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Best Buy’s weekend sale takes up to $200 off the pricey iPad Pro (updated)
Best Buy is running another massive 3-day weekend sale. If that sounds familiar, it's because the retailer slashed prices just a few weeks ago. This time around, Best Buy is cutting prices on the latest entry-level MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. It's offering steep discounts on iPads, Surface notebooks and some of our favorite headphones. The sale runs through Sunday.
Best Buy’s weekend sale includes up to $500 off 12-inch MacBooks
Best Buy's three-day weekend sale includes a bunch of discounts on Apple and Amazon products, as well as cuts on laptops, TVs, smartwatches and smart home products. The sale runs through Sunday, and if you've been waiting to buy a new device, it's worth checking out.
Xfinity Mobile moves beyond phones with iPads and Apple Watch
Comcast's Xfinity Mobile is no longer limited to selling smartphones... provided you like Apple hardware. The carrier (whose network is run by Engadget parent Verizon) has introduced its first non-phone devices, including LTE versions of the Apple Watch Series 4, iPad Air and iPad mini. All three will cost the same as they do elsewhere. It really comes down to the cost of service. Whether you're subscribed to by-the-gig or unlimited data, it'll cost you $10 per month for every smartwatch or tablet you add to your plan.
iOS 13 isn't coming to the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPad Air
Bad news if you're still rocking an iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus and hoped to install iOS 13 -- Apple won't support the latest version of the OS on those devices. Owners of the original iPad Air, iPad Mini2 and iPad Mini 3 will miss out on the swanky new iPadOS as well.
Apple iPad Air review (2019): Just right
For the past few years, Apple's iPad lineup has had a large and obvious hole in it. At one end, there's the $329 iPad, an affordable way to do basic computing and run the many excellent apps out there. It cuts some corners with a years-old design, older processors and a less-advanced screen, but for most people it's good enough. At the other end, there's the iPad Pro, which Apple has made increasingly more powerful in the three years since it first arrived. At this point, it's a bleeding-edge device with Apple's best design, a crazy-fast processor and a big, beautiful screen. It's also quite a bit more expensive, with a starting price of $799. The gap between those two devices is so pronounced that Apple is filling it with a new tablet, the $499 iPad Air -- though calling it new might be a stretch. The iPad Air takes the same design as 2017's 10.5-inch iPad Pro and makes a handful of changes -- some improvements and some downgrades to keep the Air out of iPad Pro territory. It's not the most inspired or exciting product Apple has built (I called it boring after it was announced). But the question is whether its features and improvements over the basic iPad are worth your cash.
Apple iPad Air hands-on (2019): Just 'Pro' enough
It used to be that, if you wanted to buy the best possible iPad, you splurged on an iPad Air. It wasn't just sleek -- it was terribly powerful, too. (Well, for the time, anyway.) In 2015, though, the company launched the iPad Pro, and before long, the iPad Air line was discontinued and left to the annals of Apple history. Until now, that is.
The iPad Air seems boring, but I want one anyway
When Apple released the impressive and wildly expensive iPad Pro last fall, I started thinking that the company could use an iPad XR. I imagined a tablet that takes the high tech found in the new iPad Pro but cuts some corners to make it more approachable to the masses. The new iPad Air isn't that. Instead it's like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro from 2017, except with a price cut and a few spec bumps. That's not very exciting. What's more, the iPad Air doesn't have the flashy bezel-less display, Face ID sensor and support for the new Apple Pencil, like the existing iPad Pro does. But compared with the basic $329 iPad, the new iPad Air has worthwhile improvements: a bigger, better screen, a much newer processor, more storage and support for Apple's Smart Keyboard accessory. It's a logical step up from the base iPad, and it also says a lot about how Apple views its tablet lineup. Nearly every review of the new iPad Pro noted that it was powerful, impressive hardware that nonetheless couldn't fully replace a "real" laptop. The iPad Air is an admission that while not everyone needs the expensive iPad Pro, there's a market for a nicer iPad than the base model.
Apple quietly announces 10.5-inch iPad Air and refreshed iPad mini
Apple's online store went dark earlier this morning, and now it's clear why: The company decided to quietly roll out not one, but two new iPads ahead of its big event next week. The new, larger, 10.5-inch iPad Air will arrive with a 70 percent performance boost compared to its predecessor, thanks to the company's A12 Bionic chip with Apple's Neural Engine. That'll be useful alongside the now 20-percent larger display -- which is compatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil too.
Twelve South HiRise Deluxe: The only charging stand you need
The good folks at Twelve South today announced their latest adjustable charging stand for iPad and iPhone. The HiRise Deluxe (US$59.99) works with everything from the iPhone 5/5s to the iPad Air, and now comes in colors to match your favorite Apple device - silver, gold, and black (well, it's kinda close to Space Gray). Take a look at our review, then have a chance to win a gold HiRise Deluxe courtesy of Twelve South and TUAW. Specifications Height of front support: 1.65 inches (4.2 cm) Total height: 3.38 inches (8.6 cm) Width: 3.9 inches (10 cm) Depth: 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) Weight: 0.5 pounds (.22 kg) Design Like the original HiRise before it, the new HiRise Deluxe uses a large, stable base with two adjustable risers. One contains the Lightning or micro-USB adapter for charging your device, while the other is a "backstop" that holds the iPad or iPhone in place. Everything as usual comes in a well-designed box that Steve Jobs would have been proud of. Inside a smaller box in the big box are the rear support, cable clips, a Lightning cable and a micro-USB cable. Functionality Assembly is required, but it's quite simple and there are good instructions. First, you remove a support screw with a knurled knob and then attach the rear support with that same screw. Next, you remove the base cap by pulling a tab. Now you select your cable (I chose Lightning, but if you use a Mophie case you'll probably select the micro-USB cable) and thread it through the front support. Next comes the selection of one of three different cable clips, which are selected based on whether your device is in a case or not. The clip holds the cable at just the right distance to give your device clearance for the case if needed. The clip now slides into the front support and clicks into place, and all that's left to do is to route the cable through a channel in that base, then reattach the base cap. If you are carrying your iPhone "naked" and later decide to add a case, just be sure to keep all of the extra cable clips and also be sure to adjust the rear support with a twist of the screw. It's that easy, and took me only about a minute to set up. What you end up with is something that will hold your device solidly while it's charging, and look good in the process. Conclusion Twelve South has improved on a classic and now made it compatible with the most recent iPhones, iPads, and iPad minis. They've made the HiRise Deluxe coordinate beautifully with whatever finish you have on your Apple device, and by including a cable you no longer need to use your Apple-supplied cable. The HiRise Deluxe is a stable and attractive charging stand that should last you for years to come. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway One lucky TUAW reader is going to have an early Christmas and win a HiRise Deluxe in gold! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 22, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Twelve South HiRise Deluxe valued at $59.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Caturday: Merry modeling with a new iPad product
Sigh. Readers have been getting a bit lax about sending us their awesome Caturday shots, so I've once again had to resort to providing pictures of one of my own cats. The sweet kitty you see above is Merry, who has already graced the pages of TUAW once before. She's grown a bit since this photo was taken back in July. I was shooting some product shots for a review, and Merry decided that the photo needed some more pizazz so she came in and plopped herself down in my field of view. Rather than pick her up and put her on the floor for a fourth time, I decided it was easier to use her as a model. We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Merry for bothering me today!
Nodus Access Cases for iPhone and iPad are stylish and useful
Back in late 2013, one of our former UK bloggers (Richard Gaywood) wrote a review of an iPhone case from The Nodus Collection. At that time, the Access Case was part of a Kickstarter campaign; now the company is selling the cases through its website. Recently I received both an iPhone 6 Plus Access Case (pre-order for £49.99, price includes international shipping) and an iPad Air Access Case (£99.99, price includes international shipping) for review, so I thought it was a perfect time to take a look at these thin, light and stylish cases again. Check out the review, and then take a chance at winning one of these cases for yourself. Design As Richard pointed out in his earlier review, the Access Case uses micro-suction technology to both attach the device to the case and to keep the cover closed. The material used holds onto your iPhone or iPad tightly, but releases with a sharp pull if you need to take the case off. Both cases are made of a nicely-finished leather in either ebony (black) or chestnut (brown). The two samples we received were both chestnut and really looked good with very fine stitching around the edges. As with most folio/wallet cases of this type, the Access Case can be used as a stand to hold your device in landscape orientation, as a wallet (it has a full-length pocket for cards or bills), and of course as a protective cover for your device. The top, bottom, and right side of the iPhone and iPad are left open, making it easy to plug the devices in for recharging. There's also the requisite opening for the iPhone camera and flash on the iPhone case, and the smaller hole for the iPad camera on that case. Functionality The cases look great, but do they do their job? From my limited testing, the answer is an unqualified "yes". Both cases hold their respective devices in place firmly with the micro-suction material. Both protect the screen and back of the iPhone or iPad. Both work well as wallets. All in all, they do what they're supposed to do. Removing the devices from the micro-suction material was easy, and the material is easily cleanable if it collects dust or other debris. Conclusion The Access Cases for iPad Air and iPhone 6 Plus look good, although they're rather plain. If you want a nice leather case without frills, this is probably going to make you happy. However, both cases come with a price tag that seems unreasonably high considering that there are similar micro-suction leather cases for much less that the £49.99 (US$79.35 at current exchange rates) price for the iPhone 6 Plus case or the £99.99 ($158.71) iPad Air case. A good example is the recently-reviewed Twelve South SurfacePad, which sells for $49.99 for the iPhone 6 Plus version and $79.99 for the iPad Air edition. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway If the price tag on the Nodus Access Cases depresses you, cheer up -- you might win one in our giveaway. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 11, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected in a random drawing. One will receive a Nodus Access Case for iPad Air valued at US$158.71, while another winner will take home a Nodus Access Case for iPhone 6 Plus valued at US$79.35. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Apple keeps iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Air models alive at reduced pricepoints
Apple today introduced two new iPad models, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. While Apple quickly glossed over the iPad Mini 3, it spent a considerable amount of time discussing the iPad Air 2, an upgrade which delivers a host of attractive enhancements such as a blazing fast A8X processor, much improved camera quality, and Touch ID. While the pricing matrix for Apple's new iPad models remains unchanged, consumers looking to get a capable iPad at a more affordable price are in luck. Phil Schiller announced today that the iPad Mini, the iPad Mini 2, and the original iPad Air will all remain available for purchase at reduced pricepoints. The original iPad Air can now be picked up for $399 while the iPad Mini 2 and original iPad Mini can be purchased for $299 and $249 respectively. Phil Schiller made a point of noting during today's keynote that the $249 pricepoint on the original iPad Mini represents the lowest pricepoint ever for any iPad model.
Apple announces the iPad Air 2
As part of its October press event, Apple today unveiled its sixth generation tablet -- the iPad Air 2. The Air 2 features an even thinner device, 6.1 mm, 18% thinner than the previous model. Phil Schiller noted that two new iPad Air 2s are still thinner than the original iPad. The new iPad Air 2 uses 2nd generation 64 bit architecture, with the equivalent of 3 billion transistors, resulting in a 40% faster CPU and 2.5 times faster GPU. Like the new iPhone 6 models, the new iPad Air 2 features new motion sensing and a barometer. The camera is also updated, with an 8MP iSight camera, ƒ2.4 aperture, and faster processing in the M8 chip. Features that are on the new iPhones also get added, like time-lapse and slow motion. The iPad Air 2 also has a new front facing camera, with HDR, improved face detection, and HDR photos. Wi-Fi has been pumped up as well, and faster LTE has been added to the cellular radios, as we saw in the iPhone 6. Touch ID is on board too, letting this new iPad work with Apple Pay (but no NFC) and the iTunes and App Store. How much for all these goodies? The iPad Air 2 starts at $499 for 16 GB, $599 for 64 GB,and the 128 GB model is $699. Cellular versions are 629/729 and 829.
Apple drops iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini 2 prices by $100
Now that Apple has introduced the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, it's time for some of the older models to get a price cut. After announcing the new tablets, Phil Schiller, Apple's senior VP of worldwide marketing, also revealed that the original iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina display, will be sticking around once the newer versions start to ship at "the end of next week." As a result, the iPad mini, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air now start off at $249/£199, $299/£239 and $399/£319, respectively, for the 16GB (WiFi) versions. On the other hand, the newly unveiled iPad mini 3 will cost $399/£319, while the iPad Air 2 is going to be $499/£399 -- both with 16GB of storage and WiFi-only. Like always, if you want to add a 4G/LTE to that, you'll have to shell out $130/£100 extra per iPad.
Apple leaks iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 ahead of official announce
Well, this is a bit unlike Apple -- the company appears to have accidentally spilled the beans about the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, which are expected to be announced tomorrow. Representations of both devices showed up in a screenshot of the iPad User Guide for iOS 8.1, which we're also expecting new details about tomorrow. We can't tell much from the image, but it does confirm that Cupertino's tablets will be getting Touch ID. A later screenshot also details burst shooting mode, which will be coming to the iPad Air 2, but not the mini 3, according to the document. However, downloading the book didn't reveal any additional info. In fact, there's no trace of the content leaked via the preview screenshots at all. While the leak may seem like a careless mistake, the more cynical out there will note that this happened just moments after Google announced its latest Nexus devices. It might be a coincidence, or the notoriously media savvy company might be trying to push the competition out of the news cycle as fast as possible. [Image via 9to5Mac]
Logitech Type+ Keyboard for iPad Air
I've reviewed a lot of iPad keyboard cases over the years, finding some that are amazing (the four-star rated US$169 ClamCase Pro for iPad Air, for example), and some that aren't that great. The new Logitech Type+ for iPad Air (US$99.99) is a billed as a protective case with an integrated keyboard. Surprisingly, I found the Type+ to actually be as good as the ClamCase Pro, with a few bonus features that may throw it into my top spot for iPad Air keyboard cases. Specifications Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x .71 inches (255.9 x 183.4 x 18.1 mm) Weight: 14.29 ounces (405 grams) Colors: black and red Design The Type+ reminds me of some of Logitech's older keyboard designs, but the company has taken feedback on the earlier keyboards to heart and resolved issues that those models seemed to have. The iPad Air is held into place by two polycarbonate clips that hold the right side of the device. It's easy to slide the iPad in and out of the case when you need to, but otherwise it is held very securely. The Type+ is a bifold design with the device on one side and the keyboard on the other. When you open the case, the device turns on; closing the case shuts the iPad off. There is a strong magnet that holds the iPad into an upright position for typing, and the keyboard can also be folded back out of the way for comfortable non-keyboard usage. On the outside of the case is a water-resistant material that should help the Type+ shake off the occasional spill. The Type+ comes in either basic black or a vibrant and attractive red. The keyboard itself is very standard, with all of the keys right where you'd expect to find them on a desktop or laptop keyboard. Rather than the function keys you'd find on an Apple Wireless Keyboard, there's the now-standard set of iOS function keys. Those keys are separate from the number keys, so there's no need to push a Fn key prior to accessing one of those functions. The keys are black, the letters white, and the combo looks good. Function As I've noted in other iPad keyboard case reviews, things that I really look for are the typing feel, how well the device turns on and off by itself (if it's designed to do so), and how well the function keys do what they're supposed to do. I also try the keyboard case out on a table, on a lap, and (if it's possible) folded into a "tablet-only" mode. The typing feel of the Type+ is incredibly good. It has a light touch, yet I found the spacing of the keys to be such that I wasn't accidentally typing characters. If your hands get tired after a lot of typing, you're going to like the fact that your fingers aren't going to have to press down extra hard to finish a keystroke. As for turning on and off, this is about the most simple design I've seen for a keyboard. There's no on/off switch at all. When you open the Type+, the iPad turns on. Place the left side of the iPad onto the magnetic bar to put the device into a typing position, and the single LED turns green to indicate that the keyboard has power, then blue to indicate the Bluetooth connection. The keyboard quickly turns off when the iPad is moved out of the propped-up typing position. That method of turning the Type+ on and off also keeps the iPad from turning on in transit, something I had seen with other keyboards that turned on when the case was slightly ajar. The function keys work very well, with a fast response that's lacking on some other keyboard cases. From left to right, there's a Home button key, a "double-tap" key that brings up the list of running apps and (on iOS 8) your Favorites and Recents. Next, there's a dedicated Siri key, followed by a Spotlight key. The next two keys let you switch virtual keyboards (i.e., regular and Emoji) and actually bring the virtual keyboard up onto the screen. I've found this useful sometimes when login screens don't want to take input from a real keyboard. I really came to like the dedicated screenshot key, which performs the task of holding down the Home and sleep/wake buttons simultaneously. There are three keys for music or video playback (rewind, play/pause, fast forward) and then three sound keys (mute, lower volume, raise volume). Last but not least is the lock button, located right under the LED. On a desktop or table, the Type+ holds the iPad Air screen at an angle that's perfect for typing. You can't change that angle, which is probably about the only negative with the Type+. I found that the Type+ also worked well as a "laptop", with the magnetic bar holding the iPad firmly in place as I typed. Once again, the inability to change the angle of the screen may be a downfall to some users. When folded into the "tablet only" position, the keyboard turns itself off and holding the iPad in the case is quite comfortable. With the ClamCase Pro, I always need to remember to turn off the keyboard when using the iPad in a "tablet only" mode or my fingers end up typing nonsense... A couple more comparisons with my current favorite keyboard, the ClamCase Pro. It weighs 19.2 ounces, while the Type+ is a light 14.3 ounces by comparison. The Type+ is slightly wider by .36 inches, which allows some keys (delete, backslash, tilde) to be slightly larger and easier to hit with your pinkies. That extra width also provides drop protection by creating a quarter-inch gap between the edge of the case and the iPad itself. While the ClamCase may be constructed of polycarbonate and aluminum, I think the design of the Type+ could provide some really good drop protection for the iPad with less weight. A final comparison - the battery life of the Type+ is calculated as three months based on two hours of use per day. That calculates out to about 180 hours of use. The ClamCase Pro for iPad Air provides about 100 hours of use time. Conclusion With a low price tag, a solid automatic keyboard on/off mechanism, a great typing feel, good looks, and better battery life and less weight than the leading competitor, the Logitech Type+ for iPad Air moves into a tie for the top keyboard case for Apple's flagship tablet with the ClamCase Pro for iPad Air. The one negative - an inability to swivel the iPad to a variety of angles - is countered by all of the other positive aspects of this keyboard case. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
Sound off! What are your favorite features in iOS 8?
iOS 8 is finally here, and it's bringing a slew of new features. It's faster, more secure, and in a lot of ways, more like Android. Out of all the new bells and whistles what are your favorite new additions? Head over to the forums and let the community know what you're digging most about iOS 8. When you're done there don't forget to write your own review! We'll be rounding up the best of the best in an upcoming post. Photos by Will Lipman.
Ten One Design Magnus Air: All iPad Air stand, no bulk
When an accessory PR rep says she's going to send me an iPad Air stand, I usually expect to receive a heavy package in the mail a few days later. That's why the new Ten One Design Magnus Air (US$39.95) surprised me so much when it showed up in a small padded envelope. Ten One Design touts the Magnus Air as a low-profile designer stand, but how does something with this little weight prop up an iPad Air? Read on to find out the secret to the Magnus Air. Specifications DImensions: Approximately 5.75" wide x 2.75" deep x 1" tall (146 x 69.85 x 35.4 mm) Viewing angle: 22 degrees Weight: 1.8 ounces (51 grams) Design Highlights OK, the secret to the Magnus Air is magnets. Really powerful magnets. You just place the Magnus Air near the left side of the iPad Air and it sticks to it like glue. Now you can flop the iPad Air onto its side and it is held in landscape orientation at a very comfortable viewing angle. By building those powerful magnets into the Magnus Air, sticking the stand onto an iPad Air is like gluing a leg onto it. The stand isn't going to move, and if you need something to prop up your iPad Air that adds just a hint of weight, the Magnus Air is for you. The bottom of the stand is covered with a non-slip material, so the iPad Air and stand are going to stay put on a table, too. Functionality Highlights Ten One Design's Magnus Air is designed to do one thing -- hold an iPad Air at a comfortable viewing angle in landscape orientation -- and it does that task perfectly. The Magnus Air is minimalism at its finest, adding functionality without being ostentatious or weighting down your backpack or briefcase. I found the stand to be extremely useful in the kitchen. The 22° angle is perfect for viewing recipes while cooking, and the non-slip base ensured that I was going to be able to tap and swipe the iPad Air without having to chase it around my countertops. One added touch to the Magnus Air over earlier versions of the Magnus stand is that you can also easily flip your iPad Air over to have it propped up in a very comfortable typing position. This horizontal option is great for people who like to use the virtual keyboard of the iPad Air. Any gripes about the Magnus Air? Sure, I wish it was less expensive so more people would be tempted to pick one up. You can order 'em on the Ten One Design website, and they'll be in your local Apple Store soon. Conclusion Ten One Design's Magnus Air is a handy little accessory for anyone who owns an iPad Air and would like to be able to use it hands-free. It adds a ton of functionality to your favorite tablet without weighing you down. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
One of Robin Williams' final productions: Apple "Your Verse" ad
The world was shocked last night at the news of the passing of actor/comedian Robin Williams. Apple CEO Tim Cook took to Twitter to express his sadness: Heartbroken by the news of Robin Williams' passing. He was an incomparable talent and a great human being. Rest in peace. - Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 12, 2014 For many Apple fans, the news was especially poignant considering that one of his last projects was to provide the voiceover for Apple's "Your Verse" ad for the iPad Air. In the ad, Williams read his monologue from the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society": The TUAW staff wishes to extend its condolences to the family and close friends of Mr. Williams on their loss.
Apple's new iPads will come with anti-glare displays, says Bloomberg
Apple is set to launch not only new iPhones and a possible wearable soon, but also a new line of iPads, according to Bloomberg. Its sources told it that a full-sized, 9.7-inch iPad is now being mass-produced for a launch near the end of the quarter, and that a 7.9-inch iPad mini will arrive a few months later. If the rumor pans out, it wouldn't be too mind-blowing: after all, the iPhone 5s was launched last year on September 10th, with the iPad Air and mini coming a bit more than a month later. However, one interesting new tidbit did emerge: the new iPads will have an anti-reflection screen, a big change from past models. That would make sense if Apple used either anti-glare Sapphire displays or Gorilla Glass -- as Corning is working on less reflective (and anti-bacterial) displays too.
