Customisable Christmas: Mobile phone accessories

Every tech-lover will have something smartphone related on their wish lists this Christmas. A new phone is certainly an exciting thing to find in your stocking, but why not make it even more special?Customisable Christmas at Pocket-lint is all about doing just that. We want to help bring a special twist to any present. Below is the best of what we have discovered in customisable smartphone accessories.Photobox has already earned its stripes in the world of photo printing. Now moving to iPhone cases, the website has a great deal set-up for those who want to make a unique case for the recipient's handset.
Crucially it's doing them for the iPhone 5, which we expect to be on a lot of Christmas wish lists this year. Printing can be a simple colour, a photo or a selection of shots. The printed goes all the way around the case, even along the sides. In a quality scratch-resistant finish, they feel premium too. Cases cost ￡21.99 and can be delivered in two days. Grab one here.Okay, this one might sound a bit complicated, but isn't really. Website ShoutEm has a fantastic app-creation engine that is very easy to use. You can select from pre-made templates and then populate the app with whatever content you want.It could be a series of photos of you and your friends, something Christmas themed or even an interactive letter or postcard, and costs around ￡27 a month. You can try it for free first to see if it's your thing. The apps can also be made for multiple platforms, so you can download them on to whatever smartphone you are giving, for a truly unique feel.
This one is slightly obvious but, done right, will add a really special look to your mobile Christmas present. PakThat uses a very high-powered and accurate laser to cut pretty much any design into the tablet.There aren't any prices listed simply because cost depends on exactly what sort of engraving you want. It is possible to engrave the entire back of your phone, depending on the material. Be inventive, do things like emboss a photo on to the rear or leave a special message for your loved one.Screen protection is the most impressive advantage of the Liquid Armor invisible screen protector, but another really big benefit is that it works with any smartphone or tablet you already own, and can also be used on your camera's LCD screen.   Since it's a spray that you wipe on, you don't have to worry about getting the one that fits your device.Out of the box it already works with your device.The product ships with a 0.33 FL oz bottle that provides up to 50 phone applications or up to 12-15 tablet applications.   Compare this with film style protectors that often require 2-3 wasted films before you get one that looks acceptable.

Top Ten Cyber Monday Gift Ideas from WaterField Designs

WaterField Designs, an innovative leader in custom laptop sleeves, and designer bags and cases for digital-minded professionals, announces its Top Ten Cyber Monday gift ideas for family and friends. All WaterField Designs products are designed and manufactured locally in San Francisco.The Indy ($169-$179). This slender, handsome bag is cut just right for toting the iPad or iPad mini anywhere. Made of buttery soft leather, it can easily go from cafés to business meetings. Thoughtfully-placed pockets keep accessories organized and the bag slim.The Muzetto ($149-$259). This modern bag is sized for tablets, e-readers, iPads, the 11-inch Macbook Air and a range of laptops. Choose from naturally-tanned, supple leather or weathered waxed canvas for a rugged outdoorsy look.
The Cozmo ($169-$189). The Cozmo has been a hot seller since it was first introduced. Sporting WaterField Designs' signature ballistic nylon with Indium or leather accents, the Cozmo can fit a laptop, MacBook or tablet plus files and other necessities. It is smartly designed to keep its shape whether full or empty. Off-set D-rings auto-balance the load, and a removable suspension creates a "weightless" feel.The Outback Tote ($149-$159). The muted tones of vintage waxed canvas with burnished leather make this all-in-one bag a popular choice of male and female travelers alike. The Outback Tote easily holds laptops, headphones, and magazines in the open chamber and passports and foreign exchange in the zippered side pockets. It's the perfect carry-on.
The straight-forward, clean-lined design offers hard-core protection without the bulk. Multi-layered padding keeps the MacBook Air snug and secure, yet quickly accessible. A low-profile stretch pocket holds adapters and cables.The svelte CitySlicker combines soft distressed leather with ultra-durable black ballistic for a refined urban look. Three layers of protection—an impact-resistant insert, high-grade neoprene, and a padded liner—keep the MacBook Air or Retina safe and snug. The CitySlicker is a MacBook Air case with panache.Having both a wallet and an iPhone in pants pockets is cumbersome; the iPhone Wallet holds both in one compact case. This slim leather wallet includes a clear front window for viewing messages, emails and texts.A water-resistant, ballistic nylon shell envelops shock-absorbing neoprene for ultimate protection. Choice of trim color, horizontal or vertical case orientation, optional d-rings and strap, and Piggyback accessory pouch. Over 100 custom laptop sleeves to fit every laptop on the market, because when it comes to protection—size matters.

iPad Keyboard Case Offers Backlit Keys, Solid Protection

As much as I hate typing on the touch screen of my iPad, I've resisted buying an external keyboard for my tablet as I didn't want to add to the bulk of my svelte Apple gadget. But when I was given the opportunity to test out the ZAGG ProFolio+ keyboard case, I was intrigued – since it's not only compact, but it offers full wrap-around protection for my iPad.To help put it to the test, I'm writing this entire review using the ProFolio+ keyboard and my iPad. At its core, the QWERTY keyboard solves the very problem it sets out to. I went from a paltry 34 WPM typing with the on-screen keyboard, to a solid 68 WPM on the ProFolio+ – on the first try – literally doubling my typing productivity. Yes, the keys are little smaller and more crowded than the ones on my desktop computer, but they're still quite functional, and add a good tactile feel, similar to that found on a MacBook. And I've got pretty big fingers, so if I can type on this, anyone can.
Another cool feature of the ProFolio+ keyboard is its backlighting. The keyboard has bright LED backlights which can be set to one of seven colors (my personal fave is the purple – it's bright and looks cool) and three brightness levels. Simply press the lightbulb key to turn them on, and hold it down with the right or left arrow keys to change colors. Brightness is adjusted by tapping the lightbulb key multiple times. The backlighting is quite effective – in fact I'm writing this entire paragraph in complete darkness with no trouble reading the keys at all. And while the iPad screen itself provides some illumination for keys anyhow, the supplemental backlighting makes them much easier to see – and it just plain looks cool.Across the top of the keyboard, you'll also find dedicated function keys for the home screen, search, photo slideshow, cut, paste, copy, media playback and volume, as well as to lock the iPad. Unfortunately, the lock key is a little close to the smaller-than-normal delete key, so I did find myself accidentally pressing it once or twice, but quickly figured out how to avoid it once I realized it was there.
In terms of the case itself, it's fairly non-descript on the outside, adding a layer of durable black plastic that  snaps onto the back of the iPad. When closed, the keyboard section acts as the front cover, and even has the proper magnets in it to put the iPad to sleep when closed and wake it when opened. When in keyboard mode, the iPad itself sits into a slot (in landscape mode only) providing a good angle for viewing the screen while typing.And this is where one of my only complaints about the ProFolio+ crops up – it only provides a single viewing angle. I personally found the angle to be a little too vertical for my liking  - but not to the point where it was uncomfortable. It's just ideal for when you're typing at eye level. If you try and use the iPad on your lap, the angle isn't ideal.

Maingear Introduces Nomad 15 Gaming Notebook Starting at $1,579

Maingear, a boutique system builder based out of New Jersey, has taken aim at gaming on the go with its new Nomad 15 gaming laptop. Available in a variety of color options, the customizable Nomad 15 is, as its name implies, a 15-inch notebook equipped that features 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 processor options (Ivy Bridge), discrete graphics (GeForce GTX 670MX and up), and up to 32GB of system memory."Hot new colors, sleek design, top of the line mobile parts — the Nomad 15 is one of the best 15-inch mobile gaming units we have launched to date," said Wallace Santos, CEO and founder of Maingear. "Those points along with a great entry level price will make this gaming system a no brainer choice for anyone looking to hop from console gaming to PC gaming.
A baseline configuration starts at $1,579 and includes an Intel Core i7 3740QM processor, GeForce GTX 670MX graphics, 8GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 RAM, 750GB hard drive (7200 RPM), built-in memory card reader, 8X DVD burner, 802.11n Wi-Fi + Bluetooth adapter, 2.0MP webcam, three USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and DVI-I output, FireWire, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and a 9-cell battery.There are several upgrade options available. You can bump the GPU up to a GeForce GTX 680M and/or swap the default storage for a solid state drive, to name just two.
This is an attractive ultrabook with a respectable mix of components for its price, a responsive touch-screen and a backlit keyboard. It isn't very configurable, so you can't make it too much more powerful than it already is. It's on the heavy side for an "ultrabook" (if you consider 4.5 pounds heavy). Its touch-pad is jumpy at default settings.The HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is a good gateway to the Windows 8 experience with a responsive touch-screen in a traditional laptop body.It looks as good as any 13-inch ultrabook, with the added attraction of a 360-degree screen and a laptop body that can fold into a tent, stand or slate.Tablet mode leaves the keyboard exposed, and it costs more than standard ultrabooks with similar components.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a convertible touch-screen laptop/tablet that most importantly doesn't compromise the traditional laptop experience.The interface is innovative, elegant, powerful and versatile. The tablet feels strong and well built, includes Office 2013, and offers rich video and music services. Its keyboard cover accessories are the best ways to type on a tablet, period.The tablet has sluggish performance, its Windows Store is a ghost town, Metro requires some practice to get the hang of, and the desktop interface feels clunky and useless.If you're an early adopter willing to forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: Wait for more apps.

A Laptop Tote that Combines Capacity and Organization

Here to challenge that notion that tech protection is frumpy is Greene + Gray, a brand that launched last week with two collections of women's accessories to protect laptops, tablets and smartphones. The Stripe collection is named for the navy, red and gray horizontal pattern while Tribal is marked by its two-toned motif and shapes. Both lines include iPhone cases, MacBook sleeves (including a wristlet for MacBook Airs) and laptop tote bags.Given how women are prone to lugging around oversized bags to carry just about everything, the Stripe canvas tote is a great pick for its capacity, organization and style. When it comes to something as basic as a tote, it's the small touches — leather pulls, plush padding, etc. — that make this stand out.
This giant bag is designed to carry a 13-inch MacBook Pro and iPad. Beyond the beachy exterior is plush internal padding to protect your electronic devices. Unlike Incase's Terra Tote, the Stripe tote's laptop compartment extends along the height of the bag, providing full protection for your computer. The main compartment features a zipper with a leather pull — a very simple touch but something Incase's version also lacks. Yet that's not to say that the Stripe tote trumps all. It lacks the versatility of the Terra Tote, which includes a strap to convert itself into a messenger bag.
A big draw of Greene + Gray's tote is its organization. In addition to separate compartments for a laptop and tablet, the divider for the latter includes small pockets for office supplies, such as pens, business cards and memo pads. My favorite feature is likely the smallest: a tiny external pocket that's perfectly sized for a smartphone. Taking advantage of the exterior, this pocket provides quick access for something you reach for constantly.Overall, a lot of utility is packed into this canvas bag. Its ability to organize and protect your belongings makes this a great option for women looking to upgrade their frumpy oversized bags.
At a product showcase just after the CEA talks, new PCs, tablets, smartphones and TVs were hard to find. Previews of new apps and accessories were everywhere, however.New PC accessories on display ran the gamut from Harman/Kardon's AirPlay -- a DLNA-enabled BDS 577 Blu-ray Player designed to resemble a slick piece of furniture -- to Mad Catz's powerful-looking new S.T.R.I.K.E 7 gaming keyboard.Kurio did show a kids-oriented tablet. XPAL Power Inc. gave journalists a gander at an upcoming disposable mobile phone called the SpareOne, which runs on two AA batteries and is meant for distribution to victims of hurricanes, floods and other disasters.

Touch Cover Issues Surface With Microsoft Surface RT

The Verge has a report that the signature accessory of the Microsoft Surface RT and the future Surface Pro units (due in January), the Touch Keyboard is showing some issues related to wear and tear. Specifically, users are reporting that the cover of the Touch Keyboard is fraying and exposing wiring. There's also reports of audio issues, but that's not the point here.I can report that in the two weeks of usage with the Touch Keyboard, that while I haven't seen any fraying, I can certainly see the potential of it occurring. Last night in rehearsal I used the Surface RT in portrait mode to follow along with my script for the show I'm staging. I kept noticing that while I was in this orientation with the device, with the Touch keyboard attached and folded over towards the back, that during normal usage I kept catching the two top edges of the keyboard with the cuff of my sweater. This became distracting after awhile and I couldn't help thinking that this would lead to some fraying if I used the device in this manner much longer. These upper edges are relatively flimsy by design, given the thin nature of the keyboard.
I've also noticed randomly, that the Touch Keyboard and the Tablet will drop whatever electronic connection makes them work in tandem. I'll open up the device and the keyboard will not register a key press. I'll have to disconnect the keyboard and reconnect it in order to reestablish communication. There have been at least three instances where I have had to reboot the device in order to get things working properly.Note that in The Verge article that the quote a Microsoft rep as saying they are having "a lot" of Touch Cover returns.Here's a picture that shows the edge of the keyboard I was referring to.CNET's Don Reisinger reported, "Microsoft appears to be willing to address the problem. People in the Surface forums have said that they have contacted Microsoft about the issue and are being given a replacement cover. Whether those new covers will suffer the same fate, however, remains to be seen."
Jamie Condliffe from Gizmodo commented, "Given where the fault occurs—on the side of the keyboard which attaches to the tablet—it seems likely that the problem could be a result of mechanical stress. If that's the case, the cover isn't doing too good a job of being a cover."The Verge's Tom Warren observed that the cover issue isn't the only problem with the tablet: "We noted in our original Surface review that performance was a little hit or miss, but there now appear to be widespread reports related to audio problems. Several threads on Microsoft's support forums detail issues relating to random muting and audio stuttering while the Surface is in use or on standby."

Laptop Power UK Brings High-End Laptop Adapters for Both Individuals and Businesses

 With over 7 years of experience in bringing their clients innovative, cutting edge solutions, Laptop Power UK are now leading online suppliers of laptop adapters to both individuals and businesses. Their focus is to bring quality laptop adapters and innovative products such as Gigabyte U2442N Compatible Adapter.Gigabyte U2442N Compatible Laptop Adapter comes with Input AC 100V - 240V, and output volt DC 19 V. It operates with 65 W of power. Laptop Power UK also provides technical product information related to the Gigabyte U2442N compatible laptop adapter. They will assist their clients with replacement guidelines and manuals, if asked for.
Their laptop adapters are just one reason why anyone who has a laptop should get his accessories from them. If a person is looking for a reputed supplier of inexpensive laptop products, he can find them at Laptop Power UK, ordering any of their brand named laptop items couldnt be any easier. LaptopPower UK sells laptop adapter manufactured by all the leading brands which include - Sony, Dell, HP, Compaq, Apple, etc. They also supply Delta, Liteon, Hipro and AcBel chargers, etc. amongst others. The company provides a 12 month replacement warranty on all the products sold by it. Also all these products are CE certified and comply with all the UK safety standards.The company also sells other OEM spare parts like chargers, keyboards etc. It has several service centers spread across UK. Over a number of years they have forged links with only the finest suppliers, who are able to meet their exacting quality requirements.
 "To be honest with you, we've had many customers look at [the iPad], but they're not necessarily looking for that whiz-bang experience," Thornton said then. "Let me tell you, for a lot of customers, the Windows 7-based [Slate] performance is more than enough for what they're looking for… Now, the CEO might get the iPad, but for the 500 or 2,000 [employee] deployment? They're not going to get iPads. They're going to get something like this [Slate 2]."In other words, the CEO gets the good device, while the employees get the cheap device. Look how much has changed: "I agree with you: Windows 7 was not the answer," Hockey told me over the summer. "I'm not going to argue with you. I'd be the first to tell you that Windows 7 on a tablet was not a very strong product. But we think that with this new generation of Windows 8, touch-enabled devices, there's an opportunity now."All told, the ElitePad 900 is a pretty sleek device on its own. At 9.2mm and 1.5 pounds, the ElitePad is actually more appealing than many of HP's consumer offerings.

Linus Torvalds Wants All Laptops to Have 2560×1600 Displays

Most of the buzz surrounding Google's upcoming Nexus 10 tablet is on account of its WQXGA (2560×1600) display, the highest-resolution screen of any tablet out there. This isn't the first time this year that a tablet has managed to grab headlines due to its display's pixel count, though, with the now discontinued 3rd generation iPad also hogging a plenty of limelight for its 2048×1152 screen earlier this year. But even as manufacturers continue to up the display resolution ante in the highly competitive media tablet market, laptop vendors still seem content with 1366×768 displays for the most part. A certain Linus Torvalds has a major problem with that.
Known for speaking his mind, Linux creator Linus Torvalds recently took to Google Plus to do just that on the topic of laptop display resolutions: "So with even a $399 tablet [Nexus 10] doing 2560×1600 pixel displays, can we please just make that the new standard laptop resolution? Even at 11″? Please. Stop with the 'retina' crap, just call it 'reasonable resolution'. The fact that laptops stagnated ten years ago (and even regressed, in many cases) at around half that in both directions is just sad.""I still don't want big luggable laptops, but that 1366×768 is so last century. Christ, soon even the cellphones will start laughing at the ridiculously bad laptop displays."But he didn't stop at criticizing WXGA-doting laptop makers, proceeding instead to blast tech journos: "And the next technology journalist that asks you whether you want fonts that small, I'll just hunt down and give an atomic wedgie. I want pixels for high-quality fonts, and yes, I want my fonts small, but 'high resolution' really doesn't equate 'small fonts' like some less-than-gifted tech pundits seem to constantly think."
Original Post by Pulkit Chandna, Reposted Courtesy of Maximum PC – Covering everything from hi-end gaming PCs to tablets, peripherals and home theater rigs, Maximum PC's print and Web editions stay one step ahead of the fast-changing world of everything computer and computing related. Whether its the latest on building your own desktop system, reviews of the latest laptops and accessories, orroundups of the games and software that make your machine go, Maximum PC brings it to you with news, reviews, and years of expertise. TechnoBuffalo is thrilled to bring you the best of Maximum PC right here on our own pages to keep you immersed in all things digital.

Targus buys premium accessory maker Sena Cases

 Prolific accessory maker Targus is no slouch when it comes to making attractive products, but when it came to upping its game in the realm of high-end iPhone and iPad cases it opted to acquire an established brand rather than start from scratch. That name is Sena Cases, a California firm known for its exquisitely crafted leather accessories.Founded in 1999 by brothers Ramsey and Fevzi Oten, Sena Cases specializes in high-end phone and tablet cases, some of which carry the imprint of designers such as Michael Kors and Dylan George. The company will continue to operate as a separate entity under the ownership of Targus with the Otens remaining at its helm. According to a spokesperson, Sena Cases will also remain responsible for its own product designs, so you shouldn't expect to see either brand influencing the other in the forseeable future.Think Tank has expanded the Retrospective line of bags and announced the new Glass Limo backpack, all of which are designed for carrying large pieces of gear.
The Glass Limo backpack is a bag designed specifically for carrying oversized lenses, like a 600mm f/4, or a 500mm f/4 attached to a pro body. Set to debut in November with a $195.75 sticker price, the Glass Limo meets airline size restrictions so you can keep your super expensive glass on hand while traveling. While specifically designed for long glass, you can reconfigure the internal structures to handle a standard shooting kit, and use modular accessories to beef up how much it can carry.The iPad Mini is yet to be released, but already is capturing massive pre-order numbers despite stiff competition from new and existing Android tablets, in the form of the Google Nexus 7, Kindle Fire 7 and Barnes & Noble Nook HD. Despite launching with a lower resolution, less pixel-dense display and a much higher price point than these Android tablets ($329 vs $199) the iPad Mini is expected to sell massively as all Apple products do.
The Tech21 Impact Snap with Cover is probably one of the most protective iPad Mini cases that you can pick up. The secret is the case's use of the advanced D30 material, which is as soft as putty in the hand but becomes super rigid when it is exposed to an impact. It makes for quite a good demo – their PR ships out some of the material and a hammer so you can try if for yourself – and it seems to make a good difference in the real world too. The Impact Snap makes for an incredibly resistant case that even includes a cover for screen protection and stand duties. All in all, a good option if you're looking to ensure your iPad Mini stays in good condition.