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Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 cases and keyboard dock eyes-on
The Galaxy Note 10.1 is now good and official stateside, and you know that means Samsung has some new accessories to shill. On hand at Lincoln Center were leather cases in a variety of colors (including white, orange and brown) along with versions that mimic the flip covers for the original Galaxy Note and the Galaxy S III -- the difference being that they don't replace the Note 10.1's backing, as that's not removable. Samsung also had a keyboard case on display, though so far we've yet to see more details. For now, you'll have to settle for our eyes-on photos below. Update: Samsung told us many of the cases we saw today are not yet available, but it confirmed $50 a Book Cover case for the Note 10.1 in white and grey. %Gallery-162482% Zach Honig contributed to this report.
Portenzo's limited-run Alano iPad cases stand out ... and stand up (updated)
Sometimes I really love my work, and this week has been one of those times where the love of good craftsmanship has made my job a lot of fun. First, I highlighted the latest in a series of amazing iPad cases from the folks at DODOcase, and now I get to tell you about the handmade leather Alano iPad cases now available from Portenzo. These cases start at US$124.95, and the pricing goes up depending on the finish and options that you select. As such, the Portenzo Alano iPad cases are really in a class of their own -- they're the Lexus of iPad cases. Design As I mentioned, there are options that you can request when ordering your Alano. Those options are what make the case so unique. For example, you can start out with just a plain-Jane black leather cover at no extra cost. If you'd prefer the awesome Tesoro design, which features an old map of the Mediterranean tooled into the leather, you'll pay a premium of $29.95. %Gallery-162012% There are six finishes available, three of which are showing a status of "sold out" right now. The three available finishes are the Midnight Black, Black Widow Wingtip, and Tesoro. For the elastic band that holds the case closed in transit, there's a choice of nine different colors. If you'd like to have the case personally embossed in one of four styles, that's an additional $14.95 charge. Get the IntelliStand feature, which I'll discuss shortly, and you'll add another $19.95. Want an opening for the rear-facing camera? Add $4.95. A stylus and a stylus compartment can be added for another $9.95 each, and you can even have the stylus personalized for another $4.95. Adding options to a Portenzo Alano case is just like adding options to a car. You can start out with a fairly reasonable price tag that suddenly balloons to a lot of money. In the case of the Tesoro case that I'm reviewing, the available options bring the price up to $179.80. So, are you getting your money's worth with this case? In my opinion, yes. First, the Tesoro design is very eye-catching and people will ask about it. Next, the IntelliStand feature is something that you won't want to miss, as it provides an extra bit of flexibility in how you can prop up your iPad. Rather than describe the ways that you can bend, fold, and otherwise flex your Alano case, here's a short video from the folks at Portenzo: Pretty cool, huh? If you read my review of the revised DODOcase the other day, you'll note that the lack of a more flexible stand was one of my criticisms. The IntelliStand is a great way to add the flexibility of more mundane cases to a beautifully rendered leather case. Portenzo's iPad tray is also a work of art. It uses laminated wood strips to fully encase the iPad, with specially-designed rubber-like inserts that cushion the corners. There's a specially designed cutout that encloses the speaker area on the iPad 2 and new iPad, and it does a much better job of allowing sound "out" than other similar cases I've reviewed. Both this cutout and the camera hole cutout are lined with neoprene pads. The camera hole is cleverly sized and placed so that the iPad camera lens is protected by the elastic band while in transit. How do these cases look? They use one solid piece of leather as the cover, so you see the leather both on the inside and outside. The Tesoro case is just breathtaking -- it's honestly one of the most beautiful iPad cases I've ever seen. The cases are made in the USA (Saint Louis, MO for those who are wondering), and the attention to customer service is awesome. Each case comes with a hand-signed wrapper on the outside describing how leather products will change in appearance over time, as well as a personalized tag showing the custom features of your case. One more thing: if you want a special piece of art or a corporate logo on the cover, contact the staff at Portenzo and they can give you pricing on creating a laser-engraved special edition. Functionality Enough of my gushing over the looks of these cases; how about how they work? The cases come with the traditional magnetized cover to turn your second- or third-generation iPad on and off. Due to the natural flexibility of the leather, you'll want to make sure that you use the elastic band to keep the cover closed as it has a tendency to open up and turn on your iPad if you don't. All buttons and ports are easily accessible on your iPad with the exception of one -- the on/off sleep/wake switch. To access that, you'll need to remove your iPad from the case. I was surprised by this omission, since I do a lot of screenshots of my iPad screen for reviews and I need access to that button. Update: This video shows that there's no need for an external power button like the one on DODOcases. There's a "hot spot" that you push to turn the iPad on and off. The IntelliStand function is wonderful. When you just want the case to do its job of protecting the iPad, it's out of the way. When you want to stand the iPad up for viewing a movie or something, you just pull the cover behind the iPad out a little ways and the magnets holding the flexible part in place give way. Find your favorite iPad position, and let go, and it stays in place. Your iPad will definitely be protected in style in the Alano cases. Conclusion Of all of the iPad cases that I've reviewed over the past two and a half years, the Portenzo Alano cases are without a doubt the most unique. They are literally one of a kind, with each case being hand made of a unique piece of leather, and the details are outstanding. You'll pay a bit more for the quality and the style, but you are definitely getting your money's worth. Pros High-quality construction of leather, wood, and other materials Does not use stick-on pads in the corners of the iPad tray (still a problem with DODOcase) IntelliStand option is a clever and well-implemented way to have more flexibility in using the case as a stand Many ways to customize your order, including outside finish, addition of IntelliStand or camera hole, different elastic band colors, embossing or custom laser engraving (contact Portenzo for details) Good warranty and return policy if you're not completely happy with the case Extremely easy to put the iPad into and take the iPad out of the case Made in the USA Cons No access to the on/off sleep/wake button on the top of the iPad Who is it for? iPad owners who are willing to pay a premium for a truly luxury iPad case Giveaway Regrettably, I have to loosen my grip on the Portenzo Alano Tesoro case and another one with a plain black leather finish, as I need to give them away to two lucky TUAW readers. 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 August 11, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One receives a Portenzo Alano Tesoro custom iPad 2/3 case valued at US$179.80, while the other receives a Portenzo Alano Midnight Black custom iPad 2/3 case valued at $149.85. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Nexus 7 dock and covers leak, promise high style in small sizes (update: source goes down)
There have been teases here and there that Google's Nexus 7 was going to get a full, official accessory treatment from ASUS, but actual details have been scarce. Consider ASUS' cover blown, almost literally. Presentation files finding their way to Nordic Hardware show the known Smart Case-like, $20 Travel Cover that's already lurking on the ASUS and Google websites, but they also spoil a leather Premium Cover that will reportedly cost $40. As for a cradle to round out the set? While the company had previously confirmed that a dock was coming, we're now getting a glimpse of the $50 Nexus Dock's super-simple wedge design and audio output. With the exception of the Travel Cover, the accessory bonanza is pegged by the slides as arriving in late August -- just in time for that last-gasp summer vacation. Update: Nordic Hardware has since taken down its original post "at the request" of an unnamed party.
Ask Engadget: best tablet, software and case for a child with a developmental disorder?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from is from Kim, who wants to help her four-year-old play games and communicate in the home. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm looking at getting a tablet for my four-year-old, developmentally delayed daughter. She uses an iPad with her therapist to play games and say what she wants, but I'm not sure if I should get the same for the home. Is there an Android alternative that's as useful in our special circumstances, and is it compatible with a sturdy, water-proof case for it?" For our two cents, we'd say that in such circumstances, continuity is probably an important factor to take into account. However, we're also aware that some of the specialist apps run into the hundreds of dollars, which few can easily afford, so let's turn the question over to our community. Do you have experience in the area, or perhaps you've already been in this situation? Either way, why not share what you know?
FreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact
Followers of FreedomPop's saga have seen the fledgling data-only provider make a few audacious claims: providing free bandwidth, for one, and basing its 4G device lineup as much on iPhone sleeve cases as on traditional access points. Add another one to the list -- the MVNO is planning to switch from Clearwire's WiMAX network to Sprint's LTE before 2012 is over. While FreedomPop is still planning to go forward with WiMAX for the initial deployment, it's now looking to use tri-mode EV-DO, LTE and WiMAX modems and phone cases just months later. We'll see if that leads to existing iPhone 4 and 4S owners getting an LTE fix without having to spring for a new phone; marketing VP Tony Miller wouldn't tell GigaOM more. Either way, it's a mixed blessing for data addicts that might find themselves crashing that much faster through the 500MB regular cap on free data.
Apple introduces Smart Case for iPad
Apple's Smart Covers are great for covering the iPad's touchscreen, but they've left the backside unprotected. In recognition that some people want to protect the aluminum case from scratches and other damage, Apple has introduced the iPad Smart Case. It's made from polyurethane and available in six colors, most of them the same as the standalone Smart Cover. The foldover portion of the Smart Case will wake and sleep the iPad just like the Smart Cover. It's difficult to make out from the images on the Apple Store, but it looks like this case is one integrated component, with the foldover portion not removable from the backside. That means if you have an existing Smart Cover, you won't be able to integrate it with this new case -- but that may not be an issue if all you're looking for is a case the same color as the one you already have. The iPad Smart Case costs US$49 and offers free personalized laser engraving.
Griffin, Threadless again team up to bring community art to your iPad, iPhone
Mobile accessory purveyor Griffin Technology and artist collective Threadless have unveiled the latest updates to their iPad and iPhone case lines. The co-op -- now in its third year -- is bringing a new form-factor to the fold with the Elan Folio for iPad ($50, pictured above), and is making a handful of new designs available for its "super slim" iPhone armor ($25). If the run-of-the-mill coverings available at your local Apple Store don't jive with your laid-back steez, mosey on over to Griffin's website and have a peek at the new wares.
Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: bags & cases
In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Sure, you'll want to snag some new tech candy for your summer mountain expedition or ocean excursion. But once you splurge for that new gadgetry, you'll need something to keep it safe for the duration of your travels. Whether it's a go-to rucksack to carry your mobile workstation or added protection for that shiny, new GoPro camera, we've got you covered. In this portion of the Summer Gear Guide, we'll take a look at the bags and cases that will cradle your valuables -- and perhaps even enhance their utility. Read on to view our seasonal recommendations.
iPad covers made from children's books
This Etsy seller has come up with a really great idea for iPad cases: Make them out of famous childrens' books. Seller chicklitdesigns has taken the covers of old printings of The Giving Tree, Cat in the Hat, and even Moby Dick, and turned them into cases for iPads, Kindles, and other tablets, available for sale right ow. Part of me is a little disappointed these books got ripped apart in this way -- there may come a time when we wish we'd had more of these titles around. But it's definitely a cool idea, and a very nice, homemade way to spruce up your iPad. The handmade-to-order cases start at around $79.99. [via Child Mode]
Precise Biometrics' Tactivo for iPhone, iPad locks data by fingerprint and smart card, is overkill for your diary (video)
iOS device security has regularly been a concern of the government, but locking down one of Apple's devices for the government is still fresh. Precise Biometrics hopes to have the problem licked through the Tactivo, a combo fingerprint and smart card reader for the iPhone 4 / 4S (and the iPad, in the summer). Either method keeps data inside an app away from prying eyes, and while they won't tighten the security around the built-in apps, they do make sure a third-party app's data meets US and international government privacy specs without having to use a BlackBerry. We're not surprised that the Tactivo needs to engulf the iPhone in a full case to work its magic, although there's a micro-USB port to keep it powered and synced up. It's all a bit much if you're just trying to make sure your list of high school crushes stays a secret, and the price reflects that -- at $249 a pop, the Tactivo is really meant for agencies and companies for whom losing the data on an iPhone would cost a lot more. Still, if you're running an outfit encouraging BYOD phone use or just really, really want your secret passions to stay private, both the iPhone case and a BioSecrets app are ready today.
Distro Issue 42 lands with the Engadget Summer Gear Guide, a handsome new look and more!
Get ready, folks. We've got quite the treat for you this week. Not only do we have a brand spanking new issue of our weekly for your peepers to consume this weekend, but we've redesigned said e-publication as well. Of course, the real star this week is the Summer Gear Guide. That's right, our editors have painstakingly selected their top choices in all of the major categories to keep you blazin' the balmy trail with the best gadget arsenal possible. To go along with the refined digs, we introduce some new pages this week, too. Time Machines will test your geek cred by removing the easily identifiable logos from a classic device for your trivia pleasure. We'll also go eyes-on each week with some quite dapper offerings to satisfy the design nerd inside us all. Speaking of recent additions, we break down our recent hands-on impressions while Reaction Time offers some thoughts on next-gen gaming and upcoming releases. Switched On chats about what's next for Facebook, the Stat tallies the rise of mobile apps in the last year, Fusion-io CEO and Chairman David Flynn admits his love of Flowbee in the Q&A and Sean Pryor returns for The Strip. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the download link below that you fancy the most and you'll have a copy of this week's e-magazine before you know it. Distro Issue 42 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (For sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
FreedomPop Sleeve wants to spread 'free' WiMAX love in the form of a $99 iPhone case
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of free WiMAX? According to FreedomPop, yeah, that seems to be the deal. The outfit, started by one of Skype's co-founders, is peddling $99 WiMAX-equipped iPhone cases that share up to 500MB of free data per month via an embedded WiFi module. The case also extends battery life by six hours and enables FaceTime everywhere you go. FreedomPop Sleeve rumors have been circling the net since December, but now the company is taking things to the next level by officially accepting pre-orders for a launch some time after July 1st. It seems that the company intends to get you hooked on free data in the hopes of selling you premium features later on, such as a VoIP tool and a $0.01 charge per megabyte over the monthly data limit. There's a video of the device in action after the break.
Musubo's stylish iPhone cases bring fun and flair to a crowded market
In my daily work for TUAW I see a lot of iPhone cases. For the most part, it's hard to distinguish one from the other, so when Musubo offered to send me a set of their new iPhone 4/4S cases I took a quick look at them first. It's a good thing I did, because what I found was a set of fun and stylish cases that really stand out from the crowd. Read along as I review this set of cases, and then enter our giveaway for a chance to win one of these five cool iPhone cases. MatchBook Pro The first of the cases, and the one that originally caught my eye, is the MatchBook Pro (US$34.99). It's cleverly designed to look like an open book of matches, and the matches actually fold out into a built-in video stand for your iPhone. The hard case is made of polycarbonate for protection, while the "matches" are made of a silicone rubber. The MatchBook Pro comes in five different color combinations, with the cases available in black, red, white, a golden yellow, and a grassy green. The "matches" vary in color depending on the case color. It's hard not to like a case with a name that's also a play on "MacBook Pro". Rubber Band The next unique case from Musubo is the Rubber Band ($29.99). As the name implies, the Rubber Band makes your protected iPhone look as if it has been wrapped with a box of rubber bands. The Rubber Band is nice and grippable, and comes in a variety of colors -- yellow, light blue, blue, black, green, orange, red, pink, and magenta. If you're a fan of the Rubber Band but would like a video stand, don't worry -- Musubo includes one in the box. It's quite clever (see below), and included with every one of these cases with the exception of the MatchBook Pro. Ripple This case gets its name from the gentle ripple pattern that extends out from the camera cutout. The Ripple ($29.99) is made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) for protection, and the pattern provides a nice surface for gripping. The Ripple comes in black, light green, dark green, red, yellow, purple, magenta and midnight blue. Retro The Retro ($34.99) uses a glossy polycarbonate exterior designed to look like an old microphone, with a soft silicone interior to cradle the iPhone. Perhaps the most effective case color for the Retro is silver, since it really accentuates the mic-like design. The other colors include black, red, blue, white and yellow. Sneaker The innovative Sneaker ($34.99) uses a soft TPU bumper in one color, then includes two different colored "soles" that snap into the back of the case. The soles are patterned like the bottom of a sneaker, hence the name. With the black bumper you get the choice of black and white soles, red and yellow soles, or lime and purple soles; with the white bumper, Musubo provides the choice of either rose pink and baby blue or brown and olive soles. Note that there are three more case designs -- the Sexy ($24.99), the Eden ($34.99), and the Double-X ($29.99) -- that aren't covered in this review or giveaway, but can be viewed on the Musubo website. Giveaway So now here's your chance to win one of these five innovative and fun iPhone 4/4S cases. All you need to do to enter is fill out the entry form completely and press submit. We'll pick five random winners, and you'll each get one of the Musubo cases. We can't guarantee that you'll get the one you want, but we'll try to match up the winners with the cases if we can. 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 May 11, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Five winners will be selected and each will receive a Musubo iPhone 4/4S case valued at either $29.99 or $34.99. We cannot guarantee that the winners will receive their choice of a case. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck! Loading...
Nokia's free color 710 covers are amazing every day, during April at least
Nokia no doubt won over a few undecided minds last month when it ran a promotion gifting new members to the Lumia 710 owners club with a colorful cover of their choice. We assume it was successful, because it's back. Yes, for the month of April, US-based adopters -- both new and old -- of the mid-level Nokia phone can claim a free chromatic cover. All you have to do is visit the source link below and punch in a few details, Nokia will then ship it out free of charge. We're not trying to influence you, of course, but the Engadget blue one looks pretty good.
Review and giveaway: Incipio Lexington and Slim Kickstand cases for the new iPad
Another pair of nice looking and affordable cases for the new iPad arrived at the TUAW Labs a few days ago, the Lexington (US$39.99) and Slim Kickstand ($39.99) from accessory manufacturer Incipio. Both offer full protection for your third-generation iPad and have a micro-suede lining to keep the iPad's aluminum body from scratches, but that's where the similarity ends. Let's take a look at the Lexington and Slim Kickstand, and then you'll have a chance to win these great new items from Incipio. Lexington The Lexington case is probably the more flexible case of the two, with the ability to stand up in landscape mode for viewing or prop up on a desk for typing. The Lexington comes in black and gray exteriors that use a "vegan leather" strap to keep the case closed during transport. What I like the most about both of these Incipio cases is that they're very slim. Too many of the cases that I see are almost an inch thick by the time you take the front and back padding into account. Not so with the Lexington, which is only .56" thick and weighs just 8.3 ounces. %Gallery-152145% Installing the case is a snap -- literally. My new iPad snapped right into the back and was held securely. I was a bit confused by the packaging of the Lexington, which showed that it had a "magnetic front cover." It doesn't, so if you're used to your iPad turning off automatically when you close the Smart Cover, you'll have to revert to the time-honored method of just hitting the sleep/wake switch to turn it off. While the plain black or gray may be rather unexciting, the cases are very professional-looking. As my wife said when I showed her the Lexington, "I want something with a little more color to it!" The Lexington is very well made, reasonably-priced, and offers a lot of protection for both the new iPad and the iPad 2. Let's take a look at its other sibling, the Slim Kickstand. Slim Kickstand The Slim Kickstand, oddly enough, is thicker than the Lexington and slightly heavier -- .64" and 8.8 ounces. Once again, the packaging confused me -- it says that there are three viewing modes, but the actual case only has two slots into which the iPad and cover can be locked for upright viewing. Rather than using the leather strap to hold the cover closed during movement, the Slim Kickstand uses the tried-and-true elastic band. As with the Lexington case, the new iPad clicked into the well-made bottom casing and was held securely. %Gallery-152146% You can get the Slim Kickstand case in any color, as long as it's black. This is also a very professional-looking case, but some choices would be nice. Conclusion and Giveaway While the Incipio Lexington and Slim Kickstand iPad cases aren't the most exciting cases I've seen, they offer a perfect fit for the iPad 2 and new iPad. Both cases would be welcome in an executive suite, and both have a finish that is almost perfect. Some cases I review have looked disturbingly tossed-together, while the Incipio products appear to be manufactured to much higher standards. The best thing about both cases? The price. Considering that many other iPad cases of similar style start at $59.99, it's amazing that Incipio can produce such a high quality product for just $39.99. And now is your chance to win one of these cases from Incipio and TUAW. Just fill out the contest entry form completely and tap or click that Submit button, and you'll be entered into the giveaway. One person will win the Lexington, the other the Slim Kickstand, and both will also get a Plex Clear iPad screen protector ($19.99) with a microfiber cleaning cloth for complete protection. Finally, we're also giving away a personalized Inscribe Pro Stylus and Pen ($19.99). Here are the rules: 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. You must enter before April 5, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected. One will receive a Lexington case and Plex Clear iPad screen protector (value US$59.98), one will receive a Slim Kickstand case and Plex Clear iPad screen protector (Value US$59.98), and one will receive a personalized Inscribe Pro Stylus and Pen ($19.99). Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Call of Duty case mod has spinning gatling gun, energy drink fridge (hands-on)
We've had our fill of Ultrabooks and tablets at CeBIT, so now it's finally time to move on to the crazy stuff. This over-the-top case mod was awaiting unsuspecting attendees at the far back end of the China pavilion, of all places, and only caught our eye (or ear, rather) thanks to its squeaky gatling gun. It seems that this case first made an appearance at the Taipei Game Show last month, and has now landed on German shores, making a miraculous pass through EU customs to settle here, hidden amongst a hodgepodge of accessories on the outskirts of Hannover. This Thermaltake Level 10 GT chassis was modded by Brian Carter, and is highlighted by a six-barrel rotating gatling gun. There's a bazooka up top where the handle would be, a .50 caliber cartridge on the side and a combination energy drink / hand sanitizer compartment just below. Yes, hand sanitizer. The rotating (and rather noisy) gatling gun makes our hands-on video a must-watch if you're looking to get the full mod experience, so jump past the break and check it out.
Targus welcomes the next-generation iPad with seven new cases
Accessory manufacturer Targus wasted no time in announcing a line of seven new cases specifically for the new iPad. The cases appear in two separate lines -- the "Slim and Elegant Cases" and the "Higher Utility Cases." Slim and Elegant Cases Three of the new Targus cases fall under the Slim and Elegant line. The Simply Basic Cover (US$29.99, at right) encases the iPad in a very slim design, features a magnetic on/off feature and a soft cover lining to protect the screen. The Simply Basic Cover is available in graphite black, charcoal gray, orange peel, and indigo blue. If you plan on using an Apple Smart Cover with your new iPad, the Vucomplete ($39.99, below) might be the perfect way to protect the back of your device. It snaps on the back of your iPad, and comes in basic graphite black. The last case in this line is the Slim Case ($49.99, below), which works as a stand and case. Equipped with the magnetic on/off feature, the Slim Case is available in calypso pink, indigo blue, bittersweet red, bone white, charcoal gray and graphite black. Higher Utility Cases While the Slim and Elegant Cases are designed to provide the maximum amount of protection with a minimum of bulk and weight, the Higher Utility Cases are perfect for iPad owners who want more than just protection. The Vuscape ($44.99, below) case provides a number of different viewing conditions, magnetic on/off, a water-resistant outside cover and soft lining, and storage for a stylus. It's available in graphite black, bone white, charcoal gray, and calypso pink. Perhaps one of the classiest of the designs introduced today is the Business Folio and Stand ($49.99). Available in black and charcoal gray, this folio-style case provides storage for a stylus or pen, business cards, and ID as well as the iPad. There's also space for a notepad if you decide writing on your iPad isn't fun enough, and Targus throws in a CleanVu cleaning pad to get those finger smears off of your screen. The Versavu Case ($59.99) has been around for a while, but has been updated for the newest member of the iPad line. The Versavu comes with a 360-degree rotating mechanism for viewing the iPad in four different viewing angles. There's storage for a stylus, and it comes in graphite black and charcoal gray. If those two colors don't rock your boat, Targus also makes the case in two color combos: bone white and charcoal gray, and calypso pink and charcoal gray. This case also comes in a Bluetooth keyboard version, unsurprisingly called the Versavu Keyboard Case ($99.99). All of these Targus cases are available immediately at Targus.com and a number of online and traditional retailers.
Nokia keeps it 'amazing everyday' in the US, gives Lumia 710 owners free colorful covers
If you've snagged one of those Mango-packing Lumia 710s but were quietly wishing to add some colorful spice to it, Nokia's got something in the works for you. That's if, you live in the States, and can bust out a mighty proof of purchase. Once those credentials are in order, you'll need to head over to the promo site and pop in a bit of personal info along with the must-have IMEI digits. The Finnish freebies will let you grab a single Xpress-on cover that comes in a variety of colors, including cyan, fuchsia, yellow and white. There's no word as to when, or if, the nice gesture will hit folks from other countries. That said, those of you meeting the requirements can take advantage by giving the source link below a quick click. And, be sure to let us know how it all worked out.
TUAW discount on Pad & Quill cases this weekend
Pad & Quill, the Minneapolis-based manufacturer of outstanding handmade cases for a variety of Apple and Amazon devices, is offering TUAW readers a 15 percent discount on all orders this weekend. The cases are colorful, nicely designed, and lovingly constructed with top-notch materials. I reviewed the entire Pad & Quill line in January, and was particularly in love with the Cartella case for MacBook Air (11" and 13") and the beautiful Little Black Book for iPhone 4/4S. To take advantage of the discount, just use the code PQTW12 to receive 15 percent off your entire order. The icing on the proverbial cake? Those Cartella cases are already US$10 off their normal price, so you can buy protection for your lovely MacBook Air and save big bucks. Like any other Apple-oriented announcement, I'm going to end this post with "one more thing": a photo from Pad & Quill of an up and coming leather case that looks positively yummy.
IRL: Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones, Speck SeeThru Satin and the Nokia N800
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Of this week's IRL contributors, two have already tried out that replacement for iChat. For the purposes of this column, though, all three are waxing on about something very old, at least by early adopter standards. For starters, James still get the warm-and-fuzzies holding his Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, despite its crawling page load times. Joe, our resident audio guru, explains why he tosses a reference to Bowers & Wilkins' P5 into almost every one of his headphone reviews. And the object of Mat's affection -- a laptop skin -- slipped under our radar when it came out over a year ago. So is James actually still using that N800? What's Joe's obsession with B&W? And why would anyone spend $50 on a notebook prophylactic? Read on to find out.
