Expert Blogs
Why didn't I think of this? Better yet, why didn't Apple? One of the attractive elements of the iPad 2 is the Smart Cover. So why should the iPhone miss out on the action? That was the thinking of Zahra and Derek, two Chicago-based enterprising entrepreneurs who created TidyTilt and used KickStarter.com to successfully fund it.
Twitter, Facebook, and the like are all decent ways to stay in touch with people you already know about, but Roamz has solved a problem you might not have known you had. What happens when you're traveling? What if there are time-sensitive events happening near you, but you don't follow those related social networking accounts?
In this job, I get to try out a lot of cases, and they're usually plastic, metal, rubber, or fabric. But the Q Card Case for CM4 is an interesting hybrid, combining a soft leather-like fabric where it counts and rubber for the phone case component. They have even applied for a patent for this combination.
The fabric portion has a slot that can hold up to three credit card or ID cards as well as some cash. There's a nice slot that makes it easy to eject the cards as needed.
I've been playing with the original iCade for a few months (see original article here), and it's been great fun, but it sure ain't portable.
Well, the folks at ION have come through. At CES, they showed off their new iCade Jr., which brings arcade-style joystick and buttons from the larger model to the iPhone and iPod touch.
I've had my eye on Looxcie (no pun intended) for a while, but the previous model was a bit too bulky. It's like a Bluetooth earpiece on steroids -- not only does it work as a headset, but it has a wireless Bluetooth video camera so you can play Borg, record, and even stream your vision to the masses. There are a number of situations where wearing one would make sense... traveling, for instance, or covering a tradeshow, press conference, or sporting event. I have considered wearing one during CES or MacWorld, in fact, so I could live-blog to our readers!
It was inevitable. As iPads find their way into the hands of kids (my kids inherited my iPad 1 when I upgraded to the iPad 2), we are seeing a whole new line of kid-friendly tablet accessories.
The latest examples are from Dean Designs and include Tablet Teddy Bears, Tablet Pet Pals, and Tablet Bean Bags. They are all cut from the same cloth, so to speak, which is a variety of cozy, stuffed animal style fake fur, with places to prop up an iPad or other tablet.
The iPad was meant to be turned into an Etch-A-Sketch! With the officially licensed Etch-A-Sketch case, from Headcase, combined with the iOS app, you can wow your friends, classmates, and colleagues. Everyone has thought of it, but Headcase went ahead and did it, for both the iPhone and iPad.
You can't help but smile when you see the case. And when you use the app, it all comes back to you. Of course you can shake it to erase it... It wouldn't be legitimate without that feature!
Okay, I'm a little torn on this one. The MirrorCase, from RHP MultiMedia (like most technology) can be used for good or evil. What it does is redirect the camera on your iPhone (or soon, iPad) to face forward when your iOS device is held flat.
I saw the iBallz folks at MacWorld last year, when, true to their name, they were displaying their products guerilla-marketing style... No booth, but showing their products to anyone who would give them a chance. What a difference a year makes, as they had a serious booth at CES and will also be there, officially, at MacWorld.
For all you Mac users out there: Do you have a disorganized desktop? The Aluminum eXpress Keyboard Platform from BulletTrain (available this March) is a clever solution that positions the trackpad below the keyboard, and adds a palm rest.
The Aluminum eXpress Keyboard Platform is similar to an oversized MacBook, but you get a generously sized trackpad and everything is arranged in a comfortable, elegant manner.
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