iPad + iPad mini Buyers Guide

News

G-Form debuts Edge, Hydro sleeves for iPad

G-Form has debuted its new Reverse Ballistic Edge and Extreme Hydro sleeves for iPad. The Reverse Ballistic Edge sleeve offers open access to the front of the iPad, protection for the back, which is covered in the company’s Reactive Protection Technology (RPT) material and ballistic fabric, and open access to the rear camera. It is priced at $40. The Extreme Hydro Sleeve is a traditional sleeve, made from RPT material for maximum impact absorption, offering a zippered closure and an abrasion and water-resistant design. It sells for $50; both sleeves are available now.

Proporta teams with National Gallery on iPhone, iPad cases

image

Proporta has teamed up with the National Gallery in London to create a new line of iPhone and iPad cases featuring artwork depicting classic London scenes. Two snap-style cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are available, featuring a postcard print of Trafalgar Square and Monet’s “The Thames below Westminster”, respectively; both cases offer full access to all ports, controls, and cameras, and sell for $20 each. Also available are leather style folio cases for the third-generation iPad and iPhone 4/4S, featuring black exteriors and the aforementioned Trafalgar Square postcard print on the inside. They also offer full access to all ports, controls and cameras, and sell for $68 and $34, respectively. The full National Gallery line is available now.

Pure unveils Contour 100i speaker for iPhone, iPad, iPod

Pure has unveiled its new Contour 100i speaker for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The dome-shaped Contour 100i features a rotating, iPad-compatible dock that hides away when not in use, two 3” drivers receiving 10W of power each, a rear bass port, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, a USB port for software updates, a 3.5mm headphone output, a custom auto-dimming LCD display, FM tuner, an included remote control, and two alarms with a snooze option. Pure’s Contour 100i speaker is available now from Brookstone and sells for $190. [via Engadget]

Griffin rolls out MIDIConnect for iOS

Griffin Technology has rolled out its new MIDIConnect adapter for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Originally debuted at the 2012 CES, MIDIConnect connects to an iOS device via the 30-pin port, adding a standard MIDI input and output. Users can use the input to use MIDI-compatible instruments and controllers in a wide variety of MIDI-capable apps, including GarageBand, or alternately use the output from a controller app to perform music. Griffin Technology’s MIDIConnect adapter for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is available now and sells for $80.

Griffin ships Kiosk display mount for iPad

Griffin Technology has announced that it is now shipping its Kiosk secure display mount for iPad. Compatibile with all models of the iPad, the Kiosk is available in two height options: a 47.5” Floor Mount and a 12” Table Mount, and features an impact-resistant polycarbonate housing with security screws to lock the iPad in place, a flexible arm that allows for adjustment of the viewing angle, an included power cable that runs through the center of the steel arm, three included faceplates to allow for optional access to the Home button and camera, and openings at the bottom for bolting the mount to a floor or tabletop using included hardware.

In addition, the Kiosk is designed to work with the Kiosk App, which offers a user-defined home URL and web domain, a timed reload of a page when not in use, an optional whitelist of approved domains, a customizable Navigation Bar, and email notifications for power loss, low battery and physical abuse. The Kiosk App is available now for $2.99; the Kiosk mount is also available now and sells for $299 for the Floor model or $199 for the Table model.

Phiaton debuts Moderna, Bridge headphones

Phiaton has debuted its new Moderna earphones and Bridge headphones. The Moderna earphones feature a “half in-ear” design that sits outside the ear canal, as well as a tangle-free oval-shaped cable with a built-in mic and an included black and red carrying case and cleaning tool. They will be available in August and will sell for $150. The Bridge headphones feature a machined aluminum, body covered in perforated leather, a dual- chamber structure and multi-tune acoustic design for superior sound quality, a foldable body, and a tangle-free cloth-wrapped cord with an in-line mic. They will be available in November; pricing has yet to be announced.

CableJive rolls out LineOut Pro for iPhone, iPad, iPod

CableJive has rolled out its new LineOut Pro accessory for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Designed to offer high-quality, line-level audio, the LineOut Pro is a black, 3-foot, case-friendly cable that connects to a device’s 30-pin port, with a gold-plated 3.5mm connector at the other end for connecting to a variety of audio devices. CableJive’s LineOut Pro is available now and sells for $11.

Kensington unveils SecureBack Case + Lock for iPad

Kensington has unveiled its new Folio SecureBack Protective Folio Case & Lock for the third-generation iPad. This folio-style case offers protection for the back and sides of the iPad, a built-in sound deflector to increase speaker volume, and the ability to act as a two-way stand with both typing and viewing modes. It also includes a ClickSafe lock that anchors to the case on the same side as the 30-pin connector, and secures in a single click. Kensington’s new SecureBack Protective Folio Case & Lock for the third-generation iPad is available for pre-order now and sells for $90.

Soundfreaq announces Sound Rise clock radio

Soundfreaq has announced its new Sound Rise clock radio for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The Sound Rise features a vertical, black design, a front-mounted dock, a USB port for charging other devices, a 2.1 speaker configuration that projects sound up and out into the room, a front-mounted touch panel display, the ability to charge two devices at once, a digital FM radio, dual alarms, and Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming. Soundfreaq’s Sound Rise clock radio will be available exclusively at Target stores this fall and will sell for $99.

Belkin WeMo home automation modules now available

Belkin has announced that its WeMo home automation modules for iOS are now available. Originally debuted at the 2012 CES, the WeMo modules are WiFi-based products that sit between a wall outlet and another product—such as a lamp—allowing users to control the flow of power from their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The WeMo Switch allows for both this functionality and the ability to put devices on a timed schedule, while the WeMo Switch + Motion adds a motion sensor to the package so that the attached device can be turned on or off based on motion, letting users create rules or schedules based on custom motion intervals.

The WeMo platform also features integration with IFTTT (If This Then That), an online service that lets users create tasks combining different Internet-based services. This integration would, for example, allow a WeMo Switch + Motion user to use IFTTT to send themselves a text message anytime motion is sensed by the unit. Belkin’s WeMo Switch and WeMo Switch + Motion are available for pre-order now and sell for $50 and $100, respectively.

Satechi ships Portable Energy Station for iPhone, iPad, iPod

image

Satechi has announced that it is now shipping its Portable Energy Station for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other USB-charging devices. The Portable Energy Station is a compact black-and-silver 10,000 mAh battery pack offering both a 1 Amp and 2 Amp USB port, allowing for fast charging of both the iPhone and iPad, as well as the ability to charge two devices simultaneously. Other features include LED charge status indicator lights, an automatic off feature, the ability to be charged over USB or with the included AC adapter, and an included 6-in-1 charging cable. Satechi’s Portable Energy Station for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod is available now and sells for $50.

Lantronix rolls out xPrintServer Home Edition

Lantronix has rolled out its new xPrintServer Home Edition for iOS. The xPrintServer Home Edition is a followup to the company’s previously released network version, and serves as a simple, wireless bridge between iOS devices and traditional printers. According to the company, a single xPrintServer Home Edition can support multiple USB printers, up to two network-connected printers, and an unlimited number of iOS devices. The Home Edition automatically discovers and provisions both network printers and USB printers that are connected to PCs or Macs, allowing users to print via AirPrint without any additional configuration. Lantronix’s xPrintServer Home Edition for iOS will begin shipping in July and is available for pre-order now for $100.

ID America unveils Hue case for iPad

ID America has unveiled its new Hue case for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2. The one-piece, snap-on case features a rubberized soft grip texture, open access to all ports, controls, and cameras, and an opening to allow for compatibility with Apple’s Smart Cover. ID America’s Hue case for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2 is available now in six pastel colors and sells for $30.

Twelve South intros new BookBook for iPad

Twelve South has introduced its new BookBook for iPad. While maintaining the book-like exterior of the prior model, the new BookBook is 33% thinner, and features an all-new interior frame that serves as a multi-angle display and typing stand, dual zippers for access to the Dock Connector while the device is encased, open access to all other ports, controls, and cameras, and a hand-distressed exterior crafted from premium leather. Twelve South’s new BookBook for the third-generation iPad and iPad 2 is available now in brown, black, and red, and sells for $80; for more information, see our full review.

Mophie debuts new Powerstation battery packs

Mophie has debuted its new Powerstation mini and Powerstation duo battery packs for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other portable devices. The Powerstation mini offers a 2500 mAh battery inside a small black and silver enclosure, as well as a single USB port for charging devices and a 1 Amp output. It is priced at $60. The Powerstation duo greatly resembles the mini, but sports a 6000 mAh battery, two USB ports for simultaneous charging of two devices, and 2.1 Amp output for fast charging of the iPad. It is priced at $100; both are available now.

Casetagram now offering custom iPad case

image

Casetagram, a company that makes custom cases based on Instagram photos, is now offering a custom case for the iPad. The case features multiple photos on the back, laid out in one of two designs, as well as openings for all controls, ports, cameras, and speakers, and compatibility with Apple’s Smart Cover. Casetagram’s custom iPad case for the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad is available now in black, white, or clear, and sells for $55; custom cases for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are also available for $35 each. [via Gizmodo]

Incase unveils Shepard Fairey Portfolio for iPad

Incase has unveiled its new Shepard Fairey Portfolio for the third-generation iPad. Available in three of the noted artist’s designs—Elephant, Lotus Ornament and Yen Pattern—the Portfolio features a coated canvas exterior covered in original artwork, a zippered closure, three internal slip pockets, an internal divider to help protect the screen, snap-in iPad attachment, and the ability to covert into a workstation with both viewing and working angles. Incase’s Shepard Fairey Portfolio for iPad is available now and sells for $100.

Bose SoundLink Air AirPlay speaker leaked by FCC

A listing for a new Bose speaker called the SoundLink Air has appeared on the FCC’s website. While many documents have been withheld from public view until October 31 at Bose’s request, the unit’s Test Report reveals a number of details. Most notably, the SoundLink Air offers 802.11b/g connectivity and AirPlay support, as well as an optional 16.8V lithium-ion battery pack, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, an infrared remote control, and side-mounted capacitive volume controls. It is still unclear what the unit looks like, and pricing information is likewise unavailable, but it appears likely that Bose will be making an official announcement sometime between now and the end of October. [via Engadget]

Harman Kardon rolls out new headphones for iPhone, iPad

Harman Kardon has rolled out a new line of five headphones for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other portable devices. The line includes two in-ear models tailored specifically for the iPhone, which feature passive noise cancellation, multiple earphone sleeve options, and a three-button remote + mic. The NI features 9mm drivers, a rectangular black housing, and is priced at $100, while the AE model features a silver-toned aluminum casing for superior acoustic dampening, premium 9mm drivers, and foam sleeves included alongside the silicone sleeves that ship with the NI. It is priced at $150.

The other models in the lineup are either over- or on-ear units, offering lightweight, sand-blasted steel outer bands, leather inner bands, steel hinges, leather ear pads, enclosed steel frames, detachable ear pads, 40mm drivers, detachable cables, and fold-flat designs for easy portability inside included carrying cases. The on-ear CL is meant to reflect the iPhone’s design and features uniquely baffled drivers for improved bass response; it is priced at $199. As its name suggests, the over-ear BT model features Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, and also offers built-in playback buttons on the side of one of the ear cups, 12 hours of battery life, an integrated microphone for receiving phone calls, and an included fabric cable that allows the BT to work even when the battery is exhausted. It is priced at $249.

Finally, the over-ear NC offers digital active noise-cancellation technology, slow-retention foam ear pads for a more comfortable fit and better seal, a 30-hour battery life, and the ability to continue operating after the battery has run out. The NC is priced at $299 and is expected to ship later this summer; all the other models are available now at Apple’s Retail and Online Stores.

Griffin debuts AirStrap Med case for iPad

Griffin Technology has debuted its new AirStrap Med case for the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad. The AirStrap Med is a new, sanitizable case designed for use by medical personnel while caring for patients. Made from a combination of ABS and TPE plastics, AirStrap Med features a two-piece frame to seal out moisture and fluids, offers open access to the side switch, both cameras, and push-through access for the sleep/wake and volume buttons as well as a built-in screen shield and stylus clip, and includes an adjustable shoulder strap and a hand strap, both of which can be detached for cleaning. Griffin Technology’s AirStrap Med case for the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad is available now and sells for $90.

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.