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
iPod Deals
These price trackers are updated every month.
News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPad 2 Outsells Motorola Xoom 25 to 1
pcr-online.biz's Mat Bettinson reports that Deutsche Bank analysts
have estimated that the Motorola Xoom Android 3.0 tablet has sold just
100,000 devices according to a
Dow Jones news report, and observes that being outsold by 25 to 1
indicates the steepness of the mountain Android platform has to climb
before it even comes within shouting distance of challenging Apple's
tablet dominance.
Link: iPad 2 Outsells
Motorola Xoom 25 to 1
Speed Tests: iPad 2 vs. PlayBook vs. Xoom
Cnet Crave's Eric Franklin tests RIM's long-awaited BlackBerry
PlayBook's speed against the market-dominating iPad 2 and the Motorola
Xoom tablet, noting that site-loading speed is one of the simplest
things to test, and it's a test many users can immediately relate to,
noting that he's a greater fan of real-world tests - like going to
actual, real sites - rather than synthetic benchmarks.
The initial takeaway is that the PlayBook noticeably trails both the
iPad 2 and Xoom in Web speed performance, taking (in some cases) twice
as long as Apple's and Motorola's machines.
Link: Speed Tests: iPad
2 vs. PlayBook vs. Xoom
iPad 3 Won't Have Retina Display, Won't Be Released
Until 2012
BGR's Zach Epstein notes that despite the fact of Apple having just
introduced the iPad 2, rumors leading
up to Apple's iPad 3 is already in full swing, with Taiwanese
industry-watcher site DigiTimes Tuesday claiming that contrary to
earlier rumors, Apple's component suppliers are saying that the idea of
an iPad 3 with a Retina Display launching this year is likely just so
much wishful thinking and misreporting, and that any iPad upgrade
released this year will likely be minor, possibly adding 4G support to
the tablet.
For another, consonant perspective on this topic see iPad 3 Won't Debut in 2011, Report Says by
Macworld UK's Ben Camm-Jones.
Link: iPad 3 Won't Have
Retina Display, Won't Be Released This Year According to Report
Tablets Changing the Way Consumers Engage
Content
The Google Mobile Ads Blog's Harsh Shah says people are now spending
considerable time with tablet devices, and growth in the tablet market
is accelerating with companies releasing new products, and media
companies and developers creating content specifically for these new
devices.
In order to better understand how people are using tablets, AdMob
ran a survey of over 1,400 tablet users and found that:
- 68% of tablet users spend at least 1 hour a day on their
tablet
- 77% of respondents report that their desktop/laptop usage decreased
after they started using a tablet
- 82% of respondents said they primarily use their tablet at
home
- More than 1 in 3 respondents uses their tablet more than they watch
TV
Link: Tablets Changing
Way Consumers Engage with Content
Apple Kneecaps iCab Browser
The Register's Andrew Orlowski reports:
"Apple has ordered the developer of a web browser for iPhones and
iPads to disable vital functionality. The gatekeepers at the iTunes
Store, which sells the highly rated browser German browser iCab,
ordered it to disable JavaScript. The developer says he'll comply."
Orlowski notes that iCab brings many more features to iPhones and
iPads than the plain vanilla Safari that Apple ships with the device,
shipping with some 25 feature-enhancing "modules" that are simply
JavaScript code, now blackballed by the App Store's gatekeepers.
We have more information on iCab for iOS below,
and iCab also makes versions for the
Mac.
Link: Apple Store
Kneecaps Rival Browser
Gartner: iOS to Dominate Media Tablet Market
Through 2015
PR: Despite mounting competition from other operating systems
(OSes), Apple's iOS will continue to own the majority of the worldwide
media tablet through 2015, according to the latest analysis by Gartner,
Inc. Due to the success of Apple's iPad, iOS will account for 69% of
media tablet OSes in 2011 and represent 47% of the media tablet market
in 2015.
Gartner analysts say the iPad did to the tablet PC market what the
iPhone did to the smartphone market: reinvented it. A media tablet is
not just a different form factor to perform the same tasks that can be
done on a PC. Tablets deliver a richer experience around content
consumption, thanks to the ecosystem they support. The richer the
ecosystem, the stronger the pull for consumers.
"Seeing the response from both consumers and enterprises to the
iPad, many vendors are trying to compete by first delivering on
hardware and then trying to leverage the platform ecosystem," says
Carolina Milanesi, research vice president at Gartner. "Many, however,
are making the same mistake that was made in the first response wave to
the iPhone, as they are prioritizing hardware features over
applications, services and overall user experience. Tablets will be
much more dependent on the latter than smartphones have been, and the
sooner vendors realize that the better chance they have to compete
head-to-head with Apple."
Google's Android OS is forecast to increase its worldwide share of
the media tablet market from 20% in 2011 to 39% in 2015. Analysts said
Google's decision not to open up Honeycomb, its first OS version
dedicated to tablets, to third parties will prevent fragmentation, but
it will also slow the price decline and ultimately cap market
share.
Volume will be driven by support from many players, the ecosystem of
applications for tablets getting more competitive and some platform
flexibility allowing lower price points, said Roberta Cozza, principal
analyst at Gartner. The new licensing model Google has introduced with
Honeycomb enables Google to drive more control, allowing only optimal
tablet implementations that don't compromise quality of experience.
This might mean that prices will drop at a slower pace than what we
have seen in the smartphone market.
With the migration of Blackberry devices to QNX the OS used on the
Blackberry PlayBook - in 2012, RIM will be able to offer users a
consistent experience across its whole product portfolio and create a
single developer community. While QNX is a strong platform that
delivers on performance, graphics and multitasking features, Gartner
analysts said success in the media tablet market will be driven by
richness of ecosystem.
It will take time and significant effort for RIM to attract
developers and deliver a compelling ecosystem of applications and
services around QNX to position it as a viable alternative to Apple or
Android. This will limit RIM's market share growth over the forecast
period, Ms. Milanesi said. It will be mainly organizations that will be
interested in RIM's tablets because they either already have RIM's
infrastructure deployed or have stringent security requirements.
Gartner analysts said platforms such as MeeGo and WebOS, which
currently have a weak presence in the smartphone market, will have a
limited appeal unless they can grow that business.
Smartphone users will want to buy a tablet that runs the same
operating system as their smartphone. This is so that they can share
applications across devices as well as for the sense of familiarity the
user interfaces will bring, Ms. Milanesi said. Vendors developing on
Android should be prepared to see more cross brand ownership as some
users might put OS over brand when it comes to the purchasing decision.
Improvements on usability and brand recognition are the strongest
differentiators they can focus on.
A media tablet is a device based on a touchscreen display (typically
with a multitouch interface) whose primary focus is the consumption of
media. The devices have screens with a diagonal dimension that is over
5 inches and may include screens that are as large as is practical for
handheld use, roughly up to 15 inches. The media tablet runs a
lightweight OS such as Android and iOS that is more limited than, or a
subset of, the traditional fully featured OS such as Windows.
Link: Forecast: Media Tablets by Open
Operating System, Worldwide, 2008-2015
Apps & Services
Free Macworld iPad 2 Starter Guide
PR: So, you've braved the weeks of waiting and the long
Apple Store lines and finally gotten your hands on a new iPad 2. You've
taken your first step into a larger world - now it's time to put your
shiny new tablet to work. Start by learning all the iPad 2 basics with
Macworld's new iPad 2 Starter Guide, available for free in the
iBookstore.
This book is available on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with
iBooks and on your computer with iTunes.
The Macworld iPad 2 starter guide contains the essential information
a new iPad 2 owner needs to get started with their new device.
It has easy-to-understand explanations of the iPad 2's basic
features, navigation, settings, and included apps. There are also
sections on the other Apple iPad apps: Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Garage
Band, iMovie, and iBooks. Looking to expand your app collection? We
have a list of the top 10 third-party apps every new iPad owner should
download.
Link: iPad 2 Starter
Guide (iBook
Store link)
MLB.com At Bat 11 for iPad
PR: Watch live. Listen live. MLB.com At Bat 11, the App
Stores #1 selling application, is live baseball every pitch from every
at bat for the entire 2011 season. Follow your favorite team with
comprehensive, up-to-the-moment action, including access to live video
with an MLB.TV subscription, enhanced Gameday functionalities and home
and away live radio broadcasts.
At Bat 11 begins the 2011 MLB season with a free MLB.TV trial,
offering subscribers the opportunity to watch every out-of-market game
for free on their iPad for the entire month of April. The free MLB.TV
trial is presented by Volvo.
At Bat 11 for iPad features include:
- Watch every out-of-market game during April with a free MLB.TV
trial presented by Volvo
- See key plays and pivotal moments from every game with Live
Look-Ins (No blackout restrictions)
- Enhanced, redesigned Gameday pitch-by-pitch features, including
realistic ballpark renderings from all 30 MLB parks in partnership with
MLB 11: The Show.
- Archived games to watch every game from 2011 on-demand
- Access your MLB.TV subscription to watch live out-of-market games
all season
- Home and away radio broadcasts
- In-progress video highlights
- Condensed Games and video library archive
- Breaking news, standings, schedules, rosters and stats
$14.99
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Link: MLB.com At Bat 11
for iPad (App
Store link)
MLB.com At Bat 11 for iPhone
PR: Your Team. Your App. MLB.com At Bat 11, the App
Stores #1 selling application, is live baseball every pitch from every
at bat for the entire 2011 season. Follow your favorite team with
comprehensive, up-to-the-moment action, including access to live video
with an MLB.TV subscription, favorite team home screen customization
options, home and away live radio broadcasts and At The Ballpark
check-in features.
At Bat 11 begins the 2011 MLB season with a free MLB.TV trial,
offering subscribers the opportunity to watch every out-of-market game
for free on their iPhone or iPod touch for the entire month of April.
The free MLB.TV trial is presented by Volvo.
This version of At Bat 11 is designed for iPhone and iPod touch.
At Bat 11 features for iPhone/iPod touch include:
- Watch every out-of-market game during April with a free MLB.TV
trial presented by Volvo
- See key plays and pivotal moments from every game with Live
Look-Ins (No blackout restrictions)
- Archived games to watch every game from 2011 on-demand
- At The Ballpark with check-in, interactive venue maps, expanded
video highlights, My Profile, social media with Twitter and Facebook,
exclusive offers and rewards and more
- Customized home screen to feature a designated favorite team.
- Access your MLB.tv subscription to watch live out-of-market games
all season
- Home and away radio broadcasts
- In-progress video highlights
- Gameday pitch-by-pitch tracker
- Condensed Games and video library archive, searchable by player,
team or keyword
- Breaking news, standings, schedules, rosters and stats
- Customizable push notifications for game start and end and video
highlight availability
New in Version 4.1.1
- Improved team scoreboard
- Enhanced Check-in support
- Expanded highlights available for checking-in at the Ballpark
$14.99
Rated 4+
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and
ix.Mac.MarketingName.
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Link: MLB.com At Bat 11
for iPhone (App
Store link)
Bing 2.1 for iOS
PR: Microsoft's Bing
is a "decision engine" designed to work beautifully the iPhone and
other iOS devices.
Discover what's relevant near you and complete tasks more easily
right from Bing, wherever you are. Tell Bing what you are looking for
with voice activated search - even addresses. Bing helps you to easily
find a restaurant, with the cuisine, atmosphere, and location you're
looking for, in the price range you want. You can even reserve a table
or order takeout right from Bing.
Use the Plans feature to
explore nightlife options, likes, and comments from your friends on
Facebook, or use the social feature to see updates from Facebook and
Twitter in your search results. Find shops, images, showtimes (along
with reviews, clips and trailers), iPhone apps, travel deals, airfare
price predictions, flight information, weather forecast, and walking,
transit or driving directions with up-to-date traffic conditions.
Use the real time transit feature to see when your bus is coming.
Add remainder for a business or any location on a map and Bing will
notify you when you're nearby. Use Bing Vision to search using your
phone's camera. Bring text in to view and Bing will recognize it. Then
select the words you want to search for. Scan a barcode and Bing will
instantly return product results. Bing Vision can also detect product
information from QR code, Microsoft Tag, UPC codes and cover art from
books, CD, DVDs, and video games. Check in with Facebook and
Foursquare, without leaving Bing. Get great rates for flights with
travel deals and price predictions.
Reminders feature works best
with iOS 4.2 and higher.
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
- Requires iOS 3.1 or later.
Free
Link: Bing (App
Store link)
iCab Mobile Web Browser for iOS
PR:
Alexander Clauss' iCab Mobile is a web browser for the iPhone and iPod
touch. It is probably one of the iPhone browsers with the richest
feature set. It provides many unique and useful features you won't find
in other iPhone browsers.
- Searching: iCab Mobile comes with several default search engines
you can choose from. You can easily add new search engines. Search
suggestions from Google and Yahoo can be activated on the iPad. It's
also possible to search within a web page.
- Filling Out Forms: iCab Mobile can save web forms and restore the
form content later (manually or automatically). The saved forms data
can be password protected.
- Filter: There's a built-in and customizable URL-based filter. The
default filters block many advertising banners. You can edit, add or
remove filters. It's possible to switch off images to save
bandwidth.
- Tabs: iCab Mobile supports Tabs, so you can open multiple web pages
at the same time. Links can be opened in Tabs (in the foreground or
background) manually or automatically. iCab can save the tabs when
quitting so these can be loaded even when being offline, the next time
the App is launched.
Bookmarks:
Bookmarks can be organized in folders. You can import/export the
bookmarks from/to your PC/Mac browser. Bookmarks can be also saved as
"Offline Bookmarks" which can be even opened without an Internet
connection.- Fullscreen Mode: iCab Mobile provides a fullscreen mode where the
whole screen is used to display the web page. No screen space is wasted
for toolbars.
- Downloads: iCab Mobile has a built-in Download Manager so you can
download almost all files from the Internet. The downloads can be
easily transferred to a Mac/PC/Linux computer but also to other Apps on
the device which can open these files (iOS 3.2 or newer required).
- Scrolling: The unique "Scrollpad" feature lets instantly scroll to
any location within a web page (Tap with three fingers on the screen to
activate the Scrollpad).
- Guest Mode: iCab Mobile itself can be password protected. When
password protection is on, you can enable a guest mode with limited
privileges which is available without a password. The guest mode can
have its own subset of bookmarks and search engines.
- Dropbox: iCab Mobile supports Dropbox. Export/Import bookmarks;
transfer downloads, images, files, web pages to your Dropbox
account.
Other
Features:
- Configurable multitouch gestures
- QuickStarter feature
- AirPrint support (iOS 4.2 required)
- Browser ID (UserAgent) is configurable
- iCab Mobile fully supports international domain names (IDN - domain
names with language-specific characters).
- VGA Out: Web pages can be displayed on an external display.
- Send (smaller) downloads via email
- Cookie Manager, lists all cookies, cookies can be deleted
individually
- Private Browsing (no history and no cookies are stored)
- Privacy settings allows to delete all kinds of private data
(history, cookies, databases, saved forms, passwords etc.)
- Option to pass the current web page to another App on the device
which can open the page
- URL autocompletion based on bookmarks and/or history
- Simple built-in RSS reader
- Save images, whole web pages, PDF files
- Kiosk Mode - a restricted variation of the fullscreen mode for
Kiosk environments.
- Autorotation supported
- History
- AddressBook support lets you access the web pages from the
addressbook.
- When launching iCab can either open an empty page, the homepage or
restore the Tabs which were open the last time
- Page-Compression is supported to save bandwidth.
- There are different color schemes (skins) on the iPhone/iPod
touch
- Document Sharing lets you pass downloads and files to other Apps in
the device (iOS 3.2/4.x required)
- Multitasking support for iOS 4: Downloads can continue while the
app is in the background, playing audio files in web pages can continue
in the background.
New in Version 4.6:
- Now ships with about 25 modules for Twitter, Delicious, Instapaper
and many other web services and many other tasks.
- New button in fullscreen mode added which hides/shows all other
buttons.
- Fixes an issue with "redirection" messages at Google
- Fixes a few issues with file upload forms
- Fixes a crash when opening and canceling the "Open In" dialog
multiple times in a short time
- Fixes an issue when reordering the bookmarks
System requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
$1.99
Link: iCab
Mobile (App
Store link)
Forgot Your Reading Glasses? Use Your iPhone to
Magnify Small Print with EyeReader
PR: Trying to read small print, or struggling to see a menu
in a dimly lit restaurant, is frustrating a growing number of Americans
as the Baby Boom population reaches senior citizen status.
The EyeReader by
Net|Soft Engineering is the first in a series of Silver Apps -
applications designed for users 45 and older. The brainchild of
engineer Gerry Lavender, EyeReader takes only half a megabyte and is
just $1.99 to download from iTunes store.
EyeReader is the only app of its kind to utilize iPhone 4's full
3.5" widescreen display, giving users the ability to zoom in and out
with two fingers via touchscreen technology.
Unlike an ordinary magnifier, the EyeReader efficiently uses the
iPhone 4 bright LED light to illuminate any surface up to 5x
magnification.
"Older adults are looking for apps that meet their needs," says
Lavender. "You may forget your reading glasses, but you're never
without your iPhone. As a Baby Boomer myself I fully understand the
challenges seniors face and it's been the inspiration for Silver Apps,
all designed to make life easier for that population."
This is just the first of several iPhone and iPad applications
Net|Soft is developing to meet the demands of the senior market.
Net|Soft launched EyeReader on March 7 and users in 21 countries
have since purchased. It's perfect for reading menus in dark
restaurants, playbills in theater, instructions on prescription
medication or any fine print.
Reviews of EyeReader on the Apple iTunes store website are
overwhelmingly positive, consistently rating 5 out of 5 stars.
"Wonderful and unique app! Don't need to take my glasses to restaurants
anymore™ "Great app! Hubby might just have to update to iPhone 4
so he can get this app™
Gerry, who graduated from Texas Tech in 1972 with a degree in
Electrical Engineering, now sets up shop at his home in Olmos Park -
also global headquarters for Net|Soft Engineering, specializing in
computer software design and solutions.
For the past decade, Gerry has designed local and wide area
networks, written custom interfaces for Windows, Linux, Unix and MacOS
and developed applications for other systems as the sole proprietor of
Net|Soft. This is his first invention developed commercially on his
own.
He taught himself the code and language and before long, the
one-time defensive end and Texas Tech alum had invented the
EyeReader.
Lavender is already looking ahead to the evolution of EyeReader
creating a version compatible with Android phones. He's also developing
apps for the new iPad.
"The progressive iPhone and iPad technology allows us to put our
vision into action, not just on the EyeReader but several other Silver
Apps to be released within the next six months," Lavender adds.
Link: EyeReader (App
Store link)
iResQ Continues to Provide iPad 2 Repair Services
for All 50 US States
PR: iResQ, a pioneering technology repair service for Apple
handhelds such as the iPhone and iPod as well as Apple desktop computer
systems, continues to offer repair services for the new iPad 2,
available to residents throughout America through their highly
efficient mail-order system
The appearance of Apple's iPad in 2010 took the tech-consumer work
by storm, with over 15 million of the units selling in just nine
months. iResQ was there, assisting their mail-order clients with iPad
repairs such as glass/digitizer replacements, headphone jack
replacement or repair, and free iPad diagnostics and repair estimates
for their customers. In almost all cases, the cost for repair was much
less than the cost of buying a new iPad.
The new iPad 2 promises to be more exciting than the original model,
and iResQ is committed to providing a number of iPad 2 repairs for
owners of the remarkably lightweight & slender, portable
information processing system, featuring the same rapid shipping and
repair services that have made iResQ known across the country for their
speed, accuracy and affordability.
"We were really psyched about the iPad 2 and its slimmer, lighter
body," confesses Keith Melendez of iResQ. "It looks great and users
really seem to like its more advanced features and radical usability.
That said, accidents DO happen, but we're here for our customers 52
weeks a year, and we want to fix any damaged iPad 2 and send it back to
its owner good-as new. It's actually pretty amazing how early on we
started repairing these. The iPad 2 was released on a Friday, and we
were getting repair inquiries from customers who already damaged their
iPad 2's on the following Monday. Since then, iPad 2 repairs have been
steadily coming in to our repair facility."
With iResQ's specially designed iPad Box for trouble-free shipping
to their headquarters from anywhere in the United Sates, the Olathe,
Kansas-based company can make repairs to damaged iPad 2s as well as
other handheld devices from Apple and send them speeding back to their
owners - usually within 2 work days. iPad 2 repairs such as LCD screen
replacements, headphone jack repairs or replacements, glass digitizer
replacements, and even liquid and water damage repairs are no trouble
for iResQ, who feature certified Macintosh technicians in an authorized
Apple facility setting.
"We really enjoy helping our customers save money and keep their
trusted handhelds out of the trash," Melendez says. It's the eco
and the economic best thing to do and we've gotten very good at
doing it. I guess that's why were a growing business in a downturned
economy smart service, fast, with reasonable pricing. We want our
customers to keep their iPad 2s for a long time."
Link: iResQ
Accessories
iPadTab Wall Mount Now Works with iPad 2
PR: With
iPadTab you can do amazing things with the iPad, iPad 2 and coming wave
of tablet PCs, providing an easy way to put your device at your
eye-level or within arm's reach. Whether it's on the fridge door or in
the master bath, the iPadTab mounting system makes sure your device is
always at hand, wherever you may be.
The iPadTab mounting solution is thin and clear. The WallTab can be
applied to walls, cabinets, doors, refrigerators, and other flat
surfaces without the need to drill, and can be painted to color-match
the wall surface Additionally, the iPadTab can be installed without any
tools using its industrial strength adhesive.
Benefits:
- Mount your iPad or tablet PC to any wall, cabinet, door,
refrigerator, or surface.
- Easy on, easy off design to quickly place or remove your tablet PC
as you come and go.
- Low-profile iPadTab means your tablet PC fits easily into most
carrying cases and lays flat on a table top.
- Small WallTabs are inconspicuous and paintable. Kit Ships with 2
WallTabs to mount into two areas.
You can have
multiple WallTabs for the kitchen, entryway, bathroom or any room where
you need quick access to your tablet.
iPadTab compatible devices:
- iPad & iPad 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 7"
- Motorola Xoom
- HP TouchPad
- BlackBerry PlayBook
- Various Archos Internet Tablets
iPadTab sells for $29.95 but is currently offered at the
introductory price of $19.99.
Link: iPadTab
30 Pin Male to Female Dock Adapter
PR: If your iPhone/iPod/iPad is wearing a case, how you
can you adapt them to other accessories such as remote control, Cradle,
car windshield mount or even external chargers...?
It's a hassle if you need to take off your case to connect other
accessories?
USB Fever have an innovative product for you. With this adapter
you will have all the flexibility to connect your iPhone/iPod/iPad with
any other accessories.
Features:
- Narrow insert (26.1mm), easier for some cases with narrow
openings
- For Charging
- For Audio and Video Transfer
- To eliminate the troubles for sometimes that you need to take off
your case for iPhone/iPod before connecting your iPhone/iPod to an
accessories (e.g. FM Transmitter in a car).
Scenarios that this cable may apply:
- For testing, if you are developing a product for iPhone/iPod/iPad ,
you may need to test your product with iPhone/iPod/iPad for thousand
times, then this cable may help because it eliminate the direct damage
to your iPhone/iPod/iPad.
- Connect you iPhone/iPod/iPad with other accessories even it is
wearing a case.
- If you have some device that is compatible with your new
iPhone/iPod/iPad, but the physical space is too small for your new
iPhone/iPod/iPad.
This accessory is suitable for: (see note below)
- iPad, iPad 2
- iPhone 4 (or 4G)
- iPod video (5G)
- iPod nano 5th
- iPod nano 4th
- iPod nano 3rd
- iPod nano 2nd
- iPod classic (120 GB)
- iPod touch 3rd
- iPod touch 2nd
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 3G (or iPhone 2.0)
- iPhone 2G (or iPhone 1.0)
- iPod touch 1st
Colors Available: Black
$12.99
Link: Apple 30 Pin Dock
Male to Female Adapter
Zagg Announces Licensing and Distribution
Agreement with Logitech to Provide Global Distribution for
ZAGGmate
PR: Zagg
announces that they have signed an exclusive master license and
distribution agreement with Logitech for Zagg's tablet computer
accessory, the ZAGGmate case with keyboard. The two companies have
entered into an agreement that provides Logitech with exclusive
worldwide distribution rights to the ZAGGmate case design for the
iPad 2 and other tablets.
"We have marketed the ZAGGmate case with keyboard as the ideal
protection and productivity companion for the iPad, and now Zagg is
extremely well positioned to benefit from the worldwide demand for
tablets," says Robert G. Pedersen II, president and CEO of Zagg, "This
new relationship with Logitech allows us to dramatically expand our
global market presence and scale manufacturing capabilities to meet
future demand, while continuing to provide creative and superior
solutions for consumers of mobile devices. Working together, our
companies combine strong brand awareness and intelligent product design
with manufacturing and logistics expertise, and worldwide distribution
under the umbrella of the globally recognized Logitech name."
"The Logitech
Keyboard Case combines style and function in one great package," says
Azmat Ali, Logitech senior director for tablet products. "This is the
first of several products we plan to introduce this year designed
specifically to enhance the way people create, consume and communicate
using their tablet."
The Logitech Keyboard Case is made of precision-cut aircraft-grade
aluminum and features military-grade, high-density padding. The
protective case wraps around the iPad 2 to cover the screen and sides.
So you can go from Face Time to e-mail in no time, the Logitech
Keyboard Case offers a flexible, folding hinge, which makes it easy to
place your iPad 2 in either portrait or landscape mode.
And for your
convenience, the Logitech Keyboard Case uses Bluetooth connectivity to
pair the included wireless keyboard quickly and easily and the keyboard
charges over USB, so you never need to worry about replacing
batteries.
Under the terms of the agreement, Logitech will manufacture and
distribute the ZAGGmate case with keyboard, Zagg's tablet computer
accessory, to their worldwide distribution channels, under the name
Logitech Keyboard Case. Logitech products are distributed in over 100
countries worldwide through retail channels. Zagg will retain the right
to sell the ZAGGmate for both first and second generation iPad products
on its website.
Since keyboard configurations vary by country, the Logitech
licensing program permits Zagg to provide a larger range of products to
the global market, allowing Zagg's growth to keep pace with the overall
demand for tablet computers. The agreement provides rights to
manufacture and sell the products.
The ZAGGmate case
with keyboard is a protective productivity companion to the Apple iPad.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a high quality finish, the
patent-pending ZAGGmate matches the design, look and feel of the Apple
iPad. The ZAGGmate case shields the device screen and provides drop
protection, without adding bulk, and features a simple, innovative
stand for viewing and typing in both portrait and landscape mode. The
ZAGGmate case with keyboard includes a built-in wireless Bluetooth
keyboard that allows for fast, responsive typing and interaction with
the iPad's features.
Both ZAGGmate cases designed for first generation iPad products
received the CES Innovations 2011 Design and Innovations Award in 2010,
and the ZAGGmate case with keyboard was named a winner of the Macworld
Expo 2011 Best of Show Award. The ZAGGmates were launched in select
national big box retail locations around the United States on Black
Friday, November 26th, 2010, and shortly afterward began shipping to
their online customers. The new cobranded version, the Logitech
Keyboard Case is expected to be available as of today at zagg.com for
$99 and will soon be at other select retailers
Link: ZAGGmate
PU Leather Case with Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad
2
PR: This case turns your iPad 2 into
a mini-laptop.
It comes with a leather case and a built-in Bluetooth keyboard, what
you need is just to put the 30 pin dock connector to the iPad 2, pair
them, and you can use your iPad 2 as a normal laptop.
Features:
- A Protective Leather Case for your iPad 2
- A stand case for your iPad 2
- A wireless keyboard for your iPad 2
- Magnet Enclosure
This case is suitable for iPad 2
Colors Available: Black
Note: This is not made of Genuine Leather, it is made of PU.
$69.99
Link: PU Leather Case
with Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 2
