November 2011 update: This item is out of stock for the moment and we don’t know when it will be available again.
Did you ever experience that annoying feeling that somebody else was reading your newspaper over your shoulder?
If you read in the subway then you probably know what I’m talking about. Now imagine how annoying it could be to have others peeping at your iPad’s screen when you use it in public places.
Well we have found the solution! A 4-way privacy screen for the iPad will stop those nosy people who can’t mind their own business!
Made of an anti-smudge, glare resistant material, the privacy screen works in both portrait and landscape orientation of your iPad. It’s all in the viewing angle: while you’ll enjoy a perfect view of your screen, people around you won’t see anything but black, so you can be sure your information will remain confidential.
The special material doesn’t influence the touch screen sensitivity, nor does it distort the image in any way. It is very easy to apply and it doesn’t leave any residues after its removal. Moreover, the privacy screen also provides protection against scratches, so you won’t need to apply any other protective film on your iPad screen.
The Macally IP-PAD808 4 Way Privacy Screen for iPad is soon to be released, but you can secure your copy when you pre-order at Amazon, and have it delivered to your door the moment it becomes available.
One of the coolest benefits brought by modern technology is that we can enjoy fine art without needing to spend a lot of money on a house full of paintings. I’m not talking here about the subway graffiti or about artistic tattoos, although they can also be considered modern art forms. I’m talking about common gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, netbooks, or the new kid on the block, Apple’s iPad. All these can be customized to match their owner’s personality and style, to express a mood or to illustrate an attitude. In this article we are going to show you how to turn your iPad into an art item while protecting it from scratches and bumps with GelaSkins.
GelaSkins are removable art prints that come in the shape of skins paired with matching desktop wallpapers to make your iPad look like an amazing work of art. Being printed on a thin, UV-coated, premium grade 3M vinyl film, GelaSkins are scratch and wear resistant. Moreover, thanks to the high-quality adhesive which contains patented micro-channels, the skins don’t form those annoying air bubbles that are almost inevitable when applying lower quality skins. The GelaSkin can be easily removed without leaving sticky traces all over your iPad which could take ages to clean, or may never go away completely.
Anyone with an artistic nature will enjoy the new look of their iPad wearing a GelaSkin designed by the artist of their choice. The artwork collection include works of famous artists such as Gustav Klimt, Wassily Kandinsky, Edvard Munch, Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh or Alex Noriega, but also amazing nature photos offered by National Geographic and cool comics characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk or Wolverine.
There’s a GelaSkin out there for everybody, all you need to do is browse through the amazing collection of mobile art made available on their website. In the unlikely event of not being satisfied with any of the designs, you can create your own iPad skin online from the scratch, by uploading your artwork. The design process is guided and a helpful video is also available to help you enjoy a smooth and satisfying creative process. We found it cool that one can have their own, unique iPad skin for a comparable price to ordering a ready-made one.
Applying the skin on the iPad is eased a lot by the fine grid on the back of the vinyl film which helps setting it in the correct position. The desktop wallpaper that comes with the skin is so precisely matched that it creates a seamless design that makes you forget you’re using the same device as million other people.
With GelaSkins you won’t only be the happy owner of an iPad but the owner of that unique iPad that speaks volumes about who you are. Dare to be unique! Visit the GelaSkin artwork collection and choose your iPad skin now. The good news is that if you hurry up you’ll catch their current limited time promotion: buy 3 skins and get 1 free.
If you are among the lucky ones who have already received their iPad, then you’re probably looking for accessories for your newest acquisition such as screen protection, a carrying case, car charger, connection cables and many more little things that make your experience more enjoyable while keeping your iPad protected from accidental scratches or dents.
This kind of research can be time consuming, especially when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, and when day after day you discover new things you could use with your iPad.
One of the quickest solutions to get almost everything you need in one single purchase is to go for an iPad accessory bundle kit like this one from Crazyondigital. Not only do you get everything at once, with only one order and one payment, but you also save a lot of money, as this kit can be yours for only $29.99.
The CrazyOnDigital iPad accessory bundle kit includes 17 essential items:
One iPad case made of premium black pebbled leather with interior soft micro fiber padding (which would cost you $20 if purchased separately)
Four high-quality anti-slip silicon skin cases in four color finishes: pink, blue, black and clear (priced at about $10 when bought separately)
Two Crystal Clear dust repelling premium screen protector films with non-adhesive backing
High speed USB data cable
Compact retractable USB data cable
A pair of stereo headphones
Two sharing headphone splitters
Two Crazyondigital headphone winders
Car auxiliary cable
This accessory kit is suitable for all Apple iPad 3G tablet / Wifi models, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. In our opinion, it misses only one item, a car charger, but that’s not an issue because we ordered an iPad charger kit for less than $5 on Amazon together with the CrazyOnDigital accessory bundle, so we’ve all the basic, essential cables and accessories for our iPad tablet in one single shot.
We think this is an excellent and very affordable option.
The image below links to the product on Amazon.com:
UPDATE! The InvisibleShield is now available for the iPad 2. You should order yours here, but please look carefully at the options and choose whether you want the Easy Installation or Full Protection. It defaults to easy installation.
Have you ordered your iPad yet? If so, what’s the next thing that pops into your mind? an iPad screen protector perhaps? If it is not high on your list of priorities it probably should be. One of our main concerns whenever we get a brand new slick gadget like the iPad, is how to protect it against scratches and normal wear and tear. We want to keep it looking brand new for the longest possible time. The other major concern is that our, slim, shiny iPad could lose a great deal of its charm if we hide it behind a bulky protective case. Nobody wants that! So here’s where day dreaming about the perfect iPad case becomes a reality!
What if we could show you a protective shield with real stealth qualities, by “stealth qualities” we mean it is almost impossible to detect that it is even there! Yet it is tough enough to resist even the hardest bumps and scratches. Even if such a high-tech, thin-film screen protector existed, wouldn’t it be reserved for top secret military applications only?
There is something that fits this profile though, something that has already been tested and approved by over 7 million users of iPod, iPhone and Blackberry worldwide, The Invisible Shield by ZAGG.
Made from a military grade patented material, the invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG provides real protection against scratches while fitting so precisely on the iPad that it’s practically invisible. The super-thin protective film features self-healing qualities, thus eliminating the need for frequent replacements and making it amazingly good value for money. If we consider that the original use for this material was to protect helicopter blades, we can see why ZAGG offers a 45 day money back guarantee and a lifetime replacement guarantee. Yes it’s true – if your screen protector gets damaged in any way Zagg will replace it, free.
There are three coverage options available: full body, front only or back only coverage, so you can choose to pay only for what you plan to use. Although we recommend getting both front and back iPad screen protection, the price difference between full body coverage and any of the other two options is only $10, a small price to pay to fully protect your iPad.
Moreover, we were excited to note that ZAGG is giving away one Apple iPad every week for the whole month of May! The contest is free to join and by entering it you’ll also get a 50% discount coupon, good for any of the products on ZAGG.com. Even if you don’t win the weekly iPad, you can still grab the best possible iPad screen protector at half price.
If you are still not convinced then check out this video where a ZAGG staff member gives their iPad some pretty rough treatment.
[flowplayer id=3 width=640 height=360]
You can see how impervious the Invisible Shield line of iPad screen protectors are to everyday wear and tear. I mean, you would not allow your iPad to have nails and screws or an angle grinder applied to the surface would you? What I know for certain is if it can handle this then it can handle anything I’m going to throw at it.
If you want to protect your iPad with a military grade, thin film screen protector then click here to visit Zagg.com
Many of our readers asked for reviews of iPad cases that are under $20 but look almost like those expensive ones. As we are proud to be the premiere destination for iPad accessories, we decided to take a look at several such cases for you. Here they are, below, organized according to their destination. Some of them may have not been released yet, but they are available for pre-order and will be shipped to you when they arrive.
Permanent iPad Cases
By permanent we don’t mean that once you put the case on your iPad you can never take it off again. Permanent cases are the ones that allow you to use your iPad without having to take it out of the case.
Mini Suit Case - in Packet
MiniSuit Apple iPad skin case with screen protector and MiniSuit Cleaner
The MiniSuit iPad skin from Vizu is compatible with all iPad models and it’s available in six color options: black, green, red, hot pink, dark blue and purple. A clear wrap variant is also available, should you prefer not to add so much color to your iPad. This skin case is made of 2.5mm thick silicone which offers good protection and a firm grip while enhancing the looks of your device. Should you decide to buy one of these skins for your iPad, beware that it can’t be docked with the case on. However, you still can charge it without taking off the case by using the wall charger.
The case price is $9.45 and for a limited time only you’ll get a free screen protector and a MiniSuit cleaner with the purchase of each MiniSuit silicone case. Click here for more info.
Macally Black Silicon iPad Case
Macally MSUITPAD Silicon Protective Case for iPad
The Macally MSUITPAD is made of form fitting silicon which allows quick and easy removal of the iPad from the case when needed. Although lightweight, the case offers good protection against scratches and dust. Access to all connections and controls is possible with the case on, so your experience with the iPad won’t be altered in any way. The only color available is black and the price is $18.58. The MAcally MSUITPAD is available at Amazon.
iLuv iPad Flexi-Clear iPad Case
iLuv iPad Flexi-Clear (TPU) Case – Clear
If you ‘re looking for a light, flexible and resistant skin for your iPad, the iLuv iPad Flexi-Clear case is one of those smart choices that would allow you enjoy all benefits you wanted without having you spend a lot of money. This case features a cool dot wave pattern and it is designed to perfectly fit on your iPad, while enabling access to all its ports. The iLuv iPad Flexi-Clear costs $19.82 from Amazon, a folding stand is also included in the price.
Incipio dermaSOT for Apple iPad - Black
Incipio dermaSOT for Apple iPad – Black
The dermaSOT iPad case from Incipio provides excellent flexibility and a tight fitting, thanks to the precision molding technology employed in the manufacturing process. The material, a high-density silicone rubber, has effective anti-slip properties. Moreover, the anti-static coating offers this case dust repelling properties, thus making it a good value for its price of only $19.99.
Such iPad covers are supposed to protect your device only during transportation or storage when not in use. To actually use the iPad, you need to take it out of the case. Travel cases and sleeves are the best if you want to enjoy your iPad naked, as it was when you took it out of its box.
Black Mivizu iPad Case
Mivizu Apple iPad Neoprene Cover
This Mivizu iPad sleeve is made of neoprene, a material that stretches to accommodate its content while offering a very good protection. The sleeve features a dual rubber zipper which enables quick access and a zippered front pouch for storing other iPad accessories such as cables, ear buds or a power adapter. Neoprene is an extremely light material, making the case suitable for people who travel intensively. If desired, it is possible to work on your iPad without taking it out of the sleeve, thanks to the elastic strap holder that keeps the device in place.
Mivizu iPad neoprene sleeves are available in black, pink, red, blue and green. The price varies with the color, but no matter what option you choose is less than $12 at Amazon.
CaseCrown Double Memory Foam Neoprene iPad Sleeve Case
Neoprene Netbook Sleeve Case (Pink)
This sleeve case is made from durable neoprene which provides effective protection for your iPad against scratches, dust or accidental drops. What we found the most interesting in this iPad protection cover was the premium shock absorbing memory foam which can attenuate even stronger shocks, thus protecting the device against mechanical damage. The case is nicely constructed, although it’s an idea too big compared to the iPad size. However, if you need a bit of extra room for some accessories, you may find this in your advantage.
Lightweight and ultraslim, the CaseCrown Double Memory Foam Neoprene iPad sleeve features dual zippers for easier access, thus being ideal for carrying your iPad with you anywhere all day long. It’s only $15.92 at Amazon, and it comes in four color options: pink, red, blue and black.
Scratch Defense Neoprene Sleeve for the Apple iPad
Scratch Defense Neoprene Sleeve - iPad Case
If you want a case to snugly protect your iPad from scratches and to cost you less than $20, you can consider this Scratch Defense Neoprene sleeve as a very viable option.
The form-fitting neoprene material has good shock absorbing properties and the sueded internal lining provides a cushion to keep the device safe inside. The sleeve is weather-resistant, thanks to the multiple threaded neoprene layer. The zippered front pocket can accommodate a few other accessories, so you can have everything you need at hand, when you need it.
As you can see, one doesn’t have to spend a fortune on accessories for enjoying a great iPad experience. If you’re rather the frugal style, go for one of these cheaper options, as you have nothing to lose: all of them offer great protection for your iPad. Although they don’t look and feel as exquisite as the premium leather cases that cost 10 times as much, we much confess that we found them pretty attractive and elegant, good go-anywhere solutions to keep your iPad looking new for a very long time. You can find this case at Amazon.com
How many times have you bought a product, and then thought to yourself “I could have designed this better if I had the chance!”
This thought is even more frequent when it comes to the accessories we buy, especially when we notice afterwards that they either don’t fit well, make our original item look dull, or inhibit the use of our much loved gadget.
However, we still need accessories for products like the new Apple iPad. Apple’s new tablet computer is just great, but it comes without a case to protect it, leaving us at the mercy of iPad accessories manufacturers, who may or may not invest enough money and time in asking consumers what features they’d like to see in their products.
Cloak Undercover: an iPad Case Designed by Your Next Door Neighbor (And You!)
Cloak Case - Front/Back View
Cloak Undercover is not just an ordinary iPad case. Not only has it been designed with the consumer in mind, but it has been designed by an actual iPad user, and its features have been influenced by many other ordinary people just like you and me, who had the chance to give their vote for what they wanted to find in their iPad case. This was possible thanks to Quirky, an innovative site that helps ordinary people bring their product ideas to life with the help of a community of users who choose to involve themselves in all stages of the production process. The result? Great products based on genius ideas, products that you won’t find anywhere else.
Cloak Undercover is one of these creations. It’s a sleek yet sturdy protection case for your iPad made from non-slip rubber and featuring a sturdy friction grip.
The "Cloak" Case - From Quirky
Thanks to an ingenious idea of a support brace located on the inside cover, Cloak Undercover can be easily adapted for portrait or landscape use of the iPad. When used in the landscape mode, the viewing angle can be adjusted thanks to a button on the hinge. There are several preset angles and the case is locked into the desired position by a simple click mechanism.
Sleek, and resembling an office folder, Cloak provides open access to all ports on your iPad, so you don’t need to take it off when using the it with your iPad accessories. The Cloak is available on Quirky’s website.
I think before you can draw that conclusion you really must think of the reason you want to buy the iPad.
If you’re a Mac crazed enthusiast like me, the decision comes a little more easier even if it means standing in line to be one of the first to buy it.
If you’re a Mac newbie, that’s where you may get into a little trouble as shattered expectations maybe the experience that provides a source to inspire negative feedback helping to influence the anti Mac distortionist since he or she’s intention is to paint a negative picture regardless the worth of the product. Unfortunately, for some, that alone will help derail the decision to buy the iPad.
If you were to ask me my opinion, I would probably ask you to answer a few questions first. Depending upon your answers,you may be able to justify your reason to buy or not to buy.
Listed below are a few questions that I feel may help lead you to a favorable outcome. Again keep in mind each person may have a different outcome depending upon what they are looking to achieve with the iPad.
Question #1. Why are you buying it?
This is very important because the outcome can be very different depending upon how you answer the question. I call it “the give it reason to succeed, not to fail scenario”. Just like working at a job. I don’t think anyone wants to do a bad job, so take on a job that you like/ want to do. If you don’t your probably going to suck at it and failure is imminent.
If your decision to Buy the iPad is to replace a computer or a laptop, you’re going to fail period. End of story. You’ll be wearing a t-shirt that says “Support the Anti Mac Extremist club”.
Now if you’re a realtor on the other hand and you want to buy the iPad to help influence your marketing skills by providing a digital port folio experience for all the houses your trying to sell, your experience may have a different outcome. It may even be considered a tool for the trade at this point, of which for the right trade could even impact your ability to make money or provide a better customized service. At which point there might even be an app or apps that may influence a favorable experience as well utilizing the 3G / Wi-Fi technology.
To put it simple, your reason to buy must have value in it. if not, the end use may not have value either.
Question# 2. What are your expectations?
Another derivative of failure is unclear expectations. Make it simple, Know what you want. If you don’t, again you may have an unfavorable experience based upon you unwillingness to know what that is or until it’s too late and your credit card invoice shows up in the email box along with your license tabs bill for your car. Forgot about that ha…?
If you have a iTouch or iPhone, and you like it but want to have a bigger screen to do other things, clarify what your expectations are from the get go. This is important! Again your setting yourself up for failure if you don’t and you really don’t want to wear that nasty t-shirt anyway now do ya?
Or, If your like my friend an avid ebook book reader and electronic books are your forte, well perhaps the iPad is fitting. I know personally I didn’t buy it for that but since it is able to do that I find it very nice. There are many more samples to take note of but this one I find represents it well. I know if your Kindle, you may be squirming a bit. The difference between the two is like comparing the Nintendo video game to that of perhaps Xbox 350. What a difference it is……
A lot of the iPad’s function is based upon what people want, so the next gen iPad will be even more exciting. If it doesn’t have what you want, then wait and stop your complaining.
Apple is not the only company out there in the world who is trying to be profitable. Every company I know that is successful has a good Marketing strategy and a campaign that follows. For those out there who have negative comments about the IPad including the amount of profits Apple is making from every sale of the iPad, hold your tongue! Obviously you’re not a business owner now are ya?
Question #3. Know when to buy.
I think knowing when to buy is left up to the individual and is also a very important question to ask yourself before making your final decision. Again taking into account the above questions and putting them into a better perspective. For me it was easy, I am a technology enthusiast, and getting my hands on an iPad right away was important to me.
Do I care it doesn’t have a camera? Nope!
Do I care I didn’t get the 3G model? Nope!
Does the absence of a USB port effect my ability to transfer data? Nope.
But I may add, being able to transfer data to the iPad wirelessly is very cool and so easy even a cave man can do it! How many wireless hard drives do you see out there?
Using Air sharing Pro is one way to do it and the App was only $9.99. That’s just one of the thousands of Apps already available for the iPad. Again, know what to buy and when. Apply this to Apps as well for a more favorable experience.
So before you buy , read up about the iPad and see if there are certain features that may be useful for you personally. Talk to others who own it, perhaps this is most important because their own personal experiences may help shed light on what you want to know about their experience and get a truthful answer.
Keep in mind often the ones who have something bad to say about something are usually the ones who don’t have the experience firsthand. In fact, ask them if the even own one. I bet the answer is no…. So think about it when they offer their input. Remember the seeing is believing saying, well in this case an owner of may have more valuable actual feedback based upon personal experience rather the speculation. Offering a biased opinion without being able to support the facts is usually the case. Sorry, just seems to be the way it is.
Lastly, talk to your Mac Sales associate, read and ask a lot of questions before you pull out the plastic. Help make your experience a pleasurable one and do your homework. Is it no t true that those who do their homework often get the good grades? Well what’s different about this situation? Know the most about the product before buying it. No different then buying a car or buying an engagement ring for your girlfriend. Know what you’re getting into before you tie the Knot. Divorce isn’t cheap and neither is the iPad…
Hope that helps those who are on the fence.
Your friendly Mac Enthusiast
-e
Edward Knutson is a guest writer who also runs Dimation.com
One of the most appealing features of the iPad is its portability. If you are using your iPad while traveling, either for business meetings or to showcase your creative portfolio, then you will need a case that allows you to not only keep your iPad protected, but will also let you present it in style while keeping essential items at hand such as business cards, pens and good old-fashioned paper documents.
The Traveler from Case-Mate is a high quality iPad case made from real felt and leather. It’s a great looking folio style case, featuring storage pockets and a magnetic strip closure to keep your iPad secure.
Unlike other travel cases, The Traveler firmly secures your iPad, but leaves the screen uncovered. This is very convenient as you don’t need to take the iPad out of the folio case to present your ideas. The iPad pocket is carefully designed to offer a snug and secure fit, without damaging or scratching the iPad’s surface. The Traveler is made by Case-Mate, already well-known for the quality of their products, and like all Case-Mate cases, the iPad folio comes with a 90 day warranty. Overall we were impressed with the quality of the case construction and the materials used – very good value for money.
Folio iPad Case
We think The Traveler is great design, and protects almost every aspect of your iPad in style! We would only recommend people purchasing this smart folio case also consider the additional protection and peace of mind of a thin film screen protector, such as the Invisible Shield from ZAGG, or Case-Mate’s own Clear Armor protection. Both are quality products, and an essential accessory in our opinion if you want to care for, and extend the life of your iPad. It’s important when selecting a screen protector to purchase one made of quality protective film – don’t skimp and buy one of the cheapies, get the best screen protection money can buy. You, and your iPad, will appreciate it in the long run.
One small inconvenience is that your iPad will still need to be removed from the case to be docked. However, even the original case from Apple doesn’t permit docking. We don’t think this is a big deal, and it’s reasonably easy to slide the iPad out of the snug pocket when you want to dock it.
In summary, people who need to take their iPad into meetings will find a portfolio-style case a lot more convenient than a sleeve case, the latter being more suitable for transportation, and lacking the great support The Traveler provides, while allowing you to present in a professional manner. In our opinion The Traveler is one of the best solutions if you need to combine professional presentation with functional style. It’s a sleek yet elegant, premium business folio case. This case is manufactured and sold by Case Mate.
Check out this video to see The Traveler in action:
How would you feel knowing that your new iPad had the same kind of protection that was used by the army for protecting their Apache helicopter blades? No matter how careful one may be, accidents happen, that’s a fact of life. Getting an ugly scratch or two on your brand new iPad in the first month of using it doesn’t sound too good, especially if you’ve made a few financial sacrifices to afford your iPad in the first place. Take it from me – I never drop things, but a few years ago I dropped my brand new Blackberry when it was only a couple of days old… Very out out of character for me, but it happened
In line with the old saying that “it’s better to be safe than sorry”, you should consider getting an iPad screen protector before it’s too late. It doesn’t have to be bulky or opaque. You can find solutions that don’t interfere at all with the normal use of the touch screen. One of these solutions draws its inspiration from military origins, it’s called Clear Armor. The name says it all: solid scratch defense protection without affecting your iPad experience.
Clear Armor - Large View
Clear Armor is the transparent protection film brought to you by Case-Mate, a very well-known and reputable name in the gadget accessories industry. Clear Armor for iPad is available in three variants:
Complete front and back protection
Front only screen protection
Back only screen protection.
The lifetime warranty speaks volumes about the quality of the Clear Armor protective film, which is made of a material that is very hard to scratch. Case-Mate will replace your Clear Armor if it gets scratched while protecting your iPad, no matter whether it happens tomorrow or in five or ten years time. All you have to do in order to benefit from the lifetime warranty, is to ship your damaged original Clear Armor back to Case-Mate after you receive your new one. A small shipping and handling fee would apply, but that’s incomparably lower than the cost of new screen protection. Besides, the odds indicate that you will probably never need to make use of this warranty, which is so confidently offered by Case-Mate.
We also found a nice little video produced by Case-Mate that shows how easy it is to apply Clear Armor – although the device in the video is not actually an iPad, you can still see how Clear Armor protects while being virtually undetectable.
[flowplayer id=5 width=640 height=360]
Order your Clear Armor now. If your iPad had a soul, it would jump out of its box and kiss you for taking such good care of it. It’s worth noting here too the other iPad screen protector we rate very highly: the InvisibleSHIELD from Zagg.
It’s worth noting here too the other 