PadGadget |  |
- Twelve South Stands Work with iPad 2
- iPad 2 Gets Destroyed by Shotgun
- Angry Birds HD Update – New Ads Spark Fans Outcry
- MobileMe to Be Re-Launched Next Month
- An Amazon Kindle Android Tablet to Compete Against iPad 2?
- AT&T Cuts Prices up to $300 on Remaining First-Generation iPads
- iPad 2′s Built-in Mic Exhibits Quality Differences
- More Upcoming iPad 2 Accessories – Griffin, PADACS, Clamcase
| Twelve South Stands Work with iPad 2 Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:51 PM PDT
BookArc The modern table top design of the BookArc stand makes it appealing to iPad and iPad 2 users who prefer sleek, clean lines. The steel bow arc has a slot in the middle and comes with two exchangeable rubber inserts. The insert you use is determined by whether or not you use a case for your device. The iPad 2 sits snuggly in the BookArc with many thin cases and covers, including the Apple Smart Cover. Once you’ve got your device in the stand, there are four viewing options to choose from: upright portrait, upright landscape, display portrait and display horizontal. Whether using FaceTime, watching a movie or doing something else, you’ll be able to find a viewing angle the suits your needs with the BookArc. Here are the angles and positions BookArc holds iPad 2:
Note: We’ve read many complaints from users about problems with angling when their iPad is inserted into the BookArc. Make sure you have the rubber insert installed correctly in the slot, otherwise your device will lean forward making it difficult to see the screen. Compass The Compass weighs in at 7-ounces and is perfect for anyone on the go. Measuring 7 inches long and 1 inch wide when folded, this iPad and iPad 2 stand can be used with your device sitting in either portrait or landscape mode. With your device sitting at a 57-degree angle, you’ll be set when you watch movies, use FaceTime and send email. Soft silicone pads help you avoid metal to metal contact, provide protection from scratches and help keep your iPad securely in place. You’ll also be able to use the stand with your device in a number of cases and covers. The Compass stand is versatile, easy-to-use and a great mobile companion. It even comes with its own little carrying case and we love it! The Twelve South BookArc ($29.99) and Compass ($39.99) stands work well with the iPad 2, as well as the iPad. The functional designs and attention to detail will support your device regardless of location. Whether you’re at home in the kitchen or in the office at your desk, these stands have got you covered. Both stands can be purchased on the Twelve South website with free shipping for a limited time only.
» Related posts:
    |
| iPad 2 Gets Destroyed by Shotgun Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:42 PM PDT
Apple’s iPad 2 is one of the hottest electronic gadgets out right now, but availability remains a major issue. Customers continue to wait hours in line even a week after the iPad 2′s launch, in hopes of getting Apple’s latest tablet. While supplies might be extremely limited, it hasn’t stopped ZAGG, best known for their protective iPad and iPhone accessories, from getting their hands on five brand new iPad 2s. However, instead of ZAGG using their new iPad 2s for something useful, they decided the best thing to do with the hot new devices would be to shoot them with shotguns. While it’s a shame to see these highly coveted items being blasted, the good news is that ZAGG captured all the destruction in super slow motion for your viewing pleasure. Check all the action after the break.
» Related posts:
  |
| Angry Birds HD Update – New Ads Spark Fans Outcry Posted: 18 Mar 2011 07:57 PM PDT
The “news” section proved to be nothing more than a page full of advertising banners, designed to push players to buy Angry Birds related merchandise. The section is displayed whenever the gamer pauses or restarts a level, and thus literally shows up all the time. As a result, the rating of the game tumbled all the way down to 2.5 stars, from the usual 4.5 stars the game has enjoyed since its launch. Most reviews of the new update are incredibly negative:
Ads in free apps may be ok, but iPad users willing to pay a premium to get better than average games simply do not tolerate ads in their apps – lesson learned for Rovio, who is likely already working on stripping out the ads from its otherwise incredibly fun game. » Related posts:
  |
| MobileMe to Be Re-Launched Next Month Posted: 18 Mar 2011 07:33 PM PDT
The news was revealed by iLounge, and implies that Apple is about to release a major update of its MobileMe service, to include new capabilities such as online storage. The current service offers the ability to store calendar and contacts data, and costs $99. The new service would allow much more than that, as it would allow users to leverage Apple’s cloud to store their own files in a personal locker. Best of all, the new service is expected to be absolutely free. The new version of MobileMe is expected to offer music, photos, and video storage services, and should allow iOS 5 users to synchronize their devices with the cloud. The new service will be announced during a media event in late April, at Apple's headquarters, alongside iOS 5. Until the new version of MobileMe is launched next month, Apple recommends its suppliers to sign up new users on the 60-day trial, currently offered to all new customers. » Related posts:
  |
| An Amazon Kindle Android Tablet to Compete Against iPad 2? Posted: 18 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT
Year 2011 has been named by Steve Jobs as “The Year of iPad 2″. We heard him loud and clear earlier this year when the iPad 2 was formally announced. However, Amazon has stepped up its fight against Apple’s tablet with a series of TV commercials that have aimed directly at the iPad. In addition, there are some new rumours and incidents that could be a sign of a new Amazon tablet. Several companies have jumped on the Android bandwagon over the last year, but none have been able to really create a big dent on the iPad’s market share yet. Besides its recent TV commercials, you could argue that some of Amazon’s recent moves could lead to a new tablet device. The Kindle e-book reader has done quite well for Amazon, but it’s not up to par with the iPad considering all the additional features such as games and applications in general. But, if we take into consideration Amazon’s acquisition of Touchco in 2010, it can be a strong sign of Amazon seriously prepping a better multi-touch tablet design to compete with the iPad. In addition, the company last year was hiring for LCD design experts via its hardware design group Lab126. But, it doesn’t end there. Over the last couple of weeks, several Lab126 job postings have appeared asking for folks with Android experience. As of now, it’s hard to confirm if indeed Amazon will be surprising everyone with a new tablet device resembling the iPad. Amazon has been quite successful with its Kindle app for iOS devices. But, the company is not known for a strong applications framework/platform that could be used to build a tablet device that could take on the first generation iPad and the new iPad 2. Stay tuned. We will follow very closely any new rumors regarding a potential Amazon Kindle tablet device. One thing is for sure, the iPad 2 has hit the market already and has built up strong momentum, which is trending towards building a large market share very quickly. [via Electronista] » Related posts:
  |
| AT&T Cuts Prices up to $300 on Remaining First-Generation iPads Posted: 18 Mar 2011 12:14 PM PDT
As spoted by The Loop, AT&T has cut prices again on all of their first-generation 3G iPads left in stock. The latest price drop comes weeks after Apple cut the price of the iPad by $100, ahead of the iPad 2′s launch earlier this month. The new AT&T pricing now slashes up to $300 dollars off a 3G iPad. With these new discounts, the iPads run $429 for a 16GB 3G iPad, $529 for 32 GB 3G and the larger 64GB 3G is marked down $300 from $829 to only $529. Inventory appears limited as the 32GB model already shows it’s sold out. The good new, however, is that customers can spend the same amount of money ($529) and get the larger 64GB model. This is currently the best pricing we’ve been able to find on a new first-generation iPad. Apple and other retailers are still showing the pricing for first-ge iPads at $529, $629 and $729. AT&T’s special promotion is limited to stock on hand so this deal may not last long. Apple’s iPad 2 remains in short supply across the country and customers are looking at alternatives so this might be the fastest and cheapest way to get the iPad experience. The promotion does have some fine print, a no commitment data plan (they start at $14.99) is required and there are no refunds or exchanges for iPads purchased with this promotion. » Related posts:
  |
| iPad 2′s Built-in Mic Exhibits Quality Differences Posted: 18 Mar 2011 11:36 AM PDT
If you’ve been paying attention to the iPad 2 news you already know that there are several differences between the various iPad 2 models (WiFi, GSM / AT&T, CDMA / Verizon). But, did you know that not all iPad 2s are equal when it comes to audio quality? Based on a recent report from iLounge, the microphone on the WiFi and 3G (AT&T and Verizon) versions of the iPad 2 each exhibit different audio characteristics. According to their tests, the iPad 2 WiFi produces “markedly cleaner audio” then both the Verizon and AT&T versions of the 3G iPad 2. What comes as an even bigger surprise is that iLounge noticed distinct audio difference between the nearly identical iPad 2 3G for AT&T and the 3G iPad 2 model made to run on Verizon’s network. They found that the microphone in both the AT&T and Verizon iPad 2 models sounded “slightly muffled and echo-prone” and that these flaws were more evident on the CDMA model. The difference in audio quality may have to do with the different placement of the microphone on the WiFi and 3G models. On the WiFi version, the microphone is located above the iPad’s front facing camera towards the edge of the aluminum body. The microphone is located in the same spot on the 3G version but due to the slightly redesigned body, it sits in the iPad’s plastic cellular antenna shield. The different materials around the microphone opening, and the fact that the 3G version has additional components located by the microphone, may be to blame for the difference in audio characteristics. So, can the fact that the iPad 2′s microphone is housed in plastic or aluminum make that much difference to the sound quality? Based on tests iLounge conducted, they found “the 3G iPad 2's mic a little inferior to the others, particularly when the screen's facing you for FaceTime and many other apps, a difference that appears to be related to the acoustic differences in the plastic used in the 3G model versus the fully metal top of the Wi-Fi iPads.” If you’re planning to use an iPad 2 as a remote recording device, you might want to go with the WiFi only version. If you need to get even better sound input, we recommend using a higher quality external microphone like Blue Microphone’s Snowball or Snowflake. Combine one of these great stereo mics with Apple’s Camera Connection Kit and their new Garageband iPad app and you’ll have a serious mobile recording studio that’s ready to hit the road. » Related posts:
  |
| More Upcoming iPad 2 Accessories – Griffin, PADACS, Clamcase Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:46 AM PDT
The last few days we’ve been covering upcoming iPad 2 accessories that will be releasing in 2011, hopefully, just in time for when you get your hands on Apple’s new tablet. We certainly hope you’re one of the few that have received or will be receiving their iPad 2 this week. As mentioned earlier this week, some of the early online iPad 2 orders have arrived, while other folks have received shipment notification from FedEx. As promised, we will keep covering new accessories for the iPad 2. Without further ado, here is the most recent list.
ClamcaseRemember the Clamcase? This "all-in-one" accessory with a Bluetooth keyboard, case and stand was released in December for the first generation iPad. The Clamcase comes with a flip-back keyboard to expose the rubber hinge grip, allowing you to enjoy your iPad in tablet mode. You can also use your iPad as a laptop, or netbook using the Bluetooth connected keyboard. Now, the company has announced it will be launching a new version of the Clamcase keyboard case. Clamcase has not provided information on pricing or availability yet. However, you can subscribe to the company’s notification list by clicking here. PADACSThe well known Australian accessories designer has released several quality products for both the first generation iPad and iPhone. The company has notified us they’re currently working on iPad 2 redesigns to their two iPad keyboard cases. The first one is their original Toccata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case, which is a synthetic leather iPad case featuring a silent silicone Bluetooth keyboard. The new case has been redesigned to be thinner and the keyboard has been updated with several new keys including screen brightness controls. The keyboard is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, which can be charged using the included USB cable, provides up to 45 hours of typing between charges. Another product that will be redesigned for iPad 2 is the Rubata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case. The Rubata 2 is made from synthetic leather and features a case with a redesigned hard shell Bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard can now adjust the iPad’s screen brightness and features a dedicated “.com” key. The keyboard is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that will provide up to 72 hours of typing between charges. Both products will be available in April, which is when the iPad 2 is expected to be introduced in Australia. Pricing for the Toccata 2 will be $49.95 and the Rubata 2 will retail for $79.95. Shipping in the US is free from PADACS.com Griffin TechnologiesGriffin has been in the Apple device accessory market for quite a while. They have now redesigned its Cinema Seat to hold the new iPad 2. The upcoming product is called CinemaSeat 2. The case is a headrest video case for iPad 2. It holds your iPad 2 while giving you easy access to the MultiTouch display, headphone jack and controls. On the back, it will provide an adjustable strap that routes around your headrest and holds CinemaSeat 2 in place. The product will be available in the Spring for $39.99. » Related posts:
  |
Rovio, the development outlet behind the Angry Birds franchise, released a free update to 
Earlier today, Apple sent an email to its suppliers, to tell them that the company will not sell MobileMe subscriptions anymore.
| You are subscribed to email updates from PadGadget To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment