Accessories for Moms on the go - London Free Press (blog)

While we all know that Mom will probably appreciate anything we get her for Mother’s Day, the truth is she really doesn’t need another toaster, another bottle of perfume or something that’s just going to take up more space in the house. So why not get your Mother something that she can really use when she’s out and about?

Keep Mom Safe

You can help keep Mom safe with a Pebble Key Ring Alarm from ila. It’s a fashionable, small lightweight and very discreet keychain, that in case of emergency will blare out a deafening 130dB unique woman’s scream, simply by pushing the central button and pulling out the ring.  The alarm will last for up to 10 min or until you reattach the stem.  Its non-removable battery should last up to three years. Retailing for $19.99, it comes in two colours; black with white swirls or red with polka dots and is distributed in Canada by Abbott and is available in many retail and gift shops.

Instant Wristwatch

The iWatchz Q Series can easily let Mom turn her 6th Gen Apple iPod nano into a cool and fashionable wristwatch and at the same time still let her use it as an iPod.   It’s designed not to impede access to any of the iPod’s controls or buttons so she doesn’t have to remove it to access any functions. It’s well designed. The band is made of strong silicone and the clasps and hardware are made from steel. All Mom has to remember to do is press, slide and click to attach – it’s that easy.  If Mom doesn’t have a compatible iPod nano, you can get her one of those, too! It sells for $29.95 and is available in 5 colours including hot pink. You can purchase it directly from the Apple Canada on-line store or from your favourite retailer.

Luxurious Leather

Perhaps your Mom prefers something stylish and elegant. If so why not consider getting her a Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for iPhone.  It’s handcrafted from full-grain premium Nappa leather and has pockets with room for her credit cards and ID. As an added touch, it’s finished with Michael Kors Golden signature logo hardware.  It practical too! It’s designed so that you can easily plug in your iPod connector and headphones without removing it from the case.

The wallet clutch comes in three colors black patent; golden pebble and even a python print and they are compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPhone 4.  It sells for $84.95 and is also available through the Apple Canada online store.

For the Weekend Warrior

While some Moms prefer true elegance, others are weekend warriors who prefer accessories that’ll survive in the rough and tough terrain.  Or maybe, just maybe, Mom might just be the gravity challenged type, although she may never admit it.  Either way, wink, wink, you might want to consider getting Mom a BullFrog Case for iPhone 4, by iFrogz.

It’s durable, with a rugged polycarbonate core, surrounded by a ribbed silicone exterior. It’s easy to grip and will protect Mom’s iPhone from impact ?“ within reason of course. And when Mom is off camping or off doing heavy duty work, the BullFrog case keeps the buttons and ports covered with removable guards to avoid her iPhone 4 from being exposed to dust and dirt from the elements.

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Gartner Sees iPads As Transformational - InformationWeek

Android tablets also will be contenders, while those from RIM, HP, and others will struggle

In his presentation, "Your CEO Has an iPad, What's Next," Gartner Research Director Daniel O'Connell discussed other kinds of tablets, recognizing those based on Google's Android mobile operating system as serious contenders. But he kept coming back to the iPad. "There is no one thing that makes it the greatest device in the world," but the combination of portability, a compelling user interface, long battery life, and instant-on (no waiting for an operating system to boot) have made the iPad a phenomenon for both personal and business use.

Employees first started to bringing iPads to work as status symbols or fashion accessories, but it wasn't long before they started demanding access to corporate applications, starting with email and working up to remote access to enterprise software using virtual desktop software such as Citrix Receiver, he said.

a significant number of enterprises also were developing their own applications specifically for the iPad, O'Connell said. For example, Hyatt Hotels has an iPad application it uses for check-in and check-out during busy periods and also for concierge services. Proving that such projects aren't only for large companies, some restaurants are also presenting their wine lists (complete with reviews of each vintage).

When it was introduced last year, the iPad was able to take off very quickly by tapping into the large number of touch-screen applications that had been developed for the iPhone, most of which could run unmodified on the iPad, O'Connell said. While BlackBerry maker Research in Motion recently introduced its PlayBook tablet, and HP is developing one based on its acquisition of Palm, it will be difficult for new entrants to attract attention from software and accessory makers, "most of whom have their hands full trying to keep up with iPad and Android," O'Connell said.

The iPad does have some flaws, such as the fact that it doesn't work with a stylus, won't work with a gloved hand (for example, that of a health care worker), can't be disinfected, and isn't rugged enough for some uses. Apple will have to address those issues over the next couple of years, or else its competitors will get their chance to show they can do better, O'Connell said. Enterprises also will have to seek out mobile management capabilities from an immature market of vendors that provide capabilities like the ability to wipe the memory of a device that are lost or stolen, he said.

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The Week in iPhone Cases: A whiter shade of pale - IDG News Service

That didn't take long. After months of waiting and speculation, Apple this week finally--finally!--released the white iPhone 4...and companies immediately started pitching accessories aimed specifically at adorning and protecting the new ivory wonder. But don't worry--if you've got a plain old black iPhone 4, there's stuff for you in this week's roundup, as well.

BodyGuardz

The body-film maker jumped into the white iPhone market with the $20 Armor Carbon Fiber, a PVC-based, carbon-fiber-texture film that adheres to the back of your phone to provide protection against dents and scratches. The Armor was previously available for black phones, but the new version comes in white, ensuring that your white iPhone is as white as it can be. The company is also quick to point out that its Clear Skins ($10 to $25, depending on coverage)--thin, transparent films that can cover the back, screen, and sides of the iPhone--fit the white iPhone. Both products are available for immediate shipping.

Incase

If you're looking for choices beyond black or white, Incase has a solution. The $35 Monochrome Slider Case comes in eight different colors--including "Hibiscus," "Shamrock," and "Tomato"--and offers hardshell construction, a chrome-finish bottom piece, and interior rubber guardrails for shock absorption.

Scosche

Accessory maker Schoshe's latest product protects, powers, and props up your phone. The $80 SwitchBACK surge g4 contains a lithium-ion battery that can restore 80 percent of a charge to a power-depleted iPhone. The case comes with a pair of interchangeable backs that let you customize the case to your need--one back piece lets you clip the phone to your belt, while the other props up the device for hands-free landscape-orientation video viewing.

Trident

Get ready with your "Clash of the Titans" jokes: Trident has released the Kraken! The $45 Kraken II case features polycarbonate shell overlaid with silicone, and includes a screen protector, a kickstand, and a holster. The bottom of the case has a removable sleeve for easy docking.

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Motorola Atrix 4G Review - infoSync World

Motorola Atrix 4G Report

There are few phones that can contend with the Motorola Atrix 4G. It is a breed of its own. First off, this dual-core warrior is exceedingly versatile, courtesy of various accessories like Laptop, Multimedia, or Vehicle docks. Want to work from home using your work computer? That's what the laptop dock is for. Need a GPS unit in your car? That's what the Vehicle dock is for. Streaming 720p HD videos to HDTVs? The Multimedia dock. But then let's take a look at what's under the hood. A gig of RAM, 16GB of NAND flash, 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording, and a whopping 1930mAh battery pack that churned out the best battery life we've seen on a smartphone to date. Yes, the Motorola Atrix 4G (specs) is a worthy adversary of the iPhone 4 and HTC Inspire 4G. 

Given our penchant for motorcycles, certain materials like titanium, stainless steel, and carbon fiber really light our Bunsen burners. Well, the Motorola Atrix 4G happens to sport a back panel with a faux carbon fiber pattern, and that sold us on the spot. Not only does the phone look slicker than snail snot, but it's almost identical in size to the iPhone 4. Although it is slightly wider, we really didn't notice it while it hid out in our pocket. Besides, the phone's larger 4-inch qHD touchscreen was worth the miniscule width boost compared to the iPhone 4's 3.5-incher. Want to talk graphics? The Atrix 4G's screen is right up there with Apple's Retina display.

You'll also notice that this smartphone mounts its HDMI and USB terminals within close proximity of each other, and that's because they serve as the terminals for dock connections. Also, we weren't fans of the Power/Lock button at first, due to its recessed and hard to reach design. However, we quickly realized the benefit to this architectural divergence, and did not inadvertently toggle the phone while it sat in our pocket. A few other highlights are the Atrix 4G's front-facing VGA camera, four haptic feedback buttons consisting of Menu, Home, Back, and Search, and its 16GB of built-in NAND flash with supplemental MicroSD card slot. Obviously, the phone's 1930mAh battery and 5-megapixel camera with dual LED flash stole the show when it came to performance.

Software and Interface

Like so many Android devices in this current state of time, the Motorola Atrix 4G runs Android 2.2, which specializes in the full Google spectrum with Flash 10.1 support for the browser. But when we look at the phone's interface, that's a different story. The big player seems to be HTC Sense these days, but the Atrix 4G, being a Motorola phone, runs MOTOBLUR. MOTOBLUR is more of an acquired taste, as it specializes in social networking and the conjoining of various accounts into one centralized mass. MOTOBLUR is not as refined as iOS 4 or HTC Sense, but it's universal enough to appeal to a broad spectrum of users. The phone is fast with its NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor (1GHz at each core) and 1GB of RAM.

With that said, the Motorola Atrix 4G has 7 Home screens with the ability to add Motorola Widgets, Android Widgets, Shortcuts, Folders, or Wallpapers with a prolonged press and hold on any screen. We have the classic Android dropdown menu and a vertically-scrolling Applications menu that is easily accessed via the circular button wedged between the large Phone and Contact buttons. The neat thing about MOTOBLUR is that once you sign up, it will remotely save your settings. For instance, we were able to retain all of our signed in accounts just by signing in once to our MOTOBLUR account, so that was a plus.

Internet

The Motorola Atrix 4G is blessed with one of the better browsers out there. It's not as sleek as the HTC Sense browser, but it's quick and smooth. We get pinch-to-zoom and double-tap-to-zoom with text wrapping, and response time is great. Also, Flash 10.1 support allowed us to watch our YouTube reviews right from within the browser, lag-free. The Motorola Atrix 4G comes with Vlingo, which is a speech-based phone search application that enabled us to search anything online or send emails via voice. We tested Vlingo, and it worked very well. Overall, the phone's HSPA+ speeds were well up to snuff, and Wi-Fi connectivity enhanced our browsing even further.

Multimedia and Productivity

With Quickoffice right out of the box, the Motorola Atrix 4G allowed us to work on Microsoft Office documents via the exceptionally welcoming keyboard. We were able to fly through sentences on Motorola's keyboard, and it heightened our level of productivity significantly. Thanks to our MOTOBLUR experience, the Atrix 4G offered a Universal Inbox, which combined all of our emails, messages, and other correspondence from various accounts like Gmail, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. This had a tendency to be overbearing, but our Account synchronization was flexible. The Motorola Atrix 4G also proved itself as a solid multimedia phone, handling 3D games with ease, thanks to its accelerometer and tasty dual-core action. The phone offers DLNA for streaming content onto other wireless devices and Media Share, which aided In the transferring of files to other devices.

Call Quality/Battery Life

Battery life is one of the Motorola Atrix 4G's primary strengths, as its 1930mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery pack cranked out the best smartphone longevity performance we've ever seen. This could not just be attributed to the phone's larger battery pack, but also its power management. There are three flavors to choose from: Maximum Battery Saver, which stops syncing data after 15 minutes of inactivity and dims the display. Then Nighttime Saver functions the same, only it allows full syncing throughout the day. Performance Mode is obviously geared for the minute-to-minute syncer, and uses the most battery power. However, we used Maximum Battery Saver and our Atrix 4G review unit lasted for days on standby. Holy moly. Yes, this phone is a marvel of battery craftsmanship.

That being said, voice quality paled in comparison. It was decent enough, but with connectivity to a nearby AT&T tower, we have heard better. That's not to say the Atrix 4G did not perform well?calls were perfectly acceptable. However, the Atrix 4G could not match the noise-canceling goodness of the HTC Droid Incredible 2.

Accessories

Now let's talk accessories. No other phone on the market is compatible with the level of device-specific accessories that are available for the Motorola Atrix 4G. We were sent the Laptop dock and Multimedia Dock. We'll start with the Laptop Dock, which operates by plugging the Atrix 4G into the USB and HDMI prongs located behind the display. We could view and control all action on the phone via Mobile View, which was represented in an individual window, or we could pop over to Firefox or Facebook for full browser-like experiences.

There was also a File Manager for easier control of our phone files and we could make calls through the phone in a skype fashion usin an on-screen dialer. For media, we got Motorola's Entertainment Center, which combined all of our images, videos, and music into one snazzy interface with the support of HD. Add in the fact that we could use Citrix to work remotely from the office?ideal for "sick days"?and the Laptop Dock was probably the most useful accessory. Oh, and don't forget the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse that Motorola sent us either.

We were also shipped a Multimedia Dock, which came equipped with three USB terminals, an HDMI port, and other clutch forms of connectivity. With the Multimedia Dock, we found it was best to set it next to an HDTV and hook the Atrix 4G up for 720p action, though we did not feel that the Multimedia Dock was a necessity, or as functional as the Laptop Dock. Then there was the Vehicle Dock, which transformed the Atrix 4G into a car GPS. This was a bit more useful, and we're sure Garmin must be very angry.

Camera

The Motorola Atrix 4G has a 5-megapixel camera with dual LED flash and 720p HD video recording. We tested the Atrix 4G against the T-Mobile G2x, and the G2x blew it away. That's not to say that the Atrix did not crank out a decent image performance. Bright light was good, and the phone had a modest amount of manual controls, Scene modes, and effects. Unfortunately, the Atrix 4G lacked touch focus and we could not toggle the video light on or off while recording. Also, low light sensitivity lacked significantly, especially when compared to the awesome power of the G2x's 8-megapixel sensor. The bottom line was that the Atrix 4G's camera was sufficient enough for most users, but those looking for a camera as the primary feature in a phone will want to check out the T-Mobile G2x or iPhone 4.

Motorola Atrix 4G ? infoSync Diagnosis

The Motorola Atrix 4G is an example of innovative thinking brought to the forefront of modern smartphone technology. We have a dual-core demon with 1GHz of RAM, fantastic battery life, and compatibility with accessories out the wazoo. The Atrix 4G will make working from home a breeze, thanks to the Laptop Dock, and can navigate your car wherever it needs to go, courtesy of the Vehicle Dock.

We are typically weary of phones that are compatible with a multitude of device-specific accessories, but the Atrix 4G proved itself as a worthy candidate. Though the phone could use a little boost in voice quality and camera quality, its overall package did not cease to impress us.

If you're looking for a great iPhone alternative, the Motorola Atrix 4G should be the first stop on your map, followed by the HTC Inspire 4G. Motorola really hit a home run with this phone, and we can't wait to see the follow-up to this model.

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Incipio Announces Step™, Its Latest Hybrid Case for the iPhone 4 - WebWire (press release)

IRVINE, CA ? April 19, 2011 ? Incipio, the leading manufacturer of accessories for Apple devices, releases Step?, the company?s next step in innovative hybrid case design. Step? is a mixed material solution combining the Incipio Next Generation Polymer (NGP?) and a hard shell polycarbonate faceplate, offering the protective benefits of a two-part carrying case in one. To create this revolutionary case, the NGP? material is dual injected and then merged with the rugged polycarbonate shell to provide added structural support for the iPhone 4. Flexible, ?step? shaped exterior panels on the outer shell create a visually appealing yet protective offering.

The shock-absorbing silicone barrier protects the device, while the strong polycarbonate faceplate defends against dents and scratches, resulting in one of Incipio?s most rugged lightweight designs. Even the sleek modern ?steps? with raised ridges further help protect the iPhone 4, offering the ultimate in style and function in a single carrying case solution.

About Us: At Incipio we dream big and never settle for the status quo. Our sole focus is to provide customers with accessories that look as good as they function. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, we have people in London, Hong Kong, and India, allowing us to reach our customers and work on projects 24/7. Our dedicated staff does just that. At 140 strong, our team includes some of the most talented industrial and graphic designers, mechanical engineers, customer satisfaction fanatics and software developers around, all led by a world-class management team. Our shared love for mobile devices and accessories fuels our passion to create the best accessories on the planet. In the past 12 years, we have gone from operating out of a suburban garage to being widely recognized as one of the most innovative mobile accessory makers in the world. And we?re just getting started?

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Apple Fires All Cylinders in 2Q - Zacks.com

Apple Inc. (AAPL - Analyst Report) continued its bullish run with better-than-expected second quarter fiscal 2011 results.

AAPL breezed past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.34 by $1.06 (19.9%) in the quarter. Results were fueled by strong iPhone sales, record Mac sales and increased iPad sales, as unit shipments remained robust.

The outlook for Mac, iPad and iPhone 4 remains extremely strong, backed by demand in domestic and international markets, boding well for Apple's revenues and earnings.

Operating Performance

Apple reported earnings of $6.40 per share, well ahead of its conservative guidance of $4.90. Earnings shot up 92.2% from $3.33 per share reported in the year-ago quarter.

Net income soared to $5.98 billion in the quarter, reflecting a remarkable 94.8% growth from $3.07 billion in the year-ago quarter.

Gross margin fell 30 basis points (bps) year over year to 41.4%, due to a higher mix of aggressively priced iPad sales. However, it was 290 bps above management’s expectation. Operating margin was 31.9%, up from 29.5% in the year-ago quarter.

Revenues

Strong earnings were attributable to the quarter’s record sales, which jumped 82.7% year over year to $24.67 billion. Revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $23.11 billion and Apple’s own forecast of $22.00 billion. The strong revenue growth was driven by increased momentum in Mac shipments and booming business by iPhone and iPad. International sales accounted for 59.0% of the total revenue in the quarter.

Product Highlights

Macintosh: Apple shipped 3.76 million Macintosh computers in the reported quarter, representing a 27.8% year-over-year increase, attributable to strong demand for Macs across all geographic segments. In the Asia Pacific region, Mac sales grew 76.0% year over year. The growth in Mac sales was driven primarily by strong sales of MacBook Air, which was updated in the December quarter, as well as robust sales of MacBook Pro, updated in the March quarter. Apple outperformed the personal computer (PC) market for the 28th consecutive quarter which, according to research group IDC, declined 1.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Retail Stores: Retail revenues in the quarter were a record $3.19 billion, up 90% from the year-ago quarter, courtesy of increased Mac and iPad sales. The retail stores sold 797,000 Macs in the quarter compared to 606,000 in the year-ago quarter, an increase of 31.5%. Half of the Macs sold through retail stores in the quarter were to new customers. International Retail Store sales were strong, with average international store volume exceeding average U.S. store volume. At quarter end, Apple had 323 stores worldwide, with 87 stores located outside the U.S.

The iTunes store also delivered a strong quarter with sales of $1.4 billion, driven by record revenue from music, video, iOS apps and books. During the quarter, iBookstore began offering a full catalog of 17,000 ebooks from Random House. The iBookstore now includes ebooks from more than 2,500 publishers in over 20 categories, and customers have already downloaded over 100 million copies.

iPods: Apple sold 9.0 million iPods during the quarter, representing a 17.4% decline from the year-ago quarter. According to NPD data, Apple's share of MP3 players in the U.S. was over 70% in the month of March, and iPod was the top-selling MP3 player based on the latest data published by GFK. iPod touch sales remained strong, accounting for over 50% of all iPods sold during the quarter.

iPhones: The iPhone continues to be a star performer for Apple, with double-digit growth in both the Americas and the Asia-Pacific regions. Overall, iPhone unit sales were 18.6 million during the quarter, representing 111.0% growth over the year-ago quarter. According to IDC, the overall smartphone market grew 74% in the March quarter.

Revenues from iPhone handset sales, accessory sales and carrier payments came to $12.3 billion, compared with $5.45 billion in the year-ago quarter, a significant increase of 125.6%.

The company had iPhone distribution agreements with 186 carriers in 90 countries at quarter end. During the quarter, Verizon Wireless, a venture between Verizon Communications (VZ - Analyst Report) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD - Analyst Report), started offering the iPhone 4 in the U.S., ending the exclusive agreement that Apple had with AT&T (T - Analyst Report).

iPads: Total iPad units sold in the quarter were 4.7 million, up from 4.6 million sold in the previous quarter. Apple launched iPad 2 in the U.S on March 11 and in 25 additional markets on March 25. iPad is currently available in 59 countries. Recognized revenues from sales of iPad and iPad accessories during the quarter totaled $2.8 billion.

Management highlighted that over 75% of the Fortune 500 companies, such as Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP - Snapshot Report), Walt Disney (DIS - Analyst Report) and Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL - Analyst Report), are already using iPad.

Apple’s app store continues to top the charts with more than 350,000 apps and over 10 billion downloads to date. Last month, Apple announced a new subscription service available to all publishers of content-based apps, including magazines, newspapers, video and music. We believe the new subscription service will drive further revenue growth going forward.

Balance Sheet

Apple’s balance sheet remains strong. Cash and investments were $65.8 billion at the end of the quarter versus $59.7 billion in the previous quarter. The company generated cash flow of $6.2 billion during the quarter versus $9.8 billion in the previous quarter.

Third Quarter Guidance

For the third quarter of fiscal 2011, Apple expects revenues of approximately $23.0 billion. Earnings are projected at approximately $5.03 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was pegged at $4.45 per share at the time the company reported second quarter results.

Apple expects gross margins of 38.0%, reflecting approximately $55 million related to stock-based compensation expense. Operating expenses are expected to be $2.5 billion, including about $255 million related to stock-based compensation, while Other Income and expenses are projected at around $70 million. The tax rate is estimated to be about 25.0%.

Our Take

We maintain our Outperform rating over the long term (6–12 months). We believe Apple is well positioned to achieve strong top-line growth over the long term, based on product innovation.

Apple is scheduled to launch its new operating system Lion by June this year and update the iPhone again by September.

Apple is also expected to discuss the future of iOS in the upcoming “Worldwide Developers Conference” (WWDC) event. The new iOS version is expected to include cloud-based features, such as a "media locker" where users can store their music, video and books.

We believe the upgraded iOS (name and release timing yet to be confirmed) is absolutely necessary for Apple to compete against Google Inc.’s (GOOG - Analyst Report) Android-based mobile operating system.

We also believe Apple’s foray into the cloud computing market will boost its results. In February 2011, Apple announced that it is preparing to open a $1.0 billion data center in North Carolina to support iTunes and MobileMe services.

However, we believe Apple will have a tough battle in the cloud computing market, where Amazon Inc.’s (AMZN - Analyst Report) Web services holds a dominant position. Recently, Amazon launched its cloud-based service that allows users to store music, photos and videos and access them any time and from any computer.

We believe Apple has a number of near-term headwinds. Notably, supply chain problems related to the iPad and iPhone, aggravated by the natural disaster in Japan, could upset the Apple cart. The company is also facing a number of legal hurdles against companies including Nokia Inc. (NOK - Analyst Report), Eastman Kodak (EK - Analyst Report), Taiwanese handset maker HTC and most recently Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNLF).

Currently, Apple has a Zacks #3 Rank, which implies a Hold rating.

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The ultimate accessories for the Angry Birds addict - WebWire (press release)

Whether you are a lover of the iPhone or not we have all heard about the amazing puzzle video game Angry Birds. People everywhere are playing this highly addictive game and can?t seem to put it down trying constantly to get to the next level and beat their friends and family. For these Angry Birds lovers there is a wide range of products available which can involve any type of fan with the game.

Angry birds was first released in December 2009 and since then has sold over 12 million copies of the game showing it to be quite a phenomenon. In this loveable game, gamers use a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playfield.
The further a player gets through the game the more abilities can be activated.
Now the world?s most favourite gaming app has gone from virtual to real life for all the addict gamers out there. Fans can now be more involved with the game by owning the amazing Angry Birds plush soft toys available from Menkind. These can be great for individuals or even the perfect gifts for him or her.

The Angry Birds Plush Soft toy is a cuddly toy measuring around 4 inches that even makes the same angry squawking sound as the real thing, except of course the Pig which makes an ?oink? sound. Gamers can collect all 6 and have their own real life game of angry birds that will entertain them for hours. With Father?s day approaching this would be perfect for anyone looking for fathers day gifts or the perfect present for the man in their life.

Not only can gamers get their hands on these amazing Plush soft toys but Menkind are also offering Angry Birds covers for the iPhone. For anyone that loves their iPhone and loves Angry Birds this is the perfect product! These cases are made from tough plastic and available in red or yellow so anyone can choose which is best suited to them.

The world famous app game will be able to go everywhere with the gamer not only in the app but displayed on their iPhone case. The case also protects the back and sides of your phone from any bumps or drops so not only is it enjoyable, it?s practical too. Plus the super snap-on design clips onto your iPhone and gives you total access to your iPhones ports and controls thanks to ?cut-outs? in the shell. It also gives access to the phone?s features such as camera with flash, volume and silence switch and the dock connector on the bottom.

So for all those Angry Birds lovers out there, their love doesn?t have to stop with the game and they can be more involved than ever with the help of these fantastic products - all available from Menkind.

Menkind Stores and its online store at Menkind.co.uk believe their range of Fathers Day gift has the perfect gift to suit all the Dads out there. Go online and check out what else Menkind has to offer and make your Father really feel special.

By searching the site online there are so many products available on from Menkind that will be suited to someone. From novelty men?s gifts to even remote controlled helicopters; there really is everything available perfect for every man.

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White iPhone 4 launch imminent, to arrive April 27? - iLounge

Apple appears to be readying for the launch of the white iPhone 4, according to a pair of new reports. 9 to 5 Mac, citing information from a Dutch source, claims the handset will launch on April 27, with limited stock at first. The report also claims that T-Mobile will have a one month exclusive on the long-awaited handset in the Netherlands, and that units are already arriving in stores, with embargo stickers on the packages that state “do not open until April 27.” Engadget, meanwhile, has posted a photo of sealed white iPhone 4 package, which it claims was sold to a Vodafone UK customer, after which the company halted sales of the handset “until next week.” Apple has repeatedly promised that the white iPhone 4 would launch this Spring.

Update: Engadget has now posted a photo of the Vodafone white iPhone 4 unboxed, revealing a redesigned proximity sensor. Instead of the array of small dots seen in the original white iPhone 4, the new version’s proximity sensor area is a black oval, possibly suggesting that Apple had problems with the previous design.

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iPhone 4 Accessories: Royal Wedding Kate & Will Cases - Phones Review

With the imminent royal wedding of William and Kate only just around the corner, memorabilia for this momentous occasion is coming at us from all angles and it does not stop at just cups and plates. Barely There are offering a selection of commemorative iPhone 4 cases to mark the occasion.

The William and Kate Wedding case collection have been made in celebration of the upcoming royal nuptials and featuring custom designs of the blissful couple – under the following names: Classic Monogram, Modern Britannia, Regal Heart and Well Wishes. These commemorative cases embrace this historic event as a keepsake item that will forever be part of history.

The cases are available in the minimal and slim ‘Barely There’ case, the designs are printed directly onto the cases for a vivid look. If you would like to own your own personal piece of history in the form of a Barely There royal wedding iPhone 4 case for $34.99, then please visit the Case-Mate online store.

Also of interest could be our articles on the ‘Royal Wedding Union Jack Pouches’ again for the iPhone 4, Note to the Royal Couple iOs app or for a bit of light-hearted fun check out the ‘Royal Wedding Dance Video’ from T-Mobile UK.

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Tech Test Drive: iPads attract stylish protective covers made in Minnesota - Pioneer Press

Protection for your iPad is a must. Carry an uncovered tablet for long, and you are guaranteed to scuff up the metal back or even the scratch-resistant touch screen.

With a vast selection of cases and sleeves for the iPad — as well as for its iPhone and iPod Touch siblings — you have no excuse.

Such an eye-popping array of iOS accessories creates a problem for me as a technology writer, though. How do I choose what to cover?

With Minnesota-made iOS cases and sleeves coming to my attention again and again, I decided to write about those. Specifically, I am focusing on accessories that are handcrafted in this state instead of being mass-produced here or abroad.

There are a surprising number of these companies (hat tip to Patrick Rhone, Arik Hanson and Erica Mauter for helping me find them), and their products are all lovely. This column is therefore a bit more of a tribute than a hardnosed review, though I'll point out where users might run into problems.

Note that in many cases, the makers assemble their protectors to order and can often accommodate special re-quests. Just ask.

Landmark & Lions : The small Minneapolis company headed by Canyon Crosby specializes in sleeves made of gentle, pliable leather, such as lambskin or goatskin, that is lined with wool felt.

I especially like the company's iPad sleeve. The one I borrowed has black leather and yellow stitching with a blue lining

that fits an iPad 2 perfectly. This is a great option, provided you remain aware that your tablet will be unprotected once removed from the sleeve.

The firm makes a variety of sleeve- and wallet-style protectors for the iPhone, too. The sleeve I borrowed is styled almost exactly like the iPad one, except for a slit in the leather intended for a credit card or driver's license. I don't like the slit, because it makes the thin leather prone to tearing. But you can request one without the

slit.

RobbieMoto: This St. Paul operation, headed by Robbie Matsumoto, is similar to Landmarks & Lions but with products that are a bit more stylized.

An iPad sleeve I borrowed is tan-colored with two bold charcoal stripes, which incorporate snap fasteners to keep the tablet from slipping out.

RobbieMoto also makes wallet and sleeve-style iPhone protectors, including a black and yellow sleeve with leaf-sprig detailing that was meticulously created out of leather bits, with stitching for the leaf stems. Awesome.

Duluth Pack: The venerable Duluth-based maker of outdoor packs recently veered into iOS gear without shedding its backwoods

personality.

It makes a trio of sturdy leather sleeves — one with a book-style flip cover, one with overlapping folio-like coverings and one with no cover over the screen — that look great. The models I tried are designed for the original iPad, but Duluth Pack said it is releasing iPad 2 versions soon.

Another iPad product required no design work: Duluth Pack repurposed its compact Haversack, which is made of canvas and leather, and which happens to be just the right size for carrying an iPad with its accessories. You can select from a wide variety of canvas shades that look terrific.

Pad & Quill: Many iPad users are wild about DODOcase protectors, which encase tablets

in a wood frame that is then wrapped in a book-like leather covering. I can't speak to this product as I've never seen one, but Minneapolis-based Pad & Quill makes similar protectors that are great.

The wood frame is built of Baltic birch, and the covering is bonded leather. The overall effect is that of a fine bound volume; there's even a bookmark-style strip of shiny fabric that is useful for tugging the tablet out of its enclosure.

Pad & Quill makes versions of its products for a variety of devices, ranging from Apple's superthin MacBook Air laptops to Kindle e-book readers and the iPhone 4. The iPad 2 version, known as the Octavo, is decent, if somewhat clunky, protection, with style to spare. Kudos to company founder Brian

Holmes.

Byrd & Belle: Former architect Angie Davis has made a new career with her sumptuous line of wool-felt protectors, some with leather detailing. I recently fell in love with a MacBook Air sleeve made of light-gray wool with a leather patch along one edge that can be grabbed to pull the protector-clad laptop out of your bag. It's one of the best Air sleeves on the market.

I also like Davis' iPad 2 sleeves, which she can tailor for use with just the tablet or with the iPad and its Apple Smart Cover. I tested the latter version recently and recommend it.

Minneapolis-based Byrd & Belle also caters to users of iPods, iPhones, Kindles, Nook e-readers and more. Davis gets extra points for the thoughtful, creative way she packages the products for shipping.

Nedrelow: Scott Nedrelow makes wool-felt sleeves similar to those sold by Byrd & Belle and, as a stylish touch, wraps a paper strip around the sleeve with the word "Sleeve" printed on it. Like Davis, Nedrelow will tailor your sleeve to order.

Nedrelow's big draw, though, is its book-style protector — which is called, of course, the Book. A byproduct of Nedrelow's Location Books imprint, the Book is a hard case that looks just like a hardbound volume on the outside but boasts a built-in wool-felt sleeve on the inside. The idea is to tuck your tablet into the sleeve, close the sturdy cover and stick the Book onto a bookshelf so it's out of the way and thieves are never the wiser. Ingenious.

The Book is also billed as an iPad stand, but I found this arrangement far too unstable to recommend.

ColorWare: This Winona-based company is best known for painting laptops, iPhones, iPads and other gizmos in a dizzying variety of custom colors, much as a car body shop would do.

In a bit of a departure, ColorWare recently created the Grip for iPad, a tablet add-on made of aircraft-grade aluminum that wraps around the device's edges and adds a handle (hence the "grip" moniker).

The Grip clamps onto the tablet so tightly, via screws, that it becomes a part of the device. It does not offer much protection for the back and front of the tablet, but does protect the edges — a good idea, as I know well because I once dropped an iPad and badly dented one of its corners.

ColorWare will paint the Grip in any color you like. The Grip I tested is designed for the original iPad. I asked if ColorWare will sell an iPad 2 version but hadn't heard back at press time.

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Scosche switchBACK surge g4 backup battery for the iPhone 4 - MobileWhack.com

We have reported on a lot of mobile accessories by Scosche before. Some of you probably remember the Scosche goBAT II that can charge two USB devices at once, not to mention the reVIVE II.

Now the company has unveiled the switchBACK surge g4 backup battery case designed for the iPhone 4. It allows the user to recharge and sync the iPhone 4 with a mini-USB cable, and it is said to give the iPhone 4 275 more hours of use. It also has a free app known as reVIVE which can allow the user to see how much power the battery has left for music, phone calls, or web surfing.

As you can see, the case snaps onto the back of the iPhone 4, and makes it looks like a very different device. There is a built-in kickstand designed for watching videos easier.

The switchBACK surge g4 backup battery case for the iPhone 4 is available now from Scosche’s website for a price of $70.

Incoming search terms for this article: iphone 4 accessoriesiphone 4 case

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More about → Scosche switchBACK surge g4 backup battery for the iPhone 4 - MobileWhack.com