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iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible cases: our roundup (Updated)
Apple's Smart Cover is a great, versatile screen cover for your iPad 2. It allows you to stand your tablet up, prop it up for typing in landscape and more; it even turns the iPad off automatically when you close it. But it leaves the back of the iPad 2 exposed, and as beautiful as it is, that metal can get all scratched up pretty quickly without some protection. So, here's a roundup of all Smart Cover-compatible back cases we could find.
Road Tested: EcoRunner by Marware
As promised, we're launching a new series called Road Tested where we try out various products for a month or more, see how they hold up to extended "real world" use, and report back our findings. To kick things off we're looking at the EcoRunner from Marware [thanks to our friends at Dr. Bott for the review unit].The EcoRunner is a "green" product in that the primary material is not neoprene, but "a revolutionary environmentally friendly material." I'm not sure what that is, but I can say I like it better than neoprene -- it feels just as soft, but the cells are smaller and thus the material is more supple. The EcoRunner can be worn on the wrist or arm (using an extender strap, included) and is designed for the 4th-gen iPod nano. There's the requisite vinyl window for controlling playback and viewing the screen, plus the case can be used with the Nike+ Sport kit attached (there's a strap to keep everything in).Does it work? Well, there's one caveat to our test: we used a 1st-gen nano, the white model that was infamous for being easily scratched. It's increasingly tough to find cases for this model, but we found the EcoRunner is stretchy enough to accommodate the slightly thicker model. The side effect of this, possibly due to thickness or the more squarish design: the vinyl window busted (see gallery), leaving the unit exposed and capable of falling out. Call it a "stress test." It's definitely a design challenge to secure the vinyl in a way that won't get too stressed, especially in cases where everything else is so stretchy.The softness of the case can't be understated. It is really smooth and lightweight and stretchy. I'm partial to wrist straps, because I tend to skip around my playlists depending on my workout. If you find yourself monkeying with your nano during a workout, this is a terrific wrist strap. The extension strap to use it on your arm adds virtually no weight, and holds up well, but bulging biceps might strain that window. The Velcro used is very high quality, but the stitching on the end can sometimes be a little tricky to thread through the grommet -- so I recommend not removing it entirely. Just pull it off your wrist. One upside is that you can charge the nano in the case, so the entire unit becomes home to your nano. If you only use your nano for working out, you'll never have to remove it from the case.After a month (OK, nearly 2 months) of solid use -- we're talking about near-daily use on the treadmill and at the gym -- the EcoRunner holds up well. As I said, using a 1st-gen nano isn't recommended by us or the manufacturer, so I don't know if the thinner nanos would bust the window after prolonged use. Other than that, there's very little visible wear-and-tear, and I'd recommend this especially if you a) prefer your nano on your wrist, and b) need a case that'll hold the Nike+ Sport kit. Your choices are pretty limited when it comes to both of those criteria, but the EcoRunner is a good bet either way. If you've had experience with this particular model, let us know in the comments.UPDATE: Great questions in the comments! As far as sweat retention, since my wrist doesn't sweat too much, I'd have to say no problems there. You might have an issue with a very sweaty bicep, but I feel the material's tighter cells (as opposed the larger, more open cells found in neoprene) would guard pretty well against this. There's no signs of staining, either.The extender strap adds a little over 6 inches to the overall strap length. Total that's 11.5 inches (see added gallery image). My puny biceps fit fine, but if you have some massive guns then yeah, you might have a problem. %Gallery-48849%
User review: 3 Marware iPhone cases
My buddy Gavin Baker, CEO of Abunga, took three iPhone cases from Marware for a spin. He took a look at the SportGrip ($14.99), C.E.O. Glide ($24.99) and the C.E.O. Premiere ($34.99). Which best suited this CEO on the go? Read his take below for the answer...I first tried out the Marware SportGrip, the silicone case that has a rubberized feel and covers the back and sides of the phone leaving the touch screen open. This was my go-to case for about 2 weeks. It easily protected the back and sides of my phone from scratches and the material deadened any type of accidental drop of the phone, reducing the damage inflicted. I had no fear about tossing my phone around onto tables, chairs or in my Jeep. The downside is that the protection afforded by the cover also creates a much bulkier pocket profile. This made it more difficult to slide into pockets. One major downside was that I took the cover off after about 1 week and noticed it had collected a lot of dust, dirt, lint, etc. on the inside of the cover, creating some smaller scratches on the backside of my phone. I'm sure had I taken the cover off more frequently this wouldn't have been an issue. The Marware C.E.O Glide was next on my list and it didn't make it long; partially because of the red snakeskin cover, but it is essentially a vertical sleeve with a Velcro clasp to keep the phone inside. It's not functional for me since I prefer my phone to be in my pocket and easily accessed or on my belt. This was a mix of the two and a cover that doesn't work in that circle isn't the best for me. The Marware C.E.O Premiere is the last case I tried out. It is a horizontal belt case and allows easy access to the phone while providing a secure environment. As soon as I put the case on I was very confident with it. I wasn't worried about the case falling off my belt, and the case has a Velcro enclosure to ensure the phone stays in the case. The interior of the case is soft but not microfiber so I have no fear of putting my phone into the case and it coming out in worse shape. I've used the case daily for about 2 weeks and the exterior of the case shows minimal wear. My only complaint about the case is the Velcro closure. In the weeks I've used it the Velcro has started to loosen and is not as tight as it once was. Other than that the case has been phenomenal and it is the one I've settled on for everyday use. All of the Marware products come with a cleaning cloth and protective film. Thanks Gavin!
Marware's Game Grip for the iPhone complicates what should be simple
We've seen a few accessories for augmenting the gaming experience on the iPhone which would give the device awesome functions similar to a game controller, such as the elusive and yet-to-materialize iControlPad and the totally fake JoyPod. Well, Marware's Game Grip is sort of like that -- silicone sleeves that your phone fits into -- except that it doesn't actually do anything beyond providing 'handles' for your phone while you game. Oh, and it exists. So let's refer to it as the 'enjoyment enabler' of your iPhone 3G or iPod touch 2G which can be used with headphones (just like normal), can be charged while gaming (just like normal), and has a 'cord management system' (kind of not normal). If that's not enough to convince you to reach for your wallet, the "lifetime guarantee" and ludicrously zany look of the thing will probably get you to bite... it's $49.99 and available for pre-order right now.
No iPhone 3G for school? Win a bag of goodies instead
So textbooks and gas shot your budget for a shiny-new iPhone 3G? We feel for ya, with your old-and-busted first-gen iPhone, nano, Airport Extreme and shiny new MacBook. What, you don't have all that either? Pity. Tell you what, we'll give you a bunch of accessories for those items instead, OK?Courtesy of Dr. Bott, you could win an entire bag of cases and other goodies. Just for fun we're throwing in the Dr. Bott bag itself-- because we really think you could use a pick-me-up.Specifically, the goodies in the bag are: Marware's C.E.O. Premiere for iPhone (original, not 3G), a clip-on sideways case for your hip Griffin's Streamline sport armband for the latest rev of the iPod nano H-Squared's Air Mount, so you can attach an Airport Extreme to your wall A copy of the Stationery Pack from Equinux, so your emails to home (begging for cash, no doubt) will look pretty A copy of MacFamilyTree, so you can figure out who to email (and beg for cash) To enter, let us know what your favorite subject or class is (or was). Sorry, this giveaway is limited to the US and everywhere in Canada but Quebec. Good luck!%Gallery-29856%Da rules: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite subject or class in school. The comment must be left before August 19, 11:59PM Eastern Time. You may enter once. Duplicate entries will not be counted. One winner will be selected in a random drawing. Prizes: Marware's C.E.O. Premiere for iPhone ($35) Griffin's Streamline sport armband for the latest rev of the iPod nano ($30) H-Squared's Air Mount ($35) Stationary Pack from Equinux ($30) MacFamilyTree ($50) Click Here for complete Official Rules.
Project X 1.5 updated: more speed and features
Don't be shocked, but here's some non-iPhone news!Marware's project management application for Mac OS X, Project X, has received a feature and bug fix update. Project X version 1.5 requires Leopard and offers a pile of enhancements over previous versions: New flexible licensing system 60% speed improvement A duplicate command for duplicating tasks, milestones, resources, etc... Resources are dispersed to all child tasks when you drag and drop resources on subprojects. New project templates for Law, Marketing, Software, and more As a former Project Manager for a large multinational corporation, I can see where this application would have limitations for large projects. However, it is a great way for smaller workgroups who use Macs to set up and track their projects. I'm impressed with the way that Project X integrates iCal, Mail, and web sharing.Project X version 1.5 is a free update to current owners of the application. There's a free demo available for download, or you can purchase Project X for $199.95 online or from a number of Apple Stores. If you're new to the profession of project management, be sure to visit Marware's online training page for tutorials and links to PM sites.
I can haz an iPhone 3G case
Sheeeesh. Nobody can even get their hands on an iPhone 3G for another three weeks, and already the list of cases and skins for it are as long as the line at the Apple Store 5th Avenue will be on July 11th.One of the better-known case manufacturers, Marware, has announced a complete suite of iPhone 3G cases to meet your every need: Sportsuit Convertible for iPhone 3G, $34.99 -- sport armband case (far left in screenshot) C.E.O. Premiere for iPhone 3G, $34.99 -- leather hip case, now shipping (second from left) C.E.O. Sleeve for iPhone 3G, $24.99 -- leather sleeve, now shipping (middle) Sport Grip for iPhone 3G, $19.99 -- slip-free silicone sleeve (second from right) C.E.O. Glide for iPhone 3G, $24.99 -- leather slip case (far right) C.E.O. Flip Vue for iPhone 3G, $29.99 -- Nappa leather flip-top holster case (not shown) There you have it. I don't want to hear about you buying an iPhone 3G case in advance just to spoof your buds into believing you already have an iPhone 3G. 'K?
Marware C.E.O. Envi Sleeve for MacBook Air
Playing on the MacBook-Air-in-a-manila-envelope meme started by Steve Jobs at Macworld Expo 2008, Marware has announced the sexy leather C.E.O. Envi sleeve for the MBA. The $89.99 C.E.O. Envi features a premium leather exterior and a soft lining, and is designed to be used either on its own or in another bag. A magnetic closure keeps the sleeve safely shut, while the interior lining protects the exterior of the MacBook Air from scratches.Of course, it's too late for my MacBook Air, which is beginning to look a bit scuffed up on the bottom. But I may still look into one of these sleeves as a way of preventing even more scratches.
Win portable goodies for your Valentine
%Gallery-15535%Whether you've got a significant other who deserves something awesome for Valentine's Day, or you're just celebrating a certain Mac blogger's birthday, here's your chance for some free loot. We're giving away one of each of the following, courtesy Dr. Bott: Marware Protection Pack Plus for 15" MacBook Pro MacBook BookEndz Docking Station (13") 12" iBook laptop case (red) from Melissa Beth designs One pack of 3 Rubi silicone cases for the iPhone from MCA (black, clear, pink) One clear Sport Grip for the iPod Touch from Marware That means five people will win something, so please indicate your preference (trust us, the iBook case won't fit your 17" MBP and I couldn't get it to fit a 13" MacBook) in the comments. Again, to be clear, we've got ONE of each prize, for a total of five prizes, to be given to five individuals-- winning doesn't mean you get everything listed above. Got it? Great. Full details below. To enter, leave one comment on this post and validate it (one entry per person, but you may indicate as many preferred prizes as you like in that one comment). The comment must be left before February 10, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. You may enter once. Five winners will be selected in a random drawing. Prizes: Clear Sport Grip ($15), MCA cases ($20), Protection Pack ($35), Melissa Beth 12" case ($150), BookEndz 13" ($160) Click Here for complete Official Rules. View the prizes here.
Swag bag winners, t-shirt replacements, many more giveaways to follow
This morning I finally shipped out the first round of swag-bag winners from our Talkcasts. Congratulations to those who called in, I hope you enjoy your junk prizes. Unfortunately our pre-Macworld t-shirt winners wound up with their t-shirts handed out at Macworld, and those were the very last of our version 1.0 TUAW t-shirts. Time and budgets will tell if we make more. Instead, I shipped the folks who responded to my winner emails some goodies courtesy Dr. Bott.And speaking of Dr. Bott, they've been generous enough to provide a big bag (or two) of goodies from the likes of Griffin, Marware, H20 Audio, ifrogz and other cool manufacturers. So be on the lookout for more giveaways-- my wife won't let me keep this stuff lying around the house forever! (Hint: we've got an extra MacBook Air poster hidden away)I'd also like to thank Equinux for the copies of Coverscout and Mail Stationery Packs, plus some show swag, which is also making its way out to you lucky readers.
Peripheral vision
Peripherals for the iPhone started with a trickle at Apple and AT&T bricks and mortar stores, but are now building to a deluge as the handsets find there way into pockets across the nation. We thought in this "case" it would be somehow "fitting" (see what we did there? two puns in a row, we are off to an illustrious start) that the inaugural Peripheral Vision features what most users will likely grab first: cases, cases and more cases. Of course, we had to pitch in at least one non case-related item and found a sweet adapter that's "Shure" to fit the bill.
Marware USB Travel Dock for 2G Shuffle
Marware has announced a sexy new travel dock for the second generation iPod shuffle. Looking very similar to a first generation shuffle which has been cut in half, the dock features a protective rubberized bottom and blue LED indicator light. While it's not quite as small as the other travel dock we've posted about, I find it a bit more refined and elegant (though I'm not sure how well it will work with non-portable systems). The dock is available for pre-order at a hefty 20 dollars considering how inexpensive the shuffle itself is.[via UneasySilence]
