This version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 I’ll be taking a look at is the super-sized Note and is equipped with 4G/LTE Verizon Network capabilities.

Hardware Design

I’m just going to come out and say right off the bat that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is not as nice as an iPad, mainly in materials used. There, I said it. I just wanted to get that out of the way so I can focus on what the Note 10.1 does have to offer without letting my bias towards the iPad get in the way.

The Note 10.1 is pretty much like every other Samsung device out there in that it is made mostly entirely of polycarbonate plastic. The entire rear panel is made of plastic but is framed by what I’m assuming is a metal band and not just metallic painted plastic, but I could be wrong as it is hard to tell. The only other bits of metal on the device that I could see from the outside are the speaker grills, the frame around the rear lens element, and the inside of the sync/charging port and audio jack. The only other thing not plastic is the giant glass screen.

This is one complaint I’ve always had of Samsung devices is that they use so much plastic in their designs. I mean this is a giant tablet and because it has such a huge rear panel, using plastic here just makes it feel mediocre and not very high end. Unlike the all aluminum body of an iPad, you can actually flex the body of the Note 10.1 a bit which to me, isn’t something I want to be able to do with my gadgets. However, I can’t completely knock the use of polycarbonate plastic however as it is a very durable material. It does seem like I don’t have to be quite as careful handling the Note 10.1 as I do with the iPad and the plastic back also doesn’t get all scratched up or at least not yet. On a plus note, it does sport a really nice metallic gunmetal finish with a hint of that brushed aluminum look and a heavy coat of clear gloss.

Like I said above, there is what appears to be a metallic frame surrounding the device at the edges. It’s hard to tell if it is metal or not because it has a heavy coat of paint on it. It doesn’t look bad at all though and does go with the whole color scheme of the device. [Update: from what I've heard, it's also a polycarbonate frame.]

The front glass looks really large here when compared to the iPad, at least width wise when holding it in landscape mode. I will say this, the bezels on it don’t look quite as thick as they do on the iPad so I’ll give them that and I also like how clean the front looks without any physical hardware buttons. This is the one thing I wish Apple would move away from and that is the physical button on the front.

Now, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 does have a few extra features not seen on the iPad that I have to make note of. First of course is the inclusion of the S Pen stylus which allows for full, pressure sensitive use. This is in part due to the Wacom tech used for it and is by far, one of the few defining features that sets it apart from the iPad and other Android tablets. The Galaxy Note 10.1 also includes an SDHC card slot for expanding storage, an IR blaster which can turn the tablet into a remote, and dual stereo speakers.

The only bit of hardware I don’t really like here is the fact that it uses a proprietary charging/sync port like the iPad uses. I’d much rather wish they went with a more common micro-USB port like like almost every other Android hardware vender out there. I’m not too keen about having to carry around an extra cable just to accommodate 1 device.

Software

This version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is running Android version 4.1.2 on Verizon’s 4g/LTE network. It has Samsung’s Touchwiz running as a skin over Android but honestly, I can’t really tell you how this differs from vanilla Android as this is really my first time using Android, skinned or not. For this review however, I’m not really going to get into Android all that much. Instead, since this is a Galaxy Note 10.1, the only real reason you would pick one of these over a regular Android tablet from any other manufacturer would be because of the fancy S Pen stylus and the fact that the Note 10.1 has a few S Pen specific apps on it that you won’t find on other Android tablets.

The S Pen stylus is located at the bottom right hand corner tucked away inside the body of the Galaxy Note 10.1. This is the proper way to store a stylus as opposed to not having anywhere to store it at all. I use a stylus too for my iPad sometimes and I have to carry it in my bag. If I happen to forget it somewhere, I can’t use it. With the Note 10.1, you won’t have that problem as the stylus is stored in the tablet.

When removing the stylus, a shortcut bar appears just to the right of the “desktop.” These shortcuts lead to stylus enabled apps that have been preloaded. There are 6 apps that pop up – Pop Up Note, S Note, Calendar, Crayon Physics, PS Touch, and Polaris Office. There is also a settings shortcut to adjust what happens when you do pull the stylus out. For the most part, I find most of these shortcuts useless except for maybe Pop Up Note and S Note. I would love to get rid of the others and maybe replace them with other shortcuts, but you can’t or I haven’t figured out how too. So instead of having a shortcut bar mostly filled with useless shortcuts when I remove the S Pen, I ended up turning it completely off as it just got too annoying to me.

What I did do instead is add an S Note widget to my main homescreen because S Note really is the main app you’ll be using with the S Pen. This is Samsung’s own built in software that makes use of the stylus. With it, you can write notes, create small drawings for ideas, and other predefined templates. I find it quite useful for jotting down quick notes and ideas, but the other stuff I find a lot less useful and don’t even use those other templates. Although, the diary might be useful to some people to keep a daily journal.

I will say this though about the stylus and S Note, drawing with the S Pen is a joy. It’s so accurate and for drawing, the fact that it is pressure sensitive, makes drawing on it that much better. This is really the closest experience I’ve gotten to drawing on physical media and not even using a stylus on the iPad compares to this. There are a few S Pen compatible apps available too in the Google Play Store, though some of them don’t seem to be optimized for the larger tablet and are more for use with the smaller Note II. In fact, that’s one of the few downsides about the Note 10.1, the fact that there aren’t more tablet specific apps that make use of the S Pen. Though you should be able to find what you need, it would be nice if there was more variety in the choices of apps available that are made for the larger size of the Note 10.1.

Another unique features about the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is it’s ability to display 2 apps at the same time via Dual View. You enable this by tapping on the Multi Window tray shortcut at the bottom of the Note 10.1. You’ll find a row of apps that make use of the dual view functionality. Tap on an app to open it and it will appear on half the screen. Tap on another app to open it and it will appear on the other half of the screen. This allows you to use 2 apps at once. It’s a very neat function for multitasking and I found it quite useful while browsing the web and jotting down notes at the same time. Much easier than switching back and forth between apps. Again, Dual View only works here on a few apps and not all.

Final Thoughts

For an Android tablet, I like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, but not really because of the fact that it uses Android. I like it because it makes use of a stylus that is actually very good and accurate for note taking and sketching. Unlike my iPad, the Note 10.1 can input pressure sensitive strokes using the S Pen stylus which makes for some interesting usage. In my opinion, if you were going to pick up any Android tablet, I’d suggest the Note 10.1 because of this one feature that most other Android tablets do not have. The stylus input and functionality is that good.

When it comes to software, Android isn’t quite as difficult to learn as I thought it would be, though that’s not to say it’s easy. There is a learning curve there, especially if you’re coming from iOS. There’s a lot of little settings you can adjust here and there as well as being able to places icons where ever you want on the screen as well as widgets and what not. Having widgets is nice, but I actually didn’t find too many of them all that useful, though you may. Android is definitely a different experience from iOS but I won’t say if it’s any worse or any better. Mainly this comes down to personal preference as they are both very capable OS’s. Aside from that, Samsung did a good job here integrating its own software to differentiate itself from all the other Android tablets. There are some things about Samsung’s Touchwiz software I didn’t much care for, but their saving grace here is S Notes and how well it works. It’s the only real reason you would choose the Galaxy Note 10.1 over another Android tablet.

Since this is a Verizon edition Galaxy Note 10.1, I have to also make note of the network connection. I’m in Miami. FL and for the most part, I got very strong signal from the Verizon network regardless of where I was. The 4G/LTE connection was also very fast, in fact faster and more stable than what I’ve gotten on at&t lately on their LTE network. I’ve been getting a steady 20-30Mbps on Verizon which is very good for my area. If you’re looking for a provider with a strong and steady connection in the South Florida area, I highly suggest Verizon for data.

On that “note,” the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is an excellent choice for those looking for a good, multifunctional Android tablet. For me, it took me a while to really figure out how to use it, especially coming from and iPad. It’s not the easiest thing to jump right into and use, but once you do figure it out, you’ll find that it does offer a lot of functionality and features thanks in part to many of the custom software tweaks Samsung made to the Note 10.1. I’m pretty impressed with it so far despite the fact that I wasn’t really that big a fan of Android or Samsung. In the end, I can see why so many people like using Android and I can respect that.

It’s next in line after the Galaxy Note II (phone) and before the original Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. This would be a great tablet for those who can’t use the Galaxy Note II as their main phone due to the size (although overseas the Note 8.0 can be used as a phone). An 8″ tablet is easy to carry around and some might find the tablet useful.

They are releasing the tablet near the same time that the Galaxy S4 smartphone is coming out. Samsung fans can have a stylus as part of their tablet and carry the Galaxy S4 as their everyday smartphone.

Those who buy the tablet will get some perks like 50GB of free Dropbox storage for 2 years, 1 month free of unlimited music streaming in Samsung’s Music Hub, Samsung’s Smart Remote, Awesome Note, and more. For a limited time, they will also receive a $25 Google Play credit with the purchase of a Galaxy Note 8.0, when they register their device. We hope to be reviewing one soon.

It will be $399 at Best Buy, Amazon, TigerDirect and many other locations.

Read the press release below for more information.

Will you be getting the tablet? How do you think it will compete with Apple’s iPad Mini?

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (US Version) – Press Release

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announces that the Galaxy Note 8.0 is coming to the U.S. market on April 11. Unveiled globally at Mobile World Congress in February, the Galaxy Note 8.0 will be available in stores and online at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy/Best Buy Mobile, h.h. gregg, Newegg, P.C. Richard & Son, Staples and TigerDirect.com 

A mid-sized addition to the Galaxy Note family of products, the Galaxy Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to enable multi-tasking at home, at work or on the go. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is the perfect size for entertainment and productivity, with unrivaled multimedia performance in a compact format. The S Pen has evolved to improve everyday usability with Air View; and Multi Window now supports more apps to perform tasks simultaneously allowing users to do more. 

“The Galaxy Note defined an entirely new smartphone category and the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet redefined the tablet experience for consumers,” said Travis Merrill, vice president of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “With the Galaxy Note 8.0, we fully expect to ignite the mid-size tablet market Samsung pioneered with the first Galaxy Tab. The Galaxy Note 8.0 is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse and packs the power needed for full mobile entertainment and productivity.

Galaxy Note 8.0 at Play

The Galaxy Note 8.0 will be the first product to feature Samsung WatchON, a new search and recommendation service that alleviates the chore of channel surfing and makes finding TV shows and on-demand video content faster and easier. Samsung WatchON simplifies the process of discovering new content to watch by searching across multiple content sources, such as live TV, YouTube, and streaming video-on-demand sources such as Blockbuster and Samsung’s Media Hub*, to recommend movies and TV shows. It also provides complementary content including actor bios, reviews and related information.

With the built-in IR blaster, the Galaxy Note 8.0 acts as a powerful universal remote, eliminating the need for multiple remotes to control the TV viewing experience. Users can browse for content then change the channel on the TV or cable box directly from the search window.

For entertainment on the go, the Galaxy Note 8.0’s screen is great for everything from content viewing to reading. With its dazzling 8-inch WXGA screen, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is perfect for watching HD content, packing 1280 by 800 pixels. The Galaxy Note 8.0 also has Reading Mode, which adjusts color and brightness to an optimal level for reading. It provides the ability to customize fonts and themes so select books, magazines, documents and Web pages are easier to read. Combined with Smart Stay, which keeps the screen awake while you are reading, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is customized to ensure the best reading experience.

Galaxy Note 8.0 at Work

The tablet is quickly becoming a primary computing device for employees. The Galaxy Note 8.0 offers multi-tasking and productivity features, making users more efficient at everyday tasks, whether working at the office or on the go:

• ·         Multi Window: The Galaxy Note 8.0 offers true PC-like multitasking, so you can use two apps side-by-side. Multi-Window now supports 20 apps, including Polaris Office, Google Chrome and Facebook.
• ·         Air View:  Conveniently preview your content without opening files or folders.  The S Pen held above the screen allows you to preview pictures in the Gallery, open menus on Web sites, and preview a message or an attachment in an email.
• ·         AllShare® Play: Pass content to the TV or remotely access files on your desktop computer.
• ·         Polaris Office:  View, create, and edit Microsoft^® Office Word^® documents, Excel^® spreadsheets and PowerPoint^® presentations right on your tablet. With the Galaxy Note 8.0, you can add handwritten notes and drawings to your documents.
• ·         Awesome Note: A note-taking application and to do list manager, Awesome Note enables you to customize folder icons, colors, fonts and backgrounds for quick reference and visual organization.
• ·         Group Play: Share and collaborate on content, including documents, which allows users to work together

For those using tablets for work, Samsung offers improved security levels for IT managers and employees. SAFE, or Samsung for Enterprise, is the security standard to provide enterprise- and consumer-friendly devices to businesses and their employees. With SAFE, the Galaxy Note 8.0 supports the needs of IT managers while providing businesses with the functionality needed to enhance productivity.

Powerful Performance

The Galaxy Note 8.0 features a powerful 1.6GHz Quad Core processor and 2GB of RAM to ensure optimum performance. Wi-Fi technology with dual-channel bonding offers more efficient connectivity for faster loading of webpages and video streaming. 

With a large, 4,600 mAh battery, the Galaxy Note 8.0 offers long battery life to work and play all day. Beyond the 16GB** of internal memory, the Note 8.0 can handle microSD cards up to 64GB, for a combined possible 80GB of storage. The 5-megapixel camera on the back can shoot 1080p video, and the 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera can handle video chats at 720p resolution.

Pre-Loaded with Content and Services

Buyers will enjoy pre-loaded content and services valued at over $200, including 50GB of free Dropbox storage for 2 years***, 1 month free of unlimited music streaming in Samsung’s Music Hub, Samsung’s Smart Remote, Awesome Note, and more. For a limited time, they will also receive a $25 Google Play credit with the purchase of a Galaxy Note 8.0, when they register their device.

The Galaxy Note 8.0 will be available in white for $399.99 MSRP. Accessories will be available beginning mid-April. These include Book Covers in white, grey, pink or green, as well as USB and HDMI adapters, and a travel charger that connect via the device’s microUSB port.

For multimedia content and more information, please visit www.samsung.com/us/note8.

Slowly but surely Windows Phone has been coming through with apps. Realizing how often people stream music from their phone, they added Spotify recently and today they announced that Pandora is also available at the Windows Phone Store.

With over 140 million registered users Pandora is a leader in media streaming. More than 140 million registered users have accessed Pandora via a smartphone or tablet and more than 75 percent of Pandora’s listening occurs on a mobile or other connected device. Given its popularity, it might be a deal-breaker for some when purchasing a Windows Phone if the Pandora app isn’t available.

Pandora on Windows Phone Features

The great thing about the Windows Phone version is that it is ad-free for the rest of 2013 . There is also no streaming cap, which is usually $3.99 for iOS and Android app users. Thank you Microsoft! It’s been tailored to the Windows Phone UI’s Live Tiles and Kid’s Corner. With Pandora on Windows Phone you can pin your favorite radio stations to your start screen. The Live Tile will refresh in real-time letting you know what track is playing. Not to mention the easy access to your fave radio station without launching the app.

When launching the app in Kid’s Corner, you won’t have to worry about mature content, since it will automatically apply the explicit content filter when activated.

You can download Pandora for Windows Phone HERE

Windows Phone is stepping up their app game. There are very few mainstream apps missing. I have been using the app for about an hour. Seems pretty legit. I actually do like that Live Tiles feature. I love app shortcuts.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Major Features

Creativity With the S-Pen – Using the popular Adobe Photoshop Touch, you can edit your images.  You can of course do the notes, funny pictures and postcards with the S Note templates

Split Screen – the Galaxy Note 10.1 allows you to use two apps side by side, which can help you multi-task or distract you. You can watch videos while writing or doodle away while you’re supposed to be working.

Samsung Smart Remote – You don’t always have to work hard on your tablet. With the Samsung Smart Remote, you can control your entertainment system. It learns your likes and can show you on what channels your fave shows are playing. It even recommends new shows based on the ones you watch. It also has AllShare Play, Pop Up Play, and Group Cast, for easy sharing and content viewing across compatible device

Samsung SAFE – If you need a tablet for work, you now choose the  Galaxy Note 10.1 as your work partner. The Note 10.1 complies with Samsung’s SAFE (Samsung for Enterprise) solutions. It has security features that make is safe for business use. Using enhanced Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) and On Device Encryption (AES 256-bit) keeps sensitive data protected. Mobile Device Management help keep the tablet and employee information secure in compliance companies policies with help from third-party providers.

Specs

Display: 10.1″ (1280 x 800 resolution)
Processor / RAM: 1.4 Ghz Quad-Core processor
Memory: 32 GB with MicroSD expansion slot (up to 32GB)
Cameras: 5.0 mega pixel rear-facing camera / 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
Connectivity: USB 2.0 / Bluetooth 4.0
Battery: 7000 mAh
OS: Google Android Jelly Bean 4.1

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/03/05/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-gets-4g-lte-at-verizon/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/13/cygnett-workmate-flexigel-and-vector-case-for-ipad-mini-review/ http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/13/cygnett-workmate-flexigel-and-vector-case-for-ipad-mini-review/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:07:45 +0000 Samuel Huang http://gstylemag.com/?p=45743 If you’ve been frequenting the site, than you’ve probably read my numerous reviews for Cygnett products. I’ve used a lot of their different cases for my past iPhone 4, current iPhone 5, and iPad 2. Since I just got an iPad mini, I figured I’d give Cygnett a call and have them send me their latest cases for the it. Three of the cases they sent me were their Workmate, FlexiGel, and Vector lines. These cases are very similar to their iPhone 5 counterparts in which they only protect the rear and sides of the iPad mini.

Cygnett Workmate

The Cygnett Workmate is the workhorse of the lineup. Just like the Workmate for the iPhone 5, the iPad mini version is a heavy duty tough case meant to withstand serious abuse. It is a dual layer case offering 2 layers of protection. There is the thick, silicone sleeve for the inside that offers hardcore shock absorbancy and protection and the hard outer polycarbonate shell that protects your iPad mini from bumps and bruises.

Like the iPhone 5 setup, the iPad mini version does not require that you pull the 2 layers apart in order to install them. You can slide the iPad mini right into the case with just a bit pulling and pushing where it will sit inside the case nice and snug. Once on, you’ll find that the case adds very little extra bulk to the iPad mini.

I really like how all four corners of the iPad are protected by the hard polycarbonate shell while still having that extra shock absorbent silicone layer underneath. As you now, the corners are usually the most fragile points on any device so it’s good that the dual layer protection is extended here. As usual with most cases, all the necessary openings are available for all ports and accessories however the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection.

The only thing I kind of don’t like about the case, and this is mainly for aesthetic reasons is the silicon material itself. Yes it offers great shock absorbancy but I just hate that it is literally a magnet for lint and dust. Since huge portions of the silicone is exposed, I found myself constantly wiping off lint and dust.

Other that that issue, it’s a wonderful case that does an excellent job of protecting your iPad mini. Cygnett has the Workmate for the iPad mini listed for $39.99 which isn’t too bad of a price for a tough case. You can get it in either red or slate grey. Note that this doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Cygnett Vector

The Cygnett Vector is another tough case for the iPad mini. This one differs greatly fro the Workmate as the Vector only offers 1 layer of protection. It’s made from an impact resistant material that has a plastic-like feel to it but is also very flexible and shock absorbent.

It installs similar to many iPhone cases in which all you do is just slide your iPad mini in and push it all the way in so the sides of the case snap into position and overlap the screen. Once on, it has a very snug fit and will not easily come off unless you want it to. As usual, there are holes cut out for all the major ports, speakers, mic, camera, and audio jack. The sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection but feature built in button designs for ease of use.

The main design element of the Vector is on the rear with its 3D-line design. I rather like this design as it helps give the rear an added flare to it that you would normally not see if it were just smooth. This also allows for better grip when holding your device. Overall, I rather like this case for everyday usage as it very form fitting, sleek, and does not add a lot of bulk.

The Cygnett Vector retails for $19.99. It is available in either red or black. Note that this also doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Cygnett FlexiGel

The last case I’m looking at is the Cygnett FlexiGel. It’s similar in style to the Vector case in except that it uses a slightly more rubbery like material but features a high gloss, smooth finish. Again, this case is similar in style to iPhone 5 cases in which it is meant to protect the rear and sides of your iPad mini as well as the sides of the front screen.

Installation is very simple and exactly the same as the Vector. All you do is just slide your iPad mini in and push it all the way in so the sides of the case snap into position and overlap the screen. Once on, it has a very snug fit and will not easily come off unless you want it to. As usual, there are holes cut out for all the major ports, speakers, mic, camera, and audio jack. Like the Vector, the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection and feature built in button designs for ease of use.

I rather like the FlexiGel as well as it does a good job of protecting most of the vital points on the iPad mini. One of my main concerns is getting the aluminum back all scratched up or dented and the FlexiGel does a great job of protecting those areas. The gloss finish is also neat in that the way the gloss it, it makes your fingers stick to the surface and allows for some pretty great grip when handling it. Overall, I very nice, inexpensive case that offers good protection.

The Cygnett FlexiGel retails for $19.99 and can be purchased in either black or blue. Again, it doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Final Thoughts

After checking out these three cases, I can say that I’m still a fan of Cygnett. If you don’t need a cover for your iPad mini but want a case that offers great rear and side protection, the Cygnett cases have you covered. All three of these offer shock absorbent designs that protect all edges of the iPad mini. I also really like the fact that all 3 of these have raised edges on the front which offers good lay-flat protection. This means you can turn the iPad mini over on a table and the screen won’t be rubbing up on the surface.

The only small issue you’ll run into and this is only if you have the Smart Cover is that with these cases on, you can’t use the Smart Cover. Other than that though, you can’t go wrong with any of these. They are well made, fit great, and offer good protection for your device.

Shop Links

• Workmate (Slate Grey) – Cygnett Slate Grey Workmate
• Workmate (Red) – Cygnett Red Workmate
• Vector (Black) – http://us.cygnett.com/ipad/ipad-mini/black-vector.html
• Vector (Red) – http://us.cygnett.com/ipad/ipad-mini/red-vector.html
• FlexiGel (Black) – http://us.cygnett.com/ipad/ipad-mini/black-flexigel.html
• FlexiGel (Blue) – http://us.cygnett.com/ipad/ipad-mini/blue-flexigel.html

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/13/cygnett-workmate-flexigel-and-vector-case-for-ipad-mini-review/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/07/wikipad-resurfaces-with-smaller-7-inch-size-price/ http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/07/wikipad-resurfaces-with-smaller-7-inch-size-price/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:09:02 +0000 Jason Million http://gstylemag.com/?p=45401

Coming from the brink of extinction is news of the return of the WikiPad. If you were keeping an eye on it last year, it was being touted as the perfect gaming tablet. There was a 10″ model set to release in late Fall 2012 for $499.99. The release date came and went and nothing was heard about WikiPad.

Unfortunately there was a flaw in the initial production so bad they had to take it back to the drawing board and redo some things. During that timeframe they did listen to their eager supporters of the platform and others and seen that a 7″ model maybe the best fit for them. The 10″ model will still be released at a later date.

The 7″ model will be built with a NVIDIA quad-core processor, 16GBs of storage with microSD capability up to 32GB. A IPS display, 2MP Front camera, Dual Band WiFi N, Bluetooth 4.0, various sensors and will be running Android’s Jelly Bean OS.

A 7″ size looks to be a good fit and releasing it at a price point of $249.99 should put it in the realm of tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and Nexus 7 tablet pricing.

It does still look to have a backing from the gaming providers and I can imagine mobile gamers are going to flock to it as mobile gaming as been on the rise as of late(I myself have been addicted to some).

Keep an eye out on a Spring 2013 release of the WikiPad and if you want to read more about it can check the presser below.

Press Release

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 7, 2013 — Wikipad Inc. today announced that its 7” Wikipad tablet will be available from leading retailers in spring 2013 at a launch price of $249. Wikipad combines the unrivaled gaming experience of a console with the functionality and portability of a premium tablet, thanks to its unique attachable game controller.

“We wanted to get Wikipad into our community’s hands and what we found was that the smaller 7” form factor just seemed right,’” said Fraser Townley, President of Sales, Wikipad, Inc. “The smaller frame delivers an aggressive price while keeping the same amazing specs.”

The 7” Wikipad possesses the same powerful product specs as the previously shown and forthcoming 10” version in a form factor that is even more portable and at a price point that is even more accessible to gamers everywhere. In addition to the new compact form factor, refinements have been made to the dual-analog stick controller to ensure lightning-fast response times and the best gaming experience possible.

Wikipad also announced the relaunch of its website that now includes a comprehensive support page that has dynamic links to social networks and technical forums.

Wikipad – Built for Gaming

The Wikipad is the only tablet to possess the unique combination of truly immersive video game experiences found in consoles with the functionality and portability of a tablet thanks to its award-winning attachable dual-analog controller.

It offers a premium 7″ IPS screen, 16 GB memory with micro SD slot to support an additional 32 GB of storage, ultra-light and thin chassis, is powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core mobile processor and it is optimized for cloud gaming. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, the Wikipad tablet offers true widescreen HD display.

Consumers will have access to entertainment and video game content from partners and services including PlayStation®Mobile, Big Fish Games®, TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free app that showcases the best games optimized for the Tegra processor – Google Play™, OnLive and many others. When the gamepad controller is detached, Wikipad’s sleek design and full Android 4.1 Jelly Bean functionality make it a powerfully versatile device whether you are surfing the web, reading emails or enjoying films, music and apps at home or on the go.

For a full list of product specs, video games that take full advantage of the Wikipad’s dual-analog stick controller and a community support page, please visit: http://www.wikipad.com/

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/07/wikipad-resurfaces-with-smaller-7-inch-size-price/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/06/x-doria-release-valentines-day-collection-of-ipad-mini-cases/ http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/06/x-doria-release-valentines-day-collection-of-ipad-mini-cases/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:08:52 +0000 Samuel Huang http://gstylemag.com/?p=45317

Valentine’s Day is coming up and as you know, finding that perfect gift to show your love can always be quite difficult. For those of you with significant others who are into tech, X-Doria has something special for you. If they own an iPad mini, check out X-Doria’s line of SmartStyle cases which come in two Valentine’s inspired designs. They are the XO and the Love’s Armor. Both feature a hard shell and soft cover that protects your entire iPad mini from drops and bumps. The cover even includes magnets for use with the iPad’s sleep/wake function.

Features

• Designed with unique 3D pattern wraps from front to back
• Cover includes built-in magnets that automatically wake your iPad when opened and sleep when closed
• Flexible cover folds to provide multiple angles for iPad in landscape mode
• Provides access to all ports while in case, including the rear facing camera
• Available in Love’s Armor and Hugs and Kisses

The X-Doria Valentine’s Collection is available now on X-Doria’s website here and also includes cases for not just your iPad mini, but also for your iPhone 5.

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/06/x-doria-release-valentines-day-collection-of-ipad-mini-cases/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/05/samsung-galaxy-tab-some-flowers-the-gadget-lovers-v-day-gift/ http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/05/samsung-galaxy-tab-some-flowers-the-gadget-lovers-v-day-gift/#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:51:55 +0000 Analie http://gstylemag.com/?p=45269
With Valentine’s Day around the corner; it’s hard to think about romantic gadget gifts. Just in time Samsung has introduced their Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 in a red garnet color. Similar to the color of the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S III, the red Galaxy Tab 2 is beautiful in red.

Why should you gift your loved one the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2? It’s only been a year since its original release. Running Android Jellybean 4.1; the Galaxy Tab 2 is a great choice for those who want updated Android technology at an affordable price. Starting at $220; the Galaxy Tab 2 is a great choice for a Valentine’s Day gift.

Here are some basic specs on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2

Display: 7.0″ (1024 x 600 resolution)
Storage: 8 GB with MicroSD expansion slot
Processor: Dual-core / 1 GB RAM
Camera: 3 Megapixels
Battery: 4000 mAh capacity
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth

My favorite thing about this tablet? It would have to the IR blaster. Using the tablet to control the television with the Smart Remote App, and for show suggestions is just genius!

I know many people liked the red garnet AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S III. This is sure to be a hit. Time is limited though. What’s even better is that Samsung is offering a matching red garnet case (value of $50) with the purchase of the tablet. You can pick it up from Amazon or on PC Richard & Son!

For more information visit. www.samsung.com

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/02/05/samsung-galaxy-tab-some-flowers-the-gadget-lovers-v-day-gift/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2013/01/10/introducing-a-new-way-to-stream-content-with-mgo-service-ces-2013/ http://gstylemag.com/2013/01/10/introducing-a-new-way-to-stream-content-with-mgo-service-ces-2013/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:04:35 +0000 Analie http://gstylemag.com/?p=43315 Soon, we’re going to have an array of new mobile streaming services, making it difficult to choose which one to use. One such service is M Go, which looks to gain your attention. With M Go you lose the cluttered and unorganized UI and get a clean service. The service is available on tablets, and TV’s. It’s coming to consoles and smartphones shortly. But there’s more to it.

What’s great about it is that it’s a pay as you go service. You don’t have to pay subscription fees. Content price ranges from $.99 to $4.99 so if you want to watch a movie, you can quickly open an internet browser and stream one. I’m all for that! Movies are available the same day they drop on DVD/Blu-Ray and if they don’t have it in their library, they will direct you to other services that do have the content. One of my favorite features are the profiles. Everyone in a household can have an individual profile with personalized settings.

They have recently teamed up with Starz Digital to expand their library and already have agreements with big names that include DreamWorks Animation, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Relativity Media, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. As for hardware, M Go has even partnered with companies such as Samsung and Vizio to have the service preloaded into their smart TV’s.

Check out the press release for full details.

Press Release

M-GO OPENS FOR BUSINESS, BRINGING THE “PEOPLE-FRIENDLIEST” DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE TO CONSUMERS IN THE U.S.
Announces New Partnerships with LG Electronics, RCA and Starz Digital

JANUARY 4, 2013, LOS ANGELES, — M-GO, the people-friendliest, new digital entertainment service, today announced its launch into public beta. M-GO’s pay-as-you- go streaming service helps people find, rent, buy and enjoy digital entertainment on the devices they use and choose – TVs, iPads, tablets, Blu-ray players, streaming players, Macs, PCs and soon game consoles and smartphones. Beginning today, consumers in the U.S. can get access to thousands of movies and commercial-free TV shows on M-GO – in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) – paying only for the movies and TV shows they want without needing to commit to subscription fees.

To make things even easier for consumers, the company has partnered with the world’s leading consumer electronics makers for M-GO to be available as a preloaded service on the hottest new smart devices from Intel, Samsung and Vizio – with new partnerships to be brought to market in 2013 with LG Electronics and RCA. To get started, consumers simply need to open a web browser through Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer or Firefox – and type in www.mgo.com. M-GO is also available as a free download from the Google Play Android app store.

M-GO today also debuted a new licensing agreement with Starz Digital further expanding its ever-growing content library. With M-GO, consumers can catch the ???freshest new movies the same day as the DVD release – including such blockbusters as Dark Knight Rises, The Iron Lady and Ted. They can also buy or rent individual episodes or full seasons of hit TV shows like The Walking Dead, Glee, Modern Family and Spartacus as well as choose from a deep catalogue of hidden gems and classic favorites. The company has already landed direct content licensing agreements with the world’s leading studios, content creators and distributors including DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Relativity Media, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution – with additional content deals already in development.

Not just another media store; M-GO is an entertainment service and resource, aimed at becoming consumers’ first stop for finding and watching satisfying entertainment content – whether or not they rent or buy from M-GO. With such a robust and constantly expanding library of the newest releases and deep catalogue of hits, the company is confident that it will be able to gratify even the most discerning consumer searches. However, M-GO is so committed to taking the hassle out of getting great digital entertainment quickly and easily, that it is going further – if M-GO doesn’t have the content, it will help people find it on other media stores including Amazon, iTunes, Netflix and Vudu. M-GO also enhances viewing and entertainment discovery by providing movie trailers, critic reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, Cast and Crew images, filmographies and more – which provide a rich second-screen experience.

“The unfulfilled promise of ‘Entertainment Everywhere’ for years has left many wondering if they can get entertainment anywhere. Despite advances in technology and tons of film and TV choices, it still takes more effort than it should to find something satisfying to watch when and how consumers want it,“ said John Batter, CEO of M-GO. “Consumers have become used to cobbling their entertainment options together in order to get a slightly satisfying experience — switching from DVRs to subscription services to cable to media stores take time and effort which takes away from the ability to just sit back and enjoy. At M-GO, we believe consumers deserve a better, simpler, easier, more people-friendly experience and we are on a mission to deliver it – think of us as your Entertainment Wingman.”
M-GO Takes User-Friendly to a Higher Standard – “People-Friendliest”

At M-GO, being the people-friendliest way to experience entertainment means:
• Unlike other streaming and media stores, M-GO goes further. Beyond delivering spot-on search results and insightful recommendations, M-GO has a stable of entertainment experts to curate the content and help cut through the clutter to get the entertainment that is just right for each person.
• Creating a simplified experience with our E.A.P.TM (Easy As Pie) interface – which groups genres and categories such as “New Releases,” “Featured,” “M-GO Picks,” “Deals,” and “Your Library” into a patented visual display giving viewers an easier way to discover great content to watch the same day as the DVD release for many movies or the day after programs air for most network TV shows.

• An “Admin” can create up to five additional profiles per account and the “Watch List” feature so that each member of the household gets tailored recommendations, set spending limits, and their own wish list of movies & TV shows they may want to watch later.

Paying only for what each individual really wants to watch. M-GO does not lock people into ongoing subscription fees or require them to buy additional hardware. M-GO supports multiple digital lockers including UltraViolet, a digital rights authentication and home entertainment industry standard that lets consumers safely and securely download and stream their purchased movies and TV shows via a cloud-based entertainment collection for viewing on TV screens, personal computers, tablets and mobile phones.

• We’ve-got-your-back customer support. Real people who speak human (not tech or geek speak) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

About M-GO
M-GO is the people-friendliest, new pay-as-you-go digital entertainment service that makes it easier than ever to browse, rent, buy and enjoy the broadest, newest and best selection of movies and TV shows on your screens. M-GO was created by people who love entertainment for people who love being entertained and is a joint venture between DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor. With both technology and entertainment in the company’s DNA, M-GO’s mission is to transform the world of digital entertainment on the viewer’s terms. M-GO has secured content deals with Hollywood’s major studios which drives its always growing library of the newest releases – the earliest it is available at retail – as well as a deep catalogue of hidden gems and classic favorites. M-GO is available on all major platforms and functions on a full spectrum of operating systems ranging from Android to iOS to Windows. M-GO is pre-loaded on Samsung’s Smart TV’s, Blu-ray players and Wi-Fi tablets, VIZIO’s Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, Wi-Fi tablets and digital media players, and Intel® UltrabookTM devices. M-GO is a free service available at www.mgo.com
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]]> http://gstylemag.com/2013/01/10/introducing-a-new-way-to-stream-content-with-mgo-service-ces-2013/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2012/12/03/eureka-i-have-an-ideatab-s2110a-review/ http://gstylemag.com/2012/12/03/eureka-i-have-an-ideatab-s2110a-review/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:02:31 +0000 Showpiece http://gstylemag.com/?p=37317
I had the chance to spend a couple of months with Lenovo’s IdeaTab S2110A as my sole alternative to my MacBook. My first experience with a convertible so I was pretty amped – without further delay let’s politic….

Style

The first thing that comes to mind at first glance of the Lenovo IdeaTab S2110A, is convenience and portability. Historically, Lenovo is considered to geared more towards the more “professional” user and a little vanilla. Granted, it’s not flashy but it has a sturdy feel and slightly textured back – maybe a little heavier than other tablets currently on the market but not overbearing. The dock is optional and an $80 addition – which might seem steep in comparison to other Android tabs on the market considering the tablet alone is $400+. The keyboard is a must have addition of you’re planning on doing any typing. It does give the tab a netbook look minus the netbook weight. I personally think on the 10.1 tablet side of things, Lenovo never lacks and continues with its creative style.

Experience

As I mentioned before attaching the keyboard to the tab to convert into laptop/netbook it doesn’t compromise the weight of the device. The keyboard keys are very responsive and fingertip friendly. This detachable powered Android is equipped with a Waffle Cone lol and Ice Cream 4.0 although its somewhat of a let down that it wasn’t loaded with Jelly Bean. But the Lenovo flow “For Those Who Do” continues with being solid and on-point with the functionality that you always come to expect whenever using a Lenovo product.

The tablet is very easy to attach and detach from the keyboard it only takes the press of a button and the graphics are of visual pleasantry with a Glossy Multi-touch screen with integrated camera 1280 x 800. Even in a regularly lit room the tablet’s resolution is beautiful comparable to when using in a totally dark room. There are two USB slots located on the left side of the keypad and a HDMI slot on the tablet itself that would require a HDMI adapter. The IdeaTab S2110A is also HD compatible and please don’t confuse this with a notebook that changes into a tablet because its far from that, not even close lol. Overall this is a great change of pace for the Professional or even Cool Geek at Web price: $579.00 and After eCoupon:
$499.00, You save: $80.00 on www.shop.lenovo.com. (so in essence the keyboard would be free).

Final Thoughts

In my experience with Lenovo it’s worth the extra few dollars, because I know I am paying for a quality device that will last for years to come. While it has the basic staples of some of the cheaper alternatives out there like decent battery life (using 2 Cell Li-Polymer), the incomparable Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060A Processor ( 1.50GHz GHz 1MB), bluetooth compatibility and dual cameras – I can appreciate the full size SD card slot and the optional keyboard definitely helped me accomplish alot more. This is truly and example of you get what you pay for – and Lenovo always delivers that little bit more. Check out the Lenovo site to purchase and for more info.

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2012/12/03/eureka-i-have-an-ideatab-s2110a-review/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2012/11/26/sensu-brush-and-stylus-review-painting-apps-deserve-a-real-brush/ http://gstylemag.com/2012/11/26/sensu-brush-and-stylus-review-painting-apps-deserve-a-real-brush/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:18:12 +0000 Samuel Huang http://gstylemag.com/?p=39173 One of my favorite things to do on my iPad is to use it as a sketch book. It was one of a handful of reasons why I got the iPad and still one of the main things I use it for. Now, I know they iPad is suppose to be used entirely by touch, but when it comes to drawing app and painting apps, you really must use a stylus. It’s the only way to naturally sketch on a tablet. It just doesn’t feel right using your fingers and from experience, a stylus just works so much better. For the most part I was content with just using a regular stylus for all my sketching needs, but then I was sent the new Sensu Brush and Stylus. I’ll never go back to a plain old stylus again.

If you’ve never seen the Sensu Brush and Stylus before, you’re missing out on one really slick combo stylus. When you first get the Sensu, it just looks like an ordinary metal stylus with a rubber tip on the end. The tip isn’t as squishy as some of the other styluses I’ve used but still has a nice soft feel to it. The body of the stylus again is made from metal which helps with the conductivity. Now, the real magic occurs when you figure out that the body is really a cap that you can pull off revealing a brush. The cap can then be placed on the other side where the rubber nub and form a long paint brush. This is what makes the Sensu so special. I believe it’s the only brush stylus on the market right now that can simulate the feel of using a real brush on your tablet thanks to some patent-pending hair technology.

For my tests, I used both Procreate and Zen Brush seeing as those two apps simulate brush strokes on the iPad. I’ve used both these apps periodically in the past using rubber tipped styluses. It works, but you never get that real brush feel to it. It just feels like you’re using a crayon that happens to simulate brush strokes in the app. With the Sensu Brush and Stylus, not only do you get the rubber nub for use with drawing tools like the pencil, pen, or marker, you also get the brush end for watercolors, ink brush, and oils. If you’ve ever done some real painting, the Sensu Brush and Stylus really does simulate the feel of a real brush when used in conjunction with a painting app.

Of course you can also use the Sensu Brush and Stylus for other uses besides painting apps. You can use the brush end for navigating as well as writing notes in note taking apps, however I would suggest using the rubber nub end portion for this instead so that the brush tip doesn’t get warn down prematurely. In terms of quality however, the Sensu Brush is top notch. I really like the metal construction on this thing and it feels very comfortable to use in both modes. It’s also very compact when the brush is hidden. It’s a very slick looking brush and stylus and one that I highly recommend for those who use their tablets as digital sketchbooks.

Shop Links

• Sensu Brush and Stylus - Princeton Art & Brush Sensu

]]> http://gstylemag.com/2012/11/26/sensu-brush-and-stylus-review-painting-apps-deserve-a-real-brush/feed/ 0 http://gstylemag.com/2012/11/12/more-excitement-around-new-toshiba-tablets/ http://gstylemag.com/2012/11/12/more-excitement-around-new-toshiba-tablets/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:28:14 +0000 Lionel Garris http://gstylemag.com/?p=37255 Android lovers want more tablet options to be able to enjoy the customization and expandable memory that android tablets offer. With the exception of Samsung and Asus, no manufacturer has been able to design an Android tablet worthy to occupy the same room as Apple’s iPad, or at least that has been the case until more recently. I definitely lean towards android over iOS, and, for this reason, I was rather eager to try Toshiba’s 10 inch Excite tablet.

Style

This Toshiba has a very sleek look to it, and it has a sturdy modern design. The back and sides are silver, and the face of the Toshiba Excite 10 is a sleek black border around the 10.1 inch display. The front-facing camera is located in the center of the black border just above the display while the tablet is turned to landscape orientation. The rear-facing camera is located on the back of the tablet along with the Toshiba logo which is located in the opposite corner of the back off the tablet.

Other awesome features included on the Excite 10 include the small HDMI, micro-USB, and SD card slots on the right side, with volume control and screen orientation lock on the left side of the tablet. You can turn to the screen to the orientation you prefer and slide the small button to lock for as long as you want the screen to stay in that particular mode. I haven’t found this particular feature very useful, but I have talked with people who prefer their screen to remain in either portrait or landscape mode. The microphone is a very small opening on the top of the tablet, and the charging port is located on the bottom. The size of the charging port and the gage of the charger cord enable faster charging which is always a plus.

Display

I have to say that I am pleased with the display on this Toshiba tablet. With me, bigger is better. I love large TVs, I practically crave those tenths of inches that keep getting added to the screen sizes of our smart phones, and I had to have the vivid 10.1 inch display that the Excite has to offer. I have enjoyed Netflix, YouTube, and even football games via the NFL game rewind app all in stunning HD. With a display resolution of 1280 x 800, this tablet has a smooth clean picture that is impressive. The touch screen seems to function flawlessly also.

I have yet to encounter the unpleasant experience of having to select an item or link multiple times, because the tablet didn’t register the touch the first few times. On other tablets difficulty selecting small links has caused me to want to regress back to a wireless mouse or something, but the smooth reacting 10-finger multi-touch display on the Excite makes doing anything on this tablet simple and annoyance free. The brightness of the screen can also be adjusted manually, or it can be set to change automatically to adjust to the surrounding light.

Tech

I am definitely a fan of Android, so it brings a smile to my face to see a decent tablet running Android in a way that does the operating system justice. The Excite 10 tablet operates using Android 4, Ice Cream Sandwich, which runs like a dream on this tablet. The included system apps work well with the tech included in the tablet, but I have run into trouble playing certain types of video files using the included system apps. The answer of course is to simply replace particularly disappointing system apps with a preferred app or widget from the many available on android market. Ice Cream Sandwich also works well at conserving battery life and not bogging up the system’s memory. Previous versions of Android have had the unfortunate side effect of sucking the battery life of phones and tablets, but I have used this tablet for over two days of random Netflix watching, Face-Booking, Skype calling, and gaming with the screen at close to full brightness without running the battery dead, which is a relief as I don’t always remember to charge it like I should.

I found the Bluetooth and WiFi functionality simple, fast, and easy to use. Whether I am connected to my WiFi at home or my hotspot on my cell phone, the connection is made quickly, and the internet works flawlessly with all of the apps installed on the tablet. The on-screen keyboard was also a sigh of relief as I have a couple of horror stories with the keyboards of previous tablets. The keyboard is large and unencumbered, and I don’t run into the whole fat fingering keys and constant system-induced typing errors that pester me on other devices. Now, of course, this is partially due to the size of the screen, but, at the end of the day, I am cheerfully typing into the browser or any app without frustration.

The 5 mega-pixel rear camera has a decent quality picture as well, but given the choice between my smart phone and the Excite’s camera I think I would much rather use the better quality, 8 mega-pixel camera on my much smaller phone. Other than including it for the sake of having it, I’m not sure why the rear camera is even there at all. I guess it’s nice to know its back there, but I don’t really see myself walking around with the tablet snapping pictures. The images captured by the rear camera look decent, but just aren’t on par with the standard, decent-quality smart phone. The front facing camera is much more practical, and, at 2 megapixel, it absolutely delivers in apps like Skye, Oovoo, Yahoo Messenger, and many others.

Experience

All in all, the Excite 10 presented a pleasant experience for me. It looks like Toshiba has this tablet thing down. I have run many apps all at once, switching back and forth between them, and I have yet to experience any lag or force closing that tends to occur as a result of the lack of memory. I normally listen to the audio from YouTube or Netflix with my headphones, but, every now and then, the awesomeness of this Toshiba tablet will draw a small crowd (usually while I am watching game highlights at work). In this instance I will unplug my headphones and treat everyone to the excellent sound produced by the high quality speakers built into the bottom of the tablet. I didn’t expect much at first. I mean, let’s face it; the tablet is no boom box, but I have to admit that I was pleased with how clean and clear the sound was. There was none of that grainy static that seems to be intermittently present when listening to low quality speakers.

The 16GB version of this of the Excite 10 can be purchased for $459.99, or you can purchase the 32 version for $529.99. I have never really seen the point of paying extra for more memory when I have SD cards all over the house that I can use to expand the memory whenever I want. It seems better to buy the cheaper version, and, when you need more memory, simply purchase an SD card if you don’t already have one. A 32GB SD card can be purchased for around $25.00, so buy the 16GB Excite 10 along with an SD card of up to 64GB and Enjoy! You won’t be disappointed; take it from me.

There are so many iPad cases that it’s difficult to choose one. With such an expensive device I’d want to get a cover that protects it while being versatile as well. The most popular case I’ve seen on the iPad is the smart cover. I don’t like it because it doesn’t offer much protection for the tablet.

M-Edge has a classy case for the iPad that’s functional as well. Their Hampton case gives your iPad a sophisticated classy look; but it doesn’t stop there. The Hampton case offers durability without sacrificing that classy fashion we’re looking for. Looks aren’t the only reason I’m a fan of the Hampton case.

M-Edge Hampton Case Works For Your iPad

M-Edges Hampton case includes the uView Mounting System which allows you to use your iPad in many ways. It snaps your iPad into a plastic frame. With the uView Mounting system you can slide the iPad up and down the case (about an inch or so) to access the camera. You can also reposition the iPad with the uView and the case to view it vertically or horizontally. It might be a little tricky to get at first; but once you get the hang of it; it becomes a necessity.

The Hampton is the ultimate combination of the fashion and utility. It allows access to all ports, cameras and buttons. The case fits like a glove. It’s extremely secure. You won’t have to worry about your iPad slipping out. In certain colors (black linen, diamond steel, silver linen, pinstripe, raspberry and red option), the case has the wake/sleep function similar to the smart cover. The case is also available for the Kindle Fire (1st generation)

The Hampton case will set you back $39.99. You can pick serious sophisticated colors such as “black linen” and “pinstripe” or bold bright colors such as “purple” and “raspberry” to accentuate your style.

My favorite of the two is the Lifestyle – L series as this is the more stylish of the two. and includes interchangeable corner bumpers that are used for shock absorbance. These work and really do help protect the corners of your device from some serious drops.

If you need something even more protective than that, check out the Tough Jacket – TJ case. This is one heavy duty case that will withstand the toughest of abuse. It even includes a screen cover for complete protection of the iPad mini when not in use.

Both cases are available now from Ballistic – $60 for the TJ and $40 for the LS case. For more details, check out the official press release below.

Press Release

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – (November 5, 2012) – Ballistic, award-winning designers of advanced mobile accessories, announces its two new intelligently designed cases for the just-released iPad^® mini. Both variations have been crafted to harness the new tablets’ on-the-go nature.  The Ballistic Tough Jacket – TJ™ is engineered with three layers of protection, making it the strongest on the market, while the Ballistic Lifestyle – LS™ features a thin and stylish exterior. Small enough to hold in one hand, and tote around regularly, the new iPad mini is a strong candidate for sporting both protective and head-turning cases.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket – TJ™ is a compilation of inner silicone to absorb shock, impact resistant hard plastic, and an additional shock absorbent polymer layer. Also equipped with Ballistic corners, this military grade case ensures much-needed protection for the most sensitive portion of the iPad mini. The “lay-on-table” feature guarantees the screen will never touch the surface when laid flat. Users can also take advantage of the optional screen cover, which doubles as a kickstand for optimal viewing angles.

The Ballistic Lifestyle – LS™ wraps around the iPad in a snug fashion, without adding any significant bulk to Apple’s slim tablet design. This specific “snug fit” feature ensures that while grasping the tablet tightly, it is still incredibly easy to remove given the accordion-like exterior. Sixteen interchangeable corner bumpers (four of each color) are also included so users can mix and match color options. These patented corners guarantee much-needed protection for the most sensitive portion of the iPad. Built with Ballistic’s high-quality protective materials, including TPU, the Lifestyle – LS™ maintains a protective purpose as well.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket – TJ™ and Lifestyle – LS™ for iPad mini will be available in November for $60.00 and $40.00 respectively, at www.goballisticcase.com and a variety of other retail stores nationwide.

First off, the Acase F1 looks really good. It’s all black on the outside, but is accented in red with the stitching and the inner lining. The entire front cover is made of real leather and has a very nice, premium feel to it. Unlike other covers that try to mimic Apple’s Smart Cover design with the triple folds, the Acase F1 only has 1 fold on the right side which is used to prop of the case in various positions. I think I actually prefer the way Acase made the front cover because it doesn’t flap around as much as the triple fold design. When folding the case back, it’s easier to keep it folded back and it doesn’t droop down like the others. It stays nice and firm.

The case itself on the Acase F1 is made from hard polycarbonate which is meant to be shatter and impact resistant. The shell is about 2-3mm thick and doesn’t add much bulk when snapped on. There are openings for the volume/mute switch, rear camera, top sleep/wake button, mic, audio jack, the 30-pin port, and there’s even a grill for the rear speaker. The rear of the case also has a textured pattern to it that makes holding the iPad a bit easier. The Acase F1 case also functions as a multi position stand. It can elevate the iPad for a better typing position as well as being able to use it for watching movies or displaying your photos.

Features

• Premium leather cover with robust PC base case protector, perfectly impact, fingerprints, slip and scratch resistance
• Adjustable standing positions, works on any reading angles
• Special design, comfortable angle for typing
• Build in magnetic closure, automatically wakes and puts the iPad 2 and new iPad to sleep
• All controls, buttons, and ports are kept open. Fits both iPad 2 and iPad 3.

I really like the look of this case, even with a white iPad. The black makes it look so sleek and the red accents really give it that high end look. I also like the fact that this thing uses real leather instead of synthetic materials and doesn’t cost that much at all. A search for it on Amazon will yield prices around $35, which is very good for a case of this type. The only 1 issue I had with the case is that once it’s on, it’s really on. It’s very hard to remove, but then again, I guess you don’t want your cases to just pop off whenever they feel like it. Overall though, a very good case that I am now using as my default iPad case.

Shop Link

• Black/Red – Acase F1 – Premium Leather for New iPad 4/ iPad 3 / iPad 2