HGG
Latest
Holiday Gift Guide: iPad Apps for Students
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. If there's a student with an iPad on your gift list, you can save yourself the trouble of mall shopping by turning to the iOS App Store for the perfect gift. You can either gift an app directly or give your scholar an iTunes gift card and a list of recommended apps to install. To help you in the app department, we've spent some time finding titles suitable for the high school and college student in your life (all prices are USD). Evernote (Free) Evernote is an excellent note-taking app that stores all your notes in the cloud, so you can access them from your iPhone or desktop. You can create normal text notes and audio notes. You can also search and modify existing notes. It's available for free and is a must-have for anyone taking notes. Safari To Go (Free; Service requires a subscription) Safari Bookshelf is a technical resource that lets gives you access to books and videos about technology and digital media. Computer science students can read books, print portions of books and save books for offline reading. The service requires a monthly fee, but iPad app is free. Documents to Go Premium ($16.99) Documents to Go is a powerful document editor for the iPad. It lets you create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents. You can also view iWork, PDF, and text files. When you are done editing, you can send the files to online storage sites like Google Docs, Dropbox, box.net and SugarSync. iHomework ($1.99) iHomework is an app to help you manage your course workload. It'll keep track of your assignments and set reminders for when they are due. You can also log all your grades so you know how well you are doing in a class. There's even a section for course information that lets you store the course location, time and the professor's contact information. Papers ($14.99) Papers is a research tool that'll let you find and read academic journals. The app will search several public repositories including JSTOR, Pubmed and Google Scholar. You can also import PDF journal articles from journal sources and view them in the app. Once a file is in your library, you can highlight text and add notes. AudioNote - Notepad and Voice Recorder ($4.99) AudioNote is an audio recorder that lets you record a lecture so you can sleep take excellent study notes. The notes are stored and synced with the audio stream so you review a lecture point-by-point. It's an excellent tool for students who want a digital copy of a lecture, so they can review points they may have missed. Genius Scan ($0.99) Genius Scan is a basic scanning app that lets you scan a document to jpg or PDF. The file can be emailed or uploaded to Dropbox, Evernote and Google Docs. It costs 99-cents and brings the functionality of a copier to your iPad. There's also a free version that doesn't support documents uploads and contains ads. Converter for iPad ($0.99) Converter for iPad lets you convert measurements and currency from one unit to another. The app will change length, weight, temperature, speed, data, volume area, and time. It also converts 63 currencies using the daily exchange rate. Teleprompt + ($14.99) Teleprompt + lets you turn your iPad into a teleprompt device, which can be used during your next big presentation. It's a flexible app that can be used alone or with an external projector. You can also record the audio and video of your speech, so you can practice it before the big day. Teleprompt + supports most Bluetooth keyboards, which makes it easy to type in text of a speech. When done, the completed teleprompt documents can be uploaded to Dropbox or Google Docs. Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Premium ($2.99) The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app is a must-have for students who spend a fair amount of time writing essays. It contains definitions, synonyms, antonyms and a thesaurus. The app also has a voice search feature so you find a word without knowing how to spell it. This version is a premium version with additional words and no advertising. A free version with ads is also available. EMD PTE (Free) EMD PTE is a periodic table app for science students. It lists all the elements, their properties and the history of their discovery. All this information is stored locally so you don't need an Internet connection to look up information on Iron or Molybdenum. It's available in multiple languages and includes additional utilities like a molar mass calculator and tv-out support. Graphing Calculator+ ($2.99) Graphing Calculator+ is a graphing, handwriting and scientific calculator for the iPad. It lets you plot up to six equations at a time Keynote ($9.99) Keynote is perfect for creating and editing presentations on the iPad. The iPad app has 12 different themes and 20 slide transitions. There's an animation editor so you can control the movement of items on your slide. You can also store presentations in iCloud and edit them on other devices. If you're a Mac user, it's worth the $10 to grab the mobile version of the Keynote app. iThoughtsHD ($9.99) iThoughtsHD is a mind mapping application to help you organize your thoughts. It's great for planning large written essays and designing scientific experiments. You can import mind maps from a variety of desktop applications and export your mind map to PDF and PNG files. You can also store your creations in the cloud using Dropbox, Box.net, MobileMe or WebDAV-based services. Flashcards* (Free, $2.99 to remove ads) Flashcards* is a flashcard app with sets for almost every subject. The app ties into the Quizlet service which lets you create flashcard sets on the desktop and share them with other devices. You can also send your sets to Dropbox and share them others.
Talkcast tonight, 7pm PT/10pm ET: Shopping Edition!
It's Sunday once again and this can mean only one thing: Talkcast Time! If the holiday crazies haven't completely overcome you yet, join me at 5PM Hawaii/7PM Pacific/10PM Eastern for some holiday goings-on. We'll be discussing gifts for those who haven't finished shopping already, primarily from our own Holiday Gift Guides, but we're also looking for your suggestions as well. What's the one thing you've asked Santa for? What's the killer gift idea you have for someone else? Let us know! As usual, the chat room will be providing color commentary and generally trying to cause trouble, so do join them, it's always a lovely conversation going on in conjunction with the recording. And besides, you never know who will actually show up! Also keep in mind that we are planning to have some aftershow tonight, and it's been a while since the last one so it's bound to be interesting. Come find out why we never EVER record it! Your calls and questions help us make the show the best it can be, otherwise I'm just talking to myself! To participate on TalkShoe, you can use the browser-only client, the embedded Facebook app, or download the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, for maximum fun, you should call in. For the web UI, just click the Talkshoe Web button on our profile page at 4 HI/7 PDT/10 pm EDT Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VoIP lines (yay for free cellphone weekend minutes!): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *8. If you've got a headset or microphone handy on your Mac, you can connect via the free X-Lite, or Blink Lite SIP clients; basic instructions are here. Talk to you tonight!
Holiday Gift Guide: Docks
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. If you're an iPhone or an iPad owner, or you're looking to acquire or gift them, a good dock is a worthwhile accessory. Some docks will handle both. They're great for a dorm room, your desk at work or a nightstand so you can keep your iOS device charged while you're sleeping. Here's some suggested docks to get you started, and below we have a few usage scenarios for them. For the bedroom or dorm room A dock in the bedroom can serve as a great secondary stereo system. Several systems double as alarm clocks, so you can make sure you wake up on time and with your iPhone fully charged (all prices are USD). Sony Speaker Dock for iPod and iPhone (on sale for $79.95, normally $99.95) -- An earlier model of this system is the one I currently have in my bedroom, and it's been fantastic. The speakers are robust and the sound is rich. The alarm is loud and you can program dual settings for more than one person. The Sony remote (included) is small, but still easy to spot and I haven't lost mine yet. If you want to control the dock with your phone, use the free D-Suppli app. The one drawback is that the dock itself doesn't work well with some cases that cover the 30-pin slot, such as some of Otterbox's cases. Stem TimeCommand Audio Alarm Dock ($99.95) -- Fellow TUAW blogger Steve Sande reviewed this dock a few months ago, and he was impressed with the features. It'll charge your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and has many of the usual alarm clock features. What sets the TimeCommand apart is the extra plug on the AC adapter for plugging in a lamp. Using the free Stem:Connect app, you can control dimming your bedside lamp, get access to free Internet radio stations and control the dock's features. This clock is available only through Apple retail stores. For the office For those who want a dock at work, the best rule of thumb is to find a compact system that will deliver good sound. JBL On Stage Micro III Portable Loudspeaker Dock ($99.95) -- This compact speaker is from a line that's consistently delivered great sound, going all the way back to early generation iPods. This model is battery-operated and can easily be locked in a drawer when not in use. An included USB cable will allow sync and charging. A remote is included, and the fan-shaped speaker makes it an attractive item to have on your desk. For the iPad While Apple has a basic iPad dock for around $30, these docks are worth considering for better sound and features. Sony Speaker Dock for iPad, iPhone/iPod ($299.95) -- The RDP-X500IP came out in October and is compatible with the D-Sappli app. The speakers have a built-in subwoofer and dual passive radiators, and a magnetic fluid system that Sony says delivers higher sound pressure with less distortion. iHome iD91 ($99.95) -- For a lower-cost alternative to the Sony model, the iHome alarm clock dock for iPad offers many of the same features. It has a time-sync button, allowing you to set the clock quickly by using your iPhone. It works with both the iHome+Sleep and iHome+Radio apps, and the alarm has a gradual wake and sleep feature, increasing and decreasing the alarm as needed. iLuv WorkStation ($129.99) -- It's not pretty, but the iLuv WorkStation does its best to transform an iPad into a full-fledged desktop. It has a bracket that lets you tilt and rotate your iPad, speakers and a keyboard. Double duty Griffin PowerDock Duo ($59.95) -- The Griffin PowerDock Duo is a compact dock that holds both an iPad and iPhone, and also other small items such as change and keys. It's well-suited for a desk or dorm room and leaves both screens unrestricted.
Henge Docks Clique: A new way to merge your Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad
Many Mac users use a combination of an Apple Wireless Keyboard and a Magic Trackpad for their typing and pointing pleasure. Twelve South came up with a lovely way to merge the two devices into a single unit with the MagicWand (US$29.99). Now Henge Docks has developed a less expensive and more functional device called the Clique ($24.99) that should be a fierce competitor to the MagicWand. Design and Functionality Three minor issues with the MagicWand have been addressed with the Clique. First, I felt that $29.99 was a bit expensive for what is essentially two pieces of plastic and a tiny piece of silicone. Second, if I want to use the keyboard and trackpad in my lap, I'm out of luck with the MagicWand as there's no physical support for those peripherals. Finally, if I'm going to be away from my iMac for a while and wish to turn off the keyboard, I have to take it out of the MagicWand to have access to the power button on the right side. The Clique is actually a thin, bright white plastic rigid tray into which your Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Trackpad "click," hence the clever name. When the peripherals are snapped into the Clique, they form a rigid unit that can easily be used in a lap. I found this to be wonderful -- when I'm using the MagicWand, I have to place it onto my desktop and sit closer to the screen of my iMac. Now I'm able to place the keyboard and trackpad on my legs and move back a bit into a much more comfortable position in my chair. %Gallery-141081% Turning off the keyboard or trackpad is also easy. Henge Docks designed a small spring-loaded button into the right side of the Clique that can be depressed to power the trackpad on and off. In addition, there's a small slider underneath the keyboard that is used to turn the keyboard on and off without taking the keyboard out of the Clique. I was a bit concerned that the Clique would be uncomfortable for typing, as it adds a bit of thickness to the keyboard that doesn't exist with the Magic Wand. That concern went away as soon as I started using the Clique -- if you hold your hands in a proper position for typing, that extra 1/16th of an inch doesn't cause any problem. Conclusion I type a lot (I've written well over one million words for TUAW during my three-plus years here), and anything that makes typing and pointing more comfortable gets a thumbs-up from me. The Clique works very well and moves my keyboard and trackpad to a much more comfortable typing position. Now that turning off the keyboard is going to be easier, I'll probably get better life from my batteries. With the help of Henge Docks and the Clique, I think I'll be able to crank out another couple million words without too much damage to my arms and hands. The Clique would also make a wonderful holiday gift for anyone who wants a rigid keyboard/trackpad combo that they can use to make their daily Mac user more comfortable.
5 Apps to make your holiday shopping easy
Thanksgiving is done and Black Friday is behind us. Now, it's time to get serious with your holiday shopping. Here are a few apps that will make your holiday shopping easier, maybe even fun (all prices are USD). Santa's Bag- Christmas Gift List ($0.99) Santa's Bag- Christmas Gift List is an app to help you make your list and check it twice this holiday shopping season. The app includes a much-needed screenlock passcode so you can keep your list safe from prying eyes. The lists imports names from your contacts and lets you sort your gifts by recipient, store or status. You can add a status to your gifts like To Buy, Purchased, Wrapped or Given. It even tracks how much you spend and lets you backup your data to Dropbox in case something happens to your phone. Delivery Status ($4.99) Delivery status is a package tracker for the iPhone and iPad that help you manage your online purchases. The app lets you input tracking numbers manually or import them from online retailers like Amazon. The app will give you a summary of all incoming or outgoing packages and lets you know how many days until they are delivered. You can view the tracking details and locate the package on a map. If you sign up for a free Junecloud account, you can sync the tracking data between multiple devices. Deals & Steals from SlickDeals (Free) Deals & Steals is a quick and easy way to see all the deals that land on Slickdeals. Slickdeals is a large community-based website that gets most of its deals from a very active online forum. The forums are a source of hot deals and buying advice so you can find out if that item on sale is a winner or a loser. Xpense Tracker ($4.99) Xpense Tracker is a receipt-tracking app that'll store your holiday shopping receipts. You may not want to remember how much you spent on your gifts, but this information is invaluable if you need a receipt for warranty purposes or if someone needs to make a return. It does a lot more than just track receipts, which means you can use it outside the holiday shopping season. It also has a business slant and includes mileage tracking and support for a client list. Simon Malls (Free) The Simon Malls app has location and event information for over 300 malls in the US. The app has store listings and interior maps so you can make your way from store to store with ease.
Megaphone, a big honkin' amplifier for your iPhone
There are a lot of powered amplifier docks for the iPhone and iPod touch, and sadly most of them are lacking in beauty and originality. Italian design firm en&is is bucking the trend with a unique unpowered amplifier that is a large, swooping ceramic horn. The Megaphone ranges from €399 for the black and white models to €599 for the gold version. A hand-crafted wood stand holds the Megaphone in an upright position, and a user just needs to set an iPhone into the dock at the top to hear tunes blasting out of the bottom. It's a beautiful take on a passive amplifier and would make a nice holiday gift. Check out the video below for details.
Holiday Gift Guide: Cameras
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. It's camera time here at TUAW, and we're going to help you pick out the best Mac-friendly camera gear for this holiday season. We've used our own experience with digital photography and consulted a pro or two to help us out. If you have suggestions for cameras we have not covered here, please leave them in the comments! Buying Advice for Mac Owners Before we dive into all the details, there are a few Apple resources you should consult before you start your camera search. First is an Apple tech support article that lists all the digital cameras with RAW files supported by OS X Lion. RAW file support lets you pull the original, uncompressed image file off your camera. This is essential for professionals who prefer to edit the original file, instead of the compressed one which might contain artifacts. Apple regularly releases updates and adds new cameras to this list. Apple also maintains a list of still and video cameras compatible with iMovie '11. iMovie will easily import data from these compatible cameras. All you have to do is connect your camera to your Mac and iMovie does the rest. Take it from someone who regularly spends hours editing home videos, choosing a compatible camera will save you headaches in the long run. For a deep dive on iMovie's compatibility story, see our gift guide post for iMovie-compatible cameras. Now that this basic stuff is behind us, let's get started with the cameras. We're going to give you a quick run-down of our top choices in each camera category. If you need more information on specific camera models, you can check out photography review sites such as dpreview, imaging-resource and Steve's Digicams. They'll have detailed reviews, sample images and all the information you'll need to make your decision. Point and Shoot Cameras Point and shoot cameras are consumer-grade gear -- they're affordable, easy to use and portable. They also tend to produce a lower quality image than the bigger, more expensive DSLR. This is the sacrifice you make to get the advantage of being able to fire off a quick shot wherever your are. Recommended in this category is the Canon S95, a 10-megapixel shooter with Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor, a high-sensitivity sensor, image stabilization and support for RAW files. One step up is the Canon S100. It's a 12-megapixel camera with the DIGIC 5 image processor, 1080P HD video, a high-sensitivity sensor, image stabilization and support for RAW files. Another interesting offering is the Nikon COOLPIX S1200pj. It's a projector camera that'll let you display images from an iOS device onto a wall or screen. It's perfect for informal presentations and spontaneous slideshows. DSLRs DSLRs are your typical prosumer and pro-level cameras, based on the older film single-lens reflex cameras. Most have interchangeable lenses, external flash units and larger bodies. They're usually twice the price of a point and shoot and take much better pictures. They also have more bells and whistles such as manual focus rings, faster shutter speeds, and wider apertures. The top DSLR cameras are made by old favorites Canon and Nikon. The best Canon DSLRs available are the Canon EOS Rebel T3i and the EOS 60D. The two 18-megapixel cameras have the same DIGIC 4 processor, 1080P HD recording, and ISO6400. The EOS 60D is a slight step up from the T3i and has some additional features, such as the ability to shoot at 5.3 frames per second, compared to the 3.7 of the T3i. Nikon also makes some quality DSLRs including the D5100 and the D7000. The D5100 is a 16.2-megapixel camera with an 11-point AF system, 4 frames per second shooting and 1080P HD with continuous autofocus. One level up is the D7000. It, too, is a 16.2-megapixel shooter but captures photos at 6 frames per second, has a 37-point AF system and captures full time autofocus 1080P HD video. Video Cameras The video camera market is undergoing a transformation. Compact video cameras like those formerly made by Cisco's defunct Flip division are slowly disappearing now that we have smartphones which record at 1080P HD. Smartphone cameras can't match the quality of a dedicated video camera, but they're good enough for most people. If you need more than what your camera phone can deliver, you should take a look at the Canon Vixia HF M41. The M41 is a monster with 32GB of internal flash memory and dual SDCX slots in case you need even more storage. It shoots in 1080P HD and has a touch and track autofocus that lets you tap the screen to focus on a single subject. It's a solid performer and is compatible with iMovie '11. Panasonic also makes quality video cameras both for the consumer and the professional. In its consumer line, a favorite is the Panasonic TM90 which has the HYBRID O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer) to produce crisp, clear, shake-free video. It records 1080/60P HD and can capture in 3D when a special 3D conversion lens is attached to the camera. Shock and Waterproof Cameras Canon and Nikon go head to head again with two cameras that are waterproof, cold-proof and shockproof. Both the 16-megapixel Nikon COOLPIX AW100 and the 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot D10 are rugged cameras that'll survive almost anything you throw at them. Security Cameras For some solid advice on security cameras, you don't have to look any farther than our own Auntie TUAW. She recommends the Logitech security systems which are easy to setup and have companion iOS software. NightOwl also provides an all-in-one security package that works with iOS. Surprisingly, Panasonic, one of the top makers of security cameras, doesn't have an iOS app, but their cameras are compatible with third-party surveillance apps like Mobiscope from Shape Services. Baby Monitors with Video Cameras We've had the chance to review two remote video baby monitoring system. Both the iBaby and WiFi Baby 3G let you watch your baby while you are in the next room or away on business. The iBaby has the edge if you need a camera that can pan and tilt, while the WiFi Baby 3G is better for those who a want a monitor that deliver a bright, crisp image even at night. You can read our review of the iBaby and the WiFi Baby 3G. Camera Accessories GorillaPod is a flexible tripod for photographers on the go. It fits in a bag, and it's bendable legs means its can be mounted on almost any surface. Eye-Fi makes a series of WiFi-enable SD cards that'll let you transfer your images wirelessly from your camera to your computer. You can also transfer media to an online service like Photobucket. Rogue FlashBenders and Professor Kobre's Lightscoop are two accessories to help you manage the output from a camera flash. The FlashBenders fit a shoe mount flash and help you direct and diffuse the output of the flash. The LightScoop is a similar product except it attaches to a camera with a permanent pop-up flash. Optoma Pico PK301 Projector is a 16:9 projector small enough to fit in your pocket. The projector will display an 854 x 480 resolution image, up to 72-inches in size. It's terrific for anyone who travels to do presentations. iPhone Camera Accessories Photojojo's iPhone Lens Dial is a set of three lenses for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The lenses include a 0.33x fisheye lens, a 0.7x wide angle lens, and a 1.5x telephoto lens. All three are mounted on a rotating dial which is part of larger aircraft-grade aluminum case. The case-lens combo will both enhance your camera and protect your phone. Olloclip is another camera lens set for the iPhone 4/4S. It's a little less expensive than the Photojojo, because it's a smaller slip-on device that sits on the corner of your iPhone. It includes a fish eye lens, a wide angle lens and a macro lens. The Olloclip can hold only two lenses at a time. You need to switch one out, if you want to use the third. Glif is an elegant iPhone stand and tripod mount. It started as Kickstarter project and took off from there. I can see why; the design is simple, functional and beautiful. GorillaMobile is a smaller version of the GorillaPod for the iPhone. It's perfect for those hard-to-get shots you can't reach with a conventional tripod. RainBallet is a waterproof case with Sharpvue lenses on the front and back of the case. It takes your iPhone 4/4S and turns it a high-quality, waterproof camera.
Snap and send photos from your iPhone to Ceiva the networked picture frame
Right now for about a hundred bucks, you can buy a Ceiva picture frame. This device allows you to email pictures to a physical photo frame, allowing you to connect your digital lifestyle to your loved ones. If you have parents or grandparents who don't spend their days hunched over email and Facebook (or even if they do), the Ceiva provides a solution that brings your photos away from your computer and into the living room. What's more, if you have siblings, you can all share a common photo email address and send images from your phones no matter where you are physically located. For families living in today's reality of widespread home life, that can help parents connect with their kids, whether they're at college, summer camp, or with their own families in far-off states. Hardware and connection options Ceiva units work using a home's Wi-Fi network but they're backwards compatible as well. Owners who don't connect directly to the Internet can use a standard telephone wall plug with the Ceiva's built-in modem. The unit calls home to Ceiva during the night and pick up new photos. So if your family member is in, say, assisted living, the Ceiva can sit on a table and use phone calls instead of Wi-Fi networking. When you cannot access a local number, you can pay an additional $16/month for toll-free number access. (Ceiva has about thousands of numbers nation-wide plus in Canada and Puerto Rico) Ceiva was kind enough to send over a review unit that I've been testing for a couple of weeks. I have it set up using Wi-Fi, so the response time is very good. I don't have to wait until morning to see new pictures. They typically show up within minutes. I was out at the barber shop with my boy a few days ago, and our pictures got home before we did. The screen is bright and clear, although it is not huge. It seems to run about 8" diagonal, although I did not measure it myself. That number comes from the Ceiva website. It is embedded in a fairly plain black frame that will fit most decors. A built-in slot accommodates a remote control, hiding it and giving it a convenient place to live. Service and setup If I have any complaints about the equipment and the service, it is this. First, I'd love to be able to pay a little more upfront and decouple the frame from the monthly/annual fees. I have several of my own domains, and with Wi-Fi, my unit need never take advantage of the Ceiva phone access service. I'd love to be able to set it up with its own email address at a given domain, and then use it indefinitely, decoupled from the Ceiva web services. Second, I found setup to be unnecessarily complicated. The unit ships with numerous preset images. Once the device is registered, those images should have automatically been deleted rather than having me delete them at the website. Finally, it was a little complicated to discover the unit's email. (Hint: Go to ceiva.com, sign in, select Members > My Account > CeivaMobile Addresses.) Their website really could use a major redesign to reflect standard usage patterns. Final thoughts Once set up the device is super easy to use. Just add the ceivamobile.com email address to your phone's contacts and shoot off emails with attached photographs. If you're using the iPhone, make sure to send at least "Medium" resolution images. "Small" images aren't big enough to display full screen. All in all, Ceiva provides good value but it doesn't come cheap. Fees start at $9.95/month after the first year, go down to $8.95 if you pay for an entire year of service in advance, and end up at $6.95 if you pre-pay three years. Payments allow your frame to continue operating with the Ceiva service, but also cover a basic insurance plan. If your frame dies during covered service, Ceiva will replace or fix the unit.
Holiday Gift Guide: Portable cases
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. One of the first purchases to make for your new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is a good case. It'll be invaluable both for storage at home or toting it around town while keeping your precious portable safe. There are several styles to use from, and don't be surprised if you find yourself alternating between a couple of them. Backpacks A backpack should be the first choice to consider if you're a student, deal with a lot of books and papers on a regular basis, or find yourself needing to tote a lot of gear and needing to run through an airport. My current backpack of choice is the Tom Bihn Synapse (US$130). The entire Tom Bihn line is fantastic, and this particular backpack is the smallest on offer. It holds my 11-inch MacBook Air, iPad, Kindle, gear and books with ease. I've carried a full load in the Synapse on daytrips in New York City and have flown internationally with the Synapse with no weight issues. All of Tom Bihn's bags are built extremely well, and my Synapse still looks like new nine months after buying it. There are no built-in laptop pockets here, so you'll need to pick up a sleeve (covered below) to protect your MacBook. The Synapse is good for up to a 13-inch laptop, which means it covers both MacBook Airs and the smallest of the MacBook Pros. If you want more capacity for a 15-inch or 17-inch MacBook Pro, the $150 Brain Bag can fit up to two laptops and the $140 Smart Alec is the midrange bag between the Synapse and Brain Bag. I'm also a fan of Incase backpacks, which also wear well and have an insane number of pockets. The Apple Store sells the Incase Compact Backpack for $79.95, which appears to be the successor to an older Incase backpack I used for several years. The bag was well-padded and protected my electronics well. This particular model will carry a 15-inch or smaller MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Messenger A pick from Engadget's list is the Timbuk2 Snoop, which is a fantastic multitasker for keeping a lot of gear at your fingertips. The company bills this bag as a camera bag, and it also has a laptop sleeve. If you tote a camera around, the different compartments are good for its accessories, or you can tailor the pockets to suit your own needs. It's $150 through its site or you can find it starting around $103 on Amazon. If you have the money to spend, a Muzetto from WaterField Designs is worth considering. These sumptuous vertical messengers maintain a slim profile and are good if you're toting the basics and want to look stylish. They range from $219 for the MacBook Air to $259 for 15-inch MacBook Pros. For 13-inch and 15-inch laptops, however, you will need a protective sleeve like with some of the Tom Bihn bags. Briefcase If you're heading to a business meeting and want to look your most professional, these cases are the ones to check out. Space is sacrificed for a slim profile. Brenthaven has a number of briefcases for a good price that are durable and fit an office setting. The ProStyle III-XF is one of these and can be custom fit up to a 17-inch MacBook Pro. It has an X-Ray Friendly design, meaning you do not have to remove your laptop while going through airport security. These bags range from $99.95 to $119.95. For more rugged gear, Thule has a line of attache cases available through the Apple Store that allows you to use your Mac while still in the case. These run about $79.95. Sleeve For the absolute basic protection, picking up a good sleeve will allow you to toss your laptop in any bag. If you want to grab something while still at the Apple Store, the Incase line is there for you to peruse, and the cases cost roughly $40. If you're willing to wait a few days and want to order something online, the Tom Bihn Cache is $30 and dispenses with zippers. Waterfield has elegant-looking Sleevecases ranging from $37-45 and has a number of other sleeves geared toward the MacBook Air. Or, if you want your laptop to blend in with the books on your coffee table, TwelveSouth's BookBook cases are always a conversation piece.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: HDTV and home theater
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. For a crowd-pleasing holiday gift, it's hard to do better than a TV (or something that plays on or plugs into a TV), so naturally we're here to help you out once again. Of course, this is an ever-changing industry segment, but we've got you covered -- regardless of whether you need a flat panel or a projector. If you're out shopping for someone that has (or wants to) cut the cable, or someone that has every channel, there's something for you. Of course, we'd also recommend keeping a close eye on the tablet and gaming categories too, but companies like Roku, Samsung and Ceton are making sure you have all kinds of options dedicated purely to video. Give them a look after the break.
Holiday Gift Guide: the ideal iPod
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. If you're planning to pick up an iPod for your loved one this holiday season, which one would you buy? Apple has a variety of models, and they are all very different. We will help you navigate the buying process and get you all the best accessories, so you can give your recipient the ideal iPod. iPod 101 The iPod is Apple's line of media players, and they come in different sizes and colors. The smallest and least expensive is the iPod shuffle. It's tiny, so tiny it doesn't even have a screen. It's just a cube with a scroll wheel and a clip. The shuffle is perfect for folks who want music with a minimal weight and size. Next up is the iPod nano. The nano is bigger than the shuffle and has a display, which makes it very easy to use, with on-screen controls. Its solid construction and weight and feel make it great for exercising. There's a lot of accessories for this model, including wrist bands that'll let you wear the nano as a watch. It's a great all-purpose media player, with an integrated FM radio, accelerometer (with support for Nike + iPod and screen rotation) and a variety of fun watch faces. Third in the line is the iPod classic. This model includes a hard drive and offers a relatively large 160 GB of storage. It also has the classic scroll wheel that defined Apple's early iPod players. Unfortunately, the hard drive limits its usefulness and its battery. Running may be out of the question as the hard drive isn't as resilient to movement as the rest of the iPod line. The iPod Classic is perfect for someone who wants to carry a large library of music, photos and videos around with them, but doesn't need a player for exercising. Finally there's the iPod touch. This is one of Apple's most popular iPods because it's a phone-less, GPS-less version of the iPhone. It runs iOS and is a bit smaller than the iPhone. If you want the iPhone experience without the phone part, then the iPod touch is your best choice. Headphones If you want to get the most out of your iPod, then you need a good pair of headphones. The iPods ship with a pair of mediocre ear buds that'll work in a pinch, but most people will want to upgrade to a better pair. Covering all the variety of styles of headphones is beyond the scope of this guide, but I will highlight a few that we have reviewed, and give you some tips on buying a new pair. The first decision when you shop for headphones is whether you want a traditional over-the-ear model or ear buds that fit in your ear canal. You also need to decide whether you want wired or wireless. Wireless headphones are a popular option for folks that hate messing with cords. Many connect to your device via Bluetooth and are available as ear buds or over-the-ear cans. The iPod touch is the only player that can support Bluetooth headphones natively. The iPod nano, classic and shuffle can be retro-fitted with Bluetooth if you plug in a Bluetooth adapter like this one from Sony. A Bluetooth adapter is useful, but it will add bulk and weight to your player. There's a wide variety of Bluetooth headphones including the popular Sennheiser PX210BT ($150), the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 bluetooth earbuds ($80), the Creative WP-300 ($80) and the Jaybird Sportsband ($89). Many manufacturers also offer stereo Bluetooth headsets, which can be used for audio on the iPod and later with your iPhone for holding a conversation. We recently looked at the NuForce BT-860 ($79) and found a lot to like about this headset. There's also a thread at Engadget that discusses the best BT headset for music and calls. Wired headphones and ear buds are also popular options, as they tend to be less expensive and can have exceptional sound quality. If you can deal with the wire, you can get more bang for your buck. You also don't have to worry about interference with a wired headset. There are tons of wired models, but you can't go wrong if you stick with Sennheiser, Grado, Klipsch, Etymotic or Shure. Cases People like the iPod because of its large selection of accessories. If you want a particular color or style of case, you will likely find it among the hundreds that are available. Most cases that you find will fit the iPod touch and the classic. The iPod nano is so small that the case selection is not as robust, and the iPod shuffle has its own clip which makes having a case not as important. There are some folio-style and silicone cases for the nano and shuffle, but you will mostly find zippered pouches or arm bands for these smaller players. Some of our favorite cases for the iPod touch and classic include the premium Vaja cases. They are pricey ($75), but are beautifully designed and hand-crafted from fine leather. A little lower on the price scale is Speck. I've owned a few Speck cases for the iPod touch and found them to be durable and reasonably priced (under $30). DLO makes a variety of inexpensive hard shell cases, folio cases and silicon cases. And, of course, there's Griffin with a large selection of hard shell, folio and Crystal Clear cases. One of my favorite Griffin cases is the Wristlet ($10) for the iPod nano. It has a wrist strap that makes it easy to find the nano in your bag, and it lets you hang the player on the arm of a treadmill. These cases are just a small sampling of what's available for the iPods. If you have a case you absolutely love, please mention it in the comments. Armbands and Watch Bands The nano and shuffle are small enough that you can slip them into an armband and wear them while you exercise. Similar to the iPod's case selection, there are many different armbands from which to choose. When shopping for an arm band, look for one that's easy to take on and off. It should also let you access the controls of the player without difficulty. There's nothing worse than an arm band that requires you to remove the iPod in order to adjust the volume. Many of the same manufacturers that make cases for the iPod, also make armbands. If you like your DLO or Griffin case, you may want to look at their armband selection, too. If your looking for a basic armband, Grantwood Technology makes a nice one called the TuneBand ($20). There's a Tuneband for every iPod touch, 1G-5G nano and the classic. It has a nice fit and feel and is compatible with the Nike + exercise system. There's also speciality armbands like the RunWallet ($13), also from Grantwood technology, and the Amphibx Fit from H20 Audio. The RunWallet lets you carry your keys, ID, credit/bank Cards, and money; while the Amphibx Fit ($50) is a waterproof armband and headphone combo for nano and shuffle owners. If you have an iPod nano, you also have the option of using your media player as a watch. The nano ships with several clock faces, and manufacturers like Hex and iWatchz are selling fashionable watch bands that complement the styling of the nano. These watch bands turn your media player into a fashion accessory, and are a compelling reason to choose a nano over the other iPod models. Docks Docks are another must-have accessory for your home or office. They let you charge and sync your iPod while keeping it safely in one location. Most pull double duty and function as a speaker or an alarm clock. Docks are one area that the iPod touch excels because it piggybacks on the success of the iPhone. Most specialty iPhone docks, like iHealth's Blood Pressure Dock, are compatible with the iPod touch because the iPhone and the touch share the same dock connector and the same operating system. If all you need is an all-purpose dock to charge, sync and listen to music, then you'll want to take a look at Apple's Universal dock. It will charge, sync and let you connect the audio out to a speaker. It'll also pipe video out to a monitor or TV if you have the appropriate cable. The dock ships with an Apple remote that'll let you control media playback from across the room. The dock uses inserts that'll fit the entire iPod lineup and all the iPhone models. It ships with five inserts for the iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 3G/3GS, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations) and the 5th generation iPod nano. You will have to buy an insert separately if you have a model that's not included in the list above. There's a variety of other docks like the JBL On Stage IV ($150) and the Altec Lansing Octiv Duo M202 ($100), both of which are speaker docks and perfect for a living room. The Octiv Duo adds a bit of a twist, as it has slots for two players and software that lets you mix songs from both devices. If you want a dock to use in your bedroom, you should consider the Sony CD Clock Radio ($100) which has an alarm clock and a radio. There's also the reviveLITE II ($35), a basic dock from Scosche that's both a LED nightlight and a charger. Portable Speakers We covered some speaker options for the iPod in the section about docks, now it's time to look at speakers you can use outside the home. If you want to travel with your speakers, you'll have to shed the dock and look for a small speaker setup that's battery powered. Almost all portable speakers easily fit in a handbag or backpack and are usually inexpensively priced. You won't get Bose quality sound out of them, but they're perfect for watching a movie on your iPod touch or listening some tunes on your nano. One of my favorites is the Altec Lansing Orbit ($30) which has been around for a while and is a solid performer both in durability and sound quality. If you hate dealing with single-use batteries, there's the iHome IHM79 ($50), which has a rechargeable battery and a magnetic base that lets you stick the two speakers together when you travel. Earlier this year, we reviewed the iMainGo X ($70) which is a case-style speaker system. The speaker splits open, and the iPod fits inside a zippered compartment. Once the speaker is closed, the iPod is safe from the elements. It's designed so you can control and view your device without opening the speaker again. Lastly, I couldn't resist mentioning the GOgroove Panda Pal ($20) and its companion the Koala Pal ($20). They are two portable speakers that GOgroove says "look cute, sound incredible." Other Accessories If headphones, a dock, a case, an armband and a wristband are not enough for you, there are even more accessories you can add to your iPod. iPod touch owners may like Seagate's GoFlex satellite ($200), a portable drive which lets you stream media stored on the drive to your iPod touch and other WiFi devices. A must-have for travelers is the Mophie juice pack ($35-80 depending on model), a portable battery that'll charge any iPod you own. There's also the Nike+ iPod fitness system ($30 for the Sport kit) which uses a sensor and your iPod touch or nano to keep track of your running stats. It's also works with Nike + iPod compatible gym equipment that has a connector for your iPod. We hope this list of accessories helps you find the perfect gift for the iPod fan in your life. If you have a favorite product that we missed, please share it in the comments.
Google's formerly-iPad-only Catalogs app now also on Android
Updated to reflect that the iPad version has been out for several months. Google's shopping-centric mobile app isn't particularly new on the iPad -- we checked in on it in August -- but it's finally made its way to the Android platform. It's called Catalogs, and you can find it as a free download on the App Store or in the Android Market. The big G has used its Google Books technology to scan and set up links on a number of different holiday shopping catalogs, so you can load up the app, flip through the virtual pages to find something you want, and then click away to buy it directly from your mobile tablet. The links aren't built in to the app -- they more or less just open up an internal app browser that then lets you buy the product online. But the experience is pretty seamless otherwise; there are over 400 catalogs to browse through, and I quickly saw brands like ThinkGeek, Nike, Sonoma Williams, Sharper Image, and Pottery Barn on display. It's a pretty specific use of Google's search and scanning software, but hey -- it's free, and it might help with the holiday shopping this year. [via Engadget]
Cyber Monday app sales: Tom Tom USA, Age of Zombies, a few more
Did you buy anything good this weekend? It's now Cyber Monday, and the App Store sales continue. I have to say, these aren't quite as good as what we saw last week (though some of those are still going on), but there are still a few solid purchases here if you're looking to load up a new iOS device. Halfbrick's original Age of Zombies dual-stick shooter is down to just 99 cents. Double puzzle game Cohabit is on sale for the low price of free. Overhead racing game Tiny Cars is free today as well. Tom Tom USA is offering its usually very expensive software for a relatively generous price: $31.99. Cordy is an "exploratory platformer" that's free to download, with an in-app price that's been lowered to 99 cents for iPhone and $2.99 for the iPad. As mentioned this morning, Hothead's Sea Stars is free for the next few days. And freemium puzzle title Monster Island is offering a sale on in-app purchases. Slim pickings on new sales today, but some of those older sales are still on. And don't worry -- the biggest sales of the year on the App Store tend to show up around Christmas, which is when all of those new iPhones and iPads purchased this past weekend actually show up in consumers' hands, and start filling up with all of these apps. Stay tuned.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: docks
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. 'Tis the season to go shopping and slightly broke! Unless you're living off the grid, you can't escape the marketing merriment amping up the arrival of that most wonderful time of the year. You know, the one where loved ones run themselves ragged skipping from store to store in an attempt to find the perfect gift that just screams, "I care," and costs a pretty penny, too. Well, we know things can get hectic and the options overwhelming, but for the music aficionado in your family, you can't really go wrong with a speaker dock. Let's face it, even Great Aunt Eddie's rockin' a portable media player these days. So, why not help her get up off the couch, out of her mind and into a living room hoedown with a wall of MP3 sound? Lucky for you, we've whittled down the dizzying array of digital audio offerings into a handy guide fit for the frugal and lavish alike. Need a little inspiration? Then head on past the break to peruse the goods and get psyched for that onslaught of holiday cheer.
Holiday Gift Guide: Buying a printer (Updated)
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. Updated to correct AirPrint availability for Lexmark and Epson. As much as we'd all love to get away from the piles of paper that dominate our lives, it's still hard to live without a way to commit digital content to paper. Whether you're printing labels and envelopes, need to print a report for school, or you like to print photos from your iPhone or iPod touch, a printer may be a necessity for most computer users. Printers have come a long way from the days of the slow and noisy ImageWriter II shown above, and now even cheap printers can astound you with their high quality output. In this edition of our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, I'll provide some hints on what you should consider when purchasing a printer to work with your Mac or iOS device. We'll start with the basic questions you need to ask yourself about the way you print and the features you can't live without. All-in-one or print-only? Most printers these days come in two styles -- all-in-one printer/scanner combos (often referred to as multi-function devices or multi-function printers) and just plain printers. All-in-one printers are very useful if you often need to scan documents that have been signed, or if you want to be able to scan printed photos. Those who are thinking about doing high-quality photo or slide scanning should opt for a separate printer and a specialized photo scanner. While the scanners in the all-in-one models have improved dramatically over the years, they usually can't match the high resolution, scanning speed, and retouching software that comes with a dedicated photo scanner. There are some differences in the all-in-one printers as well. Some are designed just for printing and scanning, while others provide the ability to send and receive faxes. If you're still using the ancient technology of faxing to send documents, you'll want to look for a model that has the built-in fax modem and RJ-11 telephone port. Photos, printouts, or both? The next thing to think about is what you'll be printing. Photo printing is done on special coated paper that provides either a matte or gloss finish to your images, and even a low-cost photo printer can turn out fairly good printed pictures these days. On the other hand, if you do a lot of photo printing, it's going to be much less expensive in terms of consumables (ink cartridges and photo paper) to just take your images to a local drugstore or photo shop on an SD card or flash drive for printing. A 2005 New York Times article noted that printing a 4" x 6" photo from a home printer could cost anywhere from 28¢ to 50¢ per image. Consumers in the US can go to a number of retailers and get prints in the range of 10¢ to 16¢ a piece, or easily use one of a score of online photo printing services (including Apple's built-in print service in iPhoto). Prices of consumables -- the print paper and ink -- haven't dropped much, so these numbers are probably still accurate. What are you paying for? Convenience. You can do one-off prints of favorite pictures in a minute or less. I've often been able to upload photo files to a local Walgreen's store and pick them up in about an hour, which is still pretty convenient. Most inkjet printers will do both photo and regular printing, so if you still think that you need a printer that does a decent job of making photo hard copies, go with inkjet. Which brings us to our next topic: Laser or inkjet? Laser printers have dropped considerably in price over the years while capabilities have soared. In fact, a quick look at the HP website showed two black and white laser printers with a price tag of less than $100. The least expensive color laser printer is now running $149 on sale. What's the big attraction of laser printers? Speed. Many laser printers can pop out a first page in less than ten seconds, then churn out pages at anywhere from 12 to 42 pages per minute. For the impatient folks in the crowd, that's a plus. However, inkjet printers are no longer as poky as they used to be, with print speeds up to 35 pages per minute. Once again, it's the consumables that will bite you every time. Toner cartridges are expensive, especially for color laser printers that generally require four cartridges -- black, cyan, magenta, and yellow -- to print a full range of colors. It's not uncommon to spend well over $200 for toner cartridges for a color printer, and $75 - $100 for black toner cartridges. Inkjet printers are also quite inexpensive. HP has a low-end color inkjet printer that is available for $30. How can printer manufacturers sell printers cheaply? It's easy -- they're using the pricing model that was pioneered by razor manufacturers years ago. You basically give away the razor and then make money on the consumables -- the razor blades. In this case, the manufacturer makes a ton of money on ink (or toner) cartridges. With that $30 printer I was referring to, you get a single black ink cartridge and a single color cartridge, good for about 165 pages of printing. When it's time to buy a new set of cartridges, you're looking at $58 -- almost twice the cost of the printer! The page yield on those replacement cartridges is about 330 (color) to 480 (black) pages, which adds up quickly. If you do a lot of printing, I'd recommend a laser printer. The toner cartridges are more expensive, but they also last a lot longer -- usually in the range of 1,300 (color) to 2,000 (black) pages. The extra speed is also going to make you happy if you're printing big reports all of the time. For photos or casual color printing, it's inkjet all the way. USB or wireless? Back in the day, every printer had a cable. Whether it was AppleTalk, Ethernet or (more recently) USB, you were constrained to printing from a computer that was tethered to a printer. Now many printers come with built-in Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth, rarely) connectivity so that you can print from anywhere on the network. For those who just want to print from a desktop Mac or PC and don't mind being anchored to a printer, then USB is just fine. For those who want to print from a laptop, Wi-Fi is the way to go. And for those who want to print wirelessly from an iOS device without an intervening personal computer running something like Printopia, you want to look for an AirPrint-compatible printer. There's a full list of AirPrint-savvy devices in this recently updated Apple knowledge base article. Lexmark is represented with the fewest devices (3) and Canon's list is deceptively long, since most of those model numbers are variations on the three announced printers. Epson & HP, on the other hand, have a relatively complete suite of options there. HP has the most AirPrint printers, with more than 20 models listed on the company's US site as supporting direct printing from iOS (Apple's list of HP devices is longer, including some not sold in the US). Canon recently added three AirPrint-compatible printers to its line and promises that future Pixma photo printers and all-in-ones will also support AirPrint. Epson supports AirPrint on most of the devices that fall under its Epson Connect feature branding; the three printers that don't support AirPrint do work for photo printing using Epson's iPrint app. Conclusion There are a lot of good printers on the market. Remember when you're looking for one to use with your Mac that you should make absolutely sure that it supports Mac OS X printing. Printers from most manufacturers, including HP, Canon, Epson, and Lexmark, work very well with Mac OS X, but be sure to check older models for compatibility. If you're trying to ditch the PC or Mac and just go straight from iOS, then be sure to look for AirPrint compatible printers from HP, Canon, Epson or Lexmark. Be sure to check manufacturer online stores for deals that you can't usually find in stores, and also keep an eye out on the Apple Online Store (or ask at Apple retail locations) for free or low-cost printers added to a Mac package. Whatever printer you decided on, remember that consumables are the biggest part of the lifecycle cost of your printer. Look at the replacement toner or ink cartridge costs before you buy, and try to get a feel for the cost per page that you print. Printers are becoming less of a necessity for computer users, so think about your needs before you choose. Don't buy one with all the bells and whistles unless you have money to burn or really need all those capabilities.
Marshall Bergman Corbin bag for iPad and 11" MacBook Air: Review
Most of the bag and case manufacturers that we receive review samples from are in the US, and their products are usually sold in Apple Stores in the US as well. An established UK bag maker, Marshall Bergman, is making a splash in the UK with the Corbin canvas bag (£79.95) for iPad and/or the 11" MacBook Air. The bag will be sold at Apple Stores in the UK and a number of other European countries, so here's a close look at a top quality way to carrying your favorite Apple toys. Design Back in the early to mid 1990's, I carried my Newton MessagePads in a bag from Eagle Creek. The Corbin bag reminds me of a larger version of that beloved bag in both looks and functionality. It's a cross-body bag that is designed up to fit the iPad or 11" MacBook Air. The exterior of the bag is made of a water resistant canvas material, so if you're in a rainy climate you'll love the protection you get from the Corbin. %Gallery-140321% Around the sides and on the bottom of the bag is a rubberized material that provides even more protection so that the bag can be placed on wet surfaces with no worries. There's a long and adjustable canvas strap for using the bag over one shoulder or cross-body, with nice brass hardware that really adds a touch of class. All of the zippers have long leather pulls attached for easy access to the main bag and pockets. There's a large snap-closure pocket on the front of the bag with a smaller pocket inside to hold an iPhone. On the back is a zipped pocket for those items you want to keep safe. The inside compartment is padded, and has a zipped pocket, a removable key holder, a couple of pen holders, and some slip-in pockets for organization. The Corbin canvas bag comes in two colors, black and khaki. There are also leather editions of the Corbin in brown and black at £124.95. Functionality Marshall Bergman says that the Corbin bag is designed for the iPad or 11" MacBook Air. Of course, that meant that I had to push the envelope and try placing both an iPad 2 and an 11" MacBook Air in the bag. Sure enough, it worked just fine with both devices -- and the iPad 2 is in a folio case. Now you know that the Corbin bag has room to spare, but how about those other features I described earlier? There are two things that I think would improve the bag slightly. First, it would be nice to have a pad on the shoulder strap to make for more comfortable carrying, and second, there should be a Velcro flap to close over the iPhone pocket. That pocket is in a large snap-closure pocket, and it would be easy for an iPhone to slide out of both pockets. The construction of the bag is flawless. The 'gear bag' space is chock-full of great US manufacturers such as Tom Bihn or Waterfield Designs, but for non-US shoppers I don't think you can go wrong with the well-designed, spacious, and protective Corbin bag. Conclusion For our European readers who are near Apple Stores, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the Marshall Bergman Corbin bag for your iPad, 11" MacBook Air, or both. The canvas bag is affordable and is well-suited for years of protective service, and you can go with the extremely classy all-leather version if you so desire. The Corbin bag also makes a perfect holiday gift for the gadget geek on your list, so keep it in mind if you're stumped about what to buy your favorite person.
ThinkGeek's iCade on sale for $59.99 today
I just touted the ThinkGeek/Ion iCade arcade unit for iPad in my recent accessories roundup for the holidays, and if you were on the fence about buying one for yourself or as a gift, that decision might be a little easier. The geeky gift site is putting the unit on sale for US$59.99 during Black Friday, down about $40 from its usual price. That's a nice discount, and it might seal the deal if you haven't picked one up yet. Touch Arcade has a really great page about the iCade, with lots of specs and information, and a pretty exhaustive list of games compatible with the device. It's made to work with Atari's Greatest Hits app, which is free on the App Store and offers up a bunch of Atari classics that already work with a joystick and buttons. But other developers and apps have also jumped on the iCade train, so the unit will work with all kinds of titles. For anyone who enjoys playing retro games on an iPad, this would make for an excellent gift under the tree later on this year.
Holiday Gift Guide: The all-purpose Mac setup
Welcome to TUAW's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! We're here to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season, and once you've received your gifts we'll tell you what apps and accessories we think are best for your new Apple gear. Stay tuned every weekday from now until the end of the year for our picks and helpful guides and check our Gift Guide hub to see our guides as they become available. For even more holiday fun, check out sister site Engadget's gift guide. Holiday deals are in full swing, and now is the time to start thinking about your gift list. If you are a Mac owner or buying for one, we have a list of some must-have accessories that'll help you create the best all-around Mac work (or play) environment. External Keyboard/Mouse If you have an iMac or a MacBook Pro, your system already has a nice keyboard and mouse/trackpad combination. Mac mini or Mac Pro owners will benefit greatly from a nice keyboard and mouse. Top of the list is Apple's wireless keyboard and its Magic Trackpad (US$69) or Magic Mouse ($69). The Apple wireless keyboard ($69) is rock solid and perfect for desktop use. If you pair it with a Magic Trackpad, you can duplicate the awesome keyboard/trackpad combination of the MacBook Pro/Air. The Magic Mouse is also an excellent product for those who prefer a mouse to a trackpad. External Monitor This is another category applicable only to Mac mini and Mac Pro owners whose systems ship without a monitor. Most people connect any old monitor, which you can do if you have the right Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort to DVI or VGA cable. If you really want a treat, you should take a closer look at Apple's Thunderbolt Display ($999). At 27 inches, this display is big and beautiful. It also contains a MagSafe connector that'll charge your MacBook Pro/Air and has a Thunderbolt port that can be daisy-chained with other Thunderbolt devices. External Speakers External speakers are essential for all Mac owners, because the ones that ship on a MacBook Pro/Air and the iMac range from merely decent to mediocre. One excellent but expensive choice is the Sonos Play:3 ($299), a wireless system that lets you pipe your iTunes library all over your house. We reviewed this system earlier this year and liked it quite a lot. There are also a handful of AirPlay-compatible speakers on the market now, including the Philips Fidelio SoundAvia, SoundCurve, SoundRing and the SoundSphere, which was reviewed by our sister site, Engadget. There's also the JBL On Air Wireless ($200) and the compact iW1 from iHome ($299). You can find a full list of AirPlay speakers at the AirPlaySpeakers.com website. If you're looking for wired speakers, Bose is an excellent choice if you can afford it. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a mid-range offering from Logitech or Creative. Printer Every computer needs a printer, and there a lot of options for Mac owners. If you have a Mac and an iOS device, you will want to grab a printer with an AirPrint option, so you can print documents wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Pickings were sparse when AirPrint was first announced, but most major printer companies now sell AirPrint-compatible models. Apple has compiled a recent list of AirPrint compatible printers from Canon, Epson, HP and Lexmark. You can find this list in an article on Apple's support website. Backup Device Every computer owner should back up their data on a daily basis, and Mac owners are no exception. Apple has made backups easy with Time Machine, a backup utility that ships on every Mac. The best choice for a backup storage device is Apple's Time Capsule (starts at $299). It's an Airport Extreme wireless router with built-in storage for backups. It'll provide an almost zero-configuration way to start backing up your data. If you already have an AirPort Express and only need a hard drive for backup, you can purchase an external drive like the Western Digital My Book for Mac (starts at $139). If you need additional storage or RAID support, there are other options like the LaCie Network Space 2 (starts at $159) or the Netgear ReadyNAS Duo (starts at $299). Drobo and Pogoplug also sell backup solutions that offer greater capacity and additional features like cloud storage and media streaming. We've reviewed several of these products in the past, including the Drobo FS (starts at $699), the LaCie Network Space 2 and the Pogoplug ($45). Wi-Fi Router Another must-have for any home network is a wireless router, and your best choice in the Mac world is the AirPort Express ($99) or the AirPort Extreme ($179). Both have several Mac-specific features like built-in support for AirPlay and AirPrint which makes it attractive for Mac owners. The AirPort Express is the smaller of the two and is great for travel and use in apartments and smaller homes. The AirPort Extreme is its bigger brother and is great for use in a larger house with multiple machines. If you think the Airport Extreme is out of your price range, then you'll want to read our article about buying the Airport Extreme to see if its multiple features change your mind. If you still decide to go with a non-Apple product, you'll want to find a model that has gigabit ethernet, support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and a USB port. D-Link, Netgear and Linksys make quality wireless routers. External Hard Drive Most Mac owners will want an external hard drive for file storage. You can choose from a portable, smaller drive like the Western Digital MyPassport for Mac ($199) and the LaCie Starck Mobile (starts at $109). LaCie also has a series of rugged drives (starts at $160) such as the Rugged Mini and the Rugged Safe, which includes biometrics and an encryption option. If you don't need the portability of a smaller drive, you'll want to consider a larger hard drive like the Western Digital My Book. We recently reviewed the 3 TB My Book Studio model. All these drives are formatted for the Mac and can be used for basic file storage and USB-based Time Machine backups. Those who want ultimate peace of mind in a storage device should look at the ioSafe drives. They are expensive, but they offer protection from fire and water. We recently reviewed the SoloPro model (starts at $249). iPhone owners may be interested in the GoFlex Satellite (starts at $209) from Seagate, a portable drive that lets you transfer media from your Mac and watch them on your iOS device. Wireless headset/headphones There are a variety of wireless headphones and headsets on the market, but the best ones for the Mac connect via Bluetooth. All Mac computers ship with Bluetooth and will easily connect to a pair of Bluetooth cans without the need for a USB dongle. I have a non-Bluetooth wireless headset from Logitech and am always losing the dongle. Plantronics makes several headphones and headsets that'll work with the Mac including the popular BackBeat 906 headphones. There's also Jabra, which makes the HALO headset and other less expensive models. We recently reviewed the NuForce BT-860, which is another inexpensive but capable wireless headset. When shopping for someone else, make sure you buy the right product -- headphones are for listening only and headsets are for listening and talking. Battery Backup If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. One day, you will be in the middle of editing an important document and a power surge or outage will cause you to lose your work. Notebook owners can skip this advice, but desktop owners need to keep reading. To protect your precious iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro, you should be using a battery backup. They provide surge protection as well as a backup power source, which gives you ample time to save your documents and shut down your computer in case of a power failure. The most widely available consumer models are made by APC, and they cost as low as $60. CyperPower also makes a decent battery backup, and their latest Adaptive Sinewave models (starts at $130) feature a pure sine wave electrical output. This clean source of energy is better for sensitive electronics. Accessories for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air owner MacBook Pro and Air owners could use a few accessories specific to their portable needs. There are the protective accessories like the InCase cover for the MacBook Pro/Air, the Moshi Clearguard keyboard protector ($25), Trackguard trackpad protector ($12) and the PalmGuard palm rest protector ($20). You can also add an anti-glare film like the RadTech ClearCal (starts at $20) if you have a MacBook with a glossy screen. We've used some of their products in the past, and they make quality stuff. MacBook Pro/Air owners always on the run may want a 3G/4G portable hotspot device so they have an Internet connection everywhere they go. They probably also need an external charging source like the HyperJuice external battery (starts at $160). Of course, they will need a case, and there are a variety of cases ranging from the ultra-rugged Pelican cases (starts at $200) to the sleek WaterField Designs bags, which are great for the MacBook Air. Other devices that make having a Mac fun The iPad ($499), iPhone ($199 for 4S) and Apple TV ($99). All three devices can share content via iTunes, AirPlay and iCloud. You easily can watch the videos on your Mac using the Apple TV and share your photos seamlessly between your iPhone and iPad using iCloud. Because they are so intertwined, it's great to have all these devices in one household. If there's any must-have accessory that you use with your Mac, share it with us and others in the comments.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: digital cameras
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. With cameras popping up on tablets, smartphones and even Bluetooth headsets, there's a fairly good chance that there's already a device in your pocket capable of shooting high-res stills and HD video. But even with popular apps like Instagram on-board, mobile devices still can't match the versatility and image quality of a dedicated snapper. If you're looking to hide a new point-and-shoot under the tree this year, there are plenty of great options to consider, for any budget. So clear off the memory card and get ready to jump past the break for our top picks that will deliver -- and capture -- plenty of holiday cheer.
Apple Store Black Friday discounts already live... in Australia
As is its custom, the Earth continues to spin on its axis while many of us in the States are working off our turkey and stuffing comas with a solid nap/some football on TV. That means that the expected Apple Store discount offers for Black Friday are already up and running in parts of the world where Friday coincides with now. The Apple Store Australia's discount page gives a solid preview of what US customers should expect tomorrow: about 10% off most-wanted products like the iPad, iPod touch and MacBook Air. While these discounts are certainly welcome, you might find as-good or better deals at Amazon, MacMall or big-box retailers; you can also check in with our pals at Dealmac for the latest savings. Happy shopping, and happy Thanksgiving! [hat tip to Macgasm]
