year's hottest new smartphone,
you'll want the book that covers it inside and out: Palm Pre: The
Missing Manual (O'Reilly Media, $24.99). This beautiful, full-color
book from USA Today personal-technology columnist Ed Baig will help you
go from newcomer to expert in no time.
The maker of the legendary Palm Pilot is back on center stage with a
smartphone that lets you browse the Web, listen to music, watch video,
view pictures, and a lot more. Where the phone really excels is as a
heavy-duty mobile computer. Like "iPhone: The Missing Manual,
this book features the clarity, wit, and in-depth coverage that's made
bestsellers of so many titles in this series. Palm Pre: The Missing
Manual provides you with everything you need to know to get the
most out of this amazing mobile tool.
This book will show you all the things you need to know:
- Your Programs, All in One Place. Say hello to a phone that
multitasks as well as you do: Browse the Web, read and answer email,
schedule appointments, and take pictures as fast as your fingers can
fly.
- Navigation, Finger-style. Master the Pre's finger gestures and
learn how its application "cards" let you flick between programs.
- The Web, Always On. IM with friends, read emails the moment they
arrive, and watch web pages update on the fly (latest sports scores,
anyone?).
- Your Life, Integrated. Say good-bye to flipping between work and
home calendars, emails, and contacts. The Pre weaves all this info
together in real time. Learn how to get the most out of this
timesaving-and life-changing-feature.
Ed Baig writes the weekly Personal Tech column in USA Today's Money
section (and at usatoday.com). He's also cohost of the paper's Talking
Tech podcast and the author of the latest edition of Macs For
Dummies.
-
Palm Pre: The Missing Manual
- Ed Baig
- ISBN 10: 9780596803704,
- 287 pages
- Book Price: $24.99,
- Ebook Price: $19.99
- order@oreilly.com
- 1-800-998-9938
- 1-707-827-7000
- Book
currently available from Amazon.com for $16.49
Accessories
USB Fever 3-in-1 External Battery with Dual SIM
Function for iPhone 3G/3GS
PR: This is a very innovative design, it gives your a Dual
SIM for your iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS as well as a battery with an internal
USB Cable with controller for Pure Charging or Charge + HotSync for
your iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS.
With this External battery, you are no longer to hassle with your
network problems when you are traveling from one country to another
country.
Features:
- One iPhone (3G/3G s) with 2 SIM Cards (see note below)
- No need to cut your SIM CARD
- STK Menu (see installations below)
- Portable power pack (Enough Power to hold your iPhone for days
while you are traveling)
- Access to all ports of your iPhone 3G/3GS
- As a protective case to your iPhone 3G/3GS (made with same material
used in iPhone 3G)
- Perfect integration, almost no seams, no longer bulky
- To Sync with your PC/Mac even when the battery is on
- No need to take off the battery even you need to Sync your iPhone
3G/3GS
- To control when to have Data HotSync and when to charge
- USB Cable for charging (hidden USB Cable for your data connection
and charging anytime,anywhere, and always with you)
- LED Power Indicator
Specifications:
- Input Voltage: DC 5V, 500mA
- Output Voltage DC5V
- Output Current 700mA
- Battery Voltage/Capacity 3.7V/1900mAh
- Product Size: 128x66x20mm approximately
This accessory is compatible with:
(If you don't want it to select SIM card for you when the signal is
low, please don't select "auto/SW)
Note once you've chosen to another SIM card, it will have a message
"No SIM Card installed", please wait 1 or 2 minutes, it needs around 1
~ 2 minutes to search, during this time, "No SIM" will appear in the
top right of your iPhone's screen.
Note:
- When the battery is with the case, the LED will be always on
(blue). When the battery is being charging, it will be in Red.
- For sync with PC/charge with PC/Mac, please turn the Charge Button
to "OFF"
- This devices does NOT support Dual STANDBY Mode but you can switch
between them.
- Due to complexity of network compatibility, we cannot 100%
guarantee its compatibility with your network, we can only guarantee
the compatibility of the battery part, but if you have problems of
compatibility, we will try our best to help you.
- This battery is more or less same as another product that we have,
just that it does NOT have Dual SIM Function.
US$59.99
Link: USB
Fever 3-in-1 External Battery with Dual SIM Function for iPhone
3G/3GS
Surge Solar
Charging Case for iPod touch
PR: With Novothink's hybrid solar charger case, you can now
power up your iPod literally anywhere under the sun. Our solar panel
technology enables you to be part of the solar energy solution.
Hybrid solar charger for iPod touch
Harness power directly from the sun while carrying your iPod touch.
This sleek, smartly designed hybrid solar charger is designed for the
iPod touch user on the go.
- Power up while walking, running, hiking, or biking
- State-of-the-art solar panel technology allows your iPod touch to
power up with the power of the sun
- Power up while on the beach, camping, or traveling anywhere
- Comfortable, ergonomic design with a soft touch, non-slip
finish
- Durable, yet lightweight and slim design
- LED status light indicators
- Full access to touch screen
- Clean, green energy source
USB connection so you can
charge or sync with iTunes without ever having to take your iPod touch
out of the case- Novocord included to hang the Surge from your wrist, belt, backpack
and more
- Built-in Apple certified 30 pin connector
Solar Panel
- State-of-the-art solar panel allows continuous charging from the
sun
- Custom designed and engineered solar panels outputs 5.5V at 100 mAh
in full sun
Battery
- Integrated rechargeable 1500 mAh 3.7 V lithium-ion polymer battery
offers 120% capacity of iPod touch
- Advanced lithium-ion polymer battery cell technology prevents
overcharging and provides protection from extreme temperature
USB
- Custom engineered USB 2.0 cable provides high capacity charging and
data exchange
- Powerup and sync with iTunes without removing iPod touch from case
with the provided USB cable
- Compatible with standard USB charging ports
General
- Optimized power management system provides continuous charge to
iPod touch's internal battery
- Durable, lightweight hard-shell construction with soft-touch grip
side sections
- Integrated 4 LED battery status indicator
- Built-in Apple certified 30 pin connector
- Compatibility: 2G iPod touch
How does solar power work?
Solar energy is a well tested power source that is already being
used around the world for numerous commercial, industrial, government
and domestic applications. It is powering water pumps in African
villages, weather stations in the Antarctic and satellites in
space!
It works by transforming the energy from the sun into a reusable
form of electricity, a process known as Photovoltaic (or PV for short).
Your solar panel acts as a collecting tray, helping you catch the sun's
rays. The bigger the panel, the more energy you can collect. The energy
collected is stored for your future use in a battery.
Sometimes you collect more energy than you actually need so with
larger panels a voltage regulator should be fitted to control the flow
of energy and prevent battery damage.
Clean and green, solar power is a renewable, sustainable and
nonpolluting source of energy. It is easy to see the appeal of solar
power for domestic use. Low maintenance and long lasting, it is a
highly cost-effective and reliable energy supply.
The Surge features an internal battery which your iPod touch draws
on when needed. The integrated solar panel will charge the internal
battery, provided sufficient light is available. For times when
adequate light is not available or when you just need a quicker charge,
the USB port offers a fallback option.
What exactly does the Surge do? How does it work?
The Surge uses a solar panel to collect sunlight, which it turns
into electricity. If your iPod touch is not fully charged, it transfers
the charge to your iPod touch. When your iPod touch is fully charged
(or when it is not inserted), the Surge transfers the charge to its
internal battery. The charge from this reserve battery will transfer to
your iPod touch's battery as necessary.
What are the four (4) LEDs for?
The built-in LED lights let you know whether you have sufficient
light source for solar charging and approximately how much charge level
remains in your charger. Please note that percentages indicated below
are approximate and that fewer LED lights will light up when the iPod
touch is inserted into the charger.
The first button will light up RED anytime the charger is exposed to
sufficient light and is solar charging your Surge.
By pressing the button next to the LED lights, you may get the
following light combinations:
- Indicates that your Surge is charging by Sunlight or USB
cable.
- Charge level is about 25% and light source is too dim or not
available. USB charging is recommended.
- Charge level is about 50% and light source is too dim or not
available.
- Charge level is about 75% and the light source is too dim or not
available.
- The Surge is fully charged.
Please note: You will only see this light combination when the iPod
is not inserted in the Surge. When you insert your iPod into the fully
charged Surge, only three bars will light up as the Surge gives power
back to your iPod.
To see the charge on your iPod touch battery, refer to your iPod
touch.
How can I charge my iPod touch?
You can charge your iPod touch by allowing the sun to do the work or
you can use the included USB cord to hook the Surge up to your
computer. You never need to remove your iPod touch from the case to
charge it!
The lines on my solar panel are unevenly spaced. Is it
defective?
No, your solar panel is not defective, nor is it less efficient.
Unevenly spaced lines on the solar panel are a common occurrence and
don't affect efficiency in any way.
Can you give me an idea about how long I need to keep the Surge
in the sun to be able to continue using my iPod touch?
Certainly! Check out our Solar Planner to get an estimate of how
long you would need to keep your Surge in sunlight to keep it charged
over a number of days. This doesn't take into account charging via
USB.
Can I use the Surge with my first generation iPod touch?
No, the Surge is designed for the size, contour, and hardware of the
second generation iPod touch.
Can I sync with iTunes without removing my iPod touch from the
case?
Absolutely!
Is it easy to remove my iPod touch from the Surge?
Simple! Place your thumbs (please refer to the illustrations to the
left) on the lower section of your iPod touch and gently push forward
to remove it from the Solar Charger case.
The solar panel on my Surge is becoming scratched. Is this
normal?
Yes, scratches will accrue over time but won't affect solar charging
functions. We recommend that if you need to dust off or clean your
solar panel, that you use a soft cotton cloth, lightly dampened with
water.
What makes the Surge a smart solar charging device?
Our smart solar charger automatically charges your iPod touch
whenever it needs "juice" and there is sufficient power reserved in our
charger. You do not need to think about it, and there are no switches
to worry about: just insert your iPod touch, and our charger will know
when to start and stop charging to maximize running of your iPod touch.
Our smart solar charger has also a built-in thermal sensor, which will
stop charging to prevent your iPod touch and your charger from
overheating. Of course, use your common sense and don't leave your iPod
touch on a dashboard in extremely hot weather as this could damage your
iPod touch and even the charger, although our charger withstands higher
temperatures than the iPod touch.
Link: Surge for iPod touch
Protection
Sena Apple iPhone 3G/3GS Leatherskin Case
Test Freaks'
Tomas Ratas has posted a review of the SenaLeather20 iPhone case,
noting:
"Today we will be looking at the first of two cases sent to us by
Sena who are known for their leather cases for mobile devices such as
Palms, Blackberries and of course iPhones. After reviewing a slew of
plastic and silicon cases it is nice to wrap my iPhone in a quality
leather case.
"First up for review is the Apple iPhone 3G/3GS Leatherskin Case. It
is designed to be form fitting while protecting the iPhone from
scratches. Composed of European Napa leather it will last for a long
time while keeping its appearance.
"The Apple iPhone 3G/3GS Leatherskin Case comes in a burgundy red
box with the Sena logo [and] in fourteen colors/variations. They offer
three 'croc' style offers in black, red and tan. We received the Croco
Tan style."
Link:
Sena Apple iPhone 3G/3GS Leatherskin Case
Marware MicroShell for iPhone 3G/3GS
PR: Marware Inc., designer and manufacturer of innovative
products for the Apple market, today announced the MicroShell for the
iPhone 3G/3GS is now shipping. The MicroShell provides protection
without adding any bulk to the iPhone. This sleek, ultra-slim half
shell case is perfect for protecting the iPhone in a pocket, purse or
bag.
The MicroShell works as an additional layer of sturdy
protection when used in conjunction with most fabric style carrying
solutions, like the Marware CEO Premiere. The MicroShell is available
in six eye-catching colors and a clear version. The colors include
black, red, blue, pink, white and silver. The MicroShell also comes
with Marware's Lifetime Warranty.
Features:
- Metallic look with rubberized finish (Color versions only)
- Ultra-thin - less than 1mm
- Half shell design provides minimalist approach to rear and side
protection
- Includes: Hard-shell case, clear screen protector, cleaning cloth
and Marware's Lifetime Warranty
The MicroShell is available black, clear, red, blue, pink, white and
silver. It retails for $29.99 and is now shipping. Please visit
www.marware.com for more information on the MicroShell and other Apple
accessories. Marware is a leading provider of software and accessory
solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, and Notebooks.
Link:
Marware MicroShell for iPhone 3G/3GS
iPhone CAZE Swarovski Crystal Cases for iPhone
3G/3GS
PR: iPhone CAZE today
announced Swarovski crystal cases, a premium version of its Mirror Go
and Love Pair for iPhone 3G and 3GS. Mirror Go and Love Pair are the
flagship products of iPhone CAZE, featuring a shinny Mirror-liked
surface and a matte surface. Its Premium version adds more than 40
Swarovski crystals around the Apple logo of the case. Combined with the
Free Swarovski Apple logo, the Premium versions will give a shine and
uniqueness to your iPhone 3G/3GS.
Other than Swarovski series, CAZE
also offers other stylish iphone cases such as Silver Tone of its
metallic series, D Strip and Slim Fit. iPhone CAZE designs and
manufactures high quality, fashionable and unique iPhone cases for
iPhone 3G/3GS in a wide assortment of styles and colors. The materials
that they used for making the cases including leather, metallic,
fabric, silicone and Swarovski crystal.
Customers who buy any case from iphoneCAZE will get the following
gifts for free:
- An extra iPhone case (value $20 or above) or a Swarovski Crystal
Apple logo (value $20).
- A free Mirror Screen Protector (value $12.99)
- A Mircofiber Cleaning Cloth (value $2)
The value of all these gifts worth $35. All the cases are examined
carefully and packed in a gift box for shipment. Products will be
shipped within 24 hours during weekday. Free shipment and online order
tracking are available. 30 Days Money Back Guarantee is provided.
Link: iPhone CAZE
Swarovski Crystal Cases for iPhone 3G/3GS
iPhone CAZE Swarovski Apple Logo
PR: This elegant Swarovski Apple logo adds a touch of glamour
and sparkle to your iPhone 3G/3GS (also available for MacBook at
US$99). Want to bling your iPhone without a Swarovski crystal iPhone
case? This is your choice.
Product
Features
- Self-adhesive
- Available for iPhone 3G/3GS and MacBook (US$99)
- Finest high quality crystal Made in Austria
- Features more than 35 Swarovski crystal beads
What's Unique
- Handmade and unique in the market.
Buy now and get this for FREE:
- Clear logo protector film
- Additional 5 crystal beads
$19.90
Link: iPhone CAZE Swarovski Apple
Logo
