iNews Review

iPad the Perfect Gift, Extended Warranty Pros and Cons, Ultra-slim Bluetooth Keyboard, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2011.12.06

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 2 Is the Perfect Holiday Gift

Channel Insider's Don Reisinger says that unless your loved one already owns one, an iPad 2 would make the perfect gift, and maintains that you should forget about iPhone and iPod, ignore the Android-based tablets on store shelves, and forget about buying your loved one a television.

Why?

Because from its simple design to its extensible functionality, the iPad 2 is the perfect holiday gift for that special someone this year. To underscore his contention, Reisinger has posted a slideshow illustrating why Apple's latest tablet is the device you should be buying for a loved one this holiday season.

Publisher's note: I don't know about the rest of you, but my entire holiday gift budget for this year is less than the cost of an iPad - and I don't even have one myself yet. If you do want to buy an iPad, be sure to see our Best iPad Prices page. dk

Most Teens Want an iPhone or iPad for Christmas

Cult of Mac's Ed Sutherland reports that according to Piper Jaffray, Apple devices are now right up there with with clothes and cash as the top gifts for teens, with the iPhone on the wish list of 3.4% of survey subjects, while 2.5% of teen respondents want an iPad, and Macs were on the list of 1.1% of young people questioned.

Those metrics handily beat out Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console (0.3%), and Sony's PlayStation 3 (0.4%), with the only items surpassing Apple being cash (22%) and clothes (15%) among those surveyed.

Sutherland also notes that over the survey's four-year life, there's been a significant increase in demand for Apple devices, with overall demand for Apple devices (both mobile and desktop) tripling over the four years.

iPad 2 Buying Guide

In its new iPad 2 Buying Guide Macworld.com addresses five questions you'll need to answer before you purchase an iPad.

Macworld's Philip Michaels suggests that maybe last year the iPad seemed too new and exotic to be on your holiday wish list, but things have changed, and as the 2011 holiday shopping season gets underway, you've perhaps decided to give the gift of an iPad - either to a loved one or to yourself.

Michaels maintains that opting for the iPad over its nominal competition may be about the easiest decision you make, but there are a few other critical questions you need to answer, though, before you can grip an iPad 2 in your eager hands.

Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad

Cnet's John P. Falcone notes that "ebook readers" refers to three classes of products - black-and-white E Ink readers ($80 to $150), 7" color LCD media tablets ($200 to $250), and full-size color tablets like the iPad (most $500 and above) - and notes that choosing among those three categories of readers is the dilemma facing any shopper today.

To help, Cnet's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide offers a thorough and comprehensive omnibus of comparison points and tips for those trying to decide whether to get a Kindle Fire, a Nook Tablet, an iPad, or just an e-reader.

One-Third of Online Consumers Will Use a Tablet by 2014

PR: A new eMarketer.com report finds that while tablet devices, in their current incarnation, have only been available for a couple years, the iPad has propelled them to rapid increases in ownership and usage. eMarketer estimates that by the end of 2011, 33.7 million Americans will use a tablet device at least monthly - a rise of 158.6% over last year, the year the iPad was released.

US tablet users and penetrationGrowth will slow to double digits beginning in 2012, but the number of users will rise to nearly 90 million, or 35.6% of all Internet users, by 2014.

eMarketer's previous tablet-related forecasts have focused on unit sales and the total installed base of devices. These current estimates deal instead with usage and account for device sharing. eMarketer believes that as tablet adoption continues, less growth will come from sharing and more from replacing older devices with new ones. Eventually, tablets may become more like smartphones, which typically have a single user and less sharing.

The iPad, which has clearly led the tablet market since 2010, will continue to do so throughout the forecast period, though its share will be slowly chipped away by competitors. The number of US iPad users will more than double between this year and 2014, from 28 million to 60.8 million. By 2014 iPad users will still account for 68% of the overall US tablet audience.

US iPad users and penetrationThe tablet audience is changing, though. Women currently account for slightly less than half of tablet users, but the disparity in tablet usage between sexes will continue to shrink. eMarketer estimates that this year, 31.5% of tablet users are ages 18 to 34, while 55.5% are 35 or older. By 2014, 18- to 34-year-olds will account for 34.8% of tablet users, while those ages 35 and up will comprise 49.3% of the total. Usage of tablets will also increase faster among whites than those of other races and ethnicities, growing from 60.6% of total users this year to 65.8% by 2014.

eMarketer bases its forecast of tablet and iPad users on a meta-analysis of survey data and other research on device penetration.

Who Really Needs a PC Anyway?

TechPinions' Ben Bajarin weighs in on a blog ZDNet's James Kendrick posted last week posing the provocative question, "Who really needs a stinking tablet anyway?"

Bajarin says Kendrick's post is well articulated but thinks it misses the bigger picture of what tablets are - and, more importantly, what they represent. Rather than look at the world today where tablets are in their early maturity stage, he would rather look to the future, at which point his title, "Who Needs a PC Anyway?" will be a valid question.

Also see Charles W. Moore's Who Really Needs a Tablet Computer? Probably Nobody on AppleTell.

Nobody Needs a Tablet

The Motley Fool's Rick Aristotle Munarriz notes that Amazon.com's press release proclaiming that it sold four times as many Kindles on Black Friday as it did a year ago should get Apple's attention, what with Kindle Fire having been Amazon's bestseller since its introduction eight weeks ago, the $199 price point clearly resonating with consumers seeking cheap, entry-level tablets.

Munarriz says the market may be heating up on the higher end of tablet space too, but observes the uncomfortable truth that tablet manufacturers don't know what you - in the back of your mind - already know, namely that no one needs a tablet.

He observes that while desktop or laptop PC is a necessity for getting work and homework done these days, a smartphone with "good enough" computing capability is the way folks communicate with one another these days, so where's the killer application that makes a tablet indispensable?

Munarriz predicts that so long as tablets are primarily content consumption oriented leisure appliances and the economy isn't flush enough to support grown-up toys with three-figure price tags, we won't progress beyond beyond the tablet's being a novelty, noting that outside of iPad 2 and Kindle Fire space, there were roughly as many people attending an NFL game in person over the holiday weekend as there were tablet buyers this year through the end of October.

However, he also contends that just because nobody needs a tablet now, that doesn't mean that they won't need one in the future.

RIM Kicks Off Employee-Only $99 BlackBerry PlayBook Fire Sale

The Verge's Joanna Stern notes that for some, even a slashed price of $199 may sound too steep for the BlackBerry PlayBook this holiday season. Or at least RIM seems to think so, since according to "multiple sources," the 16 GB PlayBook is now available to RIM employees through a special corporate portal for $99, while the 32 GB version is $149 and the 64 GB model $199, although purchases are limited to eight units.

Did RIM just say "uncle?"

Holiday Consumer Alert: Tablets, E-Readers May Cost as Much to Repair as to Purchase

NEW Customer Service Companies (NEW) has released data showing that repairs of some popular tech gadgets cost 50% to 100% of the original product purchase price. With the "it" gifts this holiday season being tablet computers and e-readers, the data details important information consumers should consider when purchasing gifts.

"The cost of tablet and e-reader repair is extremely high when compared with other products. For example, for a $400 tablet, you will need to pay at least $200 to repair the LCD screen, one of the most common issues, and for a $120 e-reader, the least expensive problem to fix will cost you upward of $100," says Jamie Breneman, a contributor to The Savvy Shopper blog and NEW's senior marketing director. "These facts absolutely reinforce the value of buying an extended service plan. If a product is going to cost you 50% or more of the purchase price to repair, paying 10% to 20% up front to protect your purchase is an easy choice."

For a $150 e-reader, an extended service plan should cost $10 to $30, and for a $400 tablet, product protection will range between $40 and $80, depending on the retailer and level of benefits. Many product protection plans for portable electronics, such as tablets and e-readers, also include coverage for accidental damage from handling as well as product replacement, which provides consumers with a replacement solution within as little as 24 hours.

Based on claims data from NEW, the top reason that tablets fail is LCD failure. The average cost to repair, including parts and labor, is about $228, which is approximately 50% of the average estimated purchase cost of $423. Other top reasons for tablet failure are, in order of frequency, digitizer failure (with the average cost to repair at $228) and main board failure (with the average cost to repair at $328).

The leading cause of e-reader repair based on NEW claims data is LCD screen/digitizer failure, which costs on average $148 to fix. This repair cost is 75% to 125% of the average cost of e-readers, which NEW estimates is $149. Another leading cause of e-reader failure is motherboard failure, which comes in on average at $168 to repair.

For more facts about the average cost of repairs of top consumer electronics and more, see the Holiday Information Kit for shoppers at The Savvy Shopper blog. These fact sheets for consumers and media help address and answer the following questions:

  • What are the top consumer products that tend to fail and why?
  • How much does it typically cost to repair the most popular tech gadgets and appliances?
  • How do the most common repair costs compare with cost of extended service plans?
  • How do manufacturers' warranties, credit card warranties, and extended service plans differ, and why is it critical for consumers to know the difference?
  • Why is it increasingly difficult to find parts for products when they break?

You can subscribe to The Savvy Shopper blog for weekly updates about top consumer technologies, shopper insights and advice, facts on product protection, and more! Get in on our product and gift card giveaways by becoming our fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter at @NewCorpTweets.

NEW, together with its affiliates and member companies, is a global provider of extended service plans, buyer protection services, and product support, providing coverage to more than 150 million consumers around the world. Founded in 1983, with headquarters in Sterling, Va., NEW provides award-recognized post-sale consumer care for leading retailers, consumer service providers, wireless carriers, and financial services firms in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. NEW delivers a comprehensive customer care solution that begins on day one of the product purchase and extends through the end of the product life cycle.

Extended Warranties on Consumer Electronics Generally Not Worth the Cost

Your editor is not a buyer of extended warranties on consumer goods of any sort, from iPods to automobiles. My philosophy has been that if the item doesn't fail or manifest problems within the standard warranty period, the probability of issues cropping up after that within the usual service life of the product (typically relatively short with electronics especially) is not high. Also, many major credit cards will double the manufacturer's initial warranty period (usually up to a maximum of two years) for free if you make the purchase with them.

Consumer Reports agrees, noting that their years of surveying consumers have confirmed that extended warranties for most electronics and household appliances aren't worth the money.

In an article titled "Just Say No to Extended Warranties," Consumer Reports says about one-fifth of major appliance shoppers in one of their surveys found the extended-warranty sales pitch convincing, and it's likely to be a hard sell, CR notes, citing an industry estimate that retailers make a 50% profit on extended warranties they sell compared with less than a 10% profit on the appliance itself.

Consumer Reports argues that extended warranties aren't worth the cost since products usually don't break during their warranty period, and that even in the unlikely event that a repair is required after the manufacturer's warranty expires, the bill for the repair is often comparable with the typical cost of an extended warranty, according to CR survey respondent reports. They also say extended warranties often contain loopholes, such as not covering problems caused by normal wear and tear.

An exception may apply for computers, however, where a plan that extends technical support (e.g.: Apple's AppleCare) as well as coverage for repairs might make sense if your gift recipient needs hand-holding after the free factory support expires (usually after a year). Plans that cover theft or accidental damage might also be worth considering for a laptop, netbook, or tablet. However, CR advises that you'll probably be better off buying those extras à la carte as you need them, and against purchasing extended warranties in general.

That said, I know many Apple users are fans of AppleCare, and if you think the cost of buying it offers a positive cost-benefit balance in terms of peace of mind, go for it. I never have, and as a buyer of Apple products for nearly 29 years, most of them laptops and other portable devices like iPods and an iPad, I've never yet had an issue where buying AppleCare coverage would have paid off. By now, I would be able to buy a nice MacBook Pro with the money I've saved over the years by not purchasing AppleCare.

Of course maybe I've just been fortunate.

Extended Warranties on Consumer Electronics Sometimes Worth the Cost

Your publisher is an occasional buyer of extended warranties. I agree with Charles that most of the time it just doesn't make economic sense ($19.99 for a warranty on a $50 item?), sometimes it does. My first and only new Apple notebook cost over $2,500, and it was a new design, the first 15" Titanium PowerBook G4. Screen replacement would have cost over $800, and it ended up being replaced under AppleCare. My ex also bought AppleCare for her iBook, which had a terrible problem with the printed characters on the keyboard coming off. I think she had that keyboard replaced three times under AppleCare.

When my brother bought his first flat screen TV, it failed on day 89 of a 90 day warranty. When we bought our first flat screen TV, about $800 in those days, paying $60 for a four-year extended warranty seemed reasonable just for the peace of mind. That became even more true when we later learned that the company that made the TV had gone out of business, so repair is not even an option. If it fails before the extended warranty expires, we will receive a gift card for the original purchase price and be able to choose our own replacement. Almost makes you hope it will happen!

Similarly, when I bought my house, it came with some old appliances and a hydronic heating system. Not wanting to take chances with the unknown hot water heating system, I bought one year of coverage. While the heating system has never caused any problems, the old dishwasher failed, and we were able to replace it for a new one. Our cost for the coverage was less than the cost of the new dishwasher.

That said, I would never pay $25 for extended warranty coverage on a $79 Kindle or Blu-ray player. Odds are that if it lasts the first 90 days, it will go on for years. And if it doesn't, I may be able to get a newer, better model to replace it for less than the cost of the original item.

Think twice before buying extended coverage, then think again. One sound strategy is to set aside the money you would have otherwise spent on an extended warranty, pooling money from mobile phones, home electronics, appliances, etc. until you need it. Odds are that if or when something fails outside of warranty, you'll have the cash on hand to repair or replace it. And if nothing fails, you can use some of that money to buy a replacement when your old hardware is due for an upgrade.

Apps & Services

Flashlight App Lights Up Black Friday with One Millionth Sale

PR: i4software announced it has sold one million copies of its Flashlight app for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S users. The milestone came for Flashlight ironically on Black Friday.

The app, selling for 99¢, was first released in July of 2010 and since has become the number one selling iOS utility, ranking as the overall top-paid app in the Utilities Category of the App Store.

FlashlightThe Flashlight app rivals many of the most popular games downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store and shines among users with its 10,000+ 5-star ratings.

Achieving 1 million in sales on a single app is significant for i4Software and gives us a great foundation for further growth, specifically for our new entertainment-related product coming in January at i4movies.com. Flashlight has provided a great opportunity for a million users to discover the importance of having the Flashlight app on their iPhone for critical and day-to-day situations, says Michael Zaletel, CEO of i4Software.

FlashlightPraises for the app have come from police officers, firefighters, pilots, EMTs, nurses, military personnel, and other users who recount how instantly turning the iPhone into a flashlight prevented injuries and saved lives.

The reason for the overwhelming popularity of Flashlight is that it opens faster than any other app, illuminating instantly when the app is launched. Utilizing the LED camera flash, instead of just using the iPhone's LCD screen, Flashlight is able to provide a constant light source that is brighter than most common D battery flashlights.

"People appreciate the fact that it's ad-free and has multiple uses as many of our customer reviews have indicated," the company notes. "This has built user confidence in our other products and has helped i4Software to attract new customers to our brand. According to Zaletel, it has increased the company's market share with millennial buyers, thanks to the recent launch of the iPhone 4S. Next, we're anticipating another million-seller with our new personal entertainment app that's premiering soon on i4movies.com."

Car Calculator - Quick, Accurate Used Car Estimates for iPhone and iPad

PR: To help automotive sales professionals easily find an accurate estimate of a used car's value, Robert Srahol and Miroslav Hosek have announced their newly updated Car Calculator app, which is geared specifically towards car salespeople and automotive dealerships looking to do quick, hassle-free appraisals for their clients. Car Calculator is available in a Basic version for the iPhone or iPod touch and a Pro version for the iPad.

Car CalculatorIn addition, the app creators are announcing a newly discounted price for Car Calculator Basic. The app is now available for $7.99, a 20% saving.

The Car Calculator apps are convenient tools to provide quick appraisals for used vehicles, allowing professionals to easily valuate a client's car. A user would note the make, model, year, condition, and mileage of the vehicle, key these details into the app, and allow Car Calculator to compute the vehicle's value.

"Car Calculator helps anyone who deals with vehicle purchasing and sales give their customers great service," says Robert Srahol, co-developer of the Car Calculator apps. "You can now go from meeting a customer to valuing a car quickly and easily, without any added stress thanks to the apps we created."

Unlike other used car apps, Car Calculator doesn't need to make use of an Internet connection to compute the value of a vehicle. This seemingly small difference has proven to be the biggest advantage for those in car sales as it allows users to assess a vehicle from virtually any location, such as the far end of the parking lot or a customer's home.

After an estimate of the car's value has been completed, Car Calculator can create a professional-looking PDF report listing the results of the valuation. The user can email this report directly from their iPhone or print it.

Features of the Car Calculator Basic and Pro apps include:

  • Take Business Anywhere - Automotive professionals can appraise vehicles according to their make, model, year and mileage without having to go online. All the calculations can be done right from the user's iPhone or iPad.
  • Simple User Interface - Users enter customer's data into the app directly and either print it out or send it via email.
  • PDF Output of Report - Have the paperwork required to complete a transaction by exporting the valuation to PDF.
  • Multilingual Support - Car Calculator Basic is available in three languages: English, German and Czech.

The Pro version of Car Calculator is designed for the iPad and adds many helpful features to the Basic app. In Car Calculator Pro, for example, appraisers have the option of using the app's built-in browser to search for and compare prices with similar vehicles online to complete their assessment. Also, users have the ability to set and edit currency, VAT, and company details, which allows professionals customize the app to their needs.

Aside from calculating the market value of a used vehicle, Car Calculator Pro also offers professionals the chance to complete a transaction right from their iPad. The app provides a template for both a handover report and purchase agreement which users may edit and revise to suit their company.

Device requirements for Car Calculator Basic:

  • iPhone and iPod touch
  • Requires iOS 5.0 or later
  • 0.1 MB

Device requirements for Car Calculator Pro:

  • Compatible with iPad
  • Requires iOS 5.0 or later
  • 2.2 MB

Car Calculator Basic (for the iPhone and iPod touch) is currently available for sale worldwide through the App Store in the Business category for $7.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies). Car Calculator Pro (for the iPad) is also available through the App Store for $199.99. Review copies of both apps are available upon request.

Cars.com iPhone App Wins Highest MarCom Award

PR: Cars.com, an online resource for buying and selling new and used cars, has been awarded a MarCom Platinum Award for the site's popular app for iPhone. MarCom is an award administered annually by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, which was founded as a means to honor outstanding achievement in the communications industry. The Platinum Award is MarCom's highest honor and is received by companies and products judged to be of the utmost quality, creativity, and resourcefulness.

"Winning a Platinum Award for our app for iPhone is a great achievement for Cars.com and is a testament to our work to bring consumers the tools they need to shop confidently when they need them," says Sharon Knitter, Senior Director of Mobile at Cars.com. "This award recognizes our increased prominence in the mobile space and our dedication to car shoppers constantly seeking new and innovative ways to make their experience even better."

The Cars.com iPhone app helps car shoppers:

  • Search millions of new, used and certified vehicles on make and model with the ability to set price limits
  • View photos and videos of vehicles
  • Locate nearby dealerships, view inventories and receive directions
  • Make a "favorites" list of dealerships and vehicles with the ability to add photos and notes
  • Calculate monthly payments with a finance tool

"With over 1 million downloads since its release in February 2010, car shoppers have made it clear that they value having a way to access the great features of our site not only from their home but on their mobile device too," says Knitter. "Our ultimate goal is to give car shoppers the tools necessary to be confident in their purchase decision, knowing what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay."

Cars.com is among several other winners of the Platinum Award, and one of a select few for their mobile app whose work has been recognized by judges and industry professionals who have determined they exceed a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. Out of more than 6,000 entries, Cars.com joins an elite group of the MarCom Platinum Award winners.

Cars.com was recently named the "Best Overall Customer Experience" by Keynote Systems, the leader in Internet and mobile cloud marketing. Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. Cars.com offers thousands of new and used vehicle listings, consumer reviews, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and many other tools. Cars.com put millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they needs to make confident buying decisions.

BibleReader Free Bible Study App for iPhone and iPad

BibleReaderPR: BibleReader is an amazing way to read and study the Bible. Write a note, highlight and bookmark your favorite passages, and then back up or sync them to another device (Macs included) with Olive Tree's free Cloud backup service. With split-screen viewing and advanced search, BibleReader is a powerful Bible study aid. Installing BibleReader will also give you immediate access to download more than 100 free titles, and over 600 popular Bible study products can be easily purchased from within the application. This application includes the KJV Bible, as well as offering access to all free titles and in-app title purchases from Olive Tree's catalog.

Cloud Sync

  • Cloud sync your bookmarks, notes, highlights, and book ribbons between your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and http://sync.olivetree.com
  • Edit your notes online at http://sync.olivetree.com

Features

  • Bibles and other titles are stored on your phone, so you don't need a continuous Internet connection. You have full access to your library even when you're in airplane mode or out of WiFi range.
  • With 3-touch Verse Chooser, you can navigate quickly and easily to the exact Bible verse you want.
  • Split screen reading lets you view two books at once. You can compare Bible translations, view study notes, or read commentaries and reference books side-by-side with Scripture.
  • Immersive reading lets you remove all controls and get lost in your book without distractions.
  • Powerful resource guide and word lookup designed to help you study the Bible.
  • Quick, powerful searching lets you find words, phrases, even search in Greek and Hebrew

BibleReaderPersonalize

  • Bookmark your favorite verses.
  • Take notes.
  • Highlight text.
  • Sort, search, and organize everything. A great organizational tool for study, personal devotions, or sermon preparation.
  • Open and edit your personal notes in the split window to easily add and modify notes while studying or during sermons.
  • Verse references in your notes are hyperlinked to open the verse when you tap on them.
  • Tag everything for convenient organization.
  • Book ribbons let you easily track your reading location.

Text Selection

  • Bookmark, highlight, add a note, or copy any text.
  • Search for selected word(s).
  • Lookup selected word(s) in all dictionaries.

Resource Guide

  • Helps easily access the content in your library.
  • Quickly find commentary and map hits on the Bible passage you are reading.
  • Look up people, places, and topic on a passage.
  • Easy to use cross references.
  • Configure the resource guide to work the way you want.

BibleReaderA Library of Titles

  • With over 100 free titles for in-app download BibleReader also offers the ease of in-app purchasing for over 600 more study tools like books, Bibles, and Bible study tools. (iTunes gift cards too).
  • Popular Bible translations: NIV, NKJV, ESV, NLTse, NASB, The Message, Amplified, HCSB, NCV, Complete Jewish Bible, JPS Tanakh
  • Best-selling study bibles: ESV Study Bible, NLT Study Bible, NIV Study Notes
  • Bibles with deuterocanonical books: NABre, NRSV and RSV, Douay-Rheims
  • Non-English Bibles: Reina-Valera, Traduccion en lenguaje actual, Dios Habla Hoy (Spanish), Luther Bibel 1984, Schlachter, and Elberfelder (German), Louis Segond and La Bible du Semeur (French), and more.
  • Original language Bibles: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Hebrew Old Testament), Greek New Testament (NA27)
  • Strong's Dictionaries, and KJV and NASB with Strong's Numbers
  • Commentaries and Study Tools: Ryrie Study Bible Notes, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown(FREE); Matthew Henry's Concise (FREE)and Complete Commentaries; MacArthur's New Testament Commentary; Gray's; Ironside; Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge (cross references)
  • Excellent free resources: John Piper's Collected Sermons (1200+ sermons, enhanced for Resource Guide), Bible in Basic English, classics by St. Augustine, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon

New in Version 5.1.2:

  • New downloader. You can now read or study the Bible while your books are downloading.
  • Fixed slow popups
  • Fixed the Library getting deleted
  • Fixed long book ribbon titles
  • Fixed the grid verse chooser in German localized builds
  • Other bug and crash fixes

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

Top In-App Purchases

  • New International Version - NIV Plus, $18.99
  • Message, The, $15.99
  • New King James Version - NKJV, $15.99
  • Amplified Bible - AMP, $18.99
  • English Standard Version - ESV, $16.99
  • New International Version - NIV, $21.99
  • ESV Study Bible, $39.99
  • NIV Study Bible Notes, $17.99
  • New Living Translation, Second Edition - NLTse, $11.99
  • New American Standard Bible - NASB - with Strong's Numbers, $34.99

System requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
  • Requires iOS 3.0 or later

Free

Accessories

Verbatim Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard

Ultra-Slim KeyboardPR: For tablet users on the go, Verbatim's new Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard offers a stylish, thin design for handy mobility.

Designed to work with the iPad, iPad 2, and iPhone, along with other Bluetooth-enabled Tablets (with HID keyboard support), this keyboard features an ultra-compact design that readily fits in its included carrying case for exceptional portability and easy storage.

The keyboard features enhanced, easy-to-use "smart keys" for cut, copy, paste and undo, with added controls for music, power off and device locking. The Ultra-Slim keyboard also eliminates the need for constant battery changing with its built-in rechargeable power source that is easily replenished via a USB-to-computer or wall-charger connection.

Ultra-Slim KeyboardFeatures:

  • Ultra-Compact Design - Stylish, thin design readily stores in carrying case for maximum portability and mobility
  • Bluetooth Wireless - Designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled iPad, iPad 2, iPhone & Tablet devices with HID keyboard support
  • Rechargeable Built-in Battery - No need for replacing batteries, the keyboard features a built-in rechargeable power supply
  • Enhanced Smart Keys - Easy-to-use smart function keys for cut, copy, paste, and undo. Added controls for music control, power off and device locking
  • Low Profile Keys - Quiet, soft-touch keys provide crisp, responsive feel when typing
  • Extras - A carrying case for the keyboard and charging USB cable are also included, providing even greater freedom and mobility.

System requirements:

  • Bluetooth Wireless
  • HID Keyboard Support (iOS, Android, Blackberry/QNX, HP/webOS or otherwise)
  • iOS 4 or Higher (iPhone, iPad, iPad 2)
  • Android 3.0 or higher (Android Tablets)

Compatibility List:

  • iPhone, iPad, iPad 2
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • Motorola Xoom
  • Blackberry PlayBook
  • Any Tablet with HID Keyboard support & Bluetooth connectivity (some restrictions may apply).

Available in black or white, the keyboard is designed to work with the iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom and other tablet devices.

The Ultra-Slim keyboard sells for $49.99

SRS iWOW 3D i-Device Audio Enhancement Adapter Receives 'Visual Grand Prix 2012' Award

PR: SRS Labs, specialists in surround sound, audio enhancement, and voice post-processing technologies, has announced today that the SRS iWOW 3D Adapter, a small accessory that plugs into the 30-pin connector of any Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod, and delivers a dynamically engaging, immersive HD-quality audio experience over headphone, speakers or car audio systems, has been honored in Japan with the coveted "Visual Grand Prix 2012" award, under the category of Pure Audio, Headphone Product, Headphone Amplifier. Winning products were selected by voting from leading CE shops nationwide and a panel of eight judges consisting of recognized AV professionals and critics.

SRS iWOW 3DUtilizing several patented SRS audio solutions, the SRS iWOW 3D is designed to work exclusively with Apple iDevice products. The iWOW 3D seamlessly plugs into the 30-pin connector of any iPad, iPhone or iPod in order to retrieve and restore audio cues that are buried deep within the original source material, to provide an immersive, three-dimensional sound stage with renewed depth and clarity, as well as deep bass, through any pair of headphones or earbuds. The end result is a truly uncompromised, HD-quality entertainment experience for music, movies and games.

Visual Grand Prix is organized by Ongen Publishing Company, a major publishing company in Japan. Founded in 1991, the Award recognizes leading visual and sound products for the home entertainment industry in Japan. It is a highly recognized award in Japan and has great influence in the market and consumer purchase decisions.

See Charles W. Moore's review of SRS iWOW 3D Audio Enhancing Adapter for iOS Devices at MacPrices.

USB Fever 6-in-1 Connection Kit for iPad Includes HDMI and RCA Output

USB Fever 6-in-1 Connection Kit for iPadPR: This adapter helps you to connect your iPad to:

  • A TV for Video Playback with HDMI port (see note below)
  • A TV for Video Playback with RCA (see notes below)
  • Micro SD (T-Flash) card for Data transfer
  • SD card for Data transfer
  • A computer for Data Sync
  • A Keyboard for data input
  • A DC/Camera for picture and video input

Features:

  • Dual Output - HDMI for high definition/RCA for old TVs
  • Incredibly easy to download photos from your digital camera (with a DCIM Folder) to your iPad
  • Supports moving jpeg (.jpg)/Raw files from iPhone 4 to iPad
  • Supports SD/SDHC/Micro SD (TF) Cards
  • Supports connecting via the USB port (see notes below)
  • The USB port can be connected to a keyboard for data input to your iPad

USB Fever 6-in-1 Connection Kit for iPadThis accessory if compatible with:

  • Apple iPad
  • Apple iPad 2

Color: White

Note:

  • iPad only reads data (graphics files) from devices/Memory cards with a folder "DCIM".
  • Please keep no space between the iPad and the dongle
  • Don't have more than one device connect to the dongle at the same time.

$98.99

Presentation & Protection

Incipio Stowaway Case for Keeps Your iPhone 4/4S Close and Your Money Closer

Incipio Stowaway Case for iPhone 4PR: Incipio has announced availability of the Stowaway for iPhone 4/4S. The Stowaway combines a protective carrying solution and built-in wallet compartment for storing identification cards, credit cards and cash.

Comprised of a shock-absorbing silicone core and high quality polycarbonate exterior shell, the Stowaway for iPhone 4/4S features a posterior compartment for storing identification and money essentials in a secure place.

Incipio Stowaway Case for iPhone 4Designed for on-the-go consumers that want to leave their wallet at home, the innovative Stowaway case is strategically crafted to keep essentials safe and secure. The retractable compartment door doubles as a built-in kickstand for handsfree viewing and stable typing positioning when personal effects are removed from the pocket. Full coverage on back and front edges of the Stowaway case safeguards the iPhone 4/4S from scratches and dents.

Incipio iPhone 4/4S Stowaway Credit Card Hard Shell Case with Silicone Core sells for $49.99

ZAGG's New Line of iPad 2 ZAGGfolio Colors

ZAGGfolio for iPad 2PR: ZAGG Inc. has made its popular ZAGGfolio available in 10 fashionable colors and finishes just in time for the holiday season: black leather, brown leather, alligator leather, basketball leather, red, blue, pink, green, orange, and purple. Beginning November 30 through December 31, the company will also spread holiday cheer by offering consumers a chance to win an Apple iPad 2 a day at ZAGG.com.

The ZAGGfolio is a thin multifunction carrying case with a removable Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad 2, featuring a built-in stand to hold the 'Pad in either portrait or landscape orientation. Island-style keys provide maximum typing room and special shortcuts to access iPad 2 applications with a push of a button.

ZAGGfolio colors are available immediately for $99.99 through ZAGG's online store (link below).

"The iPad 2 is expected to be one of the most popular gifts this holiday season. With ZAGG's iPad 2 a day giveaway, online shoppers have the opportunity to win this sought after gadget for free," says Derek Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for ZAGG. "With the introduction of ZAGGfolio colors, consumers can now customize their iPad 2s by choosing one of 10 popular hues and finishes."

For more information about the ZAGGfolio and the company's iPad 2 holiday giveaways, visit ZAGG.com or follow the company on Twitter @ZAGGdaily.

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