Marianne Schultz

the musings of a geeky girl

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Review: Smart Cover for iPad 2

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So, I waited in line for about 4.5 hours on Friday to get an iPad 2. By the time I got to the front of the line, the Apple Store was out of the AT&T 3G models, which was pretty disappointing since I’d had my heart set ona 32GB 3G model. I almost left the line then but decided to stick it out since I’d already been there for several hours. At about 6:00 p.m. I walked out with a 64GB Wi-Fi only version in black.

Of course, I set it up as soon as I got home and started using it right away. Compared to the first-generation iPad, the iPad 2 is faster and lighter. I didn’t think that the first iPad was slow before but there is a marked difference between it and the new iPad. And though the weight difference is slight between the two on paper, it is noticeable enough to make it easier for me to hold the iPad 2 for longer reading sessions, fortunately.
I also picked up one of Apple’s Smart Covers when I bought the iPad 2 since I was intrigued by the demo video posted on Apple’s site. At the last second, I opted for the black leather cover instead of the gray polyurethane one. Overall, I like the cover but I think it’s expensive for what it offers. I recorded a video review of it yesterday:
iFixIt just took apart the Smart Cover and found 21 magnets (!) in it, along with 10 in the iPad 2 to work with those in the Smart Cover. I love Apple’s level of attention to detail when it comes to product design.
Did you buy an iPad 2 and any accessories for it? How was your iPad 2 launch day experience?

The iPad 2 is an Evil Temptress

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First and foremost, I love my first-generation iPad. It’s primarily my ebook reader and doubles as a very portable tool for browsing the web, checking my email, and slashing fruit with a virtual sword (not to mention killing those dastardly green pigs). This week Apple announced the second-generation iPad with a few new features and a slimmer design, though not with any particularly earth-shattering specs overall. Despite this, I’m probably going to upgrade even though I don’t *need* the iPad 2.

Why am I going to upgrade? Well, I am an admitted Apple fangirl for one. But I’m particularly drawn to two things about the iPad 2: the thinner casing and the lighter weight.
My current iPad is a good little mostly-svelte workhorse but I do find it to be heavy for its primary purpose as an ebook reader for me. I do work out and lift weights so the iPad isn’t unwieldy in a sheer physical sense for me but it’s just not nearly as comfortable to hold for long periods of time as a Kindle. When I get sucked into a good book, I read for hours at a stretch, sometimes 8 or more hours in a row (which kills my weekend productivity, in case you were wondering).
(I’ve had a Kindle before and know first-hand that they are very good ereader devices. But I like the wider variety of things I can do with an iPad and prefer it over a single-purpose device like the Kindle. Of course, if I feel the burning need to use a Kindle instead, I can just borrow the one I got my husband for Christmas since he never really uses it anyway.)
At the media event, Steve Jobs said they’d shaved off about .2 lbs off the weight of the iPad 2 design. No, this doesn’t sound like much at all but I’m willing to bet I’ll notice it. While I’ll be sorry to say goodbye to my absolute favorite Vaja Agenda 2 case for my first-generation iPad, I look forward to trying out Apple’s new Smart Cover and other accessories as well.
Will you get the iPad 2?
If there’s anyone out there interested in buying a flawless 64GB 3G iPad that comes with the box and all accessories, let me know. 😉

Review: Quirky Cloak case for the iPad

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I (finally!) updated my site over the weekend and added my most recent iPad case review but hadn’t pointed it out here in my blog. The latest subject of my geeky scrutiny is the Quirky Cloak case for the iPad. You might recall that I did a video overview of this case when I first received it, and then I put it through its paces for the next couple of weeks to fully test it out to see how well it worked. And I’ll admit that I was completely relieved to finally be able to remove it from my iPad after that period.

I think the Cloak case is great in concept – it’s sturdy and protective and has some great built-in stand features. But it weighs a ton, nearly doubling the weight of the iPad itself. And it blocks the ambient light sensor, which is another significant negative for me.
The Cloak is currently on sale on Quirky’s site for $49.99, down from $54.99. If you’re looking for a very robust and protective case, the Cloak could still be a good choice for you even though it wasn’t for me. You can read my full written review of it here and see my video overview of it here.

Geek Alert: Listen to me on the everythingiCafe podcast

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I mentioned last month that I’m co-hosting a podcast for everythingiCafe.com, a great iOS/Mac site for which I’ve written in the past. The podcasts are available through iTunes and you can subscribe here if you’d like to make sure you’ll get the latest podcasts downloaded to your computer automatically.
The podcast is also broadcast live (you can watch and listen here: http://www.everythingicafe.com/live) and it’s looking like Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. ET is when you can tune in to hear Chris Meinck, the founder of everythingiCafe.com (and several other excellent sites), and me geek out. We cover the latest Mac and iOS-related news and also do a section called “Teh Awesome” each week to talk about something cool or unique we’ve come across recently.
You can also submit questions for us to answer on the podcast by calling 646-820-3431 and leaving a message including your first name and/or your forum name. Don’t hesitate to ask us anything at all and we’ll do our best to give you an answer.

Video Review: Portenzo Notebook case for the Apple iPad

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Since the DODOcase, the first moleskine-style case for the iPad, was released earlier this year, a few companies have developed similar cases to bring a little competition to the table. Portenzo is one of these companies, making a case that looks almost exactly like the DODOcase along with offering other colors, options, and case styles to boot.

Portenzo was kind enough to send me a case to review and I chose their iPad Notebook case in a color combination that mimics that of the DODOcase and added one feature that is not an option with the DODOcase: a stylus holder (a $9.95 option). The Portenzo iPad Notebook case starts at $59.95 and you can choose from two exterior materials and 10 different interior colors at no additional charge. You can add engraving and/or a stylus holder for an additional charge.
In my video review, I go over the Portenzo case by itself first and then in the second half, I compare the Portenzo case to the DODOcase:


In case you’re curious, I shot and edited (using the iMovie app) this video entirely on my iPhone 4.
In the end, the Portenzo is a very good case that is a solid alternative to the DODOcase. I think they have a bit of an edge over the DODOcase with more color options in this case style at no additional charge, and a superb method of securing the iPad within the case. For me, there is one small difference that keeps me going back to my DODOcase – the width and sturdiness of the spine makes it better when propped on a table in front me me in landscape orientation. This is a matter of personal preference, though, so you should think about what features are most important to you and then make your choice if these two cases are on your shopping list.
If you’re looking for more information on the DODOcase, you can see my video review of it here and my full written review of it here.
DISCLOSURE: This case was provided to me at no charge as a review unit. The value of this case as ordered is $69.90.