Leather Case for BlackBerry PlayBook – Book Type (Black) Ver. 1

Leather Case for BlackBerry PlayBook – Book Type (Black) Ver. 2

Leather Case for Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100 – Flip Type (Black)

Leather Case for Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100 – Book Type (Black)

and many more…

Compatible with all versions for iPhone 4.
High quality cowskin leather.
Sync through travel cable.
Rotable and completely removable Ultra Belt Clip (the knob is also removable).
Polypropylene inner structure.
Soft leather lining.
ABS inserted protection.

Charge up to 3 devices at the same time with the high speed multi charger. Suitable for USB devices such as mobile phones and navigation devices as well as high voltage devices as an in-car DVD system. The 2.1 amp port is especially suitable for extra fast charging of high power USB devices like the iPad. To get optimal performance from your TomTom navigation device, use genuine TomTom accessories.

Leather Case for Motorola XOOM – Book Type (Black) Ver.1

Leather Case for Motorola XOOM – Book Type (Black) Ver.2

Leather Case for HP Slate 500 Tablet PC – Book Type (Black) Ver. 1

Leather Case for Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc X12 – Flip Type (Black)

Leather Case for LG Optimus 2X P990 – Horizontal Pouch Type (Black)

High quality cowskin leather.
Magnetic sleep mode function.
Magnet closure system.
Sync through travel cable.
Soft leather lining.
ABS inserted protection

iPad 2 Case with Bluetooth Keyboard protective slim lined leather case for your iPad 2 / iPad 2 3G with keyboard built-in. This is made of fine genuine leather. The leather case offers high protection for your device. It features a slim, perfectly fit and stylish design. This is a Bluetooth enabled keyboard. It’s portable and tiny design can be used for travel, school, or any other working environment with a Bluetooth enabled iPad 2 / iPad 2 3G.

Piel Frama has also jumped onboard and announced the Unipur iPad 2 case which looks great to me. Serious stylish.

And then PDair popped up with no less than 4 new iPad 2 cases-

Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 – Book Type Magnet Closure (Black)

Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 – Business Type (Black)

Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 – Horizontal Type (Black)

Leather Case for Apple iPad 2 – Vertical Pouch Type (Black)

This leather case has been handmade by our experienced leather craftsmen in high quality cowskin, it has passed strict quality controls during the whole manufacturing process.

- Magnets system closure.
- Sync through travel cable.
- 1 document compartment.
- Soft Leather Lining.
- 1 Leather Chamois.
- ABS inserted protection.
- Weight: 300 gr.

Since I wanted a full keyboard including a numeric keypad, I bought the Apple wired keyboard. At the time I had a bluetooth Mighty Mouse. I quite liked the Apple keyboard but I hated the wire. I’m sure someone is saying “It’s only a wire” and they’d have a point. But it did get in the way of the various things I have under the monitor. Sure I could put them elsewhere, but there are a number of things I like to have right in front of me either because I use them all the time or because I want to constantly remind myself of something.

I looked at the Apple wireless keyboard, but it’s like the laptop keyboard with no numeric keypad. So I tried a 3rd party full bluetooth keyboard. For a while I was satisfied. It felt good, although not as good as the Apple keyboard, and had all of the keys I’d ever need. Unfortunately, whenever it went to sleep for power saving, it took at least 5 seconds to wake up after pressing a key. Around this time I also got a Magic Mouse, which was always available.

After a number of months, I broke down and decided to try the Apple wireless keyboard to see how much I’d miss the extra keys. I figured I could always return it if I hated it. But it was like coming home. It felt great. It didn’t take up as much desk room. And it was instantly available. So I put up with entering numbers using the top row. It’s not too bad for a number here and there, but it is a pain when I’m balancing bank accounts and there are lots of number entries.

Then I saw a preview for the LMP Bluetooth Numeric Keypad. Now I’ve seen other numeric keypads, but they were always significantly bigger than the Apple keyboard and were loose. The LMP looked like an extension of the Apple keyboard and had an adapter to connect the two. Here’s a diagram.

Not quite the same as the Apple full size wired keyboard but very close. As well, the keys are pretty close to the Apple keys so it feels like it belongs. Using the keys feels very natural.

So it looks good and feels good but how well does it work otherwise. Quite well actually. You get the keypad, the adapter, two AA batteries and an instruction booklet. Construction is plastic, not Aluminum, but it feels reasonably solid. And the adapter is snug on both sides so moving the combination around doesn’t jar anything loose. I mean it’s not screwed in tight, but certainly adequate for the intended usage.

After loading the batteries and powering up, pairing by bluetooth is the same as pairing any other bluetooth keyboard to a Mac. You put the keypad into pairing mode, let the Mac find it, and enter the code displayed. It took me longer to get the batteries in than it did to pair it with my MacBook.

What you get is the standard numeric keypad, the digits 0 to 9, the numeric operators (=, /, *, -, +), a decimal key, and an enter key, plus five function keys *F13-F17), page up, page down, arrow/cursor up, arrow/cursor down, and forward delete.

It did have a slight delay if it was in power save mode, but not as bad as my other bluetooth keyboard. And it’s not a big issue since it’s not used all the time. The other issue is that as is typical with 3rd party bluetooth add-ons, you don’t see the battery charge remaining in the bluetooth menu entries. Both are easy to live with.

One thing I did find was that I was pressing the forward delete key whenever I really wanted the arrow/cursor right key. So I used Keyboard Maestro to change it. The Shortcut Key is defined as the Forward Delete key on the Keypad and the key pressed when that shortcut is used is the arrow/cursor right key on the keyboard. I found it very cool that Keyboard Maestro would take input from one device and output from another.

If you need a wireless numeric keypad for your Apple wireless keyboard, I recommend that you look at this one. I found it here. There may well be other places.

Bob

Aluminum Metal Case for Dell Venue Pro – Open Screen Design (Silver)

Aluminum Metal Case for Dell Venue Pro – Open Screen Design (Black)

Leather Case for HTC 7 Pro T7576 – Flip Type (Black)

Leather Case for HTC 7 Pro T7576 – Book Type (Black)

Leather Case for HTC 7 Pro T7576 – Horizontal Pouch Type (Black)

Leather Case for HTC 7 Pro T7576 – Vertical Pouch Type Belt clip included (Black)

Leather Case for HTC 7 Pro T7576 – Vertical Pouch Type (Black)

Price – 59.95 Euros
Pros – High quality leather, beautifully designed, dockable, option of belt clip

Cons – The home button can be accidentally pressed if inside pocket

Main Features

• MultiFlip is designed & crafted to perfectly fit the iPhone 4
• Dockable
• Removable Flap
• Access to basic functions (multiple openings)
• Device friendly hidden magnetic closure
• Slim and padded design
• Protects the device in an optimal manner
• Opening for recharge
• 1 multi-purpose pocket on removable flap
• Beyza removable & swivel belt clip system (knob is also removable)

I have reviewed and owned more cases than most people. I seem to have a fascination of finding the best case for each occasion, looking at different finishes from leather to plastic to silicone. So far I have had in excess of 30 cases for the iPhone 4. Beyzacases kindly sent their new Multiflip case for review after it caught my attention. Using full grain cowhide leather, and currently available in tan (as shown), black, red or brown finishes the case is carefully assembled. When you receive the case, it is boxed and packaged as shown above in a lovely affair. You have the case, pouch, instructions for the belt clip and the belt clip attachment.

Above is the belt attachment kit. It comes with a spare screw. Simply you align the metal knob over the built in screw slot and using the flat screw driver, tighten with one of the screws. I connected the belt clip to my work trousers, and it provided a secure fixing. To release, you press down on the belt clip. Personally, I always keep my phone in my work shirt front pocket, or jacket outer pocket, so wouldn’t use the belt clip, but the option is there.

I would just like to emphasis that the case is made from beautiful leather so looks a million dollars.

The problem with so many cases is that you find yourself in a position where its secure in the case but you need to dock it, or it is protected so much there are times when you need some protection but not as much. Well this is where the Beyzacases Multiflip has a major advantage. It is dockable. But not only is it dockable, it is very well engineered to secure the iPhone 4 properly inside the case with a fastener, has perfectly aligned access points for all the volume, mute, power, sim, mic , speakers , camera and sensors. In fact everything has been thought of.

But there is more. The case covers the home button, and replaces it with a slight indentation. Under the leather is a raised oval so pressing the home button is so much easier. A very neat idea, but I did find I accidentally turned the phone on if I had the case in my inside jacket pocket by leaning on it.

The case is also dockable since the front flap is removable as shown above with fasteners holding it in place when in use. The flap holds shut with 2 small magnets located top right and left. So does it work in a dock. Well above it is in the JBL speaker dock and worked perfectly. I also tried it in the Apple Universal Dock with no problems. So how does it manage this feat. The thickness and profile of the bottom of the case is thinned down to allow for this to work. Neat design again.

Summary

Out of every case I have reviewed and owned so far this is by far the best case. The leather is beautiful. The design and the ability to have a dockable case, with without a front flap and belt clip makes this so versatile. I really love this case and now want it in brown and black too. Many thanks for Beyzacases sending this for review.

Highly recommended.

Review by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond

Stylus Socks Gold Original review

Think I like Stylus Socks? To complete my collection, I received a couple of Stylus Socks Gold or is that Stylus Sock Golds. Here’s the link. In any case, the Stylus Sock Gold uses a longer and less tapered barrel than the original I received. This means that it sits in the hand better and is easier to hold for a long time. The tip width is the same as the original as opposed to the slimmer tip on the Pro model. Is it better than the Pro? It depends on your hand size and your preference for thicker versus thinner pen barrels. For me, I prefer the Pro because I have smaller hands and grew up using narrower pens. For people with larger hands, like most men, the Gold would be perfect. And for women with small hands or slender hands, the Stylus Sock II or the Pro is the best choice.

Kioky Screen Protector Original review

I’ve now had the Kioky Screen Protector on my iPhone 4 for 3 weeks and I thought I would update you on the quality. In terms of how I protect my phone, it has a thin plastic case covering the back and sides, but not the top or bottom. I have a belt case that covers the phone, but I’m constantly taking the phone out and putting it back in. And occasionally I put the phone in my pocket.

I’m happy to report that the Kioky looks as good as the day I applied it. No loose edges and no scratches. Remember the stray cat hair I trapped underneath? That gap is a perfect place for the protector to loosen but nothing. To me, it shows the quality. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I usually clean the screen by rubbing it on my shirt. So no scratches is also good news.

I’ve mentioned that I’ve always used matte, anti-glare protectors until now. I compared the Kioky on my iPhone to the  anti-glare protector on my iPad. I had a bright office light behind me so I could compare reflectivity. The Kioky wasn’t bad at all. In fact the reflection was sharper in the Kioky and made the surrounding screen easier to read than the iPad. In the three weeks of use, I never thought to myself that it would be better with an anti-glare version. Maybe if you’re out in the sun all the time, but for day-to-day use, I’m fine with their clear version. And of course the retina display looks that much better. Looks like I’m a convert.

So it’s all good. The applicator makes application a breeze and the screen protector is top notch. Thanks Kioky!

Bob

Almost everyone, except Roger, who has installed or applied a screen protector has stories. Usually they’re not good. The demos and videos on YouTube make it look easy. But how many times have you heard that it was a good thing that the package contained two protectors because one was lost during the first application attempt. And even though some vendors claim that you can re-attach the protector, I’ve never had any luck in that regard. I admit that I can now apply a screen protector reasonably well but it takes me about 10 to 15 minutes. And don’t get me started about applying screen protectors to iPads. The large surface makes it very difficult.

A few months ago I read about a company with a novel idea for installing a screen protector. I sent the company an email just to say that I thought it was a brilliant idea. One of those ideas that you look at and wonder why no one thought of it sooner. Then I filed it away for whenever it was actually available.

Imagine my surprise when they contacted me to do a review of their product. The product is called the Kioky and the key is the Perfect Fit Applicator.

Package and the Perfect Fit Applicator

What I received was a pre-production package. It’s close to final, but they’re still tweaking some things like the instructions. What was in the package was the pre-loaded Perfect Fit Applicator (with one side for the iPhone 4 and one for the 3G/3GS), extra screen protectors, extra adhesive to hold the protector to the applicator, a credit card sized plastic squeegee, a small microfiber towel, and instructions.

The only thing I didn’t use was the towel. It was a little small and I have a number of very nice towels that I use to clean my glasses. Michael at Kioky (http://www.kioky.com) has told me that they were going to be replacing that towel in the production kit.

So what’s the big deal anyway? Normally, one cleans the iPhone in as dust free a room as possible, unwraps the screen protector and spends the next 10 to 20 minutes trying to align the thing and squeeze the bubbles out.

With the Kioky, the first step is the same, clean the iPhone’s screen. Then you load the screen protector into the Applicator. The Applicator comes pre-loaded. There are small groves to guide the fit. The adhesive holding the protector to the Applicator is like the sticky stuff they hold credit cards onto paper with. If you’re careful removing the protector, you can re-use the adhesive. But regardless, Kioky provides enough for all the protectors in the package.

The Kioky screen protector is covered on both sides with a thin film. The film has numbered tabs so it’s easy to see what to do. In the pre-loaded Applicator, the film with tab number 1 is up. You carefully peel back tab number 1 exposing the adhesive side of the screen protector. Then you place your clean iPhone into the Applicator and press firmly down all around the back of the iPhone for 5 to 10 seconds. The iPhone fits exactly into the Applicator. As long as you align the home button with the appropriate hole in the protector, there’s no room for error.

My iPhone in the Applicator. This shows the back of my iPhone that has an old, very poorly applied screen protector on it. The only reason it’s there is to protect the back against dust when it’s in my snap on plastic case.

Next you gently push the slots on the back of the Applicator and push the iPhone out. At this point you may have to press down on the protector to make sure it’s set. Also, check to see if the adhesive has come off with the protector. If so, rub it off with a finger.

Your screen protector is now perfectly aligned. All you need to do is remove the bubbles. Aha you say, just like all the others. Removing the bubbles never works. Well, I don’t know what material Kioky uses for their protectors, but removing the bubbles was surprisingly easy. You use the plastic squeegee to push any bubbles from the inside to the outside and push the smaller ones down. I often wrap the cleaning cloth around the squeegee to avoid any scratches, although at this point the second protective film is still attached.

Once the bubbles are out, gently and carefully pull the number 2 tab to expose your installed Kioky screen protector.

At this point I want to add one personal caveat. We have 3 dogs and 7 cats. This makes for a lot of air born dust and fur. It’s almost impossible to get a completely clean application. I don’t hold that against any screen protector.

Perfect alignment and no bubbles. The diagonal line you see on the bottom right is a stray cat hair. The Kioky is great, but it doesn’t come with a dust-free room.

The first time I did it, I took my time and noted every move for this review. Plus I took some photos. Total time was 10 to 15 minutes. The next time I did it, it was about 5. The guys at Kioky can do it a lot faster, but they’re just trying to make a point. There’s no need to rush. What is very refreshing is that the result is great and there’s no frustration. There’s none of the usual putting a corner on, starting to press down, seeing the alignment is off, pulling the protector off, and starting over, hoping that the protector’s adhesive is still good and that you haven’t picked up any dust. Or with other protectors, spraying a solution on and then squeegeeing it out all the while hoping you’re not going to get water where it shouldn’t be.

So now that it was on, how was the screen protector itself. After all, installation is one thing, but the protector must be good as well. I’m happy to say that this one is excellent. I’ve used it for about a week now. The pre-production package had clear protectors because all of the anti-glare stock was in boxes for CES. I used to use the matte anti-glare protectors all the time. I may switch.

There’s a noticeable difference on an iPhone 4 between a matte finish and a clear finish. Guess which is better. As well, the surface is very smooth. No drag at all. As you know, if you’ve read my previous review, I use a Stylus Sock. It just glides over the surface.

I tried scratching the surface. Not with a sharp edge, but with a dull metal edge. Nothing. Then I went further and tried the sharp edge of a key. I got a slight dent but no tear. And the only way the dent was visible is if I shine a light on it and catch the reflection. Very impressive. And better, after about half an hour, the dent has almost disappeared.

Any clear protector will pick up fingerprints and this one’s no exception. But they aren’t noticeable face on and a quick wipe on a shirt and they’re gone.

One of the knocks on clear protectors is glare. Take them outdoors and they’re useless. Well, your mileage may vary, but I found the Kioky not bad at all. I stood with my back to the sun and sure there was a reflection on the screen, but only at the point of the sun’s image. The rest of the screen was readable. Again, very impressive.

Since this was a review copy, I got a couple of extra protectors. There are normally 3 in a package. So I went through the application process a few times. I’m also happy to report that there was no residual adhesive if you remove the Kioky protector.

Pricing is only preliminary but I’ve been told that their aim is to price similar to other screen protectors so that the Applicator is almost free.

The plan is to have them available soon. The folks at Kioky are a small group and they’re raising the money for production. You can sign up to get one when it’s released at http://www.kioky.com. They also have an iPad version planned. I’ve already signed up for mine.

So unless your name is Roger or have Roger’s talent, the Kioky Applicator is for you. It certainly is for me. Highly recommended.

Bob

So what’s the difference and is it better? As you know I really liked the original. I like this one even more.

First off, the tip is smaller. The iPad and iPhone require about 5mm contact to register. That’s why all stylus ends are stubby. It’s hard to show this with a finger but if you barely make contact, you don’t get a full line. Likewise, if I angle a Stylus Sock so that it touches on the edge, I won’t get a solid line. Again I’m using Noteshelf for all of my tests. But styluses don’t have to be as stubby as most are. The Pro’s contact is right around what it has to be. With a smaller tip, you can be more accurate and with less contact, there’s less drag. I’m not saying it’s like a fine point pen, but it’s better than anything else I’ve seen for the iPad.

Second, it’s thinner and less tapered. Ivo, the inventor of Stylus Socks, uses paint brush handles. The original was plastic. The Pro is wood. Depending on your preference, you can now get a thicker or thinner Stylus Sock. I prefer the thinner one because my hands are relatively small. The Pro is slightly longer but the barrel doesn’t taper as much. For me, it feels better.

I was able to write almost as fast as I could on paper with a gel pen. I also tried a narrower line. I usually use 3 pt but even at 1 pt my scrawl was legible. And I was able to write smaller than I would normally and again, it was still legible.

Out of curiosity, I went back to my old stylus. The drag, which I didn’t really notice much before Stylus Socks, was now very noticeable and the tip felt squishy. I guess that becomes a spare.

So now you have even more choice in Socks, Stylus Socks that is.

Bob