Beatweek 2010 Buyers Guide Issue: Josh Groban, Styx, iPad iPhone iPod accessories of the year
November 2, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
Beatweek Magazine’s 2010 Buyers Guide Issue:
• Josh Groban cover story interview
• Best iPad, iPhone, and iPod accessories of 2010
• Styx interview with Tommy Shaw
• Blogworld 2010 onsite report
• interviews with Daniel Lanois, Greyson Chance, iPad DJ Rana Sobhany, Eliza Doolittle, and Greg Laswell
• much, much more
Read this issue now
review: STM iPad Org Board
September 27, 2010 by Daynah · Leave a Comment
Need a way to organize your iPad and its accessories? Meet the new STM iPad Org Board — it’s a minimalist’s design for taking your necessities on the go.
The iPad Org Board was designed with an on-to-go person in mind. Both sides of the board are made to be functional. One side of the board is made of neoprene, aimed to hold and protect the iPad. The other side is made of a micro ripstop backing along with a strip of stretchy fabric runs across it to create four slots for your accessories.
The neoprene side has a pocket that your iPad can slide right into. On top is a flap closure that encloses your iPad entirely in the sleeve. In the middle is a backing made of a sturdy board to give the Org Board its shape. I recommend sliding your iPad in face down so it’s flat on this surface.
On the flip side is a 300D micro ripstop that has 4 slots for your accessories. There are two large slots and two smaller ones. The large slots fit items like an iPhone or an iPod Touch. Ideally, you may want to put your iPhone or iPod Touch in one and wrap your charging cable in the other slot. In the center are two smaller slots, perfect for a pen, stylus, and/or headsets.
One thing to keep in mind is that the neoprene is form-fitted for the iPad, so it’ll work best if the iPad does not have a case on (unless it’s super slim). On the organizational side, I recommend sliding your iPod Touch or iPhone into the slot without a case, or with a very slim case on. A thick case may stretch the slot, or make it difficult to take out.
The ideal use for this iPad Org Board is if you want to carry your iPad to a short distance, perhaps to a meeting. You can carry it on your arm like a folder and still have all your accessories when you reach your destination. It’s also ideal to pack your iPad Org Board into another bag to make it easier to take your necessities with you anywhere.
Overall, the STM iPad Org Board is thin, minimal, and very lightweight to carry your iPad in. It’s certainly one of the more unique iPad accessories that makes a great organizational tool that’s perfect for carrying alone or putting it in another bag. It could be purchased at STMbags.com for $24.95.
3.5 out of 5 stars · STMbags.com · $24.95
iPad sleeve review: Waterfield Designs Slip Case
June 30, 2010 by Daynah · Leave a Comment
Simple yet elegant, the WaterField Designs’ iPad Slip Case is a perfect fit for your iPad. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. A lot of thought has went into the making of this slipcase.
The exterior is waterproof, keeping your precious toy away from accidental spills. The interior is lined with a soft ultra suede that not only keeps your iPad safe from any impact, but also cleans your device as you take it in and out of the case. Protecting your iPad is as simple as slipping your device in. Be sure to have the glass side of the iPad face the heavier padded side of the case. To take it out, hold onto the tab at the end and shake.
Due to the fitted size, this slipcase is best used without any other cases on the iPad. Overall, this case takes simplicity and elegance to a whole new level. If you want to wrap your iPad in a little luxury, this may be the sleeve for you.
The Waterfield iPad Slip Case is available for $29 an comes in a variety of colors — black, blue, green, brown, red, and silver. You may purchase it online at SFBags.com
iPad Keyboard Dock: hands on review
May 11, 2010 by Daynah · 2 Comments
The iPad Keyboard Dock is definitely a peripheral made just for the iPad. It’s looks like a basic Mac keyboard, but with an iPad dock attached on the top side. Simply slide your iPad onto the dock. Once it’s in position, just type away. The keyboard dock holds the iPad in an upright eye-level position. On the back of the dock is a place for the charger to connect as well as a “line out” for speakers.
The keyboard itself has some nice built-in iPad features. The top row of keys takes you to the following screens or functions: Home, Search, Brightness low, Brightness high, Slideshow/lock, Bring up keyboard, enter passcode, iPod controls, volume, and iPad lock. This is quite handy when you need to make quick adjustments.
It’s a full-sized keyboard with a very clean and sleek design. There’s a slight tilt at the bottom of the keyboard so your hands are not laying flat on the table when typing. The keyboard dock has a straight design and layout, so I don’t recommend using this keyboard for long hours of typing. But since you’ll be using this with just the iPad, you probably won’t be using it for long periods of time anyways.
Also, because the iPad is docked directly on the keyboard, this setup is best used on a table or desk, as opposed to in your lap. This keyboard is also not the easiest to pack or lug around at a conference due to the dock part. It’s probably best used in the home instead.
This keyboard dock is best paired with Speck’s unique CandyShell case. There’s a small flap at the bottom for the keyboard dock to be put in.
You can purchase the iPad Keyboard dock for $69.00 from Apple.com or your nearest Apple Store retailer.
iPhone 4G could shake up accessories market
May 7, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
The third party hardware accessory market for the iPhone hasn’t been nearly as groundbreaking as some of us who’ve been observing from day one might have hoped. While there are plenty of accessories that are innovative in terms of how they approach their concept, there have been precious few innovative new concepts. In fact most of the iPhone accessories on the market are either new takes on ideas that have existed since the iPod era (cases, stereos, car connectors), or cellphone-oriented products like bluetooth headsets that have been around for longer than the iPhone has. The most “innovative” concepts we’ve seen so far for the iPhone have come in the form of external battery products, and they do nothing more than fix the iPhone’s primary fundamental shortcoming.
Perhaps anything more than that was too much to ask. While iPhone users have spent the past four years figuring out that the device is much more than just the sum of its iPod and cellphone parts, it’s perhaps made sense that the accessory market has thus far viewed is a mere combination of the two. But one oft-overlooked aspect of iPhone accessory development is the fact that by the time most iPod accessory makers had gotten around to adapting their (electronically connected) accessory ideas to the iPhone, working around various hindrances like cellular interference on stereos and additional controls for earbuds – not to mention that whole failed initial crop of closed-face iPhone cases that almost no one ended up wanting to use with their new touchscreen device – that it wasn’t until the second generation iPhone (the 3G) that we even began to see a truly wide selection of even “basic” iPhone accessories hit the market. And because the third generation iPhone (the 3GS) turned out to be the exact same physical device as its predecessor from a physical exterior standpoint, there was no need for the 3G accessories to be revamped. In other words, as improbable as it seems in 2010 as we prepare to move into the fourth generation iPhone era, many iPhone hardware accessories are still on their first major iteration.
Because the iPhone 4G (or whatever Apple ends up calling it) is likely to have a different shaped physical exterior at the least, it’ll send some of these companies back to the drawing board. And if a form fitting accessory has to be physically redesigned anyway, then perhaps the vendors will use it as an opportunity to go ahead and roll out the new ideas they’ve been sitting on all this time. It’s unlikely that any third party accessory maker will have their hands on a real iPhone 4G prototype in advance (only a fool would invest money based on assumptions about that prototype found in a bar), so don’t expect to see a tidal wave of innovative new iPhone 4G accessories flooding the market when the device itself ships this summer. But before 2010 is over, we just might see some innovative new concepts in iPhone accessories for what some users might grudgingly say is the first time in the device’s history.
iPad Sleeve Review: ColcaSac
April 27, 2010 by Daynah · Leave a Comment
This is a hands-on review of the ColcaSac iPad Sleeve for the iPad.
ColcaSac iPad Sleeves are beautifully hand-made iPad sleeves that are both protective and environmentally friendly. The original ColcaSac, a favorite of the line, is made of a soft basket-weave hemp canvas the exterior and lined with a thick cream-colored 100% polyester sherpa fleece. The texture on the sleeve’s exterior helps you get a good grip on it, while the interior adds extra protection from bumps and scratches.
On the top of the sleeve is a flap that’s securely closes the sleeve with velcro. Also on the exterior is also a small pouch where you can put a cd, headset, and/or your iPad plug.
The interior fleece of this sleeve is a really warm, so if your hands get cold, it’s another good place to put them! The craftsmanship of this sleeve is very detailed, and I can tell it was made with a lot of tender-loving care.
If you want something more original than the typical iPad sleeve, try the ColcaSac! I bet you can find an outfit that matches your new sleeve as well. This sleeve reminds me of a rigid outdoors jacket.
You can purchase ColcaSac iPad sleeves at ColcaSac.com for $34.95. They come in a variety of colors including: Brown ColcaSac, Black ColcaSac, Passion Vine, Damask, and Red Delicious.
iPad users gain vanity plate
April 23, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
NewPCgadgets has released a new Vanity Plate for the iPad that allows you to personalize your investment. This stainless steel accessory fits on the corner of your iPad with acrylic adhesive. It has two lines of text that you can customize with your name, phone number, email, or more. It costs $12.95 but could be worth more if you lose your iPad and someone can use the contact info on the vanity plate to return it to you.
NewPCgadgets also sells a variety of devices to enhance your iPad experience. The first is a hands-free Pedestal Base for comfortable iPad viewing for only $29.95. There is also a Security Case that actually has a lock. This means no one can access you iPad without your permission. It will even charge your case when locked and is only $44.95.
Beatweek Magazine issue 70: Cypress Hill, iPad, Aqua Teen Hunger Force
April 20, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
On the tech side, Daynah re-reviews the iPad after two full weeks of using it, along with reviews of apps and accessories. We also have an on site report from the 2010 Streamy Awards.
Thank you to those of you who’ve been with us going back to 2004, and those who’ve found us along the way. In between issues, keep an eye on beatweek.com for the latest news, interviews and reviews published all day long.
Read this issue now
Bluelounge offers “feet” for iPad
April 9, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
Those new iPad users who’ve found their device to be running on the hot side, or who want to prop it up at a slight elevation for ergonomic typing, may find solace in Bluelounge’s new Cool Feet. Originally designed for use with laptops, the four “feet” attach via suction cups and can be removed at any time. The two rear feet are significantly taller than the front feet, positioning the iPad at an angle when laid on a flat surface. The feet can be rearranged to angle the iPad for typing in portrait or landscape mode, and can also be mixed and matched to generate three different tying angles.
The set of four feet costs $12.99. Learn more at Bluelounge.com.
STM unveils iPad shoulder bag
April 1, 2010 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
Australian vendor STM has introduced a new line of shoulder bags for mobile computing devices of varying sizes, including a vertically oriented “x-small” model which fits the iPad. Dubbed the Ochre Colourway line, the poly cotton canvas fabric bags feature light brown styling and are said to be water resistant.
The other two shoulder bags in the new lineup are for thirteen and fifteen inch laptops, and are horizontally oriented.
Learn more at STMbags.com.
Booq offering iPad accessories
January 31, 2010 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
Booq, maker of laptop bags and cases, has announced that both of its Taipan products are compatible with Apple’s new iPad. The Taipan shadow XS is a $69.95 carrying case complete with a padded iPad compartment and zippered opening and is available in combinations of black and orange, charcoal and blue, and violet and white. The Taipan sneak XS is a $24.95 zippered sleeve for iPad complete neoprene padding.
According to Booq CEO Thorsten Trotzenberg, “Booq is looking to create stylish carrying solutions for every tool in the creative professionals’ arsenal. With these additions to the booq Taipan line, consumers have the accessories they need to protect their new investments, while not sacrificing functionality or style.”
Both products are available now at BooqBags.com.
Ten One Stylus is iPad-compatible
January 29, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Ten One Design has announced, perhaps not surprisingly, that its existing stylus products for iPhone and iPod touch are fully compatible with the iPad. The lineup consists of the standard Pogo Stylus as well as the longer Pogo Sketch, the latter of which as a built-in shirt/pocket clip. Both products consist of an aluminum tube with a padded tip which the company claims offers a more precise touchscreen user experience. Both are currently available for $14.95 each.
Learn more about the Pogo Stylus and Pogo Sketch at TenOneDesign.com.
Tom Bihn intros iPad accessories
January 29, 2010 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
Case and bag maker Tom Bihn has announced two new products for Apple’s forthcoming iPad tablet computer. The “Cache” (pictured at left) is a $30 iPad sleeve expected to be available within “ten days” of the iPad’s initial shipping date. The “Ristretto” is a $110 iPad messenger bag which is already available for purchase. Both items are capable of holding a iPad with or without Apple’s official iPad case.
Learn more about the Tom Bihn Cache and Ristretto for iPad at TomBihn.com.
iProng Magazine issue #59: David Gray, Apple iPad and more
January 27, 2010 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
Then again, as a counterpoint, David’s cautionary take on technology like Twitter in our cover story interview provides an interesting contrast to the notion that more communication equals better communication – well, you’ll have to read it for yourself. He also talks about his new single Fugitive, which is his biggest hit song in years, as well as how he creates his songs in general.
In addition to the details and initial thoughts on the iPad, this issue also brings us reviews of four new apps that work with the iPhone, iPod touch, and ahem, the iPad – along with hands on reviews of several new iPod and iPhone accessories.
And because one music interview is never enough, this issue includes conversations with indie artists Lucy Schwartz (whose songs you’ve probably heard on TV and in movies) and Joséphine Ancelle (whose songs you’ve likely heard on podcasts).
We’ll be publishing more iPad-related coverage on our website all week, so keep your eyes glued to iProng.com for developing details.
CES 2010 preview
January 4, 2010 by Bill Palmer · Leave a Comment
And we’re off to the races. Barely a week into 2010, and it’s already time for the first major conference that relates to the iPhone and iPod universe. While CES is a massive event spread over several exhibit halls, and the vast majority of it doesn’t have much to do with said iPhone and iPod universe, iProng will be in Las Vegas with bells on once again this week in order to provide you with first hand coverage of all of the iPhone and iPod related products that make their debut at the event.
This year’s CES will likely offer more in that department than in previous years. While the number of worthwhile products for iPhone or iPod that debuted at CES last year could literally be counted on two or maybe three fingers, that total should easily reach double digits this year thanks to the inclusion of a couple dozen new iPhone/iPod related exhibitors. While rumors of Apple’s participation this year turned out to be unfounded, and claims of unifying the iPhone/iPod exhibitors into a single pavilion have turned out to be overblown (I think half of our iPhone and iPod related appointments are scheduled to take place away from that pavilion, with various vendors choosing to park themselves far away from the pavilion for reasons that only they know), the good news is that the “off the record” sneak peeks we’ve been sent suggest that there will indeed be something to write home about. Our CES 2010 coverage, including our “Best of Show” winners, will be included in the January 12th issue of iProng Magazine – and when the event kicks off on January 7th you can follow along with us for up to the minute updates on iProng.com and on our Twitter feed. While Macworld 2010 in February is likely to produce far more new products for iPhone and iPod users, CES in January should at least tide you over in the mean time.
Best car accessories of 2009
November 2, 2009 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
iProng Magazine’s best iPhone and iPod car accessories for 2009:
The 2009 iProng 50 Awards
June 30, 2009 by Beatweek · Leave a Comment
Announcing the top fifty accessories on the market for iPhone and iPod!
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