Posts Tagged ipad
Touchfire iPad Keyboard
This clever and compact device is an excellent and compact accessory to one’s iPad, which is especiallfy useful when traveling and packing space is on the limited side. Unlike the often temperamental Bluetooth keyboards that we have tested in the past, this keyboard actually fits right on top of the iPad keyboard. As a result, it turns your iPad into a compact laptop making it the answer to many peoples’ dreams who find the Bluetooth units too difficult or touchy to use for intense typing or keyboard use.
Its clear and soft texture adds essentially zero weight to your trousseau unlike the conventional Bluetooth keyboards and cases. It may take a few sentences to get used to typing on the plastic-like surface to reach a speed that accomplishes a follow-through in typing, but users become accustomed very quickly. It is almost a lighter touch on your finger especially if you are one of those that bangs out a symphony when typing.
An odd function of using Bluetooth keyboards is either the lack of response or the far-too-eager response of the keyboard. The benefit of this cover is that it does not actually perform any functions unless you press firmly onto the iPad screen, which does not take too much getting used to after using it for a few minutes. And if you are used to using an iPad, you know the response is instant and easy.
It can easily be folded away using corner magnets when not in use (say, for example, you wanted to surf the web for awhile without using email or typing features). And while in use, its magnetic sides keep it in place. This device works with all versions of iPad, which is great for someone like me who still uses the original version. A storage compartment for this rubber device makes it easy to tuck away in your briefcase. It is easily washed with water and rolled away to store in this pouch.
Even international keyboards are supported with this device making it great for multilingual or international business travelers.
My favorite feature of this keyboard is its reliability allowing me to type without constantly checking back to make sure my words have been transferred to the screen. While using an iPad in place of a laptop no matter what the compact, space-saving accessory, there are still drawbacks for opening documents and total computer functionality. Still, this affordable keyboard costs just under $50 and is available at the Touchfire website making it a great addition to the frequent traveler’s portfolio.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on April 8th, 2013
TenOne Design Magnus Magnetic Design Stand for iPad
Who would have thought that magnets would be so popular, but when they are holding your iPad upright, they surely are! This minimalist stand from TenOne Design is perfect for those who like a bit of style in all corners of their life.
The base has a rubber, gripping surface to keep it from slipping or falling over easily. This is especially helpful if you are tapping or swiping on the screen often. The combo work by the magnets and the rubber sole work well. It also performed well in airplane turbulence without falling over. I wouldn’t recommend placing it anywhere where an accidental brush could send it over the edge of a table or high surface. Not even the powerful magnets can save your device!
This iPad stand is perfect for those who travel and love to download movies or TV shows to watch inflight. It is also great for families who want to capture kids’ attention with something in a jiffy. The magnets do an extremely good job of gripping the device, and it takes both hands to separate the two intentionally.
The stand works with all versions of iPads from 2 onward. It does not matter if you keep a protective case on it or not, the stand still protects and holds it. It weighs relatively little, which is great because it does not add any weight to carry-on bags.
The clean aluminum look of the entire device even makes it usable for corporate displays at exhibitions and shows or to put on your desk while you work. It is sleek, almost Scandinavian, in its design and can even be used as a way to display your iPad when you are not using it. The magnets keep the iPad in place well no matter if it is placed horizontally or vertically on it.
This sleek device is a great way to prop your iPad and looks a whole lot better than simply folding back an iPad’s case. It is available from the Ten One Design online store or at Amazon for $49.95 and makes a great gift for design buffs.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, General Gear, Kids and Family, Travel Light on March 25th, 2013
G-Form Extreme Hydro Sleeve iPad Case
Protective cases for iPads are imperative for business travelers who often have their luggage subjected to shoves, bumps, and smashes that are part and parcel of life on the road. I am always reassured of the protection this puffy, strong case wraps around my iPad when people cram their bags next to mine in an airplane overhead compartment.
The Extreme Hydro sleeve is a second incarnation from G-Form and is designed for iPads or tablets of similar size and shape featuring a top zipper. The rubbery exterior has textured grooves that are meant to protect the contents from being jolted when it is in a suitcase or if it gets knocked around. This is one of G-Form’s signature features on many of its products such as another example that we reviewed earlier.
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow can damage your device with this water-resistant cover, which is helpful not only for precipitation, but also in case of any nasty drink spills on your tray table or at your work desk.
The case is a bit hefty, which can take up valuable space in a cramped briefcase, but that is the tradeoff for having excellent protection for your valuable device. With a zippered top, you can also sneak other small items in here like a passport or boarding pass. It always helps to consolidate when rushing to board a plane.
I like the fact that I can zip it up as the standard Apple case that came with my iPad just folded with a gap, and loose sheets of paper would often find their way in between the cover and the screen. There was even an instance when I threw my car keys in my briefcase and later noticed they were between the screen and the cover (luckily no scratches resulted). The zipper on this case keeps me worry-free.
The case is available at retailers like Best Buy for about $50 or on Amazon for a bit cheaper.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on March 18th, 2013
Iclipse Sun Shade for iPads
The biggest gripe from people that I know who use their iPads with frequency is that they have a hard time using it outdoors. The glare of the sun drastically reduces the visibility of the screen preventing it from a majority of its mobile uses especially if reading a book. Those who prefer to catch up on the latest novel or business autobiography poolside are better off with a Kindle. However, the iclipse removes this barrier and is an excellent accessory.
While it is a tad awkward and looks funny when sitting on the beach in designer shades using this screen, it does the trick magically allowing you to see the screen clearly and distinguish colors on the screen as if you were inside.
The entire device folds up for easy carrying, and once it is needed, you simply unfold and unbutton the base to wrap it around your iPad. Snap buttons keep everything in place while you are using it, and the sturdy construction keeps it from getting bent while in your bag or briefcase.
It is not only ideal for readers, but also active users of their iPad. When I travel with mine, I often carry an accompanying keyboard device so that I can do emails or type short documents. Other travel writers mention to me that they find it useful for viewing or editing photographs.
On my initial trip home after using the iclipse, I was typing on my laptop and noticed that my seatmate was clearly reading what I was typing. It became clear to me that iclipse is not only for preventing glare, but also for preventing unwanted “stare.”
It works well with all three versions of iPad and fits conveniently into a slim pocket or corner of a briefcase or travel bag.
Clocking in at an affordable price of $34.95 at the iclipse website or on Amazon, this is a cheap and worthy device for loyal iPad users who do not mind the extra, protective square footage surrounding their mobile device.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on July 5th, 2012
IPEVO Typi Folio Case and Wireless Keyboard for iPad 2
The search for a perfect replacement for my heavy laptop when traveling on quick business trips continues as I tested out yet another wireless keyboard to use with my iPad. This version from Ipevo is perhaps the most stylish that I have seen since it comes in a sleek handcrafted tan leather case (it also comes in black) allowing it to fold up into an attractive attaché case.
At the back of the case is a convenient stand that folds out allowing you to stand your iPad at the back of the case and use the keyboard in conjunction with it as you would a laptop. It also makes it a great resource for watching movies on an airplane tray table even when not using the keyboard.
Word processing apps for the iPad are good, but not great, but my concern with many wireless keyboards is that the Bluetooth connection sometimes wavers leaving certain things you intended to type off of the screen. This is why I was eager to try this new keyboard, which is priced extremely competitively at $79 on the Ipevo website.
To begin, the keyboard easily stays in place thanks to a magnetic bottom, and it can also be removed for remote use. The entire thing weighs just over a pound making it a simple edition to my briefcase and a beneficial replacement to a laptop. Its battery life is strong enough to last on a long flight and charges quickly. A special button also switches the device quickly into sleep mode if the juice is running low to conserve the battery. If watching movies, the keyboard even has built-in buttons to play, stop, pause, rewind, or fast forward.
What many people take time getting used to is typing on a compact keyboard. Connecting the keyboard with the iPad is a cinch thanks to the well-written startup guide that makes even technology novices feel comfortable.
Trendsetters appreciate the fact that the iPad 3 fits well in the case although there are currently some hiccups with the sleep/wake mode for iPad 3 that are being worked through by Ipevo.
When typing, I experienced minimal disconnections with the wireless Bluetooth signal which made my experience using it quite productive. It is certainly a worthwhile device to use for quick emails, and the attractive case and stand added to the benefit making it one of the better brands that I have tried.
Like other wireless keyboards, it is not meant for those that need to type pages of documents when traveling (it is meant for emails and short reports), but it definitely lightens the load for trips when writing your first novel is not the priority.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear on June 25th, 2012
