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TUAW review and giveaway: RadTech RadSleevz for iPad
Happy Independence Day! TUAW continues a weekend of giveaways with the RadTech RadSleevz sleeve case for iPad. We're all aware of the huge ecosystem that has built up around accessories for all of the iProducts: iPod, iPhone, and now iPad. One of the largest categories in the market is for protective covers and cases, and here at TUAW we receive a lot of requests to review these products. Sometimes they're fancy and expensive, other times inexpensive but still functional. RadTech's new RadSleevz for iPad, available for US$24.95, is the perfect example of the latter. I've used RadTech's products for years, particularly their ScreenSaverz, which I used with various MacBook models over the years. Those are made of a micro-fiber material called Optex, which has a nice, almost flannel feel to it but is much tougher. Optex is a wonderfully soft material and doesn't scratch, so when my ScreenSaverz weren't keeping my MacBook displays from those little keyboard marks, I was using them to wipe smears off the displays. Optex is the same material being used in the RadSleevz sleeve case for iPad, although it appears that the RadSleevz material is thicker than that used for the ScreenSaverz. Like the ScreenSaverz, RadTech ships the RadSleevz in plastic tubes which I always end up repurposing to store cables and connectors.
Blinded by the light? RadTech's ClearCal may save your eyes
Since Apple made the design decision to forgo glare-free screens on MacBooks, iMacs, and Cinema Displays, a common problem for lots of users is reflection of light off of displays. It seems to be particularly bad if you sit with your back to a window, and it can cause both figurative and literal headaches.RadTech has come out with some cool products for Macs over the years. For example, I've owned at least one of their ScreenSavrz "LCD Display protection, cleaning, and refinishing systems" for each MacBook I've had. The company is always in touch with the pulse of the Mac community, so it didn't entirely surprise me when they recently started selling ClearCal Anti-Glare films for MacBook, MacBook Pro, 24" iMac, and the 24" Cinema Display. ClearCal is similar to the films you can get for iPhone and iPod touch screens, but in addition to protecting your screen, it also provides a solution for those pesky reflections. As you can see in the marketing shot to the right, it appears to do a decent job of making your Mac screen anti-glare. You can even remove the ClearCal a few times, wash it, and re-install it. RadTech has an installation video if you're interested in seeing how easy or difficult it is to apply the ClearCal film to your display. Pricing starts at US$19.95 and peaks at US$25.95 for the 24" iMac and CInema Display. As soon as I replace my old iMac with a new 24", I'm installing a ClearCal so I can see more of my screen and less of the glare from the picture window behind me.
TUAW Review: RadTech ProCable Shortz
RadTech manufactures a lot of accessories for the iPhone and iPod, but one recently caught my attention. The recently released ProCable Shortz cables are handy in tight places where you need a USB to 30-pin connector cable. I use mine in my car to hook up my iPhone to the stereo via a USB cable. Before the ProCable Shortz, I had a regular sized 30-pin cable and it took over my glove box with a tangle of wires. These cables can also come in handy when you want to charge or sync your iPhone/iPod with your MacBook, but don't want a tangled nest of wires sitting beside you on the desk. The RadTech ProCable Shortz come in many flavors, but the most recently released USB to 30-pin iPod connector cables come in two sizes and two colors. You can pick up these cable in either 7-cm or 20-cm lengths, and either in white or black. The build quality is similar to Apple's own cables, and in some ways the cabling seems stronger. Prices are not terrible either: Only $7.95-US for the 7-cm cable or $8.95-US for the 20-cm cable. Compare that to Apple's $19.00 US dock connector cable. The ProCable Shortz are available on the RadTech website.
TUAW Review: RadTech Sleevz and ScreenSavrz
If you're like me, then you always have your notebook with you. Personally, I don't like carrying those bulky looking bags, or sling packs; but I do want my notebook to be protected. I settled on using a sleeve case to help protect my friend MacBook Pro. In the past, I've used sleeves from MacCase and Tucano, but I jumped on the opportunity to review the RadTech Sleevz (which is now available in a MacBook Pro late 2008 flavor). In addition, I took a look at RadTech's ScreenSavrz, a piece of fabric that protects the screen from dirt and oil from the keyboard when the lid is closed. Sleevz At first look, the Sleevz sleeve doesn't seem that impressive, but upon further inspection, it is well built and durable. The sleeve is made out of RadTech's own "Optex Super80 fabric," which feels like a cross between suede and silk -- it has a really nice feel. When you place the notebook into the RadTech Sleevz, it form-fits to the computer. Because the fit is so snug, when you pull the computer out of the sleeve, it actually wipes the finger prints off. I found that you can also use the sleeve as a screen cleaning cloth, and a way to clean the aluminum (or al-you-mini-um if you're Jonathan Ive) casing. Because the sleeve is washable, you don't have to worry about getting it dirty. According to the RadTech website, this sleeve is TSA-checkpoint friendly because of its design -- I did not, however, have the opportunity to test this out. Overall, this sleeve is nicely designed, well-built, and extremely functional. However, this sleeve lacks much padding. While it would definitely protect your precious computer from any scratches or dings, it won't help if you drop it. The Sleevz are available in several colors from the RadTech website. They range between $24.95 and $29.95 U.S., and are available for a wide range of Apple notebooks, including the Axiotron Modbook. ScreenSavrz ScreenSavrz is a small piece of fabric (the same Optex Super80 fabric that the Sleevz are made of) that keeps dirt and oil from the keyboard/trackpad from messing up your screen. You simply place it over the keyboard/trackpad area, and close the lid. In addition, the fabric can be used to keep your screen and MacBook casing cleaned. If you are thinking about getting the Sleevz, then this is a must-have accessory to go along with it. Just like the Sleevz, the ScreenSavrz comes in multiple colors, and fits multiple Apple notebook models. They are available from the RadTech website for around $16.95 (depending on the size you need). %Gallery-36509%
Back to School: RadTech backpacks and cases 20% off
TUAW's going Back to School! We'll be bringing you tips and reviews for students, parents and teachers right up until the bell rings in September. Read on for nifty supplies for any student. Today only, RadTech is offering 20 percent off regularly-priced backpacks, cases, laptop bags and sleeves, including bags with photovoltaic cells to help charge your electronic devices. Solar panels on the bag can provide up to four watts of power for your iPod or phone. Make sure to use the promo code SCHOOL88 when you check out to take advantage of the offer.
RadTech ProCable iPhone headset
RadTech has just announced the ProCable iPhone headset. This set of in ear isolation headphones includes a mic so you can rock out to Wham! and not worry about missing a phone call (perhaps to wake you up before they go go). The ProCable headset also features a 'sound valve' that opens up when you're listening to music at a lower volume so you can hear what is going on around you.The ProCable iPhone headset is available now in black and silver, and goes for $24.95.
Radtech hardens HDD lineup
For getting a couple of gigabytes from point A to point B, there are plenty of online options. For getting lots of gigabytes from point A to point B... well, never underestimate the bandwidth of a carryon bag full of hard drives. If you're gonna fly that drive, best to go ruggedized and improve the likelihood of all the bits arriving safely at sunny, scenic point B.If you're in the rugged drive market, RadTech is now shipping its tough line of Impact HDD enclosures for 2.5/3.5" drives. The aluminum casings are listed for crush loads of 4000 pounds and the drives themselves are mounted on flexible bushings to improve shock resistance. The enclosures support PATA or SATA for drive connection, and on the SATA 3.5" model you can use eSATA to connect a host (in addition to the usual Firewire 4/800 and USB2 ports). The company has also updated the Drivemate USB 1" product to include an 8 GB, encryption-enabled pocket drive. Pricing and options available over yonder at RadTech's site.[via MacTech]
RadTech Portectorz for MacBook/MacBook Pros
Do you lay awake at night worrying about the ports on your MacBook/MacBook Pro? All manner of dust and gunk could find its way in there, and that can't be good. Enter RadTech, purveyors of all manner of wacky Mac peripherals that you didn't know you need.Their latest are Portectors for Intel based Mac portables. They snap over your ports and secure to the MagSafe power port using the power of magnets (I assume it is some sort of magic), guarding your ports so you don't have to.The MacBook version costs $19.95 while the MacBook Pro version costs $23.95.
RadTech intros new Bluetooth Mice
RadTech has just added three new Bluetooth mice to their line up. The BT100 and the BT300 are both designed for the mouser on the go, whilst the five button BT600 is designed to roam your desktop. The interesting thing about all three of these mice is that they have internal batteries that recharge via an included USB cable. Now that's clever.They cost from $49.95 to $59.95.
MacMerc reviews the RadTech BT500 Mini Mouse
I think of RadTech as the Sharper Image of Mac gear, they have lots of cool stuff that I would like, but nothing that I have actually bought for myself. The BT500 Mini Mouse just might change that.Rick Yaeger reviewed it for MacMerc, and he really liked it. The construction was solid, the tracking very good, and the software more than capable.It come in Blue for $54.95 and Silver for $55.95.
