Apple #1 PC Maker with iPad, Android Drops to 56% in US, Why Rush Limbaugh Loves Apple Products, and More

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

• Including Tablets, 2012 to Set New World Record in PC Shipments with Apple in the Lead
• Android Smartphone Share Drops to 56% in United States
• Can Microsoft Be Right on Tablets - and Apple, Amazon, and Google Wrong?
• iPad vs. iPad 2 vs. New iPad
• Why Rush Limbaugh Loves Apple Products

Rumor Roundup

• iPhone 5 and iPad mini Announcement Aniticipated for September 12

The Competition

• Microsoft's First Mistake: Leading with Consumer Tablets
• Nexus 7 'Just About as Good as an iPad' at Half the Price
• AnandTech: Google Nexus 7 'Damn Near Perfect'
• 5 Reasons Taylor Hatmaker Abandoned Her iPad for Google's Nexus 7
• Consumer Reports: Nexus 7 Challenges the iPad

Apps & Services

• Maxthon Web Browser for iPad: Fast, Secure, and Free
• Make Your Mark on Google with Handwrite Input for Mobile and Tablet Search

Accessories

• Ceramic Glass miFrame Art Design Dock Stands by for iPad
• ZooGue Microfiber iPad Sleeve
• iPad-Friendly USB Splitter/Hub
• IPEVO's Typi Folio Keyboard Case and Stand for iPad 2 and 3 Now Available in 5 Color Combinations
• IPEVO 20% Off Promotion Covers Côte & Ciel and Select IPEVO Products
• 3-in-1 Smart Stylus for iPad/iPhone, Galaxy Tabs, Other Tablets

iPod Deals

These price trackers are updated every month.

• Best iPad deals
• Best classic iPod deals
• Best iPod touch deals
• Best iPod nano deals
• Best iPod shuffle deals
• Best iPhone deals

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Including Tablets, 2012 to Set New World Record in PC Shipments with Apple in the Lead

PR: Canalys reports that global client PC shipments rose 12% year on year in Q2 2012. Growth in pads (a.k.a. tablets) more than compensated for disappointing sales of Ultrabooks, with the New iPad having the biggest single impact on growth rates in the quarter, but Asus and Samsung made progress with their Transformer and Galaxy Tab product lines as well. Total pad shipments increased 75% to 24 million units, representing 22% of all PCs.

"Reports that poor economic conditions and the wait for Windows 8 hurt the PC industry this quarter do not tell the whole story," says Tom Evans, Canalys Research Analyst. The PC industry is performing well and 2012 is shaping up to be a record year. Vendors with innovative products will reap the rewards."

Apple retook the overall lead with an estimated 19% share of global PC shipments, helped by strong iPad sales. "There is now a large base of replacement buyers that simply must have the latest Apple product, and the decision to continue shipping the iPad 2 at lower price points has opened up new customers, for example in education," Evans added. "One drawback of the standout Retina Display in the New iPad, however, is the increased storage demanded by HD content. An upgrade, without a big price increase, is a must for the next generation of product."

Samsung was the leading Android pad vendor in Q2, more than doubling its Galaxy Tab shipments compared to a year ago. It remains Apple's chief challenger in pads, but Asus made the biggest gains this quarter, particularly in the US, following the launch of the TF300 at a sub-$400 price point, and is now the third largest pad vendor globally.

Canalys Research Analyst Pin Chen Tang says: "Joining forces with Google to produce the sub-$200 Google Nexus 7 will further strengthen the role of Asus in this market. Amazon must now launch a more powerful replacement for the Kindle Fire and expand internationally, or see its pad business fail. Canalys estimates that shipments of the Kindle Fire were below 500,000 in Q2, down significantly compared to previous quarters."

In contrast to pads, Windows PC shipments continued to disappoint. Ultrabooks have not hit the price points that could excite large numbers of buyers and the share of the overall market taken by Windows fell to a new low of 73%. Intel's share also hit an all-time low, falling below 70%. But against this dark background there were some bright points. Lenovo continued to gain share, thanks to a strong home market, a focus on emerging markets, and increased attention to the consumer category overall. Acer improved too, compared to a terrible Q2 a year ago. While results in its former strongholds of Italy and Spain remained poor, it made good progress in the more buoyant markets of Russia, Germany, and the UK. Furthermore, improved brand awareness through its Olympics sponsorship should translate into increased sales in the second half of the year.

HP was the second largest PC vendor in Q2 with 12% share. The sensible cost-saving decision to merge its PC and printing divisions impacted its first half, but a Canalys survey of channel partners revealed that a large majority think this will have a positive (or neutral) effect on their future business. After spending time focusing on internal issues, and with the new PPS organization largely in place, a period of stability will enable HP to rebuild momentum.

Perhaps the biggest talking point of the quarter was Microsoft's decision to launch its own pads - the Surface and Surface Pro. The information available to date suggests the prices of both will be too high to capture significant market share, and a direct sales approach will prove inadequate. "We expect the Surface pads to have a similar impact on the PC industry as the Zune did in portable music players," commented Canalys Analyst Tim Coulling. [A cruel, but possibly prescient assessment - Ed.]

Canalys has advised PC vendors (Microsoft's OEMs) to postpone launches of Windows RT pads until Microsoft rethinks the high license fee. Chris Jones, Canalys VP and Principal Analyst, notes that "Microsoft has upset some partners by bringing its own hardware to market. Marketing, distributing, and servicing such hardware profitably is hard. Once the Surface makes a material dent in Microsoft's P&L, it will need to repair relationships with PC vendors, who are already preparing lists of demands."

The Windows 8 launch budget guarantees attention during Q4, but users will only benefit fully from the new OS if they buy PCs with touchscreens, which will significantly increase the purchase price. Canalys does not expect the launch of Windows 8 to arrest Microsoft's market share decline until Q3 2013 at the earliest. Canalys recommends that Microsoft helps its OEMs hit mainstream price points for Windows 8 touchscreen products, for example by subsidizing touch panel production costs by $50 to $100 per unit, to kick-start the market. Intel pledged to invest $300m in Ultrabook ecosystem players, but there is no indication, as yet, that Microsoft is prepared to make a comparable commitment to the PC supply chain.

Note: Canalys defines a client PC as a computing device designed to be operated by an individual and positioned to serve a broad range of purposes, achieved by running third-party applications, some of which can work independently of a network connection. When designed to be portable, it must be able to function without mains power and have a built-in display of at least 7" in diagonal.

The forthcoming Canalys Channels Forums in EMEA and APAC will be the largest and most prestigious independent channel partner events ever seen in both regions.

Link: 2012 Will Bring New World Record in PC Shipments

Android Smartphone Share Drops to 56% in United States

PR: According to the latest research published by Strategy Analytics Wireless Smartphone Strategies (WSS) service, smartphone shipments fell 5% annually to reach 24 million units in the United States during the second quarter of 2012. The Android operating system lost ground to Apple iOS as market share fell four points on an annual basis to 56%.

Strategy Analytics notes that this was one of the slowest growth rates ever experienced by the important US smartphone market. A volatile economy, maturing penetration of smartphones among contract mobile subscribers, and major operators tightening their upgrade policies to enhance profits were among the main causes of the slowdown.

United States Smartphone Operating System Shipments (Millions of Units)	Q2 '11	Q2 '12
Android	15.3	13.4
Apple iOS	5.9	7.9
BlackBerry OS	2.7	1.6
Others	1.4	1.0
Total	25.2	23.8
United States Smartphone Operating System Market Share (% of Total)	Q2 '11	Q2 '12
Android	60.6%	56.3%
Apple iOS	23.2%	33.2%
BlackBerry OS	10.5%	6.5%
Others	5.7%	4.0%
Total Growth Year-over-Year %	70.1%	-5.4%

Android remains the number one platform by volume in the United States, but its market share is peaking as Apple iOS gains ground, the report finds. Apple's US market share has risen by ten points from 23% in Q2 2011 to 33% in Q2 2012, and with Apple rumoured to be launching a new iPhone in the coming weeks, that event (if it takes place) is going to heap even more pressure on Android in its home market the researchers observe.

Meanwhile, BlackBerry's smartphone market share in the United States has dropped from 11% to 7% over the past year, reaching its lowest level in recent history. Consumers, businesses, and operators continue to be frustrated by BlackBerry's limited touchscreen smartphone portfolio and repeated delays to its new BB10 operating system.

Link: Android Smartphone Market Share Declines to 56 Percent in United States in Q2 2012

Can Microsoft Be Right on Tablets - and Apple, Amazon, and Google Wrong?

Tech Republic Editor Jason Hiner acknowledges that he doesn't really like tablets, noting that he's used all three iPads, several Galaxy Tabs, the Kindle Fire, the BlackBerry PlayBook, and the HP TouchPad, and with all of them he runs into the same annoyances. "Every time I use a tablet," says Hiner, "I end up trying to do something like sharing a story to a social network or emailing a photo to someone, and I get frustrated because it's just a lot more efficient to do it on my laptop. Plus, on a laptop I can control the experience a lot better . . . Microsoft thinks it's got the tablet solution for people like me . . . building Windows 8 with a full-screen reading and app experience like the iPad (and its competitors) while also offering the ability to jump into a full desktop experience to do the kinds of things that I was just talking about."

However, he acknowledges that there are three big question marks shadowing Microsoft's strategy:

1. How many people want a no-compromise tablet?
2. Is Windows 8 doing it right?
3. Are Apple, Amazon, and Google wrong?

Hiner concludes that notwithstanding his personal preferences as a power-user, most people don't need a tablet that can also act like a workstation; they just want a tablet that can perform really well as a tablet, and Microsoft is building the CAD workstation of tablets.

Link: On Tablets, Can Microsoft Be Right and Apple, Amazon, and Google Wrong?

iPad vs. iPad 2 vs. New iPad

Can't decide which iPad to buy? Apple Gazette has posted an infographic design from Infographic Labs that compares the three iPad versions, while also presenting several interesting statistics on the king of tablets.

Link: iPad vs. iPad 2 vs. The New iPad

Why Rush Limbaugh Loves Apple Products

In a transcript from his radio program, conservative/libertarian talk radio host and longtime Apple-user and fan answers this listener query: "What made you fall in love with Apple products? . . . Because everything I've seen, it's such a restrictive corporation. The apps need to be approved. You can't even write an app without a Mac. I can't stream an AVI to my Apple TV. It's just so restrictive. And as the freedom-loving man that I know you are, why?"

Limbaugh responds: "This is actually a really, really good question. And what he's talking about being 'restrictive,' is software developers with the new operating system for computers, for the Macs, Mountain Lion. You don't get your app in the App Store unless it's 'sandboxed,' which means . . . 'Restrictive' is the word. The best way to explain it is that it can't access the data in any other app and very little of the operating system itself. Apple is doing this for security reasons . . . They're not running the company for the geeks and the nerds anymore. They're not running the company for the power users and the power writers....

"The reason I like it is I learned on Mac . . . I had a BlackBerry once, and I could not keep it in sync. There was an app to keep it in sync with my Mac from my address book and phone numbers and all that. It just didn't work. The primary reason I couldn't wait for the iPad is so that I would have a remote device, a hand-held device that had all the stuff on my computer on it that I needed and kept in sync automatically. I think one of the greatest things around is iCloud . . . the primary reason people buy iPhones is because of trust in the Apple brand and design....

'It's just the stuff works.'

"Apple wouldn't let me in the door if I went out there. We tried for years to get them as advertisers; they wouldn't talk to us . . . Politically they have nothing in common with me, and your question is very valid. 'Why in the world would you want to tout people that have no desire to do anything with you?' It's just the stuff works. I think it's state-of-the-art. I think it's the best out there for what I need to do. Their stuff has facilitated my productivity like nothing else has . . . If I weren't doing what I'm doing, I'd try to figure out a way to get involved in this stuff. I'd love to be an adviser and, tell them how they need to innovate - for me. Selfishly. I understand a lot of people, 'Rush, these people politically, they probably despise you.' . . . For this, it doesn't matter, I set it aside. I just have found that it's fun. I'm one of these people, I'm on the edge of my chair when we get close to the release of a new product, a phone or an iPad. Apple stuff is my Christmas morning. That's cool. I like being able to have that feeling at age 62."

Link: Why Does a Lover of Freedom Like Me Love a 'Restrictive' Company Like Apple?

Rumor Roundup

iPhone 5 and iPad mini Announcement Aniticipated for September 12

iMore Editor-in-Chief Rene Ritchie is reporting this morning that the site has been told by unnamed "sources who have proven accurate in the past" that Apple is planning to announce the new iPhone, a new iPad mini, and a new iPod nano at a special event on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with consumer release of at least the iPhone to follow 9 days later on Friday, September 21.

Link: Apple iPhone 5 and iPad mini Event Planned for September 12, iPhone 5 Release Date for September 21

The Competition

Microsoft's First Mistake: Leading with Consumer Tablets

It Knowledge Exchange says that Microsoft is making a huge strategic error and squandering a major potential advantage its new Surface tablet PC will have over competitors, particularly the iPad, by releasing the consumer version of the Surface 90 days ahead of the enterprise one.

The blog observes that Microsoft's best bet for Surface success is not a big holiday impact with consumers (noting that many others have taken a stab at that consumer market and failed) and contends that it should take a different tack and go after the enterprise market full bore, and that if the Surface has any hope at all (prospects are dubious), the enterprise is going to be Redmond's best bet because there's at least a slight opening in that market.

Editor's note: I agree with that assessment. cm

Publisher's note: I have no interest in the consumer Surface, but if the Surface Pro could work as a Hackintosh.... dk

Link: Microsoft's First Mistake: Leading with Consumer Tablets

Nexus 7 'Just About as Good as an iPad' at Half the Price

The Canadian Press reports that not only is Google's Nexus 7 affordable at Can$209 (US$199) for the 8 GB version, or Can$259 (US$250) for 16 GB of storage, it's also a worthy rival to Apple's iPad, affirming that with the Asus-manufactured Nexus 7, Google has accomplished what Canadian Research in Motion couldn't when it released its PlayBook tablet back in Sept. 2010.

CP recalls that RIM's tablet was a buggy mess at launch, had few apps to offer consumers, and was priced in line with the iPad. The Nexus 7, on the other hand, is a formidable competitor to the latest iPad - at about half the price. Screen size is a polarizing feature, but some will find the smaller screen makes the Nexus 7 easier to commute with on a daily basis, and CP suggests that even iPad users will probably find it doesn't take long to get used to the smaller screen.

Even without taking price into consideration, it's a solid gadget that many will find is just about as good as an iPad.

Link: Review: Google's Nexus 7 a Worthy iPad Rival at Half the Price

AnandTech: Google Nexus 7 'Damn Near Perfect'

AnandTech's Anand Lal Shimpi suggests that Google's Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) operating system and the first Nexus tablet are the company's last chance to deliver a knockout in the tablet space before the onslaught of Windows 8 and Windows RT devices later this year. Lal Shimpi is skeptical that $499+ Android tablets have a life after Windows 8/RT hit at a rumored price of $499, and Ivy/Haswell-based Windows 8 tablets to handle the higher price points.

Lal Shimpi believes there's a huge market for tablets as a primary computing device, and that Windows RT/8 offers something unique and compelling for that usage model.

However, the Nexus 7 is a device for users who need ultra portability and tons of battery life for content consumption, and while dockable Windows 8/RT tablets will attempt to replace your notebook, the Nexus 7 is a more traditional content consumption-oriented tablet, and the most solidly built Asus tablet he's ever used - "damn near perfect," the whole thing feeling like a well made book because of the soft touch plastic back.

He notes that for $199 Google will sell you an 8 GB version with a $25 credit at the Google Play store, and while limited flash memory capacity prevents the Nexus 7 from being home to more than a single full-length movie or a couple of TV shows, Netflix works beautifully on the device. He observes that the Nexus 7 in many ways is very much like the 11" MacBook Air. A bit impractical for many, but those who crave portability are drawn to it.

Lal Shimpi rates the Nexus 7's display somewhere between good and perfection, great for $199, with good black levels, and max brightness is more than enough for indoor use, and great viewing angles, although color accuracy is middle of the road. WiFi browsing saw the Nexus 7 deliver 9 hours of battery life on a single charge - roughly half an hour less than the new iPad.

Lal Shimpi concludes that Nexus 7 isn't just a great Android tablet, it's a great tablet.

Link: The Google Nexus 7 Review

5 Reasons Taylor Hatmaker Abandoned Her iPad for Google's Nexus 7

ReadWriteWeb's Taylor Hatmaker explains forsaking Apple's upscale iPad for Google's dirt-cheap tablet in five points:

1. Fits Like A Glove - the back of the 7-inch device is a lightly cushioned, dimpled rubber that recalls the supple leather of driving gloves, according to Google lead designer Matias Duarte
2. Android Customization
3. The Price Feels Right - Nexus 7 buyers are getting their money's worth - and then some.
4. Widgets Are In Their Element
5. Android's Evolution - Jelly Bean on the Nexus 7 is lightning fast and as smooth as the Project Butter initiative would suggest.

She concludes, "Ultimately, tablets - much like any gadget - aren't a one-size-fits-all affair. I use my Nexus 7 for email, Google calendar, to do lists and casual web surfing, but the iPad's larger, pixel-rich display (and well-stocked App Store) is more conducive to gaming and the like. Still, the Nexus 7 is a well-rounded device - and one with more than enough quad-core oomph to justify its modest price."

Link: 5 Reasons Why I Ditched My iPad for a Google Nexus 7

Consumer Reports: Nexus 7 Challenges the iPad

Consumer Reports Donna L. Tapellini says that terrific smaller tablets increasingly populate the mobile scene, and some are legitimate challengers to the dominant Apple iPad, including Google's Nexus 7, which CR observes is a very good tablet at a great price.

Ms. Tapellini acknowledges that with its bigger, excellent Retina Display and a still-unmatched App Store, the iPad still has the edge over the Nexus 7, but suggests that if you want a tablet in a smaller package for a lot less money, the Nexus 7 is worth considering.

Link: Google Nexus 7 Tablet Challenges the Apple iPad

Apps & Services

Maxthon Web Browser for iPad: Fast, Secure, and Free

PR: Maxthon Web Browser for iPad is claimed to be the world's fastest and smartest iPad web browser - fast, secure, and free.

With more than 550 million downloads of its PC browser, and claiming the highest user satisfaction ratings of its mobile browser, Maxthon Web Browser for iPad is configured to transform the way you surf the Web. Specifically designed for the iPad, Maxthon Web Browser for iPad comes with the following features:

• Speed: Maxthon takes complete advantage of the latest iPad hardware and make your web surfing fast
• Cloud syncing: With a Maxthon Passport account, you can access your favorites in PCs and any devices that run Maxthon anywhere and anytime.
• Super gesture: Maxthon brings gesture browsing to its iPad version; now you can surf the web at your finger tips.
• Quick Access: Go to all your favorite websites in just one single tap.
• Tab browsing - Powerful tab management that puts your mobile screen to maximum use.
• Absolutely free and no advertisements

New in Version 1.2

• Reader mode support
• HTTP authentication support
• Download Manager, support download resume feature

System Requirements

• Compatible with iPad
• Requires iOS 4.3 or later

Freeware

Link: Maxthon Web Browser for iPad

Make Your Mark on Google with Handwrite Input for Mobile and Tablet Search

A blog by Google Software Engineer Rui Ueyama, says:

"Unlike searching on a desktop or laptop computer, when you're searching on a touchscreen mobile device its often inconvenient to type. So we strive to give you a variety of ways to interact with Google, be it by speaking your queries, getting results before you finish typing, or searching by image. Now there's a new way for you to interact with Google: Handwrite for web search on mobile phones and tablets.

"Say you're standing on a busy street corner, in a bumpy taxi ride, talking with a friend, or sitting on the couch with your tablet. Handwrite enables you to search by just writing letters with your finger most anywhere on your device's screen - there's no keyboard that covers half of the screen and no need for hunt-and-peck typing.

Check it out in this video: http://bit.ly/Ma6kRY

"Handwrite is experimental, and works better in some browsers than others - on Android devices, it works best in Chrome. For now, Handwrite is enabled for iOS 5+ devices, Android 2.3+ phones, and Android 4.0+ tablets in 27 languages."

Link: Make Your Mark on Google With Handwrite Input for Mobile and Tablet Search

Accessories

Ceramic Glass miFrame Art Design Dock Stands by for iPad

PR: Golfers and chefs the world-over now have an iPad dock that expresses their passion for the game and the art with new handcrafted ceramic glass miFrame designs by Striped Sail.

Striped Sail announces the launch of a ceramic glass line of its designer iPad docking station, miFrame. The new line features glass frames handmade by a popular Etsy artisan from Vancouver, WA. The miFrame for iPad Cooking and Golf Edition styles debuting are perfect for the golf enthusiast and the cooking lover.

"These glass miFrames feature bright, fun colors that really accent a room and make great gifts for the chef or golfer," says Justin Elkow, the miFrame co-designer.

Golf Themed iPad Dock: $279

Fore! Yes, that's the most Golf Themed miFrames that can be ordered. This original iPad charging station design will complement the golf enthusiasts ninth hole rumpus room or office.

Cooking Themed iPad Dock: $279

Sure to spice up ones life in the kitchen using a favorite recipe app, this iPad stand is decorated with peppers, garlic, grapes, and eggplant. Featuring a completely original design and available while supplies last.

Like every other miFrame Striped Sail has released, the new glass line can charge iPad with its built-in dock connector in both portrait and landscape orientations and it comes with an extended 5 USB cable so miFrame can be positioned in just the right place and still reach an outlet.

Very unique to Striped Sails miFrame iPad dock, the product serves dual purposes. On the one hand it can hold an iPad upright while a user checks mail and surfs the web. On the other its a functional 8-by-10 picture frame when iPad is out-and-about.

Striped Sail introduced the first iPad Picture Frame Docking Station in 2010, when it announced the Enduring Silver anodized aluminum miFrame for the the first generation iPad. The model's frame and base featured a finish that matched the look and feel of the back of iPad. Last summer, the company announced a new thinner and lighter design for the iPad 2 and added the Distinguished Black color option.

This summer, Striped Sail has focused on giving iPad customers more choices for framing their iPad while maintaining the miFrame's iconic look. The company has already introduced a Rose Gold plated frame, made from real Rose Gold and a hand-rubbed Antique Copper plated frame that makes a great accent piece in a kitchen or library.

"miFrame gives one endless ways to get more use from their iPad when they're in the middle of doing other things. One can be confident that iPad is charged when it is needed most even when used all day at work to keep tabs on a Twitter stream, email, golf tournament or ball game. At home, dock iPad in miFrame and enter iPad's picture frame app to immerse oneself in family memories while making dinner or playing with the kids," remarks Elkow.

Each Glass Artist Collection design is totally unique. Made by hand in small batches by a glass artisan, you can be sure your miFrame is special. This design celebrates the game of golf. Make the best use of your tablet's downtime. Keep iPad charged and ready for the next time you and your iPad are on the go in this iPad stand that also doubles as a real photo frame for a paper 8" x 10" photograph.

miFrame for iPad 2 or later consists of five pieces making setup a snap:

• a removable glass designer frame
• a black base stand
• a black docking cradle with built-in "Made for iPad" dock & attached 5 ft USB cable
• a clear 8 x 10 acrylic cover to protect the print photo
• a replaceable 8 x 10 stock photo with instructions in English & French

miFrame functions similar to other iPad stands while tapping and swiping and such. The iPad Home button and the Sleep button are always accessible and repositioning the iPad in portrait or landscape is easily accomplished by picking up the docking cradle and reorienting it on the base.

The built-in dock connector makes this iPad stand an excellent choice for movie watching and other activities that drain your battery like displaying slideshows stored on iPad or in your iCloud Photo Stream. The stand is especially well suited for apps that display the time, the weather, or Twitter stream while iPad isn't your primary focus.

Four rubber feet prevent slipping or damage to surfaces while the stands deep wide base keeps the miFrame stable and prevents accidental tipping. miFrame is both a beautiful and versatile addition to any room.

Shown here in with a artisan glass Golf design frame and Black Base. Also available in silver anodized aluminum finish.

Striped Sail designs and markets miFrames, fine 8x10 picture frames with a hidden dock connector designed to dock and charge Apple's latest iPad tablets. miFrames rotate for easy widescreen or upright portrait use, feature a built-in 5 ft USB charging cable with almost twice the reach of the standard cable, and can protect any 8x10 photograph from scratches, dust, and UV rays while on display. Frames ship worldwide and are available for the original iPad, iPad 2 and the New iPad in many unique styles and finishes including anodized aluminum, antique copper, rose gold and 24K gold starting at $139.

Link: miFrame iPad Stand, Golf Design with Black Base
Link: miFrame iPad Stand, Kitchen Design with Black Base

ZooGue Microfiber iPad Sleeve

PR: Protection is an important factor for many electronic devices, so it is no surprise that people want to keep their iPads safe from scratches, dust and debris. Although devices are often cleaned using a microfiber material, ZooGue has taken it one step further providing a complete iPad sleeve made of authentic microfiber. The all new Microfiber iPad Sleeve is make from unbelievably soft material encompassing the tablet and guarding it from potential harm.

ZooGue's new Microfiber iPad Sleeve is a very lightweight fabric that strongly resembles a suede appearance. This handmade sleeve was made to accommodate the Smart Cover, Smart Back or the entire Smart Case, all while providing additional protection to the delicate touch screen. The tablet easily slips into the cozy sleeve allowing for quick transport of the delicate device.

The sleek design includes an interior pocket that gives access to store cables or additional accessories. ZooGue's choice of microfiber material has a very plush feel with an extremely durable exterior that is machine-washable. Providing multiple color options, the Microfiber iPad Sleeve is available in 9 colors. With the dimensions measuring just 10-3/4" x 8" x 3/8", the sleeve can easily fit into a briefcase, backpack, or purse.

Owner, Tim Angel says: "Our Microfiber case provides the best of all worlds. It's soft, thin, and gives great padded protection for your iPad." He's so confident with ZooGue's product line; he offers a 30 day risk-free trial guaranteeing 100% satisfaction or a full refund. The new Microfiber iPad Sleeve is competitively priced at $39.99 and can be purchased at ZooGue online.

Link: Microfiber iPad Sleeve

iPad-Friendly USB Splitter/Hub

PR: If you have just one USB charger or a USB socket for charging but you've got two iDevices to charge, then what you can do?

Here's a simple solution for you.

This connector has 2 USB sockets, one is for all devices - friendly to iPad/iPhone/iPod, another one is friendly to iPhone/iPod. You can plug this splitter to any standard USB socket to get all your iDevices charged.

This USB splitter comes in two colors: White and Black.

One simple solution for charging your iPad, iPhone, or iPod simultaneously when additional charger is not available.

This case is suitable for:

• iPad, all models
• Mobile phones
• Digital cameras
• MP3 players
• GPS (e.g., TomTom)
• iPhone, all models
• iPod classic
• iPod touch, all models
• iPod 3G and newer
• iPod shuffle 2G
• iPod nano 2G and newer

$6.99

Link: iPad Charging-Friendly USB Splitter/Hub

IPEVO's Typi Folio Keyboard Case and Stand for iPad 2 and 3 Now Available in 5 Color Combinations

PR: Previously available in only two colors, IPEVO's Typi Folio Case has added three new shades to its lineup. The three-in-one case, stand, and keyboard accessory for Apple's new iPad 3 and the iPad 2 is now available in Black, Tan, Red, Light Gray and Black Denim. Typi is designed and manufactured by IPEVO, and available exclusively through IPEVO's Online Store at a price of $79.

Typi features three-in-one versatility and is constructed with handcrafted leather and felt. The folio case protects either iPad 3 or iPad 2 from everyday wear and tear as well as dings and scratches. Typi is secured with a Velcro tab and can be installed in a few seconds. Cutouts ensure that all ports and controls are accessible while iPad is installed in Typi. This includes the charging port, rear and front camera lenses, volume control, Sleep/Wake button, and speakers.

The leather strap that secures the folio can be repositioned for a built-in stand with a viewing angle that is ideal for a wide variety of applications. Also included with Typi is a full QWERTY wireless keyboard that attaches to the interior of the case with magnets. The keyboard communicates with the iPad via Bluetooth and it can be configured in a couple of steps. Typi may be used like a laptop with the keyboard kept within the case; alternately, the keyboard can be removed for remote operation.

The QWERTY keyboard contains a row of custom hotkeys for iPad-specific functions. These include several playback functions (Play/Pause, Rewind, and Fast-Forward), Mute, Volume Up, Volume Down, Home, and Gallery which initiates the photo slideshow mode.

"Typi has everything you'd expect from a rugged luxury folio case and more," says Royce Hong, CEO and head of IPEVO design. "Not only is there a built-in stand which is easy to use, but there's a full QWERTY keyboard which offers a faster and better alternative to iPad's touchscreen keyboard. Add custom hotkeys to the mix, and there are many reasons why Typi increases productivity. Our no-nonsense color selection reflects Typi's business-friendly functionality and high-end professional look."

Typi Folio Case & Wireless Keyboard for the New iPad and iPad 2 is available in Black, Tan, Red, Light Gray, and Black Denim.

Link: IPEVO Online Store

IPEVO 20% Off Promotion Covers Côte & Ciel and Select IPEVO Products

PR: From now to August 12, technology company IPEVO is offering an instant 20% discount off of all its Côte & Ciel brand merchandise, as well as popular IPEVO brand products such as Perch and Typi. Participating products include all of the Côte & Ciel brand products available in the IPEVO Store as well as select IPEVO accessories for iDevices like Apple's new iPad 3 and the iPad 2. Customers can simply add participating products to their shopping cart via the IPEVO Online Store.

Paris-based Côte & Ciel offers high-end products which "promote creative functionality and empower individuality in lifestyle travel goods." Côte & Ciel products for the 20% Off promotion include the Stand Bag for iPad, the Pillow Stand for iPad, the Laptop Traveler Bag for 15" MacBook Pro, the Laptop Carrier Bag for both 13" and 15" MacBook Pro, the Kit Bag (which is designed to carry smartphones and other small items), and the Tablet Kit Bag for iPad. These selections come in a variety of colors.

Also included in the 20% Off promotion are some of IPEVO's signature iDevice accessories. These include KA-01 Origami Folio with Fold-Out Stand, the PV-01 360 Rotating Folio Case, and Typi Folio Case & Wireless Keyboard. These products are designed for iPad 3 and iPad 2. Additional qualifying items include the Perch Stand for all generations of iPad (available in Desktop, Sofa, and Podium sizes), the PadPillow Pillow Stand for all generations of iPad as well as eBook readers like the Kindle and Nook, and Chopstakes Pair of Multitouch Styli.

The following items are included in this 20% off promotion offer:

• All Côte & Ciel brand products
• Typi Folio Case & Wireless Keyboard
• Perch Stand for iPad (all sizes)
• KA-01 Origami Folio with Fold-Out Stand
• PV-01 360 Rotating Folio Case
• PadPillow Pillow Stand
• Chopstakes Pair of Multitouch Styli
• iPad Security Case with Lock and Stand
• Grip Case for iPad 2

The 20% Off promotion ends Sunday, August 12, 23:59 PST.

Customers can simply add participating products to their shopping cart via the IPEVO Online Store. Upon checkout, the 20% discount for each item is immediately applied. There is no limit to the amount of products in a single order which may qualify for 20% off. No coupon code is required.

Link: 20% Off Promotion

3-in-1 Smart Stylus for iPad/iPhone, Galaxy Tabs, Other Tablets

PR: This stainless steel stylus has 3 functions: Laser Pointer, Stylus, Ballpoint Pen.

The ballpoint pen is compliant with German standard of D1 type ink refill.

Features:

• 3-in-1, a ballpen, a laser pointer and a stylus for iDevices / Tablets
• No more finger prints on your Screen
• More Accurate
• Portable

What USB Fever recommends:

• It is best for situations where you wear gloves such as in the winter or other circumstances where a touch with your fingertip is not very convenient.
• Our view of point remains that our fingers are still the most sensitive and best "tool" for controlling your iPod/iPhone/iPad.
• Playing games

This accessory is compatible with:

• iPad, all models
• Samsung P1010 Galaxy Tab WiFi
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
• Samsung P7100 Galaxy Tab 10.1v
• Samsung Galaxy Tab T-Mobile
• Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab
• Samsung Galaxy Tab CDMA
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4G LTE
• Motorola Xoom MZ601, MX604, and MZ600
• LG Optimus 3D P920
• HP Touch Pad
• BlackBerry PlayBook
• Eee Pad Slider
• Eee Pad Transformer
• Kindle, all models
• Nook, all models
• Optimus Pad/G-Slate
• PlayBook, Slate 500, Tablet P, Tablet S

$17.99

Link: 3-in-1 Smart Stylus