Todd Bernhard
Who wouldn't want a wooden iPhone? JackBacks to the rescue!
By Todd Bernhard
Wondering what to get that special someone? You know, the guy who has everything? Well, you can be pretty sure he doesn't have a JackBack because they just became available for pre-order! JackBacks are custom wood replacement backs for your iPhone 4, available in cherry, maple, walnut or mahogany. You can have your JackBack laser etched with a custom design for only $10 more than the $89 base price for a truly unique gift.
BookBook turns your iPad into a classic book
By Todd Bernhard
I have anticipated this day for quite some time. Twelve South, the makers of iconic products for the Mac and more recently the iPad, have finally released the BookBook case. The BookBook has been available for Macbook's for some time and they are gorgeous real leather, black, brown and red works of art that you store your laptop in. When closed, they look just like classic novels.
A square deal on warranty coverage because 'Stuff Breaks.'
By Todd Bernhard
Stuff Breaks. So says SquareTrade, the folks who offer an extended warranty for your iPhone and iPad, among other devices. It's true, and perhaps even more so with the abundance of glass on the iPhone 4. I have always kept my iPhone in a case, because, frankly, I'm clumsy and prone to dropping it. However, the new iPhone 4 is so slim and elegant that you might want to keep it unveiled. Case or no case, you should check out the SquareTrade offer. For $99 you get two years of coverage (or you can be billed $5.99/month). That represents a 20% limited time offer. You can transfer or cancel at any time and get a prorated rebate.
Protect your shiny new iPad and iPhone in a Cocoon
By Todd Bernhard
I am always on the lookout for the perfect carrying case for my iPad and Cocoon Innovations may have come close. Unfortunately, they have two great cases, each with subtle differences, so the hard part is deciding which one to get!
Projecting a good image - AAXA Micro Projector Plus review
By Todd Bernhard
Keynote on the iPad might encourage you to take your show on the road and present without a traditional computer. In preparation for a talk I’m giving at the local Apple Users Group, I have been experimenting with Keynote and the M1 Micro Projector Plus from AAXA ($299 to $339 at www.aaxatech.com).
Now I've seen it all. I've been looking for a rugged iPad case that can withstand my occasional clumsiness, and give me peace of mind when I let my kids play with my iPad. But I also wanted something that felt good in my hand, with a rubberized grip. Not to be a dreamer, but an extended battery would be great, so I don't have to always plug in my iPad at night. And a built-in stand would be nice.
I am always on the lookout for the perfect case, and the iPad presents a particular challenge. I want something that can protect the iPad, while it is in use, so a slipcase doesn't cut it for me. I also want to be able to grip my iPad with a handle. And I would prefer to not carry a "Man Purse". Yes, I'm superficial.
With that in mind, and nothing on the market that seemed to meet my needs, I went ahead and created just such a tool. I call it the "ManHandle". It is created completely with parts you could get at a hardware store. It looks tough, because it is. And it only cost me around $20.
The skeptic's iPad review
By Todd Bernhard
This thing is fast... zippy even! I never would have said that about my netbooks, one of which I sold to make room for the iPad that I am typing this on. I am sure there will be frustrations, such as when I visit a website that requires Flash or if I have to type at length, but so far I do not feel as if I am missing out on anything, even as I type this on my iPad. I am getting faster at typing with this virtual keyboard. The trick is to make a leap of faith and trust the autocorrection. And find a comfortable way to hold the iPad.
The device is heavier than I expected. Heavy may not be the right word. It has more heft. It is substantial.
So you got a new iPhone or iPod touch... now protect it!
By Todd Bernhard
You probably want to keep it looking new and who can blame you. It's like a new car, and you're dreading your first ding or scratch. I know, I've been there and I'm a perpetual phone dropper!
Regular readers of my columns know that I use a lot of different cases, depending on the occasion. For formal events, I might put my iPhone in a slim case and slip it in my suitcoat. But for travel, I use an OtterBox and have done so since the days of my first generation iPhone.