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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]
How a keyboard case can turn your 8-inch tablet into a productivity machine
What's up with 8-inch tablets? Microsoft reportedly canceled the Surface Mini at the last minute. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8.0 is long overdue for a refresh. Even the current class leader, the iPad mini, only came about after years of procrastination at Apple. Perhaps it's just a little harder to convince people of the merits of this category of device, compared to the greater pocketability of a phablet, the affordability of a 7-inch Android slate or the extra productivity offered by a full-sized tablet, hybrid or laptop. However, I'm happy to report that with a bit of smart accessorizing -- namely, the addition of a high-quality keyboard case that allows for proper touch-typing -- an 8-inch tablet has plenty of scope to operate as a serious productivity tool, if not an outright laptop replacement.
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.
Engadget giveaway: win an iPad mini and GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition courtesy of younity!
Summer has long been the season of vacations, beach outings and BBQs, and that means documenting every possible moment on camera. It helps to have your tunes close at hand, too, in case the party's about to jump off. The task of copying over playlists and organizing photos in the aftermath can be a pain, but younity's personal cloud service could help simplify the task. Instead of syncing and storing data on the cloud, it turns all your devices into dedicated media streamers. That means you have centralized access to all of your files, regardless of which gadget they're on -- they just need to be connected to the internet. Younity also added GoPro integration, letting you discover, catalog and instantly share camera content right from your iPhone or iPad. That's why this week, one lucky Engadget reader will be winning a GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition camera and an iPad mini. All you need to do is head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this adventurous combo courtesy of the folks at younity. Winner: congratulations to Hector R. of Miami, FL!
Intrepid Bags Lillium Purse carries your iPad mini in style
Female techies rejoice! Now there's a perfect bag for carrying an iPad mini or other tech goodies along with your regular stash 'o stuff, and it doesn't look like something that ... well, that a guy would carry around. It's the Lillium Purse (US$139.00) from Intrepid Bags, a combination of style, craftsmanship, and functionality. Check it out, then enter our giveaway for a chance to win a Lillium Purse. Design Highlights I'll be the first to admit that a 56-year-old male blogger whose sense of style is defined by what t-shirt he's wearing on a particular day shouldn't be the one to do a review of an accessory bag that's designed for women. Originally, one of our female staffers was going to take on the job, but the review fell through ... leaving it to the bearded one (me, not Jim Dalrymple) to finish the job. That being said, the Lillium Purse is just plain beautiful. It's designed to be worn one of three ways -- over the shoulder, cross-body, or as a hip-slung "holster." The bag itself is made of top grain leather in either black or brown, with the interior lined with microsuede. The black bag uses a plum microsuede lining, while the brown has a cranberry interior. The hardware that keeps the bag in place is equally high class, with a magnetic closure on the main pouch made of highly polished steel. That closure is adjustable, so if you happen to stuff the Lillium full you can extend the buckle a bit and will still be able to close the bag when it is bulging. The back of the Lillium has a full-length zippered pouch; there's also a shorter zippered pocket for an iPhone on the top of the front of the purse. But lift the big flap and you're welcomed into a spacious place for your stuff -- tech and otherwise -- to hang out. There's a microsuede pocket for an iPad mini (or even the mythical large-screen iPhone 6), as well as a big pocket with three credit card slots and three pen holders. Functionality Highlights Although I used to carry a "man bag" or "murse" back in the Newton days, the design of the Lillium is a bit too feminine for my personal taste. But it's really nice-looking and the construction is some of the best I've seen on a tech bag -- which makes me want to try out one of Intrepid's $369.00 Journeyman leather messenger bags. Intrepid Bags offers a 10-year warranty on the leather, which means the Lillium is going to be your constant companion for at least a decade. I'd love to see Intrepid Bags take the general idea of the Lillium -- a small, handcrafted leather carrier for an iPad mini, iPhone, and assorted cables and personal items -- and make a more masculine version of it. Drop the hip belt and just make a leather mini-messenger bag in the same price range, and that would be awesome. For our female readers, the Lillium is really the perfect bag for an iPad mini and it can be your daily purse as well. It's classy, beautiful, and rugged. Conclusion A rather new entrant in the premium tech bag market, Intrepid Bags is standing out with a product that is so popular that it's often on backorder. For women who want to carry an iPad mini, an iPhone, and the rest of life's necessities in a well-made and gorgeous bag, the Lillium Purse is a winner. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Want to win a Lillium Purse of your very own? Intrepid Bags and TUAW are joining forces to give one away to a lucky reader. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before July 20, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive an Intrepid Bags Lillium Purse valued at US$139.00 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Mormon Church to provide 32,000 missionaries with iPad minis
There are no shortage of reports detailing the use of iPads in education, but this is something a little bit new. ABC News is reporting that the Mormon Church is planning to provide 32,000 missionaries with iPad minis to help them in their efforts to proselytize. A test program that began last fall with 6,500 missionaries serving in the United States and Japan went well, prompting the initiative's expansion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a news release this week. Church leaders expect to have the specially configured mobile devices in the hands of more than 32,000 missionaries by early 2015. Using the iPad minis has proved an effective tool for missionaries to communicate with church leaders and keep in touch with people who have expressed interest in joining the Mormon church, said David F. Evans, director of the church's missionary department, in a video posted on Mormonnewsroom.org. The pertinent portion of the video begins at the six minute and 18 second mark. The Church's full press release on the matter can be seen here.
The iPad mini finally gets its own MFi game controller
Wikipad, the company behind the Android gaming tablet of the same name, is tossing its Android exclusivity out the window with the announcement of a new iPad mini game controller accessory. The Wikipad 7, which debuted roughly a year ago, features a slide-on controller peripheral that many consider to be a healthy step up from most touchscreen control options, and now the company is bringing a similar product to iPad mini owners. Most iOS gamers -- or mobile gamers in general -- are probably not super familiar with Wikipad, as the company's Android tablet never really gained much traction. It suffered a long-delayed launch, multiple redesigns and changes that may have attributed to a general feeling of confusion surrounding what the device was capable of. With its iPad mini product, the company should hopefully be able to avoid those potholes as Apple has already taken care of the pesky "creating a great tablet" thing. The accessory, which doesn't have a price or release date yet, features a full compliment of face buttons, a d-pad, and two analog sticks, all of which are pretty standard at this point. According to Slide To Play, the current pre-release models consist of two halves connected by a flexible band that stretches behind the tablet itself, though with Wikipad's habit of redesigning its products after announcing them, that could change.
TUAW takes a second look at The Padcaster
Way back in 2012, I reviewed a pre-production version of The Padcaster, an amazing pro tool that's used to equip an iPad with all sorts of accessories for professional-quality video or photography. You probably remember seeing a Padcaster in one of Apple's "What will your verse be?" advertisements, being used to shoot video of Iguazú Falls in Argentina. The person in that segment of the ad was Josh Apter, the brain behind the Padcaster and the president and founder of Manhattan Edit Workshop. The Padcaster is now in full production and available for the iPad Air (US$159), iPad mini ($99), and 2nd through 4th generation iPads ($149), so I decided to take another look at this versatile filmmaking and photography accessory. Design Highlights The Padcaster was obviously designed by a filmmaker who saw the potential of using the iPad for capturing video or stills. As such, it consists of a very solid aluminum frame with a flexible silicone insert that holds the iPad in place. The Padcaster we had for the original review was marked up with measurements and looked obviously like a prototype, with random holes drilled in places that seemed convenient. Not so with the final version, which is sleek, well-made and quite sturdy. Around the outside of the Padcaster for iPad are at least fifteen 1/4-inch threaded holes, along with nine smaller threaded holes. If you can't get all of your equipment loaded onto a Padcaster, then you may need to rethink your filming strategy. The Padcaster also comes with the Lenscaster, a precise threaded lens mount (58 mm) that is positioned over the camera on your iPad. For testing purposes, Josh thoughtfully provided a Vivitar .43X wide-angle lens to mount on the Lenscaster. A quick look at Amazon showed that 58mm threaded lenses from Vivitar are inexpensive -- the wide-angle lens runs $11.95, while a 2.2X telephoto lens is available for $11. Even a fisheye lens can be had for wild effects -- $40. So, now you have your camera (the iPad), an editing suite (iMovie or one of the other video apps like Vizzywig), and a way to make titles (IntroMate). Add a sturdy tripod or monopod (I used my trusty Manfrotto monopod with quick-release mount), some of those inexpensive lenses and some add-on filters, lights and a good directional microphone, and you're ready to go. What's more, rather than looking like a total fool waving your naked iPad around trying to take video, The Padcaster and accessories really make you look like a pro -- even if you're not. Appearances are everything, so having this piece of equipment with you might open doors that are closed to amateurs. Functionality Highlights One thing that can easily drive me nuts is having equipment that takes forever to set up. That's fortunately not the case with the Padcaster. I plopped an iPad into the frame, screwed on the Lenscaster and the wide-angle lens, added an external LED light and a Røde directional mic, and put the entire assembly onto the Manfrotto monopod in about five minutes. All of the threaded holes were flawless with no binding, and there are cutouts in all the right places on The Padcaster in case you need access to an iPad port. When you purchase a Padcaster, you are actually getting a full kit that includes the Padcaster, Lenscaster, 72mm-58mm step-down ring (the adapter for those screw mount lenses), two 1/4-20 screws, two 3/8-16 screws, one custom camera mount screw and one cold shoe adapter. That's a surprising amount of good stuff for such a reasonable price. If you already purchased a Padcaster for the 2nd- through 4th-generation iPad and want to use a new iPad Air with it, no problem -- there's a $24.95 Padcaster Air clip available that works not only to mount the iPad Air in the "old" Padcaster, but also works with an included handstrap for handheld use of the iPad Air. So who is The Padcaster for? Basically anyone who wants to make a quantum leap in their iPad photography or videography by adding lenses, filters, professional microphones and audio equipment, lights, and more. Professionals who are considering using an iPad for shooting need a Padcaster, no questions asked. Advanced amateurs may just find that adding all of those accessories to their iPad bumps up their work to professional level. Conclusion I was glad that I had a chance to look at The Padcaster again, so that I could see what a production version of the device looks like, how it fit the iPad, and how the entire accessory kit comes together. Josh Apter did the iPad videography community a huge favor by inventing this device, and I look forward to watching The Padcaster evolve. I personally plan on getting the iPad mini version for doing both TUAW work and personal videography. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
Acme Made Ergo Book for iPad mini: A TUAW Video Review
San Francisco is known as a hotbed of design savvy, and Acme Made uses the city as inspiration for its cases and bags. Today I'll be looking at a new product from the company that combines ultra-thin design and surprising functionality. The Ergo Book can currently be had for the bargain price of $40 (for iPad Air) or just $35 for the iPad mini through a Kickstarter project that is about 60 percent funded with 25 days to go. Expect those prices to double when the Ergo Book is available for sale. Check out the specs, watch the video, then enter to win one of the first Ergo Book cases for iPad mini. Specifications Compatibility - iPad mini, iPad mini Retina display, iPad Air SatinShell Ergo Book Material - Polyurethane Satin Fabric outer casing with Polycarbonate protective inner shell Leather Ergo Book Material - 100% Genuine Leather outer casing with Polycarbonate protective inner shell iPad mini Ergo Book Dimensions (US) - 5.5" x .7" x 8.1" (14 x 1.7 x 20.5 cm) iPad mini Ergo Book Weight - 6 oz (170 grams) iPad Air Ergo Book Dimensions (US) - 7" x .7" x 9.6" (17.9 x 1.7 x 24.5 cm) iPad Air Ergo Book Weight - 8 oz (226.8 grams) Conclusion The Acme Made Ergo Book is lightweight, thin, and quite flexible. While it's still in development -- the actual product is expected to ship in September of 2014 -- the Ergo Book looks like it will be a winner for both iPad Air and iPad mini owners. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible
Twelve South HiRise gets a new finish; TUAW's giving one away
The stylish and functional Twelve South HiRise iPhone 5/iPad mini stand (US$34.99) has been available since last year, so it was quite surprising when the company announced a change to that product. When I reviewed it last year, I found the HiRise to be both appealing and reasonably priced -- a true winner in my book. Well, what could the company do to make a great product even better? They've announced a new finish on the HiRise -- Tactical Black. Designed to look great with that Space Gray iPhone 5s or iPad, the new HiRise also looks darned good with a colorful iPhone 5c onboard. As with the previous HiRise, the new one adjusts to fit iPhones in cases so you don't have to "undress" your phone to charge it. It's compatible with any iPhone 5, iPad mini, or iPod touch that sports a Lightning port. The best iPhone stand on the market just got better, and we're going to celebrate by giving one away courtesy of Twelve South. 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 May 12, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Twelve South HiRise iPhone 5/iPad mini stand in Tactical Black Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Logitech announces thinner Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, 3 new iPad cases (Updated)
Not content to rest on its laurels as one of the top iPad accessory manufacturers in the world, Logitech today announced an array of new products and a new version of its best-selling Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air and iPad mini. The new products include the Logitech Hinge (US$59.99 for iPad Air, $49.99 for iPad mini), the rugged Logitech Big Bang (US$99.99 for iPad Air, $79.99 for iPad mini), and the Logitech Turnaround (US$59.99 for iPad Air, $49.99 for iPad mini). Two lucky TUAW readers will get a chance to win the brand new Hinge or Turnaround at the end of this post, so read on. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover The Ultrathin is the world's best-selling keyboard cover for iPad, and beginning next month iPad owners in the US and Europe can get their hands on the new version of the device. Believe it or not, Logitech was able to make the new Ultrathin even thinner and lighter that the existing model; it's now only 6.4 mm thick and weighs in at about two-thirds of the weight of the iPad. The cover attaches with a magnetic clip and features aluminum construction to match the exterior of the iPad. Another new feature of the revised Ultrathin is the ability to adjust the iPad to a number of different viewing angles instead of just one. The result should give iPad Air and iPad mini owners the flexibility to use the keyboard/iPad combo in a lot more situations. Pricing for the revamped Ultrathin will be $99.99 for the iPad Air model and $89.99 for the iPad mini version. Be sure to keep an eye on TUAW for a full review of the new version soon. Logitech Big Bang The Big Bang is designed to keep your iPad Air or iPad mini protected from "drops, screen impacts, bumps, scratches and spills." The Big Bang has a shock-absorbent shell and case cover made of materials that are liquid-repellant and wipeable, and the built-in stand provides a range of display angles for comfortable viewing. Logitech says that the Big Bang actually exceeds the US Military Drop Standard, so that should provide some peace of mind when the kids are playing with your iPad Air. For the iPad Air, the Big Bang weighs 14.53 ounces (412 grams) and has outside dimensions of 9.74 x 7.09 x .62 inches (247.3 x 180 x 15.86 mm). The iPad mini version weighs just 9.74 ounces (276 grams) and dimensions of 8.19 x 5.69 x .62 inches (208.01 x 144.61 x 15.62 mm). The Big Bang will be shipping next month in two colors, Super Fluo and Graphite Logitech Turnaround The Turnaround is the versatile member of the Logitech iPad case family. A rotating frame makes it possible to prop your iPad up in portrait or landscape mode. The exterior is made of a water repellant plastic material that has the appearance of black brushed aluminum, and there's a magnetic closure to keep the case closed while in transit. Dimensions of the iPad Air version are 9.65 x 6.97 x .75 inches (245 x 177 x 19 mm), and it weighs just 12.2 ounces (346 grams). The smaller iPad mini version measures just 7.99 x 5.55 x .75 inches (203 x 141 x 19 mm) and weighs 8.1 ounces (230 grams). So, how does the Turnaround work in real life? The iPad pops into a thin but strong plastic shell that has cutouts in all the right places for the camera, speakers, switches and ports. The swivel of the Turnaround works very smoothly, and placing the iPad into either portrait or landscape orientation is swift and easy. There's enough friction between the inside of the Turnaround and the side of the plastic shell to hold the iPad in place in a variety of angles. The pricing for the Turnaround is very reasonable considering the quality of the product and the warranty that comes with it. Logitech offers a 1-year limited hardware warranty in the US and Asia, 2 years in EMEA. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Logitech HInge The new Hinge is more of a traditional folio-style iPad case than the Turnaround, which begs the question of why it is priced the same. Part of the pricing could involve the materials used on the Hinge, which (on the review case) included a nice fabric exterior and purple microfiber interior. Dimensions of the iPad Air version are 9.64 x 6.91 x .57 inches (244.8 x 175.6 x 14.5 mm), and it weighs just 11.8 ounces (335 grams). The smaller iPad mini version measures just 8.07 x 5.55 x .57 inches (205 x 141 x 19 mm) and weighs 8.0 ounces (227 grams). The iPad fits into a slender plastic tray that holds it into place, once again with cutouts at the appropriate places. The cover is equipped with a magnet to turn the iPad on or off when opened or closed, and the friction between the plastic tray and the microfiber interior is perfect for keeping the iPad stationary at a variety of viewing angles. Update: Logitech pointed out that it's the design of the hinge that allows adjustments between 15 and 65 degrees. Once the "perfect angle" is discovered, the hinge fixes the case firmly at that angle. While the Hinge isn't as versatile as the Turnaround, it has quite a warm "high touch" feel to it. If you don't need to view your iPad in portrait mode, the Hinge is perfectly suited to keeping you amused while your device is in landscape orientation. My only gripe is that the pricing is a bit high for the Hinge and should be lowered by $10 to $15 to reflect the pricing of competitive folio covers. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway It's not often that TUAW is able to announce a giveaway for a new product the same day it's announced, but that's the situation here! We have both a Logitech Turnaround Case and a Hinge Case available, and all you need to do is enter to have a chance of winning one of the two. 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 April 25, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected in a random drawing. One will receive a Logitech Hinge Case for iPad Air valued at $59.99 while the other will receive a Logitech Turnaround Case for iPad Air also valued at $59.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Hands-on with Hearthstone for iPad
While I was part of the early beta crowd for Hearthstone last year, I haven't played it in quite some time. It wasn't because I became disenfranchised with the game but rather because I felt it truly belonged on a tablet -- and playing it on a PC just felt wrong somehow. So I've been waiting for Hearthstone to finally make the leap to the iPad, and when that happened yesterday, I was all over it like a murloc swarm on a noobie. In many ways, Hearthstone is absolutely tailor-fit for mobile gaming. It requires minimal manipulation; poking, holding, and the occasional swipe is about as complex as the physical mechanics get. It's a turn-based thinker's game that gives you ample time to plot your strategy and get a few other things done between moves. On an iPad, that's pretty easy; I would read a book while my opponent took his/her/its turn. The game actually kept me up past my bedtime because of the "just one more match" temptation, which tells me that the magic that fueled my interest in this game in beta is roaring more now than ever. But how does it actually handle on Apple's devices?
Hearthstone comes to iPad
After a soft launch in a few countries, Hearthstone is now available to iPad owners worldwide. Blizzard announced today that Hearthstone is on the app store as an alternative to the PC version. The title is available on iPads 2 and newer as well as the iPad minis. New and returning players will be treated to a free card pack as part of this release. Hearthstone has a funny trailer for the Apple release, which you can watch after the jump.
Speck DuraFolio iPad cases: Slim, tough and adjustable
iPad folios and cases seem to always pick two of the three off of the feature menu of slim, tough, or adjustable. Case pioneer Speck is now shipping their new DuraFolio iPad cases for iPad Air and iPad mini (with or without Retina display), and it appears that they've managed to check all three boxes with the new products. Specifications Price (iPad Air): US$69.95 Dimensions (iPad Air): 9.6" x 6.9" x 0.6" (24.5 x 17.6 x 1.5 cm) Weight (iPad Air): 10.4 ounces (294.8 grams) Available Colors (iPad Air): Black/Poppy Red, Deep Sea/Mykonos/Slate, Black/Slate, Fuchsia/White, Slate/Peacock Price (iPad mini): US$59.95 Dimensions (iPad mini): 8.1" x 5.6" x 0.6" (20.5 x 14.2 x 1.5 cm) Weight (iPad mini): 6.5 ounces (184.27 grams) Available Colors (iPad mini): Black/Poppy Red, Deep Sea/Mykonos/Slate, Black/Slate, Fuchsia/White, Slate/Peacock Available at speckproducts.com and Target Design Highlights The first thing you notice is just how thin the DuraFolio cases are, adding only .3" of depth to your iPad Air or mini. That's a bit different from many protective folios that seem to be quite bulky and thick. But don't let the lack of bulk scare you away from the DuraFolio, as it meets or exceeds MIL-STD_810G standards. In addition, the DuraFolio passed temperature cycle thermal shock tests, ASTM3389 abrasion testing, chemical resistance tests, and force exerted tests. The mechanical design of the case provides a good basis for a one-year warranty. The cover can be set up to prop the iPad display at a number of different angles including a typing mode. There are magnets in the front and rear cover panels to enable auto sleep/wake and also insure a tight magnetic closure of the case. The outside of the case has a diamond pattern to it, making it easy to grip. There are open ports for the microphones, Lightning port, orientation lock, headphones and camera, while the on/off switch and volume toggles are covered by pass-through switch covers. Speck also built protective speaker grills into the bottom of the cases. While the DuraFolios aren't exactly the most beautiful-looking cases I've ever seen, they are very functional and some of the color combinations are actually quite striking. Functionality Highlights Putting the case onto an iPad Air or iPad mini is fast and easy. The tablet just snaps into a molded polycarbonate shell in seconds. If you need to take it off for any reason, the shell is just flexible enough to let you bend it a little and pop out one corner to start the removal process. The stand that's built into the case is quite adjustable; there are a number of positions in the "video viewing" landscape mode, as well as a way to fold the cover back under the stand to put it into a sturdy typing mode. The inside of the cover is lined with a felt-like material, perfect for protecting the iPad display. Unlike some folios I've tested, the DuraFolios both shut off the display when the cover was shut and turned the device back on when opened. It's apparent that Speck got that design detail right, when others who have promised magnetic on/off haven't been able to get it working well. Conclusion While Speck's DuraFolio iPad cases are rather pedestrian in design, they make up for that in terms of being thin and sturdy. Add a fairly reasonable price point to the mix, and you've got an above average line of cases that should last as long as your iPad Air or iPad mini. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway Now's the time to protect that new iPad Air or iPad mini! We have one of each size Speck DuraFolio to give away to readers. 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 April 7 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a Speck DuraFolio for iPad Air valued at $69.95, while the other will receive a Speck DuraFolio for iPad mini (and mini with Retina display) valued at $59.95. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
It's staring at me, isn't it?
Nobody ever said the iPad mini wasn't scary. [Photo credit: Mrkwanten]
Twelve South SurfacePad for iPad mini: Slim, protective, and versatile
Apple's little iPad has no shortage of ways to be protected from the elements. There are cases, waterproof cases, keyboard cases, sleeves, and more from a variety of manufacturers. However, some of the cases and sleeves leave a lot to be desired in terms of their looks and in what functionality they provide. Twelve South is now shipping the SurfacePad for iPad mini, and if you're looking for a stylish protective case that also works well as a stand, it may be just the cover and stand for you. Specifications Price: US$69.99 Dimensions: 7.8" x 5.2" x 0.1" (198 x 133 x 3 mm) Weight: 5.9 ounces (168 grams) Material: Napa leather Colors: Black, White, Red Design Highlights Twelve South makes Apple accessories that would make Jony Ive happy, and they've continued their run with the SurfacePad for iPad mini. This cover/stand features a thin leather cover that is attached to your iPad mini or mini with Retina display with an adhesive pad. That pad can be attached and detached any number of times without losing stickiness, so if you need to pop your mini into a waterproof case, just slip the SurfacePad off and go for it. The review SurfacePad was made of a rich red leather. I'm usually not a fan of red accessories, but this just looked too good to pass up. The SurfacePad is designed in such a way that the edge of the iPad mini is still visible, nice if you like to show off the thin contoured lines of the tablet. The SurfacePad folds easily into one of three positions as a stand. It uses a small "kickstand" that folds out to hold the iPad mini in a position for typing, or magnets hold the iPad in one of two upright positions for watching videos. The leather gives the SurfacePad a nice grip, so your chances of dropping that slick little iPad mini are reduced. As you'd expect, there is a cutout on one corner for the back-facing camera, as well as a small hole for the noise cancellation microphone. Functionality Highlights Installing the SurfacePad is pretty easy; you just need to wipe off the back of your iPad mini with something to make sure there's no dust, dirt or oily finger residue back there, pull a plastic protective cover off of the sticky material, and then place the SurfacePad onto the back of the mini. If you don't align the SurfacePad properly the first time, don't get worried. It can be pulled off easily and reinstalled. For protection, you should be aware that the SurfacePad does not cover the edges of the iPad mini, so a drop onto one of the edges could result in damage. However, it does provide good protection for the screen and back of the iPad mini, and as mentioned earlier the leather surface should provide enough of a grip to keep you from dropping the tablet in the first place. Magnets in the SurfacePad turn your iPad mini on and off, and when used as a stand they ensure that the iPad/SurfacePad is going to stay in an upright and locked position. Both of the viewing positions for video use the magnets to full advantage, and they work really well. However, in the typing position the magnet didn't seem to line up properly so that the kickstand was in place as a prop while the magnet was grabbing the edge of the iPad mini. The kickstand apparently needs to be "broken in", as after I bent it into position a few times, it began to work the way it should. I still found on occasion that the kickstand would collapse and leave the iPad flat on its leather-wrapped back until I propped it up again. Conclusion Anyone looking for a slim, lightweight, stylish and fairly functional cover/stand for their iPad mini should consider the SurfacePad. While it doesn't offer much protection for the edges of the iPad mini, it does protect the rest of the body and works well as a stand, especially for watching videos. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible
iOgrapher: An inexpensive hand-held mount for iPad moviemaking
TUAW has previously reviewed the Padcaster (US$149 or $189 with lens), a tremendously useful tool for mounting an iPad in a sturdy aluminum frame that includes multiple tripod mounts as well as cold shoes for mounting lights and microphones. It's such an iPad moviemaking powerhouse that it recently appeared in one of Apple's "Verse" advertisements. At present, there's no Padcaster for the iPad mini with Retina display, although Padcaster boss Josh Apter currently has a Kickstarter project underway to fund manufacturing of one. For those who have the mini and might not want to spend the bucks for the high-quality professional Padcaster, there's the iOgrapher (US$65). The major difference between the Padcaster and iOgrapher is in the material used for the frame. The iOgrapher uses black polycarbonate to encase the tablet rather than aluminum. Instead of multiple threaded mounts and cold shoes around the exterior as on the Padcaster, the iOgrapher has three cold shoes for popping on those lights and mics. On the bottom is a single brass-lined threaded tripod mount. Another difference is that the iOgrapher is designed for easy hand-held videography. On either side of the landscape-oriented iPad mini is a handle that makes carrying and handholding the device a snap. The mini is light enough that you'll be able to use a single hand to grip the iOgrapher while using your free hand for controlling your video or photography app. Inserting the iPad mini into the iOgrapher is a literal snap, and while it holds the tablet securely, there's no problem removing it quickly for other uses. In practice, I found the iOgrapher nicely suited for tripod-mounting an iPad mini and attaching several accessories that I had on hand -- a shotgun mic and an LED light, both of which use standard hot/cold shoe mounts. That being said, I'm certain that it would not be as useful to a professional videographer or photographer as the Padcaster. The Padcaster is incredibly sturdy and can be tripod-mounted in a number of orientations thanks to the numerous tapped holes. If you somehow run out of space for an accessory, there's probably space to clamp it or even tape it on with gaffer's tape. Not so with the iOgrapher -- I wanted to use a Samson mic with a spring clip with my iPad mini. While it clips easily onto a naked mini, I couldn't find a spot on the iOgrapher that would hold it without it getting either in the way of my hand or moving unexpectedly. For the amateur iPad mini moviemaker, the iOgrapher is perfect. On the other hand, professionals should throw their support behind the Padcaster Mini Kickstarter. You may have to wait a while, but you'll have a much more versatile mount for your videography.
Shopping in the iOS device bargain bin
Although we're not expecting refurbished iPad Airs to hit Apple's online store for a month or two yet, it's still a terrific time to shop for all things iOS. At US$500, the bottom-line iPad Air may not be discounted, but it still provides excellent value for the dollar. Light, thin and super fast, this latest Retina-based iOS tech offers a lot to the buyer. The intro model Retina mini starts at $400. But what about those of us with a more limited budget? You won't go wrong picking up an original (non-Retina) iPad mini from Apple's online refurbished and clearance store. All items sell with a one-year warranty and refurbished iPads include both a brand-new battery as well as a new outer shell. It's that battery guarantee in particular that makes buying refurbished devices from Apple such a great choice. Right now, you can pick up a refurbished first-generation 16GB WiFi iPad mini for just $250. Stock varies, but on any day you're likely to find units with varying memory configurations and onboard cellular support listed for sale as well. Yesterday morning, a 64GB non-Retina WiFi mini was just $419. Although the iPod touch tends to get short shrift in glamour, it provides surprisingly sophisticated kit. A fifth-generation refurb with an A5 chip, a 4-inch screen, excellent cameras and more starts at just $189. That's particularly attractive to developers looking for an extra work unit with modern screens and geometry without having to pay that costly phone premium. Like iPads, refurbished iPods sold direct from Apple contain that all-important new battery. If you're focused on Retina and shopping for a full-size iPad, your best bet is probably a refurbished fourth-generation unit, which starts at $379 for the 16GB WiFi model. While Apple is still selling third-generation devices, with an admittedly spotty collection of stock, we'd suggest choosing the latest-but-one version instead. It was an excellent model and while it weighs more than the Air and has a larger frame, it's still a great iPad all around. Compared to a new iPad 2, which sells for $20 more, the refurbished iPad 4 gives you that Retina screen, better battery life and all-round stronger computing.
ClamCase Pro for iPad mini appears at CES, available to order
If there's one accessory that I've been waiting for, it's the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini. Sure, there are a lot of keyboard cases for the iPad Air and iPad mini that have blossomed onto the market in the past few months, but I've been waiting for the ClamCase product for one good reason -- their ClamCase Pro for the iPad 2/3/4 is absolutely the best keyboard case I've ever used. It provides wrap-around protection for the iPad, while offering long battery life and a top-notch keyboard. Now the company has opened up orders for the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini. The $129 keyboard case looks like its bigger brother, but with a keyboard that is scaled down to fit the petite tablet. Noticeable changes include moving the various bracket keys, tilde and accent keys to function-enabled keys on the QWERTY row, some oddities with the comma, period, question mark and forward slash keys, moving the plus and equal signs out of the number row, and moving the colon and semicolon keys up to the right side of the QWERTY row. Whether those changes -- which are a necessity for almost any iPad mini keyboard -- make it difficult to type on is something that will have to wait for a full hands-on review. Like the existing ClamCase Pro for iPad and the upcoming ClamCase Pro for iPad Air, the mini keyboard case has a hinge that rotates a full 360 degrees for incredible flexibility in usage. The keyboard is made out of solid aluminum, while the case is hard polycarbonate with soft-touch accents. We'll be publishing a full review of the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini in the near future; in the meanwhile, if you have an iPad mini or iPad mini with Retina display, you should jump on the opportunity to order the case today for delivery later this month.
