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
Presentation
Protection
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPad: 'I'm Only Sort-Of Impressed'
NetworkWorld's Craig Mathias says that anyone who might be worried
that the iPad could replace notebooks or
netbooks has little cause for concern and can rest easy, at least for
now.
Mathias observes that the iPad is, first and foremost, a bigger iPod
- leaving a big zone of opportunity for business-oriented tablets. His
criticisms include the absence of file sync or even a file manager by
default, he misses the OS X Preview file-viewer, and thinks the
iPad is expensive for what you get compared with a real laptop.
Link: The iPad: I'm Only
Sort-Of Impressed
Apple Slapped by Aussie Watchdog Over iPhone Cracks
Caused by Third-Party Cases
WA Today's Asher Moses reports:
"Third-party iPhone 4 cases are reportedly causing the glass back
panel to crack.
"The consumer watchdog has taken Apple to task over warranty issues
as reports surface of new design problems relating to the iPhone 4's
glass body.
"Telstra, following discussions with the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission, agreed to provide full two-year warranties for
customers who buy handsets on two-year contracts. The agreement
included all manufacturers except Apple."
Link: Apple Slapped by
Aussie Watchdog as New iPhone Cracks Emerge
Microsoft Promises Mac Clients for Zune, Windows
Phone 7
DigitalTrends' Geoff Duncan reports:
"Microsoft says Mac users will be able to sync with Zune devices and
Windows Phone 7 devices by the end of the year."
"'Later in 2010 Microsoft will make a public beta available of a
tool that allows Windows Phone 7 to sync select content with Mac
computers,' Microsoft said in a brief statement."
Link: Microsoft Promises
Mac Clients for Zune, Windows Phone 7
Book Claims Cell Phones Are Unhealthy
Laptop Mag's Anna Attkisson says:
A new book titled Disconnect: The Truth about Cell Phone
Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect
Your Family (more below) by toxicologist and
epidemiologist Devra Davis connects cell phones with a variety of
health problems....
The author, who has spoken before Congress on the effects of smoking
on cancer, uses some relatively recent studies that have tied cell
phone use to rises in brain damage, cheek cancer, and malfunctioning
sperm as the basis for her claims....
She is not alone in her claims of cell phone dangers, with the World
Health Organization indicating that more than 10 years of use could
cause brain cancer. The problem with that is proof, considering most of
us haven't been using phones for 10 years yet....
Link: New Book Claims
Cell Phones Are Unhealthy
5 Ways to Minimize Cell Phone Radiation
Laptop Mag's Todd Haselton reports:
"The debate rages on, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps
to protect yourself. While groups such as the Food and Drug
Administration and CTIA-The Wireless Association have argued that cell
phones don't emit enough radiation to cause cancer, others such as the
Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the World Health Organization
(WHO) say cell phone use over a period longer than ten years can lead
to brain tumors, salivary gland tumors, and behavioral problems. And
according to these and other experts, children - whose brains are still
developing - are especially susceptible....
"Regardless of who you choose to believe, it's better to be safe
than sorry. Use these tips to help limit your exposure...."
Link: Five Ways to
Minimize Cell Phone Radiation
Apps & Services
Line2 App Turns iPod touch or iPad into a Fully
Functional Mobile Phone for $10/Month
PR: The latest release of Line2, Version 3.0, can turn your
iPod touch or iPad into a fully functional mobile phone with all the
features of a traditional cell phone.
With Line2, iPod touch and iPad users can make unlimited WiFi calls
and send unlimited SMS to US and Canada numbers. With Line2 you get
unlimited US/Canada calls over WiFi VoIP plus unlimited US/Canada
texting. International long distance rates starting at 2¢ per
minute and texts are 10¢.
With the newest generation iPod touch, you don't even need an
additional headset or mic; the mic is built in. Using Line2 on a new
iPod touch or iPad is just like using an iPhone. This is absolutely an
industry first.
Line2 now offers iPod touch and iPad users phone-number based voice
calling, carrier-grade texting, visual voicemail, call waiting, plus
business PBX features like auto-attendant ("Press 1 for..."), call
screening, caller-specific call forwarding, after-hours settings, and
call conferencing.
No WiFi connection? All calls will be forwarded to another phone or
voicemail.
Line2 supports 20-person conference calls, caller ID, visual
voicemail, and much more for only $9.95/month all with no long term
contracts. When you're traveling overseas, you can make free calls back
to the US and Canada wherever you have a WiFi connection.
Link: Line2 (download
link)
vWorkspace Software to Let iPad 'Run' Windows
7
Thinq's Gareth Halfacree reports that virtualisation specialist
Quest has unveiled a new addition to its vWorkspace line, which adds
support for Apple's iPad and what it calls "Zero PCs."
According to Halfacree, the new vWorkspace connector software lets
the iPad act as a thin client for virtualised hardware - meaning that,
in essence, the iPad can 'run' Windows 7, Linux, or any other
business-critical operating system to which users need access.
The vWorkspace Connector for Zero PCs allows vWorkspace users to
repurpose older hardware into thin-client machines connecting to a
central vWorkspace infrastructure meaning that devices can't install a
Windows 7 upgrade can still 'run' Microsoft's latest operating system
in much the same way as the iPad now can.
The iPad software is currently in a closed trial, but projected to
appear in the App Store "soon."
Link:
Quest Unveils iPad, 'Zero PC' Software
Real Weather Girls: The First App-Based Reality
Show?
PR: Real Weather Girls is claimed to be the first mobile
application to offer daily original video content, available on Apple's
iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
The
Application will follow the lives of 12 women in 12 cities across the
globe (currently Los Angeles, New York, Miami, DC, London, San
Francisco, Dallas, Honolulu, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Las Vegas,
with new cities to be added). Buyers will get immediate local,
national, and international weather updates, radar maps, and the 7-Day
forecast via the App itself while the women share daily video excerpts
of their lives. Think of it as the first app-based reality show.
The
developers say the App represents a change of the technological guard.
In addition to providing daily content, the Girls will engage viewers
in an ongoing dialogue. Buyers are encouraged to leave comments for the
Girls which they will react to on their videos, thus allowing the Girls
and users to influence each other. Each Girl will also share inside
information on her particular city on the best places to eat, see,
shop, or the newest trends in fashion and beauty.
The app requires iOS 3.0 or later (iOS 4.0 tested).
Real Weather Girls retails for $2.99 at the iTunes App Store.
Link: Real
Weather Girls Website (iOS-unfriendly website requires Flash),
Real Weather Girls on
YouTube (download
link)
Audi A1 Beat Driver App Comes Exclusively to the
Apple iPad
PR: Following the success of the Audi A1 Beat Driver app on
Apple iPhone and iPod touch, the game now gets its fully optimised
release for Apple iPad.
To mark its arrival, the iPad version comes with two free and
exclusive new bonus tracks from I Blame Coco with her recently released
new single 'Self Machine' and I Am Giant's breakthrough single 'City
Limits'. Both tracks are accompanied by special bonus features with
cover artwork, artist biographies and photo features.
Coco
Sumner of I Blame Coco
commented: "I'm excited that Audi have decided to include
'Selfmachine' in their new app game, the game is awesome.
Enjoy™
Audi A1 Beat Driver for iPad now delivers 19 free new music tracks.
As well as I Blame Coco and I Am Giant the app features some of the
best upcoming artists from around the world including La Roux, White
Lies, Metric, The Rakes, Tommy Sparks, Don Diablo and Spleen United to
race against in the driving game.
In the
game you steer your Audi A1 to collect the markers and avoid the
hazards as you speed through a kaleidoscopic 3D world of sound and
colour. Increase your score by collecting the bonus icons and don't
forget to clear your multiplier gauge (which builds up as you collect
more points) to boost your multipliers and achieve the highest score
possible.
The app comes with a host of exciting features: get your name on the
global Audi A1 Beat Driver leader board; challenge other players'
high-scores; post your scores to Facebook & Twitter and choose to
find out more about the Audi A1 - the next big Audi.
Tim Gotthardt, team leader online marketing, AUDI AG, explains:
'With the popularity of Audi A1 Beat Driver on iPhone & iPod touch
it seemed only natural that we should bring the game to iPad. Of course
being Audi we wanted to make sure the game would be of the highest
quality on this fantastic device so we have reworked the assets to take
full advantage of the iPad graphics and also added something extra with
these two new bonus tracks.'
Full track list:
- "Self Machine" I Blame Coco (exclusive to iPad)
- "City Limits" I Am Giant (exclusive to iPad)
- "Accelerate" Torpedo
- "I'm A Rope" Tommy Sparks
- "Strength In Numbers" The Music
- "Farewell To The Fairground" White Lies
- "Gold Guns Girls" Metric
- "1989" The Rakes
- "Bulletproof" La Roux
- "Digital Age" After The Fall
- "Want U" Lo-Fi-Fnk
- "Gimme Sympathy" Metric
- "I'm Not Your Toy - Jack Beats Remix" La Roux
- "Love Affair Strapped In Electric Chair" Torpedo
- "Suburbia" Spleen United
- "Death" White Lies
- "Where I Belong (Life Is A Festival)" Don Diablo
- "Earthquake threat" Torpedo
- "A Funny Thing (Dan Grech Final Mix)" Penguin Prison
The Audi A1 Beat Driver is available for download free from the App
Store.
Link: Audi A1 Beat
Driver (download links:
Audi A1 Beat Driver,
Audi A1 Beat Driver Lite)
Accessories
Energizer AP1201 Rechargeable iPhone 4 Case
Addresses Smartphone 'Power Deficit'
PR: The proliferation of smartphones has led an increasing
number of people to depend on mobile devices for much more than just
making phone calls, and with that shift comes a vastly increased demand
for portable power. Energizer is making it easier for people to use
smartphones to their fullest potential with the introduction of the
AP1201 for iPhone 4. This rechargeable case with built-in battery
supplies nearly twice the power of the iPhone, while offering
protection that you never need to remove, providing a continuous power
source.
"The AP1201 is a direct response to the power
deficit that many experience, and is just one of a full line of
Energizer Energi To Go solutions that is bringing convenient power to
consumers, and that is making mobility easier for them."
With 50 million iPhones sold to date1, and more than 1.7
million iPhone 4 phones sold just days after it was
introduced2, these devices have become popular for playing
games, music and video, and running mobile applications that do
everything from global positioning to balancing finances. The AP1201
eliminates the need for iPhone 4 users to curb their usage or to avoid
power-draining applications, and will keep the device charged
throughout the day, a long flight, or even an overnight trip.
"Energizer appreciates the value and utility that
smartphones offer consumers, and also sees that the average consumer's
power requirements have been underestimated," says Jim Olsen, Vice
President of Marketing for Energizer North America. "The AP1201 is a
direct response to the power deficit that many experience, and is just
one of a full line of Energizer Energi To Go solutions that is bringing
convenient power to consumers, and that is making mobility easier for
them."
The AP1201 has "smart" battery technology that auto senses the
iPhone 4 battery power status which is indicated through "hidden" LED's
on the back of the case. For efficient power management, two charging
options provide either high speed quick charge direct to the iPhone 4,
or get simultaneous pass-through charging of the iPhone and AP1201
case. The AP1201 is rechargeable up to 500 times and comes with a USB
charging cable.
The AP1201 is a one piece case, manufactured with formfitting
recycled silicone rubber that is durable, extremely thin and
lightweight. The low profile case is silky smooth to the touch, yet
non-slip and fingerprint resistant. The AP1201 also features an
integrated bumper that eliminates the signal loss and antennae
interference issues that many iPhone 4 users have experienced.
Through the use of patented lithium polymer battery technology, the
AP1201 extends battery life of standby time, Internet, music, video and
talk time, providing nearly twice the power of the iPhone 4. The
Energizer AP1201 is available now for an MSRP of $69.99 at major
retailers nationwide.
The Energizer Energi To Go product line is developed and marketed
through a licensing agreement with XPAL Power, a California-based tech
company that specializes in creating rechargeable power packs that use
lithium polymer battery technology. It includes a full range of popular
models starting at $24.99 for the newest Energizer® AP650 Docking
Charger that instantly adds up to 90 minutes of talk time to any
smartphone that connects with a micro USB tip. The top of the product
range is the Energizer XP18000 external battery, the perfect choice for
travelers and those who rely on several different mobile devices
including netbooks and laptops, portable DVD players, digital cameras,
smartphones, and more.
"All of our Energizer Energi To Go products are delivering on a
consumer need for more portable power, so we are excited about these
additions." says David Becker, Vice President of sales, XPAL. "Based on
our commitments from top retailers, we anticipate the AP1201 for the
iPhone 4 will be embraced by the mobile consumer and the accessory of
choice for powering their iPhone 4."
-
http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/06/07/iphone-os-4-0-now-ios-is-here/
- http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/06/28iphone.html
Link: Energizer AP1201
Rechargeable iPhone 4 Case (iOS-unfriendly website requires
Flash)
Griffin Technology Announces New Fall Collection
for iPad
PR: Griffin Technology Inc. has unveiled new accessories for
iPad. The announcement features solutions for a wide array of uses,
from the office to the kitchen and everywhere in between: Standle,
AirStrap, Cabinet Mount, Elan Folio, and WaveStand. The entire lineup
is now available for purchase at griffintechnology.com (links
below).
"Owners of Apple's iPad are continually finding new uses for it. It
really is a groundbreaking device," says Luke Michas, Director of
Product Development, Soft Goods. "They use it walking around the
office, lounging at home, viewing recipes in the kitchen, or any number
of scenarios. It's our aim to provide an ever-evolving selection of
great designs for all these uses."
Griffin's fall collection of accessories for iPad includes:
Standle
Standle is more than just another hard-shell case for iPad. It
incorporates a stand for portrait and landscape viewing, a carrying
handle, and a typing stand, all in one foldaway protective case. The
large portrait stand swings out to position your iPad for perfect
presentations or portrait viewing, then swings back into the case when
you're done. Flip open the two-position landscape stand/handle to carry
your iPad, then fold it back to create a stand for viewing in landscape
orientation. Lay your iPad back from this position into a gentle
incline that's great for tabletop or desktop typing and surfing. When
you're done, the stand/handle folds back into the body of the case.
Clever design allows docking with Apple's iPad Dock and Keyboard Dock
without removing your iPad from the case, and strategically-placed
cutouts provide access to all ports and controls.
AirStrap
AirStrap is a case with a built-in safety strap for comfortable
one-handed use of your iPad. A molded frame with thick, comfortable,
contoured grips surrounds your iPad, protecting the edges without
getting in the way. Slip your hand under the wide neoprene strap on the
back. AirStrap hugs your hand, making your iPad easy to hold while
you're reading in a coffee shop, checking the headlines as you ride the
morning train, or while walking around the house or office.
Cabinet Mount
Whether you are working in the kitchen, the garage, a workroom,
wherever you use your iPad, Griffin's Cabinet Mount holds your iPad for
you at a comfortable height for your eyes and hands. Our Cabinet Mount
lifts your iPad out of harm's way and positions it for you at the best
viewing angle. Attach Cabinet Mount to the side or underside of any
cabinet 14 inches or deeper. All the necessary hardware and mounting
instructions are included. Snap your iPad securely into Cabinet Mount's
bracket. The mounting arm rotates 360 degrees around and 90 degrees
front to back, so you can position your iPad perfectly for any viewing
angle. Griffin's new Cabinet Mount is a safe, secure way to view and
use your iPad almost anywhere around the house.
Elan Folio
Carry your iPad in Griffin's Elan Folio flipcase like a personal
notebook. The cover flips open for quick access to your Multi-Touch
display, and closes like a book for privacy and protection. But Elan
Folio doesn't stop working when you stop carrying it. Flip the cover
around and lock it in back to turn the folio into a multi-positionable
easel. Elan Folio holds your iPad upright in landscape position for
reading and for viewing pictures and video. For drawing, tapping, and
typing, turn it over and lay it down for a comfortable, inclined
orientation. Elan Folio frames your Multi-Touch display in the same
black synthetic leather as the cover, with cutouts for ports and
controls. Easy to carry and keep clean, Elan Folio is the perfect
carrying case and stand solution for iPad.
WaveStand
Whether for viewing videos or photos or ebooks, or for surfing and
typing at a comfortable angle, our WaveStand is made with iPad and
other tablet devices in mind. WaveStand's non-slip grippy surfaces hold
your tablet securely upright in portrait or landscape position; an
adjustable base slides out for extra support when needed. For typing
and other input, incline your tablet at just the right wrist-pleasing
angle. No matter where you use your iPad, WaveStand is small and light
enough to take with you and use anywhere.
Griffin's new fall lineup of accessories for iPad is now available
at griffintechnology.com, and at major retailers nationwide.
Links
Disconnect: The Truth about Cell
Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to
Protect Your Family
PR: The much-anticipated, explosive expose of how cell phone
use damages brain cells, especially in children, by one of the world's
foremost scientific experts in the field.
Devra Davis presents an array of recent and long
suppressed research in this timely bombshell. Cell phone radiation is a
national emergency. Stunningly, the most popular gadget of our age has
now been shown to damage DNA, break down the brain's defenses, and
reduce sperm count while increasing memory loss, the risk of
Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer. The growing brains of children
make them especially vulnerable - and half of the world's four billion
cell phone used by people under twenty.
Davis, the founding director of the toxicology and environmental
studies board at the US National Academy of Sciences, takes readers
through the dark side of this trillion-dollar industry. Health experts
have long been frozen out of policy-making decisions about cell phones;
federal regulatory standards are set by the cell phone industry itself.
Cell phone manufacturers have borrowed the playbook of the tobacco
industry. One secret memo reveals their war plan against reports of
cell phone dangers.
Among a host of fascinating characters, Davis introduces Om P.
Gandhi, a world expert on how cell phone radiation penetrates the human
brain. Once a consultant to major cell phone companies, Gandhi now
refuses to work with them. Franz Adlkofer led the multi-lab study that
showed once and for all that brain cell DNA is unraveled by cell phone
microwave radiation - and, as Davis dramatically portrays, it nearly
cost him his career.
As this eye-opening call to action shows, we can make safer cell
phones now. Why would we put our children at risk of a devastating
epidemic of brain illness in the years to come?
Known around the world for her groundbreaking research on the
environmental causes of breast cancer and chronic disease, Devra Davis
- with her 2002 National Book Award-Nominated When Smoke Ran Like
Water - has opened our eyes to the very real pollution
epidemic.
- Disconnect
- Pub. Date: September 2010
- Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
- Format: Hardcover, 271pp
- Sales Rank: 1,339
- ISBN-13: 9780525951940
- ISBN: 0525951946
Link:
Disconnect (currently available from Amazon.com
for $17.79 and eligible for free Super Saver shipping as part of an
order of $25 or more)
Presentation
$5 iPad Stand Created to Raise Money for
Charitable Causes
PR: Apple's innovative iPad became the source of inspiration
for one man's dream of using his skills and creativity to raise money
for charities. It was a case of spotting an obvious need and finding a
simple solution that could produced from inexpensive materials and
shipped worldwide at low cost. The product is an iPad stand made from
corrugated plastic.
Tim Piazza's iPad stand is a simple
easel that holds the iPad upright on a flat surface. Selling for under
five dollars, the iPad stand is stain-resistant, durable, rigid, and
weighs less than an ounce. "Corrugated plastic is a perfect material
for inexpensive products," according to Piazza. "It stands up to abuse,
it can be flexed without hardening and breaking, and it won't scratch
your iPad." The stands are available in black, silver, and white, and
can be purchased online at Ezzyl for $4.95 plus a small shipping
charge.
With each purchase the buyer can
select one of several charities, and 20% of proceeds from the sale will
go to that charity. Piazza selected charities based on their strong
ratings and global reach, and he feels that by giving buyers a choice,
they participate in the giving. "It feels good to give, and I want to
share that with my customers," says Piazza.
The charities Piazza selected provide a range of services from
supplying medical supplies to developing nations, to feeding the
hungry, rehabilitating prisoners, and improving education. Each charity
has a four star rating from Charity Navigator, which indicates that the
majority of their spending goes to the programs and services they exist
to provide. "I kept asking myself if there was something I could do to
help others that would leverage my creativity and computer skills,"
Piazza says. "I hope that by making and selling products on the
Internet, I can do more than if I volunteered or gave donations."
Link: Five Dollar iPad
Stand
@Rest for iPad: Beautifully Simple and Rugged iPad
Stand
PR: You have discovered uses for the
iPad in the living room, the kitchen, and at work. It's awesome. Now
you need a stand that does the iPad justice - @Rest.
Built from precisely cut steel with a beautiful, durable powdercoat
finish, @Rest for iPad supports your iPad in portrait or landscape
orientation at angles ideal for the side table or countertop.
With its clever design, good looks,
and excellent construction, @Rest for iPad is sure to support your
current iPad, your next iPad, and the one after that.
@Rest is available in your choice of five colors and sells for $59
with free shipping in the continental US.
Link: @Rest for iPad
Protection
Retro Cassette Tape Case for iPhone 4G
PR: Go back to the future with the iPhone cover that looks
like an old cassette.
This retro-tastic, über realistic Retro Cassette iPhone cover
will have you reliving your youth while protecting your handset from
bangs, scrapes and dust.
The silicon cover is designed to look exactly like an old audio
cassette, complete with its own case. But instead of making a mix tape
of all your favourite, back in the day tunes, this cassette gives
complete protection to your iPhone (which probably already contains all
your favourite back in the day tunes).
However not only does this perfectly fitting cover keep safe your
handset, but the cassette case, when fully opened, also makes a perfect
stand for your phone.
It's the perfect gift for the fan of the latest cool,
quirky gadget, or for that iPhone owner who wants a memento of his/her
youth.
Features
- High quality silicon protective casing
- Identical to an audio cassette
- Protects the handset from impact and dust damage
- Cassette case doubles as iPhone stand (cassette case measures 12.8
x 7 x 2cm)
Suitable for the following devices.
Note: This case is not compatible with the iPhone 3G.
$39.99
Link: Retro
Cassette Tape Case for iPhone 4G
OtterBox Impact Series Cases for iPhone 4 &
HTC EVO 4G Top Leaderboard
PR: For record-setting devices like the world's thinnest
smartphone or the first 4G device in the United States, OtterBox offers
protection that tops the leaderboard for quality and durability;
introducing Impact Series cases for the Apple iPhone 4 and HTC EVO
4G.
"Tech addicts obsess over the sleek design
and cutting-edge technology behind the iPhone 4 and EVO 4G, but they
also worry about potential damage," OtterBox founder and CEO Curt
Richardson said. "Even simple, everyday use can lead to a scratched and
scuffed smartphone. OtterBox offers Impact Series cases that mimic the
sleek look of these devices while still providing necessary
protection."
The OtterBox Impact Series* is made from durable compression molded
silicone. Inner coring dissipates impact away from the device to
protect from bump and shock. A spray coating is applied to the inside
and outside of the case to enhance the feel and grip and to resist lint
collection, and a self-adhering screen protector is provided to shield
the glass displays. A microfiber cleaning cloth and installation card
are included to assist with application.
Silicone covers the power, volume and other buttons to keep out dirt
and dust while supporting full functionality. Open access is provided
for all other features and users are able to charge and sync through
the case.
The addition of the Impact Series case completes the lineup of
protective solutions from OtterBox for the iPhone 4. Commuter Series
and Defender Series cases are already selling quickly at otterbox.com.
Commuter Series cases are also available for the HTC EVO 4G, and
Defender Series cases will be coming soon.
Additional Information for OtterBox Impact Series case for Apple
iPhone 4:
- Environmental Protection: Added protection against bump and
shock.
- Colors: Black
- Dimensions (case only): 4.74" (120.4 mm) x 2.54" (64.6 mm) x 0.59"
(15.1 mm)
- Approximate Weight: 2.43 oz (68.9 g)
Additional Information for OtterBox Impact Series case for HTC EVO
4G:
- Environmental Protection: Added protection against bump and
shock.
- Colors: Black
- Dimensions (case only): 5.00" (127.11 mm) x 2.84" (72.04 mm) x
0.71" (18.15 mm)
- Approximate Weight: 1.24 oz (35 g)
Purchase Link
- iPhone 4 version currently available from Amazon.com
for $11.99 and eligible for free Super Saver shipping as part of an
order of $25 or more).
Waterfield Designs iPad Wallet: New Travel Case
for iPad and Keyboard
PR: Waterfield Designs, a San Francisco manufacturer of
custom laptop sleeves, bags and cases for digital gear, today
introduces the iPad Wallet - a lightweight, sophisticated iPad case for
the iPad, the Apple Wireless Keyboard and accompanying accessories. The
case allows digital professionals to carry and protect a complete
mobile office in a compact, stylish case, either under the arm, in
another bag or - with the optional shoulder strap - as a stand-alone
bag.
"Most iPad users prefer using the Apple Wireless keyboard in
conjunction with the iPad to type more easily and efficiently," says
Waterfield Designs owner Gary Waterfield. "With an iPad, the Apple
Wireless keyboard, an adapter, and necessities like keys and a few
credit cards - all safely stowed in the Waterfield Designs iPad Wallet
- you have everything you need for a day's work or play protected and
at your side."
More than a case, yet smaller than a messenger bag, the iPad Wallet
celebrates the ultra-portability of the iPad and wireless keyboard.
Scratch-free pockets, foam lining, and impact-resistant plastic inserts
separate the two devices, and a soft, scratch-free internal pocket plus
a stretchy outside back pocket stow cables, cell phone and other small
necessities. Available in a choice of six panel colors, each iPad
Wallet is flanked by eco-friendly, distressed leather trim. YKK
self-locking zippers seal the deal for this rugged case. Users can opt
to add D-rings and a strap to convert the innovative iPad Wallet into a
svelte stand-alone bag.
The versatile iPad Wallet can also accommodate the iPad within
another case, including Waterfield's Ultimate or EXO SleeveCase, Smart
or Slip Case, or Suede Jacket. The iPad Wallet is the sixth and newest
of Waterfield Designs' iPad cases, joining the five above-mentioned
cases and the Muzetto, a bespoke, leather, iPad messenger-style
bag.
- iPad Wallet Price: $79
- Colors: Black, Copper, Pine, Green, Flame and Pearl - each with
brown distressed leather trim.
- Optional add-ons - D-rings: $5, Simple Shoulder Strap: $9.
Suspension Shoulder Strap: $19.
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.3 x 1.5 inches.
- Weight: 15 oz.
Preorder the iPad Wallet at the Waterfield Designs website. Shipping
begins October 31, 2010.
Link: iPad
Wallet
ZooGue Functional iPad Case V2
PR: Innovative announces the new and improved Version 2 of
their highly ZooGue iPad Case for the Apple iPad, the original
iteration of which Innovative claims generated over $175,000 in gross
retail sales since its June launch. ZooGue's 25-year-old owner and
inventor Tim Angel says: "I honestly can not imagine a better case than
the new Version 2. I'm so confident in this case I will offer 100%
satisfaction or a full refund. I'll even pay for the return
shipping."
ZooGue Version 2 boasts the same functionality as its
predecessor, plus numerous improvements. Use of better quality
materials provides an enhanced professional appearance, complementing
the smaller logos that were requested by their customers. The case is
currently available for presale at ZooGue.com and is scheduled to ship
in mid October.
Inventor Tim Angel striving to perfect the ZooGue, has sought
feedback from customers about how to make his product better. The new
ZooGue features superior leather and an internal thin plastic lining to
ensure the cover is kept straight and sturdy, and provides a soft
microfiber like interior that helps protect the face of the iPad. The
leather stitching on the edge of the Velcro gives a crisper and cleaner
look and the company guarantees 100% satisfaction.
Claimed to be the only fully adjustable iPad case, the ZooGue
Smart Kase V2 also features a wider charger port cutout, now 1.5 inches
long, to accommodate camera accessories. The shorter lip over the
screen and special Velcro design is sharp and practical for all
users.
Tim Angel began developing the original ZooGue iPad Case in early
2010. Anticipating the upcoming release of the iPad in April, the
unemployed inventor saw an opportunity with the groundbreaking tablet
computer that was enjoying positive pre-launch buzz. Mr. Angel is
guided by his drive to bring new innovations to the industry as a
leader. He familiarized himself with possible competitors of the iPad
like the Kindle and the NOOK, and explored potential manufacturing
partners for the case so that he could begin production right away. He
is brainstorming new innovative products that he hopes will propel
ZooGue to become a household name.
Link: ZooGue
Functional iPad Case V2
