Tag: review

Posted on

KeyCase iPad 2 Folio Deluxe with Bluetooth Keyboard [Review]

I bought the first generation iPad on UK launch day way back in 28 May 2010 and since then have upgraded to the iPad 2, again on launch day and have the new iPad (aka iPad 3) pre-ordered for delivery this Friday 16th March. I love the iPad, it filled a gap between my iPhone and MacBook Air that I didn’t know was there. In a similar way, the KeyCase iPad 2 Folio Deluxe case with built in bluetooth keyboard fills a gap for an iPad  case that I didn’t know was there.

Whilst this review relates to my iPad 2 paired to a bluetooth keyboard case, the majority of the benefits I discuss in this article would equally apply to a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 case with built in bluetooth keyboard or a Kindle Fire case with built in keyboard (if such a thing exists).

I’ve never had a problem using the iPad or iPad 2 onscreen keyboard, it’s fast and responsive and the keys are a decent size (in landscape mode at least) but I would never dream of using the iPad on screen keyboard for anything other than quick email replies, form filling, brief note taking etc. For anything that needed more than 5 minutes of keyboard time I’d bring out the MacBook Air which is far easier to speed touch type on and get a lengthy email, proposal, blog post or report typed up.

Continue reading “KeyCase iPad 2 Folio Deluxe with Bluetooth Keyboard [Review]”

Posted on

Case Logic SLR Sling SLRC-205 [Review]

Much like women seem to be addicted to buying shoes and handbags they don’t need, I seem to be addicted to buying camera bags I have no use or room for. My biggest is a Dakine Mission rucksack that can take several full frame SLR bodies, all my lenses including my Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS and more. I have small and medium size  Lowepro bags to suit every camera type I own but these are all thin over the should types.

I’ve never found a good compromise between size, comfort and useability, until I came across the Case Logic SLR Sling bag (aka the SLRC-205) which is perfect for any full frame SLR (excluding ones with additional battery grips fitted and the pro-series ones with large battery grips). Here’s a quick snap of the SLRC-205 alongside my Canon 5D Mark II with Canon 24 -70 F2.8L lens.

The SLRC-205 is designed to be worn using a single strap, diagonally across your shoulder to the hip/waist on the opposite side to the shoulder it is slung over. The strap is nice and large, well padded and even when fully loaded the bag is extremely comfortable. There is an additional waist strap should you wist to have a 3-point restraint system, this can come in handy if you are planning to run or carry out any exercise or extreme sports whilst wearing the bag. Continue reading “Case Logic SLR Sling SLRC-205 [Review]”

Posted on

The best stylus for iPhone / iPad [Review]

The iPad has an excellent touch sensitive screen and has never failed to respond to my touch except when I’m wearing gloves but I now have gloves with conductive material in the finger tips so even that’s no longer an issue. So you might be asking why I bought an iPad Stylus if my finger(s) work perfectly well? I bought the stylus to assist with sketching and note taking on the iPad.

I’ve never found it very natural to write or draw with my finger on any touch screen device, throughout my entire life I’ve always used something in my hand to draw/write be it a pen, pencil, paintbrush, etc. Using a stylus to draw or scribble notes on the iPad is much more comfortable than using your finger and I find it gives me greater control and accuracy over what I’m drawing.

Continue reading “The best stylus for iPhone / iPad [Review]”

Posted on

SD TabletWear Advanced Motorola XOOM Case [Review]

Having used a naked Xoom for a couple weeks I hastily purchased an official Folio case, which has been doing it’s job, just. After a couple weeks of use the Folio case is providing excellent protection when travelling, but it’s nothing less than awkward when trying to use the Xoom with it fitted! A desk-stand it is not! Having looked at various options for a replacement Xoom case I decided the SD TabletWear case was perfect. A faux leather (this case is only £20 remember) outer skin with soft innards and a decent mechanism for using the case as a desk stand, it ticked all the boxes.

My concern around the case being too flimsy were quickly dispelled as the case is reinforced with some pretty stiff material inside. It’s not as protective as the hard plastic of the official Folio case but it’s not as ugly either! Book-style cases suit tablets really well and the solid magnetic fastener on this one keeps the case firmly together whenever required.

Continue reading “SD TabletWear Advanced Motorola XOOM Case [Review]”