by Noel on November 8, 2010
Elgato's EyeTV is usable enough as a way to watch TV on your iPad, but it requires a whole bunch of things to be running (a computer and server software, for instance) in order to work. Tizi does away with all that hassle, using just a single standalone gadget that connects to your iPad over WiFi.
Consisting of a small box weighing a mere 2.5 ounces, the device is sized similar to compact dumbphones, making it easy to slip in your pocket. Body consists of a glossy black surface with a silver frame around the edges, mimicking the iPad's own design.
The Tizi uses a pull-out antenna (like the TVs of old) to pick up local DVB-T/DT signals, decodes them using its ARM 9 processor and then sends the feed to Tizi's companion app over Wi-Fi (802.11b/g). The TV stream will take over your WiFi, so you can't stay online using it, although you can keep a live connection over 3G (if you have the 3G version, that is). It comes with a rechargeable 1,050mAh battery, with a mini-USB cable for charging.
Software component (free from the App Store) comes with a channel guide, so you can find what's available and quickly change channels. During ads, you can even switch to a different app, while keeping the audio running in the background, so you can come right back to your shows the moment it goes back on.
If you need an extra TV for the kitchen or want one during road trips, Tizi offers the most accessible way to turn your iPad into one. It's available now for $149.95.
[Tizi]
Tizi Brings Live TV To Your iPadunratedNoel2010-11-08 18:51:53
Elgato's EyeTV is usable enough as a way to watch TV on your iPad, but it requires a whole bunch of things to be running (a computer and server soft...
by Noel on October 19, 2010
Well, that's not really true. Looking at the pictures, though, it isn't too far-fetched an idea to imagine the PadDock 10 turning your iPad into a smaller, ultra-slim iMac.
Pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and this could be your default desktop iPad setup, an especially useful one when composing long gobs of text or filling out web-based forms while comfortably stationed in your office desk. From the sound of it, though, they're marketing this as more of a movie-viewing option or, at best, an elaborate syncing station for the tablet in your primary work area.
The PadDock 10 consists of a sturdy table stand, with a four-pronged frame that holds the iPad in place approximately 10 inches above the table surface (hence, the "10" in the name). One of the grapple frames has a 30-pin connector for docking the device, which you can sync or charge (there's a switch to toggle between the two) while attached to the stand. When affixed to the peripheral, you can turn the iPad a full 360 degrees, as well as tilt it forwards and backwards for the best viewing angle.
Two 3-watt speakers (with a class-D stereo amplifier) are integrated into the assembly, which becomes the iPad's default speakers when connected to it. Unfortunately, you can only adjust the volume directly from controls in the back, with no option for a remote. The stand has both a USB port (for syncing) and an AC adapter (for charging).
Created by SMK-Link Electronics Corporation, the PadDock 10 is now available, priced at $99.99.
[PadDock 10]
PadDock 10 Turns Your iPad Into An iMacunratedNoel2010-10-19 16:13:42
Well, that's not really true. Looking at the pictures, though, it isn't too far-fetched an idea to imagine the PadDock 10 turning your iPad into ...
by Noel on October 4, 2010
Sometimes, it takes a while before the world catches up with original thinkers. We're guessing that's not the case with the iArm, but it sounds like a nice introduction any way.
Sure, you can get iPad mounts for your car, your desk and your wall. But how about when you're skydiving or battling dragons? Well, that's where this clever contraption comes in.
An iPad mount that hoists the tablet on your arm, the iArm solves the problem of losing the use of one hand while it grips your slate's bezel. Since you now have one extra hand free, you can use that to hold your coffee when using the iPad while walking, allowing you to do even more things simultaneously.
Just in case you're now reaching for your credit card, let us burst that bubble a bit. The iArm is actually just a joke product - albeit, one I would probably buy if it ever was real. I mean, why wouldn't I want an iPad protruding out of my forearm?
While it is on retail for $8, you're actually just going to get a box with lots of pictures of the product. Still, it should be fun showing the box off to your friends, all while making up excuses why you can't bring out the real thing ("Umm...it's so awesome my brother won't give it back.").
[iArm]
iArm Mounts The iPad On Your Arm...No, ReallyunratedNoel2010-10-04 18:35:16
Sometimes, it takes a while before the world catches up with original thinkers. We're guessing that's not the case with the iArm, but it sounds li...
by Noel on September 29, 2010
A lot of iPad cases already come with an integrated stand, so getting a separate one isn't the cards for a lot of users. If you want limitless flexibility in your viewing angles, though, you need the LapWorks iPad Recliner.
More than a simple stand, the accessory is designed to allow use of your slate without having to set it down on its back. Set it up on a tabletop and use it to position the iPad at a whole host of angles, whether for viewing movies, typing or browsing.
The iPad Recliner behaves more like a chair than a stand. Just lay the slate on the platform (both portrait and landscape modes are supported) and adjust the incline (there's a knob in the back) in 32 possible positions from 4.25 inches above the surface (perfect for typing) to 8.25 inches (for viewing movies).
Designed for stability, it's made from heavy-duty hard ABS plastic, with a wide base for a steady hold. Billed as the "Lazy Boy of iPad loungers," it comes with a no-slip rubber cushion on the platform to keep the tablet comfy, as well as a soft rubber strip along the top as "headrest." It can accommodate other tablets and e-readers, so you can use it with a whole host of consumer gadgets, too.
Granted, the LapWorks iPad Recliner is a bit bulky. It's designed for home and office use, though, not portability, so it does it's job handily. Available in one two-tone color (silver and black), you can get it for as low as $29.95.
LapWorks iPad Recliner Lets You Set Your Tablet At 32 Different AnglesunratedNoel2010-09-29 18:06:23
A lot of iPad cases already come with an integrated stand, so getting a separate one isn't the cards for a lot of users. If you want limitless fle...
by Noel on September 24, 2010
Those familiar with the Gorillapod know how its flexible legs allow for a near-limitless range of mounting options. We won't pretend that the iPad FlexStand is anywhere near the Gorillapod's level of cleverness, but it does offer a generous level of flexibility.
From the looks of it, you can use the fully-adjustable legs to mount the iPad on suspended hooks. The stand wasn't built for that, though, so you might be at risk of dropping the slate if you try to get too creative. Experiment at your own risk.
The FlexStand is made up of five lightweight, flexible and resilient steel legs - four are meant to attach to the corners of your iPad, with the fifth intended to provide leverage like a kick stand. Because of the fully-adjustable legs, you can set it up at practically any angle on most any type of surface, including flat, sloped and, even, irregular ones.
It measures 1 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches and weighs 5.2 ounces, making it easy to stow away on your bag when taking the iPad on the road. Since it's flexible, you can even twist it into whatever space is available in your bag. Plus, you can probably use it as a stand for other gadgets too (like cellphones and GPS), provided they can fit on the feet, which have been sized to hold Apple's tablet.
Frankly, I don’t think there's a single iPad stand that's as flexible in what it can do, while remaining extremely portable, as the iPad FlexStand. Thinkgeek has it on stock for an affordable $29.99.
[iPad FlexStand]
iPad FlexStand Is Possibly The Most Flexible iPad Stand EverunratedNoel2010-09-24 19:40:01
Those familiar with the Gorillapod know how its flexible legs allow for a near-limitless range of mounting options. We won't pretend that the iP...
by Noel on September 20, 2010
One of the things I dislike about buying iPad accessories is how expensive they can get. What about the cheapskates in the audience (hint: me)? Turns out Digitals On Demand has a 15-Item Accessory Bundle just for us.
If you've been planning to take a trip down the mall to pick up some gear for your iPad, but haven't gotten around to it, you should definitely give this set a look. It has most of the starter accessories you'll probably need, plus a few you might not have even considered otherwise.
One of the biggest value in Digitals On Demand's 15-Item Accessory Bundle has to be the cases. This comes with three of them - a black vein silicone cover (squishy with a cute design), a crystal clear case with detachable kick stand (fingerprint-resistant and comes with a hole so you can hang it on a hook) and a portfolio case with kick stand (made with premium leather with a light magnet on the closure). These three alone probably fulfill the price of purchase, so having 12 others onboard makes it seem like a really good deal.
What else will you get? There's a screen protector (not fingerprint-proof, though), a robotic reading light (we're not sure what this is for, since the iPad is LED-backlit), a white pair of in-ear headphones with mic, a stylus pen, an earphone splitter, a wall charger, a car charger, a USB sync cable, a retractable USB cable (for data only), a small fishbone cord wrap (good for headphone wires only) and a drawstring travel pouch. You probably won't use some of that stuff, but at this price, you might as well hoard them.
The Digitals On Demand 15-item Accessory Bundle is available from Amazon for as low as $39.99.
Digitals On Demand 15-Item Accessory Bundle For iPad 3G4Noel2010-12-03 20:20:57
One of the things I dislike about buying iPad accessories is how expensive they can get. What about the cheapskates in the audience (hint: me)? ...
by Noel on September 19, 2010
Home automation is one area where the iPad will undoubtedly be used extensively for. With the wealth of things it can be configured to do, the tablet easily beats traditional slabs of dedicated remotes often identified with home automation systems. Enter Creston iPanel, an iPad case that works with your iPad's built-in WiFi to turn it into a remote with hard buttons.
One of the major complaints about turning the iPad into a home automation remote is the lack of physical buttons. Touchscreen remote apps just haven't matured enough to be functional equivalents of their traditional counterparts. Essentially, they're similar to dedicated touchscreen remotes - an absolute pain to use.
The Crestron iPanel addresses that problem by turning out a case that you can wrap around your iPad and connect via the multi-pin connector, essentially turning it into a giant physical remote. It has thirteen hard buttons spread across the left and right sides (landscape mode), including four for navigation, two for volume and individual ones for a variety of functions (Mute, Lights, Home, Guide, Info, Select and Exit).
Obviously, this is designed to work with Crestron's iPad app, although the company says it's still ironing out the software/hardware interface. It can be used even without the app, though, provided you pair it with a Crestron controller over WiFi.
While the Crestron iPanel is obviously a neat solution, it doesn't exactly address one of the main reasons why you'd rather use an iPad, instead of buying a remote: the price. They're selling the hard button-equipped iPad case at a hefty $500.
[Crestron via CE Pro]
Crestron iPanel Adds Physical Remote Buttons To Your iPadunratedNoel2010-09-19 18:20:21
Home automation is one area where the iPad will undoubtedly be used extensively for. With the wealth of things it can be configured to do, the tab...
by Noel on September 15, 2010
Who says all an iPad cover does is keep your tablet protected from scratches and dust? Not the case with the Kensington PowerBack, which throws in a backup battery and a kickstand to go with its iPad-casing duties.
Despite measuring a sleek 1.6 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches, the accessory manages to cram in a 4,400 mAh battery module onboard, feeding your tablet an extra 5 hours of use. It also includes a microUSB charge and sync port, allowing you to connect your iPad to a computer without requiring an extra dock.
The Kensington PowerBack case has a soft-touch finish, affording you comfortable use, while offering ample protection. A very useful kickstand can be pulled out of the rear side, which you can use to prop the iPad up at three positions - landscape viewing, portrait viewing and typing mode. Other features include LED gauges on the bottom of the case (to clue you in to how much charge is left) and a speaker deflector for unimpeded sound.
Overall, it sounds like a pretty solid all-in-one, which, somehow, manages not to bulk up your iPad the way extra batteries normally would. Price is a bit steep at $130, but the versatility should make it worth every penny.
[Kensington]
Kensington PowerBack Throws A Battery With Your iPad CaseunratedNoel2010-09-15 17:04:42
Who says all an iPad cover does is keep your tablet protected from scratches and dust? Not the case with the Kensington PowerBack, which throws in...
by Noel on September 14, 2010
If you're going to dress the iPad up with a back cover, you might as well get one that will afford it a literal plethora of mounting options. That's what Vogel promises with their Basecover, a sleek accessory with a special connector that allows it to work with their upcoming range of mounts and stands.
The central component of the company's Mount & Cover System, the BaseCover dresses the iPad in a slim shell with a soft, tactile coating that adds extra body to your tablet. While intended to attach to the backside, it can be slotted in reverse to protect the screen during travel, too. An aluminum connector sits right at the center, which you can use with various accessories for extending your tablet's usability.
Vogel currently has three accessories designed to work with the cover: WallMount, TableStand and CarMount. The names alone should clue you in about what they're for.
- WallMount is a cylindrical contraption that can be screwed onto any surface. Once installed, you can simply snap the BaseCover in via the connector, allowing you to set the iPad up securely. When mounted, it can freely rotate a full 360 degrees, giving you plenty of viewing options.
- TableStand adds a standing assembly to the back of the BaseCover, similar to legs from old-school picture frames.
- CarMount affixes to a car seat's headrest and, like the WallMount, allows the BaseCover to snap right in, giving backseat passengers hands-free iPad viewing.
Europe will get the BaseCover starting October, with US shipments beginning in 2011. It ships with one WallMount and is priced at 79.99 Euros (around $100). Prices for separate accessories have not yet been released.
[Mount and Cover]
Vogel BaseCover Outfits The iPad To Work With Various MountsunratedNoel2010-09-14 17:36:40
If you're going to dress the iPad up with a back cover, you might as well get one that will afford it a literal plethora of mounting options. That...
