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May8

Wacom’s Bamboo Stylus Duo for iPad

Posted in: Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology

Wacom, pioneers in the digital tablet market (and recent interactive displays) for creatives, also carries a range of Bamboo tablets and stylus pens for the iPad. There’s two stylus versions available: the Solo and the Duo. The $10 price difference between the two includes the Duo’s additional built-in ink tip on the opposite end of the stylus. I was sent the Stylus Duo for review (currently only available in black).

As a comparison point, the Solo is only slightly longer at 120 mm than Griffin’s stylus at 110 mm. The Duo is 131 mm (I chose not to include a photo with the Griffin, as I’m only comparing the Solo’s length with their model).

From a design perspective, the Bamboo is both sleek and modern, with a minimalistic thin Bamboo logo emblazoned on the pen cap. The tip is more pointed than others I’ve seen, and on the iPad, very responsive to movement. The cap can be placed on either end depending on your needs. The ink is black (my personal preference over blue), with a fine point.

It would be great to see the Duo offered in a few colours, perhaps in a more refined colour palette than the Solo’s current range.

Overall, I preferred this slightly longer stylus for added control when using the iPad. The stylus also responds well to pressure, perfect for drawing and adding textured lines to your work. It’s also easy to jot down notes using SketchPad Pro HD.

Speaking of sketch apps, I’ve also been playing with the Bamboo Paper iPad app (free limited version; $1.99 full version includes 20 notebooks as well as cloud archiving and notebook sharing). The app’s a fun way to create journals with doodles, photos (from your iPad’s camera rolls), and text.

I’m not sure what the full version offers in the way of colour choices, however the free app has a limited range of brush and pen colours to choose from. Wacom is also working on a future version of the app for Android devices.

The Stylus Duo weighs 20 grams and its nibs are both replaceable and compatible with the Bamboo Stylus solo (the version without a built-in pen).

The Bamboo Stylus Duo retails for US $39.95. London Drugs sells the Solo for $29.99, as does Staples. In Canada, the Stylus Duo is available online; local retailers will be added in the near future.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Bamboo Stylus Duo for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

May1

PixelSkin HD Wrap for iPad3

Posted in: Product Reviews, Technology

Speck has recently launched their PixelSkin HD Wrap for the 3rd generation iPad. This case follows the same design as the rest of the PixelSkin series. Speck offers two PixelSkin patterns: the HD pattern as well as the iPhone4/4S and iPod Touch “low res” version, incorporating a larger pixel pattern.

The PixelSkin HD Wrap has a semi-flexible shell with four sturdy panels that bend both ways.

The headphone, rear camera, side switch, speaker, and dock connector are all precisely cut and are well protected by the beveled edges. However, the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are fully covered. I tested both sets of buttons and discovered no decrease in their functionality by their being covered.

The back of the PixelSkin HD Wrap is soft and pliable with a glossy finish, coupled with a matte grid pattern for both style and feel.

The raised Speck logo is centered vertically along the middle. The photo below depicts the Peacock Blue colour most accurately.

The front of the case matches the back, with a hard plastic clip to both secure and put the iPad to sleep.

I’d read several online reviews mentioning occasional failure for the iPad to wake up (or go to sleep) with this case, but I’ve been testing this all afternoon and so far, it does what it’s cut out to do. As long as the clasp is clicked into place, the iPad3 will sleep; when unclasped, it awakens.

This feature can definitely make or break a case, as the last thing an iPad owner would want is the battery to be drained by a malfunctioning case.

The next important PixelSkin HD Wrap feature is the viewing and typing angles offered. I tried my iPad with both, on a solid surface.

Both work fine, but once off a tabletop or other sturdy surface, the panels have a tendency to unravel.

Pros
Magnetic sleep/awake feature
Protective case with beveled edges and well-designed iPad port cut-outs
Available in pretty colours as well as in black
Beautiful design carried across several Speck electronic accessory case lines

Cons
Viewing stand (high position) tugs on case if not properly fitted and falls off if moved too much
Both viewing and typing angles work better on a stable surface
Would be more convenient if both viewing angles could be used without unfolding panels first (e.g. Apple’s Smart Cover)

The PixelSkin HD Wrap retails for US $49.95 and is available in Cobalt, Pomodoro, Peacock, Bubblegum, Grape, and Black. I also found the case at Amazon Canada that includes the free Super Saver shipping option.

Disclosure note: I was sent the PixelSkin HD Wrap for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

Apr12

jill-e Everywear Gadget Bag + Promo

Posted in: Bags, Fashion, Gadgets, Product Reviews

As gadgets keep churning out of the tech world, so do bags that can carry them all securely and comfortably. Case in point, jill-e’s Everywear Gadget Bag. I was just sent the black version (also available in Nougat) for review.

Part of their Classic Collection line, the Everywear Gadget Bag is small yet fits a variety of gadgets for women on the go.

DSLR and lens compartments, a padded, removable iPad/digital e-reader sleeve, point and shoot cameras, cables, smart phones, everything and anything can pretty much fit inside.

I tested it with a DSLR, 18-200mm zoom lens, Nikon Speedlight SB-700, and the new iPad. All fit well with room to spare.

The two front outer pockets snap shut and can hold smart phones, point and shoot cameras, chargers, etc. There’s an external zippered pocket in back for more notes, an MP3 player, etc.

There’s also an interior organizer that will fit pens, digital stylus, keys, business cards, credit cards, a notepad, etc. This is something I look for in all my bags, as it’s the only way I can keep track of certain items such as a bus pass, pens, receipts and business cards!

The leather handles have a 9.5″ drop and can be worn over the shoulder as well as hand-carried. I love the compact size and the fact that I can go out without looking like the photographer in the room.

The exterior is made with weather-resistant nylon and top quality leather trim (handles, zipper pulls, both front pocket flaps). The bottom contains four tiny metal feet to protect the surface.

Pros
Great for carrying a number of electronic items as well as personal items
Doesn’t look like a conventional camera bag
Padded, removable iPad/digital reader case
Weighs only 1.5 lbs (.68 kg)
Modern compact design

Cons
I couldn’t find any, but it would be great to see this offered in a few more colours

The Everywear Gadget Bag’s Dimensions
12″ (30.48 cm) L x 7″ (17.78 cm) W x 10″ (25.40 cm) H

As a promotional tie-in with jill-e, I’m offering my readers a 20% coupon code on the Everywear Gadget Bag. All you have to do is 1) “Like” their Facebook page, 2) mention this review in a comment on the jill-e Facebook page, and 3) send an email to info [at] jill-e [dot] com.

Jill-e will then send you a coupon code for the Everywear Gadget Bag via email, to use on their website.

The jill-e Everywear Gadget Bag retails for US $99.99 and is available online. Standard shipping service to BC will cost US $24.50.

Disclosure note: I was sent the Everywear Gadget Bag for the purpose of writing this review as well as the Facebook partnership promotion: cmply.2