Elan Form Graphite iPhone 4 Case
Company: Griffin Technology
Price: $34.99
We’re all aware of the infamous “Antennagate” media circus surrounding the debut of the iPhone 4. Hold it this way, don’t hold it that way, give me a bumper; it just goes on. iPhone 4 users clamored for cases to prevent the problem from occurring and Griffin Technology and others stepped up to the plate, providing an assortment of cases for iPhone 4 users. Among the cases offered by Griffin Technology is the Elan Form Graphite case.
Drive Genius 3
Company: Prosoft
Price: $99.95
http://www.prosofteng.com
Nothing is ever perfect, nor do things work perfectly all the time. When things go wrong with your computer, sometimes it’s something very simple that will only take a few minutes or one or two steps to correct. Other times, you aren’t so lucky and that’s when you have to bring out the right tools to find out what’s wrong with your computer. On the Mac you have Disk Utility or you can utilize applications developed by other companies, such as Disk Warrior or Tech Tool. Among the latter is also Prosoft’s Drive Genius 3, another tool that you might want to consider adding to your utility toolbox to help you out when things go bad.
Marware SportShell Convertible for iPod Nano 5G
Company: Marware
Price: $34.99 USD
http://www.marware.com
A few months back I decided it was time to upgrade from my existing iPod Nano 2G to the newer iPod Nano 5G. The 2G Nano still worked, albeit with hiccups like the battery refusing to charge properly and limited capability when compared to the newest version of the Nano. So I went and replaced it with a new red Nano 5G. I had waited for a while after the 5G came out, figuring that any problems would be worked out and the necessary accessories, such as a case would be forthcoming quickly. Well, I was off a bit on the case issue and wound up utilizing my existing case for the 2G model (very carefully) as the 5G is just a tad bit longer than the 2G version. Marware was one of the first companies to come out with cases designed for the iPod Nano 5G. I’ve been lucky enough to give the SportShell Convertible for iPod Nano 5G and the Marware EcoRunner a really good workout.
Starting with the SportShell Convertible, the way the case has been designed, it is actually three cases in one. It is a case designed to carry the iPod in an armband, in a clip case and in a pocket case. The unit is designed to utilize interchangeable parts, yet it is stylish and works great. Using the clip, you can attach your iPod to your belt, the armband or clip it to a pocket. If you don’t want to use it in this manner, take the back piece off, slide on the smooth back piece and stick it in your pocket.
I gave the SportShell Convertible a thorough workout in the armband mode while exercising. Once in position on my arm, the SportShell did not move. It didn’t matter if I was running or doing weights, the armband stayed in place. If I needed to, I could quickly remove the iPod off of the armband and clip it on my belt or waistband. If I was sitting and reading and didn’t want to disturb anyone else, I would normally just clip the iPod to my belt or pocket and enjoy the music while reading. By the way, the rear clip will lock in place allowing the iPod to stand up or lay on its side so you can enjoy viewing the videos you’ve recorded. The rear shell of the case is easily removed and you can replace the clip back with the smooth back and place your iPod in your pocket or just carry it around in your hand. The SportShell Convertible package includes the hard shell case, a clip, the armband, a clear screen protector, and a cleaning cloth.
Design and style wise, the SportShell Convertible for iPod Nano 5G is great…If you are into running or working out and you need your iPod to motivate, consider Marware’s SportShell Convertible.
So to review:
Pro: Easy to use, good looking iPod case.
Cons: None were apparent.
Marware EcoRunner for iPod Nano 5G
Company: Marware
Price: $34.99 USD
http://www.marware.com
For those of you who are into utilizing products that are more environmentally friendly, you may want to take a look at the EcoRunner from Marware. Made from ecoprene (yes, I had to do some research to find out what it is… crushed calcium limestone that is described as being truly biodegradable) and rPET (recycled plastic, specifically PET (polyethylene terephthalate) that reduces the amount of hazardous substances in the product. Unlike the SportShell, this iPod case is only usable in two ways – first as an armband or as a wristband iPod holder. The initial setup of the EcoRunner is as a wristband but it comes with an armband extension straps that allows you to configure it to your arm size. Good thinking on the design part. Overall, the ecoprene has a better feel to it than neoprene, at least it does to me.
I gave both aspects of this case a total workout and while the armband performs flawlessly, I really became hooked on the wristband aspect. The one thing that always irked me a bit was running with an armband case and having a bit of difficulty in attempting to adjust the volume or switching to another artist or song. I usually had to stop to make my adjustments.
Using the EcoRunner as a wristband case, that is no longer a problem. The iPod screen is now clearly visible and readily accessible. Having come into possession of a new mountain bike, I’ve found the wristband allows ease of use versus the armband while I’m riding. Now dependent upon the type of weight workout you may be doing, you may find the wristband too restrictive to use. Being able to switch over to the armband in that case is great. The EcoRunner package includes the wristband, armband extension, a clear screen protector and a cleaning cloth.
Speaking of being more environmentally friendly, it’s nice to see the minimal use of plastic and cardboard in the packaging for both of these products. The package and its instructional contents are recyclable once your have your iPod case in use.
Pro: Easy to use, good looking iPod case. Comes in Black, Blue or Pink colors.
Cons: None were apparent.
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PowerMail 6
Company: CTM Development
Price: $49 US, $65 US with Spam Sieve included
http://www.ctmdev.com
For the first few years that I was using a Mac, I used Claris Emailer, versions 1 and 2, which quickly became my email program of choice. In 1998 when Apple lost interest in Emailer, I searched around for a replacement and found PowerMail 2.0.3 by CTM Development. PowerMail was the closest mail application that I found that brought out the best of Emailer and that has continued to be improved upon over the years. PowerMail 6 was released by CTM and I’ve been using it for the past few months as I have since 1998. I have emails that I imported into PowerMail that go back to 1995, all related to My Mac.
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Author: Robin Williams with John Tollett
Publisher: Peachpit Press
ISBN: 978-0-321-63538-9
Price: $34.99 US/$41.99 CAN
Page Count: 459
http://www.peachpit.com
So you’ve purchased yourself a new Mac or decided that it’s time to update your Intel Mac and you’ve bought Mac OS 10.6, Snow Leopard. You’re not really sure what to expect.. so what are you going to do? Consider purchasing Robin Williams (not the actor) and John Tollett’s new book, “Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard – A Quick Reference Guide to Mastering Snow Leopard!” Ms. Williams is well know for her writing style that beckons the reader into the book, based upon her years of experience in writing and teaching, making books a pleasure to read. Mr. Tollett, well known as a designer, art director, and illustrator, has worked with Ms. Williams on many of her books.
Ms. Williams book is designed for the new user, either of a Mac or of Snow Leopard, and begins with the very basics, getting to know and use the desktop and the Finder. The first section, Mac OS X Basics, covers everything from Home, through Folders, the Finder Window, the Dock, Keyboard Shortcuts, Expose and then works its way into the next section, Applications.
For someone new to OS X and Snow Leopard, Ms. Williams starts you off with an introduction to the Applications Folder, what’s there and then proceeds to cover the basic apps that one finds on the OS. TextEdit, Mail, to include breaking it down to setting it up, customizing, smart mailboxes, Notes, To Do Items, downloads, attachments and then into the Address Book, Safari and even into RSS. She then moves on into iCal, iTunes, iChat, Preview and the other miscellaneous items on the system; DVD Player, Font Book, Photo Booth, QuickTime Player, Spell Checker, Colors, Character Palette, Speech and working with multiple apps at once.
As Ms. Williams continues teaching the reader Snow Leopard, and that is exactly what she is doing, she works the reader into making the Mac their own. How to do that? By customizing the Dock, the Finder, Finder Windows, Preferences, working with Dashboard, setting up printing and faxing, taking one Mac and sharing it amongst many users, using Spotlight, and learning all about Time Machine. Now that she has shown the reader the basics, she continues on connecting to the Internet, and more into the Tech aspect; troubleshooting your internet connection, troubleshooting Mail, sharing files, Bonjour and screen sharing. As she nears the end of the lessons, Ms. Williams covers basic troubleshooting, making sure that your Mac and your files are secure and lastly, how to upgrade your Mac and migrate from one computer to the new one.
As one reads through the book, one is also struck the by fantastic illustrations that abound. No simple basic drawings here, Mr. Tollett has done a superb job of illustrating this book. It is really a pleasure to see the care that both Ms. Williams and Mr. Tollett have taken to produce a really fine tutorial, if you will, on how to work with Snow Leopard.
So to review:
A very well written and superbly illustrated book that explains the internal workings of Snow Leopard, covering all the things that a new user should learn from A to Z. If you are looking for a really good book to have on hand or to give as a gift to someone, consider Ms. Williams and Mr. Tollett’s Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard book. If you are a seasoned Mac user, you may also wish to check out Ms. Williams and Mr. Tollett’s book. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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Mac OS X Snow Leopard for Dummies
Author: Bob LeVitus
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-470-43543-4
Price: $24.99 US/$29.99 CAN
Page Count: 442
http://www.wiley.com
When they first began publishing the “Dummy” books, a lot of folks took the titles to be demeaning or designed to make fun of those who bought and read the books. Time has passed and there are simply dozens of titles appearing each year covering every topic imaginable. The Mac series of Dummy books goes back to the OS 7 time period and continues to this day. Amongst those leading the way in writing Mac Dummy books has been Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus.
Mr. LeVitus’s latest edition, Mac OS X Snow Leopard for Dummies, is primarily designed for the new user of a Mac or of Apple’s operating system, Mac OS 10.6, better known as Snow Leopard. Written with his normal sense of humor present throughout the book, LeVitus takes the new user through the steps of learning to use Snow Leopard.
LeVitus breaks Snow Leopard learning down into six separate sections for the reader. He starts with “Introducing Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Basics”, covering starting up your Mac to explaining the Desktop, Windows and Menus. Simple things that experienced Mac users may skip over but that a new user may not be familiar with, such as desktop pictures, widgets, sound effects, the Dock and the Finder are covered within the first part of the book. In Part 2, LeVitus gets down to explaining how to organize files and folders, the use of disks and how to organize your life on your Mac. Part 3 delves into “Getting Things Done” by showing how to connect to the Internet, surfing the Web with Safari, using iChat, working with Address Book, using Mail, iTunes, TextEdit and Apple’s DVD Player.
Part 4 of the book explains printing, hooking up your printer of choice, networks, permissions and some of the items that even some seasoned Mac users are not into, such as Automator, AppleScript, Universal Access and Boot Camp. Part 5 goes into a very important part of being a Mac user, Backing Up what you have on your computer. LeVitus covers Time Machine, using the old drag and drop method to a CD, DVD and actually burning your important items to the disk, plus the use of available software, be it freeware or commercially available. During the course of the book, LeVitus covers the useful software that comes with your Mac; Disk Utility, Keychain Access, Airport Utility, you get the drift.
He continues and covers Troubleshooting when things go wrong for even though it is a Mac, things can still go wrong. This section examines using the OS X Installation Disk, starting up from a DVD, First Aid, Safe Boot, Zapping the PRAM, reinstalling OS X and what to do when your Mac crashes at startup. Part 6, the final section, explores ways to speed up your Mac experience- keyboard shortcuts, typing skills, monitor resolution, icons and preferences, RAM, a new hard drive, even an accelerated graphics card. More ideas flow when he suggests throwing money at your Mac; more RAM, software, a new monitor, faster internet, DVD burner, things that most Mac users do consider and follow up on during their use of their Mac.
All in all, in reading through the book, one notices the little subtle (and not so subtle) use of humor throughout, making things more interesting as one continues through each chapter. This book is designed to draw you in, make you want to continue to read on, and remember what you have read. Bob LeVitus succeeds on all counts there. The book is never boring, too technical nor does it bring down the level of information that it provides to such a low point that it would seem to be speaking down to the reader. LeVitus, after writing over 50 books, has it down to a science in how to explain things properly and to keep the readers’ interest going.
So to review:
Well written how-to book that explains the ins and outs of Snow Leopard, covering all the things that a new user should learn to make their Mac experience a more enjoyable one. Even if you are a seasoned Mac user, it never hurts to have some good information at your fingertips… just in case.
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I had picked up my copy of Snow Leopard yesterday afternoon from the Apple Store closest to me. The store was really busy and the sales staff advised that sales of SL were brisk.
I took my time in checking last night as to what apps had already been made 10.6 compatible and updated the ones on my MacBook to the newer versions. I had previously upgraded my MacBook when I first got it from 1 gig of ram to 4 gigs of ram. Two weeks ago I upgraded my hard drive to a 500 gig hard drive. (took all of 10 minutes to get the old one out and the new one in)
This morning I made sure that I backed up my hard drive again using both TimeMachine and SuperDuper. Once I verified that the external HD would boot successfully if anything went wrong, I inserted the Snow Leopard disk. What a difference from previous installs. I selected to customize my install, not needing all the additional language capabilities and choosing to install Rosetta as it is such a small item. Not having to start up from the install disk, click on Install and away it went.
Within the space of one hour, I had my MacBook and fully upgraded to 10.6. So far I’m really liking what I’m seeing. Safari is definitely flying now, and I previously had updated to 4.0.3 in 10.5.8 but found it sluggish. Right now I’m running through my apps checking to see if I have any issues I may have missed but even my Photoshop Elements 6 is running great, faster than it had been.
Well worth the $30. Will keep checking and update if I encounter any problems. Good luck!
Case Logic 16″ Full-Size Security Friendly Laptop Case CLCS-116
Company: Case Logic
Price: $99.00
http://www.caselogic.com/
Ever since I purchased my MacBook in January 2008, it has been my constant companion whenever and wherever I travel. I’ve never felt comfortable using some hotel’s lobby computer that’s available for every guest to use. The only thing that has caused me some grief at times is going through airport security because every now and then I have encountered differences amongst the security personnel in how they want things done. On one trip, I was told by one security person on the other side of the X-ray line to take my laptop out of the bag and place the bag in the plastic bin and then place the laptop on top of the bag. I did and you should have heard the guy watching the screen when my bin went through the machine; you would have thought I was trying to smuggle something through the checkpoint. Even when the other passengers on either side of me backed me up and told him that I was just following the directions given by one of his team, I could see that this trip was not off to a good start. Trust me, I never made that mistake again!
When the chance came to review a security-friendly laptop case by Case Logic, I jumped at the opportunity. For those of you who may not be familiar with the security-friendly/checkpoint friendly laptop process, in August 2008, the TSA changed the regulations and began to permit certain types of laptop bags to go through the X-ray machines without the owner having to remove the laptop from the bag. There are primarily three styles of bag that have been authorized: butterfly style, trifold style and sleeve style. The TSA further spells out the requirements for these bags-
• The laptop bag has a designated laptop-only section that can lay flat on the X-ray belt
• There are no metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on-top of the laptop-only section
• There are no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
• There is nothing in the laptop compartment other than the laptop
• The bag is completely unfolded so that there is nothing above or below the laptop-only section, allowing the bag to lie flat on the X-ray belt
Even with all of this, you may still be asked to take the laptop out of the bag if the machine operator decides that he or she can’t clearly see the laptop alone in the bag.
Case Logic is one of several companies that have produced bags that are tagged as “security-friendly” and that are specifically designed to comply with the TSA regulations. Case Logic’s CLCS-116 laptop bag, made of nylon and leather, is designed to hold laptops up to 16 inches comfortably in a section of the bag that is specifically designed for just the laptop and nothing else. The other side of the case stores your files, folders, pens and laptop accessories quite neatly and securely. You can store files, paperwork. folders or magazines on the interior facing section of the non-laptop side and the remainder of your items can be stored on the exterior compartments of the section. The one major feature that I really enjoyed is the adjustable shoulder strap that when your laptop is through the X-ray machine, you just simply pick the case up by the strap and the two sections come together, permitting you to walk away from the line with the laptop secured in the case while you put your shoes and other items back where they belong on your person.
As you can see by the pictures below, the case is stylish, well-designed and protects your laptop quite well due to its padding and layout. On the laptop side of the bag, there are no zippers or other items that would lay against the laptop; the zippers are on the edge of the bag so that they won’t interfere with the assessment of what is in the compartment. The non-laptop section has three separate zippered compartments that you can place just about anything you need to carry with you in and feel secure that they are protected and yet still readily available. You’ll find storage for your mouse, power supply, AC power cord, a clip for keys, slots for pens, business cards, thumb drives, you name it and you can probably fit it in there. On the exterior of the laptop side of the case there is even a nylon handle in place so that the bag can be placed over the extendible handle of your suitcase so that you can wheel everything at once through the airport.
I had to make a quick out of town trip and I thankfully encountered no problems when I checked in. Placed the bag down, with the two sections lying flat, and then just picked the bag up by the shoulder strap and I was on my way. Now the only thing I might have considered adding to the bag, in terms of security, is that when I’m in a hotel and I’m running out to dinner or wherever, I like to be able to secure the contents of the laptop bag with a small travel lock. This would not stop someone from taking the entire bag, but it would stop anyone from rifling through the bag while I was out of the room. The bag does not have that capability. As I said, a small thing, but then it’s just my way of thinking.
I have used this bag going to and from work, traveling over to a friend’s house with my MacBook inside, and when I’m on the go out of the area. I’ve really enjoyed the functionality of the case, the process that went into designing the bag to meet security requirements and the ease of use.
Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ x 6″ Will fit laptops: 16″ x 11.75″ x 1.6″
Weight: 3 lbs, 4 oz
So to review:
Pro: Well-designed, durable and functional laptop case that offers protection and does so with security concerns in mind. Provides storage space for the necessary laptop accessories and much more. The case comes with a 25-year warranty!
Cons: Nothing major to prevent anyone from utilizing this case to its fullest.
Highly recommended!
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Scanning Negatives and Slides – Digitizing Your Photographic Archive
Author: Sascha Steinhoff
Publisher: RockyNook
ISBN: 13: 978-1-933952-30-7
Price: $44.95 US/CAN
Page Count: 239
http://www.rockynook.com
I guess that I can be classified as an “old-timer” in that I have tons of negatives and slides from decades of taking pictures with a 35mm camera and in the case of a large number of the pictures, developing my own negatives, slides and printing out my own photographs. (My thanks to the USO who provided the instruction and equipment a long, long time ago) Add to my own photographs are those taken by parents, family and friends over the years as I was growing up, and you can wind up with hundreds and hundreds of pictures that need to be preserved, just in case the kids decide they want to view the “ancient” past of their father. With the changes that have been occurring in the past fews years and also most recently with the apparent demise of 35mm film, the inability of having film developed easily and cheaply, and probably more important, the explosion of digital photography, I thought that it was about time I started to better preserve my windows to the past.
The big question that hit me once I started to go through my collection of photographs was “How do I do this easily and without taking up all of my spare time?” So I began to search for a source that could provide me with some answers to my questions and maybe make my task easier to accomplish. When the chance came to read and review Sascha Steinhoff’s book on Scanning Negatives and Slide – Digitizing Your Photographic Archive, I jumped at the chance. To start off, I have the capability to scan using a HP Scanjet 3970 scanner that has served me well for the past few years when I needed to scan something, plus I can use a HP All-in-One OfficeJet J6480, the newest add-on to the computing gear that I have. The first thing I looked for in Mr. Steinhoff’s book was an explanation of scanners, negative scanning, slide scanning and options that are available for the user. The first chapter covers this quite nicely. His last section of the first chapter also provided the option to the reader of the consideration of having your photographs and negatives digitized by professional scanning services.
Now, as I started to get more into the book, the first thing I noticed was that Mr. Steinhoff definitely has a preference for Nikon equipment. I know that his suggestions can be adjusted to fit other equipment, but one would think it would be presented as generic in nature and not specific to a particular brand. Secondly, I look at explanations in a book to see how they are presented and at times, Mr. Steinhoff’s explanations tend to be just a tad bit intense for someone who may just be looking for a more simple, easy-to-understand explanation. Another point for possible users is that the book itself is written for those using a “PC” and while things are blurring along those lines and one can always adjust this to the use of a Mac, this may present an issue for some readers. The book also has a DVD that contains software (shareware), i.e. VueScan (Linux/Windows/Mac), Picture Editing software and Photoshop Plug-ins for both Windows and Mac, and additional items such as Image Databases, Sample Scans Filmscanner and Sample Scans Flatbed Scanner.
The book itself contains 15 chapters, plus a glossary. The breakdown is as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Performance Characteristics of Film Scanners
3. Scanning Film
4. File Formats
5. Color Management in Theory and Practice
6. Scanning Methods
7. Scanning Correction Filters in Detail
8. Configuring the Scanning Software
9. Nikon Scan
10. VueScan
11. SilverFast
12. Scan Workflows
13. Nikon Capture NX 2
14. Correcting with Photoshop and Photoshop Plug-ins
15. Backup
I might suggest that if you haven’t as yet purchased any scanners or software, then this book may be what you need to review prior to making the purchase or if you have the background and want to improve your equipment and your skills, then you may also wish to consider the book. I was left after going through the book with still unanswered questions. What do you do when you don’t have any higher priced or higher end equipment to do scans? Can I utilize the software and hardware I already have or am I going to incur additional costs? What do you do if you just have a flatbed scanner and your experience with scanning is not at the level of Mr. Steinhoff? Will the results I get from my equipment provide me with the results I’m looking for or do I need to re-evaluate my process and consider upgrading? While Mr. Steinhoff’s information is at times useful, how many readers are going to be able to easily use it to accomplish what they want to do?
So to review:
I would have liked to see more generic information and solutions on some of the issues that I’ve already encountered, such as fading, dust and scratches, color washout and other possible software/hardware solutions. As I had said earlier, some of Mr. Steinhoff’s writing is intense and data driven, yet there are sections in the book that are informative and come across quite well for those seeking information on scanning that can be easily assimilated and used quite readily. However, if you are looking for a book to get you through the challenge of scanning your pictures and negatives yourself, this book may not provide the answers you may be seeking.
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As I had posted on John’s post from yesterday, the Apple Store was done at 0800 am Eastern this morning. Now the “NEW” iMacs, minis and Pros are posted on the site.
iMac 20 inch is $1,199 and the high end 24 inch is $2,199.
Mac Mini is $599 and $799 with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, both 2.0 GHz units.
Mac Pro is quad-core for $2,499 and 8-core is $3,299.
Verbatim Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
Company: Verbatim
Price: $39.99
http://www.verbatim.com
I’ve been using Verbatim products, primarily their recording media, for many years. I’d always found their products to be reliable and priced well. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Verbatim also produces other items, such as the Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse. Most people still have had a tendency to use a USB mouse, plugging a wireless receiver into one of the USB ports. Well, when you’re using a MacBook, having only two ports can be a bit of a hindrance.
Verbatim’s Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse can help free up one of your USB ports and make your life a bit simpler. The mouse comes with a CD with application software (Mouse Agent) for both Mac and PC, 2x AA batteries and a Quick Start Guide. I unpacked the mouse, placed the two batteries inside, closed the lid, synced the mouse via Bluetooth with my MacBook, and I was off and running. Absolutely no problems whatsoever in using the mouse from the start. Right click usage was standard as with any other mouse, it responds quickly and did not suffer from any hiccups.
The mouse itself is approximately the same size as other notebook mice (3 5/8 L x 2 1/8 W x 1 1/4 H) and is easily held in one’s palm. Weight is negligible and it fits easily into any laptop bag when one is traveling about. The on/off button on the bottom of the mouse makes it easy to shut it off when one is done working on the computer and I noticed no unusual battery power loss issues if I left the mouse on for days while not using the computer. Scrolling left and right using the tilt wheel was a breeze, made page viewing very easy online without touching the keyboard or keypad.
I’ve found the mouse to be easy to use, smooth and does exactly what it is supposed to do. Setup is a breeze, portability is not a problem, particularly since there are no wires/cables to dangle about. System requirements under Mac OS X is version 10.4 or higher. The mouse comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Recommended!
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PED3 Auto Car Mount for iPhone
Company: Thought Out
Price: $50.00
http://www.thoughtout.biz
When the chance came up to take a look at Thought Out’s latest iPhone 3G auto car mounting system, I couldn’t refuse the chance. There is just something about the ongoing hunt for the perfect item that you’re looking for that gets the blood going, no matter what that item may be.
mStand
Company: Rain Design
Price: $49.90 ($5 off special pricing- $44.90 through December 25th)
http://www.raindesigninc.com
I’ve been using my MacBook (late 2007) more and more lately but I found myself getting tired and the edge of my palms getting sore from the sharp edges of the MacBook. I put a foam wrist rest up against the edge of the MacBook and that alleviated a lot of the problem but I wasn’t satisfied as I still found myself looking down at the display. Now with all the typing I was doing, I found myself stretching, getting up and moving around more before I resumed typing. Rain Design and their mStand to the rescue.
Made from one piece of aluminum, Rain Design’s ergonomically designed laptop stand is stylish, solid and built for the MacBook and MacBook Pro, though it will take any other laptop if you happen to use another manufacturer’s laptop. (Trust me, as I actually used it with a Dell laptop,not mine, to test it out) The mStand is designed to match up with the sand blasted and anodized look of a MacBook or a MacBook Pro but it still looks great with an older white or black MacBook. The mStand is tilted which brings the screen up about 6 inches and now allows one to view the screen on a more level height than just resting it on a desktop or your lap. You don’t feel as tired when you are working with it as you do when the laptop is down lower.
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OtterBox Impact for iPhone 3G
Company: Otter Products, LLC
Price: $19.95
http://www.OtterBox.com
OtterBox has continuously produced a large number of products for laptops, iPods, MP3 players, iPhone and most recently for the iPhone 3G. Not willing to stop, OtterBox just recently announced their latest product for iPhone 3G users, the iPhone 3G Impact case. Made from durable silicon, the Impact series is designed to provide a bit more protection for your iPhone 3G by dissipating impact away from the iPhone and providing a bit more of shock and bump protection than most other cases.
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Griffin WindowSeat for iPhone 3G
Company: Griffin Technology
Price: $29.99
http://www.griffintechnology.com
I’ve been looking at and reviewing cases for the iPhone 3G but there is also the need for an accessory for your iPhone that a lot of folks tend to overlook. If you spend a lot of time on the road in your car, either traveling to and from work, or just traveling, gas prices permitting, then you really need to consider looking at a mount for your iPhone.
Normally if I’m driving, it’s not that far and I just keep the iPhone in its case on my belt or if I’m expecting a call in a short time period, I’ll place it in the center console. While this can work for short trips, longer times in the car need some consideration. Am you planning on using your iPhone’s GPS capability, make or receive a lot of telephone calls or do you have the luxury of plugging your iPhone into the car stereo system? If so, then consider Griffin’s WindowSeat for your vehicle.
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Griffin iClear with Armband for iPhone 3G
Company: Griffin Technology
Price: $29.99
http://www.griffintechnology.com
With all of the cases that have appeared for the iPhone 3G, there are always special cases designed to fill a specific niche for certain users. Griffin Technology’s iClear case for the iPhone 3G fills a specific spot for the active user who wants to take their iPhone along with them whenever they are on the go. Whether you are into running, bicycling or walking, then you need to check out the iClear case.
Having been into running for many years, and used to having my iPod along for the run, I was just a bit hesitant when it came time to look at and try out a case for my iPhone 3G. Something kept telling me that you just don’t take your phone along with you when you’re out there running, calls can wait. However, the capability of having the iPhone with its many capabilities outweighed that voice in the back of my mind and I chose to try out Griffin’s iClear. To begin with, the iClear case comes with a frosted hard polycarbonate back piece with a rotating belt clip, a clear front bezel piece, a static peel screen protector, an adjustable stretchable armband and, of course, a cleaning cloth. Installing your iPhone into the case is a snap, place the belt clip into the arm band, plug in your earphones and off you go.
Luxe Red/Black Case for iPhone 3G
Company: ifrogz
Price: $19.99 USD
http://www.drbott.com
Time to check out ifrogz’s contributions, case-wise, for the iPhone 3G. For those who are looking for sporty, hard-style case to keep their iPhone 3g protected in, take a look at ifrogz’s Red/Black Luxe Case.
The Luxe is a hard plastic case with a two-tone finish, in this case, red and black, that offers a more up-to-date modern look to your iPhone 3G. For those iPhone users who have no wish to carry their iPhone on their belt, and feel totally cool with it in their pants or coat pocket, ifrogz’s Luxe case just adds a little bit more style and helps keep the back of your iPhone from scratching up. Light-weight and yet thin so as to not add additional heft, the Luxe case allows you to add a dash of color and pizzazz without going overboard.
Sidewinder Deluxe for iPhone 3G
Company: Marware
Price: $39.95
http://www.marware.com
If you’ve just purchased a new iPhone 3G and you’re considering a case, you may just want to wander on over to Mareware’s website and take a look at the new Sidewinder Deluxe for the iPhone 3G.
If you’re like most people, you have a tendency to forget where you left your earphones for your iPhone, at least I know that I have. Marware’s Sidewinder Deluxe solves that problem for you by including a retractable side arm that you can wrap your earphones around and carry it with you wherever you go. Sporty and light, you just take your iPhone and place it into Marware’s Flexi-Shell case, then just snap it into the black plastic holster, place it on your belt with the clip and go.
OtterBox Defender for iPhone 3G
Company: Otter Products, LLC
Price: $49.95
http://www.OtterBox.com
There are literally scores of cases for the iPhone 3G out there in the market place. Leather, hard plastic, soft plastic, designed to slip in a pocket or clip on to your belt. They all offer some form of protection for your iPhone 3G. However, if you are really looking to provide some real protection, based upon the environment you use your iPhone in or just the way you interact with your iPhone, then you really do need to check out OtterBox’s Defender series for the iPhone 3G.
Marware C.E.O. FlipVue for iPhone 3G
Company: Marware
Price: $29.99 USD
http://www.drbott.com
http://www.marware.com
Marware has more than one iPhone case up its sleeve. Marware’s C.E.O. FlipVue is a another well designed leather case for your iPhone 3G that you might want to consider taking a look at for daily use. Marware had already produced a version for the original iPhone that was previously reviewed by David Weeks and since the arrival of the iPhone 3G, a newer model appeared on the scene.
Just as with Marware’s C.E.O. Sleeve, the FlipVue is made of Nappa leather that provides a holster-type case that you slip your iPhone into and the flap comes down and is held in place by two small sections of velcro and provides cover over the front of your iPhone. The side elastic also provides the grip to hold your phone in place besides the drop down flap. In appearance, both the Marware C.E.O. Sleeve and the FlipVue are identical, with the FlipVue having the flap to cover the front of your iPhone. In the previous version for the original iPhone, there were apparently some complaints of accessibility to iPhone items that Marware has taken care of in this version. Your earphone mini-jack, speaker, volume control, mike and dock connector are all readily accessible.
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