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Engadget's back to school guide 2013: bags and cases
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we've got a killer selection of bag and case recommendations. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including one of the picks in this very guide. What's a stellar arsenal of tech if you've got nary a thing to store it in? Lucky for you, we're serving up a collection of bags and cases to protect and sort your gadget stash -- and to keep that stylish look on the up and up as well. From a case that adds some extra juice to your iPhone 5's battery to a solid rucksack that adapts to a trip as easily as you must, this collection has something for everyone -- head below to dive in.
Turn your iPhone into a multitool for the ultimate survival accessory
Having a mobile phone with you at all times is a great tool for communication, but sometimes you might need a tool in a more literal sense. Enter the TaskOne iPhone case, a protective cover that is designed to not only protect a handset in the case of a fall but also provide a litany of handy accessories should you ever find yourself in need. The TaskOne houses a total of 22 different tools including screwdrivers, a knife, wirecutters, a bottle opener, and several others. Of course, you'd never want to attempt to board a plane with the case strapped to your smartphone, but other than that it seems like it could come in handy - plus, an iPhone with a giant blade sticking out of the top is kind of cool looking on its own. Unfortunately, the cost of rolling like MacGyver isn't cheap, and the TaskOne will set you back a cool $100. Still, there are probably worse ways to blow a Benjamin. [Via PSFK]
Parenting Tip: Protecting your iOS device from bumps, bruises and bashes
Having a naked iPhone or iPad around kids means living in constant fear of one of them snagging the device and dropping smashing it on the floor. Though the iPhone and iPad are lovely devices when they are undressed, parents who want to keep their devices in pristine condition would be wise to adorn them in a case that protects them from the bumps and bruises of living in a child-filled household. Below you will find our recommended cases as well as other accessories to help you child-proof your iOS device. Cases for the iPhone and iPad The case is your first line of defense in protecting your iPhone or iPad. You'll want to choose one that provides corner protection during a fall and is sturdy enough to prevent your child from denting the device when they bump into a corner. If it has a cover, use it! A coverless case won't protect the device if the screen is impacted. I recently lost an iPad 2 because my child dropped the device and then stepped on the screen. LifeProof LifeProof isn't a super durable case, but it'll protect your device from most minor falls. It'll also protect it from a drop in the toilet or the sink. You can read our review of the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4. As an aside, OtterBox just acquired LifeProof, so I would expect to see the products continue to be sold under the OtterBox umbrella. OtterBox OtterBox makes some of the best rugged cases for the iPad and iPhone. There's the new Armor series that are rugged and waterproof as well as the trustworthy Defender series, which offers robust protection from a fall. You can read our review of the Armor case for the iPhone 5 and our review of the early Defender case for the iPad and the iPhone. Griffin Survivor Series Griffin produces the Survivor series of cases for the iPad and the iPhone, which we reviewed a few years back. The Survivor is a rugged case for the iPhone and iPad that is right up there with OtterBox in terms of quality and price. I've used one on my iPad 2 for years, and it protected the device from many near catastrophic falls. The version I had also included a nice little stand that was great for watching videos. Screen Protector An often overlooked accessory that I always buy is a screen protector. It seems whenever my kids spend any amount of time with the iPad, it comes back gooey and sticky. A screen protector wont do much to protect your device in the event of a fall, but it will make it easy to clean. I have successfully used Zagg InvisibleShield, BodyGuardz and Best Skins Ever screen protectors. Depending on what case you buy, it may come with screen protector as part of the case. You'll want to check out the case you plan on buying before you spend an extra $20 on a screen protector that you don't need. AppleCare Spend the extra money to add AppleCare to your device. The version of AppleCare for the iPhone and iPad, called AppleCare+, will provide you with a replacement device at minimal cost when (not if) the device gets damaged. You are limited to two replacements for the life of the plan.
Mophie Juice Pack for the HTC One now available
If you picked up an HTC One and found that its battery isn't quite cutting it, Mophie may have a solution for your dilemma. The accessory maker is now offering its popular extended battery line for HTC's crown jewel. In addition to its slim protective casing, the freshly minted Juice Pack keeps the party going with an embedded 2,500mAh backup cell. Mophie claims that its added pick me up can increase the One's battery life by two-fold, placing its performance on a par with the marathon-ready RAZR MAXX HD. Available in two colors to match whichever hue you're sporting, the $100 Juice Pack is a surprisingly attractive backup plan for HTC's aluminum marvel.
Review and giveaway: a trio of iPad mini cases (updated)
After a slow start, it appears that every accessory manufacturer on the planet is now up to speed on pumping out shiploads (that is spelled correctly, BTW) of iPad mini cases. Today, for your amusement and my employment, I'll take a look at three of the cases that have come to the attention of TUAW recently and give you a chance to win one. The three iPad mini cases of the week are: The Loop Attachment Mummy case for iPad mini (US$30) The Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case ($200) The id America SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio for iPad mini ($39.95) %Gallery-186934% Loop Attachment Mummy Case for iPad mini To begin with, we'll look at the Loop Attachment Mummy case for iPad mini, a larger version of the Mummy case for iPhone 4/4S/5. That means that it's a silicone case made with a "mummy-like" pattern on the back mimicking bands of cloth swathed around the mini. The Mummy case comes in six different colors: the usual black and white, teal, red, blue and graphite. The case is easy to install and remove, and has openings for the speakers, Lightning port, mute/orientation lock switch, camera, microphone, and earphone port. There's also a trapezoidal cutout on the back that playfully frames the Apple logo on the iPad mini. As with the Mummy cases for iPhone, the Loop Attachment iPad mini cases are inexpensive, durable, and provide a good grip on what can be a slippery device to hold. There's nothing fancy about the Mummy case, but it does exactly what it's supposed to do -- protect your iPad mini from scratches and bumps. Update: <facepalm> time. I completely forgot to mention that the Mummy cases have two metal plates that are embedded in the silicone that provide a place for an Apple Smart Cover to stick on. Now you know! Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case At the other end of the price spectrum from the Mummy case is the Milano Portfolio Leather Mini iPad Case from Mapi Cases. While I'm a huge fan of handmade leather cases, I can't help but think that the company is charging too much the Milano. This leather portfolio comes in four finishes: black, brown, tan and red. Yes, it's made with "100% premium leather", but as my late father-in-law probably would have said, "I don't want to pay for the whole cow." The case is closed with a zipper to keep your iPad mini locked away and has a fabric interior to avoid scratching the device. On the left side of the case are two slots for business or credit cards, as well as a larger pocket for travel documents or cash. The iPad mini is held into place by a leather "frame" with a tuck-under flap on one side. Don't try to take any photos with your iPad mini in the Milano, because there's no hole for the camera to peer through. While I appreciate the excellent workmanship that went into the Milano, I do honestly think it is overpriced. It doesn't include a stand, nor are there magnets to automatically turn the device on and off. A quick look on Amazon.com showed some $25 - $40 cases made of "PU leather", which is cheaper leather covered with a layer of polyurethane. At a glance, there isn't much of a difference in terms of looks, except for the fact that the $25 case is much more functional, including a camera hole, a folding stand, an elastic hand strap, a stylus holder, and more choices in color. If paying for "real leather" is a big thing for you, then by all means spend $200 on this case. If you're like most of our readers, though, you might want to think twice before spending that almost two-thirds of the price of an entry-level iPad mini for a case. id America SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio for iPad mini Finally we come to the SmartFold Leatherette Portfolio from id America. About the closest thing to compare this case to is Apple's very own iPad mini Smart Cover ($39), which is made of polyurethane rather than leatherette (a fabric made to simulate leather). So once again you have faux leather; if that is a big deal for you, then think about the Mapi case... The SmartFold comes in black, brown, gray, orange, red and white, and is probably the most functional of all the cases listed here. Like the Smart Cover, the SmartFold features a cover that can be folded into a stand for viewing or typing on the iPad mini. It also features auto-sleep and wake using magnets in the cover. The iPad mini is held into place by a frame of that same leatherette, and the inside surfaces are made of a felt-like material. I had no issues folding the SmartFold into the typing position, but for the life of me I couldn't get it to stand up in a viewing mode. Perhaps the cover needs to be flexed a bit more to loosen it up. Conclusion So what I've shown you today are three different iPad mini cases for three different types of people. For those who want inexpensive and fun protection, the Loop Attachment Mummy is perfect. Well-heeled iPad mini users who want real leather to match their shoes and not look out of place on the leather seats of their Tesla S, the Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio might be a good solution. And finally, someone who wants protection and functionality in an inexpensive case could not go wrong with the id America SmartFold. Giveaway Now it's time for you to enter to win one of the cases we have to give away. There are two Loop Attachment Mummy cases (one black, one blue), a black leather Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio, and a black id America SmartFold up for grabs. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before Day, Month Year 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Four winners will be selected. Two will receive Loop Attachment Mummy Cases for iPad mini valued at $30, one will receive a Mapi Cases Milano Portfolio Mini iPad case valued at $200, and one will receive an id America SmartFold case valued at $39.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
OtterBox leading the fight against counterfeit cases
When you think of counterfeit Apple products you usually think of fake iPhones or fake iPads, but now popular case makers are now having a hard time dealing with counterfeiters. OtterBox, based in Colorado, is the number one case provider for iPhones and iPads and other smart phones in the American marketplace and in a press release today, the company highlighted the struggles it is having with counterfeiters in the United States and in China. OtterBox has revealed that in 2012 alone the company and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked together to confiscate over 118,000 counterfeit OtterBox items. "Its important that consumers understand the difference between authentic and counterfeit product and unfortunately some do not," Rachael Lamkin, associate general counsel for OtterBox said in a statement. "Counterfeit OtterBox cases lead some consumers to believe they just made a bargain purchase, but the low price tag means poor quality and a bad reflection of our brand. That purchase is also counterproductive to developing a strong economy." Anyone who thought that they've purchased an official OtterBox case but now thinks it might be counterfeit is urged to contact the company through their support page.
Portenzo Alano and Boomerang cases for iPad mini: review and giveaway
The release last year of the iPad mini resulted in many accessory manufacturers scrambling to redesign full-size iPad cases for the smaller footprint of the mini, and now we're seeing the fruits of their labors. Case manufacturer Portenzo recently released both the Alano (starting at US$99.95) and Boomerang (starting at $69.95) iPad mini cases. Check out the review of these two cases, and then stick around to have a chance to win one. Design Both the Alano and the Boomerang share a number of design features that I'll cover shortly. The big difference is in the exterior treatment. For the Alano, it's a leather cover made from what appears to be stiff boot leather -- the version I received for testing is called the Indiana Journal (possibly because it looks like something Indiana Jones would carry with him on his journeys), which has a price tag starting at $119.90. The Boomerang uses a whimsical and fun retro 50's boomerang pattern done in bookbinding linen -- I think the Jetsons might approve. %Gallery-183649% On the inside, both of the units are virtually identical. There's a laminated wood frame that holds the iPad mini in place. That frame is not as nicely made or finished as the one on the inside of the beautiful Pad and Quill Aria iPad mini case ($89.99) reviewed earlier this month, but it does the job. One thing I initially thought to be very odd is that the Portenzo frame does not include a cutout for the on/off/sleep/wake switch on the top of the iPad mini. However, there's a clever solution to turning the iPad on and off -- you simply push down on the front of the top right corner of your iPad, and that bumps the switch up against an internal wedge that pushes it down. Brilliant idea! There's an optional ($9.95) cutout on the left side of the frame that includes an elastic loop for holding a stylus, as well as cutouts in the proper places for the speakers, Lightning port, volume toggle and orientation lock, and headphone jack. The cover, when open and closed, turns the mini on and off. The case itself can fold to stand up in landscape orientation -- the Intellistand option ($19.95) uses two very powerful magnets to prop up the stand without the need for flaps or Velcro, another impressive option that's different from most other manufacturers. Finally, there's an elastic band to hold the cover securely in place when in transit and protect the rear-facing camera. Oh, if you want an opening for that camera to look out of? It'll cost you $4.95. Functionality The Portenzo cases work quite well, and I must admit that I find their "push to turn on" design feature to be something I'd like every manufacturer to consider. Hopefully, Portenzo has patented that feature so they can license it to others to adopt and pull in some royalties. In addition, the magnetic Intellistand option is quite nice, although it only works in one orientation. The powerful magnets provide a way to keep the stand steady or keep the frame stuck to the back of the case without resorting to the usual "cheap" method of slapping Velcro everywhere. Likewise, the stylus cutout is a nice feature for those who use styluses. It works with a variety of readily-available styluses, although some of the larger ones like the Pogo Connect are a bit too wide to allow the cover of the case to close properly. If I have one complaint about the Portenzo cases, it's that all of the really nice features are add-ons. It's like buying a car with a nice low base price, and then finding out that you add another 30 percent to the price tag to add necessary options. In this case, the Alano Indiana Journal case starts at an already pricy $119.90. By the time you add in the Intellistand, Stylus Compartment, and Camera Opening options, the price tag jumps to $154.75 -- a lot for an iPad mini case, even one that is nicely designed. Conclusion Portenzo's Alano and Boomerang cases are lovely to look at and use, with some optional features that really increase their utility. However, the pricing structure for these cases makes them quite a bit more expensive than the competition. Pros Nice design, and the Boomerang has a fun retro material that harkens back to the 50's The push-to-turn-on feature of both cases is a unique way to turn an iPad mini on and off without the need for a cutout or pass-through button Optional Intellistand works very well Both designs use cover magnets to turn the mini on and off automatically Cons Expensive when compared to competing products, especially when adding multiple options Laminated wood frame holding the iPad mini isn't as well made as that found on competitors Interior of the Alano Indiana Journal case is unfinished and rough Who is it for? iPad mini owners who want the ultimate in case utility and who are willing to pay a premium for extra features Giveaway We have one Portenzo Alano Indiana Journal and one Portenzo Boomerang iPad mini case to give away! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before March 25, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Portenzo Alano Indiana Journal iPad mini case valued at $154.75, while the other receives a Portenzo Boomerang iPad mini case valued at $104.80. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is the most comfortable one you'll ever own
Years ago I wrote about a small company named ColcaSac that had just started selling cases and sleeves for Apple's MacBooks and iPads. I was impressed with the products, and I'm happy to say the company has kept updating its offerings and the quality is as good as ever. ColcaSac has a number of new sleeve for MacBooks, Kindles and iPads, but it's the newest product I've fallen in love with: The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag. It's not inexpensive, but it's delightfully comfortable and light. ColcaSac prides itself on blending classic styles with minimalist design, while at the same time using materials that are eco-conscious. The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is made of a burlap exterior with a hemp lining. Inside, the bag's lining is made of a soft fleece. The look of the bag is the most startling thing. It seems as if it was designed from leftover coffee sacks. I think it's a brilliant design, but I'm the kind of guy who likes my cases and bags a bit different. Underneath the Velcro flap you'll find a zippered exterior compartment that can comfortably hold a paper notebook, journal and an iPad mini. Inside the bag are two open free-hanging pockets on one side and a slightly larger zippered pocket on the other. The zippered pocket is handy for wallets, pens, earphones and power adapters. Most importantly for a shoulder bag that houses expensive electronics, the shoulder strap is thick, strong and long enough to leave a lot of room for adjustment. The bag isn't going to have a problem hanging on to you. The shoulder bag doesn't have a specific slot inside for a MacBook. It's wide and open and can actually probably fit two MacBook Pros in a thin sleeve easily. My 15-inch MacBook Pro in a sleeve fit inside along with my iPad, and two large books. Overall I love the bag's look and feel. It's something I'll take with me the next time I go traveling. It's also the most comfortable bag I've ever owned. The burlap is soft and not scratchy. It's also flexible enough that the bag curves around you if you don't have much in it. The bag is also incredibly light, making it that much more comfortable. The Juan Valdez ColcaSac shoulder bag is US$149 and can be purchased directly from ColcaSac.
Visualized: HTC folding and 'double-dip' colored cases for the One
If you're looking to prop up that incoming HTC One for extended viewing or simply protect it from pavements and other hard surfaces, the company is demoing two different series of cases alongside its new phone. First up, a leather-finish foldable cover will protect corners and edges, with the back folding out to create a horizontal stand for the One. The second option takes a page from the style guide of HTC's Windows Phone 8X with a two-tone plastic cover. Both end pieces (which are a different color to the main part) are removable and exchangeable, adding another color option to the white and black base units. We've also been told that an in-car mount will also be available, but HTC didn't have pricing on any of the new additions just yet. Some older add-ons were on display as well, including a 6,000mAh Battery Bar, Car Stereo Clip and HDMI kit. Check 'em all out in the gallery below. Zach Honig contributed to this report.
Booqpad mini combines paper and iPad mini into an effective package
A paperless office is king or should be as fellow TUAW editor Steve Sande would say. But in a word where you're as likely to find iPads in a classroom or office as you would printed materials, many people prefer to jot down handwritten notes. Count me among them. I handwrite about half of my comic scripts in a Moleskine notebook before transcribing them into Scrivener. Case makers and software developers are latching onto this hybrid. Last fall, Evernote introduced a smart notebook with special lines and tags that help integrate the handwritten pages with its service once they're captured by Evernote's page camera in iOS. You don't even need to shell out the money for one of the smart notebooks. It works just as well with a regular one. Now, Booq has introduced its hybrid solution, the US$39.95 Booqpad mini case for iPad mini. I've been testing it for the past couple of weeks, and for the most part, I do like it. Design Available in black and grey, the Booqpad mini combines an iPad mini case with a thin notepad so you can have the best of both worlds. On the left side is the iPad mini, and the case fits the mini securely. A pen loop next to it can hold a pen or stylus. The right side has a lined notepad and pockets to store business cards. It's about the size of an average day planner and looks very swank in any office setting. The exterior is made from jute, a natural fiber that's mainly produced and sold in Bangladesh and India. The case had that "new car" smell for several days once I got the review sample, and it took a day before I could even handle the case for more than a few minutes. I'm hoping this isn't the issue with most of the other cases and assume I got one of the initial production batches. Functionality This is where the Booqpad mini faltered for me. I use my iPad mini either as a second screen while working with my laptop or a primary screen when writing in my Moleskine and use my built-in stand constantly on my normal case. However, with the Booqpad mini, because you have the writing pad, there's no real way to have the case also function as a stand. If you don't use your iPad in this manner, the Booqpad mini is great to use. I had no issues writing when I folded the case just to show the writing side, and it was great to use at meetings when I had the iPad mini laying on the table. The case is billed for left-handed or right-handed use, just flip the case and reposition the iPad and notepad to suit your needs. All of the ports on the iPad mini are easily accessible. It's not much thicker in my bag as my standard Belkin case is. The included lined notepad has 50 pages, and three-pack refills are $9.99. Booq has a variety of notepads to fit certain situations. Some might find the price a bit steep for 150 sheets of paper, but the pads are at least 30 percent recycled material and are printed with soy ink. Conclusion The Booqpad mini does a good job at combining the best of the iPad mini world with a basic notepad. The price is extremely good as well, especially given the environmentally friendly materials that have gone into the Booqpad mini. If you're in a business setting and don't need a stand, I'd suggest looking at the Booqpad mini before going for the overpriced Apple Smart Cover. We'll be giving away the Booqpad mini during our TUAW meetup at Macworld/iWorld next week. We'll share the details as soon as we finalize them!
The many cases of CES 2013
Every year I walk the halls of CES snapping pics of the myriad iDevice cases offered from numerous vendors. I chuckle when I see the "no pictures" sign, as clearly someone was worried the charm would wear off were potential customers to see a picture of a product outside the auspices of a proper product shot. I lump those folks in the "no clue" department, but I'll have more ruminations on CES (and why it actually still does matter) later. For now, enjoy this random lineup of varied cases. %Gallery-176540%
Cygnett's ICON case contains the story behind the artists and art
Perusing the many, many iPhone cases on display at CES is always a daunting proposition: Not only does every case manufacturer appear at the show with hundreds if not thousands of cases to show off, but even when all of the cases on display are finally out on store shelves, customers tend to fall right into standard patterns when purchasing a new iPhone case. People who buy cases usually don't do a lot of shopping around or feature comparing -- usually they just go to a store near them, look through all of the cases there, and just buy the one that looks like what they want and has an agreeable price. Plus, while manufacturers always bring a rainbow of colored cases (and lots of popular licensed brands) to the CES floor every year, we invariably get told time and time again by manufacturers that only one kind of case routinely tops the charts: Simple, clean, black. For all of the fashion trends and choices out there, black always seems to sell the best. Still, there are always a few cases worth pointing out every year, and this year the honor goes to Cygnett's ICON Art Series of iPhone cases. Cygnett is an Australian company, and the ICON series is a group of iPhone cases that boasts some amazing art from around the world, including Aborigine artist Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, graffiti artists Tats Cru and Scarygirl creator Nathan Jurevicius. In addition to offering iPhone cases with these artists' works on the back of them, the ICON line also provides a writeup inside each case, that informs you about the work and the artist. It's a little thing (and when your iPhone is actually inside the case, you can't read the writeup anyway), but I definitely like that the company is aiming to use this art for something other than to just make your case look good. The money raised from the cases (each is available for US$29.99) goes partly to the artists as well, so wrapping your iPhone in this way is a nice way of respecting some really great work. When it comes down to choosing an iPhone case, the choice is more or less up to you -- obviously there are more heavy duty options if you're looking for protection, or more practical options if you want a wallet-style case or some extra gadgets on it like a battery pack or a stand. But cosmetic cases are all pretty plain, and it's cool to see Cygnett pushing not only the art on the back of the case, but the story behind it as well.
CES 2013: Kensington offers a tracking solution with the Proximo Tag Kit
Kensington is in attendance at the International CES here in Las Vegas this week, and the company kindly sat down with TUAW this afternoon to show off some of its latest products. The most interesting of their recent offerings is something called the "Proximo Fob and Tag Kit," which is a relatively cheap tracking solution designed to work over Bluetooth 4 with your iPhone 4S or iPhone 5. We've seen tagging kits like this before, but Kensington's, now available, offered a nice set of features at a very reasonable price. The idea is that you can use an included key fob or a tag (just the tag is available for US$24.99, while a full fob and tag kit is $59.99) by attaching it to whatever object you'd like to keep safe, whether that's your keys, a purse or even a kid or a dog. Then you can use Kensington's free app to get alerts whenever that item/person moves out of range of your phone, so if you ever walk away and leave your keys at your desk, or if the dog wanders out of the yard, you'll know right away. The app offers a nice bit of customization -- you can attach five different tags to it, and each one gets its own alert sound and an icon (or a custom picture), so there are plenty of different options for tracking various objects. The app also lets you set the sensitivity for each tag, so you can set your keys to stay very close, or set your car for a wider range. You can also track your phone directly from the fob (though the tag doesn't have any extra buttons on it, so that's a no-go there). If you ever lose your phone, you can just hit the button on the key fob, and then your phone will light up with an alert. Finally, Kensington's kit also tracks your GPS, and while it can't actually find items via Bluetooth (because that service isn't positional at all), it can let you know where you last saw them. Whenever you lose track of a tag, the app will mark that point on a map, so you can be aware of where you last were when the tag went out of range. It's not quite as nice as geolocating right to the tag, but it works for helping you find lost items. Aside from the Proximo tags, Kensington also showed off new charging kits, including a 4.2 Amp dual-USB charger for the car (enough to charge two different iPads up at the same time) for $34.99, a "Fast Charge" Lightning adapter to charge any iOS device for $29.99 or an iPhone-only charger for $24.99. Kensington is also offering another line of iPad cases, including some more stylish "Folio cases" for the iPad, and even a line for the iPad mini. Finally, while not iOS-specific, the company was showing off a Contour Overnight backpack, with a special laptop-sized pocket and easy liquid access for going through airport security checkpoints. The backpack is a very impressive addition to the company's luggage lineup, and should also be available later on this year.
TUAW's Christmas 2012 iPhone 5 case roundup and giveaway
Ho, ho, ho! For all of you who just got an iPhone 5 for Christmas, it's time to read about some of the new cases that have appeared on the market in the past few months. Some lucky readers will get a chance to win one of those cases to protect their new phones. We did an earlier roundup of iPhone 5 cases at the beginning of November, and the new cases have literally been piling up like snowdrifts around the TUAW Labs office. So what better time to do a giveaway than after a bunch of readers have found new iPhone 5 boxes sitting under the tree? Crimson Aluminum Frame Case for the iPhone 5 The iPhone 5 is a beautiful phone, and many owners want protection without hiding the sleek design of their phone behind layers of plastic. Crimson Case introduced the Aluminum Frame Case for iPhone 5 (US$39.95 - $69.95) that protects and showcases your iPhone without adding a lot of weight. At less than 20 grams, the Aluminum Frame Case comes in a rainbow of colors: black, silver, red, purple, pink, orange, polished gold, white, chrome, and 24K gold plate. Unlike some other iPhone 5 cases I've tested, the Aluminum Frame Case provides complete access to all of the ports on the phone without a lot of bulk. The frame uses aircraft-grade aluminum and elastomer corner guards for great shock protection. A hex driver, two extra screws, a screen protector and a microfiber cleaning cloth are included. Karas Kustoms Alloy 5 Case Another of the beautiful aluminum frame type cases for the iPhone 5 comes from Karas Kustoms with the Alloy 5 case ($55). The company uses aluminum with an anodized finish in blue, gold, green, gray, orange, pink, red, violet, silver or black, with your choice of white or black Delrin end caps to protect your iPhone 5. There are also special copper and brass (both $105 each) editions for that special steampunk look. The hardware is designed to let iPhone 5 owners stand their phones up on their sides, perfect for taking photos or video. An installation hex driver is included, along with a spare pair of hex screws. X-Doria Engage Bamboo, Venue, and Shield Cases I have to admit that I like X-Doria's cases. They're well made, stylish, and yet still affordable. With the iPhone 5, we have three cases that really show X-Doria's design skills. First up is the unique Engage Bamboo ($34.99), which uses laser-etched bamboo to protect the back of your iPhone while providing side protection with a polycarbonate shell. The bamboo gives the Engage Bamboo a nice natural look, and the case is a piece of cake to put on and take off. Next is the Venue ($34.99), made of two materials designed to absorb shocks and provide a nice 3-D grip pattern that makes the phone easy to hold. The Venue I tested was made of a shiny black polycarbonate with a gray chevron pattern in the same rubberized material that is used inside the case. The Venue comes in black and gray, black and light blue, white and gray, gray and orange (above), green and blue, and red and white. The Venue is a relatively simple case design, but it certainly adds both visual impact and protection to your phone. For the ultimate in protection, the Shield ($39.99) is a bargain. Using a triple layer design, the Shield wraps your iPhone 5 in an impact resistant body with a hard shell outside and a shatter-resistant front shield. Doors and covers shield all of the ports and switches on your device. The Shield adds a bit of thickness to your iPhone 5, but if you're looking for true protection this is the case for you. It comes in black and dark blue, dark blue and light blue, white and gray, black and yellow, and gray and orange (above) designs. Hats off to X-Doria for making good looking and protective iPhone 5 cases that don't cost an arm and a leg! A+ Case Superleggera Pro and Collatio Taiwanese case manufacturer A+ Case is a rather new addition to our list of accessory makers, but they've gotten off to a fairly good start with the Superleggera Pro and Collatio cases. The Superleggera Pro is another protective case for iPhone 5, featuring a silicone insert for shock protection and a beautifully-finished polycarbonate hard case on the outside. Silicone plugs and covers keep your ports and switches protected while in the case. Unfortunately, we don't have pricing for the A+ cases or information on availability, but if you're able to get your hands on a Superleggera Pro somewhere, you'll love it. The Collatio (no link available) is described as a "simple yet decent handmade authentic leather case." It's a foldable wallet case with slots for three credit or ID cards, as well as a money slot. The outside finish of the Collatio is nice; it exudes a solid, warm feel that's not overly ostentatious. The construction of the leather piece that holds the iPhone 5 in place is a little rough, but it does its job well. ZooGue Social Case for iPhone 5 It's no secret that I'm a fan of ZooGue's products, and the Social Case for iPhone 5 ($9.99) really makes me want to cheer. Instead of charging $30 for a piece of plastic, ZooGue charges ten bucks for a simple protective case made of a silicone-like material. The Social Case has ridges on the sides to make your phone more "grippable," and while protecting your iPhone 5, it doesn't really detract from the thinness or light weight. The cases come in black, gray, white, red, dark blue, light blue, pink, purple, lime green, and army green. At this price, you could buy a few and switch them off depending on your mood. By the way, that $9.99 price tag includes free shipping. Gumdrop Cases Drop Tech Series for iPhone 5 Gumdrop's Drop Tech Series case ($44.95) is like a set of tires for a four-wheel drive vehicle; rugged, able to put up with a lot of abuse, and with some good tread. Yes, this case does have a tread pattern on the back, which not only provides a lot of protection but makes the Drop Tech very grippable. Your iPhone 5 is first encased in a polycarbonate shell frame, then surrounded by the silicone case. It comes in three different primary finishes: black and black, black and red, and army green (seen above). If your tastes run a bit more towards pastel finishes, take a look at the Drop Tech Designer Series cases (also $44.95), which come in blue and pink, yellow and blue, orange and blue, and purple and pink. Loop Attachment Mummy i5 Cases Chicago-based Loop Attachment's Mummy Cases are now available for the iPhone 5 ($25). I'm a big fan of these cases, which use silicone for protection in a "mummy-wrapped" design that lets some of the design features of your iPhone 5 peek through. They come in a variety of colors -- everything from basic black and white, graphite (gray), magenta, neon blue, powder blue, neon green, bright orange, purple and red. As with the ZooGue Social Cases, Loop Attachment's Mummy Cases are meant to protect while being fun and colorful. The company succeeds with a low-cost case that's attractive, lightweight, and eminently collectible. PureGear Kickstand, PX260, PX360, Dualtek, and Slim Shell While working on this review, I almost neglected these wonderful cases from PureGear. They're all well-constructed and some of them are quite unique among the hundreds of iPhone 5 cases on the market. Let's start off with the PX360 and PX260. The PX360 ($49.99) is a high-impact protective case with a "loop" extending above the top of the case. A carabiner is included so you can attach the case and your iPhone 5 to a belt loop or backpack, and there's even a small utility tool that comes with the case. That tool can be used as a wrench, case stand, bottle opener, and ruler. All of this comes in a water-resistant reusable bag for even more protection, and there's a screen shield thrown into the mix as well. The PX360 comes in matte black (with green highlights), clay blue (with light blue highlights), kelp green (with light green highlights), and orchid purple (with lavender highlights). The PX260 ($39.99) also provides high-impact protection and comes with that cool utility tool, screen shield, and the water-resistant bag. it comes in the same colors as the PX360. Next is the DualTek Extreme Shock Case ($39.99). Like many of the cases built for super-protection, it comes with an inner soft-polymer lining and an outside impact resistant shell. The DualTek also adds "bumpers" on the corners and back, and ridged sides to make holding onto the case a cinch. The case comes in six colors -- matte black, glossy arctic white, glossy indigo blue, matte fern green, matte simply pink, and matte kayak yellow. The Kickstand Case and Holster ($29.99) is an inexpensive and utilitarian iPhone case in black or white that features both a low-profile, built-in slider stand and a holster that protects the phone screen. It's made of a rubberized material that gives it a nice grip. Finally, there's the attractive Slim Shell ($24.99). This colorful case line comes in a bunch of "flavors" -- black tea, coconut jelly (clear), mandarin orange, passion fruit, pistachio mint, strawberry rhubarb, and vanilla bean. It's a one-piece design made up of flexible rubber and hard polycarbonate, easy to put on or take off. Best of all, it doesn't add to the thickness of your slender iPhone 5. Sena Case Ultraslim Classic and Walletslim for iPhone 5 Last, but certainly not least, are two cases made by luxury case manufacturer Sena. All of Sena's cases are beautifully made of premium leather, and the quality shows through in every stitch. The first case I looked at is the Ultraslim Classic ($29.99), which is an extremely slender pouch-type sleeve that adds almost no bulk to your iPhone 5. It comes in a variety of colors -- black, tan, red, light blue, dark blue, green, orange, brown, white, pink and purple. All of the Ultraslim Classic cases have a velvet lining to cushion your iPhone 5 and are absolutely classy. On the more practical side is Sena's Walletslim Case ($44.95), which combines a designer wallet with three pockets with a form-fitting leather iPhone case. It's perfect for carrying your phone and a few credit or ID cards in style. The Walletslim comes in smooth leather in black, red, brown and orange, and in crocodile leather in black and red. Giveaway Now it's your turn to enter to win one of 24 different cases from TUAW and the manufacturers discussed in this review. Keep in mind, these cases are all for the iPhone 5, so if you don't have one (or don't know someone who does), don't enter! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before December 28, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Twenty-four winners will be selected and will receive an iPhone 5 case (value of case varies, please see descriptions above) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Will.i.am's "i.am+" iPhone accessory introduced
Musician Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas has delivered on his promise to introduce an exciting iPhone accessory. The "i.am+" accessory adds a keyboard and interchangeable camera lenses to your iPhone 4 or 5. Will.i.am hopes to compete with the likes of Instagram with the i.am+, which he hopes will be the first in a line of i.am-branded accessories. The iPhone case reportedly boosts the built-in camera's resolution to 14 megapixels. "We have our own sensor and a better flash," Will.i.am told The Telegraph. The standard lens collection includes standard, fish-eye, wide and zoom lenses. An i.am-branded app will create a photo sharing network for owners of the accessory. The i.am+ also features a slide-out keyboard, and will be sold exclusively by London's high-end gift shop Selfridges. An iPhone 4-compatible model ships in December, while iPhone 5 owners must wait until next year. Each model will come in two versions, selling for £199 (matte black) and £299 (white with golden trim) respectively.
Targus buys premium accessory maker Sena Cases
Prolific accessory maker Targus is no slouch when it comes to making attractive products, but when it came to upping its game in the realm of high-end iPhone and iPad cases it opted to acquire an established brand rather than start from scratch. That name is Sena Cases, a California firm known for its exquisitely crafted leather accessories. Founded in 1999 by brothers Ramsey and Fevzi Oten, Sena Cases specializes in high-end phone and tablet cases, some of which carry the imprint of designers such as Michael Kors and Dylan George. The company will continue to operate as a separate entity under the ownership of Targus with the Otens remaining at its helm. According to a spokesperson, Sena Cases will also remain responsible for its own product designs, so you shouldn't expect to see either brand influencing the other in the forseeable future. Sena Cases recently introduced a line of wallet, folio and journal style cases for the iPad mini starting at US$69.95. Show full PR text Targus® Acquires Sena Cases The Sena Acquisition Positions Targus as a Leader in the Smartphone Case Market ANAHEIM, Calif., – October 30, 2012 – Targus Group International, Inc., maker of the world's top-selling laptop and mobile device cases and accessories, announced today it has completed the acquisition of Sena Cases, an Irvine, California-based luxury leather designer, manufacturer, and marketer for smartphone, tablet and laptop cases. Effective immediately, Sena Cases will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Targus, continuing to operate under the Sena® brand and under the leadership of its founders. The Sena acquisition positions Targus as a leader in the smartphone case market with a full line of expertly tailored iPhone® cases under the Sena® brand and additional licensed brands, including Michael Kors® and Dylan George®. With numerous models to choose from, Sena delivers a variety of fashion forward styles in support of today's mobile lifestyle. Sena is a leading provider of leather cases for the Apple® retail consumer. Sena is known industry-wide for its commitment to design as well as for providing the highest quality cases for smartphones and other mobile devices. "Targus is dedicated to maintaining the product experience and unique brand relationship Sena has with its customers and partners," said Michael Hoopis, president and CEO of Targus. "We are thrilled that the Sena leadership team led by Ramsey and Fevzi Oten will continue to steward the Sena brand." "By leveraging Targus' global infrastructure, Sena will be able to supply Apple consumers all over the world with beautiful, handcrafted leather mobile device cases designed and made by true artisans," said Ramsey Oten, president and CEO of Sena Cases. About Targus Celebrating its 30th anniversary this coming July, Targus invented the laptop case and continues to advance the mobile accessories category with innovative and relevant solutions for today's mobile lifestyle. Targus products enhance productivity, connectivity and security, liberating users to work in any and all environments with the utmost convenience and comfort. Founded in 1983, Targus headquarters are located in Anaheim, Calif., with offices worldwide and distribution agreements in more than 100 countries. For more information on Targus visit targus.com. About Sena Sena Cases™ is a leading designer and manufacturer of slim, functional, protective and luxurious genuine leather cases for today's most popular mobile devices.
Visa lets iPhone-toting NatWest and RBS customers pay with NFC cases, join the future
Two can play at the UK-banks-with-NFC-payments game. RBS (and by extension, NatWest) is partnering with Visa Europe to roll out TouchPay, a mobile payment system based around an iCarte case for the iPhone 4 and 4S -- sorry, early iPhone 5 owners. In tandem with a native app, the service allows paying for goods at British shops by tapping the phone at a Visa-capable NFC terminal without needing the short-range wireless built-in. Any purchases under £20 ($32) can even skip the PIN code, if you're just in that much of a hurry to get a Pret À Manger sandwich. Only 1,000 of the 9,000 who pre-registered for TouchPay are getting into Visa's wallet-free initiative at this stage, although all NatWest and RBS customers with one of Apple's semi-recent smartphones can participate once a trial run is over. We're just wondering if and when Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 8 owners get in on the action.
Pad & Quill Cartella makes your MacBook Air the Moleskine it's always wanted to be
Pad & Quill has emerged within the past year as a great competitor for the DODOcase. I managed to play a bit with the review cases that Steve Sande reviewed in January at Macworld/iWorld and was impressed with the build quality for the iPad. Pad & Quill also makes the Cartella Case for the MacBook Air. It's made for both sizes of MacBook Air, and I got my hands on the 11-inch one to try. Steve took a brief look at the Cartella in January, but we're getting a chance to take a deeper look now. Design The case looks and feels like a Moleskine on steroids. The cover is Italian-bonded leather, which you can get in several colors. The one I'm trying is the basic black cover. It feels good in your hands. It's secured by a strong elastic band, which feels like it can take a fair amount of abuse and not fray. The interior tray is made of Baltic Birch and is equally exquisite. Two cutouts hold the MacBook Air in place in the bottom of the tray, and there's a slash pocket on the cover's interior to hold papers. There's easy access to all ports. Functionality The Cartella holds the MacBook Air more securely than I thought it would. Place the computer in the case with the trackpad pointing toward the edge. If you get mixed up, the cutouts match the bottom of the MacBook Air. The case is free-hinged and will let you completely fold it back so you have a mini stand for the MacBook Air. It angles the computer just enough that you can type comfortably without removing the MacBook Air from the case. However, there's nothing holding the MacBook Air in the case other than gravity, so if the case gets knocked too hard, it could go flying out. Make sure you've got a good grip on the case and computer if carrying it around with the lid open. With the case closed and secured, it can withstand a fair amount of abuse. You can't drop it off your balcony, but you can toss this in your bag. Or, for the truly paranoid, you can stick it on your bookcase alongside your other books. Very few will realize there's a laptop in there and just think it's another notebook. Conclusion At US$79.99 for the 11-inch Cartella and $89.99 for the 13-inch Cartella, it falls right in line with similar cases made for the iPad. It's handmade in Minnesota, and if you're wanting to spend a little money for a true book-like feel for the the MacBook Air, you won't go wrong with the Cartella. Pros Handmade in the U.S. in Minnesota. Reasonably priced, in line with competitors. Looks good, elastic band is secure. Computer fits well in wooden tray. Can fold back case to be used as a little lap stand. Cons Computer isn't latched into case, so you need to take care if moving it around with the lid open. Who is it for? People who want a book-like case for their MacBook Air that's just as easy on the eyes as similar ones for the iPad.
Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories include flashes, wireless charging pad, barn doors (eyes-on)
Samsung's going all out with its Galaxy Camera accessory lineup. In addition to the cases and Flip Covers we saw at Unpacked earlier this week, the company had some external flashes and professional-looking holsters on hand at its IFA booth, including a grip-mounted adjustable strobe, a ring light set and a sophisticated carrying rig, complete with hinged barn doors to block out unwanted glare. There were also hard covers in multiple dark colors, a handful of soft rubber-looking covers in light colors like aqua and lime green, along with an oversized wireless charging pad mock-up. In typical IFA fashion, booth attendants were unable to provide any information whatsoever, so it's anyone's guess what any of these gadgets cost, or if they'll even make it to market. It's also unclear whether or not any of the accessories are functional at this point, or simply mock-ups of add-ons under consideration. In the meantime, you can take a closer look in the gallery below.%Gallery-163991%
Need a case for that Galaxy Camera? Samsung's got you covered (eyes-on)
We've seen the ins and outs of Samsung's first Android-based digital camera, but how about an outer shell? You likely won't be transporting this junbo point-and-shoot in your pocket, making a variety of protective options a necessity. First up is the Flip Cover -- a camera-friendly variant of the Galaxy original, with a slide-in design and a large protective flap to cover up the LCD. There's also a full-on carrying case, which slips open to reveal the lens while offering a bit more protection. And, if you're going au naturel, you'll want to suit up with a wrist strap at the very least, offering a bit of insurance against potential slips and spills. We don't have pricing and availability info to share, but like the camera itself, it looks like there's a bunch of color configurations to choose from, all pictured in the gallery below.%Gallery-163726%
