Reviews
Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad- accessory review
Aug 25th
This week I am looking at the Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad. This is a two-part case not unlike the Case-Mate Hybrid Touch Case where you have a silicone inside layer and a hard outside layer. The goal being to provide extra durable shock protection.
As you would expect you have the typical openings in the case for the 30-pin connector, speaker, headphone jack and rotation lock. The power and volume controls are covered by silicone, but still function. I found putting on the case was a little easier than other models of this case type offering the same style and function. However, it also has the same weakness; the top and bottom portions of the silicone layer are not very secure and can easily be moved or nudged with little effort. Of course this is because it is difficult to add any rigidity to the silicone case covering the connecting port and speaker, but there has to be a way…
I did find the case to be quite protective and even covered the edges onto the screen to protect any accidental iPad face-plants. As a side bonus, the Incipio Silicrylic Case does come with a screen protector for iPad and a wipe cloth. These are nice additions that you don’t receive with other cases and in my mind sets them above the competition in this regard. The Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad is available in four color combinations: Black/Black, White/Grey, Confetti/Charcoal, Lime/Charcoal for $47.95 in the TiPb iPad accessory store.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to take on/off
- Nice color selection
Cons
- Does not fit in Apple Dock
- Top and bottom of case are still “loose”
Incipio Silicrylic Case for iPad- accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.
TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Case-Mate Hybrid Tough Case for iPad – accessory review
Aug 20th
This week I am looking at the Case-Mate Hybrid Tough case for iPad. This is actually a good case considering its goal; solid protection while staying reasonably thin.
The case is unique in that it has two layers. The first layer is a silicone skin that covers the iPad and all of its buttons. It also covers the lip on top of the glass screen. The other layer is a hard plastic shell that snaps on place on the bottom of the iPad, on top of the silicone. The concept here is that it provides dust free protection while giving you a little cushion for bumps. The combination of the bottom shell and silicone protect the bottom and sides of iPad.
The only exposed areas (besides the glass, of course) are the speaker and 30-pin connector on the bottom and the rotation lock switch on the right side of iPad. There is minimal but reasonable thickness added to the device between the two layers, but I feel it is acceptable based on what the case is doing to protect your investment.
The only real issue I had with this case was removing it when I needed to attach an accessory like the dock or the keyboard dock. You have to remove it very carefully as the case is meant to fit very, very securely in order t prevent any lint build up. If you never have a need to attach iPad to these types of accessories, then there is no concern.
The Case-Mate Hybrid Tough case for iPad is what it says in the name; two layers of protective goodness and tough. It’s available now for $47.95 from the TiPb iPad accessory store.
Pros
- Solid protection
- Access to all ports
- Dust-proof protection of the iPad controls
- Two available colors- gray and lime green
Cons
- Can be a challenge to remove
- Does not fit in Apple Dock
- Top and bottom of case are still “loose”
Case-Mate Hybrid Tough Case for iPad – accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.
TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Clearcam for iPhone – app review
Aug 19th
Clearcam for iPhone is an app that compliments the already existing camera app. Instead of tapping camera, you take your pictures through Clearcam. I found myself using this app when I wanted clearer pictures or when I was in an area that pictures came out either blurry or dark. The concept is quite simple, it’ll take several shots of the same thing and either overlays the shots or chooses the best one (depending on what setting you choose). The app claims to up quality of the camera from 5MP images to around 11MP images.
When first loading Clearcam, it looks somewhat similar to the iPhone camera app. It adds a few options that are the basic foundation of what the app really does. You’ll see the shutter button and then two options. One labeled “quick” and one labeled “enhanced”.
The quick setting is just that. It will take 3 shots in rapid succession. It will save the best one to your camera roll. It works like it says it does and typically always gets a good shot.
The enhanced mode will take 6 shots quickly and it will take the best parts of each one, essentially stitching them together to create a better all around image. In my experience, it was somewhat touch and go. I also would take the same picture with my stock camera app. In some scenarios, it seemed like the stock camera app took better pictures than what Clearcam stitched together. It was rare, but it did happen occasionally. I’m not sure if maybe the app has trouble stitching certain pictures together or rendering them, but there’s definitely a bug there.
The app performs better in low light settings than the default camera in all instances (at least in my experience). I’d probably attribute this to the fact that it’s picking either the best picture or rendering 6 pictures together to create the best possible image. If the exposure was a little dark in some places, it will pull the better pieces from another picture. Having this app in low light settings is enough to justify purchasing it in my opinion.
(*Side note about pictures, most of them are better quality than shown here, we have a limit on image uploads so I had to downsize some of them which will reduce the quality a bit)
Pros
- Increases the quality by a landslide, especially in low light situations
- App is responsive and doesn’t take forever to save to the camera roll like other photo apps
- Increases quality in darker pictures
- Very simple to use
Cons
- Some photos come out blurrier than the default camera app (assuming this is some kind of bug)
- No settings other than Quick and Enhanced and tap to focus, would like to see some native contrast and saturation settings to make up for the lack of settings in the default camera app
Clearcam for iPhone – app review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.
TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
First Look: Samsung Media Hub on the Epic 4G
Aug 18th
Click here to view the embedded video.
SlashGear got a quick look recently at the upcoming Samsung Media Hub, a movies-and-TV superstore that is looking to be a real options for Android users. While Media Hub is your typically expensive video store, with $3/day rentals and $12 to 20 movie purchases it seems very cool and something I am looking forward. Hopefully those prices won’t stick. Take a look at the video.
Source: SlashGear
NOTE: First Look: Samsung Media Hub on the Epic 4G originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
First Look: Samsung Media Hub on the Epic 4G
Aug 18th
Click here to view the embedded video.
SlashGear got a quick look recently at the upcoming Samsung Media Hub, a movies-and-TV superstore that is looking to be a real options for Android users. While Media Hub is your typically expensive video store, with $3/day rentals and $12 to 20 movie purchases it seems very cool and something I am looking forward. Hopefully those prices won’t stick. Take a look at the video.
Source: SlashGear
NOTE: First Look: Samsung Media Hub on the Epic 4G originally appeared on AndroidGuys.
Let’s Golf 2 for iPad- app review
Aug 9th
I was excited to see that Let’s Golf 2 just appeared in the App Store! I am not a golfer in real life, but I enjoy a good golf game every once in a while. Let’s jump right in and see what this new version has to offer.
Let’s Golf 2 is not meant as a real golf simulation like a Tiger Woods Golf. Instead, you are greeted with cute, often funny characters in outlandish environments that are beautiful and colorful. This does not mean that the levels are easy, in fact they become quite challenging later in the game (how can that be a par 4, impossible!)
There are several new characters to select. But in the beginning of the game, you one have two to choose from; Vincent and Jane. As you progress through the levels, you unlock a lot of customizations including clothes, hair, golf balls and clubs. A fun addition is the new Skill for each character. I am using Jade for example and her power is “Power of Charm”. This move is useful when putting as no matter how hard you hit the ball when putting, you can use her power to stop it anywhere on the green. The character powers, once used, have to replenish over time and can’t be used again and again without replenishing; use your characters power wisely.
Single Player has a few different modes to choose from; Instant Play where you play across three random holes from a variety of courses. Career where you complete against other virtual players for the trophy. Challenge where you play a series of “challenges” and score the highest points. Free Hole where you can setup the course you would like to play. As you play courses you earn points and medals that go towards unlocking courses and character customizations as well as increasing your character’s abilities.
Multiplayer uses Gameloft Live for online play, but you can also play locally with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Once online you can create or join a room and view the leaderboard. The game is a blast online as you complete in matches against a competitor from around the world.
Gameplay in Let’s Golf 2 is really straight forward. You can tap on the course map on the left of the screen to view where the ball is going and tap left or right on the screen to adjust or use the zoom controls to pan away form the action for a big picture of the course. You have the option of changing your clubs as well, but I have found for the most part the AI does a good enough job that I don’t have to change clubs too often, I can typically control the outcome of my swing by adjusting the strength I am swinging. Swinging your club is accomplished by tapping the golf ball on the right to start swinging and then tapping it again to center the swing for angle and strength. One feature that is missing is some sort of advanced club swinging mechanic. These swinging moves are typically accomplished by swiping your finger in a direction and letting go at the strength you want. Alas, this feature is not available that I have been able to find it.
I really enjoy Let’s Golf 2, but there is one issue that really bugs me. The framerate/accuracy of your club swings is not spot on. Depending on the course I often find that I have to touch the swinging meter ahead of when I plan to swing in order to assure accuracy. This is really frustrating sometimes as golf is a game that focuses on the smaller number of strokes in a game and I often find that through no mistake of my own, I miss a swing or calculate the incorrect swinging strength because of this flaw.
Don’t let my previous statement sway you from getting this game. Granted, the timing of some swings can be frustrating but the online play coupled with many characters and unlockables makes for a fantastic golf game.
[$4.99- iTunes Link]
Pros
- Colorful graphics
- Diverse courses
- Unlockable characters
- Unlockable character customizations
- Online and local wireless play
- Many different types of golf games to play
Cons
- Framerate can be slow at times
- Easy to miscalculate swing due to input latency
Let’s Golf 2 for iPad- app review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.
TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 – accessory review
Aug 9th
I have just finished my stint with the Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 (hence-forth “Feather”, that title is just way too long). What can I say? I like! The really thin nature of the case and the grip it provides is really nice. Plus, there are some extra benefits too. Keep reading to see all you get with this awesome case.
The first thing you will notice when you open the packaging for this case is that you get more than just a case, you also receive two surface protectors and a cleaning cloth. This is a very nice value for the price of this case ($23.95). The case itself is, as described, light and thin. It adds minimal thickness to the iPhone 4 and has a nice grip too it. I often refer to this as “grippy” plastic. Not slippery, but adds enough traction to be useful and stick in your pocket. The cut of the case is very precise. The back is completely covered except the camera and flash exposed. The case is very flush against the back with no real room for lint to enter. The sides flush as well. In fact, once you slip on the case, it can be a challenge to take it off. This, is a good thing.
The only issue with this case is that it does not protect the screen at all. For example, Apple’s bumper case extends past the glass to prevent any accidental scratches, etc. So, to remedy this and make the case as thin as possible, Incipio kindly includes two surface protectors. To make it easy for you, they even include an applicator for the surface protector. The side of the case only extends to cover the height of the silver antenna, so there is still about a millimeter or so of glass exposed. Even with a screen protector, it is possible that the glass could crack if hit at the proper angle.
This is easily one of the best cases for the iPhone 4 if you like this style of case. It isn’t rubber, but plastic, grips well and keeps the device thin and comes with two surface protectors. This case not only looks awesome, but protects in conjunction with the included protectors. Oh, and if you want colors, there are a whopping 12 colors to choose from.
You can find the Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 at the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store.
Pros
- Really light and thin
- Solid protection
- Grippy feel
- Lots of colors
Cons
- Case offers no frontal protection (includes surface protectors though)
Incipio Feather Ultra Thin Case for iPhone 4 – accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.
TiPb – The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
