Apple iPad Gear

A Tale of Three iPad Case Pre-Orders- The Good, The Good and the Ugly.

One of the interesting things that happens when you are an early adopter of some key new technology is that you not only get early looks at the device and some accessories, but you also get a chance to see how various businesses work with customers or… don’t, as the case may be. I recently had a chance to see how three different companies handled the pre-order process for their new iPad cases. Two impressed. One did not. Two I am eager to do business with. One I have no interest in dealing with ever again. Here is a look…


The Newer Technology NuGuard Leather Hard Shell for iPad Review

One of the first things I did after getting my iPad was purchase a screen protector, but it wasn’t long after that before I started thinking about whether I might need a case or not. On the one hand, a case would mean better corner and screen protection in the event of a fall; on the other hand, it would also mean extra weight and bulk added to my otherwise almost perfectly sized device. I liked the idea of a protective layer between the back of my iPad and any surface that I might lay it upon, which is why…


ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD for iPad Review

When getting a new device, I always like to protect it from scratches, both front and back.  Screens have become a lot more durable on high-priced devices, but even so, I get nervous.  Further, some of these devices have high-gloss screens that can be hard to read because they are highly reflective and show fingerprints and smudges easily. ZAGG has been in the business of protecting mobile devices for several years now and have released a new version of their well-known InvisibleSHIELD for the iPad.  The InvisibleSHIELD is available in two versions: front (screen) protection only and all-body protection.  ZAGG…


iSkin’s CERULEAN Line of Bluetooth Accessories Perfect For Use With Apple’s iPad

The iPad makes you want to use Bluetooth more than ever. The reason is simple. Like the iPhone and the iPod touch it is great for carrying a lot of music, podcasts or audiobooks on the go. Like the iPhone and the iPod touch its capacity is amazing. Unlike the iPhone and iPod touch, however, you can’t easily stick the device in a speaker dock or plug in headphones and put it in your pocket.  Because of its size Bluetooth MAKES SENSE with the iPad in ways it never did before. Imagine this. You walk into your office, tap the…


iPad Camera Connection Kit Review

Unlike many of Apple’s devices, the iPad has seen a host of accessories released along with it.  In the past Apple has relied mostly on its third party manufacturers to create cases and other peripherals for the iPhone, iPod etc.  For the iPad Apple is offering a case, a power adapter, a dock, a keyboard dock, a display adapter and the camera connection kit, the last which we’re going to look at today. Right about now you’re probably asking yourself, “what do I need the camera connection kit for?”  And I did the same thing as I stood in the…


Speck CandyShell for Apple iPad – Review

The good folks at Speck are rolling out a multitude of ways for you to protect your iPad in style. The latest Speck case I’ve had a chance to try out is the Speck CandyShell for iPad. The CandyShell retails for $49.95 and offers… “Hard Shell. Soft Center. Looks Sweet.” Let’s take a look… From Speck… Our award-winning CandyShell just got bigger! This iPad case has a thin, hard-shell coating with soft rubbery interior lining, bezel, & button covers. The flip-back panel for dockability is the sort of Spexy little detail that makes CandyShell the tastiest, most functional iPad case…


Clear-Coat Protects Your Gadgets

Larry swears by Clear-Coat, one of the up and coming scratch protectors for a wide range of devices. As I wrote yesterday, he didn’t even open his iPad 3G on Friday but instead opted to immediately take it to the Clear-Coat cart near him. That way he was guaranteed that his device would be protected from the first minute of its use. Larry had sent me Clear-Coats to try for both my iPhone 3GS and my iPad. I installed them myself and found the process to be easy enough. I am happy to say that, thanks to Clear-Coat, I am…


GelaSkins for iPad – Review

The iPad needs protection. It is big. It is beautiful. And it will get knocked around and scratched up if you aren’t careful. So yes, the iPad needs protection. Larry has this down to a science. When his iPad 3G came on Friday he didn’t open it. Instead he hopped in the car and drove to the mall near him to have a Clear Coat put on the device. Half an hour later his iPad was wrapped in a clear protective layer that ensures his device will be unmarred for months to come. The WiFi version of the iPad that…


WirelessGround iPad Silicone Skin Review

So you just dropped a couple of hundred dollars on your new iPad right?  While there aren’t a ton of case options for your new device yet (many are starting to pop up, but the iPad is still new after all) those that are available are expensive.  You still need protection for your iPad though right? Still with me?  If you’re down to your last $20 because your iPad tapped you out what you need is an affordable case that protects your iPad from bumps and dings, keeps the overall form factor of the iPad unchanged and one that looks…


Happy Owl Studio iPad Cases are Now Available for Order

It’s not every day that someone successfully reinvents the wheel, but when it happens it can be a sight to behold … and that is essentially what Happy Owl Studios has attempted to do when it comes to iPad cases. Rather than coming out with a simple sleeve or even a back-covering shell, Happy Owl has created three fully protective cases which not only look fabulous, two of them are also folios. Let’s take a look … I’ll cover the most simple case first — the $49.99 Wallet Lite. This book cover style is available in the very businesslike black…


WirelessGround Touch Screen Stylus Review: Reduces iPad Fingerprints

Fingerprints.  It’s perhaps my biggest pet peeve about the iPad’s glorious screen.  It’s one gigantic fingerprint magnet.  Unless you plan on joining the Men In Black (they remove your fingerprints) it’s something you just have to deal with.  Unless of course you find some other way to use your iPad without touching the screen with your finger. Enter the WirelessGround Touch Screen Stylus Pen.  The stylus, which is available in Black, Purple, Blue or Pink, features a soft tip which gives your more precise control when tapping on your screen and allows you to do so with using your finger….


Waterfield Muzetto Portable – Review (Conclusion- Perfect For Carrying An iPad)

One of the things that is perhaps most fun about reviewing technology and being an iPhone user is the opportunity to compare and test various iPhone cases. Fortunately there are plenty of nice ones out there from which to choose, and boy have we had a chance to look at many. One of the more striking things about the iPad, now that I have been using it for three weeks, is that while Larry and I will often talk about the latest iPhone case one or the other of us have tried, when it comes to the iPad we have…


Gear Chat #8- The “No iPad Edition”

In Gear Chat #8 Larry and Dan do their best NOT to talk about the  iPad. In fact they make a bet and place a dollar amount on each slip. How do they do? Listen and find out. So what DO they talk about if they are going to stop obsessing about the iPad for a bit? Why the iPhone of course.  iPhone OS 4.0, rumors about new hardware, some recommended apps and more get covered in this week’s podcast.


Newer Technology Releases iFolio for iPad

This one practically comes from my backyard.  Well, McHenry County isn’t exactly in Chicago’s backyard, but Woodstock is a neat town and it’s cool that someone in the greater Chicago region is directly involved in making iPad accessories. Newer Technology, from Woodstock, Illinois, has just released the iFolio case for the iPad.  Available in black or red Brazilian leather and featuring a zippered enclosure, the iFolio can be carried by either the attached leather handle or a removable leather shoulder strap. Inside the iFolio, the left side of the case includes pockets for documents, passports, and business cards.  The right side includes four…


Waterfield Ultimate SleeveCase for iPad and iPad Suede Jacket – Reviews

Back in February we shared news that Waterfield was rolling out a number of different ways to protect your newest Apple device thanks to their Ultimate SleeveCase and Suede Jacket for Apple iPad. Well both are shipping and we’ve had a chance to check them out. Are they a good way to protect your iPad in a rough and tumble world? Read on and find out… First up is the iPad Ultimate SleeveCase. According to Waterfield… Ultimate iPad Sleeve Protection. Safeguard your iPad with a properly fitted SleeveCase. Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a nearly indestructible ballistic nylon…


Vaja’s iPad Cases are Exactly as Expected: Gorgeous and Pricey

ivolution Stripes starting at $ 220 No listing of available iPad cases could ever be complete without showing those offered from the premiere Argentinean leather company, Vaja. Not only have they released four new iPad cases, there is even a leather bag for those of you who aren’t yet sure how to carry the iPad in style. As expected, you’ll pay a premium for all that Vaja goodness, but we’ve grown to expect that and accept it as part of the price for carrying the best, right? ivolution Crystal 2 starting at $ 350 ivolution GT starting at $ 190…


Element Case Introduces the Joule for iPad

This has certainly got to be one of the most elegant iPad stands I’ve yet seen! Element Case has just released news and images on their new Joule iPad Stand, and it’s a stunner. Crafted from solid aluminum, the Joule “has an adjustable tilt angle with three settings and provides one of the most solid bases for an unsheathed iPad in the home, office or at work.” Designed With Both Landscape and Portrait Modes in mind. Introducing the new “Joule” work stand for your iPad. It’s stable solid base has a simple, clean, and elegant design that enhances your iPad…



e.ez LA robe iPad Allure – Review

The iPad cases are starting to roll on and, as expected, they are coming in a few basic designs. Among the most popular thus far are the slip-cases or sleeves that offer full protection for the iPad when in transport but let you remove the iPad and use it naked (or protected by a clear skin) when you want to use it. Case in point- the be.ez LA robe iPad Allure. From the company- Don’t compromise with “net book-compatible” sleeves, LA robe iPad is adjusted to fit your iPad exactly, offering the best protection and style in the minimum volume…


Hard Candy Bubble Sleeve For iPad- Review

You are headed out for the day, and you want to bring your iPad with you. What you really want to do more than anything is throw it into your bag and not have to worry too much about it. The problem is the device is relatively delicate. Yeah, it is well-built and solid, but it is delicate nonetheless thanks to the large touch screen. That’s where Hard Candy’s Bubble Case comes in. Let’s take a look… From The Company- Bubbles on the Outside, Rubber on the Inside Hard Candy’s signature bubble design tangoed with the Hard Sleeve, and the…


Clear Coat for iPad Professional Install

As Dan so eloquently pointed out to the entire Internet earlier today, I cracked.  Yes, I ordered a iPad 3G, and yes I made fun of Dan who ordered both a WiFi version and a 3G version because he could not wait the 3-4 weeks for the release of the 3G. Well I lasted all of about 48 hours waiting, and today I went out and picked myself a WiFi version of the iPad.  I simply could not sit idly by while Judie and Dan had all the fun. The first place I went after picking up the device was…