Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Does the Apple iPhone 4 need a physical keypad?  BoxWave thinks so.  The company’s Keyboard Buddy case features a horizontally sliding QWERTY keypad that hides under the iPhone 4 when not in use.

BoxWave announced the Keyboard Buddy yesterday, and today the device won approval from the FCC thanks to a filing by OEM Shenzhen Ctech Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.  FCC filings include a bunch of pictures of the device, as well as some details about how the device will work.

The Keyboard Buddy contains a 500 mAh battery that will last in standby mode for 45 days.  The device charges in 4 hours via mini USB cable.  The case does not charge the iPhone 4 however, which could lead to some cramped cable work if both devices are charged at the same time.

The case also has a peculiar Bluetooth button that must be activated with “a little stick,” according to the device’s user manual.  This process only needs to be done once, however – the iPhone 4 should automatically connect to the keyboard after the initial pairing.

So far, the Keyboard Buddy does appear promising.  We like the keyboard’s construction and silver accents, which match the iPhone 4’s design nicely.

Check out the gallery below for more pics of the Keyboard Buddy.  The case is expected to ship next month for $70.

[View with PicLens]

Speck’s popular line of CandyShell cases for the Apple iPhone 4 is getting an upgrade.  The company’s new CandyShell Flip case is similar in appearance to the previous CandyShell model, with one big exception – the CandyShell Flip will fit in Apple’s iPhone 4 dock.

As you can see above, the bottom of the CandyShell Flip can fold open, thereby allowing the iPhone 4 to fit in standard docks.  Once the phone is removed from the dock, the bottom of the case snaps back into place around the bottom of the device.

It’s a simple, yet useful design change that will be a big relief for users who need to constantly install and remove their iPhone 4 cases when docking the device.  You can pick up a CandyShell Flip directly from Speck for $35.

This isn’t the first iPad-to-netbook case that we’ve seen, but it is the first case that’s backed by electronic retailer giant Best Buy.  Known as the iCapsule, the case will be made by Best Buy’s subsidiary, RocketFish.

The iCapsule features a clamshell form factor that can hold the iPad either horizontally or vertically.  The case provides users with a spacious Bluetooth keyboard that has a few convenient shortcut keys for controlling media playback, copy/cut/paste and search.  When closed, the back of the iCapsule has a large handle, allowing users to carry the device like a briefcase.

The only rub that we can see on the iCapsule at this point is the case’s reliance on standard AA batteries.  Many of the other Bluetooth keyboard cases that we’ve seen use a battery that can recharge via USB.

There’s no word how much the iCapsule will cost, or when the case will be released.  But the case did make an appearance on the FCC today, making a launch before the holidays very likely.

Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind case for your iPhone or iPad?  Take a look at Zazzle’s new case customization service.  Developed through a partnership with Speck, Zazzle’s new service allows users to print their own designs on Speck’s popular line of Speck Fitted cases for the iPhone and iPad.

Zazzle provides users with an easy-to-use web-based design tool that allows users to upload a design, image or photo.  Each case is produced and shipped within 24 hours, and your case is delivered within a matter of days.  Zazzle offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee as well, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with an awful looking case, even if you did design it yourself.

Zazzle’s custom cases are available for the iPhone 3G, 3G S and 4, as well as the iPad.  Pricing for custom iPhone cases starts at $40, while pricing for custom iPad cases starts at $50.  You can check out the service here to try out your own case designs.

Feel like giving your iPad an identity crisis?  Crux Case’s Cruz360 case features an innovative swivel design and Bluetooth keyboard that allows the iPad to function as either a clamshell netbook or a tablet. 

In netbook mode, the case provides users with a spacious Bluetooth keyboard for easy text input, above left.  But, when the case’s iPad holder is flipped around and closed, the device reverts back to a tablet form factor, above right.

The case also has a “movie mode,” below left, where the screen sits beneath the case and the iPad is propped up at an ideal angle for viewing video.  Finally, when not in use the case shuts to protect the iPad’s screen and the keyboard, below right.

This is a great idea, especially for users that frequently use their iPads to input text, but also want to preserve the device’s tablet form factor.  At $150, the case doesn’t come cheap, but that coin may be worth it considering it enables your iPad to play the role of a tablet, netbook and video player.

Pick one up directly from Crux here.

Need a rugged case for your iPhone 4 that won’t add too much bulk to the device?  Ballistic’s SG case seems like a good option.  The case offers three layers of protection – a soft TPU outer layer, a hard polycarbonate middle layer, and a silicone inner layer.  Additionally, the case’s corners are reinforced with shock absorbers to protect your phone from falls.

We’ll try to get one of these units in for a review soon.  Until then, you can surf on over to Ballistic’s site to read more.

Walking around all day with a Bluetooth headset in your ear isn’t exactly in vogue.  But where do you stash your fragile ear piece when it’s not in use?

Check out ID8-Mobile’s MoGo Talk XD case for the Apple iPhone 4.  The case’s polycarbonate shell protects your iPhone 4, while providing a discreet storage compartment for a MoGo Talk Bluetooth headset.

When not in use, the headset folds into a slim form factor that can be easily stowed in the back of the MoGo Talk XD case.  To use the headset, just pop it out of the case, fold out the ear piece, and you’re ready to talk.

The MoGo Talk XD case costs $100, and is available now directly from ID8.

Photo from PC Mag

SMK Electronics has an interesting take on the iPad dock.  The company’s PadDock 10 dock holds the iPad at eye level, supporting the device with a silver stand that reminds us of the Apple iMac’s sleek all-in-one design.  The dock has an integrated speaker that can be rotated above or below the iPad, and a dock connector that works for both charging and syncing.

At $99, the PadDock 10 isn’t cheap.  But it does provide users with an easy way to use and display the iPad around the home – the dock seems perfect for the kitchen, for example.  The PadDock 10 is expected to be release in November.

Source:  PC Mag

booq, maker of mobile device bags and cases, recently unveiled its Boa Folio line of cases for the Apple iPad.  The case is quite versatile, and can be used to hold your iPad in a typing configuration, above, a reading configuration, below left, or flat, below right.  The case also features handy pockets for documents and an iPhone.

The Boa Folio is available with leather or nylon exteriors, and comes in black, sand or grey colors.  Pricing for the Boa Folio ranges from $50 to $90, and you can pick one up directly from booq’s website.

We’re big fans of OtterBox’s rugged cases for the Apple iPhone 4, and now you can save 10% off of OtterBox cases thanks to a coupon code from Techbargains.  Just use coupon code tb1010y at checkout to save 10% off any of their cases, and receive free shipping as well.

Check out some of our reviews of OtterBox’s iPhone 4 cases below: