iNews Review

iFixit iPad Teardown, New iPad Warmer than Old, Use Your iPad as a Wireless Display, and More

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

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2012.03.26

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.

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iFixit Tears Down the New iPad

iPad 3 and toolsPR: iFixit's highly anticipated new iPad teardown is posted, with Luke the first in line to get his hands on a new iPad at midnight at the Telstra store in Melbourne, Australia.

Major tech specs:

  • Dual-core Apple A5X processor with integrated quad-core graphics
  • 9.7" LED backlit in-plane switching LCD with 2048 x 1536 pixel "Retina Display." Our unit is made by Samsung; we hear that Sharp and LG may be supplying panels at a later date.
  • 16, 32, or 64 GB Toshiba NAND flash memory
  • 5 MP HD rear-facing camera
  • 1 GB DRAM comprised of two 4 Gb Elpida LP DDR2 parts
  • Broadcom BCM4330 802.11a/b/g/n Baseband/Radio with Integrated Bluetooth 4.0+HS
  • Qualcomm MDM9600 3G and 4G wireless modem (not the expected 2nd generation MDM9615)
  • Qualcomm RTR8600 multi-band/mode RF transceiver for LTE bands

Removing the back of the iPad 3Getting inside the iPad is as tricky as we expected, knowing how tough it was to get into the iPad 2. The front panel is glued to the frame. We carefully used a heat gun to loosen the adhesive, worked to budge the panel with some guitar picks and plastic opening tools, and finally gently lifted it off with some heavy duty suction cups.

Next to the logic board is a gigantic battery, which takes most of the space inside the iPad. While the iPad 2 housed a formidable 25 watt-hour Li-ion battery, the iPad 3 has upped the ante to the tune of 42.5 watt-hours. Its 3.7 volts and estimated 10 hours of use (9 with cellular data network) are comparable to that of the iPad 2, but Apple put the extra 17.5 watt-hours to good use powering the greatly improved CPU and GPU. The additional capacity was accomplished by increasing the physical size, not with new battery technology.

Repair score: 2 out of 10

While the new iPad's design is essentially the same as the iPad 2, which we gave a repairability score of 4, we've learned a lot about the design since then. We've spent the last year trying to repair the iPad 2 with mixed success. We are awarding the new iPad an abysmal 2 out of 10, and retroactively dropping the repairability score of the iPad 2 to a 2 as well. The adhesive on the front is extremely difficult to remove without damaging the glass, making repair and end-of-life recycling very difficult.

That said, we were able to disassemble this iPad without breaking the glass - something that we did not accomplish with our iPad 2 teardown. A year of practice has made us proficient, but schools deploying the iPad for their students are going to be in for a lot of repair technician training.

The iPad is repairable, just extremely difficult to work on. We've written a repair manual for the iPad 2 here, and repairing the new iPad will be very similar.

Apple claims the new iPad is environmentally friendly with a "Recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure." The materials may be recyclable, but the assembled unit is not. We spoke yesterday with Steve Skurnac, President of SIMS Recycling Solutions, one of the largest electronics recyclers in the world. He told us, "Sealed units make it difficult to remove the batteries. From a recycler's point of view, the hazardous components [like batteries] need to be easily separated or removed."

Many thanks to MacFixIt Australia for letting us use their facility for the teardown.

3 Ways iFixit Hoped the iPad Would Be Better (but Isn't)

iFixit's Elizabeth says:

"...spending our Friday afternoon huddled in the office trying to figure out the best way to get into the new iPad seemed like an opportune time to discuss what we hoped we'd see in the iPad from a responsible, repairable product design perspective. We've given the new iPad one of the lowest repairability scores we've ever given a major product: 2 out of 10. (The 4th Generation iPod shuffle also received a 2/10 score because you basically have to break it to open it). We've also retroactively downgraded our original iPad 2 score from 4 out of 10 to 2. These devices are very difficult to get into, and they're selling like hotcakes - slick hotcakes encased in breakable glass.

Here are three ways we hoped the new iPad would be more repairable (but wasn't):

  1. Getting in: We hoped that Apple might return to the easy-to-open tabs of the original iPad.... Instead, the thin front panel is held on by a strong adhesive.
  2. Getting past the front panel: The front panel in both the iPad 2 and the new iPad is impossible to remove without also removing the LCD screen, meaning you have to disassemble the device all the way to the logic board and battery just to replace broken glass on the front.
  3. Replacing the battery: As in the iPad 2, the new iPad's battery is glued down securely to the rear case - particularly dangerous because of the risks of breaking a battery - if punctured, the lithium ion battery can explode....

Apple's Throwaway Culture

iFixit Director of Technical Communication Miroslav Djuric says the iFixit team had hoped the new iPad would be a responsible, repairable product design, but says that they're not impressed one bit with the easily breakable, difficult-to-fix third-generation iPad, and have given it one of the lowest repairability scores they've ever awarded a major product - 2 out of 10 - largely due to the extreme difficulty of accessing its insides. They've also retroactively downgraded iFixit's original iPad 2 repairability score from 4 out of 10 to 2.

Djuric says these devices are very difficult to get into, and they're selling like hotcakes - slick hotcakes encased in breakable glass, and iFixit has created both a video and blog post that shares their opinions on its repairability.

Djuric concludes that if Apple is going to be at the head of the pack, we must ask them to lead responsibly. And in electronics, leading responsibly means that your devices must be sustainably made and designed to last. Designed for use. Designed for repair. Designed for a more sustainable future.

And "The new iPad isn't."

Choosing Between a New iPad and an iPad 2

Macworld's Lex Friedman says that whether you're one of the millions of folks who already owns an iPad or are fixing to buy your first tablet, Apple's added an extra wrinkle for you to consider: Which generation iPad should you buy? This time around, Apple has not only introduced the third-generation iPad but also kept around a couple of low-end iPad 2 models at reduced prices. Is a holdover iPad 2 a better value for you?

As always in these sorts of decisions, it depends. Friedman says the he most important factor to weigh is what you'll use your new tablet for.

New iPad Runs Warmer than iPad 2

Thermal image of new iPad
Thermal image of new iPad with heavy load.

Dutch-language site Tweakers.net's Dimitri Reijerman says he's confirmed that under heavy use Apple's new iPad runs significantly hotter than the iPad 2, with the mean difference in temperature between the new tablet and its predecessor being approximately 5°C.

Reijerman reports that Tweakers.net used an infrared camera to quantify the higher temperature, confirming the reports of new iPad users. He notes that even at 33.6° Celsius (92.5°F), the iPad is not too hot to touch, but that the warmer housing is very noticeable and likely attributable due to the GPU, whose graphics processor is the same as in the iPad 2's, but has more shader cores.

New iPad 3: How Hot Does It Get?

RepairLabs says:

"The new iPad has only been out for a few days, and already RepairLabs and others have heard the rumors that it has been overheating. Not content with the various thermal imaging reports that shows the heat difference, our techs decided to take the new iPad 3 apart and see if we could pinpoint what part of the iPad is heating up....

"Our basic findings showed us that the presumably ceramic A5 chip in the iPad 2 runs around 27°C, whereas the new iPad 3 A5X processor was running at 36°C. In Fahrenheit, the iPad 3 A5X runs 17 degrees hotter than the processor in the iPad 2. As explained in the video, the chips are made of different materials; we believe the A5 is ceramic, where the A5X is obviously metallic."

The report notes that RepairLabs was not able to replicate the same temperatures that Consumer Reports reported (up to 116°F), but just holding the new iPad 3 could be noticeably warmer after only a few minutes use, especially if you are holding it right where that A5X sits:

New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge than iPad 2

Cult of Mac's John Brownlee reports that your new iPad will be spending a lot more time with its battery charger than the iPad 2 did, noting that every single thing about the new iPad is more power hungry than the iPad 2, so in order to maintain the same 10-hour nominal battery life as the iPad 2 (9 hours using LTE), Apple has crammed almost twice the battery capacity* (42.5 watt-hours versus 25-watt-hours) into a marginally larger space, so as a matter of physics reality, it will take proportionately longer to charge.

Another factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of whether to go with a new Retina Display iPad or pick up one of the lower-priced holdover iPad 2 models.

* Publisher's note: More precisely, 70% more power. dk

NPD: Screen Size the Leading Indicator of Tablet Usage

PR: Apple ran away with the lead in the tablet market following its April 2010 iPad launch. Competitors scrambled to keep up, and many launched their own tablet products in a range of screen sizes, as opposed to Apple with its one 9.7" iPad. For example, Amazon successfully launched the 7.0" Kindle Fire, which is tied to Amazon's content and services; and Samsung rounded out its tablet lineup with the 7.0", 8.9", and 10.1" Galaxy Tabs.

As the tablet market continues to heat up, manufacturers are striving to differentiate next-generation products to compete with the iPad, according to NPD In-Stat Senior Analyst Stephanie Ethier. Screen size has emerged not only as a key differentiator, but also the leading indicator of different tablet usages.

New NPD In-Stat research highlights top tablet usage scenarios based on device screen size and provides market insight based on the different tablet form factors. For example, devices with smaller form factors in the 3.5" to less than 7.0" range, spanning PMP and tablets categories, best serve entertainment needs that are typically considered complementary to everyday activities like commuting, exercising, and other on-the-go activities.

Recent research findings include:

  • Worldwide shipments for devices with screen sizes between 3.5" to less than 7.0" will decline throughout the forecast period to 15.6 million in 2016.
  • Despite anticipated price erosion, revenue in the 7.0" to less than 8.5" form factor represents one of the brightest spots in the tablet market due to anticipated Amazon Kindle Fire demand.
  • Due to continued iPad success, tablets in the 9.7" to less than 11" form factor category will represent 65% of worldwide tablet shipments.
  • The bill of materials for a 9.7" tablet will fall to $246 by 2016 due primarily to strong consumer demand and declining display costs.

New NPD In-Stat research, Screen Size Dictates Top Tablet Uses: 3.5" to Less Than 11" Tablets, takes a holistic view of the tablet market starting with 3.5" devices to devices with screens up to 11". Additional data includes:

  • Worldwide shipments, by tablet screen size
  • Average sales prices, by tablet screen size
  • Worldwide revenues, by tablet screen size
  • Tablet bill of materials

This research is part of NPD In-Stat's Smart Mobile Devices service, which provides forecasts and market analysis for connected mobile devices, including tablets, e-readers, digital photo frames, portable media players, handheld game consoles, personal navigation devices, and mobile computing devices.

Smartphone Owners Demand Larger Displays - 4.0" to 4.5" Is the Sweet Spot

PR: Existing smartphone owners in the US and UK seek larger mobile phone displays, compared to displays on their current phone, according to the Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Lab report, "Smartphone Owners Want Thin Devices with Larger Displays." Strategy Analytics researchers found that surveyed smartphone respondents prefer device screens in the 4.0" to 4.5" range, as long as the device is also thin.

Some differences in size preference exist dependent on the segment, the report also notes. Females are more likely to consider slightly smaller devices than males. Existing Android owners are more likely to seek larger devices than existing Apple iPhone owners.

"Almost 90% of existing smartphone owners surveyed chose a prototype smartphone with a display larger than their current device," says Paul Brown, a Director in the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice. "This trend is driven by increased mobile web browsing capability, as well as engaging video and gaming experiences."

Kevin Nolan, Vice President for the User Experience Practice at Strategy Analytics, adds that "In order for smartphone owners to adopt larger devices, it is important for handset manufacturers to ensure that mobile devices are not too heavy and that the devices remain thin enough for purses and pockets."

The related $1,999 report "Smartphone Owners Want Thin Devices with Larger Displays" is available from Strategy Analytics' Wireless Device Lab service.

Publisher's note: Android smartphone screen sizes currently range between 2.55" and 4.65", while every iPhone made to date has a 3.5" display. Also bear in mind that newer Android smartphones tend to have larger displays than older ones, so buyers who may not have had the option of a 4" or larger smartphone now have that option. Further, there's a question of methodology: Did Strategy Analytics simply ask users if they wanted a larger screen, show them models with larger screens, have them pick up and use various sized devices, or actually use them in the field. And despite so many size options, the Android industry can't seem to figure out if there is an ideal size for a smartphone, whether that is bigger than the iPhone, smaller than the iPhone, or about the same size as the iPhone. dk

J.D. Power: Apple Ranks Highest in Smartphone Satisfaction for 7th Time

PR: As smartphone users place increasingly complex demands on the functionality of their devices, satisfaction with battery performance is becoming a critical factor in overall satisfaction as well as brand loyalty, according to the J.D. Power and Associates' 2012 US Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study - Volume 1 and the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 US Wireless Traditional Mobile Phone Satisfaction Study - Volume 1.

For a seventh consecutive time, Apple ranks highest among manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction.

For a seventh consecutive time, Apple ranks highest among manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction. Apple achieves a score of 839 on a 1,000-point scale and performs well in all factors, particularly in ease of operation and features. HTC (798) follows Apple in the smartphone rankings.

LG and Sanyo rank highest in overall customer satisfaction with traditional handsets, in a tie (716 each). LG performs well in all four factors, while Sanyo performs particularly well in ease of operation. Sony Ericsson (712) and Samsung (703) follow in the traditional handset rankings.

Satisfaction with smartphones is greatly impacted by battery performance, particularly the length of battery life before recharging is required. In addition, the study finds that satisfaction with battery performance is by far the least satisfying aspect of smartphones, and satisfaction in this area is one of only a few attributes that have declined significantly, compared with Volume 2 of the 2011 study (6.7 in 2012, compared with 6.9 in September 2011).

Satisfaction levels with battery performance differ widely between owners of 3G- and 4G-enabled smartphones. Among owners of 4G-enabled smartphones, battery performance ratings average 6.1 on a 10-point scale - considerably lower than satisfaction among owners of 3G smartphones (6.7). Part of this difference stems from the fact that new 4G smartphones use substantial battery life searching for next-generation network signals, which tend to be scarcer than 3G signals. In addition, owners of 4G-enabled smartphones use their device more extensively - they talk, text, email, and surf the Web more often than do customers with 3G smartphones or traditional handsets - which puts a significantly higher demand on the battery.

"Both carriers and manufacturers recognize the fact that battery life needs to be improved," says Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, the study uncovers the need for a greater sense of urgency - short battery life can result in perceived phone problems, higher rates of merchandise returns and customer defections."

According to Parsons, smartphone owners who are highly satisfied with their device's battery life are more likely to repurchase the same brand of smartphone, compared with owners who are less satisfied. Approximately 25% of 4G-enabled smartphone owners are highly satisfied with their battery (ratings of 10 on a 10-point scale) and say they "definitely will" repurchase a device from the same manufacturer. In comparison, among owners who are less satisfied with their battery (ratings of 7-9 on a 10-point scale), only 13% say the same.

The two studies measure customer satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets and smartphones among owners who have used their current mobile device for less than one year. Satisfaction is measured in several key factors. In order of importance, the key factors of overall satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets are: performance (31%); ease of operation (24%); physical design (24%); and features (20%). For smartphones, the key factors are: performance (35%); ease of operation (24%); features (21%); and physical design (20%).

The studies also find the following key wireless handset usage patterns:

The price of a traditional wireless mobile phone continues to decline and averaged $66 between July and December 2011, compared with an average of $81 during the same time period in 2010. The decline is primarily due to discounts provided by handset providers and wireless service carriers to incentivize sales. Currently, 44% of owners report having received a free mobile phone when subscribing to a wireless service.

Mobile applications continue to enhance the smartphone user experience. Seventy percent of smartphone owners say they have accessed social networking sites using their device. Nearly three in four (72%) say they have the ability to download and/or view video and movies, while 59 percent indicate having voice recognition and/or command dialing applications. This indicates that smartphone owners are continuing to integrate their device usage into both their business and personal lives.

Two in 10 current smartphone owners report experiencing a software or device malfunction (21%). These problems have an impact on overall satisfaction, as there is a satisfaction gap of 77 points between customers who experience software malfunctions and those who do not. Satisfaction among customers who indicate their device's software crashes at least once a week averages only 691.

The 2012 US Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study -Volume 1 and the 2012 US Wireless Traditional Mobile Phone Satisfaction Study - Volume 1 are based on experiences reported by 7,080 smartphone owners and 8,335 traditional mobile phone owners. Both studies were fielded between July and December 2011.

Paul Thurrott on How Windows 8 Will Take on the New iPad

I'm always interested in what Paul Thurrott has to say about Apple products, being as he's not an Apple enthusiast and therefore offers assessments from a somewhat detached perspective.

Thurrott contends that with the 2012 iPad, Apple has most done as little as it needs to do, offering the most subtle of evolutionary updates imaginable, with its Retina Display being the one key and important difference, and says that feature alone presents a very tricky problem indeed for Windows 8 and the many hardware makers that will sell competing devices based on Microsoft's new platform.

He further observes that for the vast mass of consumer non-power users, the iPad simply offers a superior experience, not only compared to the iPod/iPhone, but to a PC or Mac as well, and is all the computer they need.

He notes that competitively, the new iPad doesn't seem to really raise the bar much over its predecessor in terms of comparing it with a coming generation of Windows 8-based devices, but there are some key aspects to this device that absolutely make it superior to Windows 8 - the first and most important being that 2048 x 1536 Retina Display - four times the 1024 x 768 resolution of the iPad 1 and 2, and in his estimation this device's single biggest technical advantage over Windows 8, with it's app developers targeting 1366 x 768 displays (albeit also a side-by-side apps mode, which appeals to me - cm). Thurrott is also skeptical that Windows 8 tablets come close to matching the iPad's nominal 10 hour battery life, and says that if what you're looking for is a machine to do email, web, Facebook, and other basic tasks and don't spend a lot of time typing, the iPad is almost a no-brainer - aside from its price.

On the other hand, he predicts that Windows 8 tablets will be more versatile than iPads, with docking bases available to turn them into desktop computers with big screens, external speakers, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, and able to run powerful desktop applications in Metro mode and not just the "Playskool stuff " available for iPads, one of the reasons he says enterprise users and IT departments will prefer Windows 8 devices by a wide margin, just as they prefer Windows PCs over Macs, and that while the iPad is elegant, beautiful, and simple with a superior screen and the richest ecosystem in the mobile world, Windows 8 tablets will offer more choice, lower prices, and better enterprise use capabilities in particular.

Publisher's note: This article seems to be full of the same FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) that Microsoft has been spreading since the early days of Microsoft Word, when it always promised every feature WordPerfect had for a forthcoming version of Word, thus deflating sales of competing products (e.g., "Windows 8 tablets will offer more"). Also, Thurrott seems to confuse Windows 8 with the tablets that will run it, such as calling the Retina Display the iPad's biggest advantage over Windows 8. Windows 8 is capable of supporting such a display, but this remains a matter of hardware providing such a display. Although the Windows 8 Consumer Preview has been available for nearly a month now, Windows 8 is not expected to reach customers until October 2012, so Thurrott is clearly comparing an existing product to a theoretical one, since neither Windows 8 nor Windows 8 tablets are shipping.

Also note that with AirPlay and Apple TV, the new iPad already supports streaming content to a larger display, the iPad has always supported a wireless keyboard, and who knows what kinds of docks Apple and others will invent in coming months - while Windows 8 tablets await the official release of Windows 8 later this year. dk

Apps & Services

Air Display Turns iPad, iPhone, or Mac into Wireless Second Monitor

Avatron Air DisplayPR: Ever wish you had an extra monitor for your Mac or PC? There's an app for that. Use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch as a second monitor for a Mac.

Buy Air Display for iOS, download & install Air Display Connect on your computer and you've got an instant second display.

  • An instant second monitor - Use your iPad, iPhone or Mac as a second (or third) monitor with no messy cables or wires.
  • Touch your desktop - Use your finger to draw directly on the screen. Try it with a Mac calculator app, painting tool, or music control surface.
  • Orient it anyway you want - Air Display works in both landscape and portrait configurations. Just rotate your screen, and it automatically reconfigures.
  • No wires needed - With Air Display you never need to mess with monitor cables.

Start Using Air Display

Download & install Air Display Connect for free on your Mac, then buy Air Display on your iPhone or iPad.

Also supports:

  • Windows to iPhone & iPad - Use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch as a second monitor for a Windows PC.
  • Mac to Mac - Use a Mac as a second monitor for another Mac.
  • Windows to Mac - Use a Mac as a second monitor for a Windows PC.
  • Mac to Android - Use an Android device as a second monitor for a Mac.
  • Windows to Android - Use an Android device as a second monitor for a Windows PC.

Features and Capabilities:

  • Fill your iPad screen with your utility apps, like iChat, Mail, iCal, and Calculator.
  • Amaze your friends by playing Flash animations on your iPad!
  • Graphic design: Make Photoshop and Illustrator usable on your laptop by putting your tool palettes on the iPad screen.
  • Music: Use your iPad as the ultimate control surface for Logic or Pro Tools.
  • Programming: Use the extra display area for such auxiliary development tools as Console, Terminal, and the Debugger.
  • Business: Move all of your iWork and Office tool palettes and inspector windows onto the iPad, and let your document fill the screen.
  • Real estate or Sales: Hand a client a mirrored display while you work at the laptop.
  • Photography: Hold a live feed in one hand; adjust lighting with the other.
  • Medicine: Let a patient or family member watch a procedure on a wireless video monitor.
  • Office: Carry your extra monitor down the hall to a meeting.

Driver Compatibility

  • Mac OS X: Air Display requires 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later, on an Intel CPU. Both 32-Bit & 64-Bit systems are supported. We recommend 10.6.5 or later. (10.5.8 drivers are available but do not have the latest features.)
  • Windows: Air Display requires Windows XP (32-bit only), or Vista or 7 (32-bit or 64-bit). Windows 7 Starter edition is not supported.
  • Network: In order for Air Display to work your computer and iOS device must be connected to the same WiFi network.

Mac App Compatibility

  • Mac OS X: If you can run the Mac App Store, you can run the Air Display app. Both 32-Bit & 64-Bit systems are supported.
  • Network: In order for Air Display for Mac to work both computers must be connected to the same network. WiFi and wired Ethernet are both supported.

System requirements:

  • Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Requires iOS 3.2 or later

$9.99

The software for the host machine is a free download.

Free PicShop Photo Editor

PR: esDot Development has announced the release of PicShop, a free Photo Editor available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

PicShop

PicShop offers a beautiful 60 Hz User Interface created with Adobe AIR, and designed after Android 4.0 that lets you edit photos in a matter of seconds. With support for HD images up to 8 MP, PicShop is great for serious photographers as well as casual snapshooters, offering attractive design combined with tons of editing options and dozens of filters, plus cool advanced features like Depth of Field (Focal Point), Tilt Shift and MemeMaker.

PicShop

Features:

  • Full Editing Suite
  • Filters and Effects
  • Frames and Overlays
  • Sketch Mode w/ 8 different brushes
  • Meme Maker
  • Speech Bubbles
  • Text w/ Adjustable Font
  • Fun Stickers (Hats, Moustaches, Love etc.)
  • Social Integration (Facebook, Twitter, Email)
  • Customize app with your own personal theme

Editing Suite:

  • Color / Saturation
  • Brightness / Contrast
  • Sharpen / Blur
  • Tilt Shift
  • Depth of Field
  • Blemish Remover
  • RedEye Remover
  • Auto-Correction
  • Crop
  • Rotate
  • Flip

PicShop HD - Photo Editor supports languages for US English, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish.

System Requirements:

  • iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), and iPad
  • Requires iOS 4.0 or later
  • 18.5 MB

PicShop Lite is free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo & Video category.

Fight Speeding Tickets with TicketDefender

PR: TicketDefender is a newly released iPhone App that enables drivers to protect themselves from undeserved speeding tickets by providing a printed report that shows their vehicle's GPS speed and location prior to the issuance of a ticket. Police radar makes mistakes, lots of them. In America more than 100,000 people per day receive speeding tickets. Some experts estimate that 10-20% of all radar-backed speeding tickets are issued in error, and in the case of radar operated from a moving police vehicle the number of inaccurate tickets may be as high as 30%! Yet, the use of Radar is widely accepted and we naturally assume the technology is reliable (Source: Blind Trust published by Radio Association Defending Airwave Rights, Inc.). But good news is just an Apple App away. After a truck driver received one of these erroneous speeding tickets, he decided that something had to be done. He presented his idea to a friend who is an engineer, and TicketDefender was born.

As a user drives their vehicle, TicketDefender automatically records the speed, time of day, and GPS location. If the driver is pulled over for speeding, he simply clicks Press When Ticketed to capture the last hour of data and generate the free Speed Report and free Map Report. Instructions for how to print these non-editable, encrypted, and watermarked Speed and Map Reports are sent to the driver's email address. These two reports can be used in court as evidence against wrongfully issued tickets to protect drivers from the officers word against mine situations.

The TicketDefender Speed and Map Reports include the vehicles make and model, license number, time and date, the vehicle's speed recorded every 3-5 seconds, and a map showing the vehicles location and corresponding speed. If the speed on the TicketDefender report is different from the speed indicated on the ticket, the driver has a valid "not guilty" argument. This report can then be presented in court or with employers in defense of inaccurate speeding tickets.

Radar can often clock incorrect vehicle speeds, causing an unwarranted ticket, but until the release of TicketDefender there has been no way for drivers to prove that they were driving at a speed that was different from the speed stated on the ticket. TicketDefender can be a valuable tool, both for fighting speeding tickets and for proof of speed at the time of a car accident. TicketDefender is certainly a benefit for any driver or commuter and particularly beneficial for individuals whose livelihood depends on a positive driving record such as truckers, bus and taxi drivers.

TicketDefender will track any vehicle in which the phone is located, once the vehicle's data has been entered. One TicketDefender download can be used for multiple vehicles including company and family members vehicles. TicketDefender will also multitask; it continues to track speed and locations while you use the phone and other applications. The one time download of TicketDefender can be used repeatedly to give a lifetime of protection from undeserved or inaccurate speeding tickets.

Developed by Zco Corporation, TicketDefender for the iPhone is available at the iTunes store for an introductory price of $1.99.

Repair Database for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

PR: Ron Rockwell and independent iOS and Mac developer Marcus Roskosch have announced the release of Repair Database for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This App contains more than 100,000 repair solutions for everyday electronics like TVs, CD players, PCs, printers, laptops, and more.

All that information has been collected by Certified Repair Technician Ron Rockwell and fellow technicians in the repair business and is now available for everyone on a small device like the iPhone, iPod touch, and even iPad.

Repair DatabaseAs Ron provided his knowledge and content for the App, Marcus, who won the prestigious EMMAs Award in 2010 with his iPhone App for NXP Semiconductors, developed the App. The biggest challenge was to find a fast and easy to use solution for this huge database, Marcus said.

This database can be quickly searched by full-text or just by entering Make, Model or Type. All common and uncommon brands are included from A like Acer to Z like Zenith.

This App is a must-have for anybody in the Tech industry and/or people who like to do it themselves.

The goal with this app was to unite the common tools needed to get the job done efficiently. So in addition to the repair database, the App contains a cross reference database with over 28,000 parts for components along with a component search engine that so far finds even the discrete hard to find parts.

Octopart, the well known search engine for electronic parts, has been fully integrated in the App. Octopart can be used to lookup almost any electronic part and to compare prices, datasheets and even directly order online.

An FCC Database of over 6,000 FCC IDs and Companies with Addresses is also included.

Last but not least, Ron continues to share his knowledge by providing step-by-step information on how to identify and fix common Laptop and PC issues.

Best of all, this database is available offline so no Internet is required.

The content of this App will be updated frequently and automatically for free "over the air".

Repair Database is the first and only of its kind on the App Store, selling for $4.99.

Device Requirements:

  • iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  • Requires iOS 4.1 or later
  • 12.1 MB

Repair Database is $4.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Reference category.

AG iRepair Launches All-Inclusive iPhone Repair Service

PR: Asset Genie Inc., a global provider of notebook computer service parts, component-level repairs, and LCD enhancement services has developed an all-inclusive iPhone repair service, AG iRepair

Having established itself as an industry leader in the sale, service, and support of electronic devices and repair components, AGI has developed a technically-driven iPhone repair service with an emphasis on customer ease and satisfaction. The AG iRepair service includes; roundtrip FedEx Overnight shipping (insured), a custom FedEx iPhone box, service parts, labor, 1 year warranty, and real-time email status updates, all for one affordable price.

"Breaking an iPhone can be a frustrating and costly experience. The AG iRepair service restores our customers devices to factory-like conditions, at one-third of the price of replacement, all within 48 hours," says John Yetsconish, Director of Sales and Operations.

From the AG iRepair site, customers are visually guided through the repair selection process, with tools to help identify the exact repair service their iPhone requires. Once the customer has placed an order, they are presented a FedEx Overnight shipping voucher. This voucher can be taken to the nearest FedEx Office location where they will be helped to complete the shipment process. When the device is received by a member of the AGI Audit Team the customer will be sent an email notification with a real-time picture and status update of their iPhone. All repairs are performed by one of AGI's highly experienced technicians in a Class 10,000 clean room and ESD controlled production areas. This ensures that the device is not subject to debris or electric charge that may cause further defects. After the device has been repaired to factory-like condition, it is routed to the quality control department to undergo multiple quality control checkpoints. After verifying the iPhone has been repaired to Grade A standard, the customer is sent another email notification with a short video showing the functioning device. Real-time status updates give the customer the comfort of knowing exactly where their device is at each stage of the repair process. No other iPhone repair center offers this.

AG iRepair services all iPhone models, including the 3GS, 4, and 4S for all service providers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint) with the following defects cracked/broken glass, LCD, and glass/LCD combination. AG iRepair does not offer a service for iPhones subject to liquid damage.

Accessories

Adesso Compagno 3 Bluetooth Scissor-Switch Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPad

Compagno 3 Bluetooth Scissor-Switch Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPadPR: Adesso Inc. has announced the release of its new Compagno 3 Bluetooth Scissor-Switch Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPad, the WKB-1000DW. WKB-1000DW Bluetooth keyboard is ultra-slim, aluminum and includes iPad and multimedia hotkeys. The carrying case features a magnetic closure that automatically wakes and sleeps your iPad when opened or closed Available at several retailers, Adesso's WKB-1000DW has a MSRP of $89.99.

The Adesso Compagno 3 Bluetooth 3.0 Scissor-Switch Keyboard and Case make excellent companions for your new iPad 3rd Generation. This ultra-slim and aluminum base detachable Bluetooth 3.0 keyboard includes a standard layout with iPad and Multimedia Hotkeys, to access iPad shortcuts with one-touch. The scissor-switch keys of keyboard provide the tactile feel as a laptop and almost silent key response.

Compagno 3 Bluetooth Scissor-Switch Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPadA contemporary faux leather case accompanies your keyboard to protect your iPad from the unexpected. This case not only protects, but it also provides multiple viewing angles for easier typing, Internet browsing, and video viewing. The design of the Compagno 3 case also converts into a standalone iPad case, which gives your iPad's cameras full visibility and includes a magnetic closure that automatically wakes and sleeps both your iPad and Bluetooth keyboard when you open or close the case.

The WKB-1000DW features the following:

  • Ultra-slim (1/4" thickness) stylish aluminum keyboard
  • Detachable Bluetooth keyboard allows users to work freely for up to 30 feet
  • Scissor-Switch Keys offers the same great tactile feel as laptop and faster key response
  • Magnetic closure case design automatically wakes and sleeps your iPad and keyboard when opened and closed
  • Multiple viewing angles so you can easily answer emails, browse the Internet, or watch videos
  • Rechargeable Polymer battery and Power ON/OFF switch
  • Case fits both iPad 3rd Generation and iPad 2

Adesso's various product lines are available through Ingram Micro, Synnex, and D&H direct vendors, eRetailers, including Amazon.com, Buy.com, PCMall, CDW, Insight, NewEgg, and TigerDirect. In addition, they are also available at retail stores, such as Micro Center, Frys, CompUSA, and Staples.

Updated ZAGGfolio Colors and Designs for New iPad Exclusively at AT&T Stores

ZAGGfolioPR: ZAGG Inc., a leading mobile device accessories company, announces that an updated ZAGGfolio keyboard accessory for Apple's new iPad is available for immediate purchase in AT&T stores nationwide. Beginning today, customers can purchase the ZAGGfolio in three cover designs exclusively at AT&T retail locations across the US and online.

ZAGGfolioThe ZAGGfolio is a thin multifunction carrying case with a removable Bluetooth keyboard and provides a built-in stand to hold the new iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation. Island-style keys provide maximum typing room and shortcuts to access special features with a push of a button. AT&T will offer three cover designs of the ZAGGfolio to their customers: carbon fiber pattern, metallic red, and alligator texture.

ZAGGfolio"The ZAGGfolio is the ideal accessory for on-the-go tablet owners, and will perfectly accent the new iPads function and usability," says John W. Melville, director of wireless sales for ZAGG. "We are thrilled to offer exclusive colors and designs of this updated creative product solution to AT&T customers, who will love the enhanced user experience the ZAGGfolio provides."

The ZAGGfolio for the iPad 2 was recently named an International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree.

BoxWave Nuovo iPad Case for the New iPad

BoxWave Nuovo iPad CasePR: BoxWave, a proven leader in iPad accessories, has released the Nuovo iPad Case for the new iPad. The Nuovo Case is one of the first custom-fit cases for the new iPad to hit the market. The Nuovo Case's built-in stand proudly displays the HD Retina resolution, while the slim and lightweight design wont slow down your 4G LTE speeds.

The Nuovo iPad Case is designed specifically for the new iPad, which is 0.03" thicker and 0.11 pounds heavier than the iPad 2. The Nuovo Case incorporates a hard shell backing wrapped in leather for extra protection. The cover also features built-in magnets to activate the sleep and wake features of the new iPad. The leatherette cover then folds over and latches safely closed when not in use.

BoxWave Nuovo iPad CaseThe Nuovo iPad Case adds versatility as a handsfree viewing stand as well. Prop the tablet flat for a typing surface, or stand it tall to perfectly showcase the clarity and definition of the new iPads HD Retina display. The snap-in design of the case wont restrict viewing angles or screen space.

The lightweight and slim profile design of the Nuovo Case protects your new iPad without adding bulk. The beauty of a perfectly designed case is that access to your new iPad's power button, volume controls, charging port, and front and back cameras all remain unblocked. There is never a need to take your new iPad out of the Nuovo Case. A soft, textured, leather suede lines the inside of the Nuovo Case for protection against accidental screen scratches and scuffs.

BoxWave Nuovo iPad CaseSays BoxWave CEO Wing Onn Lum: "We designed a case that not only protects, but also perfectly complements the new iPad and enhances its versatility. The slim and lightweight Nuovo iPad Case showcases the new Retina display brilliantly.

The Nuovo iPad Case from BoxWave is a leather-wrapped, custom-fit case for the New iPad. The multidirectional viewing stand adds versatility, while the slim and lightweight design reduces bulk. The Nuovo Case is available immediately from BoxWave's website for only $39.95.

OtterBox iProtection Is Perfect Form, Fit, and Function for New iPad

PR: OtterBox iProtection is fortification for Apple devices; the result of innovative engineering and precision design that delivers a combination of form, fit and function. Defender Series iProtection is available today for the latest Apple device, the new iPad.

OtterBox iProtectionLike its predecessors, the Defender Series for the new iPad maximizes protection without sacrificing mobility or functionality. Memory foam pads cradle the device within a sturdy, easy-to-install polycarbonate shell. A robust silicone skin wraps around the shell to absorb shock and protect ports from dust and dirt. A built-in screen protector keeps the Retina display pristine and free from scratches, and any smudges or fingerprints can easily be cleaned.

The case includes a polycarbonate stand that supports viewing in portrait or landscape mode and functions as a durable screen shield when the iPad is not in use. The stand also incorporates two magnets to initiate device sleep mode when placed over the screen and awaken the device when removed, conserving battery power.

"Adaptability is a core characteristic of OtterBox," says Founder and CEO Curt Richardson. "We are constantly challenged to adapt to the changes within the industry and pioneer new designs and technologies. For the first time on a tablet of this size, we've been able to apply a built-in screen protector. We've also included magnets that initiate device sleep mode both features we have not had the capacity to develop in a tablet case until now."

The unique triple-layered OtterBox Defender Series is synonymous with rugged protection and provides uninhibited use of the new iPad in a quality custom enclosure.

WaterField Indy Leather Bag for the New iPad (and Older iPads as Well)

WaterField Indy Leather BagPR: WaterField Designs has unveiled its new Indy iPad bag - an elegant, over-the-shoulder bag that takes the place of a guy's overstuffed pants pocket. Specially sized to hold the iPad either naked or in a protective case, the Indy sports distressed leather, a slim profile and carefully designed pockets. All WaterField Designs products are manufactured to exacting standards entirely in San Francisco.

The new Indy blends a well-worn, outdoorsy look and contemporary elegance with its distressed, black or brown leather. The bag's main compartment holds an iPad, includes two deep organizational pockets, and is lined with WaterField Designs' signature gold nylon.

The top zipper sits lower than the opening, making it almost invisible. A diagonal outside pocket shows a hint of color and is lined with super soft Ultrasuede to cushion an iPhone and other necessities. A pocket on the opposite side secures items with a self-locking zipper. These outside pockets are strategically designed so the Indy has no obvious front or back. An adjustable strap for carrying on the shoulder or across the body, plus a choice of matte black or nickel hardware, completes the elegant yet practical Indy's specification.

WaterField Indy Leather Bag"With the iPad becoming as indispensable as a wallet or an iPhone, it should be just as convenient to carry around," explains Gary Waterfield, the guy behind the company logo. "But, because of its size, the iPad is usually stashed in a bigger bag or backpack. The Indy is designed from a guy's perspective."

  • Dimensions: 10.3" x 12.0" x 1.0"
  • Colors: Distressed black or grizzly brown, naturally-tanned leather with a color accent in black, copper, pine, grass, flame, or pearl.
  • Hardware: Choice of black matte or nickel.

The Indy sells for $179, and is available now for preorder.

Shipping begins April 14, 2012.

Standzfree Floor Stand Is Compatible with New iPad

Standzfree Floor StandPR: Last weekend thousands of Apple fans received their new iPads, which feature new higher-resolution retina displays, new 4G LTE connectivity and, of course, new apps. The makers of the Standzfree Floor Stand have confirmed that their users will not need to buy a new iPad stand, and that the New iPad will fit snugly and securely to the Standzfree Floor Stand without need for modifications.

Standzfree Floor StandThat means new iPad upgraders can continue to enjoy their new iPads hands-free at a height of three feet and 360° of rotation. Standzout's functional design is ideal for use of Facetime and videoconferencing apps, gaming, and for watching Netflix and YouTube. Its also great for freeing up desk space and to use your new iPad as a music sheet.

The new iPad's features - like the Retina display, the A5X chip and iSight camera - revolutionize how users see multimedia. Standzout says its Standzfree Floor Stand revolutionizes how users see their New iPad.

The Standzfee Floor Stand's ball and socket connector allows for 360° of tilt and swivel in all directions. Its V-shaped base is made of heavy duty metal while the iPad holder is made of ABS plastic.

Standzfree Floor StandFeatures include:

  • Compatible with all iPad models, including the original iPad, iPad 2, and iPad 3 (the new iPad)
  • Full 360° rotation of iPad
  • Ball and socket connector allows tilt and swivel in all directions
  • Heavy duty, V-shaped base
  • Easy to insert and remove iPad from ABS plastic holder

Product Specifications:

  • Full stand height - 36" (12" rigid, 24" flexible) - 90cm (30cm rigid, 60cm flexible)
  • Base weight - 3 lb. 13 oz. (1.75 kg)
  • Total weight - 6 lb. (2.75 kg)
  • V-base dimension - 10.5" x 22.7" (267mm x 577mm)

The Standzfee Floor Stand sells for $99.95

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