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Movie Mount turns your iPad 2 into a serious video-making machine
We're sure there's at least one person out there who has been itching to shoot boat-loads of video with their iPad 2. Perhaps even a short film or two. After we pointed out how crazy you are, we might suggest looking into a tripod-mountable case like Makayama's Movie Mount. This simple plastic frame adds a number of things that a budding iPad videographer might appreciate, including a pair of hot shoes for hooking up lights and mics, and a mount for lenses, just in case you prefer wide-angle or telephoto shots. You can even switch between the conversion lenses and the built-in one on the fly thanks to the sliding adapter. The Movie Mount is available to pre-order now for $69.95, with the first deliveries expected to ship in October. Before you go, check out the gallery below, as well as the video and PR after the break. %Gallery-132218%
Engadget's back to school guide 2011: accessories
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we've got a slew of accessories -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Fall's slowly, but surely creeping back in, and we bet you've already started to gather up the necessary gear for your return to the residence hall. Sure, you've got the basics covered, with a computer, smartphone, MP3 player and even a tablet at the ready. But wouldn't it be nice to start the school year off in style with some handy accoutrements to trick out those digital crutches? Let's face it, you're going to need a lapdesk buffer zone between you and your laptop's scorching heat for those countless hours spent churning out term papers. Or, an external hard drive, so you can store those full seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and bring the late night funny to your stressed-out friends. However you manage to make it through the year and snag that 4.0 GPA, we've got a selection of accessorized aids to match your collegiate budget. Oh, and don't forget, we're giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 readers, and you can be among the chosen few simply by dropping a comment below! Click on past the break to start browsing.
iPad case helps you get into Bernie Madoff's pants
You know the old saying about not judging a man until you walk a mile in his shoes? Well, those who were quick to pass judgement on Bernie Madoff might want to try John Vaccaro's new iPad cases on for size. The pockets are made from the Ponzi scheme mastermind's pants, which were seized after his arrest. Vaccaro bought them up at auction and has begun making custom cases for the Apple tablet. At $350 each, they don't come cheap, but you do get a certificate of authenticity -- but with Madoff's name attached, how could you possibly go wrong?
Sleeve360 and HandStand for iPad 2: Smackdown of the rotating iPad cases
In January, I wrote a review of the Sleeve360 "wearable" iPad case that had just hit the market at that time. I saw the Sleeve360 team at Macworld Expo a few weeks later, and was happy to see that they were selling a pile of the cases. In April, I gave away a HandStand iPad case that was similarly endowed with a hand-gripping, rotating mount on the back. Now that the two cases have been brought up to date in the iPad 2 era, join me in a smackdown of the two cases and see which reigns supreme. Sleeve360 for iPad 2 The US$59.99 Sleeve360 for iPad 2 is similar in design to the original model, which is also available at $39.99 from the Sleeve360 website. As with the previous version, the iPad 2 edition features a locking "door" that snaps shut in three locations around the frame of the case. I felt that the locking mechanism on the newer case has a more solid feel and gives audible feedback -- a healthy click -- when the primary locking tab is closed. The case is an attractive black material that mimics the black bezel of some iPad 2s. If you own a white iPad 2, you may be sad to find that your cherished device suddenly looks like the black version -- there is no white version available. There are cutouts in the Sleeve360 for the dock connector, the speaker, the two cameras, and all of the other iPad controls. I was glad to see that the Sleeve360 folks made changes based on some input I provided in my original review -- the old case used to partially cover the screen of the iPad, while the new one is almost a perfect fit in terms of just covering the bezel. %Gallery-128672% Another solid change is the thickness of the case. The original was too thick in some places, which made it difficult to handle the iPad controls. Not so anymore -- the sleep/on-off button is now easily accessible, as are the other switches on the device. The difference is that the case is not only thinner and a bit more rigid, but the designers have added a beveled channel around each switch or port. Everything about the Sleeve360 seems improved from the original iPad model. The adjustable strap, although identical in appearance to the initial version, seemed more comfortable to my hands. The rotating mechanism was a pain to remove on the earlier version, and it took a look at the instructions to figure it out. On the new model? Just push in two silver tabs and the mechanism pops out. Want to put the mechanism back on? Just align the circular mechanism with the hole on the back of the iPad and push the mechanism in until it clicks. As with the previous version, you can flip out the handle to act as a stand in either landscape or portrait mode. The difference with this version is that even popping the handle out seems to be easier than before. All in all, it's obvious that the Sleeve360 designers listened intently to owner feedback and improved their product. There's even a nice black velour carrying bag to pop your iPad 2 and Sleeve 360 into for more protection. The price is $10 more than the original Sleeve360 was when it came out, but I think even at the higher price it's worth it. HandStand for iPad 2 Now let's take a look at a competing rotating case, the $49.95 HandStand for iPad 2. Unlike the Sleeve360, the HandStand comes in three different colors -- black, white, and pink. All three models are made of 100% recycled and recyclable materials. %Gallery-128673% Putting an iPad 2 into the HandStand takes a bit of work. It's a solid piece of silicone rubber that doesn't really stretch all that much. I found that I needed to grab a plastic spudger to wedge the iPad 2 into the case. This was also the point where I discovered that a plastic spudger, when jammed into your hand with enough force, can cause injury and bleeding. After putting a Band-Aid onto my wound, I gave the HandStand a spin. Like the Sleeve360, the HandStand rotates through a full 360°. There's a small ridge of plastic that your fingers go over when holding the device, which does give you the feeling that you're really connected to the HandStand. Unfortunately, the elastic strap that holds your hand in place is a fixed size and can't be adjusted to comfortably fit a hand. I found this to be the biggest issue with the HandStand. I have fairly small hands for a man, and yet I felt that the strap was too tight. I feel sorry for anyone with large hands who has to try to use this case. Between the tight strap and the plastic ridge for your fingers, it took only about three minutes for the HandStand to become uncomfortable for me to hold. One other issue with the HandStand is that it's not really a "stand." While that ridge does prop up your iPad when it's placed on a table, it only gives it a tiny bit of a bump. If you're looking for something that is going to let you prop the iPad 2 up vertically for watching movies, the HandStand isn't going to do the job for you. The HandStand doesn't cover up your iPad 2 bezel, so if you own a white model, you can still revel in the gleaming beauty of that pristine plastic. Of the two products, the HandStand does look better. And the winner is... The Sleeve360 for iPad 2, hands-down (bad pun intended). This case is much easier to put on and take off, the rotation mechanism can be easily removed, and it the case really does work well as a stand in either portrait or landscape mode. The hand strap adjustability and lack of the "finger ridge" make the Sleeve360 much more comfortable to wear for an extended amount of time. If you need to hand carry an iPad 2 for extended periods of time, what case are you using? Let us know in the comments.
Versetta iPad cases promise form and fashion, deliver something else
When we first got wind of Versetta's line of iPad-toting totes, we were immediately intrigued. Handbags and cases that deliver form and fashion you say? Well, we took the extra two seconds to scroll on past the press release and found -- to our surprise -- the peak-a-boo bag featured above. Now, Versetta's clearly taken some liberties with the English language here -- its bags are more Paris, Texas than Paris, France -- but we're nonetheless impressed with the novel approach to stowing your iOS slab. The company's pushing two separate lines for its pouches -- one for professionals and one for ladies who lunch -- both of which allow you to access your iPad, ports and all, without taking it out of its case. Sure they're more QVC than LV, but if you're into trap doors, you can grab a bag at the source link below. Full PR after the break.
Element5's Mini L Solarbag brings eco-friendly energy, protection to your iPad
Modern day solar bags are more about looks than utility -- the energy conversion rates on those things aren't exactly jaw-dropping -- but if it comes between a generic satchel and one that's Ma Earth-approved, well... you know what to do. Element5's Swiss Made Mini L Solarbag is tailored to fit your iDevice of choice, but it's fairly obvious that the iPad line will be most at home here. We're guessing that the company's taking a few liberties with that "mini miracle" tagline, and we aren't exactly thrilled with the lack of information surrounding charging time, but those who value form over function can get their order in now for 348 Swiss Franc (or $412 in actual money).
Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case cloaks your iPad 2 in a MacBook Air duvet
Your friends may think that's a MacBook Air sitting on your coffee table -- but they'd be wrong and would deserve to be ridiculed. Taking its aesthetic cue from the Zaggmate, MIC's new Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case brings both a protective shell and a (nearly) full QWERTY set to your iPad 2. When pressed against the tablet face-to-face, the Buddy Case's magnets will automatically put your iPad to sleep, with its curved back guarding your precious slate from dirt, scratches and Hun invasions. To transition into keyboard mode, all you have to do is slide your 'Pad into a slot and let your fingers roam free. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, this $50 peripheral also allows users to control their iPad's brightness and media playback. Unfortunately, though, it'll only hold your slate at one, fixed angle, so make sure you have a neck before buying one.
ClamCase for iPad 2 is a little lighter, suited for picture taking and $149
Just in case you bought an iPad 2 but really needed a netbook, ClamCase is back with a redesigned version of its case / battery powered Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard combo. This one is a hair thinner and a little lighter than the previous version (reviewed here), with cutouts for the back camera and speaker grille plus integrated magnets to awaken and sleep your tablet when the case is opened or closed. The keyboard has also reportedly been refreshed for an improved feel, but even though the black version is on sale now for $149 (white ships next month) there's still a 4-5 week wait for shipping to get a hands-on and find out for yourself. Logitech's Keyboard Case for iPad 2 is another option for $100, but it will only protect your precious slab on one side -- something to consider while you're checking out specs.
Crux Loaded case almost turns your iPad into a laptop for $250
Plenty of people are happy using the iPad as Apple intended -- as a tablet -- but some of you have been searching for a way to add a sleek keyboard and trackpad to the device since day one. The Crux Loaded clamshell case brings both input devices to the mix, and even packs an external battery within its base, adding 7.5 hours of juice. Sound good? Unfortunately, you'll need to wait until fall to shell out a whopping $249 for the case, assuming Apple opens the Bluetooth iGate to the Loaded's trackpad. You'll also need to hand over $30 for a remote desktop app if you plan to use the combo to control your computer (no, Crux hasn't found a way to run OS X natively on the iPad, as the image above might imply). With its netbook-like price, however, we'd rather keep our wallets Loaded than pay $249 for a case -- but if you've been dying for a way to make your tablet slightly more functional, you may be in luck later this year.
A unique iPad stand for around the house and travel
I've been pretty frustrated with the iPad stands I've seen. The Apple Smart Cover is clever but leaves the back of the iPad unprotected. Some of the cases that double as stands tend to be a bit tippy, and if you try to type or actively use the screen, they just fall over. I like lots of options for the angle of the screen depending on where I am, but many of the cases don't give you all that many choices. Enter the Prop 'n Go from Padded Spaces in Seattle. It's a thickly padded case with 14 different screen angles. It's available in Microsuede or what's called Air Mesh. The case is designed to provide excellent airflow, and no matter how you push on the case, it's simply not going to slide around or collapse. The model I tested, the US$49.95 standard setup, contains a pocket you can slip your iPad into or use to store accessories. The accessory pocket is cleverly designed so your power cords, headphones and so on don't come in contact with your iPad. An upgraded case called the All-in-One ($59.95) includes a strap that turns the case into a backpack. A lite version of Prop 'n Go eliminates the internal storage and drops the cost to $39.95. The cases work with either model of the iPad and would store an e-reader, like a Kindle, if you don't use an iPad. I reviewed the original iPad stand from Padded Spaces (called the Prop it Up) last year. I liked it a lot, but I thought it was too big. The current model is much smaller in width and designed to fit the iPad dimensions. I think this newer model is a decided improvement over an already good product. %Gallery-125028%
Have an old iBook? Turn it into an iPad case
Gary Katz is at it again, this time gutting an old iBook and turning it into an iPad case. To create this one-of-a-kind case, Katz gutted the body of the iBook, then used a Dremel to remove anything left inside that was sharp or could put pressure on the iPad's glass screen. Next he fastened some "soft fuzzy material" inside to line the case and removed the opaque Apple logo so that you could see the iPad's screen through it. As you can see from the video below, the Apple logo's space can be quite a head trip in this case if you leave something running on the iPad's screen. Sure, it might be a lot of work for an iPad case, but you can bet this has to be one of the stronger cases out there. Those old iBooks were built like bomb shelters. I literally dropped a 5-pound weight on mine one time, and there was hardly any damage to it, just a black smudge from the weight. Katz has made some other pretty cool Mac-related mods in the past, including this "antique" iPad case and this iPhone shoe box theater.
iPad 2 launch day: everything you need to know
You know what tomorrow is right? Yep, Friday, but it's also iPad 2 launch day! After months of rumors and a pretty impressive launch event, Apple's releasing the second iteration of its popular tablet. Yes, it's true, in a lot of ways the iPad 2 is a lot like the first iPad, so many of you should be old pros at this, but if you happen to be a first timer or you simply just need a refresher, we've broken down everything you need to know about getting your own "magical" tablet. We've also put together a short list of things to do with it as soon as you've gotten it out of the box. Hit the break for a full breakdown of everything you need to know and don't forget to read our full review.
iPro Aviator pilot's kneeboard: Great in cockpit, car or classroom
The big iPad and flight tech story this weekend involved chart vendor Jeppesen and charter operator Executive Jet Management. The companies received authorization from the FAA to use iPads running the Jeppesen Mobile TC App for iPad as an electronic flight bag, replacing the traditional leather pilot's bag full of paper charts. One of the caveats of using the iPad is that it must be secured and visible during all phases of flight. The usual way for pilots to keep charts and notes at hand is to use a kneeboard, which is essentially a clipboard strapped to the pilot's leg so that it can stay in place and be easily readable. Last year, shortly after the iPad hit the market, TUAW ran a post about an aluminum iPad kneeboard called the iPro. Now Atlanta Flight, the company that developed the iPro, has come out with a less expensive version called the iPro Aviator. The new model is US$79.95; it's currently available in black, and a navy blue version should be out next month. While this is designed for pilots, I found (while using a review unit) that this is useful for students in classrooms, and for passengers in cars. Read on for a short review of the iPro Aviator Kneeboard. %Gallery-116463%
Debunk: Clamcase now shipping, manufacturing problems remedied
You may remember that we had an oh-so-brief hands-on with the Clamcase back at CES, and at that time we were promised a review unit the following week. Well, here we are a month later and we still don't have our unit, and according to some unhappy tipsters neither do those who preordered all the way back in December. We spoke with a rep to get to the bottom of the matter and got some updates on the situation to share with all you eager pre-orderers. Things got off to a bit of a rough start when the initial January ship date slipped to February, and although an email was sent to preorder customers indicating a few week delay, credit cards were still charged. Apparently, a manufacturing issue early on rendered a small batch of the earliest units un-chargeable, though some of these units made their ways into customers' hands. We're told that these problems have since been solved and that units are rolling off the Texas factory lines daily, but we've also gotten reports of bunk tracking numbers and 'shipments' that never arrive. The last piece of the puzzle is the suspicious disappearance of a discussion thread on the company's official Facebook page, which apparently got so heated that lawsuits were threatened. We're told that it was "accidentally taken down while the page was being reorganized", but we still cannot locate it ourselves. Not all is wrong in the world though, as some Twitter spelunking has revealed that real life people have received real life units in at least some cases, so our best bit of advice would be to either hit the company up for a status report or simply move along to one of the many other iPad keyboard case options available to lighten your wallets. We've been assured that our unit should arrive sometime shortly, so stay tuned for the next installment of the Clamcase Chronicles coming in the near future!
TUAW TV Live: Covering all the iPad bases
Welcome back to another episode of TUAW TV Live, the live streaming video show where I try to make history each week by cramming as many reviews, giveaways (sometimes) and personal comments into one hour as possible. Today's show is going to be a parade of hardware -- mainly iPad cases -- and apps that have arrived at the TUAW TV Live studios since the end of Macworld Expo on Saturday. Trust me, there's been a steady stream of UPS and FedEx trucks here as a few companies that didn't make it to Expo, as well as some who promised me review samples at Expo, are all shipping their goods at once. One that I saw at Expo and thought was oh-so-sexy was the iSkin Aura you see at right. From your Mac or PC, go to the next page by clicking the Read More link at the bottom of this post, and you'll find a livestream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to participate by asking questions or making comments. If you're driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you're stuck in traffic, please don't -- keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone and join the chat by downloading the free Ustream Viewing Application. If you're on an iPad, you should be able to use the Skyfire Browser to watch the stream, although you will not be able to participate in the chat. We'll start at about 5 PM ET, so if you're seeing a prerecorded show, be sure to refresh your browser until you get the live stream.
Alphyn Industry jackets play iPad close to the chest, stick smartphones on your wrist
When startup Alphyn Industries speaks of jacketing an Apple iPad, the company means it in a literal sense -- this PADX-1 Ledge is a form-fitting polyester and silicone pullover with a zippered shelf to both protect your slate and offer easy access. Twin straps hold up the slate in a work-friendly position, connected to load-bearing straps built into the jacket that fully distribute the weight -- a technique founder Ben Raviv learned as a ballistics specialist for defense equipment provider HighCom Security. At $285, it's certainly an investment, but we found the garb both comfortable and quite warm when we donned it today at Macworld 2011, and though the close proximity of the screen to our chest didn't make for easy typing, it's more useful than other products we could name. %Gallery-115259% Alphyn's also got a second $285 jacket, the SOMA-1, which also quite literally sticks an iPhone or iPod touch up your sleeve. We weren't able to wear this one, but we admired the design, with a zippered channel that runs all the way up one arm to connect and store earbuds and a thick transparent film for wrist-mounted use. You'll find the PADX-1 available right now, and the SOMA-1 up for pre-order at Alphyn's website. PR after the break.
Rocketfish iCapsule keyboard case looks ugly but exceedingly useful
So far, iPad keyboard cases seem to follow two schools of thought -- the folio and the mini-clamshell -- and while both have their merits, neither do the job quite as well as the set of chiclets on your standard netbook. Best Buy's in-house Rocketfish label has a different idea: forget about making it svelte, and just hand you a full-size Bluetooth laptop keyboard that holds your iPad as well. It's called the iCapsule, and as you can probably tell it can accommodate your slate in both portrait and landscape modes, and when you're done it folds up into a hardshell case with an integrated carrying handle. The unit takes two AA batteries -- rather than a rechargeable Li-ion cell -- and costs $100 to own, though it's presently both on sale for $80 and unfortunately out of stock. We'll let you know if we get the chance to try it for ourselves. Two more pics at our source link, if it has piqued your curiosity by now. [Thanks, Yeti]
Clamcase iPad keyboard case hands-on
The folks from Clamcase stopped by our trailer this afternoon with some of the first finished products to roll off the assembly lines, and while we didn't get to spend as much time as we would've liked, we got to take a ton of photos of this intriguing accessory that essentially converts your iPad into a netbook. In our few moments actually using the thing, we can say that it's got a sturdy build quality and a decent keyboard; although there's a fair amount of travel, it just feels a bit cheap. It's also a bit cramped, but as the company rep pointed out to us, it's as large as they could've made it without adding to the iPad's already large bezel. We'll update this post when a real review unit lands back on our trailer front door, but for now enjoy our photos below. %Gallery-113355%
Joby Ori and Yogi iPad cases hands-on
Joby is here at CES Unveiled, and this year they're introducing two new interesting cases for a certain tablet you may have heard about. The "Yogi" for iPad draws on Joby's roots, essentially pairing its successful Gorillapod stand tech with a hard plastic iPad case that you can dock in either portrait or landscape. The folks at the booth envision usage scenarios on uneven surfaces, or even for wrapping the gorilla legs around a car headrest for easy on-the-go use. More interesting, however, is the "Ori" case, which puts a new spin on convertible cases for the iPad. Made out of strong, lightweight aluminum, this case has a continuous hinge, folds into multiple positions, and has a swivel so you can tilt your 'pad in nearly any direction you wish. Check out the crazy origami-action in the video after the break, and glamour shots of this beauty in nearly every contortion imaginable in our gallery below. %Gallery-112565%
Clamcase iPad keyboard case / stand now on sale, ships January 2011
Surely you haven't forgotten about Clamcase! Since we first caught wind of this guy, a smattering of iPad keyboard cases have come to light, but quite a few folks have apparently been waiting for the original to materialize. This week, the company opened up the pre-order hotline for the device, hawking it for the not-exactly-bargain-bin price of $119. It's available in any color you want, so long as it's black, and if all goes well it'll hit the shipping docks next month. It's definitely the nicest of the bunch based on pictures alone, and it's not like it'll have to try awfully hard to beat the rivals that have already let us down. So, what's it going to be? You in for one? Update: Thanks to a snazzy gift card, it's just $99 for a limited time. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
