The Alumni is another terrific iPad case from Cygnett, Total iPad's favorite iPad accessory maker. The Alumni retails for only $29.99 and features 4 beautiful colors: Blue, Green, Black and Pink. The Alumni is made of a canvas fabric and will help protect your iPad from dings and scratches.
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The Alumni has built-in magnets that will allow your iPad to take advantage of the sleep/wake function. The magnets will also double as a way to keep the Alumni front cover securely closed when the iPad is not in use. I did not have to add any additional magnets to the Alumni like I did with the Glam Rock, the Alumni is ready to go out of the box. The sleep/wake function works flawlessly with the Alumni.
The iPad fits nicely into the Alumni and I was able to access the buttons and ports while my iPad was in the Alumni case. The 30-pin connector is easily accessible to plug your USB cable into, I could not use my dock though while my iPad was in the Alumni but that should be expected. The earbud jack was also easily accessible when plugging my headphones into the iPad while in the Alumni case. I also had no problems using the volume buttons and mute/rotate switch on the side of the iPad. The rear of the Alumni has a tiny opening cut out so I could use my rear facing camera on my iPad if I needed too.
Overall the Alumni is a stylish iPad case that seems to be geared at the younger audience. It has an inside pocket that would be a nice place to store notes for class. Factor in the bright colors of the Alumni and this just screams high school. That is not a bad thing and is only my opinion. I would easily recommend the Alumni to anyone looking for a stylish iPad case that not only looks good but also protects your iPad from bumps and bruises. Factor in the price tag of only $29.99, you would have to be insane to not consider the Alumni. Check out my video demo below for a more detailed review of the Alumni by Cygnett.
Pros:
Magnetic closure
Nice canvas fabric outside
Protect iPad screen from scratches
Cons:
No way to stand up the iPad
For more information about the Alumni case from Cygnett, please visit their website.
Check out the other terrific Cygnett iPad accessories.
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Also See my other Cyngett Reviews:
Cygnett Glam Rock Review
Cygnett Aerosphere Review
Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Leather or Polyurethane Smart Cover?
I have been asked several times which Smart Cover I prefer, the leather or the polyurethane. It boils down to preference but I do have my own opinion which I don’t mind sharing.
The leather is my choice for Smart Cover and for several reason:
- Feels more sturdy when standing up the iPad using the Smart Cover.
- When the Smart Cover gets broken in, it has a more natural look to it.
- Smells better, it is leather and leather smells sooooo good.
- Doesn’t get dirty or dingy looking like the polyurethane cover does.
Do you already own a Smart Cover? Which did you buy, leather or polyurethane? Let me know on Twitter @TotaliPad.
Leather Smart Cover - $30.99 on Amazon
Polyurethane Smart Cover - $12.99 on Amazon
Friday, October 5, 2012
Glam Rock Folio by Cygnett
The Glam Rock folio case is another terrifically designed iPad accessory from Cygnett. The Glam features a beautiful shiny, high gloss patent leather outside with a soft black felt-like inside. The Glam is designed to be used with the iPad 2 and ‘the new’ iPad or iPad ‘3’ as many including myself refer to it.
Slide your iPad into the Glam and secure it in place with the velcro flap that will keep your iPad securely inside the case and keep it from sliding out. The Glam features a magnetic closure so the cover will put your iPad to sleep when you close the front cover or wake your iPad when you lift the front flap. The magnetic closure is iPad 2 ready, for the iPad ‘3’ you will have to install an additional magnet. It does not take much effort, basically you just remove adhesive tape from the back of the magnet and place it in a designated spot on the inside front door of the folio. I assume this was because the case was designed for the iPad 2 and when the iPad ‘3’ was released Apple added additional magnets in the iPad ‘3’. I have tested the case with my iPad 3 and it did not cause me any problems and worked fine for me.
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Need to use your iPad when it is in the folio? No problem, the Glam features 3 different multi-view angles so you can prop up your iPad when you want to watch a movie or lower it when you are reading a book. When I had my iPad propped-up it did not feel flimsy when touching the iPad, it felt very sturdy unlike when I stand-up my iPad using the Smart Cover. You can also lay your iPad flat when you need to type on it which really helps because it raises the iPad about an inch from the surface making it easier to type. This gives the iPad a more natural ‘keyboard like feel’ when typing on the soft keys of the iPad.
The iPad fits nicely in the Glam Rock and does not add much weight to the iPad although it does make the iPad a tad bit thicker to carry. It is not bulky just thicker but that should be expected since it is a folio case. When the iPad is in the folio case you are still able to access all the ports and buttons on the iPad. The 30-pin connector is still easily accessible to plug your USB cable into. I was also able to easily connect my Camera Connection Kit into my iPad while it was in the Glam. I could not use my dock though, but the iPad slides easily enough in and out of the case so if I needed to dock my iPad that I did not consider it a hassle. The earbud jack was also easily accessible when plugging my headphones into the iPad while in the case. I also had no problems using the volume buttons and mute/rotate switch on the side of the iPad.
Shiny metallic finish
Multi-View angles
Magnetic closure
Very sturdy
Not having the magnet pre-installed for iPad 3
Overall this is a nicely designed iPad folio case and if you are looking for a case to make a fashion statement then you should consider the Cygnett Glam Rock Folio. The metallic patent leather finish looks great and the single stitch seam running along the outside of the case adds to the overall appeal. The case is designed very well so it will keep your iPad safe from scratches and probably most drops as well. My iPad feels very well padded while in the Glam Rock. I consider the multi-view angles to be an extremely huge plus, especially when watching videos on my iPad.
The Glam Rock Folio by Cygnett retails for only $59.99. When you are ready to purchase the Glam Rock you can head over to cygnett.com or follow this link to their website.
Be sure to check out Cygnett’s other terrific accessories.
Cygnett Website.
You can follow Cygnett of Twitter.
Like Cygnett of Facebook.
View their demo videos on YouTube.
Slide your iPad into the Glam and secure it in place with the velcro flap that will keep your iPad securely inside the case and keep it from sliding out. The Glam features a magnetic closure so the cover will put your iPad to sleep when you close the front cover or wake your iPad when you lift the front flap. The magnetic closure is iPad 2 ready, for the iPad ‘3’ you will have to install an additional magnet. It does not take much effort, basically you just remove adhesive tape from the back of the magnet and place it in a designated spot on the inside front door of the folio. I assume this was because the case was designed for the iPad 2 and when the iPad ‘3’ was released Apple added additional magnets in the iPad ‘3’. I have tested the case with my iPad 3 and it did not cause me any problems and worked fine for me.
[photos_bar]
Need to use your iPad when it is in the folio? No problem, the Glam features 3 different multi-view angles so you can prop up your iPad when you want to watch a movie or lower it when you are reading a book. When I had my iPad propped-up it did not feel flimsy when touching the iPad, it felt very sturdy unlike when I stand-up my iPad using the Smart Cover. You can also lay your iPad flat when you need to type on it which really helps because it raises the iPad about an inch from the surface making it easier to type. This gives the iPad a more natural ‘keyboard like feel’ when typing on the soft keys of the iPad.
The iPad fits nicely in the Glam Rock and does not add much weight to the iPad although it does make the iPad a tad bit thicker to carry. It is not bulky just thicker but that should be expected since it is a folio case. When the iPad is in the folio case you are still able to access all the ports and buttons on the iPad. The 30-pin connector is still easily accessible to plug your USB cable into. I was also able to easily connect my Camera Connection Kit into my iPad while it was in the Glam. I could not use my dock though, but the iPad slides easily enough in and out of the case so if I needed to dock my iPad that I did not consider it a hassle. The earbud jack was also easily accessible when plugging my headphones into the iPad while in the case. I also had no problems using the volume buttons and mute/rotate switch on the side of the iPad.
Pros:
Shiny metallic finish
Multi-View angles
Magnetic closure
Very sturdy
Cons:
Not having the magnet pre-installed for iPad 3
Final Thoughts:
Overall this is a nicely designed iPad folio case and if you are looking for a case to make a fashion statement then you should consider the Cygnett Glam Rock Folio. The metallic patent leather finish looks great and the single stitch seam running along the outside of the case adds to the overall appeal. The case is designed very well so it will keep your iPad safe from scratches and probably most drops as well. My iPad feels very well padded while in the Glam Rock. I consider the multi-view angles to be an extremely huge plus, especially when watching videos on my iPad.
The Glam Rock Folio by Cygnett retails for only $59.99. When you are ready to purchase the Glam Rock you can head over to cygnett.com or follow this link to their website.
Be sure to check out Cygnett’s other terrific accessories.
Cygnett Website.
You can follow Cygnett of Twitter.
Like Cygnett of Facebook.
View their demo videos on YouTube.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Out of Print eBook Jackets for iPad
Here is an awesome new idea for an iPad case made out of out of print books, currently this is a Kickstarter project but an awesome idea and one that I will be supporting.
To get an actual iPad case you need to pledge an minimum of $45. The project goal was $15,000 but has already surpassed that goal and it currently stands at $22,000+ raised for the project.
You can bid here: http://j.mp/T0K2kA
Our cases are made just like books using the real thing: book board and book cloth, assembled by hand at the oldest bookbinder in the country. The cradles are made of a protective rubber with 30% recycled materials. The finished cases are 100% made in the U.S. The book cloth is treated to improve durability.
To get an actual iPad case you need to pledge an minimum of $45. The project goal was $15,000 but has already surpassed that goal and it currently stands at $22,000+ raised for the project.
You can bid here: http://j.mp/T0K2kA
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Targus - Citygear Mini (Review)
I have been using this Targus bag for about a month now, it is a messenger style iPad bag made of Nylon. This is a great, inexpensive day to day bag. I do recommend it if you want something durable as a second messenger bag. It is probably not ideal as a main messenger bag do to the comfort of it and it is nylon so the design is not the greatest, but this is all opinion, I prefer leather myself.
It has quite a few different storage compartments and plenty of room to store more than just your iPad. A netbook would fit in this case along with your iPad if you needed to carry both.
Dimensions of the bag:
Interior - 10.62" x 1.5" X 7.52"
Exterior - 10.75" x 3.8" x 8.75"
The strap on the bag is decent length, I measured it at about 4ft. long. The shoulder pad is not very padded and it may be uncomfortable after a while, but the bag does have a carrying handle on the top of it so if it starts to get heavy or rub against your neck you can carry the bag as well.
The compartment on the front has a couple of slots for either pens or maybe a stylus. It also features a compartment for your iPhone as well as another slot for cables or maybe your camera connection kit. Be aware though this open slot is not ideal, I noticed that if you tip the bag upside down or sideways you may risk losing any of your items that are in there, it is probably more ideal for a cable or two.
I found the iPhone compartment to be very snug as well, my iPhone only has a bumper cover on it and it barely fit in the slot. If you have a case on your iPhone you may find that it will not fit into the phone storage area. Also, if you have a larger phone such as an Android phone that will most likely not fit either since they tend to have larger screens and are wider phones.
On the front of the bag there is another pouch with a zipper that is more ideal for your camera connection kit or Square adapter. There is not a lot of room in this front pouch but it will fit the camera kit and Square card reader nicely, the Apple headphones will fit in there also.
Will 2 iPads fit? Yes they will, matter of fact I was able to fit 3 iPads in this bag. It was snug but I fit my iPad 1, iPad 2 and new iPad (3) all in this case. There is only one slot that is designed for the iPad, it is a padded compartment and is designed to protect the iPad against scratches and bumps. The divide in the bag allows for storage of other items or a netbook, but if you have more than one iPad it will fit nicely in there. The padded compartment fits the iPad nicely with the Smart Cover on it, I am not sure about a case on the iPad though. It may fit depending on the case and how thick it is, but you might have to work it in there as the iPad is pretty snug with just the Smart Cover.
On the back of the bag there is another pouch that seals with velcro, this is probably an ideal place for more cables or maybe even the 10w iPad charger. You could keep it in the front pouch or the empty slot in the area where I was putting my other iPads. But this feels like an ideal slot for it.
Last but not least, the keyboard. Yes I was able to fit my Apple bluetooth keyboard into the bag although it was not an ideal fit, it does fit in there but barely, it was very snug.
Overall I am happy with this as a second bag, I can see myself using this in many different situations such as going to the beach or if it is raining outside. I would rather bring this bag since it is nylon and it will not get ruined if it gets a few raindrops on it. It is a very inexpensive bag, I paid $30 for it so I can be a little rougher than normal with it and save my main iPad bag for more professional situations or when I go on vacation. This is a great day to day bag that I can put all the wear and tear I want on it.
Size 4/5
Design 3/5
Durability 3/5
Weight 4/5
Storage Space 5/5
Purchase on Amazon ($30.57 USD) Targus Citygear Mini
It has quite a few different storage compartments and plenty of room to store more than just your iPad. A netbook would fit in this case along with your iPad if you needed to carry both.
Dimensions of the bag:
Interior - 10.62" x 1.5" X 7.52"
Exterior - 10.75" x 3.8" x 8.75"
The strap on the bag is decent length, I measured it at about 4ft. long. The shoulder pad is not very padded and it may be uncomfortable after a while, but the bag does have a carrying handle on the top of it so if it starts to get heavy or rub against your neck you can carry the bag as well.
The compartment on the front has a couple of slots for either pens or maybe a stylus. It also features a compartment for your iPhone as well as another slot for cables or maybe your camera connection kit. Be aware though this open slot is not ideal, I noticed that if you tip the bag upside down or sideways you may risk losing any of your items that are in there, it is probably more ideal for a cable or two.
I found the iPhone compartment to be very snug as well, my iPhone only has a bumper cover on it and it barely fit in the slot. If you have a case on your iPhone you may find that it will not fit into the phone storage area. Also, if you have a larger phone such as an Android phone that will most likely not fit either since they tend to have larger screens and are wider phones.
On the front of the bag there is another pouch with a zipper that is more ideal for your camera connection kit or Square adapter. There is not a lot of room in this front pouch but it will fit the camera kit and Square card reader nicely, the Apple headphones will fit in there also.
Will 2 iPads fit? Yes they will, matter of fact I was able to fit 3 iPads in this bag. It was snug but I fit my iPad 1, iPad 2 and new iPad (3) all in this case. There is only one slot that is designed for the iPad, it is a padded compartment and is designed to protect the iPad against scratches and bumps. The divide in the bag allows for storage of other items or a netbook, but if you have more than one iPad it will fit nicely in there. The padded compartment fits the iPad nicely with the Smart Cover on it, I am not sure about a case on the iPad though. It may fit depending on the case and how thick it is, but you might have to work it in there as the iPad is pretty snug with just the Smart Cover.
On the back of the bag there is another pouch that seals with velcro, this is probably an ideal place for more cables or maybe even the 10w iPad charger. You could keep it in the front pouch or the empty slot in the area where I was putting my other iPads. But this feels like an ideal slot for it.
Last but not least, the keyboard. Yes I was able to fit my Apple bluetooth keyboard into the bag although it was not an ideal fit, it does fit in there but barely, it was very snug.
Overall I am happy with this as a second bag, I can see myself using this in many different situations such as going to the beach or if it is raining outside. I would rather bring this bag since it is nylon and it will not get ruined if it gets a few raindrops on it. It is a very inexpensive bag, I paid $30 for it so I can be a little rougher than normal with it and save my main iPad bag for more professional situations or when I go on vacation. This is a great day to day bag that I can put all the wear and tear I want on it.
Size 4/5
Design 3/5
Durability 3/5
Weight 4/5
Storage Space 5/5
Purchase on Amazon ($30.57 USD) Targus Citygear Mini
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