dodocase
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Dodocase's SMARTvr is a pocket-sized Cardboard alternative
When Google first introduced its Cardboard VR concept on June 25th, 2014, there were only a few ways you could try it out yourself. You could either get one for free if you were an I/O attendee, make it yourself based on Google's open-source designs or just buy one. Indeed, a few hours after the I/O keynote ended, Dodocase, a San Francisco-based maker of phone and tablet cases, became the first-ever company to make and sell Cardboard headsets. It sold 15,000 units in the first three weeks, and the headset has since become one of Dodocase's more popular products (the company also made a second gen of it last year). Now two years after it made that decision, Dodocase is ready to step up its VR efforts with a new device it's debuting on Indiegogo. It's called SMARTvr, and no, it's not made from cardboard anymore.
10 reasons to join us at Engadget #ExpandNY!
It's what you've all been waiting for! Engadget Expand is the place this week. We're taking over the Javits Center in Manhattan on November 7th and 8th. We're pretty damn excited for what's on tap this year, and we think you should be too. But, in case you need convincing read on for 10 reasons to get pumped.
Engadget Expand is all about you. And us. But really, you.
Engadget Expand is our annual event that's all about you -- our fans. It's not your typical tech conference that's priced for people fortunate to have an expense account. We make the event completely FREE thanks to our generous sponsors, giving you the chance to experience the future -- right now. And while you're at it, you get to meet your favorite Engadget editors. When you join us at the Javits Center North in New York City next week on November 7-8, you'll be set loose on our show floor. You can check out some of our exhibitors and get your hands on gadgets that people can't buy yet (or in some cases, build your own in our workshops), head to our Expand stage and hear from some smart and inspiring people and so much more.
Dodocase already has an Apple Watch accessory for pre-order
The Apple Watch doesn't even have a release date yet, but that doesn't mean you can't already be accessorizing. Dodocase has debuted a pre-order for a handsome Apple Watch charging stand. Pre-orders will cost you just a US$5 deposit towards the final product, with the full price of the stand between $60-$80. What does all that scratch get you? Here's a list of features: Made from California Orchard Walnut Carved relief for wire routing Magnetic inductive charger housing provides quick, easy lift-off Suction cup adhesive on bottom for sturdy placement Leather monogram option First 100 purchased will be numbered Travel mode allows you to easily cradle the cable and charger into one package Natural linseed oil finish At least they're delivering a lot of expensive-sounding features for that price tag. The stand will launch in 2015 at the same time as the Apple Watch itself. You can pre-order it yourself right here.
What's up with Engadget Expand?
We're just two weeks away from our free Engadget Expand event, taking place at New York City's Javits Center on November 7th and 8th and there's still so much to tell you about. If you can't join us in person, don't worry -- we'll keep you updated throughout the weekend with dispatches from the show floor and our livestream here on Engadget.
The DODOcase Endangered Species case is tasteful and strong
iPad cases are by and large a plasticky, rubbery crowd. That's fine, given that cases are first and foremost about protection, and polycarbonate does a great job of absorbing bumps and bruises. But if you're looking for something different, something special, and something classy, there's no beating DODOcase. And as far as class goes, the DODOcase Endangered Species edition stands alone. Design The now classic DODOcase design is here in full force: Using masterful book binding techniques, the exterior of the case is firm and rigid, with a pleasing texture. The tablet is held in place by an form-fitting, eco-friendly bamboo chassis that gives the book its structure. An elastic strap wraps around the front cover from the back when needed to ensure a the lid remains closed when you toss it into a bag or backpack. The aesthetics of this particular DODOcase are special. The company partnered with Ink Dwell, an environmental art design organization, to give the Endangered Species edition a gorgeous mural of a Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. The interior of the book is also customized, featuring a topographical map of the Sierra Nevada mountain range that the sheep call home. Functionality There's nothing complex here: The iPad is secured in the bamboo skeleton via four grips -- one in each corner. A small wood cutout on the top allows use of the lock button, and there the audio jack, charging port, and volume buttons are accessible through cutouts in the bamboo. You can use the case in a number of different ways. You can open is like a book, which is probably what most will do, or you can fold the front cover to the back and lay it flat or perch it upright in landscape mode for watching movies, etc. Once the case is closed, the thick book covers are the ultimate in protection, and there's really no feasible way your iPad is going to take damage unless you decide to throw it off the roof of a tall building. Conclusion It's clear from the quality of the construction that DODOcase spares no expense in its production. Everything about it screams high-end, and there's really nothing I can imagine I'd change if given the chance. It's the ultimate in protection and style, and there is no equal. Rating: 4 out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway Your iPad needs a bit of protection, so follow the giveaway rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before February 24, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a DODOcase for the iPad 2/3/4, valued at US$124. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
The DODOcase Durables sleeve is the ultimate anti-case
When it comes to cases for the iPad mini, there are plenty of fantastic options. Unfortunately, not everyone feels like covering their device with a semi-permanent shell, especially since since Apple's tablets are so appealing when nude. Enter the Durables sleeve by DODOcase, which protects your device whenever you're not using it, but lets you show off its bare skin any time you want. Specs Materials: Canvas (exterior), cotton twill (interior), genuine leather (accent) Price: US$59.95 Overview The Durables sleeve is pretty simple in construction, with soft twill inside, a waxed canvas covering on the exterior, and layer of felt sandwiched between the two to provide a bit of added padding. There is a leather accent patch as well which makes for a handy grip -- not that the tablet you're hauling is particularly heavy, but it's a nice touch. As far as sleeves go, this one provides a snug fit. In fact, it's snug enough that an iPad with a case equipped is not likely to fit. That's kind of the point here, though, and the sleeve itself is protective enough that your standard drops and falls should be absorbed without issue. Note: DODOcase notes on its website that the full-sized iPad with Smart Cover can indeed fit inside the Durables sleeve without issue, though I was only able to test the smaller iPad mini sleeve with the thicker Smart Case, which did not fit. DODOcase calls these sleeves Durables for a reason, and the overall build and material quality is second to none. I can't imagine an instance in which one of these sleeves would come apart, even after years of use, and the canvas exterior is thick and firm, so wearing it out isn't going to be a simple affair. Conclusion The DODOcase Durables sleeve is the perfect answer for iPad users who just can't commit to a snap-on case. It provides a high level of protection against all elements, and is ideal for transporting your tablet between home and work, or any of your daily errands. Rating: 4 out of a possible 4 stars Giveaway Your iPad needs a bit of protection, so follow the giveaway rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before February 24, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a DODOcase Durables sleeve for the iPad mini, valued at US$59. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
DODONotes: The perfect marriage of paper and iPhone
DODOcase just announced the perfect accompaniment to Victor's post earlier this week about when and how to use paper versus software. DODONotes (US$13.95) weds a high-quality paper notebook to your iPhone. %Gallery-188533% It's a simple idea, really -- the DODONotes notebook has a cutout on the front of it that is just perfectly sized for an iPhone 5, 4S or 4. There's an elastic band that holds the notebook securely to the iPhone. With a quick pull, you take the notebook off of your iPhone, jot a few quick notes or sketch an idea and then reattach DODONotes to your phone. There's enough play in the elastic that you can probably attach a small pen or pencil without too much of a strain. The notebook is made of a beautiful 24 lb. text Mohawk Superfine paper in a Soft White Eggshell finish. I am absolutely sure that TUAW editor and notebook connoisseur Dave Caolo is going to order a ton of these to feed his paper habit...
Updated DODOcase for iPad is colorful, stronger, and could be yours
Since the first TUAW review of the DODOcase iPad case back in May of 2010, many TUAW bloggers and readers have fallen in love with the book-like folio case that revitalized the bookbinding industry in San Francisco and started a popular accessory category. The company has just finished a major redesign of the wooden tray that cradles the iPad, so we're reviewing the case and giving a TUAW reader an opportunity to get one. Design The basic design of the DODOcase hasn't changed much in the two years it's been on the market. It uses time-honored bookbinding techniques to wrap a rigid fabric cover around a wooden interior frame to protect your iPad from damage, and it looks great in the process. DODOcase sent one of their Spring/Summer 2012 cases (starting at US$79.95) to test, and it's a refreshing change from the "any color you want as long as it's black" cases from 2010. This case is encased in bright green and blue ("Meadow" and "Lake") bookbinding cloth that just pops! The inside uses that same bright blue material, and there's the familiar bookplate affixed to the inside cover for personalizing the case. The new case features the familiar magnets to turn your iPad 2 or new iPad on and off. The big difference I can see between my original 2010 DODOcase (black case in the gallery photos) and the new model, other than the available bright colors, is the new wooden tray. DODOcase is now using solid strips of bamboo to encase the iPad, different from the original laminated strips that could crack and break if the case was dropped. I've noticed that the tray on my original DODOcase is somewhat bowed; that wouldn't happen with the new, stiffer tray. %Gallery-161740% The original model had a completely open top for easy access to the power/sleep button and headphone jack on the iPad. Now, the case completely surrounds the top and features a cutout for the headphone jack as well as a laser-cut bamboo power button. The bottom of the case now covers more of the iPad as well, giving even more protection to your tablet. Since the case is now designed for both the iPad 2 and new iPad, there's an option for a camera hole if you're inclined to use your tablet for photography. Functionality What can I say? The DODOcase is still an extremely popular and well-built iPad case, winning the TUAW Best of 2011 award for iPad cases that was awarded to DODOcase by TUAW readers and staff. The company is obviously proud of the award, featuring it on the recycled cardboard wrapper that is used to hang the case on store displays. I do have two suggestions for DODOcase that would make the case even better than it is. First, please get rid of those little leather stick-on pads that are used to hold the iPad tightly into the tray. They have a tendency to fall off if you need to take your iPad out of the case with any frequency, and other manufacturers have done a great job of designing polyurethane or rubber inserts that are a permanent part of the tray. My second suggestion is to create a case that can be propped up more easily. For examples of both suggestions, please refer to the Portenzo cases with the "IntelliStand" option. Conclusion DODOcase continues its streak of brilliance in iPad cases with a new, stronger design and a variety of color options that bring a refreshing relevancy to this venerable product. Pros Stronger internal tray brings extra protection to the DODOcase line New, constantly changing exterior designs brighten your life while still offering excellent protection Compared to the competition, many DODOcase iPad cases are a bargain Craftsmanship of the DODOcase products is incredibly good Cons Case doesn't have some of the stand options available from other vendors Use of "stick-on" tabs in the corners to hold the iPad in place seems outdated Who is it for? Anyone looking for a book-style iPad case who wants a quality American-made product that will last. Giveaway And now it's time for a giveaway. The winner of this random drawing receives a Spring/Summer 2012 iPad 2/3 DODOcase in the Meadow/Lake color scheme. 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 6, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Spring/Summer 2012 edition DODOcase for iPad 2 and the new iPad valued at $84.90. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading... #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }
DODOcase touts new interior tray design for iPad cases
When it comes to book-like folio cases for iPad, San Francisco-based DODOcase was the leader in creating a design that used traditional book-binding techniques and a wooden tray to protect the tablet in a classy way. The company has just announced a new interior tray design that adds significant strength to DODOcases. According to a press release from the company, The new tray is 330% stronger than the previous version and about 2x the strength on average of the competitive products we tested against. This redesign reflects our desire to make and provide the best product possible and allows the DODOcase to withstand increased drop impact. The new tray will be available on all iPad products starting 7/31 - and is the product of an extensive design process that included looking at traditional wood crafts that focused on strength as well as usability: from the science of baseball bats and axe handles to the art of Japanese Bokken wooden sword construction, we wanted to make the DODOcase even stronger. TUAW will be doing a full review of the newly-redesigned case in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy the video below and dream of a colorful DODOcase on your iPad.
DODOcase wins TUAW Best of 2011 award for iPad cases
It's official! DODOcase, the San Francisco-based company that started the entire "iPad case that looks like a book" craze shortly after the release of the first iPad, was voted the best iPad case of 2011 by TUAW readers. Almost half of the readers voting (49.4 percent) chose the DODOcase (US$59.95) from a ballot of five excellent iPad cases. DODOcase took a faltering book bindery and turned it into a successful business, cranking out handmade iPad cases that look and feel like hardbound books, with a bamboo wood tray that snugly holds the tablet in place. It's been a favorite of TUAW bloggers and readers alike since April of 2010. The runners-up in this category were the Portenzo cases and ZAGGfolio Keyboard Case, which nearly split the remaining votes. Congratulations to the DODOcase team, and thanks to all of the enthusiastic TUAW readers who nominated and voted for their favorites in the popular category.
TUAW Best of 2011: Vote for the best iPad case
The nominations are in, and the poll is ready to go! The TUAW Best of 2011 awards are all about you -- the readers -- and what you think is the cream of the crop of Apple or third-party products and software. To vote, select one entry from the top nominations made by readers. We'll be announcing the winner in just a few days. Vote early and often! TUAW is asking for your votes for the best iPad case of 2011. Very few iPad owners seem to keep their devices "naked," instead choosing to wrap them in a case of some sort. Much to my surprise, all of the cases were folio type cases, with the "book style" case being the most popular. Our nominees for this are the Twelve South BookBook for iPad (US$69.99), the Portenzo cases (Customized, Composition, Italian Bonded Leather and Premium Genuine Leather -- $59.95 to $124.95 depending on model, options not included), San Francisco's own DODOcase ($59.95), the Bear Motion folio ($59.95 MSRP), and the Zaggfolio keyboard case ($99.99). And now, let the voting begin! The results will be announced on December 29, 2011. %Poll-72320%
Daily Update for October 20, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
Moonbot, DODOcase team up to offer custom iPad case for Morris Lessmore
In a very neat collaboration, Moonbot, the developers behind the book app The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, has teamed up with DODOcase to produce a custom book-bound iPad case that's based on the app. Morris Lessmore is a story of people who are devoted to books, and in turn the books are devoted back. The US$4.99 book app made its debut at the end of May and has had good reception since. The Morris Lessmore DODOcase is $64.99 and is handcrafted from red faux leather with Morris Lessmore's hat and cane mark on the cover and his "M" on the spine. The case is available now, and the book app recently updated to version 1.2 with a new puzzle. We have one of these cases on its way, and a full review of both the case and the book will be on TUAW soon.
DODOcase for iPad 2 as good as the original
My love affair with the DODOcase is well documented. I've used one since day one, and I even credit one with saving my iPad's life (though the manufacturers note that the DODOcase is not an impact case). So, I was thrilled to be able to test a DODOcase for iPad 2 for the last week. As a bonus, I've also been using a BOOKback for iPad 2. Both are quite nice and will be especially appealing to those who appreciate good design. Here's my review. Looks The DODOcase has been re-designed to accommodate Apple's new tablet, but the high-quality build and materials are unchanged. The exterior is wrapped in that nice, Moleskine-esque material and closes with a similar elastic band. The grain is a bit different than that on the notebooks, but at first glance, that's what most people will assume you're carrying. On the inside, the iPad rests inside a hand-carved bamboo frame. Four rubber bumpers hold the iPad 2 firmly in place. And I mean firmly. I had to press to get it in where it was held tight. It's a grip that inspires confidence; you know the typical bumps and nudges won't knock your iPad free. The top and bottom of the frame are cut away to expose the controls, speaker and dock connector (yes, you can connect the cable while the DODOcase is in use). %Gallery-121190%
BOOKback for iPad and iPhone offers sleek scratch protection
The BOOKback from DODOcase is an adhesive fabric skin for the iPad (original and iPad 2) and iPhone 4. It feels nice (think Moleskine notebook), is easily re-positioned and looks good to boot. I spent two weeks with a BOOKback on my iPhone 4 and 1st-generation iPad. My overall impression is that the BOOKback will appeal to design-conscious iPhone/iPad owners who aren't concerned with impact protection. Here's my review of the BOOKback. First, some DODOcase love. Last April, I waited in line to buy an original iPad (as many of you are doing today). A DODOcase representative was handing out discount coupons, which I later used to order one. It looked super (here's my original review) and even helped to save my iPad's life after a fall.* I ordered a replacement right away. %Gallery-118907%
iPad 2 case and stand roundup
Last year at the launch of the iPad, there were very few accessories available. Sure, you could pick up an Apple Case for the iPad, and I think there were a handful of third-party cases, but the variety wasn't exactly overwhelming. After the wildly successful first year of the iPad, everyone in the accessory business is going out of their way to make sure you have a choice of goodies at launch or shortly thereafter. In this article, I'll tell you about some of the cases and stands we've heard about so far. Targus 360° Rotating Stand / Case for iPad 2 This is the first iPad 2-specific product that I've actually received, and it's a beauty. The Targus 360° Rotating Stand / Case (US$59.99) features a unique design with a 360° swivel that allows the iPad 2 to be displayed in portrait or landscape orientations. Unlike other swiveling stands and cases, the Targus 360° is remarkably thin. The center of the swivel mechanism is open so that the Apple logo is clearly visible, there's a soft velour lining to gently caress your iPad 2 screen, and the exterior is a very attractive black faux leather. To hold the case closed while in transit, there's a wide elastic band similar to that used on Moleskine notebooks. The plastic "tray" that holds the iPad 2 has a hole in the proper spot for the rear-facing camera, although the device has to be swiveled into portrait mode for the camera to be able to "see." You can buy one now through Amazon, and Best Buy stores will have the cases available on March 11. Targus will also have the thin Protective TPU Skin for iPad 2 ($29.99) and Vuscape Cover and Stand ($39.99) available to protect that new iPad 2. Click the read more link to see more upcoming iPad 2 products.
Mmmm... new flavors of DODOcase iPad case are available
Remember the DODOcase? It was perhaps the first iPad case that we reviewed, a beautiful handmade Moleskine-like case made with traditional bookbinding methods. The case single-handedly revived the art of bookbinding in San Francisco, and it's sparked a handful of competitors. For most of the product's short life so far, the interior paper in the case has been red. Now the company will be providing a full spectrum of 11 colors (including red) to purchasers. Craig Dalton, co-founder of DODOcase, sent us a bunch of glamor shots of the cases that we've collected into a gallery to make you drool. An interesting note about the bookplate inside the cover of every DODOcase. Dalton noted that "We introduced the bookplate after we realized we couldn't possibly hand sign every one that went out the door. We signed the first 1000, then moved to a printed library card for another 1000 or so, then moved to the bookplate. We are passionate about the history of book binding and were really jazzed when someone pointed us towards the bookplate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bookplate). I loved the idea of creating something that people could personalize with their name, but also feel like a part of the history of the book." If you have a hand-signed DODOcase sheltering your iPad, consider yourself very lucky. %Gallery-102182%
TUAW Review: DODOcase for iPad makes Moleskines weep
When the iPad was released in the US, I lined up in Boston with the other early adopters. Apple employees handed out snacks and drinks while a lone PR person distributed coupons for the DODOcase. A few days later I used mine and several weeks later it finally arrived. After spending a week and a half with the DODOcase, I can say that it will make nearly any customer happy. High build quality, good looks and a secure fit ("like a glove" is an understatement) make the DODOcase worth the price tag and wait. Looks The most obvious aspect of the DODOcase is its close resemblance to a Moleskine notebook (note some side-by-side comparison shots in the gallery below). The look is dead on. It's larger than the largest notebook but about the size of the softcover 18 month planner. At first glance (frankly, at 2nd and 3rd glance as well), most people will assume that's what you're carrying. The exterior cover is of a slightly different grain than the notebook, and the interior is a beautiful red. The elastic strap is a perfect fit and, along with the bamboo interior, keeps your iPad securely in place. %Gallery-92239%
A tale of two iPad cases: the Dodocase and M-Edge Trip Jacket
If you're like us, one of the first things you wanted to do after getting your iPad was to find a great case for it. Right off the bat, we weren't really that into Apple's offering, which is strangely 90's in its design aesthetic, though it does have a number of decent features if you're looking for a do-it-all scenario and don't have strong feelings on looks. For us, however, the goal was finding something that kept a low profile, shielded the slate from unnecessary grime, and made it easier to deal with. Oh, and we wanted it to look like a book. After reviewing the options, we've come up with two choices that we think are your best bets for turning your iPad into something a little more familiar, so here's our quick take on M-Edge's Trip Jacket, and the stunning, hand-made Dodocase. %Gallery-92232%
