PadGadget

iPad and iPhone Join the Military
iFrogz iPad Cases – Quick Accessory Review
iPads Fully Compatible with T-Mobile Available Soon? Maybe
More iPad 2 Accessories Hit the Market
PadGadget Weekend iPad News Roundup – March 20, 2011

Posted: 20 Mar 2011 10:15 PM PDT

Ever since the iPhone and the iPad hit the market, Apple has been able to infiltrate market segments many thought were impossible for the California based company. There is no doubt that the leadership and vision of Steve Jobs combined with the creativity of Jonathan Ive have done wonders for the company.

Developers and creative companies have also been able to take advantage of Apple’s iOS devices. Even the military seems to be taking advantage of Apple’s gadgets to reduce operational costs and improve military efficiency.

Two well known military contractors are already planning to use the iPhone, the iPad and other potential products as well.

Well known military contractor, Harris, is currently working on an iPad application that will allow ground troops to use touchscreen gestures to remotely control a camera aboard an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The goal is to make sure that military troops can find enemy soldiers and weapons remotely, while seeing actual video and remotely controlling the UAV camera directly from the iPad. Harris is very well known for its commercial video products, which should translate very well to the iPad.

The Harris iPad application would transmit video and location information to intelligence commanders that require strategic information and field data to make important military decisions. According to a PCWorld report, Harris is planning to demonstrate the remote camera application for the iPad and iPad 2 at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in mid-April.

Another Pentagon contractor planning actual field tests with an iPhone app is Intelligent Software Solutions (ISS). ISS is getting ready to test mobile applications for the iPhone and Android. The goal is to test applications that will provide a soldier with fighting and bombings information that have occurred at precise locations as soon as that soldier arrives into a war zone area.

The idea is to leverage geo-mapping technologies and combine that with historical data sent wirelessly from a command center. By doing so, ground troops can be better prepared when entering war zone areas. They will be able to know the locations and types of encounters that have happened in specific areas.

There are multiple reasons why the military is planning to use products like the iPad and iPhone. First, the cost of each device is much cheaper than other specialized equipment previously used in military action. Second, the learning curve for iOS devices and other mobile products is very short given that most soldiers are using smartphones and tablets in their personal daily lives. Finally, if a soldier loses or breaks an iPhone or iPad, it is much easier to replace those devices at a much lower cost.

The possibilities are endless when you think of it. Harris has envisioned this technology evolving into multiple use cases for the military. For example, soldiers could use an application at checkpoints while conducting video interrogation of individuals with an iPhone. Then, upload the live video to a military system that would check that person’s face with facial recognition software.

I think this is only the beginning!

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iFrogz iPad Cases – Quick Accessory Review

Posted: 20 Mar 2011 07:41 PM PDT

Are you looking for a good deal on an iPad case? Or, maybe you are one of the ones taking advantage of the price drop on the first generation device and now you need a good case to protect it. If so, the Luxe Original, Luxe Lean and NeoFirm Burst iFrogz cases have got you, and your iPad, covered.

These three cases offer users high quality protection at a great price. Read more about the iFrogz options and decide if one of these cases will fit your needs.

Luxe Original

The two-piece Luxe Original case is fashioned from injection-molded, super-durable polycarbonate. It has a colored, metallic façade that covers the top two-thirds of the iPad and a matte black section which slides over the bottom third. The two pieces are lined with a velvety fabric and come together to form a hard case. Appropriately placed cutouts provide users with access to all ports, buttons and sensors on their iPad.

Designed to protect your device from every day wear and tear, the Luxe Original will shield your iPad from impact damage, as well as scratches and dust. This case is easy to get on your iPad and offers great protection. With fun color options and a great sale price, the Luxe Original is an attractive choice for your new device.

Available Colors: Blue/Black, Red/Black, Orange/Black, Iron/Black
Price: $19.99 (50% off the original price of $39.99)

Luxe Lean

The Luxe Lean case is a one-piece, snap-on version of the Luxe Original. Like the Original, the Lean is fashioned from injection-molded, super-durable polycarbonate. It’s available in a range of metallic color options and lined with velvety fabric. This case also boasts a slimmer design but stays true to the level of protection it provides. Cutouts allow users access to all ports and buttons making it easy to control their device.

This slim case is easy to snap on to your iPad and slides easily into other bags. It’s comes in several bright colors and has a great price too. Snap one up now, before they all sell out.

Available Colors: Pink, Blue, Orange, Teal
Price: $14.99 (50% off the original price of $29.99)

NeoFirm Burst

The soft, neoprene NeoFirm Burst case guards the iPad against bumps and scratches from every day use. It opens at the top allowing users to easily slide their device inside and the semi-rigid foam back provides added protection. Carry your iPad and case as is or stick them inside your bag, backpack or briefcase and go.

If your looking for a sleeve style case to house your iPad while on the go, the NeoFirm Burst is a nice option. It’s available in five great color choices at a wonderful price.

Available Colors: Lime, Black, Fuschia, Marine, Racer Red
Price: $12.49 (50% off the original price of $24.99)

iFrogz offers a range of great case options for mobile devices. We tried out all three of these cases with our iPads and thought they were easy to use and provided great protection. We loved the bright color choices and the sale prices are really affordable. Whether you pick one of the Luxe cases or prefer to go with the NeoFirm Burst, you’ll get a very good iPad case at a fantastic price.

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iPads Fully Compatible with T-Mobile Available Soon? Maybe

Posted: 20 Mar 2011 07:05 PM PDT

at&t, the second largest wireless provider in the U.S., just announced that it was about to buy T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom, the owner of the Seattle-based company.

If the deal is approved by regulators, at&t would become the largest wireless provider in the United States, and would have a little over 130 million subscribers. In the process, Verizon would then become the second largest wireless provider in the U.S., with about 100 million subscribers.

According to at&t, the merger of the companies will help them better prepare for their 4G LTE roll-out, as both networks cover 95 percent of the population in the U.S.

So, is a T-Mobile compatible iPad around the corner? Maybe, but it would require Apple to use a different 3G wireless chip in the iPad, as the chip currently used on the at&t compatible iPad is unable to connect to all the frequency bands used by T-Mobile. The iPad already works on T-Mobile’s network today, but it’s unable to use all frequencies offered by the wireless provider, and is often forced to use EDGE instead of 3G.

According to T-Mobile, the acquisition will take 12 months, which means that the company will not offer the iPad to its subscribers until the iPad 3 is released, around spring 2012. In T-Mobile’s own words, “T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone [or the iPad] [yet]. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G.”

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More iPad 2 Accessories Hit the Market

Posted: 20 Mar 2011 05:03 PM PDT

As expected, the iPad 2 accessories continue to hit the market waves.

Even though Apple has run into a bit of an inventory issue with its new tablet, accessory designers and manufacturers have several accessories that will be waiting for you when you finally get your hands on the new tablet.

Gelaskins and iStyle

If you’re looking to give your brand new iPad 2 some personality, Gelaskins will work quite well providing protection against nicks and scrapes, while clothing your iPad in style.

Gelaskins offer hundreds of pre-made skins for your iPad, and they also give you the option to create your own skin design. The company has now brought its creative line of printed protective films to the iPad 2. You will be able to select from hundreds of skins styles that will provide protection for both the back of the tablet and the bezel around the screen. The Gelaskins selection is available for $29.95.

Just like Gelaskins, iStyles offer vinyl skins in a large variety of styles and designs. The iStyle skins will set you back $20, and the company also offers an optional matte/satin coating that is available for an additional $5. The skins are available for both the first generation iPad and iPad 2.

Gumdrop

The Drop Series will certainly provide shock absorption, drop protection, and hard-core readiness for your iPad 2. This case will offer multi-layer protection for the iPad and features a uniquely replaceable, snap-on integrated screen for maximum protection. In addition, the manufacturer has added reinforced rubber bumpers on the corners.

The Drop Series case will start shipping in May, and will be available in Black/Black, Black/Red, Pink/White, or White/Black. The Drop Series will set you back $59.95.

Gumdrop has also announced the Surf Convertible case, which features a faux-leather exterior with a cover that flips over and catches the back to set you up for ergonomic viewing angles on your iPad 2. The case starts shipping in April for $44.95 in black, blue, or red colors.

Beiza Cases

If you’re looking for innovative and luxury type cases for the iPad 2, European designer Beiza has launched a wave series of sleeves that will bring a professional taste to your iPad 2. The company offers a wide selection of color options that also feature a hidden magnetic closure to protect your iPad 2 in style.

The Beiza cases come in two different models – genuine leather and soft canvas, or a genuine leather combination. The Beiza cases normally sell for €140, but are now on sale for €105 for a limited time.

Blackbox Case

If you like handcrafted accessories, Blackbox has made a beautiful case from solid oak from Golden, Colorado. The case offers tough hardshell protection from book bags, falls, and any unexpected bumps. The case is available for shipment now for $99.

Wrapsol

The folks at Wrapsol contacted us about their Ultra screen-protection film, which is now offered for the iPad 2.

The Wrapsol Ultra screen protector film offers a durable impact and scratch protection system for your iPad 2. The screen protector is made from a very strong polyurethane. Wrapsol is offering the product in both dry or wet-application versions. They also offer it to protect the front of your iPad only, or a front and back film combination. The Wrapsol options start at $30.

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