iNews Review

Tablets Aren't Necessary, Stay-at-Home iPads, Kindle Fire Hands On, $58 Tablet Launched, and More

This Week's iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2011.11.30

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

The Competition

Apps & Services

Presentation & Protection

iPod Deals

These price trackers are updated every month.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

AT&T Bumps 'Free' iPhone 3GS to 99¢

AppleInsider Staff report:

"After making the iPhone 3GS free with contract last month, AT&T has now raised the price of Apple's two-year-old smartphone to $0.99."

AppleCare+ Now Available Up to 30 Days After Purchase

AppleInsider's Mikey Campbell reports:

"Apple has amended the terms for its AppleCare+ iPhone warranty and accidental damage coverage, allowing customers 30 days to opt in to the service that was previously only available at time of purchase."

62% of iPads Never Leave Home

iDownloadBlog's Cody notes that AppleDesigned its tablet to be a portable device, and even shaved inches (and weight) off of the original iPad to make its second generation tablet more mobile, but queries that at nearly one and a half pounds, with a 10" display, how portable can the iPad really be?

Cody reports that results from a recent survey by McKinsey and Company suggest that there aren't many folks using their iPads on the go, with the living room found to be the number-one place that people pull out their iPads

According to the report, McKinsey surveyed over 15,000 consumers across 15 countries as part of its iConsumer profile project, presenting its findings last week at Forbes' Techonomy conference.

As reported by GigaOM, 62% of iPad owners McKinsey surveyed never take their iPad outside their house, indicating that it's being used as just another home computer - a replacement laptop for doing things like watching videos or browsing the Web, and with 70% of iPad usage happening in the living room.

Tablets 'Aren't Really Necessary'

ZDNet's James Kendrick says he may be the biggest tablet lover on the planet, but to be totally honest, he has to concede that they aren't really necessary for anyone.

Kendrick affirms that he loves using his several tablets for all sorts of purposes, noting that they are great for entertainment - and even for getting work done. But he says he has to be honest and admit that there's not a single thing that he can only do on a tablet, and that it is constantly being pointed out to him that with laptops getting thinner and cheaper, why use a tablet without a full OS?

He adds that the fact of the matter is that if tablets disappeared off the face of the earth, life would go on pretty much as it does now, and everything we do on tablets could still be done on smartphones or computers, especially laptops, just not as conveniently, so basically tablets are tools of convenience, not necessity, and not remotely the life-changers some assert that they are.

Tablets Tap into Our Intuitive Side

The Montreal Gazette's Jason Magder says that while many predicted the iPad and other tablets would kill laptops - or at least lower-priced laptops called netbooks - that hasn't been the case. Instead, tablet computers have become devices unto their own, with many using them for leisure activities, like reading, playing games, browsing the Web, or watching videos.

But he notes that tablets are more than just computing devices - they can be educational tools for preschoolers, full of games and interactive stories for children, notepads for an artists, photo or video editors, and even a way to keep in touch with friends or family using a video-calling application like Skype.

Magder cites Duncan Stewart, Deloitte Canada Research's director of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, noting that while any of this can be done with a computer, there's something about the tablet that has people changing their habits, deducing that the tablet has made computing more interactive because of its touchscreen and that removing the keyboard has eliminated a psychological barrier, making the tablet a more personal experience than so-called personal computers. "Just touching a tablet is a more intimate experience than using a computer. We hold tablets right up to our bodies, and so it comes into our personal zone of intimacy."

However, Stewart doesn't envision tablets displacing PCs, especially laptops, anytime soon, predicting that even by 2016 only about 30% of Canadians will own tablets, while PCs will have increased worldwide to about 1.5 billion laptops, netbooks and desktop computers worldwide, as well as 400 million tablets (up from the current c.70 million, with iPads accounting for about three quarters of the total) and 4 billion mobile phones - about half of them smartphones.

Stewart perceives the tablet being seen as a companion device by most users, and not a replacement for a computer.

Amazon Fires at Apple as Tablet Demand Soars for the Holidays

PR: The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire is the most explosive development in the tablet market since the release of the original iPad, according to a new survey from ChangeWave Research, a division of The 451 Group.

The ChangeWave survey points to the recent surge of the Amazon Kindle Fire and suggests that Amazon is going to leapfrog the competition and become the number two product in the tablet market, as long as the Kindle Fire can provide a quality user experience.

Dr. Paul Carton, Vice President of Research at ChangeWave, presented key findings from this survey during a webinar at 2:00 p.m. EST on Monday, November 21st, 2011.

The November survey of 3,043 North American consumers shows an extraordinary level of initial demand for the Amazon tablet, with 2% of respondents having already pre-ordered the device and 5% saying they're Very Likely to buy it. Another 12% say they're Somewhat Likely.

The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire represents a shot across Apple's bow, with the iPad until now having almost completely dominated tablet space. But the most immediate impact of the Amazon device is on the rest of the competition, where the survey shows it wreaking a devastating blow to a range of second tier tablet manufacturers, including Motorola, RIM, Dell, HTC, HP, and Toshiba.

Overall Tablet Demand: Explosively Accelerating Growth

Tablet Demand next 90 days

The primary focus of ChangeWave's survey was on future demand trends, including tablet purchasing for the holidays. A total of 14% of respondents say they'll be buying a tablet in the next 90 days - 8 pts higher than an August ChangeWave survey and more than triple the level of a year ago.

planned tablet purchases

Apple continues to show enormous strength in the tablet market, where it's enjoying the best quarter in its history, according to the survey. But while two-out-of-every-three future buyers plan on purchasing an Apple iPad (65%), for the first time since the launch of the original model, there is a double-digit contender for the number two spot.

Better than one-in-five planned purchasers (22%) say they'll buy a Kindle Fire.

planned tablet purchases

The November survey of 3,043 North American consumers shows an extraordinary level of initial demand for the Amazon tablet, with 2% of respondents having already pre-ordered the device and 5% saying they're Very Likely to buy it. Another 12% say they're Somewhat Likely.

Importantly, with the exception of the Samsung Galaxy Tab (4%) no other manufacturer is garnering more than 1% of future tablet demand among consumers.

Customer Satisfaction

tablet satisfaction

As seen in previous ChangeWave surveys, a key reason for the Apple iPad's market dominance can be found in its customer satisfaction rating. A total of 74% of all iPad owners say they're Very Satisfied with their device. This compares to a 49% Very Satisfied rating for all other tablet manufacturers combined.

Summary

The ChangeWave survey shows the Amazon Kindle Fire is going to leapfrog the competition and become the number two product in the tablet market, as long as it can provide a quality user experience.

But the Amazon surge may also contain a silver lining for Apple, by damaging the tablet market hopes of the remaining competitors in the field.

Other Findings

  • Two-in-five respondents planning on buying a tablet say Price (40%) is the number one factor affecting their purchasing decision, followed by Long Battery Life (21%).
  • Price is far more of a factor for planned Kindle Fire buyers (75%) than iPad buyers (22%) not a surprise considering the $199 price tag for the Fire vs. $499 for the lowest cost iPad. eReading Features (22%) are also far more important to planned Fire buyers than iPad buyers (3%).
  • Of major importance to iPad planned purchasers are the # of Apps Available (20% iPad vs. 6% Fire), Operating System Used (20% iPad vs. 6% Fire), and Brand Loyalty (17% iPad vs. 2% Fire).

An iPad Lover Plays with Fire

MacNewsWorld's Chris Maxcer says that from the moment you open the Kindle Fire's box, it's clear that someone at Amazon is paying close attention to the user experience. Sure, it's no iPad 2, but it's quite a gadget for a mere $200. Its build, interface, and software all make a good first impression, even for someone who's been using Apple devices for years.

Being a happy owner of an iPad 2, Maxcer says he bought a Kindle Fire anyway, a seemingly silly purchase on the surface - after all, what can a Kindle Fire do that an iPad can't? Not much of anything, really, he says, except run Android apps and play nicely with Amazon.com's growing world of content.

On the other hand, what can an iPad 2 do that a Kindle Fire can't? Well, for example, there's the ability to take pictures, do video calling, and even check your pulse, GPS, and available 3G support.

Windows 8 PCs May Resemble Big Smartphones

InformationWeek's Paul McDougall reports that PCs and tablets that run Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 operating system will be more like big smartphones than traditional desktops, say executives from mobile chipmaker Qualcomm.

MacDougall cites Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs, during a presentation to financial analysts Thursday in New York City, saying, "The notion of instant on, always on, always connected, always updated - that idea is in your smartphone, and we're going to increasingly see it in the computing space."

The article notes that Qualcomm's Snapdragon mobile chipset already powers a number of Android and Windows Phone devices, and Jacobs believes it could also be a fit for a new breed of laptops that will take advantage of a number of Windows 8 features and capabilities inspired by smartphones.

How Microsoft Can Beat the Kindle Fire and the iPad

WinSuperSite's Paul Thurrott says that while the Kindle Fire clearly has the iPad in its sights, it's prudent to remember that the media tablet market is still in its early stages, and by the end of 2012, Microsoft should be a third major player in the field, which in tandem with its many hardware partners will unleash a diverse lineup of tablet devices based on Windows 8. Thurrott believes Windows 8 will account for a huge chunk of this market and speculates how it could happen.

Thurrott suggests that newly-supported ARM-based Windows 8 tablets should be iPad-like devices, not ARM-based PCs, and that they should eliminate all of the classic Windows UIs and complexities, offering a true device experience. Users who want or need the full PC experience will simply be able to choose a traditional x86/x64-based PC, a category that will include a variety of tablets as well, including including big, powerful PC-based tablets. He projects that Microsoft (and its partners) will consequently have a platform that is a pure, no-excuses iPad competitor, while still retaining everything that is good, and right, about the PC.

Bentley Adopts Apple Tech for Connected Mulsanne Concept Car

Cnet's Wayne Cunningham reports from the L.A. Auto Show that luxury car maker Bentley is showing off a network comprising iPads and a Mac mini in the Mulsanne sedan.

Cunningham observes that it speaks volumes about the typical Bentley customer that the company's connected car concept focuses on rear-seat passengers. With the cost of the large Mulsanne sedan being about $350,000, most buyers can leave the driving to a chauffeur, and to oblige this type of customer, Bentley has tapped Apple technology in creating its connected concept, fitting a Mac mini and 4G-connected router in the trunk, and iPads in the rear-seat tray tables. The various computers in this system are integrated, so the iPads can control and call up media and files from the Mac mini.

Besides being cool, Cunningham notes after trying the setup out, it offers plenty of functionality, and he had only begun to exploit the capabilities of this system.

The Competition

World's Lowest Cost Tablet Computer Launched

PR: The UbiSlate Aakash is the brainchild of Indian-born, Canadian-raised brothers and entrepreneurs Raja Singh Tuli and Suneet Singh Tuli, whose company DataWind, plans plan to retail their tablet for about $60 in India. DataWind is based in London, with offices in Montreal and Toronto, and has established a manufacturing facility at Hyderabad, India to produce the ultra low-cost tablet.

Aakash UbiSlateAakash is a 7" Android 2.2 touchscreen tablet with a HD video coprocessor for a high-quality multimedia experience and core graphics accelerator for faster application support. The Aakash tablet is the only Android device in the market to offer DataWind's UbiSurfer browser. Based on 18 international patents, the UbiSurfer browser accelerates web pages by factors of 10x to 30x, allowing for a reasonably speedy web experience over slow networks.

The device includes WiFi connectivity and support for optional 3G modems. Two full-sized USB ports are integrated into the unit allowing pen-drives, external keyboards, web-cams, dongles and other inexpensive peripherals to be attached. "Pen drives are a common medium for storing and sharing content in India. They are even used by people that are not computer savvy, for access to music and videos. We felt it was very important to include full sized USB ports allowing regular pen-drives to be plugged-in" says Suneet Singh Tuli. They are even used by people that are not computer savvy, for access to music and videos. A full sized USB ports allowing regular pen-drives to be plugged-in is also available as an added advantage over other tablets.

Aakash UbiSlateA key accessory offered with the Aakash tablet by DataWind, is the Leather Keyboard Case. The leather case not only protects the device, but has an integrated keyboard case allowing fast typing and conversion of the device as a small notebook.

DataWind will offer a commercial version, called the UbiSlate, starting late November at a Maximum Retail Price of under Rs.2,999 (inclusive of all duties and taxes) - about $58 at the current exchange rate. The price difference between the Aakash and UbiSlate is because the commercially available product will include a cellular modem, allowing it to deliver web access anywhere there is a cellular connectivity, and also to function as a mobile phone.

The Indian government is buying 100,000 tablets from DataWind at an all-inclusive price of Rs.2,250 per unit (inclusive of all taxes, levies, and charges like freight and insurance, servicing and documentation) - the low cost device being part of the government's plan to connect over 1,000 institutions across the country with high bandwidth WiFi networks and web-enabling tons of course content for free. The government intends to deliver 10 million tablets to post-secondary students across India. The target price of the 10 million units is Rs.1,750 per unit. DataWind has provided a firm proposal at the Rs.1,750 price point also.

Specifications

Hardware

  • Processor: 366 MHz Connexant with Graphics accelerator and HD Video coprocessor & graphics accelerator
  • Memory (RAM): 256 MB RAM / Storage (Internal): 2 GB Flash
  • Storage (External): 2 GB card included. Expandable up to 32 GB Supported
  • Peripherals (USB 2.0 ports, number): 2 Standard USB port
  • Audio out: 3.5mm jack
  • Audio in: 3.5mm jack
  • Display and Resolution: 7" display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
  • Input Devices: Resistive touch screen
  • Connectivity and Networking: GPRS and WiFi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g
  • Power and Battery: Up to 180 minutes on battery.
  • AC adapter 200-240 volt range.
  • CE certification / RoHS certification

Software

  • OS: Android 2.2
  • Document Rendering - Supported Document formats: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODP
  • PDF viewer, Text editor
  • Multimedia and Image Display - Image viewer supported formats: PNG, JPG, BMP and GIF
  • Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA
  • Supported video formats: MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, FLV

Communication and Internet

  • Web browser - Standards Compliance: xHTML 1.1 compliant, JavaScript 1.8 compliant
  • Separate application for online YouTube video

Nimbuzz software

Additional Web Browser: UbiSurfer-Browser with compression/acceleration and IE8 rendering.

Apps & Services

Google Search: Chrome Enters Apple's Walled Garden by Increments

MacPrices' Charles Moore says:

"I like Google's Chrome Web browser a lot more than I do Apple's Safari. I keep Chrome up and running all the time on my Mac, but can go for weeks without ever starting Safari. However, Chrome isn't available on iOS devices.

"To be fair, relatively speaking, the iOS version of Safari holds up a lot better in comparison with other Web browsers that support the iOS, like Opera Mini, Dolphin, Diigo, Mercury, and more. Actually, I would rate Safari at or near the top of the iOS pack along with Dolphin and Diigo, especially now that the iOS 5 version has real tabs. On the other hand, while I prefer Opera to Safari as well in their respective OS X versions, Opera Mini on the iPad has been a disappointment, with a clunky user interface and distinctly less lively performance than iOS Safari, Diigo, and the very speedy Dolphin especially. These are all pretty good Web browsers, but I do miss cool Chrome features like the slick and seamless Google Translation for non-English language Websites. Until now.

"This week Google released its new Google Search app for iOS (see below), hard on the heels of a new Google Gmail app (also below) a week or two ago. I've downloaded both, and between them, they can cover a large proportion of what I do with Web browsers, without a browser.

"Google's Gmail app works pretty much the same as Gmail does on a browser page, which is to say well. It's a convenient addition to one's email tools if you're a Gmail user, but the new Google Search for iOS is just outstanding. This is a lovely piece of work, obviously tailored and carefully optimized for the iOS, working with the same speediness, fluidity and smoothness I've come to expect from the Chrome browser for OS X. It's not quite Chrome for iOS, but in some respects it's even better.

"For one thing, one-click ease of machine translation for other language Web pages is there. Cool!"

Google Search for iOS Completely Redesigned for the iPad

Google Search for iOSPR: Search the web faster and easier with the latest Search app from Google. Get exclusive search features only available in this app for the best search experience. Completely redesigned for the iPad.

New for the iPad

  • See search results and websites side-by-side to quickly browse pages and results
  • Swipe through the image carousel to see image results in full-size
  • Compare search results as webpage snapshots in Instant Previews mode
  • Use Google Instant and search suggestions to get to search results faster
  • Revisit past searches with Visual Search History
  • Highlight what you want to see on a webpage with the new Find button
  • Easily share pages and +1 sites
  • Quick access to other Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Docs and more

Search Made Easy

  • Google Search for iOSVoice Search: Search by voice and skip the typing
  • Google Goggles: Snap a photo of what you see to find more information about products, landmarks or famous paintings, and even solve Sudoku puzzles
  • Search Nearby: Find places near you without typing your location

Note: Gmail push notifications are no longer part of the Google Search app. You can install the newly released Gmail app from the App Store

New in Version 1.0.0.8117:

  • New design for the iPad
  • See search results and websites side-by-side to browse pages and results
  • Get to the right answer faster with Instant Previews and Google Instant
  • See images fullscreen with image browsing
  • New visual UI for search history
  • Easy access to other Google apps

New for the iPhone

  • Minor bug fixes
  • Fullscreen mode for search results and pages

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Gmail App for iOS Re-released

PR: Google has re-released its Gmail App for iOS, bringing the official Gmail experience to the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

With the Gmail app, you can:

  • Receive notification badges for new messages
  • Read your mail with threaded conversations
  • Organize your mail by archiving, labeling, starring, deleting, and reporting spam
  • Keep track of important messages with priority inbox
  • Autocomplete contact names as you type
  • Send and receive attachments
  • Search through all your mail

System requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later
  • This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

New in Version 1.0.2: If you already have the Gmail app 1.0.1 released on 2 Nov, you will need to uninstall or log out of the old app prior to installing the new app.

Type2Phone Uses Your Mac as a Keyboard for Your iPhone or iPad

PR: Houdah Software has announced Type2Phone 1.1 for Mac OS X. Type2Phone turns your Mac into a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Type2Phone running on the Mac will emulate a Bluetooth keyboard. Pair your iOS device with the Mac while Type2Phone is running. Now every character you type is funneled through to the iOS device.

Type2PhoneType2Phone also allows for pasting text from the Mac to the iOS device. Every character that could by typed can also be pasted. Just hit cmd-shift-V. It also supports text selection and copy-paste operations on the iOS device. Navigate text using the arrow key. Hold the shift key while navigating to select text. Use the cmd-C, cmd-V shortcuts to trigger copy-paste operations.

Type2Phone supports the following 11 iOS keyboard layouts: US American, Dvorak, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Serbian, Slovenian, Swiss-French. On the Mac, Type2Phone shows every character it has sent to the iOS device. An animated display of key tiles serves as stylish typing history.

System Requirements:

  • Mac with Bluetooth enabled
  • Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later
  • iOS device that supports external keyboards. E.g. iPhone 3GS or later or iPad
  • iOS 3.2 or later
  • 0.3 MB

Type2Phone 1.1 is priced at $4.99 or local equivalent. It is available exclusively from the Mac App Store.

Line2 Adds a Second Line to Your iPhone, Can Turn iPod touch or iPad into a Phone

Line2PR: Line2 is a great gift for business people, travelers, or anyone that wants to add functionality to their device and save money on their phone bill.

The latest release from Line2, Line2 for iPad, adds a phone line to your iPad and acts as a hub for all your communications and organizes your interactions around people rather than the type of communication (SMS, email, calls, etc.).

Line2 is the perfect gift for people that:

  • Want to separate their business and personal lives (Line2 gives you a second line on your mobile phone with a separate number)
  • Travel internationally (Line2 allows you to make UNLIMITED calls back to the US or Canada over WiFi or 3G/4G no matter where you are)
  • Want to turn their iPad into a complete communications hub or their iPod touch into a mobile phone
  • Have poor cell service at home/work (With Line2 you can place and receive calls over WiFi)
  • Just want to save some money on their phone bill (make the majority of your calls over VoIP and completely cancel your SMS plan)

Line2 offers a free 7 day trial with an account created at the Line2 website. After the trial, service costs just $9.95/month for the basic plan with unlimited US/Canada calling and texting, or $99.50 for a one year prepaid plan.

HotTorque High-Performance Auto App

HotTorquePR: HotTorque has announced the release of their HotTorque application, claimed to be the world's first social media network for the performance vehicle enthusiast, on the iTunes Store.

Users can connect with fellow enthusiasts and give us all a place to show off our pride and joy.

The app features include:

  • Accurate and Attractive Speed GPS
  • Post And Show Off Your Vehicles Features
  • Measure And Share Your Vehicles Performance
  • Kilowatt To BHP Brake Horse Power Converter
  • Community Driven Speed Trap Warning System (On Its Way!)

HotTorque is the world's first social network with an iPhone app specifically designed for the vehicle enthusiast. With the new HotTorque app, users can post and view images, share information, and track performance. Viewers can see the progress being made, provide tips and advice, and more.

Founded and developed by four guys passionate about modified and performance vehicles alike, Hottorque.com was designed to help connect, communicate and share with other like-minded automotive enthusiasts worldwide, male and female, as symbolized in their logo.

HotTorqueTheir involvement within the various automotive clubs and communities is constantly inspiring them with new ideas that keep Hottorque.com innovating constantly.

"We spend hours working on our own toys from classic cars to modern high performance vehicles, and part of the fun is showing off our hard work, finally seeing how it runs," says HotTorque Developer/Owner Laz Till. "Being in technology, it was our way of being a part of it. We thought 'why not build a social network site about it, about you, about your car?' While I'm working on the GTS I can connect and show what I'm doing-it also helps if you need a hand. Mechanical work requires precision and is complicated at times. We have built the website and the app so you the driver can connect and get some straight answers. Now we can connect with fellow enthusiasts and give us all a place to show off our pride and joy. Just wait for what's on the way."

"Hottorque.com experts share information with a library of technical articles, case studies and other information," Till continues. "It's about sharing the knowledge. If you know a better or easier way to achieve something, you simply send a message to your fellow enthusiast and share the knowledge in the quest to build your dream ride."

Presentation & Protection

BlueLounge Kicks Protect iPads from Slips and Scratches

PR: Protect your iPad or tablet without hiding its beautiful design with BlueLounge's Kicks: small, thin, silicone-rubber rails that prevent your iPad from slipping, scratching and surface damage.

The protective rails run along the backside, providing minimal safekeeping for your 'Pad. They adhere to your device using 3M Damage-Free adhesive, making them easy to use and apply, and come off without leaving any marks, yet strong enough to remain securely in place for everyday use. You can reposition and replace at-will without leaving any marks.

The delicate design and light grey color of Kicks blend with your iPad to look completely integrated and inherant.

A Little Protection Goes a Long Way

Set your iPad down on your workspace or prop it up against the edge of a cafe table while reading your daily news without worry of scratching the beautiful aluminium back. The protective Kicks run discreetly along the underside slightly elevating the device from its support surface without adding any bulk or weight, and preserving the beauty and elegance of the original design.

Kicks are completely compatible with Apple's smart covers and provide the basic required protection to the backside of your device in most situations. Smart Covers can still be folded for vertical viewing.

Kicks sell for $11.95

Publisher's note: I suspect these could be used on 12" to 15" iBooks, PowerBooks, and MacBooks to replace lost feet. We'll see about getting some samples so we can try this! dk

ClamCase iPad 2 Keyboard Case Released in White

White ClamCase for iPad 2PR: ClamCase all-in-one keyboard, case, and stand for the iPad 2 is now available in white.

ClamCase, creator of the first all-in-one keyboard, case, and stand for the iPad, has announced the launch of their most anticipated model to date, the all-white ClamCase for iPad 2. The accessory is now offered in an alluring pure white. The latest addition to the ClamCase fleet arrives just in time for the holiday season and might be the perfect present for under the tree.

White ClamCase for iPad 2Survey metrics indicate that the iPad is this year's most sought-after gift, and accessory options can enhance the iPad experience. With this latest model of the ClamCase product line, the ClamCase not only elevates the iPad's efficiency, but the new sleek white design also gives it an extra touch of style.

Thinner, Lighter, and Whiter

White ClamCase for iPad 2The newly released ClamCase adds an aesthetic element to a product that is inherently practical and efficient. The fresh white design perfectly compliments the white iPad 2 and continues to offer all the versatility that users have come to know and love. It features a white ultra-durable high-grade plastic shell, the signature hinge (now in white) and a scissor-action white chiclet style keyboard, creating a balance between beautiful design and the ultimate in functionality.

The White ClamCase for iPad 2 will include the Bluetooth Easy Sync system and an extended battery life (with over 100 days of standby). The white hard shell case includes all the necessary cutouts, which expose the back camera, headphone jack, built-in iPad speakers, and serial-port just as the previous models have offered.

The White ClamCase for iPad 2 is currently available at the ClamCase online store for $149.

Q Card Case Holds iPhone 4 or 4S with 3 Credit Cards and Cash

PR: CM4, a premium designer and manufacturer of innovative cases for mobile devices, augments the functionality of Apple's iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S with its Q Card Case.

Q Card Case for iPhone 4CM4's exclusive soft-touch rubber and premium fabric blend to form a streamlined pocket to carry three cards such as IDs and credit cards as well as cash, allowing iPhone users to exchange the bulk of a wallet for the slim Q Card Case. Available for $39.99 at CM4.com and soon at online retailers including Amazon, GameStop and Wal-Mart, the Q Card Case is a must-have for consumers seeking to simplify with style.

The Q Card Case fuses soft-touch rubber with a premium fabric pocket. This patent-pending construction forms a surface that provides comfortable grip but wont stick to the liner of a pocket. The case features a lay-flat Screen Guard design, which protects and keeps the iPhones screen in pristine condition, and Natural Throw buttons are designed to maintain the organic connection with the iPhone interface. Through sleek simplicity, the Q Card Case marries the essentials of a wallet to the form factor of an iPhone 4/4S.

"The Q Card Case fully embodies the four pillars of our brand: High Design, Function, Quality, and Innovation, says Matt Altschul, president and CEO of CM4. "We designed this product around the philosophy that convenience should complement style. With the Q Card Case, users can ditch the wallet and carry everything in one sleek iPhone case."

The Q Card Case comes with the following:

  • Premium soft-touch and fabric pocket case
  • Scratch-resistant screen protector
  • CM4's distinctive microfiber cloth
  • One-year premium warranty

Skinny Case for iPad 2

Skinny Case for iPad 2PR: Does this make my iPad look skinny? The Skinny case's sleek hard shell back and magnetic on/off front flap protect your iPad 2 from scratches and external abuse.

Features:

  • Auto on and off front cover wakes up the device and puts it to sleep
  • Lightweight, slim and protective construction for a comfortable and easy carry
  •  
  • Snap in, hard shell back with soft lining provides enhanced protection from scratches and bumps
  • Easy to access device ports and control buttons
  • Foldable front cover folds for both typing or viewing positions
  • Complete protection for the iPad 2

Skinny Case for iPad 2List Price: $49.99

Specs and Dimensions

  • Main fabric: 300D water resistant micro ripstop polyester
  • Lining: micro suede
  • External dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5 in / 24 x 19 x 1 cm
  • Weight: 0.35 lb / 160 g

Targus Lap Lounge for iPad 2

Targus Lap Lounge for iPad 2PR: The Targus Lap Lounge for iPad 2 offers optimized user comfort by combining a soft, beanbag-filled cushion that conforms to your lap, with a functional stand that provides multiple viewing angles.

A zippered pocket conveniently stores a tuck-away carry handle and can also double as an accessory pouch. The stand creatively frames the iPad and provides built-in sound amplification, by redirecting the sound toward the user. A built-in stylus loop on the side of the Lap Lounge keeps the accessory within reach when you need it.

Targus Lap Lounge for iPad 2On-the-go or at home, the Lap Lounge provides portable comfort to maximize the use of the iPad 2 wherever you are.

Lap Lounge Specifications

  • Color - Beige
  • Device Compatibility: Designed for the iPad 2
  • Exterior Dimensions: 12 x 10.75 x 3
  • Weight: 1.7 lb.

Warranty: Limited One Year

Lap Lounge sells for $49.99

UNIEA Launches 25 New Design-Series iPhone 4/4S Case Designs

UNIEA iPhone 4/4S CasesPR: UNIEA has announced the launch of 25 new iPhone 4/4S case designs as a part of their new 'Design Series.' Using the UNIEA U-Feel polycarbonate shell case as a base, the company has created several new product lines based on cutting-edge illustrations from the world's top designers.

Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Google+, or subscribe to our RSS news feed

Links for the Day

Recent Content

About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact

Follow Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac on Facebook

Page not found | Low End Mac

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

Page not found | Low End Mac

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

Favorite Sites

MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
The Vintage Mac Museum
Deal Brothers
DealMac
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ

Affiliates

Amazon.com
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
Macgo Blu-ray Player
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

Low End Mac's Amazon.com store

Advertise

Well this is somewhat embarrassing, isn’t it?

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for. Perhaps searching, or one of the links below, can help.

Most Used Categories

Archives

Try looking in the monthly archives. :)

at BackBeat Media (646-546-5194). This number is for advertising only.

Open Link