Underwhelmed By Apple's New iPad Smart Case

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Amongst Apple’s WWDC announcements and product releases, a smaller ticket tablet accessory was introduced. The iPad Smart Case ($49) builds on Apple’s Smart Cover ($39) by kindly adding protection to the rear of your iPad 2 or New iPad 3. And, at first blush, it looks pretty sharp. Which just goes to show, one shouldn’t judge an iPad case by it’s cover.

ipad-smart-case8The Smart Case is sleeker than Apple’s first attempt at an official iPad case, but it retains that model’s pointy side seams – making it somewhat uncomfortable to hold as a book or magazine. Conversely, when folding the cover into a triangle as a stand, the iPad angle is too steep for comfortable usage and better suited for passive viewing. Further, and more importantly, the iPad is unstable in this upright position. While the iPad certainly is secure within the case, it can slide around a bit and reveal gaps between tablet and the polyurethane which makes it all seem a bit unrefined and cheapy.

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Download iOS 6 Now

iOS 6, the next iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, was announced at their Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Early notable new iPhone and iPad features include Passbook, native Facebook integration, turn-by-turn navigation, store enhancements, and the Blackberry-esque Do Not Disturb. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like new forms of glanceable info, via widgets or new badges, have made it in. Further, folders appear to retain the same limitations of iOS 5. But it is early. In fact, only developers have access to iOS 6 until its Fall release. Or do they?

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Microsoft Xbox Smart Glass To Take On Apple Airplay

Ahead of the annual E3 gaming convention, Engadget’s gotten their hands on what appears to a legit Microsoft presentation documenting Xbox Smart Glass. And it looks to be both a feature and series of apps that’ll offer remote Xbox control and enable the beaming of content from smartphone or computer to the big screen via … Read more

One Cable To Rule Them All

The Unwired has taken a quick look at the Innergie Magic Cable Trio (~$20) and concludes that it’s “a little bit pricy but definitely a recommended accessory for travelers.” And, from the description, I might have to concur… as these days the bulk my mobile syncing and power cable needs would be covered by Innergie’s USB-to- Apple Dock … Read more

iPad 2 Pricing Hits All Time Low

The second best 10″ tablet on the planet has just dropped in price… assuming you’re OK with refurbished hardware. The iPad 2 is now available starting at a low of $319, shipped free, direct from Apple. Unlike many remanufactured products, Apple provides a full-on warranty (of 1 year) and even replaces both the battery and rear … Read more

Logitech Preps Solar iPad Keyboard Case

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Hot on the heels of Logitech’s Ultrathin iPad Keyboard ($99), the prolific accessory maker is set to release yet another iPad keyboard. The upcoming model ($129) retains Bluetooth capabilities, for wireless iPad interaction, but is integrated directly into a tablet folio case… that incorporate solar cells. Unfortunately, it looks as if the sun will only charge the keyboard — versus also powering the iPad itself. But it’s a potentially effective use of space if it doesn’t add too much weight or bulk. As previously mentioned, I prefer the flexibility of an independent wireless keyboard. But this looks to be a fairly sleek solution, that props up your new iPad 3 in two positions (one of which covers the keyboard), while harnessing a little bit of green tech.

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Logitech Ultrathin iPad Keyboard Review

After a week with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($100), I can say it’s my new favorite iPad accessory. While it may not provide the same typing angle, key spacing or travel of a more traditional Bluetooth keyboard, Logitech makes up for it via sleek and clever portability. And, really, the typing feels good. Basically, the … Read more

How To Turn Your HDTV Into An Apple TV

As our digital streamers have shrunk in size, placement options have increased. And I stumbled upon this clever little mount for my Apple TV. The Innovelis Total Mount ($20) can be positioned in three ways – either bolted to your wall with included screws, Velcro strapped to a HDTV wall mount, or hung from your HDTV by … Read more