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iBackFlip TabKeeper 360: The adaptable carrying case for every tablet (Updated)
Two things that keep people from buying protection for their iPads are price and the inability to use the case with a different model of tablet. With iBackFlip's new TabKeeper 360 (US$54.95), both of those barriers to entry have been demolished. Be sure to check out iBackFlip's discount pricing on the iBackFlip Somersault, as well as our giveaway of a TabKeeper 360 at the end of this review. Update: It helps when you actually remember to add the giveaway form... it's now at the end of the post Florida-based iBackFlip first caught our attention a while back with their totally innovative Somersault iPad case. What made it innovative? The fact that it could be used as a backpack, a briefcase-like carry case, or as a hands-free "table" for holding an iPad in front of you while standing or walking. Well, the TabKeeper 360 improves on that design in several ways -- it's less expensive, it can be used with just about any tablet with up to a 10.1" diagonal screen, and it's usable as a sling-style backpack, messenger bag, or carry bag. How does this all work? The bag itself is quite small, measuring in at 12" x 9" and about 2" thick. One half of the case features a snap-closed spot for carrying accessories, pens, business cards, and even small notebooks. The other half of the TabKeeper 360 is a padded space where the iPad, iPad mini or other tablet resides. In the bottom of that space are four large Velcro® pads that are used to hold the tablet into place. No, you don't glue Velcro onto the back of your iPad as the other part of the installation -- instead, iBackFlip comes with two universal adapters that each consist of four Velcro-backed paddles that have a elastic band that goes around a corner of the tablet. Those paddles are connected with other elastics in a crosswise fashion. Simply slip those bands over the corners of your iPad, then slap the Velcro pads onto their counterparts in the case, and it stays put. One of the adapters is made for large tablets, the other for smaller models. As with the other iBackFlip products, it's the mounting system on the outside that adds a huge amount of versatility. When you first get your TabKeeper 360, you don't see the straps or the connectors. The straps are in an plastic bag inside, and the connectors are tucked away neatly into four small pockets on the back of the case. You can use the TabKeeper 360 in this configuration, carried with a handle just like a tiny briefcase. Now, pull out the shoulder strap and connect it to any two of the connectors for a really adaptable bag. The following video, featuring iBackFlip's CEO Ryan Chavis, shows you exactly how versatile this bag really is. Starting for a limited time on December 18, 2013, iBackFlip is offering a 20 percent discount off of the Somersault series of bags. You can also like company on Facebook, tweet them, or share your purchase on Google+ for an additional 10 percent discount. Or you can choose to enter our giveaway and have a chance to win an iBackFlip TabKeeper 360 of your very own! Conclusion For about half of what you'd pay for a good iPad case, you can get something much more versatile and useful -- the iBackFlip TabKeeper 360. This well-built carrying case not only provides protection, but a variety of carrying modes and a way to work on an iPad easily while standing up. Pros Inexpensive, yet extremely well-constructed Fits just about any tablet you may have now or in the future Waterproof zipper keeps the rain and snow from harming your iPad A number of different carrying modes for different folks Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Anyone who changes tablets about as often as they change socks and wants a case that will last for years Outdoor workers who need to work on an iPad or iPad mini while they stand Giveaway Yup, we're giving our review sample away, dang 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 December 23, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a iBackFlip TabKeeper 360 valued at $54.95 Click here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
iBackFlip launches the TabKeeper 360 iPad case; Somersault on sale
iBackFlip has been making the popular and versatile Somersault iPad case for quite a while, and earlier this summer announced the TabKeeper 360 (US$54.95). The TabKeeper 360 (above) is now available on the iBackFlip website, and if anything, it's even more of a multi-tasker than the Somersault. The TabKeeper 360 works as a carry case (with comfortable handles), a messenger bag, or a backpack, and even folds over to work as an iPad stand for typing. One thing that has always been a hallmark of the Somersault is the ability to hold an iPad hands-free by flipping the case open while it's strapped onto your body, and the TabKeeper 360 has that same useful capability. The company developed and patented a way of holding a tablet in most popular sizes that's called the X-Grip, which adjusts quickly between an iPad mini and regular-sized iPad. If you have both varieties of iPad, you might only need to buy one TabKeeper 360 for both devices (provided you only carry one at a time). iBackFlip has also been having a summer sale on the Somersault, which provides a bit more carrying capacity than the TabKeeper. At this time, you can buy the Somersault for just $64.95 ($25 off the usual price) or the Somersault Slim at $59.95 ($20 off regular price). TUAW will have a full review of the TabKeeper 360 in the near future. In the meantime, be sure to watch the video below that demonstrates all of the features of this compact and useful carrying bag.
Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories include flashes, wireless charging pad, barn doors (eyes-on)
Samsung's going all out with its Galaxy Camera accessory lineup. In addition to the cases and Flip Covers we saw at Unpacked earlier this week, the company had some external flashes and professional-looking holsters on hand at its IFA booth, including a grip-mounted adjustable strobe, a ring light set and a sophisticated carrying rig, complete with hinged barn doors to block out unwanted glare. There were also hard covers in multiple dark colors, a handful of soft rubber-looking covers in light colors like aqua and lime green, along with an oversized wireless charging pad mock-up. In typical IFA fashion, booth attendants were unable to provide any information whatsoever, so it's anyone's guess what any of these gadgets cost, or if they'll even make it to market. It's also unclear whether or not any of the accessories are functional at this point, or simply mock-ups of add-ons under consideration. In the meantime, you can take a closer look in the gallery below.%Gallery-163991%
Need a case for that Galaxy Camera? Samsung's got you covered (eyes-on)
We've seen the ins and outs of Samsung's first Android-based digital camera, but how about an outer shell? You likely won't be transporting this junbo point-and-shoot in your pocket, making a variety of protective options a necessity. First up is the Flip Cover -- a camera-friendly variant of the Galaxy original, with a slide-in design and a large protective flap to cover up the LCD. There's also a full-on carrying case, which slips open to reveal the lens while offering a bit more protection. And, if you're going au naturel, you'll want to suit up with a wrist strap at the very least, offering a bit of insurance against potential slips and spills. We don't have pricing and availability info to share, but like the camera itself, it looks like there's a bunch of color configurations to choose from, all pictured in the gallery below.%Gallery-163726%
GAEMS announces new Sentry Xbox 360 suitcase, teases Project Vanguard
How could we forget the GAEMS personal gaming environment? Looking something like a cross between a laptop from the eighties, and a bomb disposal unit, the all-in-one Xbox system was always going to make an impression. Well, with E3 just around the corner, it looks like there might be another model on the way. All we know at the moment is that it's called "Sentry," and will have more of a personal entertainment leaning. This being based on the fact that on top of the Xbox gaming, GAMES only went as far to tease that services like Netflix, HULU and YouTube will be increasingly central to it. The firm is also revealing a new device with the working title "Project Vanguard," about which it's even more secretive. Either way, better make more room on that luggage rack.
Ask Engadget: Best Mac Mini carrying case?
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 from is from Kevin, who's decided to abandon laptops for his Mac Mini. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi All. I purchased a 2011 Mac Mini with dedicated graphics for PhotoShop and InDesign. I've grown tired of my Core 2 Duo Laptop, instead I want to bring my Mac Mini to and from work (I've got display, keyboard and mouse at both places so it's not a problem). It might be a weird idea, I wanna try it. Any suggestions on what I can use to carry it, as long as its discrete as I commute quite a bit. Thanks!"Well, we're impressed by his commitment and his plan, but has anyone else made the leap and lived to tell the tale? We've never seen a mac at a LAN party, but that doesn't mean there isn't some exquisite accessories available for the purpose. One, two, you know what to do.(NB: If you don't know what to do, it's to give your helpful suggestions and personal experiences in the comments below)
GAEMS Xbox 360 traveling case gets sleek redesign, still won't help you spell correctly
The last rendition we saw of the GAEMS console-carrying case looked more like a giant lunch box than a solution to your portable gaming needs. If you're still interested in bringing your Xbox 360 on the road, the company has redesigned the case and it now supports the fat and slim versions of the 360 and even the PS3-skinny. What's new in this compact carrying case is the fact there's actually room to store the console, controllers and power brick. It comes bundled with a remote, HDMI cable and power supply to power the speakers and LED screen. If you're road trippin' any time soon and want this beast, you can save yourself 20 bones by pre-ordering before April 20th and you'll receive the $300 case come June.
Thanko's Laptop Table Bag stores your laptop, hides a table, saves your lap
We've all ready the scary reports of what happens when a laptop makes your lap top a little too toasty. The solution? Buying a desk, obviously, and now Thanko has one that you can take with you. It's called the Laptop Table Bag and it looks like a surprisingly normal, if decidedly corporate-issue, laptop bag. But, out of the bottom pivots four legs to hold your mobile device at what may or may not be a comfortable height. The 5980 yen ($75) contraption weighs about six pounds empty, making it a poor companion for your ultralight, but if your machine is more of a luggable -- or if your manservant does the carrying for you -- you may not even notice the extra heft. %Gallery-106360%
NewerTech releases the iFolio luxury iPad case
With just a few days to go before we can actually get our hands on an iPad, Newer Technology Inc., better known to us as NewerTech, has introduced quite a fancy custom handcrafted Brazilian leather protective carrying case for the iPad. It's made in the US and comes in either black or red at an introductory price of US $99.99 (down from the MSRP of $129.99), for shipment on April 5th. It seems to be built like a battleship and is backed with a lifetime warranty. It comes with a double stitched leather handle and a shoulder strap that extends from 24" to 48". The left side, sports a 7" X 10" hard backed document sleeve and two taffeta lined pockets so you won't mar whatever you decide to put in them. The right side features 4 elastic, non-marring leather restraining straps which give you enough room to hold an iPad that's already in a silicone case. Belt and suspenders might be overkill, but can you really be too safe? Probably not, since there's also a hard shell sewn in, surrounded by soft padding and a heavy duty nylon zipper to keep it closed. The only online seller of the case so far seems to be our friends at Other World Computing. I can see one of these in my future.
Kinda crappy controller caddies
Demand for a remote and nunchuck carrying case might not actually exist, but that hasn't stopped other trivial Wii-themed products from hitting the market. The pouch's white cover features some slick, unmarked lineart and the knockoff u-umlaut logo we've all grown to love; it's almost enough to make us overlook its $10 pricing on eBay (shipping included). We've got more photos and packaging shenanigans after the post break, in case you were wondering.
Bring your PSP to NY Comic Con, get free stuff
Are you going to New York Comic Con? It's happening today, tomorrow and Sunday at the Jacob Javitz Center. While it's unlikely you'll be able to get in without tickets already, those of you lucky to be available for the convention should remember to bring your PSPs. The first 50 consumers to bring their PSP system by the PlayStation booth #411 each day will receive a UMD carrying case (pictured). Not only that, you may see me roaming the show floor, wearing the iconic orange Joystiq shirt. If you can find me and show me your PSP, you may win something from my patented Bag of Swag???.Hope to see you there!
Designing a DS Lite case: arts & crafts with a purpose
Dave wrote us to show off his homemade DS Lite case, assembled with $1 worth of fabric, a rustic buckle, some matching thread, and a Ziploc bag (waterproof inner lining). But Dave can't take all the credit ... his girlfriend provided the sewing skills.Dave's work is the latest in a series of creative storage options that we've featured on Joystiq. From worn jeans, to the PSP sleeve, to an old sock, gamers are finding all kinds of ways to protect their Lites -- excluding, of course, throwing down for an often ugly, usually oversized, and almost always overpriced case sold at retailers. So how do you choose to protect your handhelds?
Tiny Mario messenger bag for DS game
Can you feel the love for Mario? We just showed you a video dedicated to Mario from a fanboy that excels our care for that plump little plumber and now we have more Mario love for you. Did you ever think it was possible for such a simple man to create so much care? NeoGAF blogger, 20 XX's, loving and talented wife, Mary, helped her husband out by taking the time to skillfully create a single DS game holder. Look at that and try to tell us it isn't thoughtful or creative. We dare you! We aren't sure how long this project took but by the looks of it, we know it wasn't an easy task. This seems to be a perfect accessory for those in need of traveling light and who don't want to see a single mark on their game like us. Who knows, maybe this could start to bring in some extra dough for them... [Thanks JC and Mary!]
Need to protect your DS Lite? Strapped for cash? Just grab some glue and a pair of old jeans
John Spain, a law student out of Tallahassee, Florida, recently put an old pair of jeans to good use when he crafted a DS Lite case out of one of the legs -- most of the rest went to *shudder* homemade jean shorts (hope you didn't cut 'em too high, John). He added extra pockets to the case for games and headphones, and eventually, his girlfriend is gonna sew on a cute button. Brilliant.John's offering the step-by-step guide, plus a few tips, on his blog. Thanks, John, but we're sticking to the store-bought version.
