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Waterfield Magnetic Case review: The most lavish way to carry your Switch 2 around
While it's not the most rugged or durable travel companion, Waterfield's Magnetic Case might be the most luxurious way to travel with your Switch 2.
Apple is ditching leather to make its products more sustainable
Apple has spent a significant amount of its keynote today talking about its environmental bonafides, and part of that is the fact that it will no longer sell leather accessories, including things like iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.
‘Devil May Cry 5’ fans in Japan get insane $8,000 bundle
If you plan on dressing up as Dante for Halloween, this is the jacket to get. Capcom has announced a new Devil May Cry 5 "Ultra Limited Edition" bundle via its E-Capcom website. The bundle includes a copy of the game -- either for Xbox One or PS4 -- interchangeable box art, and a life-sized leather replica of Dante's jacket.
Apple invents the leather laptop sleeve
Apple's made iPhone cases and Apple's made accessories to keep iPads cosy, but until today Apple's never made a laptop sleeve. Apple stores IRL and online have ranged third-party products, but when the floodgates to iPhone X pre-orders opened this morning, the new "Leather Sleeve for 12-inch MacBook" also quietly appeared on the company's site. Available in classic "Saddle Brown" or edgy "Midnight Blue," it features an etched Apple logo so everyone knows, yes, that is a MacBook you're carrying under your arm. It's a bit on the pricey side at $149/£149 and it doesn't give your laptop any additional, desperately needed ports. But hey, it's the best MacBook sleeve Apple's ever made.
Master & Dynamic's new headphones take cues from Bamford watches
It's no secret that Master & Dynamic makes some of the best-looking headphones around these days, and the company routinely enlists other like-minded brands to join them. On heels of a Leica collaboration, M&D teamed up with UK-based Bamford Watch Department to re-imagine its wireless MW60 headphones. While Master & Dynamic's signature metal construction is still here with a matte black finish, it's the details from the luxury watchmaker that offer a new spin on the familiar over-ear headphones.
Google's Mode Android Wear bands snap on for easy changes
If you want to change the band on your Android wear device, it takes a few minutes. Thanks to a new line of accessories Google, though, swapping out that wrist strap can be done in a matter of seconds. Google revealed its new Mode "snap-and-swap" bands today in 10 shades of leather and 6 different silicone hues. Each material is available in four widths, with the former starting at $60 while pricing on the latter starts at $50.
Basis' fitness tracker now comes in titanium, talks to other health apps
As useful as the Basis Peak may be for tracking your fitness, your data has largely been trapped so far -- you couldn't see it outside of Basis' own apps. However, you'll be glad to hear that things are loosening up. An app update rolling out to the Peak today will share the wristwear's activity data with either Apple's Health app or Google Fit, so you get a more complete picture of your health. If you only strap on your Peak when you're running, for instance, you can still merge its info with the walking data your phone collects. It'll also open a "Playground" for testing app features (such as an activity map and a Photo Finish selfie recorder) before they're available to everyone elseShould that not be enough, there's a firmware update coming on May 20th that will add a stopwatch and improve heart rate monitoring.
LG's leather-clad G4 flagship goes on sale this week
LG is super-excited about the leather used in making its G4 (judging by the video below), and hopes you are too as it goes on sale this week. We certainly liked the new flagship, especially the screen, f/1.8 camera and battery life, though we found the style on the non-leather model a bit dull. It ticks the spec boxes too, with expandable memory, a 5.5-inch quad HD "quantum" display and a 64-bit Snapdragon 808 six-core CPU. Unfortunately for US denizens, the G4 begins its rollout in Hong Kong, then hits Turkey, Russia and Singapore before arriving stateside. LG still hasn't confirmed the price, but it's rumored to be around $600 -- about the same as Samsung's non-curvy Galaxy S6.
LG inadvertently reveals its leather-clad G4 phone a little early
Oops. LG is supposed to be unveiling its range-topping G4 smartphone on April 28th, but well-known leaker Evan Blass has discovered an unannounced product site that reveals a ton about the new Android flagship a couple of weeks in advance. A lot of the text is clearly placeholder material, but there are a few noteworthy revelations here. The G4's back will have several color options (including multiple shades of real leather), and that super-fast f/1.8 camera is helped out by an infrared color accuracy sensor, second-generation image stabilization and a full manual mode.
BlackBerry's gold-hued Passport is even more audacious than usual
BlackBerry's Passport is already a fairly exclusive device by dint of the company's small market share, but the Canadian smartphone maker just kicked things up a notch. It's now selling a very limited edition (just 50 units) Black & Gold Passport that lets you flout convention with more gusto than usual. The gold-colored trim, while eye-catching, sadly isn't real like we've seen in some third-party mods -- c'mon, BlackBerry! However, you do get both a real soft leather back and an engraving that lets everyone know how rare your phone is. And despite the tiny production run, this is decidedly more affordable than the Porsche Design BlackBerrys aimed at celebrities and oil barons. It'll cost you a (relatively) modest $899 to score the Black & Gold Passport in the US, and $999 in Canada.
Samsung gives its metal-framed Galaxy Alpha a leather backside
Samsung's Galaxy Alpha was already a nice departure form its usual plastic wrapped phones. Now, the metal-framed option has a new material around back: leather. On the company's French site, four new devices surfaced, complete with back panels sporting the aforementioned scaly rawhide. However, the front of the phones keep the silver and gold hues we've seen on the regular models, and these new handsets are only available in limited quantities. In fact, there's only 100 of each. As you might expect, that kind of exclusivity and the addition of premium materials translates to a price tag of €649 ($790) -- €80 ($97) more than the existing options in France.
Bison iPhone 5/5s Wallet: Carry it all without the bulk
The Bison is an amazing animal that evokes the old West. Rugged, independent, and able to withstand weather extremes without blinking, they roam the new West in herds that are growing each year after being hunted almost to extinction in the late 1800s. It's fitting that Bison Made, LLC chose the beast as its namesake, as the company produces unique and ruggedly built leather products. Today we're looking at the company's iPhone 5/5s Wallet (US$75.00), which provides a comfortable home where your iPhone can roam, and you'll also have money to pay (sorry, I can't think about bison without thinking about "Home on the Range"). The design of the Bison iPhone 5 Wallet is extremely simple: take a piece of beautiful, supple leather in natural, whiskey, Malbec, or jet finishes, and roll it into an overlapping cylinder shape. Flatten that out and provide strong stitching in two locations, and you have a case that not only holds and protects an iPhone 5 or 5s, but also features a "wallet" for carrying cash, credit cards, and IDs. I like the looks of the iPhone 5 Wallet. It's streamlined, unlike some other really large leather wallet cases I've tested. However, my idea of a wallet is something that can be securely closed, and this design leaves both ends of the card pouch wide open. Sure, the pouch is snug enough that chances are very good that nothing's going to probably fall out, but I'm paranoid. Now, for a $75 wallet case from a luxury company, I have a few beefs about the Bison. First, the inside is just leather. I'd expect the "backside" of the leather to have been bonded to some soft felt made from yak belly fur, but no, it's just the other side of the leather strip. Second complaint? That price. I mean, come on. Other companies that make luxury iPhone wallets in the same price range, Pad & Quill for example, at least seem to put some work into their products, adding things like elastic bands to keep things closed, actual credit card slots and see-through ID slots. Or how about DODOcase, which makes a similar minimalist case out of leather and waxed canvas but at least lines it with soft cotton and prices it for $25 less? Maybe I just don't get the entire "luxury product" genre. At least the Bison iPhone 5 Wallet is very stylish, very lightweight, protects the iPhone (I found I had to actually "dig" to get mine out, so maybe it's a bit too protective), and should get better-looking with age as it gets that leather patina. Conclusion If you happen to be in one of the luxury good retailers listed on the bottom of the Bison Made web page, need a nice looking iPhone wallet, and a $75 purchase for a beautifully finished piece of leatherwork, go for it. Those who might need more room or organization in an iPhone wallet, or who would like to spend less money might want to look elsewhere. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Have an iPhone 5 or 5s that you'd like to carry in style? We've got one of these Bison iPhone 5/5s wallets in a "whiskey" finish that we're rarin' to give away, and some lucky TUAW bronc-buster is going to ride away into the sunset with it. 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 September 22, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Bison iPhone 5/5s Wallet valued at $75. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Waterfield Designs Cycling Ride Pouch: Take your iPhone along for the ride
Cyclists love to pack minimally, but for even a casual ride it's important to have spare tubes, tire irons, repair kits, a pump, and even your iPhone along. Waterfield Designs teamed up with cycling gear designer Eleven Vélo to produce the perfect pouch for all that equipment, and it fits easily into the back pocket on a cycling jersey. The Cycling Ride Pouch (US$69) features a scratch-free slot for your iPhone (and note that it will fit larger phones in case the next iPhones are bigger...), interior pockets for ID and credit cards, and enough volume to hold everything you'll need to support your ride -- except for water and a SAG wagon. Specifications Dimensions: 6.75 x 4.0 x .75 inches (unloaded -- 171.45 x 101.6 x 19.05 mm) Weight: 3.1 ounces (87.88 grams) Materials: Distressed full-grain leather, Ultrasuede lining Zipper: YKK locking zipper Colors: "Grizzly" brown leather, black leather Design Highlights The Cycling Ride Pouch looks rugged and was obviously designed with love by cyclists. The plastic window makes it easy to see and even use an iPhone -- although Touch ID isn't usable, of course. Placing the iPhone in the phone pocket ensures that it is has adequate protection against rain, dust, and of course, sweat. Being a fan of Waterfield Designs' other products, I love the simple rugged design -- the leather will only get more distressed and classy looking as time goes by, and the quality of the components means that the Cycling Road Pouch will last for many years of long rides. Functionality Highlights While my existing mini air pump was a bit too long to fit inside the Cycling Ride Pouch, I could see where you could pop in something like a CO2 inflation system instead. The card slots are perfectly sized for a driver's license and a credit card or two (helpful for those after-ride beer stops...). Placing an iPhone into the phone pocket is easy and fast thanks to a large, full-width bottom opening. Once the phone is in the pocket, it's easy to use if the pouch is full of stuff pushing the phone screen against the plastic window. Unzip the locking YKK zipper and the Cycling Ride Pouch lays flat, perfect for picking out just the tools you need to make repairs on the street or trail. And yes, it does fit into the typical back pocket of a jersey! Conclusion Although it's a bit "niche", the Cycling Ride Pouch is the perfect accessory for any dedicated cyclist. Combining good looks, a nicely sealed see-through phone pocket, card slots, and enough volume to carry a good amount of equipment, the pouch is also well-built and reasonably priced. Waterfield Designs has another winner on their hands with this classic accessory that should be on the market for years to come. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Just in time for those late summer, early fall bike rides, TUAW and Waterfield Designs are teaming up to give a reader a "grizzly" brown leather Cycling Ride Pouch. 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 1, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Waterfield Designs Cycling Ride Pouch valued at $69. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Waterfield Designs Rough Rider leather messenger bag: Review and giveaway (Updated)
Over the past year or so, we've seen a trend emerging from high-end laptop bag manufacturers like Waterfield Designs and Pad & Quill -- use of leather as a primary material in their products. This not only provides a beautiful finish to the products, but also ensure that your purchase of a quality bag is going to last well beyond the expected lifetime of your laptop. Waterfield Designs recently introduced the US$335 Rough Rider leather messenger bag, and as you'd expect from this San Francisco manufacturer, it's functional, durable, and downright delicious to look at. Check out the review, then have a chance to win a Rough Rider. Specifications Dimensions: 15 x 10.5 x 3.5 inches (38.1 x 26.7 x 8.9 cm) Weight: 2.9 lb. (1.32 kg) Materials: premium naturally-tanned distressed leather Accent colors: black, copper, pine, green, flame, pearl Design Highlights The best way to describe the look of the Rough Rider is to quote some of the verbiage on the SFBags.com website -- "the clean professional look exudes a 'already been around the world a couple of times' masculine confidence". The accent areas are made with what appears to be ballistic nylon, but the primary material used is leather. The inside of the Rough Rider is unlined, but the leather shouldn't cause any abrasions on that nice aluminum finish of your MacBook Pro. Also inside are two large pockets that you can stuff with accessories -- they are lined with waxed canvas. On the outside are two more large pockets into which you might want to place your iPhone or even an iPad mini. Those outside pockets are covered by the large leather flap that snaps closed to keep your stuff inside. I've always liked the way that Waterfield Designs makes shoulder straps, and the Rough Rider's strap is no exception. It has a wide padded center that has a pebbled surface on it so that it doesn't slip off of your shoulder like some competing bags. Anyone who is upset by the least little mark on something they own will obsess over the leather on the Rough Rider and should probably stay away from it. If you like your possessions to have that comfortable worn-in shoes look, then you and the Rough Rider are going to get along famously. Update: We received information from Waterfield Designs that after this review ran, they received a lot of requests for a 15-inch version of the Rough Rider. That bag is now available for pre-order. Functionality Highlights What can I say? You can pretty much stuff a lot of equipment into the Rough Rider. While writing the review, I tossed my 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, its power adapter, an iPhone 5s, and an iPad mini into the bag, and still had plenty of space left. Some folks might bemoan the fact that the four individual pockets lack any sort of closure (zipper, for example), but I find in most cases that those closures get in the way of searching for stuff in a bag -- something I find I'm always doing! Case in point, one of the bags that I use on a regular basis has leather straps that go over two interior pockets. While I love that bag (not from Waterfield/SFBags) dearly, those straps drive me bonkers and I find myself looking for a pair of shears to cut them off. The shoulder strap is comfortable, adjustable, and best of all, will not slide off of your shoulder. My other bag has a tendency to slide off, forcing me to either readjust the strap often or shrug my shoulder to get it back in place. Not so with the Rough Rider, which stays in place. Conclusion Gary Waterfield got his start as a San Francisco bike messenger, and he obviously put some of his practical experience into this classic and durable messenger bag. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- you get what you pay for. The Rough Rider might not be inexpensive (that's my only beef with the bag), but it is going to outlast a lifetime's worth of Apple laptops and accessories while looking better with age. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Wow, this bag is nice enough that I almost wish I didn't work for the site so I could be eligible to win it! You don't have that problem, so all you have to do is enter for a chance to win a Rough Rider messenger bag. 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 April 21, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Waterfield Designs Rough Rider leather messenger bag valued at $335. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Pad & Quill's beautiful, functional iPhone 5/5s wallet cases (Updated)
Whenever I open a package from Minnesota-based Pad & Quill, it's always a pleasure. While I'm not sure that every order from P&Q is hand-wrapped in brown paper and sealed with a red wax seal, it heightens the anticipation of wondering what's inside the package. This week the surprise was a pair of wallet cases for the iPhone 5/5s: the Luxury Pocket Book (US$84.99) and the Bella Fino ($54.99). The Bella Fino also works with Apple's colorful iPhone 5c. Let's take a look at these gorgeous cases to get you ready to beg a friend or loved one to give you one for the holidays ... and to enter our giveaway. Update: Pad & Quill was nice enough to offer TUAW readers 10 percent off of ANY order, including the Luxury Pocket Book, Bella Fino, and the rest of the P&Q line. Just enter the code TW9M when checking out to receive your discount. Luxury Pocket Book The Luxury Pocket Book is the latest in the Pocket Book series from Pad & Quill. The key word for this product is luxury -- it comes in one of two exterior finishes, either Whiskey or Dark Chocolate, both of which sound delicious and look even better. The leather has a 25-year warranty, so you know that when you put your iPhone 5s into the "ancient technology museum" the Luxury Pocket Book is still going to look awesome. That leather also has French hemmed seams, which meant nothing to me until I Googled the phrase and found that it's a way to produce a beautifully smooth edge on garments and bags. Finally, the exterior has some subtle embossing on the "spine" and back just to add class. Inside the Luxury Pocket Book is one of Pad & Quill's signature pieces, a wood frame that holds the iPhone in place. For this case, the company used Baltic birch with a satin finish, and all edges have been rounded for smoothness. Across from the iPhone is the wallet. Pad & Quill uses a variety of interior leathers for this area, with slate gray, forest green, or deep sea blue available. The wallet has a "see-through" space for an ID, complete with a slot for using a thumb to pop the ID out for closer inspection. There are two other pockets for credit cards, as well as a full-sized pocket to put cash into. Holding the case closed is an brown elastic band. All in all, the Luxury Pocket Book is deserving of the name. It's a very nicely constructed wallet case that will accentuate any iPhone 5s. Bella Fino Bella Fino means "pretty up" in Italian, and that's exactly what this slimline wallet case will do for your iPhone 5/5s/5c. While still using the same leather materials of the Luxury Pocket Book, the Bella Fino dispenses with the wooden frame, instead using a washable and reusable sticky-backed adhesive material from none other than 3M. The result is a stunning case that cradles your favorite member of the iPhone 5 family in luxurious materials, while quickly releasing it if you need to pop it into a sport case for a run. Like the Luxury Pocket Book -- and all of Pad & Quill's products for that matter -- the leather has a 25 year warranty. If I was going to choose between the Luxury Pocket Book and the Bella Fino, I'd personally take the Bella Fino for two reasons -- I can see the sides of my "champagne" iPhone 5s in this case, and it would be easier to remove the case in order to "try on" all of the other cases we receive during the year. Both the Bella Fino and Luxury Pocket Book are only going to get better looking with age. Leather tends to weather and age very nicely; I have a zipped leather wallet from San Francisco-based Waterfield Design that is just starting to get that leather patina, and it looks better now than the day I bought it. Conclusion A case for an iPhone is a very personal decision, but if you've spent the money on a new iPhone 5s or 5c, you might want to make sure that you give it a case that is worthy of protecting and accenting the Apple design. Pad & Quill's husband and wife owners, Brian and Kari Holmes, are absolutely dedicated to quality and back their products with pride. The Bella Fino and Luxury Pocket Book are both examples of what sets Pad & Quill apart from the competition. Pros Classic design, beautiful construction from top materials 25 year leather warranty, 30-day no-questions-asked return policy Ample space for credit cards, identification, and cash Two of the few iPhone cases that look as good on the inside as the outside Worth every penny in terms of the quality and utility of the product Cons None Who are they for? The Pad & Quill Luxury Pocket Book and Bella Fino wallet cases for the iPhone 5 family will excite and please anyone who appreciates top quality materials and hand-crafted construction Giveaway As much as I'd love to cover my iPhone 5s in that fine little Bella Fino case, TUAW's policies prevent us from keeping review materials. My loss is your gain; one reader is going to win the Luxury Pocket Book, while another is going to receive the Bella Fino. 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 November 16, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Pad & Quill Luxury Pocket Book wallet case for iPhone 5/5s valued at $84.99, while the other receives the Pad & Quill Bella Fino wallet case valued at $54.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Truffol's iPhone 5 cases prove that luxury doesn't need to mean expensive
I've probably seen every iPhone case in the world at one point or another. For every ten or twenty low-cost plastic cases I see, I might see a single luxury case. These cases are different from the rest, often showing better workmanship, materials like wood, leather, and steel, and a higher price tag. A new entry into the crowded iPhone case market is a company named Truffol, and it appears that they're off to a good start by offering luxury cases that won't empty your wallet. The cases won't be available until July, but I'm going to try to stir up your interest by reviewing the Truffol Signature line of cases. There's the Minimalist (US$60), a beautiful stainless steel "bumper" for your iPhone 5, and the Classic ($75, seen above), which adds Italian leather for good looks and additional protection. Design Let's start with a look at the Minimalist. It truly is a minimalist case, adding only a thin stainless steel frame around the iPhone 5. It adds just .9 mm (.03 inch) to the thickness of an iPhone 5, yet protects the sides from accidental scratches or nicks. The Classic adds a leather backing to the design of the Minimalist. For those who want a bit more protection and a whole lot more Italian leather, the Classic is perfect. Both the Minimalist and Classic cases come in silver and navy, with different colored leather backing (red and navy). %Gallery-192443% Truffol notes that their manufacturing process runs the CNC-cut stainless steel through a nylon brushing process that produces a smooth and beautiful surface. Each one of the cases arrives in a pair of boxes that is worthy of an expensive watch -- one half contains the stainless steel frame and a separate mute button, while the other contains a slender steel bezel and screen protector (Minimalist) or the leather backing (Classic). Functionality One thing I always tend to get irritated about with luxury cases is the need to the manufacturers to ship tools for installation. Sure, it adds a bit of prestige to a product to add a tiny tool set that you use to lock the iPhone into a case, but it also adds unnecessary cost and (in many cases) frustration. Fortunately, neither of the Truffol Signature cases require tools for installation. In fact, of all of the luxury cases that I've reviewed, the Signature cases are about the easiest to install an iPhone 5 into. Opening one of the boxes, you remove the small mute button "cover" and place it into the corresponding hole on the iPhone 5. Then you just take the iPhone, align the mute button on it with the mute button cover on the frame, and drop it in. Next, you open up the other box where the back of the case is located. It has six small metal "fingers" on it -- you drop the back onto the back of your iPhone, then push it down towards the bottom of the iPhone to lock it into place. Now your iPhone is securely locked in the case. It was a pleasure to not have to insert tiny screws or press down on levers that felt like they were going to crack open the iPhone. A big thumbs-up to Truffol for thinking through the installation process. As for the cases, I like the look of the stainless steel. It adds protection all around the sides of the iPhone, and the workmanship is flawless. The leather back on the Classic is also well done, and incredibly thin. Fans of "naked" iPhones will love the Classic, as it adds protection without adding any bulk at all. Conclusion Truffol's entry into the luxury iPhone case market may have a positive effect for iPhone owners. Not only is the company producing high-quality cases, but it is also entering the market at a price point that may force down luxury case prices across the board. Between now and July 10, 2013, Truffol is giving away five Signature cases as part of a pre-launch celebration. You can enter by simply submitting your email address on the Truffol website. TUAW will also be giving away a both a Minimalist and a Classic Signature case later this summer. Pros Very thin and lightweight, while offering good side protection to the iPhone 5 Low price point for a luxury offering Excellent craftsmanship Easy to install or remove without tools Both Minimalist and Classic designs include a clear screen protector Cons None Who is it for? The iPhone 5 owner who wants classy protection but doesn't want to pay the exorbitant amounts charged by others in the luxury case market
Vertu Ti now available in red or blue limited editions, only 1,000 of each made
The Vertu Ti Colours collection is wrapped in either "Sunset Red" or "Midnight Blue" calf leather, and only 1,000 units are made for each color.
Mapicases Orion for iPad: Elegant leather, amazing flexibility
Most of the cases that we receive at TUAW Labs fall into one of two categories: those that use plastic and silicone to create an ultra-protective shell, and those that use more natural materials like cloth or leather to provide style and a modicum of protection. The Mapicases Orion Leather Smart Case (US$160) for iPad 2-4 is one of the latter, turning leather into a good-looking case with a unique twist on flexibility. Design At first glance, the Orion looks vaguely similar to Apple's Smart Cover. After all, it does have the telltale lines on the cover where you can fold it origami-like into a stand. But that's where the similarity ends. The Orion features a stand design that works not only in landscape orientation like the Apple Smart Cover, but also in portrait as well. It does this handy trick by allowing the foldable cover to rotate a full 360 degrees. %Gallery-176219% The case comes in five different leather finishes: black, brown, tan, red and white. The leather has a nice pebbled finish to it, and the stitching is top-notch. Unlike some less-expensive leather cases that look like they've been cobbled together in a backstreet sweatshop on a broken sewing machine, the Mapicases Orion shows exquisite attention to detail. The Orion weighs in at 12.4 ounces, and has magnets in the "right places" to turn your device on and off. The inside of the cover is lined with a soft material to avoid screen scratches, and there are cutouts for all the buttons and ports on your iPad. Mapicases also provides a velvet-like bag to enclose the case if you're planning on giving it to someone as a gift. It's a nice touch. Functionality Of course, some cases look good but don't necessarily do the job in terms of protecting your iPad or holding it in a desired position. Fortunately, the Orion does its job well, looking smart while holding your iPad vertically or horizontally. The fit of this case is like a glove; nice and tight, with no gaps at all. It's probably one of the best leather iPad cases I've reviewed, which is saying a lot. Conclusion While it's a bit on the expensive side at $160, the Mapicases Orion for iPad is a classy and well-constructed case that will add style to any full-size iPad. Pros Beautifully constructed and brilliantly designed Works in both portrait and landscape orientation Magnetic iPad switch works perfectly even with cover opening/closing vertically Cons Expensive Who is it for? Anyone who likes the look and feel of leather cases; it's perfect for the well-heeled executive Giveaway OK, some lucky person out there in TUAW-land is going to get their hands on a brand new tan leather Mapicases Orion iPad case. 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 January 17. 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Mapicases Orion iPad case valued at $160 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Element Case's Ronin iPhone 5 case: Wood, metal, leather, beautiful
I'm not going to spoil an upcoming review of the new Element Case Ronin iPhone 5 case by saying too much other than to say that information about this gorgeous US$199.95 hand-crafted case will be available tomorrow on the Element Case website. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this luscious piece of hardware. What makes this stunner different? CNC-machined, aluminum nickel-plated caps CNC-machined Ziricote wood rails Integrated CNC machined button mechanism Stainless steel hardware A premium leather-grain protective wallet Genuine leather protective "Back Plate" Screen protector Made in the USA We'll have a full review as soon as possible. My credit card is standing by to order one.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on
Those prone to throwing their e-readers into backpacks and messenger bags know the value of a good case -- and Amazon clearly does, as well. Last time around, the company offered up a lighted version for the Kindle Touch -- obviously that technology's no longer needed on the Paperwhite. The design is fairly similar, however, with a form-fitting plastic back and a leather front -- this time out, however, the front and back are bit more textured.The case also has a magnet on its front and inside, helping it close more securely. As with its predecessor, the inside is cloth, to help protect the Kindle's screen and bezel. Best of all, there's a light sensor built-in, so the reader sleeps and wakes as you open and close it. The case is up for order now on Amazon's site for a cool $40. It comes in a rainbow of six colors.