Apple iPad Gear

The “i-hotake” Makes Holding & Taking Your iPad Easy

Here’s an intriguing new way to protect and carry your iPad; the “i-hotake” (a play on “hold & take”) appears to be a pretty-thick protective plastic bumper case with handles on each end. Made for kids? Made for klutzy adults? We’re not exactly sure and they aren’t telling. Cutouts for syncing, speakers and other ports are in their proper places, so if nothing else — when your iPad is in this you can use it a mini breakfast in bed tray. 😉 i-hotake site (MSRP $39.99)


iPad Accessory Review: Pad Bracket iPad Mounting System

I recently purchased a treadmill so that I could continue running once the weather turn icy cold. I shopped around quite a bit and ended up with a rather high-end treadmill with all the bells and whistles. (Well, maybe not ALL but MOST of the bells and whistles.) Among the extra features are a built-in speaker system for your iPod or other media device that can get quite loud and sounds pretty good. It also has a built-in 7″ TV that can accept both cable and composite plugs. I used it yesterday for the first time with my Roku box…


AAXA P1 Jr. LCOS Pico Projector Review

I’ve been fascinated by the numerous pico projectors that have been released in the past few years. The idea of being able to connect your phone or media device to something just about the same size and throw the picture, slide or video playing on the former up on a wall by using the latter seemed… well, it seemed rather cool to me. It certainly intrigued my geekier side. So when AAXA released their AAXA P1 Jr. I took note. It claims to be the “world’s smallest LCOS pico projector with onboard MP4 player”. When they reached out and asked…


iPhone/iPad Accessory Review: Mophie Juice Pack™ Powerstation

I’m sitting in my parked 2003 Subaru Outback recording this review of the mophie juicepack powerstation using Dragon Dictation. Normally I don’t write reviews while sitting in a parked car but I’m making an exception this time since my car decided not to cooperate this afternoon. I was driving home from an appointment when the car began to buck. I barely had time to get the car pulled over to a side street before it all but died. I called AAA and I figured it would be a good time to catch up on some phone calls and maybe even…


iPad Case Review: iSkin Duo

There was a time when I was a HUGE fan of silicon skins for my devices. The excellent protection, wide array of color options and variety of designs were just some of the reasons I would, at times, choose a silicon case over a leather one. More recently however I have found myself choosing leather when I decide on which case to use. All this noted, iSkin’s new silicon iPad case offerings have me rather tempted with regard to opting for the brightly colored silicone. One of the designs they are now offering is the iSkin Duo for iPad. It…


iPad Case Review- Hard Candy Candy Convertible

So you have an iPad and you love the design, feel and functionality of the Apple Case. The only problem is… you aren’t a huge fan of black. No, your style leans more toward something brighter. You know, you want a case in something like… say… red. Well you are in luck! The Hard Candy Candy Convertible has the feel and function of the Apple Case for iPad but it comes in bright red! (Oh, and it comes in black too!) Let’s take a look. From Hard Candy- The Candy Convertible iPad case combines the practicality of a flip folio…


iPad Case Review – TwelveSouth BookBook for iPad

Here are a few of my books… in this picture alone there are over 100 different books. 16 of them are of the dead-tree variety. The rest are in the Kindle app on my iPad. Yup, that’s my iPad right in the middle of the picture. It is sitting safe, hidden and secure in its new BookBook for iPad. The BookBook for iPad is one of the offerings from TwelveSouth. TwelveSouth is the company behind my favorite iPad travel stand, the Compass. (Reviewed here on the site.) While the Compass had a lean modern look to it, the BookBook goes…


Naked iPad? No, Speck SeeThru!

I suspect most folks will agree that the iPad is a nice looking device.  So why would you want to cover it up and obscure all that aluminum and glass beauty?  I mean, would you put a rubberized case on the Picasso in Daley Plaza?  No, I don’t think so.  With this in mind, the folks at Speck must have said, “hey, let’s cover the iPad, but not cover the iPad.” So, voila!  Here’s the Speck SeeThru.  According to Speck, the SeeThru features: One-piece flexible hard case for a seamless look, feel and functionality Rubberized front edge and button covers…


Booq Introduces New, High-End Line of Gadget Bags

From the king Cobra case L, to the iPad specific Cobra courier XS, these four cases bring an unmatched elegance and style to the case and bag market Booq makes some of the most stylish and functional gadget bags I have had the pleasure to review. In recent months they have been expanding their line significantly and today they are taking things to an entirely new level. Today Booq will be announcing their new Cobra line of bags. The Cobra line brings a luxuriously fresh design and simply sharp look to booq’s already stellar line of iPad bags, skins, messengers,…


Review: Speck PixelSleeve For iPad, Netbooks

Until very recently, I have not been mobile with my iPad.  I was able to get WiFi set up in my classroom last week and love being able to take my magic little device to use as a teaching aid.  I previously used a book style leather case that I liked, but was not comfortable in traveling with it in my bag.  It just did not seem like enough protection for the iPad.  Although I liked the ability to stand up my device with the other case, using it in an educational setting proved to be difficult.  I needed something…


Izozzi Cover Review: Turns iPad into Work of Art

Last week I took a look at the izozzi artist inspired cases for the iPhone 4. These cases allow you to add a little bit of art to your iDevice by combining the work of an artists of your choosing with a protective case. This week we’ll examine their iPad offering. The iPad version of the company’s case is a clear snap on back cover styled case that features the same artist created work on the back. The case izozzi sent me features another work by Bill Carman. This one’s entitled “Redrover.” The interior of the case is lined by…


Pad Brackets Lets You Hang Your iPad Anywhere That You Have a Wall…

As the iPad continues to find its way into more and more homes there are more and more uses being found for it. One of the more interesting iPad “accessories” I saw a few weeks back is a mounting kit that literally embeds an iPad in the wall so that it is flush with the sheet rock. It looked great but that strikes me as a bit obsessive… not to mention a whole lot of work to hang an iPad. And then there is the whole… “now how do I get the iPad out so I can use it elsewhere”-thing. Well…


iPad Case Review: Acme Made Slick Case

Both Judie and I reviewed the Acme Made Courier laptop bag, and it remains one of our absolute favorite laptop bags. The bags are nicely designed, well made and have both stood up to some serious use (and abuse) since I did my “second opinion” post as a follow-up to Judie’s full review. Well Acme Made also offers a variety of cases for eBook readers and the iPad. Today we’ll take a look at the Slick Case for Apple iPad. Is it as stylish and well-made as the Courier? Read on to find out… From Acme Made: The perfect solution…


iPad Cases From Vintage Comic Books

Etsy is one of my favorite web sites.  If you’re not familiar with the site it’s a place that brings people who make things together with the people who want to buy them.  A few weeks ago while browsing it I came across the “store” Vintage Covers.  They turn vintage comic books (40-50 years old) into cases for the iPad (and other devices as well.)  Here’s how the store’s proprietor, Randy, describes it. For those who want to go high tech but still stay classic, I am making covers from vintage books, comics and magazines, for the iPad, Kindle, Kobo,…


iPad Accessory Review: the Just Mobile AluPen

One of the first things I wished for when I first got my iPad was a way to use it as a tablet computer. The iPad’s large screen was simply begging for handwriting input, and programs like PenUltimate, SketchBook, Brushes, and photo editors like ColorSplash were ripe for a better input device than my pointer finger. Because of the iPad’s capacitive touch screen, any old stylus would not do, plus I wanted a stylus that wasn’t too pointy. I’d seen quite a few capacitive styli that would work, but I thought they were pretty homely when compared to my iDevice’s…


XtremeMac Reveals Tango TRX Bluetooth Audio Solution for iPod, iPhone and iPad

XtremeMac has just unveiled their new Tango TRX high-fidelity wireless audio system for iPod, iPhone and iPad. The Tango TRX offers – superior sound quality, wireless audio connectivity, sleek design and an exclusive app to create a unique and powerful listening experience. Using the latest Bluetooth technology for wirelessly streaming high quality audio the Tango TRX has two midrange drivers, two dome tweeters and a downward firing subwoofer. But that is only part of the story… A free app from XtremeMac integrates with the unit to enhance both control and functionality. With the app you … can control music directly…


Acme Made Unveils New Sleeves and Covers for Kindle, NOOK and iPad

Acme Made makes some gorgeous bags and device accessories and have now rolled out a new line of cases and covers for the Kindle, the NOOK, the iPad and more that all… provide users with highly protective and well-designed solutions for the growing audience of compact eReader and tablet users seeking fashion-forward protection. Here’s a quick rundown and the company’s description of each. The Hardback Folio- The Acme Made Hardback Folio offers a perfect blend of style and protection with a book-like protective cover and a removable, custom-molded silicone skin. The outer cover is crafted with classic book linen, providing…


CableJive Dock Stubz Review

CableJive is out with their newest offering, the Dock Stubz.  The Dock Stubz is a pass-through charging adapter for the iPhone, iPad and iPod.  The short, stubby adapter lets your charge and sync your iDevice while it’s safely inside any protective case.  No more having to remove your iPhone from that OtterBox Defender when you want to plug into the Apple dock.  It also includes special charger conversion which lets your device work with older speakers and docking stations.  Say goodbye that annoying “this device is not compatible……” pop up message” that pops up when you try to use your…


iPad Accessory Review: ElementCase Joule iPad Stand

Let’s get this out of the way right up front… at $129 ($139 for Black and Anodized Silver) the ElementCase Joule is an expensive stand for your iPad. It has a simple design, consists of just two pieces, and it serves one and only one purpose… it holds your iPad in either landscape or portrait. So is it worth the money? Read on to find out… From ElementCase: Introducing the new “Joule” work stand for your iPad. Its stable solid base has a simple, clean, and elegant design that enhances your iPad and makes it easier to use. Unlike most…


iPad Accessory Review: The Aligata Nude Beauty Leather Envelope

I’ve made no secret about how much I love the look of natural, undyed, full grain leather, and now Aligata has introduced yet another iPad accessory to satisfy my craving. With no velcro, clips or snaps, the Aligata Nude Beauty iPad Leather Envelope is simplicity defined. This case is nothing but gorgeous raw leather — and just because I love the look — contrasting yellow stitching. When natural leather is left untreated and undyed like the Nude Beauty cases from Aligata (and the Black Espresso and Nippon leathers, for that matter), they will show every nick, stain, mark, scar or water drop that occurs;…


Sena Keyboard Folio for iPad Coming Soon… Looks Awesome

I don’t carry my laptop much of the time anymore thanks to my iPad. Typing on the iPad’s virtual keyboard works well, but to make real use of the iPad as a work device requires a keyboard. As a result, I leave a Bluetooth keyboard on my desk at work, and I carry the keyboard dock with me if I think I am going to be doing a lot of typing on the go. It isn’t the most convenient thing in the world, but it works for me and certainly beats carrying a laptop. I sure would love to have…