iPhone Case Program Details, Jailbreaking Is Legal but Voids iPhone Warranty, iPad Shirt, and More

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News, Reviews, & Opinion

• Apple's iPhone 4 Case Program Details
• Apple: White iPhone 4 Still Delayed
• EFF Wins New Legal Protections for Video Artists, Cell Phone Jailbreakers, and Unlockers
• Apple's Official Response: Jailbreaking Voids Your Warranty
• iPad 'Riding a Steamroller of Momentum'
• Before the iPad, There Was the Newton
• Priest Celebrates Mass with iPad
• Apple Sued Over Hot iPad Shutdowns
• India's Human Resources Ministry Unveils $35 Linux Tablet Prototype

Apps & Services

• Dragon Dictation 2.0: Free iOS Dictation Software
• Free SendStuffNow File Delivery App
• iPhone Bike Repair App Saves Cyclists Time and Money

Accessories

• Syte Shirt Launches Handsfree Interactive iPad Clothing
• HyperMac Stand: First and Only iPad Stand with a Built-in Battery Pack
• Compass Two-Mode iPad Stand

iPod Deals

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• Best iPod shuffle deals
• Best iPhone deals

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apple's iPhone 4 Case Program Details

PR: If you purchase an iPhone 4 before September 30, 2010, you are eligible to receive an iPhone 4 Bumper or a select third-party case from Apple at no charge.

Follow these steps to apply for a Bumper or case.

• Download the iPhone 4 Case Program app from the App Store.
• Launch the app on your iPhone 4 and sign in using your iTunes Store account or Apple ID.
• Select your Bumper or case.

For iPhone 4 purchases made before July 23, 2010, you must apply no later than August 22, 2010; otherwise, you must apply within 30 days of your iPhone 4 purchase. To qualify for this program, you must purchase your iPhone 4 by September 30, 2010.

If you bought from Apple, we will give you a full refund for your previously purchased iPhone 4 Bumper, including any taxes and shipping fees.

If you bought from an AT&T Store, we will reimburse you for the purchase price of your iPhone 4 Bumper. You will need to fill out a rebate coupon and mail it by September 30, 2010.

If you are not completely satisfied with your iPhone 4, you can return your undamaged iPhone 4 to any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. If you purchased your iPhone 4 from AT&T, you can also return it to an AT&T store.

Link: iPhone 4 Case Program

Apple: White iPhone 4 Still Delayed

PR: White models of Apple's new iPhone 4 have continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected, and as a result they will not be available until later this year. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.

Further Reading

• Apple Delays White iPhone 4 - Again, The Register. "Apple still can't work out how to mass-produce an iPhone 4 coloured white...."
• 4 Ways to Get a White iPhone 4 Now, PC World. "The impatient have several options, though I'll admit none of them are ideal."

EFF Wins New Legal Protections for Video Artists, Cell Phone Jailbreakers, and Unlockers

PR: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) won three critical exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) anti-circumvention provisions on Monday, carving out new legal protections for consumers who modify their cell phones and artists who remix videos people who, until now, could have been sued for their non-infringing or fair use activities.

"By granting all of EFF's applications, the Copyright Office and Librarian of Congress have taken three important steps today to mitigate some of the harms caused by the DMCA," said Jennifer Granick, EFF's Civil Liberties Director. "We are thrilled to have helped free jailbreakers, unlockers, and vidders from this law's overbroad reach."

The exemptions were granted as part of a statutorily prescribed rulemaking process, conducted every three years to mitigate the danger the DMCA poses to legitimate, non-infringing uses of copyrighted materials. The DMCA prohibits "circumventing" digital rights management (DRM) and "other technical protection measures" used to control access to copyrighted works. While the DMCA still chills competition, free speech, and fair use, today's exemptions take unprecedented new strides towards protecting more consumers and artists from its extensive reach.

The first of EFF's three successful requests clarifies the legality of cell phone "jailbreaking" software modifications that liberate iPhones and other handsets to run applications from sources other than those approved by the phone maker. More than a million iPhone owners are said to have "jailbroken" their handsets in order to change wireless providers or use applications obtained from sources other than Apple's own iTunes App Store, and many more have expressed a desire to do so. But the threat of DMCA liability had previously endangered these customers and alternate applications stores.

In its reasoning in favor of EFF's jailbreaking exemption, the Copyright Office rejected Apple's claim that copyright law prevents people from installing unapproved programs on iPhones: "When one jailbreaks a smartphone in order to make the operating system on that phone interoperable with an independently created application that has not been approved by the maker of the smartphone or the maker of its operating system, the modifications that are made purely for the purpose of such interoperability are fair uses."

"Copyright law has long held that making programs interoperable is fair use," confirmed Corynne McSherry, EFF's Senior Staff Attorney. "It's gratifying that the Copyright Office acknowledges this right and agrees that the anti-circumvention laws should not interfere with interoperability."

EFF also won a groundbreaking new protection for video remix artists currently thriving on Internet sites like YouTube. The new rule holds that amateur creators do not violate the DMCA when they use short excerpts from DVDs in order to create new, noncommercial works for purposes of criticism or comment if they believe that circumvention is necessary to fulfill that purpose. Hollywood has historically taken the view that "ripping" DVDs is always a violation of the DMCA, no matter the purpose.

"Noncommercial videos are a powerful art form online, and many use short clips from popular movies. Finally the creative people that make those videos won't have to worry that they are breaking the law in the process, even though their works are clearly fair uses. That benefits everyone from the artists themselves to those of us who enjoy watching the amazing works they create," added McSherry.

On EFF's request, the Librarian of Congress renewed a 2006 rule exempting cell phone unlocking so handsets can be used with other telecommunications carriers. Cell phone unlockers have been successfully sued under the DMCA, even though there is no copyright infringement involved in the unlocking. Digital locks on cell phones make it harder to resell, reuse, or recycle the handset, prompting EFF to ask for renewal of this rule on behalf of our clients, The Wireless Alliance, ReCellular and Flipswap. However, the 2009 rule has been modified so that it only applies to used mobile phones, not new ones.

"The Copyright Office recognizes that the primary purpose of the locks on cell phones is to bind customers to their existing networks, rather than to protect copyrights," said Granick. "The Copyright Office agrees with EFF that the DMCA shouldn't be used as a barrier to prevent people who purchase phones from keeping those phones when they change carriers. The DMCA also shouldn't be used to interfere with recyclers who want to extend the useful life of a handset."

Along with the exemptions that EFF championed, several other DMCA exemptions were expanded, granted or narrowed including one for documentary filmmakers and college-level educators, as well as some for security researchers.

Link: DMCA Rulemaking
Link: Final Ruling by Copyright Office (PDF)

Apple's Official Response: Jailbreaking Voids Your Warranty

Cult of Mac's Leander Kahney says:

"I just got a call from Apple's PR department to discuss today's historical DMCA exception ruling that makes iPhone jailbreaking legal."

"It's short and sweet: Apple wants to control the iPhone experience to keep things simple and stable."

"It does, however, answer the main question I had: does jailbreaking void the warranty? Yes, it does."

Link: Apple's Official Response to DMCA Jailbreak Exemption: It Voids Your Warranty

iPad 'Riding a Steamroller of Momentum'

PR: Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps contends that consumer product strategists, even those not in direct competition with Apple, ought to pay attention to the iPad, because it's defying common assumptions about consumer technology adoption. She notes that in Tuesday's earnings call, Apple announced that it sold 3.27 million iPads in its financial quarter ending June 26.

Ms. Rotman Epps says that based on new data from Forrester's consumer surveys, as well as Apple's sales data reporting, Forrester now think their initial forecast was conservative, especially in the short term, and plan to publish an update later this year once they have more supply-side and consumer data. She explains that an assumption Forrester made in their initial forecast assumed that the iPad would behave like other similar consumer devices in its first year of adoption, with strong initial sales fulfilling pent-up demand for a hyped product, but that sales would slow in a summer slump, as typical with consumer technology purchases; then spike again in the holiday season.

However, the iPad hasn't behaved like other consumer devices and is riding a steamroller of momentum that indicates incredibly strong demand for this entirely new form factor. Rotman Epps says that in this case, Forrester missed the mark regarding the short-term and are revisiting their initial work.

She thinks the iPad's unexpected momentum may have been helped by the full-force ad campaign and store real estate that Apple has devoted to it, as well as the social influence of typically high-end iPad early adopters. She notes that awareness of the iPad is incredibly high, with a June survey finding that only 5% of US online consumers claimed that they'd never heard of the iPad before the survey, down from 17% in May, and nearly 10 million US consumers affirming intent to buy one.

Link: iPad Sales: Why Tablets Are Even Bigger than Forrester Anticipated

Before the iPad, There Was the Newton

The Register's Rik Myslewski says:

"If any old-tech devotees are more rabid than Amiga amigos, the Newtonians are. So, for those lovers of Apple's pioneering handheld, here's an up-close-and-personal visual caressing of the Newton MessagePad 120, circa 1995.

"The MessagePad 120 had the longest lifespan of any device based on Apple's Newton platform: from its October 1994 release in Germany (January 1995 in the US) until June 1996. The 120 thus deserves the respect of those of us who remember that exceptional platform, one that improved over time but not enough to overcome its rough beginnings...

"As a card-carrying fanboi, I owned an original Newton now referred to as the OMP, for 'Original MessagePad' but try as I might, I never could bend that little thing to my will. My OMP ended its life quite literally as a doorstop in a thickly carpeted office conference room.

"When disappointed, we fanbois can be oh, so cruel but we were won over by Newton OS 2.0 and the MessagePad 120...."

Further Reading on Low End Mac

• The Story Behind Apple's Newton
• My Newton: Why I Won't Buy an iPhone or iPod touch
• Newton Becomes History
• Newton: Too Much, Too Early?

Link: Before the iPad, There Was the Newton

Priest Celebrates Mass with iPad

Cult of Mac's Nicole Martinelli reports:

"The iPad has been called magical, but now it's also mystical: at least one priest has used the latest and greatest Apple device to say holy mass.

"A Catholic priest in Italy recently employed an iPad to perform an outdoor mass in the place of a heavy Bible.

"Don Michele Bigi, using the iPad to say mass at a summer camp in Gramolazzo (Tuscany), told The Apple Lounge [English translation by Google] that the Apple device was really easy to use...."

Link: Priest Celebrates Mass with iPad

Apple Sued Over Hot iPad Shutdowns

The Register's Rik Myslewski reports:

"Apple's iPad can shut down if it gets too hot, and Jacob Baltazar, Claudia Keller, and John Browning are as mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore.

"Those unhappy iPadders have filed suit against Apple - and they're asking the court to elevate their claim to class-action status.

"Their lawsuit, filed in the US District Court, Northern District of California, alleges that 'the iPad overheats so quickly under common weather conditions that it does not function for prolonged use either outdoors, or in many other warm conditions.'"

Link: Apple Sued Over Hot iPad Shutdowns

India's Human Resources Ministry Unveils $35 Linux Tablet Prototype

PR: Mumbai, India (2010.07.22) - India's Union Minister for human Resource Development Shri Kapil Siba today unveiled a "low-cost computing-cum-access device" - essentially a tablet computer - with a selling price projected to be around $35. However, the HR ministry's ultimate target is to bring down the cost of this device to $20 and ultimately to $10.

Since this effort of continuous reduction in price and enhancement in capabilities would require a constant endeavour for R&D, IIT Rajasthan and some other IITs and technical institutions are setting up research teams to cover a wide range of issues in achieving Sibal's ultimate goal in terms of price and quality.

The Linux-based tablet has been developed in support of India's Education Policy objectives of access, equity, and quality by providing low cost and affordable access cum computing devices to students and teachers and providing high quality e-content free of cost to all learners in the country. Connectivity to universities and colleges has already started. Nearly 8,500 Indian colleges have already been connected, high quality e-content in various subjects is being created, and under the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), nearly 500 web-based and video courses are available and uploaded on sakshat, YouTube, and NPTEL portals, and another 1,100 courses in various disciplines of engineering and science are getting generated in 4 quadrant approach.

The ministry started its hardware development efforts subsequent to lukewarm response from known corporates in this sector, by holding discussions on this concept with a group of professors whose students were guided to produce the motherboard for the proposed low cost devices with ample flexibility to change components.

A number of teams have been moving back and forth independently but constantly interacting with the HRD Ministry and improving upon design parameters and customization guidance for Indian students. The efforts of some of the teams culminating in the tablet device unveiled last week. The aim is to reach such devices to the students of colleges and Universities and to provide these institutions a host of choices of low cost access devices around ₨ 1,500* or less in near future.

India's HR ministry has specified the following minimum feature and specification targets for the device:

• Support for video web conferencing facility
• Multimedia content viewer, for example .pdf, docx, .ods, adp, .doc, .xls, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .odt, .zip, AVCHD, AVI, AC3, etc.
• Searchable PDF reader
• Unzip tool for unzipping zip files.
• Possibility of installing suitable firmware upgradation.
• Computing capabilities such as Open Office, SciLab, CUPS (for printing support)
• Media player capable of playing streamed as well as stored media files.
• Internet browsing with flash plug-in, JavaScript, PDF plug-in, Java.
• Wireless communication for audio/video I/O.
• Cloud computing option.
• Remote device management capability.
• Multimedia input output interface option (for allowing DTV, IPTv, DTH, streaming etc.)

* 1,500 rupees is roughly equivalent to $35. The Indian government introduced a new symbol for the Indian rupee earlier this year, but it has not yet been added to the Unicode character set.

Link: Low Cost Access - Cum-Computing Device Unveiled by Shri Kapil Sibal

Apps & Services

Dragon Dictation 2.0: Free iOS Dictation Software

PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has announced the availability of Dragon Dictation 2.0, currently free on the Apple App Store. Dragon Dictation 2.0 is iOS4-compatible, and delivers multilingual support and a new easy-to-use interface for speaking text messages, emails, and social media status updates without ever having to leave the application itself. First introduced in December 2009, the popular Dragon Dictation App has been downloaded by millions and ranks as a number one business productivity application that enables iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users to speak text content for everything from email messages to blog posts.

Dragon Dictation 2.0 features a fun-yet-convenient popup toolbar with app icons that allow people to speak a status update and send it directly to Facebook or Twitter, or speak any text and send it directly to the text messaging client or clipboard all without leaving the Dragon Dictation app client. Dragon Dictation 2.0 also features an Auto Save function that automatically saves your dictated text when interrupted by an incoming phone call.

Nuance has also announced that Dragon Dictation supports both US and UK English, with additional language support to be added soon, beginning with German later this month. All Dragon Dictation users are able to easily switch between supported languages as they become available.

"Millions of people have downloaded Dragon Dictation for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and this latest version is a direct result of the features our user community has voiced would make the must-have app even better," says Michael Thompson, senior vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "And with support for more languages, we're answering the call from our Dragon fans around the world."

Nuance also has available on the Apple App Store the iOS4-compatible Dragon Search mobile application that enables users to speak searches that are returned from a variety of content sources including Google, Yahoo!, Wikipedia, iTunes, YouTube and Twitter via the Dragon Search Carousel™. Both Dragon Dictation 2.0 and Dragon Search are immediately available for free on the Apple App Store for a limited time.

Link: Dragon Dictation

Free SendStuffNow File Delivery App

PR: Smith Micro Software, Inc. has released SendStuffNow for Apple's iPhone and iPad. The free app enables iPhone and iPad users to easily and securely send large files, track the status of pending file deliveries and create new invitations to allow additional users to access files that have already been uploaded. Now, regardless of location, consumers and professionals can create, access and manage shared file links with the tap of a screen. SendStuffNow for the iPhone and iPad also makes it possible to upload and share photos and videos captured on these devices.

The SendStuffNow App provides customers with the most secure way to deliver files over the Internet. When the application is launched, users simply select and upload the video, image or document file that needs to be shared. Those receiving files via SendStuffNow only need to click on links to files embedded in an email to download them through a Web browser, making sending and receiving files simple. SendStuffNow allows consumers to store and transmit files up to 2 GB in size.

"In an increasingly mobile world, we understand that our customers require convenient and sometimes instant access to files, regardless of their physical location," said William W. Smith, Jr., President and CEO of Smith Micro Software. "We developed SendStuffNow with the mobile user in mind, and are excited to offer an easy-to-use solution that makes it possible for businesses and individual end-users to seamlessly and securely send files from virtually any iPhone or iPad. The release of our iPhone and iPad applications serves as the first in a series of steps Smith Micro plans to take to expand the mobile reach of SendStuffNow."

SendStuffNow takes advantage of Smith Micro's 20 years of experience in file compression and encryption through its use of patented StuffIt technology. StuffIt uses AES 256-bit encryption technology to protect the files in an archive. StuffIt also protects the metadata stored in the archive to prevent costly security holes left open by other file transfer solutions. The SendStuffNow Web service uses an RSA 2048-bit key and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt all communications between the server, client and Web browser.

Link: SendStuffNow

iPhone Bike Repair App Saves Cyclists Time and Money

PR: Atomic Software announces their new time and moneysaving app, Bike Repair 1.0, is now available on the iTunes App Store. Always at the ready on the road or at home, Bike Repair will pay for itself the very first time it's used.

From changing tires to rear derailleur adjustment, Bike Repair offers detailed instruction on over 2 dozen common repairs that work for every major brand of bicycle. Written in plain-English, the easy to understand instructions are perfect for casual and serious riders alike, with none of the repairs requiring any special tools. Repair instructions are straight to the point, without unnecessary texts that distract users from the problem at hand.

Repair instructions are supplemented by 90 studio-quality photos that illustrate exactly how each repair should be performed. Each photo provided added tips to ensure the repair is performed correctly the first time. Since many bike repair issues occur while riders are on the road, Bike Repair is the perfect companion that goes wherever the rider goes. No longer will users have to search the Internet for answers that are often conflicting, or to find a bike repair shop for expensive repairs or maintenance services. Bike Repair is the perfect companion for anyone who likes to save money or do things themselves.

Updates are already planned for Bike Repair, adding additional solutions and repair procedures, which will make the app even more valuable. All current app owners will receive subsequent updates for free once they are released. For more information and screenshots, visit the iTunes App Store or the Bike Repair website.

Device Requirements:

• iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
• Requires iOS 3.0 or later (iOS 4.0 Tested)
• 5.5 MB

Bike Repair 1.0 is $1.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Sports category.

Link: Bike Repair

Accessories

Syte Shirt Launches Handsfree Interactive iPad Clothing

PR: If you are one out of the millions iPad users out there, it's likely that you have purchased an accessory to go with your iPad. However, it's also likely that your accessory does not let you carry your iPad handsfree, allowing you to do other tasks. A new startup in San Diego named Syte Shirt is looking to change that. Syte Shirt manufacturers an interactive shirt that lets you safely carry the iPad handsfree on your chest while allowing you and others to fully interact with the iPad through a transparent window. Not only is it an accessory, the shirt is also a fashion statement for those that want to show off cool designs, photos, movies, or animations while trotting around town. It's the first shirt that has a constantly changing design.

The functional and comfortable Syte Shirt is made from 100% preshrunk heavyweight cotton and features slits on the inside of the window to give you the ability to plug in your headphones or charge the iPad conveniently without having to remove it. The inside and neckline of the shirt are designed with areas of support that distribute the weight of the iPad to prevent any distortion. The placement of the iPad on the shirt also allows for lots of mobility whether you are sitting down or walking.

Some example of Syte Shirt usages:

• Play movies or interactive games to entertain your kids while keeping your hands free
• Show off your photos with a group of friends
• Broadcast a football game while enjoying a tailgate party
• Promote your artwork, music, and other multimedia anywhere
• Advertise your business by playing promotional content while speaking to customers
• Tech-savvy educators can grab students attention by creating interactive lessons
• Trade show vendors can run product demos while working in the booth
• Businesses can hire people to be mobile info booths to display interactive info and maps

"We think of the Syte Shirt as a platform for wearable computing. The possibilities of this product are only limited by the imagination of its users, and I really think we're going to be amazed by the ideas our customers come up with for this great product. We encourage our customers to be creative and send us photos of how they're using their Syte Shirt to jyoung@syteshirt.com ," says founder, Joseph A Young.

Features:

• Displays your iPad in landscape mode
• Capacitive-transmitting vinyl screen allows for full iPad functionality (water and dust-resistant)
• Hidden zipper for secure retention and convenient access
• 2 hidden port holes on the inside for headphones or charger
• Internal supports distribute weight of iPad across the body to prevent shirt distortion
• Full mobility whether you are sitting down or walking
• 100% preshrunk heavyweight cotton
• Machine washable
• Hang dry overnight
• Unisex
• Color: black
• Sizes: S to XXL

The Syte Shirt is available for $49.95 (S/M/L/XL) and $54.95 (XXL).

Syte Shirt crafts functional clothing for iPad lovers. Design and manufacturing are both done in San Diego, California. The Syte Shirt team consists of Joseph A Young, founder, JoAn Craig, designer, and various friends lending their time towards the project. Joseph received his M.B.A. from the Rady School of Management at UCSD.

Link: Syte Shirt

HyperMac Stand: First and Only iPad Stand with a Built-in Battery Pack

PR: Sanho Corporation, the company behind the award-winning HyperMac battery packs for Apple MacBook, iPad and iPhone has announced the availability of HyperMac Stand, the world's first and only iPad stand with a built-in battery pack, providing up to 16 hours of additional battery life to the iPad.

HyperMac Stand incorporates 2 slots to hold the iPad at either 18° or 45°, in portrait or landscape positions. The slots are specially treated with a soft touch coating to protect the iPad from scuffs and designed to work with both an encased or bare iPad.

Featuring a built-in 40-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery (compared to iPad's internal 25-watt-hour battery), the HyperMac Stand is capable of extending the iPad battery life by an additional 16 hours, delivering power to the iPad via a 10W USB port. The HyperMac Stand itself can be recharged via a standard mini USB cable and supports pass-through charging/syncing so that the iPad can charge/sync with the computer even when it is connected via the HyperMac Stand. Users can check the HyperMac Stand battery level anytime with the built-in 5-stage lighted LED indicator.

"Most iPad stands in the market are either bulky or heavy or both, necessary characteristics to ensure that the not so tiny iPad can be properly supported," states Daniel Chin, President of Sanho Corporation. "HyperMac Stand makes clever use of the natural weight of the lithium-ion battery cells to provide added stability," he adds. "The end result is one of the most compact pocket-sized iPad stand available in the market with unsurpassed stability," he continues. "Whatever little weight (12.7 oz./360g) the user have to carry is actually useful power to extend the iPad battery life by 1.5 times," he concludes.

HyperMac batteries use the same high-end lithium ion cells and components that are supplied to the U.S. military, providing the utmost reliability, safety and performance. It is rechargeable up to 1,000 times and comes with a one year warranty

The HyperMac Stand is now available for $129.95.

Specifications

• iPad Slots: 2 rubberized slots that holds iPad at 18° and 45°, portrait and landscape, case and no case
• Capacity: 40 Wh (11,000 mAh)
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Ion
• iPad Battery Life: Up to additional 16 hours
• Dimensions: 6.02" x 4.21" x 1.14" (153 x 107 x 29mm)
• Weight: 12.7 oz. (360g)
• Input Power (Charging the HyperMac Stand): 10W Mini USB 5V (2.1A Max)
• Output Power (Powering the iPad): 10W USB 5V (2.1A Max)

Link: HyperMac Stand

Compass Two-Mode iPad Stand

PR: Compass is a stylish compact folding stand that lets you use your iPad in two different modes. First, as an easel, Compass displays iPad in both portrait and landscape modes. Second, flip open the secondary leg and Compass now holds your iPad at the perfect angle to let your fingers fly across iPad's onscreen keyboard.

Forged from heavy gauge steel, this slim, travel friendly stand lets you enjoy both handsfree and hands-on use of your iPad anywhere your iPad goes. iPhoto slideshows to Keynote presentations, Compass lets you see and do more with iPad. Compass folds up to the size of candy bar, requiring very little space in your backpack, computer bag or purse. Store it in it soft travel sleeve, which matches the Apple iPad case, and you're ready to go

It's an easel and an instant theater.

Perhaps the biggest strength of this attractively-styled sliver of steel is its versatility. Used upright as an easel, Compass lets you view and interact with iPad in both portrait and landscape modes, even if you keep your iPad protected in the Apple case. Use portrait mode for things like iPhoto slideshows, browsing the iBookstore or flipping through an online news article. Turn your iPad on its side, in landscape position, and Compass becomes the ultimate portable theater. Enjoy your favorite YouTube videos and feature-length movies anywhere you go, while keeping your hands free for popcorn and beverages.

Point Compass to Work Mode

Compass is the iPad stand for those who want to work on their iPad. Designed with a foldaway secondary leg, Compass instantly goes from an easel to a pint-size work station, angled perfectly for typing on iPad's onscreen keyboard. Compass makes typing on iPad more comfortable so you can put in longer stretches in Keynote, Pages or Numbers without the neck-ache that comes from working with iPad on your lap. Compass can be used on planes, airports, hotels, coffee shops, cafes and boardrooms. When folded flat, this tiny, yet sturdy, iPad stand takes up minimal space inside your briefcase, backpack or computer bag. In short, Compass gets the job done.

Compass Goes Wherever iPad Goes

Folded flat, Compass measures 7-inches long by 1-inch wide, about the size of a candy bar, and small enough to carry and use anywhere you go. Set it up on a desk, coffee table, night stand, kitchen countertop and pretty much any flat, stable surface you're likely to set your iPad on. Think of Compass as a portable easel to display your photography, a mobile movie theater or an instant work station that's angled at a wrist-happy position for onscreen typing. Made from heavy, powder-coated steel, Compass is solid and super sturdy with soft silicone pads on the feet to protect any surface you set it on - the perfect traveling companion for iPad.

Runs Circles Around Other Stands

Compass' versatility makes it perfect for business or pleasure. It's a handy platform for charging the iPad. If you plan on using a utility like Air Display, which turns iPad into a mobile second monitor, Compass is the perfect stand to have parked next to your MacBook, MacBook Pro or iMac.

Multitask Tool That Sets Up in Seconds

This mobile iPad accessory is easy to set up. Slide the Compass out of its case, fold out all three legs, fold down the two iPad supports and you're done. To switch to typing mode, all you have to do is fold down the secondary leg on the back of the stand, and position Compass so the secondary leg rests on your work surface and you're set to start typing your latest Facebook update or editing a spreadsheet in Numbers.

Compass sells for $39.99 with free shipping for a limited time.

Link: Compass iPad Stand