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Proporta carbon fiber iPhone case gets the shotgun treatment, survives
We've heard of Lightning charge cables being able to deflect bullets, but here's an iPhone 5/5s case that's built with a carbon fiber lining that can take a shotgun blast at 20 yards. Proporta's Leather Case with Carbon Fiber Lining (US$59.95) takes a blast from "Uncle Barry's shotgun" and is none the worse for wear when it is recovered by the film crew. The company also has an iPad mini with Retina display case that has survived the shotgun test. If you happen to be going out duck hunting with someone who has lousy aim, it might be worth it to buy a bunch of these and place them around your body... Just sayin'.
Proporta Hard Shell Back Cover Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 case
Next up on the TUAW test bench is the Smart Cover-compatible Hard Shell Back Cover for the iPad 2 by Proporta, which is available in white or black to complement and protect your beloved tablet. Coverage The Hard Shell takes a more open approach to most of the back cases we've seen for the iPad 2. It covers all four corners, the bottom and the opposite side to where the Smart Cover attaches, but leaves the top of the iPad 2 totally exposed. This has the effect of giving great access to the headphones port, microphone and power button, but won't offer much protection if you happen to drop your iPad 2 on its top edge. Cut outs in the back for the camera, side for the volume buttons and switch, as well as the bottom for the dock connecter port and the speaker provide decent access. The bottom edge of the iPad isn't totally covered either with a thin strip of aluminium visible where the case doesn't quite cover the entire bottom edge. It's safe to say, if you're looking for all edges coverage, you can stop reading now. Thickness and material The Hard Shell is made out of polycarbonate with a rubberised coating, giving it a smooth yet grippy texture. The case itself is about 1.5mm thick and doesn't weigh much, so won't add much to the bulk or mass of the iPad 2. The polycarbonate will protect your tablet from scratches to the back for all the surfaces covered, but will offer minimal impact or drop protection, just like most of the cases in this class. %Gallery-134780% Verdict The Proporta Hard Shell Back Cover fits the iPad 2 well and feels nice to the touch, but doesn't cover enough of the edges for decent protection. It adds very little to the bulk of the iPad, so if you're looking for something to literally just cover the back when placed on a table, this back plate will do the job. There are better offerings out there for US$34 of your cold hard cash, but its lifetime warranty might entice you.
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.
Proporta's Freedom key ring GPS receiver stays out of sight, keeps you located
Sure, your phone has GPS capabilities, but who wants to carry around a receiver everywhere you go? Well, what if the receiver were tiny... and your key ring? That's exactly what Proporta is proposing (ha ha) with its latest "world's smallest" (the company's claim, certainly not ours) GPS receiver, the Freedom. The ultra-compact device does in fact function as a key fob, in addition to being a SiRF Star III-equipped receiver which can interface with whatever friendly device you happen to have nearby. The Freedom will last you nine hours on a single charge, connects with up to 20 satellites, and plays nice with Bluetooth devices, making your navigational world slightly more enjoyable. The little guy is available right now for €99.95, or $129.99.[Via theunwired]
