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
iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad Top Kids' Christmas
Lists
ToyNews' Katie Roberts says that the latest Duracell Toy Report on
the most wanted toys among from five to 16 year-olds this Christmas
shows iPhone 4, iPad, and iPod touch take the top three spots on kids'
wish lists, with some 39% of the children who took part in the study
asking for Apple gadgets this year - 17% of five to eight year-olds,
50% of nine to 12 year-olds, and 66% of 13 to 16 year-olds putting
Apple items at the top of their lists.'
Link:
iPods Overtake Barbie on Kids' Christmas Lists
Apple Delays White iPhone 4 Until Spring 2011
Apple Insider's Katie Marsal reports:
"Apple on Tuesday announced it was again forced to delay the launch
of its white iPhone 4, this time past the holiday buying season until
Spring 2011."
Link: Apple Delays
Launch of White iPhone 4 Until Spring 2011
Are iPhone and iPad Relevant to the
Enterprise?
Computerworld's Richi Jennings says:
"The conventional wisdom is that enterprises aren't impressed by
Apple's shiny iDevices, perceiving them as a consumer play. Is that a
fair assessment? And if so, could it change in the foreseeable future?
Let's take a look, in The Long View...."
Link: Are Apple's iPhone
and iPad Relevant to Enterprises?
How iPads Enter the Workplace
Forrester Research's Ted Schadler notes that the iPad has kicked off
an enterprise arms race for smart mobile devices and provides the three
ways Forrester see tablets entering the workplace based on over 200
conversations with IT customers about iPads and other tablets since
January.
"The interest is incredible," says Schadler, "and IT is ahead of the
curve on this one, determined not to be playing catchup as happened
with employee and executive demand for iPhones."
Link: How iPads Enter
the Workforce
US Army Gets an iPad App
9 to 5 Mac's Jonny Evans says:
"Apple's iPad is seeing the same widescale deployment as any
previous tablet device, turning up in people's homes, the enterprise,
in medical and education and - now - also in the US Army, where Textron
Systems has developed a troop movement tracking app for iPad."
Link: US Army Gets an
iPad App
Apple iPad Now Available from Verizon Wireless
PR: Verizon Wireless customers can now purchase the Apple
iPad at any of the more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications
Stores nationwide.
Verizon Wireless offers three bundles, all featuring an iPad Wi-Fi
model and a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, for a
suggested retail price of $629.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 16 GB + MiFi, $729.99
for iPad Wi-Fi 32 GB + MiFi, and $829.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 64 GB + MiFi.
Verizon Wireless is offering a monthly access plan to customers who
purchase an iPad with a MiFi beginning at 1 GB of data for just
$20 monthly access. In addition, Verizon Wireless will also offer all
three iPad Wi-Fi models on a stand-alone basis.
iPad customers can use the Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile
Hotspot and Verizon Wireless' 3G network to browse the Web, read and
send e-mail, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music,
play games, read ebooks, and much more, all using iPad's revolutionary
Multi-Touch user interface on the go, wherever they are in Verizon
Wireless' nationwide 3G coverage area.
The MiFi 2200 is small enough to fit in a pocket and allows
customers to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud capable of sharing the
high-speed Internet connectivity of the Verizon Wireless 3G Mobile
Broadband network with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Verizon Wireless has the largest and most reliable 3G network
coverage area in the United States. Verizon Wireless' "most reliable
wireless network" claim is based on network studies performed by test
men and test women. These engineers conduct more than 19 million data
tests annually on the Verizon Wireless network and other national
wireless carriers' networks while traveling more than 1 million miles
across the nation.
Since it was formed, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60
billion - $5.7 billion on average every year - to increase the coverage
and capacity of its national network and to add new services.
For additional information on Apple's iPad together with Verizon
Wireless' MiFi 2200, visit Verizon Wireless, go to a Verizon Wireless
Communications Store, or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.
Link: Unleash the iPad on Verizon
Wireless
Apps & Services
MaxiVista App Turns iPad into a Second Monitor for
Windows PCs
PR: Bartels Media
GmbH announces a free update of the iPad App "MaxiVista" with increased
display performance.
Since 2003, MaxiVista allows using a Windows PC as an additional
monitor for another computer. MaxiVista was first to introduce this
technology for iPad users who wish to use the tablet as an extra
display for their Windows PC.
Program windows can be
shifted seamlessly from PC and on to the high-quality screen of the
iPad to alleviate the hassle of swapping between overlapping
applications. Photoshop color palettes, toolbars, messenger programs
and file folders windows can be moved to the iPad screen to create room
on the main monitor.
MaxiVista is the only App that also connects up to three Windows PC
plus an iPad to create a giant 4 screen solution.
MaxiVista is a pure
software solution and requires no further Hardware. Instead of using a
cable connection, the expanded virtual desktop is transmitted digitally
and without loss of quality over a normal Wireless LAN network
connection to the iPad. Swapping between portrait and landscape can be
done by just turning the iPad.
The updated iPad version of MaxiVista now offers an increased
display refresh rate that, although wireless, closely matches that of a
conventional monitor. Due to a special data compression, the CPU and
network load stay mostly within single digits.
MaxiVista is available at maxivista.com for $9.99. The updated
version is provided free-of-charge for existing customers.
Link: MaxiVista (download
link)
Accessories
Yamaha PDX-31 Portable Dock for iPhones and
iPods
PR: Yamaha Electronics Corporation has introduced the PDX-31
portable player dock for iPhones and iPods, featuring an Aux-in (stereo
mini jack) for use with any MP3 player or other audio devices.
Available in three colors (dark red, black, and light
gray), the PDX-31's superior sound quality is delivered by a Yamaha
digital amplifier with extremely low noise distortion. The PDX-31
offers reinforced, dual wall "box-within-a-box" construction with twin
3-1/4 -inch speakers to provide rich dynamic bass response for
powerful, clean sound from any music library.
The PDX-31 is compact, light enough, and cosmetically versatile to
be placed anywhere in the home. The flat-top design provides an
attractive and sophisticated touch to any home interior. The supplied
small, handy remote control works like your iPod controls, making it
easy to browse menus and select songs. Embodying Yamaha's continued
drive toward environmentally sound products, the PDX-31 incorporates
the advanced power management feature Auto Power Off which
automatically powers the unit off after a certain amount of time to
conserve energy.
The PDX-31 remembers the volume level when you remove your portable
device, so the next time you dock it, the volume is set to that
level.
"Yamaha places a high premium on versatility in designing its
products," says Tom Sumner, President, Yamaha Electronics Corporation.
"The PDX-31 allows you to enjoy song files in several different ways,
while offering great sound, effortless operation and sleek
styling."
The Yamaha PDX-31 carries an MSRP of $169.95.
Link:
Yamaha PDX-31 Portable Dock (preorder from Amazon.com in black,
light
gray, or dark
red for $169.95 with free Super Saver shipping.)
Protection
Caze Announces World's Slimmest Frame Case for
iPhone 4
PR: Caze released ThinEdge frame case for iPhone 4.
Constructed of lightweight, hard-shell plastic, ThinEdge frame case
offers sleek and stylish protection for the iPhone 4 and comes with a
wallet-size stand for easy viewing of your wide screen. Designed as the
ultimate balance between case-minimalism and protection, the ThinEdge
wraps the edges and corners to cushion and protect and keeps the front
and back of the iPhone 4 from coming into direct contact with flat
surfaces when laid down. To ensure the iPhone 4 is fully protected from
everyday bumps & scratches, a front & back film set is
provided.
ThinEdge adds just a millimeter in
thickness to the sides of the iPhone 4. It fits tightly around the
edges of the iPhone 4 and protects its sides by protruding slightly
above the front screen & back glass and can address the antenna
concern. The result leaves the back and front fully exposed visually,
but shielded against scratches. It is made of Grilamid® TR-90,
which is a plastic polymer commonly used in the creation of sport and
other impact-resistant eyewear frames. TR-90-made products are
lightweight, remarkably tough, highly flexible, shatterproof and highly
resistant to UV damage. An edge connector is provided for fastening the
frame case and personalizing the iPhone 4. Each case comes with two
different colored connectors.
ThinEdge is easy to
install. Its anti-slip property gives the iPhone 4 more grip on
surfaces. Easy access to all phone functions without having to remove
the case. It has complete access to all the main ports and buttons of
the device. Charging has also never been easy since you do not have to
remove the case.
To ensure all-around protection, the ThinEdge comes with a free
screen protection kit (front & back film) for added shield.
If you find Bumper a bit too bulky or are looking for a minimal case
that will add protection without getting in the way, ThinEdge looks
like a great place to start. You can order now at their official
website. ThinEdge is available in 4 stunning colours (Black matte,
White matte, Blue gloss, Pink gloss).
Link: ThinEdge frame
case for iPhone 4
Link: Wallet Size iPhone Stand
Speck Unveils Complete Collection of All-New Case
Colors and Styles for 4G iPod touch
PR: Speck promises new
iPod touch owners one thing - no matter their mood, style or view of
the world, Speck has a full complement of vibrant colors, styles and
choices to protect and personalize their favorite new device.
Among Speck's new cases for the recently released 4G iPod touch
are:
- GeoMetric - A flexible and slim protective case with
triangular contrasting-textured facets. The unique texture provides a
better grip with its perfectly contoured form-fit design. Available in
Black, Cyan and Purple for MSRP of $29.95.
- Fitted - Original, genuine fabric patterns and designs give
your iPod a fabulous tailored look. This form-fit fabric-wrapped
two-piece hard shell case protects from scratches and scuffs and is
soft-touch finished for a comfortable grip. Available in MisKerChief
Red, TastyCakes Pink, SpexyHexy Purple, TartanPlaid White, Darkest
Tartan Plaid, Dalmatian Houndstooth and CookieCamo Brown for MSRP of
$29.95.
PixelSkin HD - A
flexible high-contrast skin case with a smooth HD pixel texture. It's
perfectly contoured, single-piece skinny fit makes quite a style
statement with its matte-finish pixels and shiny glossy grid. Available
in Black, Purple and Bright Red for MSRP of $29.95.- PixelSkin - This rubbery matte finish case and its
extra-grippy grid texture provides unmatched pixel insulation for
serious protection from bumps and drops. Fun, flexible, and available
in Black, Kelly Green, Hot Pink, Cyan and Purple for a MSRP of
$24.95.
- SeeThru and SeeThru Satin - A one-piece flexible hard
shell case for a sleek look, a smooth finish and total device
functionality. Its rubberized edge and button cover provide extra grip
and protection. The soft-touch finished SeeThru Satin offers an
extra-smooth comfortable grip and a frosted appearance. The SeeThru is
available in Clear while SeeThru Satin is available in Black and Dark
Blue for MSRP of $29.95.
- CandyShell - A one-of-a-kind single-piece patent-pending
design; a hard shell case with soft, rubberized interior lining and
button covers. It's the standard in both style and shock absorbing
protection. Available in Batwing Black, Moonsicle White, LoveHate Pink,
PaleMoon Grey and MoonRock Grey for MSRP of $34.95.
- ShieldView Protective Screen Films - Protects iPod touch
screens from scratches and smudges with a glossy finish that provides
maximum image clarity. It's non-adhesive, easy to apply/remove and
comes in a three pack. Available for MSRP of $9.95.
Link: Spec
Cases for 4th Gen iPod touch
