Apple iPad Gear

SPIGEN SGP Ultra Thin Case for the New iPad, Review

I like a minimalist iPad case. Yup, I like a case that will help keep my iPad in pristine condition without adding a ton of weight to it. The balance between weight/bulk and style is often a difficult one to strike. The more fashionable cases tend to add to the size and heft of the iPad, while the minimalist protective systems often look and feel a bit cheap. With the Ultra Thin Case Series for the New iPad SPIGEN SGP has struck the right balance. The case all but disappears while still protecting the iPad from scratches. No, this is…


iLuv Epicarp Slim Folio for the New iPad Review

When iLuv’s Epicarp Slim Folio for the New iPad first arrived at my home, I was not impressed. It is thin, remarkably light and the plastic material feels… well let’s just say it does not feel substantial. (UNDERSTATEMENT!) The case truly lives up to its name when referred to as a “slim folio”. It is a folio design into which the new iPad easily, but securely, snaps. And it is quite slim. It is so slim, in fact, that I could not imagine that iLuv had been able to include the magnets necessary to activate the iPad’s sleep/awake functionality. Hey,…


The Miniot Cover Mk2 for iPad Review

I have a secret that I never thought I would share with anyone, but I feel like I can tell you. I ordered one of the first magnetic covers that Miniot offered for the iPad 2. The idea of having a smart cover made of gorgeous wood was simply too enticing, so without reading the fine print (my fault, not Miniot’s!), I sent off for one and waited almost three months for it to arrive. And when it came, I was sorely disappointed. Although I absolutely loved the wood, and there was no denying the craftsmanship, the cover wasn’t exactly…


BRAVEN Ships Their SIX Series, Speakers That Offer Big Sound and Power on the Go

Some number of months ago I ordered a really neat speaker from a company called SPAR. The speaker reminded me of the Jawbone JamBox. It was small, got loud and could function as a speakerphone as well as an audio device. I was impressed with the small device but there was one problem. The sound wasn’t very good. In fact, it was bad. I emailed the company and had one of the most pleasant experiences I have ever had when returning a product. They took it back, did so promptly and subsequently told me they too were not so happy…


iLuv Premium Audio Cables Review

You know you have hit true geekdom when you get excited over cables. Yes, I hit a new “tech low” (or is it “high”) when I heard about iLuv’s new line of premium audio and charge/sync data cables and I actually got excited about them. (It is like Elana getting excited when she received her first piece of Le Creuset cookware. I just could not understand it.) And while I have to call the company out for Press Release hyperbole such as “iLuv’s audio and data cables revolutionize the market in quality and design” (“revolutionize the market”?? seriously?), now that…


Join the Conversation During and After Apple’s WWDC Tomorrow

Apple’s WWDC 2012 kicks off tomorrow, and the keynote begins at 1pm EST. While we wish we were there, we’re going to do the next best thing —  follow a number of the feeds simultaneously, and offer you the highlights on the day’s doings with a touch of colorful commentary and a full team conversation in the comments section. Of course, the rumors are flying but, as always, until the news is actually announced, it is nothing but rumor. One rumor that does seem likely to come true is that iOS 6 won’t support the original iPad. The rumor certainly…


SPIGEN SGP GLAS.t Screen Protector for iPad, Review

We recently reviewed SPIGEN SGP’s GLAS.t screen protector for the iPhone 4S. (Read the review.) The review sample was my second GLAS.t for iPhone because, quite frankly, I messed up the install on the first. Thankfully, the second one went better and, while still not perfect, the screen protector is good enough that I continue to use it. Honestly, at this point, I would not consider using a different screen protector. The company has now released a version of the GLAS.t for the new iPad. At $69.99 it is pricey (!!!) which leaves open the question, “Is it worth the…


Satechi Audio Cube Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

I love my iOS devices and use them constantly– but I have one problem. The speakers on the devices are terrible and I love to listen to podcasts, especially when writing for Gear Diary. Headphones or speakers are nearly a must, even in a quiet room. Maybe it is too much blasting of speaker systems in high school, too many car races or too many guns, but, for me, ambient noise washes out a voice on a podcast. Given the choice, I would always prefer to go wireless. (And once you have used a wireless speaker for a time wired…


Sena’s New Magnia Zip for iPad Gets Down to Business

Here’s another example of Sena Cases finding a new, stylish way to not only carry and protect your new iPad but to also make it an even better productivity tool. The Magia Zip is an iPad case that secures your iPad within a zippered leather case. It does more than that, however, which is a good thing because, as powerful as the iPad is, sometimes you need your case to do more. Here’s what Sena has to say about the new case: Put your essentials and just zip and go with the Magia Zip – a slim and convenient clamshell…


The Brydge Gets Funded… and then Some, Kickstart This!!

The most expensive Kickstart Project that Judie and I have backed just got funded. (Okay, “over-funded if there is such a thing”.) The Brydge is an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards and accessories currently on the market. Brydge connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge which allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure. In other words, it turns your iPad into a NetMac complete with speakers and all. As the Creatives note Brydge’s aluminum body is machined and anodized so that it matches the look and feel of…


AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System Now Avaialable

We reviewed AViiQ’s portable travel station last August (read the review). It is a great way to charge and sync numerous devices from one wall outlet. It also is a convenient and “clean” way to carry a charge/sync hub in a compact accessory. It was not, however, without it’s faults. Primary among the issues I found was the fact that the cable management system, consisting of overlapping fabric slots, wasn’t the easiest way to keep everything neat and tidy. Now AViiQ is back with an updated version. It costs a bit more than the original (which appears to still be…


Murse-Off

Had you told me not long ago that I would happily be carrying a murse I would have told you you were nuts. It’s not like I’m insecure in my masculinity but… there are limits. And the whole murse-thing crossed a line for me. That was then. This is now. The New iPad is so fast and the iOS apps that run on it have become so powerful, that it is now possible to carry the iPad instead of a notebook and not feel like you are compromising much- if at all. Yes, the iPad means there is now the…


Hand Stylus Review, Kickstart This!

Using an iPhone and or iPad throughout most days, there is one thing I have learned. My hands can sure make a touch screen smudged up and grimy. While coaching my high school softball team this year, we used the iPad to collect all of the game stats. While this was awesome, I found myself cleaning my iPad after every game just to be able to see the screen. At one point I thought using a stylus might be best to keep it clean while also making the stat keeping easier, but did not have one to use. Recently I…


IPEVO Perch, Small, Medium and Large… and All are Awesome! Review

  IPEVO recently contacted Judie and me to see if we wanted to begin reviewing some of their products. The company was new to us but, after trying out two of their Perch stands for the new iPad, there is no doubt we will be keeping an eye on them to see what new products they introduce. Yeah, I’ve been using a small and a medium Perch for the past few weeks and I’m sold on it. The medium size is particularly useful for me and I’m even considering the purchase of a large size Perch to use as a…


BubCaps by Paperclip Robot Keep Kids in the Right Place

If you have an iPad or an iPhone and you have small children, then you’ve learned how much your kids love to play games and watch videos on these devices. The problem is that the same device providing entertainment for your kids is usually the very device that you’re using to organize your life. Sure, it’s fine if your 7-year-old plays Plants versus Zombies on your iPhone or iPad, but what if he lands on your big presentation with just a click of the home button and a few taps onscreen? Or what if your little girl stumbles across your…


iWOW-U Universal Audio Adapter Review

Back in April we took a look at SRS’ MyTunes Pro app for iPhone, iPod touch and MyTunes Pro HD for the iPad. The apps do wonders to transform the music coming from your iOS device. The app is free to try and just $10 to unlock the full features. It works well, but itbhas two main limitations. First, it only uses the music in the native music app. That’s an issue for someone like me who is increasingly using Spotify or Rdio as my main source for music. Second, whenever you change your music library the app has to rebuild…


BOWDEN + SHEFFIELD Minimalist iPad Cases; Kickstart This

Project Title:  BOWDEN + SHEFFIELD Minimalist iPad Cases Status: $13,746 of $20,000 goal, with five days left. Closing Date for Funding: May 23, 2012 URL of the Project:  BOWDEN + SHEFFIELD Minimalist iPad Cases From the Creatives: Eric Rea and Levi Price, two university students, have recently launched a project on Kickstarter featuring two unique, high-end iPad cases. The project is called “BOWDEN + SHEFFIELD Minimalist iPad Cases” and is definitely worth a look. The Bowden and Sheffield are minimalist, hand crafted cases for iPad. The inspiration for the project came from Levi when he was unable to find a case that featured minimalist…


FlipStands Tablet Stand Review

If there is one negative aspect about having a tablet computer, it is probably how to hold the thing. As their form factor is super handy when on the go or playing a game, it is not always easy to hold them when trying to get some real work done. I have tried many products including cases that double as a stand, all with mixed results. Recently, I was able to check out a product called FlipStands. While it holds my iPad as several other gadgets do, the beauty is that it will work with virtually any tablet. Let’s take…


iLuv DualJack; Now, Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Every now and then a product comes along that makes me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” iLuv has new “Premium Audio Cables and Charging and Sync Solutions” available as part of their myLink collection, and one of them fits the bill quite well. Here’s what the company has to say about their new offerings. iLuv’s audio and data cables revolutionize the market in quality and design. They were designed to provide superior functionality and the stylish design consumers desire in their accessories. These durable cables were constructed with a number of enhancements in both form and function, and…


The Sena Florence Portfolio for the New iPad Review

As I wrote in our preview of the Sena Florence Portfolio, I love Sena’s cases and am particularly fond of their Florence for the iPad. It is thin, form-fitting, light and is a great all-purpose iPad case. That is why it is one of my all time favorite iPad cases. That is also why it is back on my iPad after a brief period when Elana “stole” it from me. I was excited to see Sena expand this design with their new Florence Portfolio. It sounded like the perfect iPad case for someone who uses an iPad 90% of the…


Griffin Survivor for iPad 2 and iPad 3 Extreme-Duty Case Review

I don’t take my iPad into harsh conditions. I mean, the most volatile situation my tablet finds itself in is my monthly board meeting. (I kid… I kid…) In all seriousness though, while I do keep my iPad protected in a case it is rare for it to be in any situation where it might encounter serious damage. For some, however, having the very best protection possible is important. For them there is the Griffin Survivor. The Griffin Survivor is one tough case. It weighs a bit but for the weight you get serious protection from dirt, sand, rain, shock,…