Tag Archives: accessories

Olloclip Quick-Flip Case and Pro-Photo Adapter add protection, tripod mount

The team at Olloclip has taken the wraps off of their newest product, a case for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5 called the Quick-Flip Case (US$49.99) that works with the Olloclip 3-in-one lenses to produce a lightweight solution for all-purpose iPhoneography. Let's take a look!

Design

At first glance, this doesn't look like much of a case. It's made out of a smoked translucent black or opaque white polyurethane material and looks like any of a thousand other slip-on hard cases for iPhone. But then the little features start to appear and you realize how the Quick-Flip case can be used to assist in taking photos with your iPhone.

Gallery: Olloclip Quick-Flip Case and Pro-Photo Adapter

By itself, the case has a pivoting corner that rotates 180

Control-Alt-Grrrrrr: A look at Penclic’s Mini Keyboard K2

Tired of the same old keyboard design and looking for something a bit different? The Penclic Mini Keyboard K2 (US$69.95) definitely fits the bill in terms of not being the typical keyboard, and as you'll see in this review that's not necessarily a good thing.

Design and Functionality

When I think of Scandinavian design, I usually think of sleek minimalist wooden furniture. The Swedish-designed Penclic Mini Keyboard K2 comes in black (unless you're looking at the company's website, where the keyboard is white), and definitely has a different look to it. It's about the same width and depth of the Apple Wireless Keyboard, but with a top end that swoops up. It's striking but difficult to describe; if that description makes no sense to you, just take a look at the photos. That thick top end is where the batteries -- a pair of rechargeable NiMH AAAs -- reside. The keyboard comes with a retractable USB to micro-USB cable that can be used to recharge the batteries, which are supposed to last about two months on a charge.

Getting to the batteries is pretty easy -- you flip the keyboard over and there's a little door that you open to pop them in. Of course, the door isn't attached to anything, so in my case it promptly went flying across the room and ended up on the floor. Unlike most every other battery-powered device that I've used in the past half-century, there's no little indicator to tell you which direction the batteries need to be facing. As luck would have it, the first time I installed the batteries they were put in backward.

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

Not that you get all that much of an indication that the batteries are installed properly and are charged up... You're supposed to see a red LED on the strange little "Wireless" sign on the top end of the keyboard flash once if everything's hunky-dory. It did just after I installed the batteries, but then didn't flash on subsequent flicks of the power switch on the bottom of the keyboard. I took this as an indication that the batteries were discharged, so I took the opportunity to look into how the charging works.

To plug in the charger, there's a little red silicone door (image below) that needs to be opened. I poked and prodded at the door with my fingernail and couldn't get it to budge. Finally -- wanting to get this review written sometime in the current century -- I resorted to using the corner of a SIM card to pry open the door. Plugging in the USB cable resulted in repeated green flashes on the keyboard LED, which the owner's manual said was a sign that the batteries were charging. Note to the Penclic designers: just leave the frickin' cable door off! It's not needed, and it's certainly a pain to get open.

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

Also on the bottom side of the keyboard are two flip-up feet that raise the angle of typing a bit. They're plastic, and I would hope that they contain a bit of metal as I can see them snapping off if you bang on your keyboard in frustration like I'm doing writing this review.

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

The key layout is pretty standard and may actually be attractive to our European readers as it has the ever-popular Alt Gr key -- although it's spelled (appropriately enough) on the Mini Keyboard K2 as "Alt Grr". That angry-sounding "Grr" is appropriate, since this is definintely not an Apple-friendly keyboard -- as the standard Command keys are nowhere to be found. The return key on the board is a bright orange for no apparent reason other than to be different, and there's an orange numeric keypad overlaying the 789-uio-jkl-m? keys. There's no indication how that keypad is supposed to be accessed; the function keys use a blue theme, but if I followed the color cues here, it seems like I should depress the Return key to activate the numeric keys. There's also an oddly-labeled key located between the Fn and Alt keys on the left side of the lower row of keys, and the owner's manual provides no clue as to what it does.

I have to admit I smiled at the F2 key, which is also labeled in blue with "Silence!" Rather than using the typical international symbol for mute that you see on just about every other keyboard in the world, Penclic's designers chose to use the English word "Silence!" and promptly alienate and confuse non-English speakers.

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

One thing I really don't understand about the Penclic Mini Keyboard is why the designers chose to go with a proprietary wireless mode rather than use the widely-accepted Bluetooth standard. Bluetooth works with almost everything today, from iPhones and iPads to Macs and PCs. You're not going to be able to use the Penclic with an iPhone or iPad, and when you choose to use it with your Mac or PC, you'll have to give up a USB port to house a minuscule wireless receiver. That receiver has a maximum range of 5 meters (about 15 feet) compared to Bluetooth's usual range of about 10 meters. Knowing how widespread Bluetooth keyboards are, it probably cost Penclic more to produce this proprietary model.

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

Let's get into the pricing while I'm thinking about it, shall we? For $69.95 you're getting a keyboard that has a non-standard key layout and even specifically states in the owner's manual "MAC (sic) operating systems do not support all the special functions." A quick search on Amazon for cheap Bluetooth keyboards that are Mac- and iPad-friendly finds them for as little as $13.96 with free Amazon Prime shipping! Even top-brand names are less expensive -- Logitech's awesome solar-powered Bluetooth keyboard (K760) sells for about $60 and doesn't need a dongle, a cheap retractable USB cable, or AAA rechargeable batteries behind a flyaway plastic door.

As for typing -- the main reason you'd want a keyboard -- this is nothing spectacular. The keys have a decent amount of feedback that's common to just about any keyboard that uses the same type of scissor keys. When those little legs are propping up the Mini Keyboard K2, it tends to be quite a bit noisier than most other keyboards.

Conclusion

The Penclic Mini Keyboard K2 has nothing to recommend it, unless you're so wound up in "Scandinavian design" that you just have to get this keyboard to match your IKEA furniture.

Pros

It has an Alt Grr key that should make some European buyers dance with glee What a lovely box!

ControlAltGrrrrrr A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2

Cons

Just about everything else, including the choice of AAA batteries, the lack of a battery direction indicator in the battery compartment, the idiotic idea of putting a silicone door over the micro-USB charging port, the lack of Bluetooth support, the lack of any semblance of support for Apple devices, strange and unexplained keyboard markings, noise, ad infinitum

Who is it for?

This guy, that's who...

Control-Alt-Grrrrrr: A look at Penclic's Mini Keyboard K2 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oyen Digital MiniPro enclosure dresses your hard drive like a Mac Pro

A few months ago I reviewed an external hard drive enclosure I was pretty fond of -- the Mercury On-The-Go-Pro. Today I want to tell you about one I like even more: The Oyen Digital MiniPro enclosure. The two enclosures actually are very similar in functionality. They both allow you to take your old laptop hard drives, insert them into the enclosure, and turn those old drives into useful spare external drives. They also both offer one USB 3.0 port and two Firewire 800 ports. The reason I like the Oyen Digital MiniPro more, however, is because its design mirrors the Mac Pro. It's made from a solid aluminum housing that Mac Pro users know and love. Because of this, it actually looks like it was designed by Apple. The enclosure is also bus-powered, so no power cord is required.

The Oyen Digital MiniPro enclosure comes in black or silver aluminum and is US$69.95. It's available on Amazon and at the company's store.

Oyen Digital MiniPro enclosure dresses your hard drive like a Mac Pro

Oyen Digital MiniPro enclosure dresses your hard drive like a Mac Pro originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Accessory Maker Repurposes Pan Am Life Rafts Into iPad Skins

Station-Supply-CoIn an age when we are consuming massive amounts of plastic, paper, and other materials, it is great to see a company finding a way to make something old into something new. Station Supply Company started by making iPhone skins out of fire hoses. Today, the accessory maker offers three different lines of covers for both iPhones and iPads. The most recent is the Life Raft collection repurposed from rubber emergency boats from a now-defunct airline.

It wasn’t that long ago that the largest international airline was still in business. Pan America World Airways, or Pan Am, survived from the late 1920s all the way through the end of 1991. While the airline has gone belly-up, the iconic brand lives on as a line of “lifestyle travel goods.” In fact, Pan Am recently teamed up with DODO to create an iPad case with the iconic logo called the “Pilot Log.”

Station Supply’s skins do not sport the blue-and-white traditional Pan Am flight bag look. Instead, they look like a typical bright yellow life raft, complete with text from the flotation device.

Station-Supply-Co Plain

Skins are available for the iPad 3 and the second and third-generation iPad, plus the iPad mini. Text covers are a little pricier than plain raft skins at around $45 for an iPad mini skin and $50 for a full sized iPad skin. Pick one up today and feel good about keeping a few more scraps of junk out of our nations landfills.

[Via: Cult of Mac]

» Related posts: Find Your iPad in the Dark with BCO’s Glow in the Dark iPad Skins First Official iPad mini Accessory now Available in the Apple Store Griffin Looks to Leverage Holiday iPad and iPhone Demand with Launch of Accessory MicroStores

Kenu Airframe: An ingenious car mount for your iPhone

One thing that seems to be a common attribute of hard-core Apple fans is that they are connoisseurs of great design. It doesn't matter if it's the sleek curves of a new iMac or the minimalist slab of the iPhone 5, we love how the devices are designed with pleasing dimensions and an enjoyable tactile sensation. That's why I was instantly attracted to the Kenu Airframe (US$24.95), a simple and lightweight smartphone car mount that's perfect for present and future iPhones.

Design

Some of the car mounts I've received for review over the years have been expensive overkill. They often use a suction cup mount to stick to the front window of the car, which doesn't work very well in hot dry environments as they tend to pop off when they sit in the sun for a while, dropping your expensive phone to the floor of the car. There's usually a long arm designed to bring the iPhone closer to your hand, which has the undesirable effect of making the phone sway or bounce.

The Kenu Airframe is simplicity defined: it uses a soft plastic clip to attach to an air vent in your car. That clip rotates 90 degrees to properly fit thick or thin grilles on your vent. The idea of mounting the iPhone to your air vent is pure genius as well, as in hot conditions you'll most likely have air conditioning turned on, which will cool the phone and keep it from overheating.

Gallery: Kenu Airframe

An expandable jaw on the Airframe can hold most phones regardless of their width, giving you some semblance of insurance against needing to purchase another car mount should a future iteration of iPhone be a different width.

One other fun thing: if you need an impromptu stand for your iPhone, just grab your Airframe and a business or credit card from your wallet, then pop that card into the clip on the back. Voila! Your iPhone is standing up on its own.

Functionality

Installing the Airframe is quite simple. Find a spot in your car with a vent where you'd like to hang your iPhone, and push the clip onto the plastic grille. That's it. Next, grab your iPhone and push it into the jaws of the Airframe, and you're done. One note: if you have a thick iPhone case like the Mophie Juice Pack, the Airframe won't be able to grab onto your phone. It works swimmingly with a lot of the thinner cases.

The way the clip is designed virtually guarantees that the Airframe is not going to fall out of the vent grille. There's a lot of road construction going on near my home right now and it's practically "four-wheeling" territory on one of the main drags with a lot of bumps and dips. Even at the maximum speed allowed in the construction zone, the jarring and swerving didn't move the Airframe or my iPhone a bit.

The travel stand idea with the credit card is also brilliant. It's a perfect way to use a car mount anywhere -- something that you can't do with a "normal" suction-cup equipped mount.

If there are any negatives I can think of, it's that this might not be a good idea in the winter if you have the clips inserted into a vent blowing hot air onto your iPhone. I don't know for sure if this would cause your iPhone to shut off due to high temperatures, but it's worth thinking about.

Conclusion

Whether you use your iPhone in the car for entertainment, directions, or just to have your phone at arm's reach when you're driving, the Airframe is a simple, sturdy, and functional car mount that takes up very little room.

Pros

Very compact design and light (less than 1 oz.) enough to carry anywhere Doesn't rely on suction cups to mount your phone in your vehicle Using the Airframe with a credit card as a travel stand for your phone is sheer genius Soft rubber material on the jaws and clips ensures a tight grip to phone and vent without scratching either

Cons

Doesn't work with thicker cases like the Mophie Juice Packs Rather expensive when some car mounts are available for as little as $3.57

Who is it for?

Anyone looking for an unobtrusive and functional car mount for their iPhone

Kenu Airframe: An ingenious car mount for your iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pebble receives $15 mil in funding, releases SDK and Sports API

The company behind the Pebble smartwatch, which not only looks awesome but connects up to your iPhone, has picked up US$15 million in funding from venture capitalists, and has released yet another version of its SDK. The funding is obviously a solid chunk of change, and should help Pebble not only fulfill its current orders (the company is still aiming to get watches out to all of its supporters from a successful Kickstarter bid), but push the company on into the future as well.

This latest SDK release, called the PebbleKit, allows for two-way communication back and forth between the watch and your smartphone, which means there are lots of new options for apps to work with the watch as a display or even a remote control. The company has also released a Sports API, which should allow for GPS-enabled apps (like running apps) to send and receive information from the watch. Pebble's initial set of features was quite limited, but this API update should make a lot of new apps possible, and of course we'll likely see more in the future.

You can pre-order a Pebble watch on the main website right now for $150.00. Or you may want to wait just a bit longer, if you happen to believe those crazy rumors about an Apple iWatch.

Pebble receives $15 mil in funding, releases SDK and Sports API originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DODONotes: The perfect marriage of paper and iPhone

DODOcase just announced the perfect accompaniment to Victor's post earlier this week about when and how to use paper versus software. DODONotes (US$13.95) weds a high-quality paper notebook to your iPhone.

Gallery: DODONotes

It's a simple idea, really -- the DODONotes notebook has a cutout on the front of it that is just perfectly sized for an iPhone 5, 4S or 4. There's an elastic band that holds the notebook securely to the iPhone. With a quick pull, you take the notebook off of your iPhone, jot a few quick notes or sketch an idea and then reattach DODONotes to your phone. There's enough play in the elastic that you can probably attach a small pen or pencil without too much of a strain.

The notebook is made of a beautiful 24 lb. text Mohawk Superfine paper in a Soft White Eggshell finish. I am absolutely sure that TUAW editor and notebook connoisseur Dave Caolo is going to order a ton of these to feed his paper habit...

DODONotes: The perfect marriage of paper and iPhone originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belkin releases Dyle receivers for iPhone and iPad

With ABC adding live streaming to its iPad app and the growth of live TV services via iOS in the past few months, the time is right for Belkin to announce Dyle mobile TV receivers for the iPhone and iPad. The US$129.99 device is about the size of a half a deck of cards, weighs around six ounces and includes a carrying case. It's only compatible with devices with 30-pin dock connectors at the moment. It'll bring live TV to an iOS device without the need for an internet connection.

However, as Victor pointed out in his review of the Dyle receiver created by Elgato, is still pretty limiting. If you're in an area where the service is pretty strong, the receiver might be of use to you. But, it could be worth it to wait a few more months for Dyle to get stronger.

The Belkin receiver is available through its website and is up for pre-order on Amazon.

[via 9to5Mac]

Belkin releases Dyle receivers for iPhone and iPad originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ClamCase Pro for iPad: Solid protection, amazing keyboard

With this review, I think that we're just about through the Spring 2013 crop of iPad Bluetooth keyboard folio cases, and it appears that I've saved the best for last. The ClamCase Pro for iPad (US$169, currently available for $20 off with coupon code SPRING20) was a pleasant surprise, providing the best keyboard I've ever used on an iPad along with some of the best protection to be found on any of the new keyboard folios.

Design

The ClamCase Pro is designed to look like a little laptop computer. The area around the keyboard is solid aluminum, and the keyboard itself uses black keys with white lettering. The top and bottom of the case are encased in white polycarbonate, which lends a very clean look and provides excellent protection. The iPad is held securely into place with two barely visible clips on either side of the device, and that design makes it simple to remove the iPad when necessary.

On the back of the case is a perforated "grille" so that sound isn't muffled, and there's a lower opening that accommodates either a Lightning or 30-pin Dock connector. As you'd expect, there are openings for the camera and headphone port, as well as the a small one for the iPad microphone. The on/off/sleep/wake button and volume toggle have their own pass-through switches; there is not a pass through for the seldom-used mute/rotation lock switch.

The big difference with this case from all of the rest is the hinge mechanism that connects the bottom (keyboard and battery) section with the top (iPad) section. This hinge can actually rotate through a full 360 degrees, meaning that you can swivel the keyboard around to the back of the case when you want to just use your iPad as a tablet, or put it into a literally infinite number of angles for typing.

Gallery: ClamCase Pro for iPad

There's one button on the ClamCase Pro, a small power switch on the left side as you look at the keyboard. The battery, like those on most of the other cases we've tested, is recharged via a USB to micro-USB cable that is included. One charge should get you through about 100 hours of typing; that, of course, is longer than your iPad battery is going to last. The ClamCase folks say that the device will fully charge in about 2 hours, and that a case has a battery standby time of six months.

When you want to check the battery life, there's a small "battery" key on the keyboard located near the arrow keys. Push and hold that button, and the white power light located in the upper right corner of the keyboard flashes up to 4 times (meaning fully charged) or just once to indicate that you'd better plug it in.

The keyboard itself has a standard QWERTY layout, which is nice to see. Unlike the new Logitech cases with their EasyType keyboards, there's no need to type "Fn-Q" to hit the Tab key or "Fn-A" to go into Caps Lock. The keys are just there. There's also a separate top row of keys so that you don't need to use a function key to perform tasks like changing the volume on your iPad or cut/copy/paste.

Functionality

The ClamCase Pro had one interesting effect on me; I kept thinking that I was typing on an 11" MacBook Air and continually tried to use the non-existent trackpad. It has that solid feeling of one of Apple's diminutive laptops. I never once had the feeling that the screen was going to flop over, and although I'm not going to try it out, I think this case could protect your iPad from a drop quite well.

Previously, my favorite iPad keyboard was the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. Well, move over Logitech. The keyboard on the ClamCase Pro actually feels better to me than my favorite Mac keyboard -- Apple's Wireless Keyboard. Since I spend my life sitting at a keyboard, I can tell almost immediately if I'm going to love or hate a keyboard, and my first impression of the ClamCase Pro was very positive. Writing this post on a third-generation iPad using Daedalus cemented that impression -- this keyboard has wonderful positive feedback, quiet keys, and a touch that encourages typing.

ClamCase's website cites an ABC News test that shows that the keyboard can result in a higher number of words per minute typed, and I can entirely believe that. My fingers didn't need to search for certain keys like they did on the latest crop of Logitech cases; everything was exactly where I expected it to be.

If there's one downside to the ClamCase Pro, it's the weight. This thing weighs 1.5 pounds, which means with the iPad added in you're looking at a total weight of just about 3 pounds. That's almost identical to the weight of a 13" MacBook Air and almost .6 pounds more than an 11" MBA. The ClamCase Pro, like any other keyboard folio case, is going to add thickness to your iPad as well. It's .85 inches thick, which is .17" thicker than a MacBook Air.

This brings up the old debate about whether one should buy a light MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or just use an iPad with something like a ClamCase. There's certainly no lack of applications in the iPad world now, and with a top-notch keyboard like that in the ClamCase Pro you can definitely get your work done efficiently. Price-wise, someone could buy a 64 GB Wi-Fi iPad with Retina display and ClamCase Pro for $868, less than the $999 cost of a 64 GB 11" non-Retina MacBook Air.

The ClamCase Pro pairs with your iPad with the press of a Bluetooth button that's on the keyboard and a tap on the ClamCase Pro name in the Bluetooth settings on the iPad. It has magnets to shut off your iPad when closed, and turn it back on when you pop the top open again. However, this doesn't help you when you flip the keyboard over into "tablet mode," as you can end up knee-typing. So, when using your iPad as Steve Jobs intended, be sure to hit the power switch.

There's one little quirk I noticed with the case design. There are four little rubber feet on the bottom of the case that are probably designed to keep it from sliding on a desktop. That works fine, provided that the case is closed. When you open it, the hinge extends down onto the surface you have the case on and pushes two of the feet off of the surface, making it susceptible to sliding.

Conclusion

Pros

Excellent keyboard, one of the best I've used on Mac, PC or iPad Completely unique 360-degree hinge holds the "screen" in place regardless of how you have the case configured Probably the sturdiest iPad keyboard case TUAW has ever tested Very fast pairing process, built-in battery level capability Good battery life; much longer than your iPad battery is going to last Power button is easy to find and shut off, making it easy to power down the keyboard when using the iPad as a tablet

Cons

Fairly heavy; with the iPad installed, it's about the same weight of a 13" MacBook Air One of the most expensive iPad keyboard cases we've tested; however, it's worth every dime

Who is it for?

Professionals who are thinking about using an iPad and keyboard case as a replacement for a traditional laptop or anyone who wants the best possible experience with a keyboard case.

ClamCase Pro for iPad: Solid protection, amazing keyboard originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Phonesuit’s Flex Pocket Lightning Charger

I use my iPhone 5 so much throughout the day that its battery is often nearly drained by 4 PM. That's why I'm constantly carrying around and trying out new external battery packs to keep my iPhone charged. The latest battery pack I've tried is the Phonesuit Flex Pocket Charger. I've reviewed Phonesuit's products in the past (and the one I reviewed is now my external battery pack of choice), so I was excited to try out their new Lightning connector battery pack.

The Phonesuit Flex Pocket Charger is slightly thicker and longer than two AA batteries in size, to give you an idea about how big it is. It fits easily into a jeans pocket but it's just a bit wider than my iPhone 5. When plugged into the phone, the Flex overruns the length of it on either end. Still, just given how small the Flex Pocket is in the first place, the fact that it's just slightly wider than the iPhone 5 can be forgiven -- especially considering when my iPhone is running out of battery, the last thing I care about is how good my battery pack looks.

Inside the Flex Pocket you'll find a 2,600 mAh battery that gives you iPhone an extra 125 percent charge. Externally, the Flex Pocket offers a built-in Lightning port and plugs directly into your iPhone 5. There are no cables to attach. When you plug the Flex Pocket into your iPhone, tap the electrostatic power button on the side to turn it on. To recharge your Flex Pocket, simply connect it to any computer via the included USB cable.

The Phonesuit Flex Pocket Charger is US$69 in a choice of colors: metallic red, blue or black. It works on the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod touch and the seventh-generation iPod nano.

Review: Phonesuit's Flex Pocket Lightning Charger originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kensington USB 3.0 Multi-Display Adapter adds video options to your Mac (giveaway!)

Have a need to attach more monitors to your USB 3.0-equipped Mac, but don't want to use a Thunderbolt, Mini DisplayPort, or HDMI port? Kensington may have just the thing for you -- the Universal Multi-Display Adapter (US$79.99 MSRP), AKA the USB 3.0 Multi-Display Adapter. We previewed this device last month, and now we've had some hands-on time.

Previously this device was available only for PCs, but new drivers available from DisplayLink make the adapter compatible with any Mac running OS X Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion. Essentially what the adapter does is makes one of your USB 3.0 ports available to drive a monitor or projector. It's a small (2" x 3.5" x .68") black box with a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 input on one end and a female DVI connector on the other end.

That cabling arrangement is a little unfortunate. Many monitors are also equipped with a female DVI connector, so chances are you'll need to buy another adapter. LIkewise, the included DVI to VGA adapter is relatively useless -- although it plugs right into the Multi-Display Adapter, it has a female connector on the open end, once again requiring a male to male adapter cable to connect to many VGA ports.

Since the Mac software is relatively new, you need to download and install it prior to running the device. It takes up only about 16 MB of storage, and requires a reboot. After installing the software, I was able to find a male-to-male VGA cable, so I plugged one end into the 17-inch ViewSonic monitor I use with my MacBook Pro with Retina display, the other into the DVI to VGA adapter, and then plugged that into the Multi-Display Adapter. Next, the USB cable was plugged into the MacBook Pro, and the screen came right up at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (also known as 1080p). The adapter will support resolutions on an external device of up to 2048 x 1152. As you'd expect, the Adapter is bus-powered and requires no external power.

Kensington USB 30 MultiDisplay Adapter

I previously had some issues when testing a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter when connecting a MacBook Air to a PC projector, so I thought I'd try the projector with this adapter (in most cases, I'll actually just use an HDMI cable to go straight from the MBP to the projector). Once again, the adapter worked like a champ, allowing me to drive the projector flawlessly from the MacBook Pro.

Considering the variety of video output modes that are available on most modern Macs -- HDMI, Thunderbolt, and Mini DisplayPort -- you might not need to have a USB 3.0-based adapter to add a monitor to your setup. However, it's nice to know that the option exists, and that the price tag on this adapter isn't too bad -- it was selling on Amazon today for $20 off the MSRP.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a way to hook up a DVI or VGA monitor to a Mac through USB 3.0, the Kensington Universal Multi-Display Adapter is a bus-powered alternative that may fit your needs.

Pros

Provides a way to connect a monitor, projector, or other display to your USB 3.0-equipped Mac without using a Thunderbolt, Mini DIsplay Port, or HDMI port Can also be used with Windows PCs DVI / VGA out works with a lot of monitors and projectors Price isn't too high at retail, although generic adapters (Monoprice, etc...) might be available for less

Cons

Female out on both adapter and the DVI/VGA adapter is annoying; need to use a male by male cable (not included) to plug into most monitors and projectors

Who is it for?

Anyone with a Mac with USB 3.0 who needs to keep other ports empty or in use with other devices but who wants to drive another monitor or projector

Giveaway

We're giving away our review device! Here are the rules for the giveaway:

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 15, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Kensington Universal USB 3.0 Multi-Display Adapter valued at $79.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

Kensington USB 3.0 Multi-Display Adapter adds video options to your Mac (giveaway!) originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top iPad Accessories for Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother's Day PresentEvery year, we try to come up with great ideas for great gifts for the mom in your life. No one deserves your undying love and bottomless pocketbook more that the woman who gave you life or the woman who brought life to your own child. That’s why this year we have five fantastic ideas for accessories for iPad loving moms everywhere.

Logitech Keyboard Folio BlueLogitech Keyboard Folio for iPad ($99.99)

This sleek folio serves as solid protection for your iPad, as well as a stylish look for your summer outfits. The Easy Type keyboard design offers full sized keys that fit into a compact space so you won’t have to slow down while typing on your iPad. This case comes in four different colors, including fun and colorful Electric Blue, Acid Yellow, and Fantasy Pink. For the business mom, you can choose a more subtle black color. Snap your iPad to the topside of the folio using the sturdy rubberized frame and connect to the keyboard using Bluetooth. The keyboard will last up to three months without needing a charge.

Bose SoundLinkBose SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile speaker II ($299.95)

Bose is notorious for making the best quality speakers on the market. Now, you can have the full range of Bose’s capabilities in a mobile speaker for the iPad. This compact audio device features an integrated bi-fold cover for protection that unfolds into a stand. This convenient feature makes the device compact and easy to carry with you everywhere you go. The rechargeable battery lasts for hours of constant music listening. Connect to your iPad, or any Bluetooth-compatible music listening devices, for full SoundLink quality sound. For the quality that comes with this exceptional speaker system, the price is well worth it.

UE 600 EarphonesLogitech UE 600 Earphones ($119.95)

If mom is a music fan, she has probably already complained about the sound quality that comes from her iPad. Even Apple’s new “Earpods” aren’t good enough for a true audiophile. This year, Logitech launched a line of audio equipment that is unmatched by much of the industry. The UE 600 Earphones are both excellent quality and attractive. Mom will feel like she is wearing diamond earphones and her music will sound like it is coming straight from the source. These audio gadgets come with seven different pairs of specially designed ear cushions. So, no matter if her ears are as big a Dumbo’s or as dainty as a fairy’s, she will find her comfort zone with so many options to choose from.

Pogo Connect StylusPogo Connect Bluetooth Pen for iPad ($79.95)

Styluses have come a long way in the past few years. What started as a hard, rubber and basic has turned into complex bits of technology that feature pressure sensitivity for the artist in you. Pogo hit the scene recently with its high-quality stylus that provides strong sensitivity that will activate with zero grams of force. It works at all angles without calibration and works solidly. It even features a location-finder that connects to your iPad so that, if you ever misplace your Pogo, you can track it to its hiding spot. Thanks to new software technology, Pogo Connect, in collaboration with palm-ignoring apps, you can write just like you would with a piece of paper and pen. No more “hands-off” scribbling.

Range Rover iPad EditionRange Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition ($170,000)

Of course, if you really want to show your mom how much you love her, this sweet luxury ride is sure to make her day. Plus, you can kill two birds with one stone. If she doesn’t already have an iPad, no problem. The Ranger Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition comes equipped with, not one, but two iPads. The SUV is decked out with real wood veneers, door top rolls and illuminated treadplates. The seats are leather. The center console in back opens out to reveal a laptop table. And, of course, the backside of the driver and front passenger seats flip up so you can use the iPad as a backseat entertainment system.

» Related posts: Accessory Lets Your iPad Stream Music Wirelessly to Any Speaker Logitech Launches New Line of Keyboard Folios for iPad, iPad mini Logitech Announces New FabricSkin Keyboard Folio

Targus announces line of Mac-compatible docking stations

Following on the heels of Kensington, Targus announced this morning that it has made its USB 3.0 docking stations Mac-compatible.

Targus' docking stations have four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports. The stations can handle resolutions of up to 2,048 x 1,152, deliver 1080p video and graphics through DisplayLink and support up to four displays. The stations also come with a DVI to VGA and HDMI to DVI adapters as well as a 2-foot USB 3.0 cable.

The Targus docking stations are US$169.99 and $219.99 and are available now. For those who already own a Targus 3.0 docking station, there are drivers that make the new docks compatible with the Mac and are backwards-compatible.

If you are looking beyond Targus for your hardware needs, you should look at Kensington, which upgraded its docking stations to be Mac-compatible in April, thanks to the same DisplayLink support update that's in the Targus models. Note some of the issues with the DisplayLink tools in Mountain Lion. Henge also had its horizontal dock, which boasts an impressive six USB 3.0 ports, on display at Macworld/iWorld 2013.

Targus announces line of Mac-compatible docking stations originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Denon AV receivers support Apple AirPlay

New Denon AV receivers support Apple AirPlay

Now here are some Apple accessories I'd love to review: Denon has added some new networked AV receivers to its INCOMMAND line, all of which support Apple's AirPlay wireless standard.

With that AirPlay support, owners of any Apple iOS device or Mac running a current or recent version of the appropriate operating system can stream lossless music to the receivers from their devices. The pricing for the receivers begins at a very reasonable US$449 for the AVR-X1000, which includes support for 5.1 surround sound and supplies 80 watts of output per channel. Next up is the AVR-X2000 at $649, providing 7.1 surround support, support for the 4K Ultra HD standard and 95 watts of power per channel.

The AVR-X3000 ($899) supports 7.1 channels and 105 watt per channel (it also supports the 4K Ultra HD standard). But it's the Ferrari of the line -- the AVR-X4000 ($1299) -- that you'll really drool over: 7.2 channels, seven discrete output stages and each channel is rated at 125 watts. Do you need HDMI inputs and outputs? It comes with seven inputs and three outputs. Sound processing includes Audyssey DSX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and a DTS Neo:X decoder. With the AVR-X4000, your SD video content can be converted to HD, while 1080p video can be upscaled to 4K Ultra HD.

New Denon AV receivers support Apple AirPlay originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weekend giveaway: Pad and Quill Aria iPad cases — and discounts

Mr. and Mrs. PQ, proprietors of Pad and Quill LLC in lovely Minneapolis, Minnesota, are apparently trying to keep themselves sane in this year's wacky spring weather (it was crazy in Colorado yesterday, too). They're warming things up by offering a giveaway of Pad and Quill Aria iPad cases -- one for iPad 2-4, the other for iPad mini (see photo above) -- and a nice discount for TUAW readers who don't win one of these beautiful cases.

The Aria cases are, to quote a certain blogger, "a masterpiece." They're handmade out of gorgeous full-grain leather with hand tooling and protect your iPad in a hand-finished Baltic birch wood frame. The Aria for iPad (image below, usually $119.99, now on sale for $109.99) is available in three different finishes, as iss the Aria for iPad mini (normally $99.99, on sale for $89.99).

Weekend giveaway Pad and Quill Aria iPad cases and discounts

To take part in the giveaway, fill out the form below. If you would just like to take advantage of a great deal, Pad and Quill is offering 15% off the price of any of the product line -- whether or not it's already on sale! Just use coupon code TUAW4 when checking out to save yourself some bucks.

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 6, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Pad and Quill Aria case for iPad mini valued at $99.99, while the other receives a Pad and Quill Aria for iPad 4/3/2 valued at $119.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

Weekend giveaway: Pad and Quill Aria iPad cases -- and discounts originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The JukeStyle is a great budget stylus for your iOS devices

The JukeStyle is a delightful 2-in-1 stylus for iOS device that gives you a pen/stylus combo for just US$10. Its precise, capacitive tip is great for doodling in DrawCast or Draw Something, though it still requires a little zooming in for more detailed illustrations. My Angry Birds scores have improved greatly now that my massive hands don't obscure the screen while I'm aiming.

Typing on the onscreen keyboard with a stylus still feels unintuitive when you're working with an iPhone, but I've found editing documents and using the stylus to identify and select areas of text is a joy. The iPhone isn't big enough to necessitate the use of a stylus for every day use, but the JukeStyle's precise response on the screen makes me wish I had an iPad.

Concerns over pocket space have prohibited me from buying a stylus. I already carry a lot of stuff around, and adding a standalone stylus to the equation when my fingers can type just fine doesn't make sense. But I do carry pens, and the JukeStyle's built-in pen made it something I'd regularly grab right before leaving the house even after the review process was over.

The JukeStyle is a compact, responsive stylus that doubles as a writing tool for when you've got to take notes in an low tech way. At $10 with free shipping, this is the perfect starter stylus for those who want to try one out without making a big investment.

The JukeStyle is a great budget stylus for your iOS devices originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belkin finally begins shipping Thunderbolt Express Dock

Mac power users will rejoice -- or be relieved -- that Belkin has announced it is officially shipping the Thunderbolt Express Dock. The dock allows users to expand to a wide range of ports via a single Thunderbolt connection on their Mac. The dock offers two Thunderbolt ports (one for input, the second for passthrough to as many as five downstream devices), one gigabit Ethernet port, one FireWire 800 port, stereo headphone and microphone jacks and three USB 3.0 ports.

Belkin officially announced the Thunderbolt Express Dock back in January of 2012; since then, it has seen numerous delays and design changes.

In the meantime, another Mac accessory vendor, Matrox, released the DS1, a docking port that offers fewer ports, but may provide enough connectivity for the average user (and at US$50 less than the Belkin offering). Still, those that like Belkin's products and have a wide array of peripherals they need plugged into their Mac will no doubt welcome the availability of the Thunderbolt Express Dock.

The Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock lists at $299, and is available now from Belkin's site.

Belkin finally begins shipping Thunderbolt Express Dock originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballistic’s new Aspira case line for iPhone 5

This will be a rather quick review, not just because silicone iPhone 5 cases are quite commonplace, but because there are mainly just good things to say about these new cases from Ballistic Case. They're all members of the Ballistic Case Aspira series for the iPhone 5 (US$34.99), and three readers will have a chance to win one.

Design

The Aspira cases are lightweight, skinny, and colorful. Ballistic has come up with seven cases in the series that will attract the attention of just about everyone.

There's a white case with imperial blue accents, a white case with a pink flower pattern, an eye-jarring mint green case with strawberry pink accents, a much more soothing raspberry case with gray accents, a black case with a charcoal gray hexagon pattern and accents, a black case with lime green accents and a black case with gray accents.

Ballistic's new Aspira case line for iPhone 5

All of the cases are made of a glossy material excecpt for those accents that cover the corners, ends, and front of the case -- those are made of regular silicone material for shock absorbency.

The cases are really light, just a featherweight 0.9 ounce, and they add just a tiny bit of thickness to your sexy iPhone 5. The flower and hexagon pattern cases offer an extra measure of "grippiness" to an otherwise slick surface; something to think about if you want to keep a good grip on your investment.

Functionality

A good case should provide protection and add some style to your phone, and the Aspira series touches all the bases. Ballistic is well-known for putting a touch more thickness into the corners of their cases which really adds to the impact protection.

Ballistic's new Aspira case line for iPhone 5

The cases are all dual-layer, so the back of the case not only has that shiny surface for protection but an inner silicone layer of cushion as well. The non-patterned models use an anti-scratch coating to keep the glossy surface from getting beat up.

I like the way that the Aspira cases fit on the iPhone 5. The cases are easy to install and take off, but the fit is snug enough to keep the cases from falling off. One of my pet peeves with some other silicone cases is that they can have a tendency to "sag" a little and look sloppy; that's definitely not the situation with these cases.

Conclusion

While I think the Aspira series cases might be a little more pricy than they should be, Ballistic has come up with a very functional and attractive line of cases.

Pros

Good protection for your iPhone 5, particularly on the corners where there is extra padding Fun and bright colors and patterns Textured cases provide a good gripping surface Shiny cases are treated with an anti-scratch coating

Cons

A bit on the expensive side for a silicone iPhone 5 case. Look here for generic silicone cases for less than $10.

Who are they for?

iPhone 5 owners who want a thin, lightweight, and attractive case that provides excellent protection. Giveaway

Three TUAW readers are going to win an Aspira series iPhone 5 case from Ballistic. We have one white with the pink floral patter and accents, one black with the grey hexagon pattern and accents, and one black with green accents. Here are the rules for the giveaway:

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before May 2, 2013, 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected, each winning a Ballistic Aspira series iPhone 5 case valued at US$34.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

Ballistic's new Aspira case line for iPhone 5 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review and giveaway: a trio of iPad mini cases (updated)

After a slow start, it appears that every accessory manufacturer on the planet is now up to speed on pumping out shiploads (that is spelled correctly, BTW) of iPad mini cases. Today, for your amusement and my employment, I'll take a look at three of the cases that have come to the attention of TUAW recently and give you a chance to win one.

The three iPad mini cases of the week are:

The Loop Attachment Mummy case for iPad mini (US$30) The Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case ($200) The id America SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio for iPad mini ($39.95)

Gallery: iPad mini Cases

Loop Attachment Mummy Case for iPad mini

To begin with, we'll look at the Loop Attachment Mummy case for iPad mini, a larger version of the Mummy case for iPhone 4/4S/5. That means that it's a silicone case made with a "mummy-like" pattern on the back mimicking bands of cloth swathed around the mini.

Review and giveaway a trio of iPad mini cases

The Mummy case comes in six different colors: the usual black and white, teal, red, blue and graphite. The case is easy to install and remove, and has openings for the speakers, Lightning port, mute/orientation lock switch, camera, microphone, and earphone port. There's also a trapezoidal cutout on the back that playfully frames the Apple logo on the iPad mini.

As with the Mummy cases for iPhone, the Loop Attachment iPad mini cases are inexpensive, durable, and provide a good grip on what can be a slippery device to hold. There's nothing fancy about the Mummy case, but it does exactly what it's supposed to do -- protect your iPad mini from scratches and bumps.

Update: time. I completely forgot to mention that the Mummy cases have two metal plates that are embedded in the silicone that provide a place for an Apple Smart Cover to stick on. Now you know!

Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case

At the other end of the price spectrum from the Mummy case is the Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case from Mapi Cases. While I'm a huge fan of handmade leather cases, I can't help but think that the company is charging too much the Milano.

This leather portfolio comes in four finishes: black, brown, tan and red. Yes, it's made with "100% premium leather", but as my late father-in-law probably would have said, "I don't want to pay for the whole cow."

Review and giveaway a trio of iPad mini cases

The case is closed with a zipper to keep your iPad mini locked away and has a fabric interior to avoid scratching the device. On the left side of the case are two slots for business or credit cards, as well as a larger pocket for travel documents or cash. The iPad mini is held into place by a leather "frame" with a tuck-under flap on one side. Don't try to take any photos with your iPad mini in the Milano, because there's no hole for the camera to peer through.

While I appreciate the excellent workmanship that went into the Milano, I do honestly think it is overpriced. It doesn't include a stand, nor are there magnets to automatically turn the device on and off. A quick look on Amazon.com showed some $25 - $40 cases made of "PU leather", which is cheaper leather covered with a layer of polyurethane. At a glance, there isn't much of a difference in terms of looks, except for the fact that the $25 case is much more functional, including a camera hole, a folding stand, an elastic hand strap, a stylus holder, and more choices in color.

If paying for "real leather" is a big thing for you, then by all means spend $200 on this case. If you're like most of our readers, though, you might want to think twice before spending that almost two-thirds of the price of an entry-level iPad mini for a case.

id America SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio for iPad mini

Finally we come to the SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio from id America. About the closest thing to compare this case to is Apple's very own iPad mini Smart Cover ($39), which is made of polyurethane rather than leatherette (a fabric made to simulate leather). So once again you have faux leather; if that is a big deal for you, then think about the Mapi case...

Review and giveaway a trio of iPad mini cases

The SmartFold comes in black, brown, gray, orange, red and white, and is probably the most functional of all the cases listed here. Like the Smart Cover, the SmartFold features a cover that can be folded into a stand for viewing or typing on the iPad mini. It also features auto-sleep and wake using magnets in the cover.

The iPad mini is held into place by a frame of that same leatherette, and the inside surfaces are made of a felt-like material. I had no issues folding the SmartFold into the typing position, but for the life of me I couldn't get it to stand up in a viewing mode. Perhaps the cover needs to be flexed a bit more to loosen it up.

Conclusion

So what I've shown you today are three different iPad mini cases for three different types of people. For those who want inexpensive and fun protection, the Loop Attachment Mummy is perfect. Well-heeled iPad mini users who want real leather to match their shoes and not look out of place on the leather seats of their Tesla S, the Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio might be a good solution. And finally, someone who wants protection and functionality in an inexpensive case could not go wrong with the id America SmartFold.

Giveaway

Now it's time for you to enter to win one of the cases we have to give away. There are two Loop Attachment Mummy cases (one black, one blue), a black leather Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio, and a black id America SmartFold up for grabs.

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before Day, Month Year 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Four winners will be selected. Two will receive Loop Attachment Mummy Cases for iPad mini valued at $30, one will receive a Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Mini iPad case valued at $200, and one will receive an id America SmartFold case valued at $39.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...

Review and giveaway: a trio of iPad mini cases (updated) originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just Mobile’s HeadStand, AluCup and AluFrame: Accessories that organize, protect

As the Northern Hemisphere of the planet wakes up from winter, accessory manufacturers are coming to life with some new or revised products. One of those companies, Just Mobile, has released a crop of accessories that can help to organize your workspace and protect your iPhone 5. There's the AluCup (a sturdy dock for your iPhone or iPad mini, US$29.95), the AluFrame iPhone 5 case ($69.95), and that place to neatly store your headphones -- the HeadStand ($49.95).

You'll have an opportunity to win one of these hardy aluminum accessories, so be sure to check them out and then enter the giveaway.

Design

The AluCup is a delightfully simple dock for your iPhone or iPad tha's made of a machined aluminum cylinder sliced at an angle, lined with a colorful rubberized material, and sliced and diced for cable passthroughs.

Just Mobile's HeadStand, AluCup, and AluFrame Accessories that organize, protect

Just drop an iPhone into the black, yellow, red, or blue-lined cup and it is propped up for easy viewing while it charges or just "relaxes." That iPhone (or an iPad mini) can also be placed on top of the AluCup to make an attractive reclining pedestal.

Moving on to the HeadStand, here's a product that was just waiting for someone to invent it. It answers the question of where to place your headphones when they're not on your head. For me, the answer was to wrap the cable around the headphones and then plant them on my R