iNews Review

Fix Home Button Delay, Tablet the Ultimate Mobile PC, iPad Notebook a Possibility, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2012.02.10

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

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These price trackers are updated every month.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

How to Fix Home Button Delays

MacFixIt's Topher Kessler notes that the somewhat overworked home button on Apple's iOS devices not only brings you to the home screen to see your apps, but is also used to bring up the multitasking menu and wake the device from sleep. He notes that while the busy little button is usually quite responsive and will quit to the main menu after a short period of time, at times when you press the button there can be a delay - or it can even take a double-pump or two before it responds.

If the home button on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is not working as it used to, Kessler suggests a couple of things you can try to get it working again.

Publisher's note: My iPhone 3GS had been getting more and more sluggish in responding to the home button, and following the first suggestion made a big difference. I also followed the second tip for good measure, and my iPhone is now as responsive as when it was new. dk

WD-40 Won't Fix Your Home Button

Would anyone actually spray WD-40 on their Apple iDevice's Home Button? Apparently so, causing iMore.com's Allyson Kazmucha to warn:

"Do not - repeat - do NOT put WD-40 or any such substance in your iPhone or iPad; it won't permanently fix your Home button and may, in fact, damage it far worse. The idea that repeatedly squirting WD-40 into your iPhone or iPad Home button could fix responsiveness began floating around the Internet last month and has gotten some attention. That needs to be stopped immediately.... WD-40 may be non-conductive but the solvent in it will break down plastic. Your Home button is plastic as well as some of the internal parts...."

Publisher's note: If you're from the duct tape and WD-40 school, take this warning to heart. Remember, all those MacGyver solutions only needed to last long enough to get the job done, and you want your iDevice to last a long, long time. dk

The Tablet Is the Ultimate Mobile PC

Tech.pinions' Ben Bajarin says his firm has been doing extensive tablet analysis over the past year, and that the more he studies the role of tablet computers in the industry and in the lives of consumers, the more fascinated he become with the form factor. Bajarin clarifies up front that he, like market research from Canalys (and your editor and your publisher), believes and classifies the tablet as simply another form factor on the PC landscape.

Bajarin says he's been focusing recently on tablets being able to go where traditional PCs and notebook PCs would be the wrong form factor for the job in a growing number of use cases and market points, and that prior to tablets the market has been obliged to use PCs for jobs where we are now finding tablets are better suited.

He observes that in many business-related scenarios, we are seeing the iPad step in and take the place of notebook PCs, primarily because it is better suited for the specific task at hand, with enterprises discovering that for their most mobile workers the iPad is a better tool for the job than a clamshell notebook.

He also observes that the iPad makes a perfect learning companion, contending that touch computing removes barriers to computing presented by mice and keyboards, thus making 'pads better tools for learning for all ages, but kids specifically (not all of us agree on that point - cm), contending that the iPad fits better into educational environments than the PC ever could.

Another iPad portability advantage is that, unlike laptops, users are comfortable using them while standing, walking, sitting on the couch, laying in bed, in the bathroom, by the pool, at the beach, in the kitchen, etc., and taking the tablet places where they would not or could not take our clamshell PCs. Bajarin argues that when consumers use a clamshell notebook they are not truly mobile, whereas one can actually use a tablet and literally be mobile, so when it comes to computing mobility the tablet is mobile computing in its purest form.

ARM MacBook Air Unlikely; iPad 'Book a Possibility

Cnet's Brooke Crothers comments that based on a Friday note to investors from Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner, who met with CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer last Thursday, more powerful, versatile iPads are on the way, with the Apple execs seeming to think that a MacBook Air with ARM internals, iPad-like features, and running iOS is not necessary.

Crothers cites Gardner saying in the note: "Tim Cook reiterated his view that rapid innovation on the iOS platform (and mobile OS platforms in general) will significantly broaden the use case for tablets, eventually pushing annual tablet volumes above those of traditional PCs. We have wondered whether Apple might offer an ARM-based version of MacBook Air at some point; we walked away from this meeting with the impression that Apple feels iPad satisfies - or will soon satisfy - the needs of those who might have been interested in such a product."

Based on Gardner's take, Crothers deduces that Mr. Cook appears to be convinced that the iPad - or at least future versions of the iPad - will satisfy any significant potential consumer demand for an iOS and ARM-based MacBook Air.

The current MacBook Air runs OS X on Intel's second-generation "Sandy Bridge" Core i processors, with the next refresh expected to adopt Intel's even more powerful and energy-efficient "Ivy Bridge" CPU family. Moreover, Crothers observes that Intel appears to be on track to release its first power-conserving system-on-a-chip for mainstream laptops in 2013. Code-named "Haswell", this would seem to be an ideal MacBook Air CPU, leaving less of a rationale for a move to ARM with the laptop.

So what is Apple planning for the iPad to satisfy would-be "ARM Air" enthusiasts? Crothers suggests that in the near term it's rumored to take the form of an iPad 3 with a faster quad-core A6 chip, a high-resolution 2048 x 1536 pixel Retina Display, and LTE "4G" broadband support. He also speculates that a more elegant physical keyboard solution for the iPad could be in the works at Apple, as well as both smaller and larger screen size iPads.

Publisher's note: It is much more plausible that Apple would keep the entire Mac line on Intel x86 CPUs and its iOS products on ARM processors, at least in the short term. Once iOS gains far better input support for keyboards, mice, touchpads, and trackballs, an iPad notebook - which could be a lot like the MacBook Air - becomes a distinct possibility, as the end user experience has to be up to Apple standards.

Someday we could see quad-core ARM Macs, but with the Intel transition just six years old, I don't see that starting any time soon. dk

Apple Hints at No ARM-based MacBook Air, iPad to 'Soon Satisfy' That Niche

AppleInsider's Daniel Eran Dilger reports that after meeting with Apple chief executive Tim Cook and chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer, Citibank analysts noted that a strong iPad outlook is leaving little likelihood of Apple developing an ARM-based MacBook Air.

Dilger cites Citi analyst Richard Gardner reporting that Cook reiterated his comment, originally made during the quarterly earnings conference call, that the market for tablets would eventually grow larger than the conventional PC market, and alluding to "rapid innovation on the iOS platform" that will "significantly broaden the use case for tablets," observing that his takeaway from the meeting was an impression that Apple feels iPad satisfies, or at least will soon satisfy, the needs of those who might have been interested in an ARM-based MacBook Air.

The iPad at Work: Can It Get the Job Done?

Macworld's Dan Moren says that for almost two years now he's started nearly every morning by reaching for his iPad before he even gets out of bed to check email, catch up on Twitter, read some comics, and surf some websites. Your editor has kept a similar routine since buying an iPad 2 last spring, although less the Twitter, which remains an unacquired taste, and the comics, but I do check the weather forecast and the morning's news headlines.

However, Moren says when it's time for work, he puts down the iPad and switches to a Mac, which is likewise this writer's routine.

However, he notes that as the iPad's hardware and software have developed since its launch in 2010, and especially since the recent release of iOS 5, he's been wondering whether that platform handoff is really necessary - or could the iPad replace a Mac for work? Or, more precisely, what sorts of work can it do now? What sacrifices will still be required, and can you actually get things done with it?

To find out, Moren vowed to go Mac-less for three days, using his iPad instead of his laptop for everything.

Editor's note: I haven't tried going cold turkey, or anything close to it, but I have been trying to use the iPad more and more for production tasks, partly to help justify the hardware investment, and partly because I've been seduced by the portability, silence, instant-on, and speed. However, at its current stage of development, I would evaluate the iPad as not yet being remotely close to a satisfactory replacement for a Mac or PC as a production platform. Dan Moren's article explains some of the reasons why. cm

The iPad at Work: Not Quite Ready Yet

Macworld's Dan has completed his three-day experiment in which he resolved to use nothing but his iPad to get his work done. He reports that while day one imposed a steep reorientation curve to climb, he'd been a bit cautious about things attempted, so on day two he pushed himself a bit harder, and in doing so ran into some problems.

For one thing, iOS doesn't support AppleScript, which amounts to a deal-breaker for those of us who have become AppleScript addicted and dependent over our years on Macs.

Moren encountered another major stumbling block when he needed to upload a picture to accompany a story, something the iOS version of Safari couldn't accommodate, due to the iOS's lack of an accessible file system - another major deficiency for would-be iPad power users.

Moren says the thing he found the hardest to get used to on the iPad was the lack of windows. On the Mac, he says he typically arranges a Web browser and a text editor, or two text-editor windows, side by side, referring to one while typing in the other, and on the iPad, that's impossible, making, say, composing an article working from notes cumbersome, to say the least.

He does praise how well the iPad works with an external keyboard, in some contexts an improvement on time wasted wrestling with the iOS's magnifying glass interface, but concludes that the iPad's keyboard integration works just well enough to make you wish it worked better. He also notes that spending a couple of hours - or for that matter 20 minutes - with an iPad will convince you that a touchscreen Mac doesn't make much sense.

Why Tablets Are Important to eCommerce

Tech.pinions' Tim Bajarin says his iPad has become his constant companion, along with his iPhone and Droid, noting that the smartphones' small screens present a challenge to his eyes as he gets older, and he very seldom uses them for any real eCommerce purchases, which typically have been deferred to his laptop.

However, he says that over the last six months he's been noticing that his preferred screen for buying things has gradually shifted to the iPad, recalling Steve Jobs more than a decade ago predicting a major shift in user buying habits and that the Web would become a serious vehicle for eCommerce, and observing that this has come to pass, with the entire eCommerce experience baked into the tablet experience, and suggesting that Apple's next big purchase might be an eCommerce etailer that offers a broad range of products that Apple can integrate into the complete user experience of the iPad and thereby go head-to-head with Amazon.

Publisher's note: Fat chance. Apple has the highest profit margins in the industry, averaging nearly 30%. Amazon's business model includes lower profits and even loss-leaders. And if Apple can't go head-to-head on price, it can't go head-to-head with Amazon. dk

Apple to Authors: All Your iBook Files Belong to Us

The Register's Anna Leach reports that in a legal rewrite pushed out last Friday, Apple made its iBooks publishing agreement sound slightly less evil by clarifying just what you can do with the content you create on its iBook Author software, to wit: while all iBooks are locked to the iBook store, you can export those files as PDFs.

However, she notes that this stipulation still holds:

(ii) if the work is provided for a fee (including as part of any subscription-based product or service) and includes files in the .ibooks format generated using iBooks Author, the work may only be distributed through Apple, and such distribution will be subject to a separate written agreement with Apple (or an Apple affiliate or subsidiary)

How to Clean LCD Screens Website Celebrates 5th Birthday

PR: CleanLcds.com, a handy website showing visitors how to clean LCD screens and displays, recently celebrated its 5th birthday of being online. This helpful site gives useful tips on how to go about cleaning the many different LCD displays currently on the market. These displays can range drastically in size - anywhere from a 60" flat-screen TV to a 4" cell phone display. Regardless of size, they all have to be regularly cleaned.

One common "Home Made" method involves using a 50/50 cleaning solution of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Many experts suggest you don't use tap water, paper towels or ordinary dish cloths as these could potentially harm your screen, especially if we're talking about a laptop LCD (liquid crystal display) which is not made of glass but a soft film that can be damaged easily. Instead of a paper towel, use an old cotton T-shirt or handkerchief. Shut down any devices before cleaning. Dampen your large cleaning cloth with your solution and apply very gentle pressure, cleaning the display in a circular motion. Let dry before turning your device back on. Word of Caution - you should always check your owner's manual for the recommended cleaning method for your LCD TV or Laptop Screen.

Another route is to buy one of the many different LCD cleaning kits and products which are purposely designed to clean LCD screens and displays. These cleaning kits are relatively inexpensive and can be found in most electronic stores or can be ordered online from such places as Amazon. CleanLcds.com explains the wide variety of LCD cleaning solutions, kits and cloths - one can use to clean any screen. It also features such cleaning items as Compressed Air Dusters and Microfiber Chamois.

Other Helpful Tips for Taking Care of Your LCD Screens

  • Keep your notebook or laptop closed when not in use, this will help keep your screen clean.
  • Try to keep small children away from your LCD devices, especially laptops. Some children may confuse a laptop for an etch-a-sketch like toy and create a masterpiece on your shiny new laptop. Ouch!
  • Wipes are good for cleaning LCD on the road or when traveling.
  • One person has suggested Absolute Vodka as a good cleaning solution.
  • Make sure you cover your mouth when sneezing or couching around any LCD screen.
  • It is not a good idea to use mineral or tap water because they may leave white spots from the dissolved salts.
  • Purchase a can of compressed air - this comes in handy for removing dust and cleaning your keyboards or hard to reach places.
  • If you buy any LCD cleaning product, try to get one that has an antistatic element in it. This will help keep down the dust and lint on your LCD screen.
  • If you use any LCD screen in a dusty place, you may considering buying a protective covering. It is best to buy this directly from the manufacturer to ensure the cover fits your device perfectly.

Given the wide range of devices now featuring a LCD display, having a quick and easy way to clean them without doing any damage, is a "must-have" solution in our computer oriented society. Besides keeping these items clean and in proper working order, will only increase our enjoyment of these gadgets for years to come. Dust, smudges and smears can subtract from that enjoyment, so visit CleanLcds.com to make sure all your LCD devices are operating at peak performance.

CleanLcds.com has been online since 2007 and has helped countless visitors find the proper way to clean LCD displays and screens. Featuring all the latest LCD cleaning kits and products, this handy website can be found at cleanlcds.com.

Apps & Services

iPad at Work: Great Ideas and Advice on Using Your iPad as a Business Tool

PR: Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd.'s new book iPad at Work to their offering.

More and more iPad users discover every day that the versatile, portable iPad has countless business uses. From small businesses to high-profile corporations, companies are integrating iPads into their systems and workplaces at a phenomenal rate.

Written by the acclaimed co-host of the Mac Power Users podcast, iPad at Work explores the best practices and software recommendations for incorporating the iPad into a work environment. It covers setting up the iPad and using it for enterprise level word processing, spreadsheet creation, presentations, task management, project management, graphic design, communication, and much more.

  • Offers recommendations for software, best practices, and ways to maximize productivity with the iPad in the workplace
  • Discusses using the iPad for enterprise level word processing, spreadsheet creation, presentations, task management, project management, graphic design, communication, and more
  • Covers setup, synchronization, data backup, and communicating with work networks
  • Written by renowned industry expert, David Sparks, co-host of the Mac Power Users podcast

This is the guide you need to take full advantage of the iPad in a business setting.

David Sparks is a California trial attorney and a regular faculty member for the American Bar Association's annual TechShow as well as for Macworld Conference and Expo. An Apple aficionado, he is editor of MacSparky.com (where he writes about Apple technology and productivity) and co-host of the popular "Mac Power Users" podcast.

Paint FX: Photo Effects Editor Now Available on the iPad

Paint FX: Photo Effects Editor for iOSPR: California based Sprite Labs has announced the release of the updated version of Paint FX - Photo Effects Editor for iOS. The new version features extended collection of filters and effects, even more easy-to-use interface, high resolution photos and iPad support. With the update Paint FX becomes universal app that works perfectly across all iOS devices. The app has already been featured as New and Noteworthy in 15 countries.

Right after initial release, Paint FX got "New and Noteworthy" and "Staff Favorite" banners thanks to its unique feature. Paint FX is the first app on the App Store that gives users the ability to decide whether to adjust the whole picture, or just a certain part of it. The choice is not limited to just one effect - Paint FX also allows applying multiple effects on top of each other. The app is perfect for adding just a little bit of flair or completely re-imagine a photo.

Paint FX: Photo Effects Editor for iOSWith Paint FX anyone can create professionally looking photos with just a few taps without any special knowledge. Users can easily change the color of the hair and clothes or give themselves a tan. Wide collection of filters and photo effects, which was significantly extended with the update, allows users to express themselves in tons of different ways. Such filters as Sketch, Hue, Cartoonize, and Threshold will easily turn photos into professional looking pieces.

All filters and effects are 100% customizable. Users can customize each effect and apply as many effects as they want on one picture. There is also a possibility to control brightness, contrast, and saturation with pinpoint accuracy. The app is comprehensive and the design is nice and clean and users can easily indulge their creativity and share it with the world.

Paint FX: Photo Effects Editor for iOS"Since the launch of Paint FX on the iPhone, we have had tons of requests for an iPad version," says Nikita Sawant, Creative Director at Sprite Labs. "We spent a lot of time to make sure we have the right interface on the bigger screen and pack each pixel perfectly. We are pleased to finally bring the app to the iPad along with an update to the iPhone with a large set of new effects and features to allow even more creativity through an easy to use interface. We can't wait to see how users enhance their photos with this new version."

Device requirements

  • iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Requires iOS 3.0 or later
  • 19.6 MB

Paint FX 2.1 is $1.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo & Video category.

Snapseed Photo Editor for iOS

PR: App Store Rewind's 2011 iPad App of the Year, Snapseed is an iOS app that supports enhancing, transforming, and sharing photos using an array of advanced features, such as:

  • Easily adjust your photos with a single tap using Auto Correct
  • Tweak your photo to perfection with Tune Image
  • Use Selective Adjust to enhance specific objects or areas in your photos
  • Experiment with fun & innovative filters like Drama, Vintage, Grunge, and Tilt-Shift
  • Add Image Borders for a finishing touch
  • Share your creations via email, Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter

Snapseed for iOSSnapseed for iOS supports:

  • 6.25 MP images for iPad, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch (3rd & 4th Gen), 16 MP images for iPad 2 and iPhone 4, 4S (larger images will be automatically downsampled)
  • JPEG and TIFF photos
  • RAW photos (requires iPad or iPad 2) transferred using the Camera Connector Kit (if files show up as a small thumbnail, go to Settings > Location Services and turn this setting to On for Snapseed. This is required to allow Snapseed to use the iOS RAW processing)
  • Language support: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified)

Features

Basic Adjustments

  • Auto Correct - Automatically analyzes your photo and adjusts color and exposure to perfection.
  • Selective Adjust - Make precise selections and enhancements to specific areas of your photos in seconds with Nik Software's revolutionary U Point technology.
  • Tune Image - Use Ambience to create depth and vibrancy that uniquely adapts to colors and textures. Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, more.
  • Straighten & Rotate - Rotate 90 and/or straighten photos with simple gesture controls.
  • Crop - Easily crop images to remove distracting parts of your photo, now with standard aspect ratios.
  • Take Photos Open photos from the Camera Roll or take new photos.

Snapseed for iOSCreative Enhancements

  • Black & White - Get that classic Black and White look with this darkroom-inspired filter.
  • Vintage Films - Make any photo look like a vintage color film photo from the 50s, 60s, or 70s.
  • Drama - Add style with a custom effect specifically tailored to your photos, ranging from subtle textures to wildly artistic effects.
  • Grunge - Give your photos a totally unique, hip, and dingy look.
  • Tilt-Shift - Create a narrow in-focus area designed to simulate depth of field, common in a Miniature Scene look.
  • Details - Enhance details with traditional sharpening or the unique Structure control found in the Nik Software professional products.
  • Center Focus - Draw attention to the subject of your photo by blurring the surrounding background.
  • Organic Frames - Add stylized borders to photos for the perfect finishing touch.

Sharing

  • Email - Send images at original resolution.
  • Social - Share on Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter (using iOS 5).
  • Print - Print wirelessly using Apple's AirPrint technology

Help & Support

  • Get started quickly with help overlays, tutorial guide, and videos. If you ever get stuck, our support team can help.

New in Version 1.3.1

Snapseed 1.3.1 contains the following:

  • iPhone 4S optimizations
  • fixed a bug that created pixelated images in some circumstances
  • fixed a bug that caused images to be opened smaller than they actually are
  • fixed a bug related to lost Exif data

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad.

System requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), and iPad.
  • Requires iOS 4.2 or later

$4.99

1a Easy Writer Text Processor for iPad: The Power of Simplicity

1a Easy Writer Text Processor for iPad

1a Easy Writer Text Processor for iPadPR: Infovole GmbH, creators of the excellent TextKraft and Schreibkraft text processing suite for the iPad, has announced immediate availability of their new 1a Easy Writer for the iPad.

1a Easy Writer Text Processor for iPadEasy Writer is intended to do exactly what it's name promises: let you write easily. To set the main focus on the writing process, Infovole has slimmed down their extensive Textkraft-Interface to provide a minimalist, distraction-free writing experience. It includes the standard keyboard and one row of special text-selection-, navigation-, and "missing-character"-buttons, but that doesn't mean it isn't powerful. For example, the spell-check feature highlights unknown words, while a jump-back button lets users find their point of interest within a second.

With Easy Writer users can also do their research on Wikipedia and Wiktionary without leaving the app.

1a Easy Writer Text Processor for iPadIn addition, Easy Writer supports iTunes File Sharing, Dropbox, and iCloud.

Last but not least, Infovole is offering this App for an introductory price of 99¢.

The essentials in brief are:

  • Quick text selection tools.
  • Rapid memories.
  • The magic -button sets all diacritical marks and accents.
  • Font size pinching.
  • Fast navigation with 10 cursor keys.
  • Upper-/lowercase by keystroke.
  • Typographical quotes and other special chars.
  • Undo/Redo.
  • Best support for all onscreen
  • Bluetooth keyboards.
  • Wikipedia full-text search and online dictionary - all languages supported.
  • Easy Writer users can also do their research on Wikipedia and Wiktionary without leaving the appLocked reading mode.
  • Import/export with Dropbox, iCloud and iTunes file sharing.
  • Sharing text as attachment, e-mail or Twitter message.
  • Direct communication with Pages, Evernote and other Apps.
  • AirPrint support.
  • Supports iOS 3.2, 4.x, 5.0, and newer.

System Requirements:

  • Compatible with iPad
  • Requires iOS 3.2 or later

The other Infovole text apps for iPad are:

  • TextKraft for iPad - The language specialist - contains an offline dictionary with synonyms and potential follow-ups; Wikipedia full-text search and several online-dictionaries; text import/export from Macintosh, Windows, Linux and other iPad Apps; Dropbox, iCloud, AirPrint"! and Twitter integration, easy cursor control, quick selection tools and detailed text information for professional editors. TextKraft is available with various language-specific dictionaries.
  • Schreibkraft for iPad - Schreibkraft is the first multilingual text processor. It speaks 10 languages in 14 country-specific flavors. There is no need to switch regions or keyboards. The App supports the user in all needed tongues at the same time. Paired with all the professional TextKraft editing features, Schreibkraft is a text editor for global citizens.

Accessories

Macally Magstand 2Macally Magstand 2 Magnetic Cabinet Mount & Viewing Stand for iPad 2

Macally Magstand 2PR: Macally is as usual economical with documentary description of its new Magstand 2 Magnetic Cabinet Mount & Viewing Stand For iPad 2, which it says functions as an under-cabinet mount as well as a tabletop viewing stand.

Price: $39.99

New Canon PIXMA Printers with AirPrint Support

PR: Canon USA, Inc. has announced AirPrint support in the PIXMA MX512 and MX432 Wireless Office All-In-One inkjet printers. AirPrint enables iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users to wirelessly print photos, email, web pages, and documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and enabling a seamless user experience.

AirPrint will be available with the majority of Canon PIXMA Wireless All-In-One inkjet printers launched from this point forward. AirPrint works with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod touch (3rd generation and later) running using iOS 4.2 or later.

Skinny iPad 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case

Hatch & Co. Skinny iPad 2 Keyboard CasePR: Sold by Hatch & Co. and Fulfilled by Amazon, the Skinny iPad 2 Bluetooth Touch Keyboard Case is claimed to be the world's slimmest & lightest keyboard case for iPad 2.

Features:

  • Speed keys to control music, volume, language change, and virtual keyboard
  • Wireless touch keyboard; Bluetooth connection to iPad 2
  • Utilizes Smart Cover sensor: iPad automatically wakes up / sleeps when you open the case
  • Type without losing half your screen to a virtual keyboard.
  • iPad automatically wakes up / sleeps when you open the case.
  • Speed keys for home, volume, music, and keypad sounds.
  • Special surface adds texture to keys, enhancing your typing experience.
  • Battery lasts 2 weeks (6 weeks on standby)
  • Touch-active keys are also spill-proof

Hatch & Co. Skinny iPad 2 Keyboard CaseTechnical Information:

  • 9.6" x 7.7" x 0.6" (245 mm x 195 mm x 15 mm) (iPad 2 + 0.24 (6 mm) in thickness)
  • Weight: 10.4 oz (323 g)
  • Wireless: Bluetooth V 2.0 standard
  • Battery capacity: 410 mAh
  • Battery working time: 68 hours
  • Battery standby time: 45 days
  • Operating temperature: 32 to 95 F (0 to 35 C)
  • Nonoperating temperature: -4 to 113 F (-20 to 45 C)
  • Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

YouTube demo video

Hatch & Co. Skinny iPad 2 Keyboard CaseAlso available in black.

List Price: $109.99

Link: Hatch & Co. (currently $74.99 at Amazon.com in white or black with free Super Saver shipping)

Next-Generation UNIEA iPad 2 Cases Foreshadow New iPad Release, Plus Valentine's Day Sale

PR: Universal Electronic Accessories (UNIEA) is foreshadowing a new design and form factor for the coming iPad 3 in anticipation that its popularity in the iPad case market will continue to expand over the coming year with Apple's release of the third generation iPad.

UNIEA iPad 2 CasesUNIEA CEO Jeffery Chan explains that with the iPad 2, UNIEA was able to completely refocus its perception on what kind of case suits the average iPad user, understanding that elements of a handbag, folio, and wallet, together with rich, stylish construction materials, would make for a fundamentally more enjoyable tablet experience. Now, with the new and exciting rumors swirling around about the iPad 3 and how its form factor may change, UNIEA is ready to take its designs to the next level this year and offer iPad users with a selection of cases that are in perfect conformity with Apple's vision of aesthetics and ergonomics for their flagship tablet device.

In the meantime, UNIEA is holding a Valentines Day sale. From now until 2/15/12, use promo code GEEKLOVE for 40% off your order, plus $5.95 flat rate shipping worldwide.

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