Review: Just Mobile AluPen and AluCube

The AluCube and AluPen are a minimulist iPad-owner’s dream. This set includes the AluPen, a stylus for your iPad (or tablet) with a matching stylus stand, the AluCube.

The AluCube. The AluCube sits nicely on the desk and can be used as both a stand for your AluPen or a paperweight, or even both at the same time. This 1.5″ inch cube is created from a single chunk of premium solid aluminum. On the top is a circular recess that’s lined with rubber to hold your AluPen snuggly in place. On the bottom of the AluCube is a cable recess that allows you to run your iPad cable (or Macbook cable) nicely on your desk. This cable holder helps keep your desk very tidy! On both sides of the cable recess are non-slip rubber bases to prevent your AluCube from slipping or moving around on your desk.

The AluPen. This chunky stylus for your iPad (or tablet) is unique for it’s wider nub that makes writing/drawing precision much better. The AluPen fits in your hand like a crayon or chalk would. You can read a more detailed review of the AluPen here. The AluPen is now available in a big array of colors — Siver, Black, Titanium, Pink, Blue, Gold, Green, and Red.

Both the AluCube and AluPen are made of a brushed silver aluminum that matches the back of the iPad nicely, as well as other Apple products.

It’s a beautiful set that I would highly recommend. My only concern is the high price point of the set. Together, the AluPen and AluCube are $39.95. The AluPen costs $24.95 alone and the AluCube costs $15.95. If you purchase the set, you also get the added bonus of a small carrying set for your AluPen. It’s like a slipcover for your AluPen to prevent bumps and scratches.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars · Just Mobile (Xtand.net) · AluCube – $15.95 USD, AluPen + AluCube – $39.95 USD, AluPen – $24.95 (Available in Siver, Black, Titanium, Pink, Blue, Gold, Green, and Red. · Amazon AluPen ($16.08)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Just Mobile for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Review: GumDrop Drop Tech Series Military Edition Case for iPad 2

Need a super sturdy iPad 2 case? The GrumpDrop Drop Tech Series: Military Edition iPad 2 case is one designed for civilians but inspired by the military. This little gem contains not just one or two, but four layers of protection! And it does that without adding too much bulk. This rugged case features multiple barriers of shock absorption, a built-in polycarbonate screen protector, and microfilm dust filters.

Layers of Protection. The first layer is the polycarbonate front. This is an interior layer that protects the front edges of the iPad 2. It completely covers the front edges, leaving only cutouts for the Home button, front camera, dock port, and headphone jack. The cutout for the front camera has a thin film on it to protect it from any scratches. Before putting this layer on, you need to slide in the second layer, the screen protector frame.

The screen protector frame is nice because you don’t have to deal with any sticky situations. No adhesives to worry about, just simply place it in the first layer and put these two layers on top of the iPad screen. It protects your screen without any of the mess!

The third layer is the Polycarbonate back. This pieces is placed onto the back of the iPad and snaps into the front layer. This piece covers the entire back of the iPad 2 with cutouts for the headphone jack, mic, back camera, rotation button, volume buttons, and dock port. There are also some narrow holes in the back to add in some design. The speaker area has a cutout, but has a thin mess around it to keep dibris from getting into the speaker. The camera has a clear protective film so it doesn’t get scratched.

Finally, the last layer is the military green silicone skin. This piece completes the whole look of the iPad case. When you have all of the other layers snapped in place, put this silicone skin cover around it and push in the edges in place. The soft texture and grooves in this skin makes it easy and nice to hold. This layer covers up the Home button, dock, and headphone jack so no dust or dibris will get in.

Overall. With all the layers together, you have yourself a highly protective case. It protects both the front and back, and all edges and ports. The best part is that it doesn’t feel as clunky as some folio cases and other ones that have this much protection. And because theres a protective film layer, you won’t see as many smudges and fingerprints on your iPad.

There are two minor downfalls with this case. One is that a little difficult to remove once you get it in. It will take a little bit of work to take it apart. You probably won’t need to do this often though, unless you want to put your iPad in a certain stand. The other thing I noticed is that if you need to tap something on the edge of the iPad screen, it may not respond as quickly. You will have to press a little harder since that’s where the film and the interior case meet. There may be a small gap. Again, just a minor issue.

Overall, it’s an excellent accessory choice for your iPad 2, especially if work (or play) in a rough environment. The Military Edition is available in an army green color for $69.95. The Drop Tech Series iPad 2 cases are also available in other colors such as black, black/red finishings, white, and pink for $59.95.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 · GumDropCases.com · $59.95 – 69.95 · Amazon

Disclosure: This product was sent by GrumDrop Cases for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Facebook Timeline Enabled!

Facebook announced their new Timeline earlier this morning and it looks beautiful! It’s definitely a new way of expressing yourself. Profile pages will now have some more personality! The feature won’t be available for everyone until later this month, but if you’re too anxious to try it out, follow these steps on TechCrunch to turn on your Timeline profile.

If you already have a developer account, you can skip steps 4 and 5. Instead, go into one of your apps and head straight to “Get started with Open Graph” section. Enjoy!

P.S. Are we connected via Facebook yet? Subscribe to me at http://fb.com/daynah

Popularity: 26% [?]

September’s Bargain iPhone and iPad Apps

Start the Fall season right with some new bargain apps for your iPhone and iPad!

Band of the Day – Here’s an app that makes discovering new music a lot of fun! It has a very slick user interface. Learn and read about a new band each day and listen to a one of their songs while you’re reading their bio. If you love the song, just click to purchase via iTunes. Definitely worth the download if you enjoy music. iPhone / iPod Touch Version (Free)

Turntable.FM – Join in a room and DJ music with your friends! Discover new music and give props to the DJ. It’s a fun music social network app with a cute little interface. At any one time, there can be up to 5 DJ’s playing music in a room. Let them know if the song is either Lame or Awesome. There’s also an option to chat with the listeners as well. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free)

VidRhythm – Ever dreamed of starring in your own music video? Well, stop dreaming because it’s about to become a reality in just one minute! Create music videos instantly by recording just a few sounds. The app will remix it for you and you instantly become a rock star! Universal App – iPhone 3Gs+, iPod Touch 4th Gen, and iPad 2 Only ($1.99)

Tonara – This app is great for musicians! Ever play the piano and you have to take a quick pause to turn the music sheet? Well, you don’t have to do that with this app. It can listen to the music you’re playing and follow along with you. Great if you’re just starting to play the piano. Only bad thing is there’s only a few music sheets available at the moment. But it is free, so be sure to try it out! iPad Version (Free)

Feed Me Oil – For all of your puzzle lovers out there, this one is a must-have! In the game, you need the little monsters oil but putting contraptions so the oil will drip in where it’s suppose to go. Absolutely fun and addicting. Try out the lite versions to see if you enjoy it. iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPhone/iPod Touch Lite Version (Free) | iPad Version ($1.99) | iPad Lite Version (Free)

My Horse – If you love horses, I highly recommend this app. Adopt, feed, pet, train, and take care of your virtual horse. The graphics are amazingly beautiful and realistic. It’s also a universal app, so you can use it on all your iDevices. Connect with friends on Facebook and Game Center to have your horses socialize. My username is ‘daynah’ if you want to add me!
Universal App (Free)

Dragonvale – Build a little village where you can raise your dragons! Grow and plant them and interact with friends who are playing as well. The graphics are adorable, and the game is relaxing to play and listen to. Plant beautiful trees, habitats, and other beautiful things dragons love. A must-have for dragon-lovers. Universal App (Free)

Dolphin Browser – What a fun way to surf the internet! This browser displays your most visited websites in a beautiful magazine-style display (iPad Version). Flip and turn headlines to read the complete articles. Add news sections to your browser start up page so you can quickly view them. Rss files are displayed nicely with photos and excerpts. Great alternative browser.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPad Version (Free)

Popularity: 1% [?]

iPad Stand Review: Just Mobile Slide

The Just Mobile Slide iPad stand is one or the more interesting iPad stands available today. It’s made of two pieces — a holder that matches the back of the iPad exactly, and a mini rolling pin that fits right in the holder (when not in use).

To use the Slide, slide your iPad into the holder and put the rolling pin behind the iPad. Set the rolling pin at the angle you would like your iPad to stand.

When in use, the Slide has a very nice elegant look. The iPad can stand in both portrait or landscape mode. However, in portrait mode, the stand does cover part of the Home button. Although still accessible, it is still partially covered.

If you constantly remove your iPad from the stand, you may find that this stand may not be the one for you. The moment you take the iPad out, the rolling pin rolls down, and you have to adjust it again to the right angle before putting it in. I find this a little frustrating since I change the direction of my iPad all the time because some apps only work in landscape or portrait mode. Besides this one point, it does look very nice and is small enough to pack away in a suitcase or bag if you travel a lot.

Although it’s marketed for the iPad and iPad 2, this stand also works with other tablets and eReaders on the market.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars · Xstand.net · $34.95 · Amazon ($32.49)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Just Mobile for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Review: Moshi Concerti for iPad 2

If you have an on-the-go lifestyle, the Moshi Concerti may be just the iPad 2 case for you. Not only is it stylish, but it also provides complete protection for your precious device. In addition, there are many ways to use it, making your iPad 2 experience quite enjoyable.

The Concerti is a folio-style case made of a beautiful microfiber material from the inside and out. On the inside of the case is a silicone enclosure that securely holds the iPad in place. This soft silicone interior case covers the edges of the iPad, keeping it safe from everyday wear and tear. It has cutouts for the dock, speakers, on/off button, camera, headset jack, and mic. The volume buttons are not cut out, but the material is soft enough that you can easily press on the side.

This case offers many different functional positions. After you put your iPad in, you’ll notice that it’s on the left side, unlike most iPad 2 cases. This allows it to open up in a way where you can use the camera without needing a camera hole in the microfiber part of the case. If you’re holding it in portrait position, open and fold the cover to the left to expose the camera.

Another way to use the case is to turn it into a stand. The case allows three different stand positions in landscape mode. All great for web surfing, gaming, and video viewing. To use, open the case and have the iPad in landscape position (Home button will be on the left). Select a position to stand it in — there are three set of bumps on the interior of the case that will hold the iPad in the position you wish it to be.

Also, if you enjoy carrying your iPad around in your hand — like to take roll in a class or notes while you’re walking, there’s a built-in hand pocket to help alleviate wrist stress in the case.

To keep the case closed, there’s a convenient elastic strap that holds the front cover in place. Simply lift up the strap and wrap it around the case.

Overall, this a great case to dress up your iPad 2 in. It’s stylish, functional, and quite versatile. Not only does it fully protects the iPad 2, but it feels so soft in your hands as well. The Concerti is available in three colors — Tyrian Purple, Sahara Beige, and Falcon Gray. You can purchase it for $55.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · MoshiMonde.com · $55.00 · Amazon ($54.95)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Moshi for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 3% [?]

End of Summer Hot Bargain iPhone and iPad Apps

Looking for new apps for your iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad? Here are some of end of summer hot bargain apps! Enjoy!

Plants vs. Zombies is an addictive and cute tower defense game. Plant magical plants in front of your yard to keep the zombies away! Normally $2.99 for the iPhone version and $9.99 for the iPad version, they’re both on sale for a limited time! Must-have app for your devices!
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($1.99)

MadPad – Meet Smule’s latest app, the MadPad! Remix your life and make a soundboard out of it. Record everyday sounds like opening a soda can, jiggling your keys, your friend’s laughter into the ultimate percussive instrument!
iPhone/iPod Touch 3rd Gen+ Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($2.99)

Smurfs’ Grabber – If you love Smurfs and crane machines, you’ll love this game! It’s a twist on the typical crane machine. You’ll be given certain smurf formulas and must pick up all the ingredients. Free to play, and you earn up to 5 coins a day. Each coin allows you to play for 5 minutes. You can spend real money for more coins, but I think 5 minutes a day is addicting enough. :) Universal App (Free)

The 911 Memorial Past, Present… – Take a look at the World Trade Center before and after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Read historical facts and watch past videos of the construction of the WTC. See interviews of people involved in the architecture, and read about the plans for its future. The app will be free through September 12. After this, it will cost $9.95.
iPad App (Free until 9/12)

NBC watch full episodes of NBC shows like America’s Got Talent, Up All Night, The Office, Community, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show, 30 Rock, SNL, Chuck, The Voice, The Celebrity Apprentice, and so much more! Also see show-related games and photos.
iPad Version (Free)

djay – Transform your device into a full-fledged portable DJ system! The realistic dj interface allows you to mix and scratch songs from your music library. You can perform live, record mixes on-the-go, or enable Automix mode and let djay mix your favorite playlist from your iPod library auto-magically! Normally $9.99, the iPhone version is on sale for a limited time for 99 cents!
iPhone / iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($19.99)

Music Beta by Google is not exactly a native iPhone/iPad app, but it is an HTML 5 web app. If you have account on Music Beta, view it in your web browser on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad and see how it runs beautifully. Save it as a bookmark on your home screen and a nice icon will be added. music.google.com

Five Little Monkeys eBooks – “Five little monkeys jumping on the bed.. one fell off and bump his head. Mamma called the doctor and the doctor said… no more monkeys jumping on the bed!” I’m sure you’ve all heard of this book and watching it animated is so much more fun! There’s great narration and you can read the book or have it automatically play. This week, all the Little Monkey eBooks are on sale for 99 cents. They’re normally $2.99! Apps are all universal, so you cam play them on your iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad!

• Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
• Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car
• Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree
• Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do

Popularity: 3% [?]

iPad Stand Review: Bracketron iTilt

Are you always on the go? Need an iPad stand that can keep up with you? The iTilt by Bracketron is probably the thinnest tablet stand on the market. You can tuck it away in your suitcase without taking much valuable space!

This ultra slim iPad stand can hold your device in both portrait and landscape mode in eight convient viewing angles. The non-slip feet at the bottom of the stand holds your iPad securely on your desk.

With this stand, there’s just one thing you have to be careful of. When lifting your iPad out of the stand, you may pull onto the back of it and then unhook the stand’s back support. This doesn’t matter too much if you were taking the iPad out of the stand. But if you were just moving the stand onto another position on your desk, the back support could make the whole stand fall down.

Overall, the iTilt iPad stand is highly portable, functional, and quite affordable. It’s also compatible with both the iPad 1 and iPad 2., as well as most other tablets and eReaders on the market.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 · Bracketron.com · $19.95 · Amazon ($9.46)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Bracketron for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Hands-on Review of the HP TouchPad

The HP TouchPad came and left without a warning. But for those lucky few who got their hands on one, congratulations! For $99, this device is worth every penny.

Read my complete review of the HP TouchPad on GeekBeat.TV

Popularity: 1% [?]

Labor Day Weekend Sale on iPhone and iPad Apps!

For those of you who have Labor Day off, I hope you’re enjoying the long weekend! And in honor of Labor Day Weekend, many iPhone and iPad apps are on sale! Be sure to get them as soon as you can as these sales won’t last long!

Monopoly – is a must-have game for your iPhone and iPad! Send your Prius, Battleship, Thimble, etc. across the board as you purchase and trade properties! Play in various modes — against the computer, against your friends, and even via wifi/bluetooth. The animation is a lot of fun! Normally $9.99 for the iPad version, on sale for just $1.99 this weekend.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($1.99 – 80% off)

Words with Friends – This is one of the most addictive Word games across many platforms, including iOS, Android, and Facebook. Play one-on-one games with your friends. Connect to Facebook to find all of your friends too (recent new update). Enjoy an ad-free version for just 99 cents this weekend — both on iPhone and iPad! Normally $2.99.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Angry Birds Season – I’m sure by now you know what Angry Birds are! The latest update to Seasons version has 30 new levels for the Moon Festival celebrations! Find and collect the hidden moon cakes and have fun! The new obstacles are absolutely adorable.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPad Version ($1.99)

Scrabble – Gather your friends around to play a round of Scrabble — everyone’s favorite word game! In party mode, the iPad becomes your game board. Have everyone else with iOS devices download Scrabble Tile Rack (Free) and they’ll be able to throw their letter pieces onto the board! It’s quite amazing to watch how the devices communicate with one another. Other modes are also available, but Party Mode is certainly the most entertaining. Best of all, you won’t lose any game pieces when it’s over. ;) Normally $9.99, it’s on sale for 99 cents.
iPhone/iPod Version (99 cents) | iPhone / iPod Lite Version (Free) | iPad Version ($1.99 cents)

Zombie Infection – Action-adventure game where you fight your way through hordes zombies. Amazingly realistic graphics that’s a must for zombie lovers. Be aware of realistic violence. Game is available on both iPhone and iPad platforms. Normally $6.99, this is a sale too hot to miss! iPhone Version (99 cents) | iPhone Lite Version (Free) | iPad Version (99 cents)

Max and the Magic Marker – This game is so much fun! It’s the winner of the Independent Games Festival 2010 (IGF) D2D Vision Award and I can see why. Take Max on journey and draw with his magic marker to get him to avoid obstacles or capture more ink plots! Normally $4.99 for the iPad version, it’s on sale this weekend only for 99 cents (for both iPhone and iPad versions)! iPhone/iPod Touch Version (99 cents) | iPhone/iPod Touch Lite Version (Free) |
iPad Version (99 cents – 80% off) | iPad Lite Version (Free)

James Cameron’s Avatar – Enter the beautiful, yet dangerous world of Pandora. The game takes place two decades prior to the movie and you get to be the first experimental avatar. Experience your new powers in your new body as you and the Na’vi become one. The graphics are just amazing and is like watching the movie as you play. Definitely worth every penny. Once $9.99, this beautiful game is now only 99 cents, so get it before the sale is over. The iPhone/iPad version is not on sale, but there is a lite version you can try. The game is huge, so be sure you’re on wifi before downloading. iPhone/iPod Touch Lite Version (Free) | iPad Version (99 cents) | iPhone/iPod Touch Version ($99 cents)

Geared – a beautifully designed puzzle game where you try to fit gears into place to make them spin like clockwork! With over 150 unique levels, this game is quite challenging and an excellent brain teaser. The iPad version is free for this week only.
iPhone/iPod Touch Version (Free) | iPhone/iPod Touch Lite (Free) | iPad Version (Free) | Geared 2 – Universal App (Free)

Zombie Highway – Who doesn’t love fighting zombies while speeding down a highway? Steer your device and smash into debris to get them off your car, or have your backseat passenger shoot at them. Normally 99 cents, but free for a limited time.
Universal App (Free)

Halftone – Add a beautiful vintage halftone-style printing effect to your photos. Choose from 21 paper styles, 9 layouts, and 6 talk bubble styles to decorate your photos. Take photos right from the app, or import from your photo roll. Fun app to create comic-like photos. Normally $1.99. Universal App (Free)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Artists! Would you consider buying an Wacom Inlinking?

I think the new Wacom Inkling looks amazing! I simply love the new technology, but I only wish it came out a few years ago.. I simply can’t justify buying something like this, especially since I can very well draw on my iPad.

What is it exactly?

The Inkling bridges the gap between traditional, freehand sketching and digital development by capturing a digital likeness of a pen-on-paper sketch.

The Inkling digital sketch pen captures a digital likeness of your work while you sketch with its ballpoint tip on any sketchbook or standard piece of paper. Designed for rough concepting and creative brainstorming, Inkling is ideal for the front end of the creative process. Later, refine your work on your computer using an Intuos4 tablet or Cintiq interactive pen display.

What do you think? Is this something you’d consider purchasing? Why or why not?

Popularity: 1% [?]

Review: Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case

If you own an Apple smart cover for your iPad, I bet you love it. It flips, folds, stands, protects the front screen and makes your iPad more useful. But sometimes, you may find that the smart cover falls off too easily. For example, when you’re reading in bed and you slightly shift the iPad’s position, the cover just pops off. Although the magnet is strong, oftentimes, it will remove itself from the iPad when you prefer it not to.

That’s where the Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case comes in! It’s a light back cover for the iPad 2 that works seamlessly with your Apple Smart cover. It’s form fitting, looks great, and you’ll hardly notice it’s there. It protects the back side of your iPad 2 very well, but what makes this back cover stand out is the side hinge holder (custom molded feather, as they call it) that holds your iPad 2 smart cover in place. Yes, that means no falling off when you don’t want it to. You can have the Apple Smart cover open and hold onto that, and it won’t shake off.

The Smart Feather also has cut outs so all your buttons and ports are available. In addition, the Smart Feather also comes with the Incipio^® Vanity Kit, which is one clear screen protector, applicator card, and cleaning cloth.

The Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case comes in an array of colors that compliments the Apple Smart Covers — black, gray, blue, green, orange, pink, red, cream, tan, navy, and frost (lovely if you want to see the Apple logo through it).

Rating: 4.5 starts out of 5 · MyIncipio.com · $34.99 · Amazon ($24.86)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Incipio for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 1% [?]