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Griffin outs Binder Insert case for the iPad, brings Trapper Keepers to the 21st century for $25
Just in case you're not quite ready to rid your studies of tree pulp, Griffin has announced the Binder Insert case for your Five Star zipper notebook. The enclosure secures the iPad 2 or third-generation model in a 3-ring binder for easy camouflage of those in-class Angry Birds habits -- or for switching back and forth between a slate and the blue-lined white stuff. A stylus loop and access to the dock connector, volume controls, headphone jack and camera are also taken into consideration around the case's edge. In order to get your learning setup just so, be ready to part with $24.99 in order to grab one.
Griffin's MIDIConnect now available at $80 to make beautiful music with your iDevice (video)
Inspiration can strike from anywhere, and now you can use a proper musical instrument to channel it with MIDIConnect, available from Griffin Technology for $80. The unit allows you to twang, pluck or tickle a MIDI instrument on the go directly into GarageBand and other iOS music apps, and also reverses the flow -- allowing your Cupertino device to send a MIDI signal and become keys, drums or a guitar itself. For hygiene's sake, however, we probably wouldn't take our portable composing quite as far as the video below the break shows.
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.
Griffin outs SmartTalk Solar helps you drive off that moon tan
Griffin is launching the SmartTalk Solar, a hands-free speakerphone for the car that draws its energy from that orange glowing thing in the sky. A transparent sled with suction cups sticks it to your windshield, connecting to any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone you have on your person. Calls are answered at the push of a button and it'll also act as a microphone for your voice dialing or Siri-based shenanigans. If you're planning a intra-state road-trip, you'll be able to access the company's DriveSafe app, which offers up information about local distracted driving laws to ensure you don't get pulled over by a state trooper. It's available for $70 from today and we've got a beauty shot of the device out of its natural environment after the break.
Griffin's Helo TC Assault helicopter now on sale, gives you yet another way to annoy co-workers
It was way back at CES when Griffin's Helo TC Assault chopper first landed on our radar, and now it's set for retail takeoff. Remember the original TC we played with last summer? This Apache-inspired RC helicopter comes with the same IR flight deck, allowing for motion or touchscreen controls with Android and iOS devices. Aside from its aggressive design, the Assault lives up to its moniker thanks to six plastic missiles which you can "live-fire" toward unsuspecting co-workers. If you're ready to wage war against the likes of desk-mounted USB Missile Launchers, the TC Assault is on sale now for $60 -- though, you'll need to add-in a quartet of AAs on your own. Jump past the break to see how Griffin envisions the chopper serving during deployment, along with a detail-packing press release.
CES 2012: headphone and speaker roundup
Audio-wares may not be on the forefront of many geek's minds during CES, but that doesn't mean you won't find a bevy of sound-pumping gizmos while traversing across the crowded show floor. From giant AirPlay and iPod dock systems to premium audiophile headphones (and a bevy of dinky iDevice-compatible buds), we've picked out a few of our favorites. Whether you're focused on getting great sound or something packed with technology, jump past the break to visualize it all for yourself.
Griffin's Helo TC Assault chopper lets you act out your Airwolf fantasies on the cat
It's not just a big stetson that Griffin's rocking up with at CES, it's also packing some brand new gear for the warm climes of Nevada. First up is the wonderfully childish update to last summer's Helo TC Assault RC Helicopter that'll provide you hours of fun (misery for your children / co-workers) thanks to its ability to fire missiles. An infra-red flight deck plugs into your iDevice's headphone jack and will let you control it using its touch interface or using your internal gyroscope. We know it'll cost $60, just ten dollars more for the ability to conduct bombing runs on any animals who stray past your path and there's more information in the press release we've got for you after the break.
Griffin's Twenty audio amp gives AirPlay 20 watts per channel
Griffin has announced an accessory called Twenty, a small audio amplifier that will accept audio from an AirPort Express to drive unpowered speakers. The Twenty includes a TOSLINK cable to deliver pure digital audio from the AirPort Express to the unit, and additional connectors in the back allow you to plug speakers right in. As the name implies, Twenty delivers 20 watts per channel of 2.1 audio. The unit's top includes a nifty and well-thought-out adapter that allows you to plug your AirPort Express's power plug directly into it, which means you'll only need one outlet to power both the AirPort Express and the Twenty. Audio can stream from your Mac or iOS device to the AirPort Express via AirPlay, and from there audio passes from the AirPort Express directly into the Twenty. As helpfully noted on Griffin's website, you'll have to purchase your own AirPort Express and speakers. Griffin's Twenty looks like a nice, miniaturized replacement for a full-fledged audio amplifier. I've already got one AirPort Express in my living room tied directly into my 7.2 surround sound system, but Griffin's Twenty would be ideal for the secondary AirPort Express in my office. Griffin hasn't released pricing or availability info yet, but if you're interested you can sign up for e-mail alerts on Griffin's site.
Griffin PowerBlock Reserve hands-on (video)
Griffin's PowerBlock reserve is a 2000mA battery that's packing a power plug on one end and a USB port on the other, designed for weary travelers who need to get some more juice from their smartphone. If we're honest, it looks like an enormous chocolate bar, but the sort of not-delicious sort that'll push your iPhone's battery back to 80 percent from cold on a full charge. It'll cost you $59.99 for a version that comes with an USB to Apple connector cable or $49.99 if you'd rather supply your own. Dana Murph contributed to this report.
Griffin AirCurve Window Mount hands-on (video)
Remember Griffin's AirCurve dock? Well, if you didn't, it was a big plastic funnel that you dropped your iPhone into to acoustically amplify the sound. Griffin's now mashing the same technology into its Window Mount to produce the AirCurve Window Mount: designed to enhance your iPhone's sound without power. You can check out our hands-on video after the break where we try it live: it made everything noticeably louder, but might not be the most beautiful sound you'll ever hear. It's available for $30 from this week and we've got pictures, so many beautiful pictures.Dana Murph contributed to this report.
Griffin Twenty hands-on (video)
Griffin's rounded off its hat-trick of new devices for CES with the Twenty: a digital audio amplifier that'll turn any pair of speakers into a wireless HiFi by docking your Airport Express. Once you've hooked up a pair of noisyboxes you've got lying around, you can mosh to 2.1 sound with a maximum of 20 watts coming out of each driver -- it'll even accommodate a powered subwoofer that has an active crossover at 80Hz. Check out the sneak peak of the device after the break. Update: Griffin has confirmed that the Twenty will cost under $200 (without the Airport Express) Dana Murph contributed to this report.
Griffin and Third Man Records team up to add vinyl to your iPhone case
In the market for a new case for that iPhone 4S? A fan of all things Jack White? If so, Griffin and Third Man records have teamed up to put a vinyl spin on your next Apple-friendly smartphone case. The pair has introduced a set of accessories that make use of a legit 7-inch record die-cut to protect the back of your mobile device, blending analog and digital without making a sound. Each case is comprised of a two-part frame that wraps those precious edges -- with openings for controls and jacks, of course -- and a piece of genuine vinyl, pressed right in Nashville. You'll have your choice of three color variants that come with a Third Man-branded vinyl. If that's not enough, you can spring for a set of three inserts, one from each of Mr. White's musical projects. Protip: If you happen to opt for the extras and snag The Racounteur's insert, this collaboration marks the first pressing of "Steady, As She Goes." Each case is $30 and the set of extra inserts will set you back another Jackson. If you want a closer look before parting with fifty bucks, hit the gallery below. %Gallery-141740%
Holiday Gift Guide: Choosing an iPad stand
My friend Maya wrote to ask: "Which iPad stand should I buy? I can't seem to find any really positive reviews. I want it mostly for cooking, but it would also be nice to have something to stick my iPad on while it's charging so it's not just laying there for the cat to knock it off the counter." As we approach the gift-giving season, iPad accessories are probably on many people's wish list, so how do you know what's good and what's bad? As Maya mentioned, it can be difficult to tell from reviews, especially random reviews left on websites. Although Maya specifically asked about stands I will also mention cases because many of them also serve as stands too. Options Let's look at your general options. (Note: prices listed are all in US dollars, and have been rounded off to the nearest dollar because we all know that $X.99 is a marketing trick, right?) 1) Apple's iPad Dock [$30] is a weighed base with a dock connector on the back so you can easily charge your iPad, and then pick it up. I bought one of these for my iPad 1 and almost never used it. The dock is a great idea for iPhones and iPods, but the iPad is just too big for it. If you tap on the screen, it is very easy to feel like you're going to knock it over. Plus (and this will be a recurring theme as we look at iPad stands/cases), the iPad dock only holds the iPad in one orientation. Not to mention that it seems drastically overpriced to me. TJ's Recommendation: Strong Avoid. 2) Apple's iPad case [$40] is only compatible with the original iPad. That's not a bad thing, because Apple's iPad case was pretty much a complete dud. Despite being innovative for the ability to set the iPad up so that you could easily watch video on it or type at a slight incline (two designs that countless other cases would copy), it was expensive, not particularly well made, and extremely prone to collecting dust and other miscellaneous crud. TJ's Recommendation: Strong Avoid. 3) Apple's iPad 2 Smart Cover are likewise ridiculously overpriced at $70 for the "leather" versions and $40 for the "Polyurethane" (read: plastic) versions. And yes, I bought one. If you decide that you want one of these, at least check Amazon for less-awful prices. The Smart Cover is an extremely clever bit of engineering, and I'm always impressed by it, as long as I don't have to think about the cost. It will work as a stand ("landscape" mode only), and quite well, but I simply can't recommend it due to the price. TJ's Recommendation: Avoid, unless someone else is paying. 4) I reviewed the Griffin Loop last year and talked about how much I liked it. It's a (relatively) heavy, weighted base with a notch to hold the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, and even had room for it to be plugged in if it was in portrait mode. The notch was big enough so that it would even work with some iPad cases without having to be removed. Its main drawback was that it was bulky and not really designed for travel, but if you just wanted to leave it somewhere like on a desk, it was great. Unfortunately, it was designed for the iPad 1, and when the iPad 2 came out with its thinner, more curved body, the "notch" designed for the more "square" edges of the iPad 1 now feels a little too big for the iPad 2. It just doesn't hold the iPad 2 as securely as I'd like. I still use it, but I'm a little more worried about it getting bumped. TJ's Recommendation: Avoid for iPad 2 Aside: Griffin does not appear to have updated the loop for the iPad, but they now make something called the Griffin A-Frame. I have not used one so I might be wrong, but it certainly doesn't look great. The iPad appears to rest on top of it, which looks precarious. That said, it has excellent reviews on Amazon.com where you can also find it for about $30 instead of the $50 list price. I can't make a specific recommendation for or against it, but it's another option. 5) I finally found a stand that I liked in the elago P2 Stand for iPad (pictured above). It is a piece of metal cut specifically to hold the iPad. It has a small "footprint" so it doesn't take up a lot of space when not in use. It seems stable without being too heavy (although with a cat around, you'd always have to be careful!). The metal color is almost exactly the same as what Apple uses for its computers (if such a thing matters to you, I only noticed it after I bought it). The other nice thing about this stand is that it can hold the iPad in either portrait or landscape. There is a hole in the back of the stand for a charging cable to fit through. It is solid enough that I can tap on the iPad screen without feeling like it is going to tip over. It holds the iPad at a good angle for reading or watching a video/movie. The only drawback is the price ($30 at Amazon) which is definitely enough to elicit a "But it's just a piece of cut metal!" response from Normal People such as your humble writer's wife. Still, this receives the only TJ's Recommendation: Strong Buy on the list. Here's another thought... All of the cases/stands I mentioned above are $30-$70, which is a bit absurd. But there's another option too, one that I "discovered" by accident one day in my office, which has several distinct benefits: It is compatible with the iPad 1 or 2 (and almost certainly with the iPad 3, whenever that comes out) it will hold the iPad in either portrait or landscape it will allow for a dock connector to be attached in either orientation. Perhaps best of all, when not in use, it can fold flat for storage or put it in your laptop bag to bring with you. Oh, and did I mention that it costs around $5? What is this magical device? It's not an iPad holder at all, it's a wire-frame book holder. You can find one on Amazon.com for $5.12. Or you might find one in the supply closet at work that no one has used in ages. When folded, it's smaller than the iPad, so you can probably slip it into your bag next to the iPad (obviously you'll want to make sure that the metal doesn't scratch up the iPad glass). There isn't much weight to it, so you probably won't even notice it. And if you do find yourself with a recipe that's in a dead-tree cookbook instead of your iPad, you even use it to hold that cookbook open for you. Did you say "cooking"? Whichever stand you decide to use when using your iPad while cooking, remember that your iPad will fit inside a gallon-size Ziplock bag (or similar) which will not prevent you from using the touchscreen, but will protect it from spills, etc. Splatter happens. What to look for, and what to look out for Now you have several options for stands/cases, as well as some things to think about when evaluating them: Can it hold the iPad in either orientation? Can you plug it in while in the stand/case? Can you tap on the iPad without feeling like it is going to fall over? Be careful about when looking for iPad stands/cases as there are some which will only fit the iPad 1, and not all sellers are very forthcoming about that detail. Take a close look at the pictures they show (if any) and if you aren't sure that it works with the iPad 2, be sure to ask before you buy, especially if the price seems really low. They might just be trying to clear out old stock by calling it an "iPad Case" instead of an "iPad 1 case"! Oh, and always shop around for prices. The best price is almost never to be found on the official website. Amazon and Monoprice are your friend. Want more ? TUAW has reviewed a lot of iPad stands and iPad cases, so if you want a second opinion or more options than I covered here, feel free to take a look at those. Also check out our Holiday Gift Guide page for more seasonal suggestions.
Hands-on with Dijit's universal remote app for iPad
By now, you should all be familiar with Griffin's Beacon universal remote system, as we've gotten our hands on the iPhone version and let you know about the one for Android, too. Well Dijit, who creates the apps that work with the Beacon hardware, wasn't done, and so has released an iPad-specific app to take advantage of the extra screen real estate it affords. Dijit calls it a "reimagined" version of the iPhone app and it provides both a new look and some new functionality to the Dijit experience. We got to spend some time with the app at gdgt Live in San Francisco, and found it to be quite similar to the recently released Android version. Head on past the break for a video breakdown of Dijit for iPad and our impressions of the app in action.
Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70
It's been quite a while since we got our hands on Griffin's Beacon universal remote control, way back at CES. The IR converter has since hit the market for iOS users, but the Android community, until recently, had been left in the dark. That changed yesterday, however, when Griffin announced that its wire-free system is now available for Google-powered handsets and tablets. The transmitter, fueled by a quartet of AA batteries, converts an Android device's Bluetooth signal into infrared and sends out commands to your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, effectively allowing users to place it anywhere around their home entertainment system. The remote control functions are handled by Dijit's customized app, where you'll be able to browse, search and call up TV shows, using the integrated guide. The app, like its iOS counterpart, is available for free, but the system itself will set you back about $70. If you're even remotely interested, check out the source links below, or the full PR after the break.
Griffin MultiDock will charge and sync 30 iPads at once
Pop quiz! You've got thirty iPads. You need to sync all of them up to one Mac and charge them all at the same time. What do you do? Well, it's simple. Buy 3 Griffin MultiDocks at US$1,799.99 (or $699.99 each for one which handles 10) and daisy chain them together. As Griffin says, "[It's] the compact, flexible way to charge and store multiple iPads." Clearly, this one's geared at schools, businesses and IT professionals, and it's a wonder there aren't more of these on the market. Monitoring, syncing and charging 10 iPads (or more) is a time-consuming hassle. The MultiDock comes with some nifty features, including LEDs to indicate the charging status of each iPad and auto-off charging, which automatically stops sending power to a device once it's charged. You'll find details on the Griffin MultiDock at Griffin's website. For all the details check out Griffin's MultiDock page here. [Via Engadget, Gizmag]
Griffin's Multidock system charges and syncs up to 30 iPads at once
Don't you hate it when all of your iPads collectively run out of juice? Well, praise Griffin for announcing its first business centric iOS "accessory" in the shape of the Multidock. It has its own power connection for simultaneous charging of ten iPads, but it can be chain-linked to two other docks for syncing of up to 30 tablets with a single Mac. With each server-esque tower measuring up at 18.6 inches (47.2 cm) tall and priced even higher at $700, this one's for IT pros and Scrabble aficionados only. %Gallery-135272%
Griffin Elan Passport folio for iPad 2: Classy and practical protection
It's no secret that I have a thing for leather ... leather iPad cases, that is. I like the feel, the aroma, and the warmth that seems to come with natural leather. Griffin Technology has added a new folio case for the iPad 2 to its lineup of protection products. The Elan Passport (US$49.95) is a nice looking, slim, and practical leather folio for iPad 2 users. Design All folio cases are somewhat similar -- they feature a book-like design that opens up to reveal the device. Some folios also act as iPad stands, propping the device up in a variety of positions. With the Elan Passport, that's not the situation -- it is simply a protective case. It does have a feature that can be handy for the businessperson on the run. On the left side of the case (when opened) is a pocket for things like boarding passes, photos, or basically anything that is printed and smaller than a U.S. standard 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. I don't believe that a European A4 sheet will fit into the pocket either, unless it is folded. %Gallery-134778% The left side of the case also has four slots for holding credit cards, business cards, ID or the like. Each of the slots is lined and separated from the others, and the lining is smooth to allow for easy retrieval of your cards. Your iPad 2 fits in the right side of the Elan Passport. Holding it in are two fixed leather pieces and a pair of elastic straps with leather highlights. The design makes installing and removing the iPad 2 a cinch, yet the device is held in the folio securely. The inside of the Elan Passport has a smooth microsuede interior to keep your iPad 2 from getting scratches. The stitching on the case is a bit uneven compared to some other cases I've reviewed, but that doesn't detract from the overall appearance of the Elan Passport. Griffin provides a choice of four colors -- black, brown, camel, and red. Like most iPad 2 cases, Griffin added the requisite front cover magnet to turn on the device when the cover is lifted and shut it off when the cover is down. There's also a strap that acts like a "belt" to keep the cover closed; nothing special here, it's not magnetic, just held in place by friction. One last feature: if you use a stylus with your iPad 2, there's an elastic loop that's normally hidden by the iPad that can be flopped outside to hold your stylus in place. Functionality There's really not much to say about the functionality of the Passport Elan -- it works as advertised, it holds business cards and such as it should, and it does a bang-up job of protecting the iPad 2. It's not flashy, so it wouldn't be out of place in the office of a CEO or in the backpack of a student. Price-wise, the Elan Passport is a bit more expensive than it should be. As an example, the much more capable (but less classy) ZooGue Case Genius can act as a folio case, a stand, and a car mount, and it's the same price. On the other hand, there are more expensive cases than the Elan Passport that don't do much more -- take a look at any of the Vaja leather cases, for example. Conclusion Griffin Technology makes quality products for Apple devices, and the Elan Passport folio for iPad 2 is no exception. It's a good-looking and practical leather folio with all of the features you'll need, without adding unneeded fluff.
Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names
Multitasking business executives are going to love this. Whether you're taking notes on your tablet, pointing out graphs in a presentation or just signing reports, Griffin's new "Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer'' should have you covered. As the name implies, it's a three-in-one input device containing a red laser pointer, an "omni-directional" capacitive stylus and a refillable ball point pen. It certainly seems convenient, but with a $50 price tag you may want to think twice before ditching your Bic. Full PR past the break.
Griffin's Helo TC cleared for takeoff, we attempt to get airborne in a hands-on (video)
We got to the choppa! It's been nearly a month's time since Griffin introduced its AppPowered Helo TC, a mini RC helicopter for iDevices, and we've been lucky enough to play test pilot for a bit. Fifty bucks gets you the TC itself, an infared Flight Deck for your device, 4 extra rotor blades, a USB charging cable and a paper landing pad for when you're done wreaking havoc in your home or office. Of course, there are similar OEM models that use a standard remote available for nearly half the price, but we were curious to see how Griffin's free iPhone app could mix things up -- plus, it's alot easier on the wallet than an AR.Drone. So, was it clear skies and smooth sailing or something more like Blackhawk Down? Breeze on past the break to find out. %Gallery-131152%
