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Felix StretchWrite transforms any pen or pencil into a stylus
Despite Steve Jobs' dislike of styluses as pointing and writing devices for smartphones and tablets, a lot of people find the pointy sticks to be a necessity for accuracy. But there are still some issues with styluses -- they're usually more expensive than they need to be, and it's hard to find one that will make everyone happy in terms of how it feels in the hand. The Felix StretchWrite bands (US$9.99 for two) adds stylus functionality to any pen or pencil, meaning you can transform your favorite writing tool into a stylus. To get an idea of how the StretchWrite works, think of taking a big rubber band and stretching it over the point and eraser on a pencil. Now, give that rubber band a capacitive nub on one end and a hole on the other (for the pencil or pen tip), add some grippy bumps to the surface, and you have a StretchWrite. They come in packs of two -- either red and gray or pink and blue -- so you can have two styluses for about half the price of a single inexpensive stylus from other vendors. Testing the StretchWrites, I grabbed a pile of pens and a sharpened pencil, and tried a StretchWrite on each of 'em. Cheap throwaway pen I picked up at a Macworld booth? Worked fine. A Sharpie? Worked well with the cap still on, although the "tip" end was a bit squishy. Same with a large, comfy pen that I got from a vendor. What I found is that StretchWrite works best on the really cheap stick-type pens -- think BIC pens -- and on pencils. At $10 for two, you won't have to worry about losing one (or both) of these. You'll also have immediate access to either a pen or pencil by flipping your "stylus", which is pretty handy as well. Toss 'em into a backpack pocket along with pens and pencils, and you have the perfect spur-of-the-moment lightweight stylus. While StretchWrite doesn't provide the same feel or accuracy as a "professional" stylus, it's perfect for students and ought to be a back-to-school necessity for iPad-toting students. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible
Felix FlipBook Air is a delightfully different iPad case/stand
So many of the iPad cases and stands that I review here at TUAW are so alike in looks and functionality that it's hard to get excited about them. When something different shows up, I definitely take notice. That's the situation with the Felix FlipBook Air (US$59.99), a very book-like iPad case that shows off its versatility by being able to prop up your iPad Air at any of ten different viewing angles. Let's take a look, then be sure to enter our giveaway. Specifications Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x .65 inches (241.3 x 177.8 x 16.5 mm) Weight: 8.6 ounces (243.8 grams) Colors: Black, Tan Design Highlights The FlipBook Air brings to mind any number of book-like iPad cases, from DODOCase's original to the perfected craftsmanship of the cases from Pad & Quill. But the FlipBook Air is completely different in that it doesn't require a wood frame to hold the iPad Air in place, so it's lighter and thinner than the competition. The leather-like cover of the FlipBook Air is flexible and folds back behind your iPad easily to get out of the way. The "spine" of the "book" is has magnets that grab onto the iPad air and hold it securely into place, but let you remove the iPad when needed. It's probably one of the easiest iPad Air cases to install a tablet into, since there's no need to squeeze it into a silicone or wood frame. When it's time to watch something on your iPad Air or use it, the FlipBook Air magically adjusts to ten different angles with the iPad being held up by a prop that slides into horizontal slots in the back cover. It works very well, and as a result the FlipBook Air is one of the most adjustable cases I've seen. Functionality Highlights I found nothing to dislike about the FlipBook Air. While it's not a super-protective case, it does ensure that the front and back of your device won't get scratched or dinged while in transit. When you begin to use the FlipBook Air, you begin to appreciate just how simplicity of design makes this an excellent case. It just gets out of the way, with the front cover folding easily under the back. The stand feature also works intuitively and easily, letting you adjust the angle of your iPad Air through a wide range. Installation and removal of the case is as simple as sliding the iPad Air in and out of the "spine." As with most iPad Air cases and covers, the FlipBook Air will wake and sleep your tablet as you open and close the front cover. Conclusion I absolutely love the minimalism of design and the maximization of functionality that the Felix FlipBook Air provides. My only gripe is the price point, which seems a bit excessive considering that a Pad & Quill Walden case made with bonded leather sells for $10 less and comes in a choice of finishes. On the other hand, the FlipBook Air is much more functional. It's up to you to decide if that functionality is worth the extra bucks. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway TUAW and Felix are teaming up to give one TUAW reader a Felix FlipBook Air. 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 July 27, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Felix FlipBook Air valued at $59.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Stands du jour: TwoHands & MonkeyDo iPad stands impress
When it comes to iPad stands, there are more options out there in the market than you can shake a stick at. If you're just looking for utility, you needn't look farther than a used roll of duct tape. Ugly but it works. Today's market is about combining utility with beautiful design and I found a couple of items from Staples that are sure to please. Of the two, the felix MonkeyDo is by far the cuter. Available from Staples for US$19.99 ($14.99 sale price until December 15), this is a stand that will fit the quirkiest aesthetics. Made of strong plastic, the stand fits classic iPads in landscape and portrait positions. (I tested with the iPad 1 and 2. I was unable to test with a mini.) As adorable as the MonkeyDo is, you can't really see the cute monkey after inserting the iPad. Only its little toes and fingers show in practical use. So a lot of the kawaii goes away when the unit is used as designed. In terms of fit, the portrait position worked a lot better than landscape for repeated removal and insertion. You really need to make your monkey streeeeeeeeetch to get the landscape iPad in place. In both orientations, the presentation was secure and the fingers did not interfere with the screen. I found the MonkeyDo to be a cute, solid product; one I have no qualms recommending. I liked the MonkeyDo; I adored the Felix TwoHands. Retailing at $29.99 at Staples (and on sale for $14.99 until December 15), this stand works like a dream. Based on a springed hinge, you open the stand with a simple squeeze. It adapts to nearly every tablet you throw at it (I tested with iPads, Kindles and an iPhone), and it's so easy to use. Its two arms have the same kind of cute hand detail used for the MonkeyDo, but with much sturdier plastic. They grasp a tablet at any height you choose, so you can set angles from super-shallow to completely upright. When not in use, the stand snaps shut, with a minimal profile that you can store away in your desk or even a super-generous pencil cup. After a few days of use by myself and my family, I picked up the phone, confirmed that I could buy at my local Denver store at the online price and ran out and bought a few to keep. Highly recommended.
