Todd Bernhard

Author Details

Todd Bernhard's picture

Author Details

Todd Bernhard

Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!

An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.

Dexim is known for their chargers and cases for the iPhone, but their upcoming iPad case is something special. A number of case makers have integrated Bluetooth keyboards into their design but the result is a case that is too bulky for everyday use or too constraining when typing for a long stretch. The Dexim case, which will be shipping soon, does indeed combine a case with a Bluetooth keyboard but the keyboard is held in place by strong magnets. You can simply remove it to have a more streamlined case or use the keyboard in a more comfortable position. The Dexim iPad case looks to be the best of both worlds.

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.

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.

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.

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

I am on record as having some reservations about this new device so I am obliged to give credit where it is due.

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.

Pages