Otterbox Defender iPad Case

The iPad has established itself as one of the coolest gadgets of the year, and is a must have if you love Apple.  Its large display, crystal clear screen, and a multitude of features make it one of the most impressive tablets on the market.  Check out Mobile Magazine’s iPad review here. However, like all iDevices, they do leave something to be desired in the area of durability.

Fortunately, or unfortunately in respects to decision making, there are multitudes of cases available for you to buy.  The most noteworthy iPad case on the market is the Otterbox Defender.  It features three layers of protection, a screen protector, and a hefty $90 price tag.  Otterbox has made quality cases in the past for countless mobile devices, Blackberry’s and the iPhone 3G/3GS; but can the iPad version of the Defender live up to expectations?

Features and Design
The case itself consists of three layers: a hard inner shell, silicon outer shell, and hard outside shell with stand, this protects the screen on the go.   The layers all overlap like a suit of advanced armor providing for maximum protection with very few weaknesses.  A removable tab allows you to easily access the dock connector without removing the entire case. The materials are incredibly well made and light, considering the amount of protection you’re planning on getting. They protect your iPad against bumps, shocks, drops and dust intrusion. But it will not protect your iPad from water.

Back side of the Otterbox Defender iPad case, without the front guard clipped on.

Overall Performance
Ergonomically, the stand and screen protector work well for your everyday use.  All buttons are accessible, and the stand/outer shell works great in portrait mode. The screen protector allows you to use your iPad’s touch screen with no problems whatsoever if applied correctly. Its a thin film of plastic that sticks to your display flawlessly  That being said, the case’s only weakness is the standard full screen sized adhesive protector. You need a very clean surface and a bit of patience to get it right.  The cardboard air bubble remover is essential to getting it right.  Once you do, it’s on for good and hardly noticeable.

The Defender is tough, but I’m not going to say it’s indestructible.  The hard layers protect from big bangs, while the silicone absorbs shocks from falls, covers your ports, and can really save the day in case of an accidental drop.  It can stand up to some pretty decent drops.  I’ll go as far to say that you’ll have to look to break the case, in order for it to be broken.

Wireless connectivity does suffer a tad when wrapped in its protective sheath. I noticed on average a 30% reduction in signal strength. One trade off in respects to near indestructibility.

This is the front protective cover/stand which clips on the back when not in use.

Bottom Line
Despite the high price tag, and the generic screen protector, I highly recommend the Otterbox Defender for your iPad.  If you’re using it in an environment where “shit happens,” this case is the one you want. It’s the strongest and best-made case I’ve come across since I bought  my iPad.  It may be expensive and not waterproof, but the extra $90 you spend on the case could very well save the $500+ investment you’ve put into your iPad, so long as it doesn’t take a dip.

Check out the photos in the gallery for the stand, and other angles.

Otterbox Defender iPad case – $90 from Otterbox

The post Otterbox Defender iPad case review: Best rugged case money can buy appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

iPhone 3gs and iPhone 4, should you upgrade?

With all of the pandemonium surrounding the iPhone 4, the question surrounding Apple’s new masterpiece is: should I upgrade?  The decision right now fueled by the excitement of innovation and hype is to do so, but if you take a step back and think, it may not be as clear as you had imagined.

Certain situations warrant the upgrade, while others do not. If you own a 3G or less, then upgrading as soon as possible could be what you need to do.  Let’s face it, your 3G is at least two years old, probably scratched, not looking too fresh and is filled to the brim with music, apps, and other goodies.  It served you well, but it’s sluggish and inferior to the speed you have evolved to in respects to navigating and loading apps on your device. Perhaps your contract with AT&T has expired.  The iPhone 4 will be available to you for less, and you can retain your unlimited data plan which is a huge bonus since AT&T recently discontinued it for new users.

If you have a 3GS, then it may serve you well just to hang on a little longer.  It’s still a pretty solid iPhone.  It performs well, the newer processor is pretty speedy, faster then the 3G, but lets face it, its no A4.

The 8GB or 16GB 3GS still performs decently, but may be lacking the space you need. The 32GB could be all you need.  You will get the iOS4 update bringing you up in that department, and your battery could be still running strong so running this bad boy into the ground a little longer won’t hurt.

The iPhone 4 doesn’t have 4G speeds yet, and that will probably be the next thing on Steve Jobs’ agenda as we head into 2011.   It does have the front facing camera for video chat, the speedy A4, which from my iPad experience is going to put an end to lag in most apps.  The upgraded HD camera and LED flash are also a huge improvement.  And if you’re the guy who has to have the latest and greatest, then why are you even reading this?

But of course, stick with what works for you.  Just weigh out the benefits of an upgrade against the cons, and remember, you are dealing with another expense come June 24.

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Sprint rumored to get next-generation iPhone

Over the last year or so rumors have been running rampant over the release of a Verizon iPhone.  AT&T’s exclusivity contract with Apple is ending, several carriers are looking to get the world’s most popular smartphone in their stores and on their network.  While Verizon is still most likely to get the iPhone 4G (4th generation), another popular carrier also looks promising; Sprint.  This comes from a series of emails between a Best Buy Employee and The Tech Update. The email states that Best Buy will be carrying a Sprint iPhone beginning in June.  The source or store that the employee works at will obviously not reveal themselves, as they probably don’t want to end up losing their job and getting their house raided by big bro..er Apple.

While this is purely speculation, and there is a fair possibility that the employee in question is lying.  I personally think it’s very possible that a Sprint iPhone is going to happen.  It makes a ton of sense.  If Apple is no longer going to be exclusive to any one carrier, that it get on as many carriers as possible; even more so with recent reports of Android gaining momentum over the iPhone in the past months.  All we can do is wait for June to arrive and see if it gets released, if not I will run down the street with my pants down declaring my love for Android.

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White iPhone 4G spotted, nearing closer to launch date

In a follow up to the previous leak of the white iPhone 4G, new photos have surfaced showing more detail and features of the white model.

The new photo, compliments of Apple.pro (site currently down), has both the white and black iPhone 4G prototypes side by side.  The LCD and interface are similar to the infamous Gizmodo leak iPhone.  Seeing this version makes me think it will be released simultaneously with the black one.  Apple could open the color palate similar to iPods, but that’s highly unlikely.  Expect the Apple iPhone 4th generation/HD to be released in June of 2011.

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iPhone 4g to be available in white

As the last six months have progressed, the world of Apple has been almost totally dominated by the iPhone 4G and its rumors (with the exception of the magical iPad of course).  The rumors have ranged from screen resolution, to front-facing cameras, and now the newest one concerns the aesthetics of the device.

The upcoming iPhone 4G is rumored to come in either a black or white shell.  This rumor stems from a Taiwanese website called Apple.pro.  Their post shows photos of matching prototype shells in both variants.   While the iPhone 3GS came available in black and white, it seemed unlikely that the 4G would because no photos of it have surfaced.  However, these latest seem to be real as they contain features that match the prototype’s size and front facing camera slot.  Look for the announcement of the new iPhone to come as soon as early as June.

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Affidavit released pertaining to "stolen" iPhone 4G prototype

The missing iPhone 4G that Gizmodo acquired has been the most popular in a slew of found iPhone prototypes that have arisen over the last few weeks.  Since the Gizmodo iPhone 4G was found, there has been a controversy arisen as to how it was acquired, and the means Apple took to get it back.  Apple was so desperate to get the iPhone prototype back that it filed a warrant to retrieve the phone, and any related material to it. Now, the media has managed to get the Affidavit unsealed, making the details of the warrant available to the public.

The full report, available on Wired (PDF Link), is over 20 pages long, and sheds light on what was actually going on through the whole episode.  Inside the report, Apple and local Police considered Gizmodo legally at fault for receiving or purchasing stolen goods.  The report also states that several Gizmodo employees are now suspects in felonies.  Another key was the actual terms of sale of the iPhone prototype to Gizmodo were disclosed.  These payments included $8,500 for the device, and another bonus payment to be released if the new iPhone is released over the summer.

Perhaps most interesting in the report was the documentation of the falling apart in relations between Apple and Gizmodo over the iPad launch.  Brian Lam, editor of Gizmodo wrote an email to Steve Jobs, saying, “The thing is, Apple PR has been cold to us lately. It affected my ability to do my job right at iPad launch. So we had to go outside and find our stories like this one, very aggressively.”

The investigation is still ongoing, but it seems that for the time being, almost everything we have wanted to know about the episode have been answered.  The only remaining question of course is whether Gizmodo or the finder of the iPhone will be prosecuted.

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iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G Side by Side

With summer just around the corner, many of us tend to refresh our mobile phones.  Perhaps your contract is coming up, or you’ve just had enough of that damn phone shutting down on you sporadically. Whatever the reason may be, we’re going to make it a bit easier on you.  Many of you already have an iPhone (60% of Mobile Magazine reader’s according to an internal survey), that leaves the rest of you with something else.  If you’re out looking for a new phone, and the iPhone is a contender, the question remains: which iPhone is right for you?

It’s easy to say just go with the best, but for many that isn’t in your budget. If you want a cell phone and iPod built in, you can still get the iPhone 3G from many carriers.  It’s smaller, at 8 or 16 GB variants, and also the cheapest ($99).   But with 8/16GB that’s more than enough room for a couple days of music, and you even have room to spare for some apps.

If you are heavily into apps, or plan to be.  Have a vast collection of music, and generally want to do more, the iPhone 3GS may be the way to go.  It’s more expensive than a 3G, but with 16 and 32 GB storage capacities ($199 and $299 respectivefly).   Along with more storage you get a 3 megapixel camera, compared with 2 megapixels of the iPhone 3G.  You are getting autofocus too, and video recording, voice controls, and a compass.

If you already have an iPhone 3GS and want to buy a new iPhone, the only thing you can do at this point is wait for the iPhone 4G or iPhone HD, we’re still guessing what it will be called at this point.

The best recommendation I can make though, is to stick it out until June. This is when we expect the new iPhone 4 to come out.  It will without a doubt be superior to the iPhone 3GS,  however, it will be the most expensive.  Apple may drop the price of the 3GS and move the new model into that price category, or just up the anty and charge anywhere between $300-$600 for the models, and that’s with a contract.  On the flip side, the new 4.0 OS update will atleast be 3GS compatible, and that means multitasking too.  A side-by-side comparisson of both iPhone’s specs are available from Apple.

The post Interested in buying an iPhone? Here’s a few tips appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Press Your Luck iPhone Game

In Press Your Luck, you answer questions to earn spins on the Big Board which can win you sums of money, extra spins, or the dreaded Whammy.  Upon hitting a Whammy, an animation of a little red creature will appear on screen that will take your accumulated money in an always hilarious and backfiring way.  Land on four Whammies and the game is over.  The person with the most money at the end of the second round is the winner.

The show’s unique format allows it to blend with touch screens brilliantly.  Taps make up the simple controls of the game and there is NO learning curve to the game whatsoever.  The game emulates the original show precisely, and there is no deviation from the original game.

The app also emulates the original set with a rotating podium and big board.  You play as your own avatar, which you create from scratch, and can customize further the more you win.  Unlike other game show apps you are given specific challengers each game with the competition increasing in skill and clutchness as you progress.  All of the sets and avatars look great, and the Whammy animations are dead on. The sound effects and music in the app are taken exactly from the original game show, and the announcer of the app really does a great job.

The folks at Ludia made The Price is Right 2010 also made this game, they really show they’ve learned from what makes these apps good and bad and have created their best app so far.  It’s currently on sale in a launch special for only $3 on iTunes.  A must buy for all fans of the game show, or anyone who finds the concept of the app interesting.  It is also a better and cheaper alternative to other various versions which range from $15 to $30.

Download Press Your Luck from iTunes

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App Beast provides 60 utils for $1 on the iPhone

One of the coolest things about having an iPhone is all the available utility apps.  From battery meters, calendars, currency converters, to translators – they are great features to have on hand and can be very useful in many situations.  As time went on, app developers managed to lump several of these utilities into one convenient app.  This created extra space on the iPhone, and streamlined the icons on the device.   A new utility app called App Beast was released on iTunes that promises over 60 utility apps for the price of one.

At its core, App Beast delivers over 60 utility apps for your perusal.   Some of these apps are garbage, but there are others like referee calls, level, cocktail recipes, and tip calculators, that are handy.

Here is a list of all the apps in App Beast according to App Shopper:

1. iPod Alarm clock (Customize background and LCD Color!)
2. Contact Safe
3. Image Safe
4. Voice Memo
5. RSS Reader
6. Fullscreen Camera (with tons of tools!)
7. System Information (Memory)
8. Battery Info
9. Bubble Level
10. Parking finder
11. Image Filters (brightness, contrast, color tints, Black & White, and More)
12. Security Alarm
13. Fullscreen Private Web Browser
14. Flashlight (Customize Colors)
15. World Holidays & Your Events
16. Cocktails Recipes
17. Referee Calls
18. Neon Paint
19. Password Generator (Multiple types of protection settings)
20. Periodic Table of Elements
21. Metal Detector
22. BAC Calculator (Blood Alcohol Content)
23. BMI Calculator (Body Mass Index)
24. BMR Calculator (Basal Metabolic Rate)
25. Required Calories Generator by Activity level
26. THR Calculator (Target Heart Rate)
27. Max Rep Calculator
28. Tip Calculator
29. Currency Converter
30. Calculator
31. Random Number Generator
32. Tally Counter
33. Web Search (Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Ask)
34. Task Timers
35. Emoji Enabler
36. Traffic Information
37. Crazy Laws
38. Language Translator (over 50 Languages)
39. Dictionary
40. Thesaurus
41. Walk N Text
42. Fake Call
43. Fake SMS (Texting)
44. Fake Missed Calls
45. Fake Lock-Screen Alerts
46. Fake MMS
47. Contact Exporter (Export contacts to CSV File)
48. Group Email
49. Facebook tools
50. Twitter Tools
51. Notes
52. Fortune Teller
53. Famous Quotes (over 20,000!)
54. Metronome
55. Plum Bob
56. Altimeter
57. Massage
58. Light Rave
59. Contact Shortcuts (create shortcuts for SMS, CALLS, EMAILS)
60. Web Apps(Create shortcuts on home-screen for easy access later)
61. Theme Settings (Set themes for customized look across the app!)

On their own, these apps are not worth much, but combined into one sleek package, are definitely worth the $1, especially with the promise of new app additions in the future..  App Beast is almost James Bond like, as it has a bunch of cool gadgets, and even reflects the iPhone credo: “There’s an app for that.”

Download App Beast for the iPhone

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MLB at Bat 2010 on the iPhone

With baseball season just beginning, many MLB fans have been trying to find other ways to follow their favorite teams on a game by game basis. With the advent of MLB at Bat last year, iPhone and iPod Touch users gained the ability to listen to every single MLB game live on their device, which made the app a huge success. This year, a new MLB at Bat has been released that is a top app, and also the subject of controversy.

MLB at Bat 2010 contains all the features of the original and more. The ability to listen to every game live, choose your feed for each game, game cast, news, videos, and standings are all back. These features run well, with loud clear audio for the games.

New to this year is the ability to watch MLB games live. The video quality on these games are actually really good, and they run well with little lag. However, this is where the controversy begins. MLB at Bat gives you one free game per game, and not necessarily your home team’s game, I found one game to be completely garbage, and a game no one would want to watch. However, you can watch any MLB game on MLB at Bat by linking it up to your MLB.tv account, which costs $60 on top of the $15 your paying for the app. Needless to day, this app requires one lofty investment.

While MLB at Bat is an expensive app, it’s worth it if you’re a huge baseball fan. It gives you multiple feeds of every single radio broadcast and every single MLB game. It’s the perfect app for the baseball fan on the go, or for someone who wants to listen or watch baseball outside their home. I couldn’t justify buying the MLB.tv just because it’s so expensive, but if you already have it, then MLB at Bat is a must buy.  A lite version of the app is also available, but of course you won’t get the live streaming and several other key features.

Download MLB at Bat from iTunes ($14.99)

Download MLB at Bat Lite (Free)

Download At Bat 2010 for the iPad($14.99)

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