Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review, and general Mac
news is in Mac News Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apps & Services
Accessories
Protection
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
Why the iPhone Makes You Feel Smarter
ZD Net's Andrew Nusca says:
"Manufacturers build an awful lot of complexity into their gadgets,
but very few of them take pains to hide it - leaving users confused,
bewildered and angry
"MAYA Design's Mickey McManus says products should be so intuitive
that a customer feels silly explaining to another how it works.
"And by silly, I mean smug - as in, 'Isn't it obvious?'
"That's why the Apple iPhone is so popular . . . it appears so
obvious to use that you feel a little smug using it."
Link: Users Should Be Smug,
and Why the Apple iPhone Makes You Feel Smarter
Are iPhone Users Insufferable Geeks?
The Maine Campus correspondent (and iPhone owner) Andrew Catalina
says:
"In terms of significant cultural landmarks, the iPhone has drawn
more devotion than 'Seinfeld,' the 2004 Red Sox and tribal tattoos
combined. The only recent trend that has held the attention of
screaming preteens for as long has been 'Twilight,' and they were all
using iPhones to tweet about it. Steve Jobs and company have stirred up
a religious fervor the likes of which haven't been known since, well,
the publication of the Bible. The techno-worship has got to
stop....
"In the end, what separates iPhone users from others is a pervasive
sense of smug superiority. When someone has an iPhone, you will know
it; they will ask you if you'd like to see their phone's newest trick,
latest app or simply bask in its splendor. What is forgotten is the
iPhone is just the bastard child of a cell phone and laptop, and it
doesn't necessarily excel at either role. The next time you encounter
an insufferable iPhone user, remind them they could have spent just as
much money on an inexpensive cell phone and just about any netbook and
doubled their versatility. Mention Linux for bonus points and watch
their smiles fade into thinly-veiled contempt."
Link:
iPhone Users Are Insufferable Geeks
Macworld's Updated iPod Buying Guide
Macworld's Christopher Breen says:
"In September, Apple performed the now-yearly ritual of updating its
iPod lineup in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. Why? Apple
sold 22.7 million iPods in the previous holiday quarter, compared with
21.2 million iPods in the two quarters that followed - combined. In
other words, now's the time that people love to buy Apple's digital
music players.
"Are your loved ones starting to leave magazine ads, scissor-clipped
photos, and crayon-scrawled images of this year's crop of iPods in
obvious places around the house? Are you looking to join the fun or
upgrade your older iPod? If so, we're here to help you sort out which
iPod is the right one for you or that special holiday someone."
Link:
iPod Buying Guide
When Is an iPhone Better Than a DSLR?
Macworld's Heather Kelly says:
"Chase Jarvis has a lot of very expensive camera equipment, his own
photo studio, and years of experience as a professional advertising
photographer. His current camera of choice? An iPhone.
"...Chase [is] one of the most vocal proponents of camera phone
photography. He has developed a brand that includes an active online
community, a book of his iPhone photos, and a photography app, all
based on the idea that the best camera is the one that's with you. The
iPhone's low-tech camera excels at capturing fleeting and random
moments, just by virtue of being the camera you're most likely to have
in your pocket, bag, or hand....
"The popularity of iPhone photography may have started with
convenience, but it's been amplified by the diverse collection of
editing, filter, and special effect photography apps available in the
App Store...."
Link:
When Is an iPhone Better Than a DSLR?
Fixing an iPod touch (or iPhone) in a Different
Language
MacFixIt's Joe Aimonetti says:
"Occasionally users may find that their iPod touch or iPhone has
been set to a language they do not understand. Here is a visual guide
to reset the language to English.
"To reset your iPod touch or iPhone to English language:
"On your iPod touch or iPhone, find the image of the gears to launch
Settings...."
Link: Help, My iPod
touch (or iPhone) Is in a Different Language!
DIY Cell Phone Corset Tutorial
Urban
Threads' Karline says that she treated herself to a new smartphone, but
felt a little uncomfortable just tossing her shiny new toy in her
purse, "or leaving it out for vicious bunnies to chomp on."
"It needs a little sleeve or something," she thought. "Lined with
microfiber, like the little cloth for cleaning the screen, to properly
pamper and protect it. And a suitably sexy exterior.
"Sexy? Well, that could be arranged...."
Posted are illustrated instructions for making your own phone
corset.
Link: Cell Phone Corset
Apps & Services
iCarol 2.0: Send Virtual Carols to Your
Friends
PR: Portable Arts popular iCarol application now lets users
send virtual Christmas carols to other iCarol users or to friends
through email. Each iCarol contains high quality music, and provides
lyrics (in case you want to sing along). Holiday images flash in the
background, and users can also set up their virtual Yule log while the
music plays.
In addition to sending virtual carols, users can turn off the music
and use iCarol as a source for lyrics, or turn off the lyrics and
simply use iCarol to play the music during the holidays. Users have a
choice of over 20 high quality recordings including; Jingle Bells, We
Wish You A Merry Christmas, Deck The Halls, Angels We Have Heard On
High, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies, Silent Night, The Wassail Song,
Joy To The World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Christmas Tree, The
12 Days Of Christmas, and many more.
Features:
- Over 20 High Quality Recordings
- Ability to send virtual Carols through email and to other iCarol
users
- Lyrics
- Holiday Slideshow
- Virtual Yule Log
Requirements:
- iPhone/iPod touch
- iPhone OS 3.1 or later
iCarol 2.0 is 99¢ and available exclusively through the App
Store in the Music category. Members of the press wishing to review
iCarol may contact Portable Arts for a complimentary promo code.
Link: iCarol
iPhone Apps Runs Background Check on Your Date
Network World's Brad Reed reports:
"In a move that is sure to make playboys everywhere nervous,
Internet company PeopleFinders has created two iPhone applications that
let users perform background checks on their potential dates."
Link: iPhone Apps Run
Background Checks on Your Date
DriveSafe.ly Stops Potential Texting While
Driving
PR: DriveSafe.ly, the free mobile app aiming to stop
distracted driving, launched seven weeks ago and has been used by over
one million people. The app is reading millions of text messages (SMS)
aloud per week to drivers around the world - keeping their eyes on the
road.
"If your
software (DriveSafe.ly) had been available in 2007, maybe my husband,
Chuck would still be here with me, and the texter would have made his
ice hockey practice," says Weida Stoecker* about DriveSafe.ly. Stoecker
lost her husband in a car accident caused by a teenager texting while
driving. She continues, "I think our phone manufacturers and providers
should require that DriveSafe.ly be preprogrammed on to all new phones
effective immediately."
DriveSafe.ly, which was just nominated for the prestigious 2009
Mashable Open Web Award for Best Mobile App, reads text messages and
emails in real-time without any action from the user. The latest
version features a 'Speed Activated' feature which turns the app on
automatically when driving and off when exiting the vehicle, making it
truly handsfree and easy for drivers.
"DriveSafe.ly is taking off because people want to stay connected
while they drive, and do it in a safe way" says Heath Ahrens, CEO of
iSpeech and creator of DriveSafe.ly. "I recommend that everyone install
DriveSafe.ly, not because I work for the company behind it, but because
I actually use it and it stops texting while driving."
The unprecedented DriveSafe.ly app reads text messages and emails
aloud in real-time and automatically responds without users touching
their mobile phone. Developed by iSpeech.org founder, Heath Ahrens,
DriveSafe.ly utilizes iSpeech.org text to speech software as a service
(SaaS) in hopes of eliminating the danger created by the growing number
of Americans who text while they drive.
*Weida Stoecker is a well respected spokesperson against texting
while driving, speaking for the AAA Safety Foundation on the Today
Show, Maryland Transportation Dept., Maryland Highway Safety
Foundation, and Stevenson University. Since her husband's untimely
death caused by a texting teen driver, she has put much of her time and
energy in successfully advocating Maryland lawmakers to ban texting
while driving. Weida holds her masters degree in elementary education
from George Washington University and pursued a 30 year career in
education, teaching special ed in the Baltimore area.
Link: DriveSafe.ly
Builder Pro 1.0 for iPhone/iPod touch
PR: MultiEducator today introduces Builder Pro 1.0, their new
builder's calculation, formulation and reference tool for iPhone and
iPod touch. Builder Pro is the perfect tool for any builder. It allows
a builder to both do any calculations he needs or look up any code
information right on his or her iPhone or iPod touch.
Builder Pro combines the formulas from our basic Builder program and
adds the first Six Chapters of the International Building Code- which
have been adopted by most states in the US, as well as many places
worldwide. Over the coming months the program will be expanded to
include the whole code. Also included is a special section of charts
from the code AND the American for Disabilities Act Codes and Drawings.
Further, Builder Pro includes the complete HVAC Pro, with HVAC
formulas, as well as the full International Mechanical Code.
Our Electrical Pro application is also included in Builder Pro,
which currently contains parts of the National Electric Code (in the
future the code will be completed.) The program also includes the
Carpentry and Plumbing programs that in the future will include the
International Plumbing and Fire Codes. When all of the codes are all
completed, the price of Builder Pro will go up- and all current users
will receive free upgrades.
Formulas in the Electrical Section calculate kilowatts, horsepower,
efficiency, power factor, watts, amps, current, power, resistance, and
voltage. This section contains formulas to calculate total resistance,
capacitance, voltage drops, and transformer calculations.
The Carpentry Section contains formulas that calculate the number of
joists and studs required on a job. Architects Formulator aids users to
calculate the load on headers or the cost of hardwood flooring. There
are even formulas to calculate the loads on walls and loads on
beams.
The formulas in the Plumbing section calculate areas of pipe walls
and the weights of different pipes. Builder's Formulator is able to
calculate the final temperature when two bodies of water are mixed. In
this section, there are also formulas to calculate the expansion of
pipes, radiant heat and heat loss cooling requirements, head loss and
fresh air in room requirements.
Feature Highlights include:
- Concrete and Excavations: Calculate excavation or filling soil,
amount of concrete required and number bricks required, concrete and
steel design, parking area and sidewalk design and swimming pool
design.
- Electrical: Calculate kilowatts, horsepower, efficiency,
generators, motors, transformers, power factor, watts, amps, current,
power, resistance, and voltage drop.
- Carpentry: Calculate number of joists and studs required, as well
as calculate the loads on walls and loads on beams
- Plumbing: Calculate areas of pipe walls and the weights of
different pipes, final temperature when two bodies of water are mixed,
expansion of pipes, radiant heat and heat loss cooling requirements,
head loss and fresh air in room requirements.
- HVAC: Calculates Air Change, Airside, Boilers, Ductwork, Energy
Values, Heating Design, Heating Requirements, Humidity, Loads, Piping,
Refrigeration, Steam, Temperature, Waterside Systems
The program will eventually include the complete International
Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Energy
Code, Fire and Elevator Code.
Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 2.1 or later
Builder Professional 1.0 for iPhone is $17.99 and available
exclusively through Apple's App Store. The program will be updated
monthly to include additional content, as outlined above.
Link: Builder
Pro
New Day-Timer Calendar/Productivity iPhone
Apps
PR: Day-Timer, Inc., a familiar name in
personal productivity and organization, has introduced two mobile
calendar/productivity apps for use on the Apple iPhone and Apple iPod
touch: Movers & Shakers and Pink Ribbon Planner.
These stand-alone organization apps combine the most reliable
components of calendar/time/task management with colorful, inventive
electronic interfaces that help the user manage their time and tasks on
a daily and monthly basis. Day-Timer's Movers & Shakers and Pink
Ribbon Planner apps are available for an introductory download price of
$2.99 until December 12 from Apple's iTunes store.
Both of these unique productivity tools offers intuitive,
easy-to-use features and functions. Taking full advantage of the
iPhone's unique tactile features, they put a fresh spin on time and
task management with features such as:
- Five color-coded Customizable Tags to categorize calendars and task
lists. The user may view all entries at once or filter by
category.
- An integrated Task List on both Month and Day views that displays
appointments and tasks side by side.
- Color-coded Appointments by category; blocked out as "busy"
times
- Customizable "Out-of-App" Reminder Alerts for appointments and
tasks
- Tasks and appointments can be e-mailed directly to contacts stored
in the phone
- Customizable Settings: Daily start time and 12 or 24 hour
clock
- A simple, Shake-toggle Interface between Month and Day views
- Task-Counter Icon that displays the number of tasks due today on
the main app screen
Both of these innovative calendaring/task management apps are aimed
at a wide range of consumers who are attracted to the iPhone's user
experience and innate capabilities.
"Movers & Shakers" has a colorful graphics treatment that
appeals to both men and women. The "Pink Ribbon Planner" app appeals
largely to female consumers with a strong social conscience. Day-Timer
honors the quest for breast cancer awareness and research by donating
5% of the purchase price of Pink Ribbon Planner to The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation.
Building on the strength of the well-known Day-Timer brand, General
Manager Martha Curren states, "Responding to today's mobile consumer,
our task management/ appointment scheduling apps help them manage their
busy lives on the go. Both apps incorporate eye-catching colors and
graphics, easy-to-use scroll and data entry capabilities, and intuitive
and user-friendly system features. "
"We believe that the apps we have developed for the iPhone and iPod
touch platforms will appeal to today's tech-savvy consumer who has
wholeheartedly embraced today's mobile, electronics-based life and
workstyles. And anyone can use them: small business owners, families,
young professionals, or anyone who juggles multiple tasks on a daily
basis. "
Day-Timer's Movers & Shakers and Pink Ribbon Planner apps are
available for an introductory download price of $2.99 until December 12
from Apple's iTunes store.
Link: Day-Timer iPhone Apps
New Version of TomTom App for iPhone and iPod
touch
PR: Advanced Lane Guidance, text-to-speech and the "Help
menu" featured in the latest version, now available on the App Store
~
TomTom announces that the latest version of the TomTom app for
iPhone and iPod touch (version 1.2) can be purchased on the App Store
starting today. The new version of the software will be made available
for free to existing TomTom app for iPhone customers.
This new version, now also compatible with the iPod touch, includes
additional advanced features that TomTom fans around the world have
come to appreciate. TomTom car kit for iPod touch which will be
available shortly in the United States.
Features include:
- Advanced Lane Guidance giving drivers extra clarity when navigating
difficult junctions. For the first time this is available in both
landscape and portrait mode.
- Text-to-speech helping users to keep their eyes on the road by
enabling street names and places to be read aloud as part of the spoken
instructions.
- "Help menu" providing direct access to emergency numbers and
directions to the nearest emergency providers.
- Updated maps of the US and Canada with the latest Tele Atlas
maps.
- iPod player control ensuring drivers can conveniently control their
music from within the application.
- Compatibility with the iPod touch* and the original iPhone**
"Our latest update adds the most highly anticipated advanced
features to the TomTom app. These major enhancements and new features
will be a great complement to its easy-to-use and intuitive interface,
turn-by-turn spoken navigation and unique routing technology," said
Benoit Simeray, TomTom's senior vice president, onboard mobile. "We're
also pleased to be able to offer this major update to existing TomTom
app for iPhone customers for free."
Apple has made continental and regional versions of the TomTom app
for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, original iPhone and iPod touch users. The
TomTom app for iPhone and iPod touch including maps of the US and
Canada is available for $99.99.
*via the new TomTom car kit for iPod touch which will be available
shortly in the United States
**via the TomTom car kit for iPhone (available since October
2009)
Link: TomTom
Balloons! for iPhone Takes Off
PR: Balloons!, the new iPhone app that lets you launch
virtual helium balloons and track their progress around the world, has
seen more than 20,000 launches within its' first 10 days. People in 50
countries in 6 continents have been sending and catching balloons with
special messages and photos attached. Each Balloon experiences its own
unique voyage - the North of England to Rwanda via London and Kuwait
for example. - linking people as it goes in a fascinating experiment in
social networking. Already, by using Twitter, people are keeping in
touch with others they've met through a chance balloon encounter.
How Balloons! Works:
Users choose a balloon, attach a photo and message to it, then
launch it into the sky. It then drifts around the world to be caught by
others with the Balloons! app. They add their own photo and message and
send it on its way again. Where will it go? Who will it meet? How far
will it travel?
The Balloon tracker allows users to see the progress of their
balloons as they travel around the world. It allows them to read the
tags of the people who have caught a balloon and see how far it manages
to get.
Users can also scan the skies and catch the balloons of others,
adding their own photo and message before sending it on its journey. By
labeling balloons with twitter ids, they can get in touch with each
other after their chance balloon encounter! Balloons! - the fun,
environmentally friendly alternative to a real helium balloon
launch.
What The Reviews Say:
"With over 100,000 apps in the app store, it's getting harder and
harder to find something new; Balloons! is something I haven't seen
before, and it's really very clever." - TUAW
"Balloons reminds me of the message-in-a-bottle feeling of the early
days of the Internet - 'Hey, who else is out there?'" -
DownloadSquad
"This is a great idea, and bound to go down very well with your
kids." - Cult of Mac
"Balloons! is a fascinating concept that is executed well. It's fun,
easy to pick-up-and-play, and draws a bridge between the traditional
idea of a physical balloon experiment and virtual social networking.
8/10" - AppStorm
Feature Highlights:
Launching Balloons -
- Choose from a range of colorful balloons
- Write your name on the balloons' virtual tag (use your twitter id
if you want people to contact you!)
- Then take a photo and write a message
- Launch the balloon into the air and watch it fly away
- Launch location is recorded using iPhone's GPS capabilities
Tracking Balloons -
- Track the progress of your balloon around the world
- See the photos and messages of others who find your balloon
- If you like what you read then why not use twitter to get in
touch?!
Catching Balloons -
- Scan the sky for balloons flying past your location
- Pick one from the sky at random
- Read the tag(s) attached to the balloon
- Add your own tag and release the balloon back into the sky
Device Requirements:
- Any iPhone running OS 3.0 or above
- Note: Does not run on iPod touch
To celebrate becoming an Apple Staff favourite in the UK, Canada and
several other iTunes app stores around the world, Balloons! is
available for a limited period at 99¢ (Normal price: $2.99). A
free ad supported Lite version is also available from the iTunes App
store. It allows the user the launch and catch balloons but does not
have the balloon tracking capability.
Link: Balloons!
Apple Gives Green Light to Mobile VoIP iPhone App
from Rebtel
PR: Rebtel's iPhone app lets users make calls to anywhere in
the world for just pennies per minute without having to search for a
WiFi hot spot. And free calls are possible between any of the 53
countries where Rebtel is available.
WHO: Rebtel:
WHAT: iPhone app for making ultra-cheap or free international calls;
no WiFi required
WHERE: iTunes App Store
WHEN: Available now
WHY: Rebtel lets iPhone owners make international calls to any
phone, anywhere in the world for just pennies per minute without having
to search for a WiFi hot spot. Free calls are possible between the 53
countries where Rebtel is available.
Using the new Rebtel iPhone app is super easy and fast. Just open
the app, select the phone number of an international friend from your
usual iPhone address book or type in their number, tap the Call with
Rebtel button, and Rebtel takes over from there to connect the call
instantly.
Rebtel is an Internet phone company that makes it possible to use
any phone to call anywhere in the world for just pennies per minute.
Anyone may make a free test call before setting up an account.
Thereafter, customers only pay for the minutes they use. No monthly
fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. Free calls are possible
between the 50 countries served by Rebtel and only one of the two
people on a call must be a Rebtel customer. For more information, or to
start using Rebtel services, go to:
Link: Rebtel on the
iPhone
FantasyLens 2.3 for iPhone and iPod touch
PR: California based Widgetize today announces FantasyLens
2.3, an update to their fun and unique portrait generation app for
iPhone/iPod touch. With innovative features like one-touch automatic
color matching, FantasyLens makes it easy for anyone to create
composite portraits using photos of friends, family alike. Turn anyone
into an astronaut, the Mona Lisa, a gigantic JumboTron ad, a sunflower
and more - all without any prior image editing or Photoshop skills.
Widgetize today announces FantasyLens 2.3, an update to their fun
and unique portrait generation app for iPhone and iPod touch. With
innovative features like one-touch automatic color matching,
FantasyLens makes it easy for anyone to create composite portraits
using photos of friends, family alike. Turn anyone into an astronaut,
the Mona Lisa, a gigantic JumboTron ad on Times Square, a sunflower,
the Statue of Liberty and more - all without any prior image editing or
Photoshop skills.
FantasyLens ships with 39 fun-to-use templates to choose from. To
get started, browse through the photo template gallery and pick one for
the occasion. Next, take a photo with the iPhone's camera (or use a
photo from the iPhone or iPod library). To position the photo so it
aligns properly to the template, tap the hand button, then move the
photo by dragging. Pinch to zoom in or out. The application uses the
accelerometer to perform photo rotations. Just hold the iPhone or iPod
vertically (like taking a picture), tap the rotate button, then rotate
the device.
FantasyLens distinguishes itself from similar apps with its ability
to blend colors and match skin tones automatically, activated by
touching the magic wand button. This feature is a real time saver and
also very fun to watch. For image editing pros who may want greater
control, FantasyLens also offers fast and responsive sliders to
precisely adjust brightness, contrast, color balance, saturation and
hue.
Feature Highlights:
- One-touch automatic color matching
- Fast, responsive manual color sliders
- Fix adjustment mistakes with the Undo and Reset buttons
- 39 fun photo templates to choose from
- Fully self-contained (No WiFi or Internet connectivity
required)
"One of my favorite hobbies, and what Photoshop has come to be best
known for, is making fun composite portraits of famous people, friends
and family. You know, putting someone in a spacesuit or on a gigantic
billboard, for example," said William Kuo, cofounder of Widgetize. "But
using Photoshop to create this type of artwork is not trivial. My goal
for FantasyLens was to capture the essence of what is fun about
photoshopping friends and loved ones, then simplify it so it is
intuitive and accessible to everyone, and aggressively optimize it so
it runs smoothly on the iPhone to produce the best user experience
possible."
Device Requirements: iPhone or iPod touch 2.2 or later
FantasyLens 2.3 is 99¢ and available worldwide exclusively
through the App Store in the Photography category. Users will receive
extra templates in future updates. Promo codes are available upon
request.
Media Assets: http://www.fantasylens.com/media
Link: FantasyLens
Headphone Jack Replacement Service for 3G iPod
touch
PR: Should the headphone jack assembly inside your Apple iPod
touch fail to produce sound or, in rare cases, gets something jammed
inside, head to the iPod Repair website milliamp.com for this exciting
new change-out service.
Headphone Jack Assemblies (the place where you connect your
headphones or earbuds to your iPod touch) for Apple's iPod touch can
now be replaced at milliamp.com , an iPod and iPhone repair website
that specializes in fixing all models of Apple's iPod or iPhone.
This iPod touch headphone jack replacement service claims to resolve
almost all of the sound issues one may have when listening to their 3rd
Generation iPod touch.
They work on iPhone and iPod touch devices all day long, and you
need that kind of experience to be able to safely conduct iPod touch
repairs, helping people with broken iPod touch issues; and say that
being able to fix audio issues with the complex and revolutionary 3rd
Generation iPod touch is even more rewarding.
"Our iPod touch headphone jack replacement service resolves almost
all of the sound issues one may have when listening to their 3rd
Generation iPod touch.", comments Anthony Magnabosco, Owner.
In addition to being able to replace the 3rd Generation iPod touch
headphone jack plug, the online repair company can also perform similar
repairs on the 1st and 2nd Generation version of Apple's iPod
touch.
The company advises that you not even consider opening Apple's iPod
touch by yourself, since these devices are VERY hard to successfully
repair by the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer, and recommended that you
send in your device to a reputable company like milliamp.com , a
business that has a bevy of favorable no-scam milliamp reviews that
have conducted by independent third parties across the web.
"We work on iPhone and iPod touch devices all day long, and you need
that kind of experience to be able to safely conduct iPod touch
repairs.", adds Magnabosco.
In addition to this iPod repair, milliamp.com also fixes broken iPod
touch digitizers, iPod touch battery issues, and cracked iPod touch
LCD's. They will also evaluate your iPod touch to see what the problem
is, and then discuss it with you in great detail so you can make an
informed decision about proceeding with or declining the repair, if you
have something else wrong with your device.
"We are excited to be able to help people with broken iPod touch
issues; being able to fix audio issues with the complex and
revolutionary 3rd Generation iPod touch is even more rewarding.", says
Magnabosco.
Milliamp LTD is not associated with Apple Computer, Inc.
Link: Milliamp.com
Accessories
Bheestie Bag Helps Prevent or Mitigate Damage to
Drowned Electronic Devices
PR:
Bheestie Bag is a new innovation designed to 'dry out' electronic
devices after they've been damaged by water. From cell phones to iPods
and cameras, Bheestie Bags removes moisture from dunked or splashed
electronics devices. Simply take the electronic device, drop it in the
6 x 9 zip seal Bheestie Bag and zip seal it tight. You can do it
overnight, or immediately after an 'accident.' Bheestie Bag contains
powerful water-absorbing beads that physically bond with the water,
drawing the moisture out and holding it inside of them. The bag can
last up to a year for everyday use or less if used for extreme
soaking.
Incidentally, if you're curious about the origin of the unusual
name, Here's the dictionary definition:
Bheestie / 'bē-stē n: In
India, a servant who draws and carries water, Urdu
bhīstī or Pers bihishtī, pertaining to
paradise, i.e., beautiful, as poetic convention describes
cup-bearers.
So a Bheestie Bag is an innovative product that gets the wet out of
a cellphone, iPod or other small personal electronic that's been
soaked, addressing the ravages of sweat, rain, humidity, damaging
corrosion, and moisture-related malfunction.
According to its developers, Bheestie is easy to use and it is
always thirsty.
The broad strokes are:
- Turn off the electronic item (if in protective case remove) and
place in the silver bag with bead pouch (do not remove beads from clear
pouch).
- Seal bag tight.
- To remove everyday moisture leave electronic item in bag overnight
or until next use. If item has been soaked or submerged immediately
remove battery and place in Bheestie bag - leaving in for 24 - 72
hours.
The company claims that Bheestie has done some amazing saves of wet
cellphones, iPods etc., but because of the variety of situations and
the variety of electronics it is they can't guarantee it to always
work.
Tips for best results:
For initial use cut silver bag at top, careful not to damage zip
seal track
Always Keep Bheestie Bag sealed tight
Remove battery if electronic is soaked
Do Not remove beads from interior packet
The bead packet is made with a breathable material allowing the
beads to adsorb moisture. If you look very carefully you will see the
tiny holes in the packet.
Bheestie can be used for up to a year if the blue beads remain blue
and you keep the bag sealed at all times. Once the blue beads turn
white the bag needs to be replaced.
Most of your electronics are exposed to moisture on a daily basis
from regular usage. When talking on you cell phone there is moisture on
your hands, in your saliva, humidity, droplets of water. If you use
headphones there is sweat, humidity, etc. By using Bheestie on a
regular basis you will be removing that moisture decreasing the chance
of corrosion or malfunctioning. Put your item in over night to remove
moisture. Some users store their headphones in the bag to keep them
from malfunctioning.
Can Bheestie Help you drop your phone in the toilet?
The makers advise that Bheestie works best if you get the item in
the bag immediately. Turn the phone off, dry it, open it up, battery
out, place in bag for 24-72 hours.
Bheestie & Co., llc, began when a new Gameboy was dropped in a
pond. Due to her lifelong hearing loss, cofounder Karen Wildman was
able to transfer her knowledge of drying out hearing aids to save her
son's new Gameboy after he dropped it in a pond. She shared her idea
with her sister, Lisa Holmes, who, living in Oregon, had her own
battles with wet iPods and cell phones. Together they formed Bheestie
& Co., llc. and created the Bheestie Bag.
Karen Wildman completed nursing school in Portland, OR and currently
lives in Texas with her husband and three children. Lisa Holmes holds a
degree in accounting and lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two
children.
Both sisters grew up in Oregon and know all about wet electronics.
With one of us still in Oregon and the other in Texas, and with active
families that use many personal electronics daily, they say they are
constantly battling malfunctioning electronics due to moisture from
sweat, rain, spills, and humidity. They got tired of frequently
replacing wet cell phones, music players, pagers, Gameboys and
more.
Bheestie Bag sells for $20.
For more information on using the Bheestie BAG, see "How
to Dry Wet Cell Phones Using a Bheestie Bag"
Link: Bheestie
InCase Car Charger for iPod and iPhone
PR: The new InCase Car Charger is designed to keep your iPod
and iPhone charged no matter where your travels take you.
It features an LED charging indicator and two high-speed USB ports,
allowing for the fastest possible charge for up to two devices.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it the perfect accessory
for staying powered up when you're on the go.
Features:
Fastest possible charge from both USB ports
DC compatible with 12V power supplies
- 4-foot cable included
- LED charging indicator
Compatibility
- iPhone 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB
- iPhone 3G 8 GB, 16 GB
- iPhone 3GS 16 GB, 32 GB
- iPod nano 4th generation (video) 8 GB, 16 GB
- iPod nano 5th generation (video camera) 8 GB, 16 GB
- iPod classic 80 GB
- iPod classic 160 GB (2007)
- iPod classic 120 GB, 160 GB (2009)
- iPod touch 2nd generation 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Color
The InCase Car Charger sells for $29.95
Link: InCase Car
Charger
USB Fever Lighter Socket Universal Car Mount with
USB Charger for iPhone, iPhone 3G/3Gs/iPod touch 2G & 3G
PR: Quickly connects to any car's lighter socket opening
and provides unique placement in the vehicle for mounting your mobile
device. Features a second power adapter and a USB charging Port so that
you may continue to use the power function of your car's lighter.
Features a quick release cradle and installs easily without tools.
Features:
- Easy to mount on all cars.
- 360° swivel trackball allows you to adjust to any angle that
fits you most
- Using your cigar socket but ultimately you can still use your cigar
socket for all your purpose
- Put your devices close to you, at your fingertip and under your
eyesight.
- LED Power Indicator (for USB socket only)
The Cradle is capable to mount the following devices: iPhone &
iPhone 3G/iPhone 3Gs/iPod touch 3G/iPod touch 2G
Package Includes: Cigar Socket Universal Car Mount with USB Charger
for iPhone, iPhone 3G/3Gs/iPod touch 2G & 3G x 1
$19.99
Link: Lighter
Socket Universal Car Mount with USB Charger
IvySkin Zappak 2xUSB Battery Pack Solution for
iPod and iPhone
PR: IvySkin, makers of
award winning Touch-Thru accessories and more, today announces the
immediate availability of the Zappak Battery Back-up solution with
Dual-USB technology - world's lightest and smallest with longest
battery life and a built-in USB cable.
Zappak will charge an iPod or any other USB device while
simultaneously providing charge and extra power to the iPhone or
Blackberry phone. Zappak incorporates SmartBattery technology and
proprietary circuit by IvySkin to deliver unmatched performance. This
means a consistently clean extra zap when you are on the road.
Zappak is compatible with the standard USB and USB (2.0) devices
typically found in the latest Smartphones and electronic devices, and
will safely and quickly charge any iPod and iPhone with Apple's
standard USB cable. It has an easy to check 5 LED status lights along
with ergonomically designed on/off button, plus integrated USB cable
for optimal transportation. Zappak encloses a 3000 mA SmartBattery to
ensure a full charge for your iPhone and iPods at all times.
Zappak is priced at $49.99 and may be ordered from IvySkin website
today, or purchased at retail outlets worldwide in the coming weeks.
For additional information, or to order online, please visit IvySkin
online. IvySkin will be at the CES, iLounge Pavilion, Booth #3530, in
Las Vegas, Nevada, January 7-10, 2010.
Link: IvySkin Zappak 2xUSB
Battery Pack
Protection
Limited Edition Cowhide Slipcover for iPhone, iPod
touch, and iPod
PR: Cowboy up with Southern brand company stores limited
edition cowhide slipcover for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod.
Made from beautiful and diverse premium cow hides, each of the
slipcovers his handmade and one-of-a-kind. The inside is lined with
soft suede, and they're back with a smooth chocolate tan leather.
Also available in Longhorn hide.
Easily the baddest cover available for them fancy little city
gadgets.
$29
Link: Limited Edition
Cowhide Slipcover for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod
Proporta Antimicrobial Silicone Case with
SteriTouch for iPhone 3GS
PR: It's an alarming, but not entirely surprising
fact that the filthiest things we encounter on a regular basis are
computer keyboards and our mobile phones. In fact, the average mobile
has 25,127 germs per square inch, whilst the average toilet seat has
just 49.
So to help protect against any possible nasties you could pick up
from your iPhone 3GS, Proporta has developed the Antimicrobial Silicone
Case with SteriTouch for Apple iPhone 3GS. Can't hurt during this flu
pandemic either.
Key Features
- Antimicrobial coating guards against germs and bacteria.
- Super tough silicone skin protects phone against scratches.
- Available in black with grey interior.
- Lightweight skin adds almost no bulk to device
Available in black with grey interior.
Proporta's Antimicrobial Silicone Case sells for $20.95.
Link: Proporta
Antimicrobial Silicone Case
Marware Announces Free Custom iPhone & iPod
Case Engraving
PR: Marware Inc. has announced free case engraving on select
iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2G, iPod nano 5G, and other Apple accessories
purchased directly from Marware. Custom engraving is perfect for
personalizing a gift, recognizing the value of an important business
relationship, or as a great corporate promotional giveaway.
By utilizing laser-etching technology, Marware adds a new key
advantage for customers seeking unique, one of a kind accessories.
Laser etching is different than screen-printing, or methods of
customization that may wear off. Marware can laser etch many silicone,
plastic or leather cases found on the Marware website. Free shipping is
also available on all purchases over $30 and within the US
(restrictions may apply).
Features:
- Custom text laser etched iPhone and iPod cases
- Custom designs, graphics, and logos (upon request)
- Ideal for gifts, giveaways, or personal use
Free custom iPhone and iPod case engraving is available on select
products purchased from the Marware website. Free shipping, within the
US, is available on all orders over $30. For more information on
customization or free shipping, please visit Marware online or call
(954) 927-6031.
Link: Laser Etch
Engraving
CAZE Announces Zero 5 and Swarovski Apple Logo
Bundle for iPhone 3G/3GS
PR: CAZE has released a new bundle of Zero 5 UltraThin case,
the World's Thinnest transparent case, and Swarovski Apple Logo, for
iPhone 3G/3GS. Zero 5 features a maximum thickness of 0.5mm with full
chrome edges protection and is available in clear and black. Swarovski
Apple Logo is made of 100% genuine crystal from Swarovski AG. This
bundle combines Zero 5 and Swarovski Apple Logo to give transparency
and elegant protection to your iPhone.
Zero 5 is currently the World's Thinnest transparent case for iPhone
3GS/3G, featuring a maximum thickness of 0.5mm. It's so thin and light
weight, it's almost unnoticeable when installed. Swarovski Apple Logo
is a crystal sticker and is composed of more than 30 Swarovski
crystals. Due to the transparency nature of Zero 5, the crystal Apple
logo can be seen clearly from outside the case. So, this bundle does
not only give protection but also dresses up your iPhone.
Customers who buy this bundle will get a Mirror Screen Protector and
an Anti-FingerPrint Screen Protector for free. iPhone CAZE designs and
manufactures high quality, fashionable and unique iPhone cases for
iPhone 3G/3GS in a wide assortment of styles and colors. iPhone CAZE
offers a variety of cases of different materials from leather,
metallic, fabric, silicone to Swarovski crystal. Products will be
shipped within 24 hours during weekday and 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
is provided.
Link: Zero 5 and
Swarovski Apple Logo Bundle
