The Guys at Simply Zesty have put together what i think is the best iOS 7 concept i have seen yet. Check out their full blog post here 

Here are some of the Pics

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Source Simply Zesty

With the launch of iOS& only weeks away its expected that Apple with the influence of Sir Jonny Ive will come out with a fresh take on iOS, It badly needs it and here are some ideas people are coming up with for a new UI

What Others Say

“This is the Rolls Royce of iPad cases” – Engadget
“I’m a convert now. Its a sturdy, classy design” – Macworld
“It will make nearly any customer happy” – TUAW
“The perfect marriage of beauty, function and style” – CrunchGear
“A high-end iPad case” – Forbes
“The look and feel of a luxury, hardcover notebook” – The New York TimesThe guys at Snugg sent me on one of their iPad cases to try out here are my findings

The DODOcase Book Case  for iPad 3/4 is made from all natural materials, using a black Moroccan cloth bound around a solid bamboo  core, complete with a four-piece tray design. The frabric cover gives your iPad the tactile feel you’ve been missing since you switched over to digital media, and as well as being good to hold the case folds back to form a stand . The Classic iPad  book case keeps to the pads curvature, giving access to all buttons and ports, including the rear-facing camera.

Functionality
The DODOcase Classic provides auto sleep/wake function and clear access to buttons, ports and dock connector and rear camera port. Propping the case for viewing is hit-or-miss, depending on the surface. The case works best for typing modes, or simply hand-held.The features smart magnets that work well, coupled with the strap.  The case’s sleep/wake feature works well, and I have yet to notice any ‘connection’ issues that cause the iPad to unlock while closed.The strap has a quality elastic that securely holds the iPad into place.

Protection
The solid bamboo core fits the iPad perfectly and offers a good trade-off between weight and protection. Lack of padding doesn’t help against crushing impacts. Like most book bound case, this one does well to shield the tablet against everyday wear and tear.

Quality
Handmade in San Francisco, the overall construction in excellent. The natural materials mean that it might not last as long as a metal or ballistic plastic cases, but the fit and binding is perfect.

Value
Sophistication doesn’t come cheap, as you might expect from a handmade all-natural case. However, being able to pull out your iPad in the café without getting looked down on by the cute barista? Priceless.

Model: DODOcase Classic Case for iPad 4 / 3 – Charcoal

Company: DODOcase

Compatibility: iPad 3/4

List Price: €47.99

Buy Now:iPad case

?t=1m20s

I am not doing the Monday Keynote year by year its very random and really down to my personal taste this is another one of my favourite  “one more thing” from Macworld 2002. When Steve Jobs Launched one of the coolest personal computers ever invented. And in my humble opinion still the best looking Mac. Jump the 1:20 to see Steve introduce the iMac

The guys at Snugg sent me on one of their iPad cases to try out here are my findings

Snugg’s sent me one of their US Military Desert Camouflage Canvas folio-style case for the iPad 3 it provides a simple but stylish way to protect your device, with the added function of a stand, stylus holder and hand strap.

Slot the iPad into the case for a comfortable fit, secured in place with Velcro. If you’re planning on using Snugg’s stylus to interact with your tablet’s touchscreen, be sure to pull out the loop above the front facing camera cutout, which is designed to provide safekeeping for the pen.

When in the case with the front closed, almost all of the iPad is covered, leaving just enough exposed to allow access to all of the ports and buttons.

Open the case and you’ll notice that the iPad wakes up, due to the Snugg’s magnetic sleep and wake capabilities. The magnets are suitably strong enough to eliminate the worry that the front might flap open when you don’t want it to, but not too strong that it’s tricky to access your iPad quickly.

The Snugg case’s interior is made with soft nubuck fibre to protect against scratches, and there is an elasticated hand strap designed to make it easier to hold the iPad while you’re using it. This, however, doesn’t work as well as i would have liked , because there is no way to keep the front firmly folded back on itself. That said, it’s only a minor quibble, and the rest of the case’s design and functionality impressed us.

As a Stand…

It’s one of the sturdiest stands built into a folio cover we’ve seen, and can be positioned in a low landscape angle for typing, a more upright landscape position for FaceTime and movies, and a surprisingly sturdy portrait option.

Camera cut-out

The cutouts for the front and back cameras of the iPad are well positioned to ensure that the case doesn’t obstruct the lens. It’s worth noting that there are still several cases out there that don’t even have a cutout for the rear camera, so we’re pleased to see Snugg hasn’t omitted that feature too.

As for the overall design, the case doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad and isn’t exceptionally heavy. It’s professional looking and manufactured to a high standard. If you’re in love with the iPad’s design, though, there’s no doubt you’ll miss it with this case.

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What’s Good: 

• Multi-functional
• Very Affordable
• Lots of different Styles to choose from
• Three stand positions
• Nearly provides complete protection

• Hand strap doesn’t work well; disguises the design of the iPad.
• Also, this case doesn’t provide any corner protection.  While it may make the case slightly more stylish, it does leave your iPad vulnerable in the event of a drop.

Conclusion: This is a good case.  And i can see why so many people are more than satisfied with it.  That said, there are a few things to think about.  such as the corner protection issue, but chances are, you can probably live with them.

Rating ★★★★★ 3.5

Model: Snugg iPad 3 Case Cover and Flip Stand in US Military Desert Camouflage Canvas

Company: The Snugg

Compatibility: iPad 3

List Price: £34.999

Buy Now: http://www.thesnugg.co.uk or amazon.com

This is a piece written  by one of our New Contributors here on Irish Apple Blog Les Yates

There is no doubt the iPad is quickly becoming a permanent feature in classrooms, lecture theatres and boardrooms alike. I can’t help but feel we’re edging ever close to a future where taking notes with a pen and paper will one day be an antiquated practice future generations will be learning about in such classrooms.

It hasn’t taken long for people to realise the iPad is a brilliant tool for taking notes, viewing lectures, sharing content and pretty much organising your life.

However one small criticism is the shape of the iPad itself. Sitting down in a lecture theatre, it’s surprising how close you are to the stranger next to you, and it suddenly becomes a tricky task to hold your iPad for hours on end while attempting to type on the 9.7 inch screen.

Fortunately there are many iPad-savvy obsessives who have created a solution and turn the tablet into the perfect, portable writing device. The iPad keyboard is the ideal add-on tool for note taking while in the classroom and will allow you to write on a physical keyboard. The best part is the majority fold away into a protective cover, meaning the device stays as a writing tool which can fit right into your handbag, backpack, or simply to carry round with you.

As more and more people are purchasing tablets, I’ve suggested the top apps for taking notes, in or out of the classroom and meeting room.

The top note taking Apps

Evernote

Evernote is one of the most popular note taking tool. It’s slightly different to any other, yet the organisation is unmatched. The typing interface isn’t all that impressive, but the App automatically syncs notes to your computer and phone, making it a vital tool if you regularly use multiple devices.

If you need to record in a lecture, seminar or presentation, Evernote also lets you voice record the entire thing, as well as keeping your notes open at the same time.

Notability

Apple lists Notability as the best selling not taker of 2012. This app provides you with everything you need for keeping notes. If you’re without a keyboard, the format can take some practice to master. The best feature is the option to effortlessly switch between text and scribbling functions.

Pages

Apple’s own App had to appear in here somewhere. If you know you’re going to be exclusively typing your notes and sharing them with a Mac then this is the perfect tool. Seamless integration with iWork and Apple hardware makes Pages the perfect iPad note taking tool for die-hard Apple fans. I wouldn’t recommend it however for those of you looking to share your notes with a PC.

uPad

If you’re more of a visual learner then I would certainly recommend this app. Handy tools and stylus-based software allows you to draw diagrams, mark up images and type all on your interactive notepad. The App features lots of templates from monthly planners to doodle ready landscapes.

iAnnotate PDF

iAnnotate PDF has an intuitive interface and comprehensive, customisable set of features which allows you to annotate, manage and share documents from your iPad to a Mac or PC. This app is particularly perfect for PDF annotation, allowing you to take notes on lecture slides, annotating important business documents, revising papers and much more.

About the author: Les Yates is Marketing Manager at online retailers The Snugg, which create a variety of iPad keyboard cases, turning your iPad into the ideal typing tablet.

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The two USB ports are marked “phones” and “pads,” and they put out different amounts of power: 500 mA from the “phone” port and 1.5A from the “pad” port. I found the “pad” port worked with an Apple iPad 3 . Once you plug in your gadget, you hold down the button on top of the battery for a few minutes to start charging.

The XP4001 fully charged my iPhone 5 and iPad 4 and there was still enough in it for another iPhone top up.

The XP4001 requires an external, AC power adapter to charge itself,this is a bit of a pain particularly as the supply you are given is a US 2 Pin AC. but i was supplied with a US to Uk adaptor.To be fair once you charge up the power pack you will not need to charge it again for another while as it will give your phone about 2-3 charges

The cables that comes with the Energizer XP4001 are short, curly, and don’t terminate in standard microUSB ends. Instead, you get six plug-in “tips” that can terminate in microUSB, miniUSB, Apple 30 pin dock connectors or Nokia, Samsung, or LG older proprietary phone connectors. This is a useful solution for people who don’t already have their own USB cables, or for older devices that don’t charge over USB.

What’s Good:

• Solid build quality
• Comes with cables for various devices.
• Charges up relatively quickly.
• Can handle higher-drain phones & Tablets
• All ports are accessible.

• Separate AC adapter
• Requires UK adapter for the AC as only supplied one is US 2 pin
• No Apple lighting connector or tip comes with the package. So if you are using an iPhone 5 iPad 4 or iPad Mini you will require a Micro USB to lightening adaptor (in pic above) or 30 pin to lighting adaptor

Conclusion: The Energizer XP4001 will recharge your iPhone or iPad on the go so its does what it says on the tin……………but if you are using any of Apple’s latest devices you will need to buy an additional Micro USB to lightening adaptor (in pic above) or 30 pin to lighting adaptor . These will set you back about €30.00. The device itself is priced right at the moment so go grab it ASAP

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Energizer XP4001

Company: www.xpalpower.com

Compatibility: iPhone,iPad & all mobile devices

List Price: €23.49 (Sale Price)

Buy Now:iPhone 5 battery or iPhone 5 accessories

The people OtterBox Cork contacted me a number of weeks ago to try out their Reflex Case for the new iPad.Ive had it on my iPad now a few weeks and here are my thoughts.

So where does the Reflex fit in then the (slimmer) alternative to the Defender Series cases.

Here is what Otterbox say about the new case

Our engineers and industrial designers carefully considered every aspect of the new iPad 3 to create a simple, yet protective case. Inspired by the crumple zone of a car, the Reflex Series new iPad 3 case features a unique dual material combination of polycarbonate and silicone. Cushions of air in the corners allow the case to flex and absorb any impact force. This new iPad 3 case not only takes a hit, it recoils and springs back, ready to protect again. If you’re looking for strong yet sleek protection, look no further than the Reflex Series case for the new iPad 3.

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What’s Good: 

• Solid build quality as what you would expect from Otterbox
• Funky colours
• Confidence that if you dropped your iPad you would have a very good chance that it will come out ok
• Variety of different colours to choose from
• Less bulk than its big brother the original Defender Series
• I found the stand excellent views levels are decent.
• Clear view of the Apple Logo at the back
• All ports are accessible.

• No screen protector comes with the pack.
• The stand/cover once folder up into stand mode can be difficult at times to unlock and return it to cover mode.

Conclusion: Look this case is for a particular type of iPad user.Its not going to win any awards at the sexy iPad Cases Awards but what Otterbox have done with this case is to bring a fun/funky kinda mad looking alternative to the Defender  . I enjoyed using this case and the funny looks i got from people when they saw me pulling it out of my bag, having used the Defender for the iPad 3 i guess i was kinda already spoiled but if you want something different (enjoy getting those strange looks ) and can deal with not having a built in screen protector this is a very decent case to protect your expensive investment.

So if you are looking for a case to babysit you’re iPad while you’re iPad babysits you’re kids the Otterbox Reflex has to be on the list.

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Reflex Series

Company: www.otterbox.com

Compatibility: iPad 3 & iPad 4

List Price: $69.95

Buy Now: www.otterbox.com or amazon.com

The kind people at mobilefun.com contacted me a number of days ago to try out Cygnett Lavish Folio Case with Stand for iPad Mini .Ive had it on my iPad mini now a few days now and here are my thoughts.

What Cygnett says about the case.

Lavish is sophisticated, travel friendly professional-look folio case. It features a secure magnetic tab closure for protection from bumps and scratches and the flexibility of two viewing angles. Enjoy access to all functions

What’s Good: 

• Solid quality finish
• Confidence that if you dropped your iPad mini you wont be left devastated
• A few different colours to choose from
• Professional looking case.
• Clear access to all ports.

• No Screen Protector supplied with case
• Magnetic closure weak and doesn’t close fully.
• Does not support iPad mini sleep/wake
• Doubles bulk & weight of iPad mini

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Lavish

Company: uk.cygnett.com

Compatibility: iPad mini

List Price: €43.99

Buy Now:  iPad Mini case

The awesome people at OtterBox Cork have sent me on one of the new Defenders for the new iPad mini to try out

At this stage you should know i am not a stranger to being “ottered” as i have always been a fan of how well Otterbox protects my iDevices.

Backround

The iPad Mini has been one of the most rumored, talked about, and now coveted Apple products in recent memory. And i personally am loving it.The fact of  having the full iPad OS in a smaller, thinner and lighter package is the true definition of a portable tablet for many. But once you get the tablet in your hands, you’ll likely feel that if this device is really going to go everywhere with you, it’ll need a case to keep it protected. Just days after the iPad Mini was released by Apple, Otterbox made their Defender Series case available.

How many of you have dropped you’re iPhone,iPod,iPad ?, did you have that moment of absolute panic just as it hit the ground? your iPhone was either OK, scratched, cracked or passed through the pearly gates to meet its maker., I am paranoid about my iDevices getting damaged in any way. So, ever since my first iPhone 3G I have always had a case on it and yes no matter how case makers try you are never going to get a case that improves the look of a naked iPad mini which in my opinion is the sexiest iDevice ever released by Apple but i still prefer not to take a risk and do the best i can to guarantee mine would never get a scratch on it

About The Defender Series

The engineers at Otterbox developed the Defender Series iPad mini case to create the most usable and protective solution possible. The inner shell of the iPad mini case is constructed from impact resistant polycarbonate that includes a padded-foam interior that has shock absorbing properties and protects the back of your iPad from scuffs and scrapes. A screen protector is built into the polycarbonate shell to protect against scratches without compromising sensitivity. The outer layer is made from rugged silicone and absorbs impact while the textured exterior provides added grip. Finally, a shield stand acts as a protective cover to either the front or back of the case and doubles as a stand for typing or viewing.

Otterbox has been making iDevices cases since the beginning and have many choices depending on your wallet and stress level. As i said i have used the Defender cases and straight off i have to say I prefer the Defender ahead of Otterbox’s other offerings.

Putting a case on this beautiful creation that is the iPad Mini almost feels wrong at first. But start using the Mini for a while, and like any Apple device, you’ll be setting it down on tables, benches, and even the floor. You quickly realize that to keep the anodized aluminum scratch and ding free, you either have to be extremely careful, or some level protection is required.

What’s Good: 

• Solid quality finish
• Confidence that if you dropped your iPad mini you wont be left devastated
• A few different colours to choose from
• Built in Screen Protector
• I found the stand excellent to use.
• There are soft flaps over the 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top and the lightning port on the bottom

• Home button that bit tough to press down on.
• If dust gets behind the screen protector taking this case off is a bit of a chore and getting the inside of the screen clean again can be a struggle.
• Does not support iPad mini sleep/wake
• Doubles bulk & weight of iPad mini

Rating ★★★★★

Model: Defender Series

Company: www.otterbox.com

Compatibility: iPad mini

List Price: $69.95

Buy Now: www.otterbox.com or amazon.com