Author: Alan

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Ballistic

iPhone 5 Ballistic SG Maxx case

Ballistic SG MAXX
$49.99
The Ballistic SG MAXX has 4 layers of protection….4! Layer 1 is silicone rubber with padded corners. Layer 2 is hard polycarbonate plastic. Layer 3 is shock resistant polymer. And Layer 4 is a molded screen protector. Comes with a belt-clip holster for quick-on-the-draw phone calls. Available in several different colors. Check it out at the Official Ballistic SG MAXX website.
Ballistic Every1 Case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Every1 with Stand
$49.99
The Ballistic Every1 is another 4-layer case, this time with a built-in kickstand. The Every1 has what Ballistic calls “Air Gap Suspension Springs,” which the company describes as surrounding “your phone with 1mm of air so your phone never lays against a hard surface.” Whatever that means. Comes with a belt-clip holster and available in several colors. Available at the official Ballistic Every1 website.
Ballistic Smooth Case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Smooth
$29.99
The Smooth is Ballistic’s slimmest case and best looking (in my opinion). The case’s corners are its most interesting feature. Each case comes with 4 different-colored sets of interchangeable corners (4 pieces in each set for 16 total), which add extra protection for the iPhone’s impact points. Available in several color schemes. Available at the official Ballstic Smooth website.
Ballistic Hard Core iPhone 5 Case

Ballistic Hard Core with Stand
$59.99
The Ballistic Hard Core has a ridiculous 5 layers of protection. 2 layers of shock-absorbing polymer, 1 layer of hard plastic, an optional layer of silicone rubber, and a clear plastic screen protector. A built-in stand lets you prop up the iPhone on a desk. Comes with a rotating belt-clip holster. Click here for the official Ballistic Hard Core website.
Ballistic Shell Gel case for iPhone 5

Ballistic Shell Gel
$34.99
The Ballistic Shell Gel offers 3-layers of protection. Layer 1 is shock-absorbing polymer, Layer 2 is hard polycarbonate, and Layer 3 soft silicone rubber. The case features extra padding at the iPhone’s 4 impact points (the four corners). More info at the official website for the Ballistic Shell Gel case.

iPhone/iPad Tip: Notes From the Notes App Can Now Be Edited In a Browser on iCloud.com

iCloud apps in web browser

The Notes app on the iPhone & iPad just became a lot more useful thanks to a recept update to iCloud.com. Now, notes created on the iPhone can be edited in a web browser on iCloud.com, and vice versa. With iCloud syncing, it’s all pushed wirelessly and automatically—no need to tap a button or connect a cord. And no matter if you’re on Windows or Mac, home or office, if there’s a web browser, you can access and edit your notes and sync back the changes to the iPhone instantly.

I find this feature incredibly useful for doing things like maintaining a to-do list, planning vacations, or simply storing important bits of information that I come across throughout the day.

There is one tricky part, however. In the Notes app, you have to create the notes you want to sync in the special iCloud “folder,” which is kind of hidden. To find this folder, open the Notes app, if you see a button labeled Notes in the top-left corner, tap it, then/else tap Accounts:

Maneuver to iCloud account in Notes app

Then tap iCloud from the list shown (see below):

Create Notes in the iCloud folder

Now, when you create or edit a note, it will created in your iCloud account and be pushed (synced) to iCloud. You can then go to iCloud.com, log in, click on the Notes icon, and take up where you left off. You’ll even see that familiar legal-pad yellow paper background (see below).

You can make your iCloud account the default account for new notes by going into the iPhone’s Settings > Notes and selecting iCloud. That way, when you create new notes (for example, creating a note via Siri), they will by default be synced via iCloud.

The Notes app at iCloud.com, editing a note I created on the iPhone (click to enlarge):

Of course, you must first have iCloud set up on your iPhone/iPad. To set up iCloud, go to Settings > iCloud and make sure the Notes tab set to On.

iOS 6 Troubleshooting: iPhone/iPad Wi-Fi Not Connecting After Update? Turn Off Location Services

*Update* The problem involved an Apple server being down. When your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi network, Apple checks a special site to confirm the Wi-Fi network is not behind a paywall. Despite there being numerous “solutions” like the one below, it appears that the problem simply resolves itself after a period of time. All I can say is the solution below worked instantly and permanently for me (and others), but it simply could have been a coincidence of timing.

iOS 6 Wi-fi not connecting on iPhone and iPad

After upgrading my iPad 3 to iOS 6, my iPad’s Wi-Fi connection stopped working. And a quick glance at Apple’s discussion boards reveals hundreds (maybe thousands) are having this problem as well. Here’s a closer look at the issue: my iPad would temporarily connect to my home Wi-Fi router for a few seconds, then a browser window would pop up and try to connect to Apple.com, and then the connection would end. It appears there is some conflict with Location Services on the iPhone and iPad. I asked Siri how to fix it, but she was no help. But I eventually found the solution.

The Solution:

1. Go into Settings > Privacy (which is new in iOS 6) and slide Location Services to Off.

2. Connect your iPhone/iPad to the Wi-Fi network again (Settings > Wi-Fi)

3. Go back to Settings > Privacy and slide Location Services back to On

That solved the problem for me. Good luck!

iOS 6 Available for Download Today

iOS6 logo

iOS 6 is arriving today, so rev up your Internet connections. The update is compatible with iPhone 3GS and newer, iPad 2 and newer, and 4th-gen iPods and newer. The release is expected around (*update* it’s available now, although it may not show up as available for everyone right away) 1:00PM Eastern time today (according to rumors). The file size should be around 900MB (this won’t be a quickie update).

The easiest way to update is right on the iPhone/iPad itself. You’ll need to be on a WiFi network, then simply go into Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install. You can also update through iTunes as well. Connect to iTunes, click on your iPhone in the left sidebar, click Summary, then click Check for Update.

iPhone:

iOS 6 Software Update on iPhone

iTunes:

Check for iOS Software Update in iTunes Check for iOS Software Update in iTunes

Not all of iOS 6’s features will be available on older devices. Engadget created this handy chart (see below) showing which features work on older devices:

Engadget List of Supported iOS 6 features

But just what are all the features of iOS 6? iPhoneHacks has a good quick-but-extensive rundown, and then the forums at MacRumors has a sweet list of “all the little things” that are new, if you like minutiae (personal dictionary in iCloud!).

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Case-Mate

Case-Mate Pop case for iPhone 5 with stand

Case-Mate Pop! with Stand
$35
The Case-Mate Pop! comes with a flip-out stand built into its back, convenient for viewing while sitting at a desk or on an airplane. This year’s Pop! cases are available in a new array of “high energy” colors along with the tradition black or white. The Pop! is a two-layer protective case with a soft rubber interior and hard polycarbonate exterior. Check it out at the official Case-Mate Pop! website.
Case-Mate Tough Extreme case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Tough Xtreme
$50
We really liked the previous generation of the Tough (review) for its excellent protection. This year’s Tough Xtreme has been upgraded with a built-in screen protector, similar to the popular Otterbox Defender. Case-Mate says the Tough Xtreme delivers its “highest level of protection in the thinnest possible construction.” Check it out at the official Case-Mate Tough website.

CaseMate Barely There case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Barely There
$30
The Barely There is a Case-Mate classic. A thin, snap-on, hard plastic case with a soft-touch finish that feels comfortable holding in your hand. Available in a veritable rainbow of colors. Available soon at the official Case-Mate Barely There website.
Case-Mate Snap case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Snap with Stand
$35
The Snap case comes with a built-in spring-action stand that Case-Mate describes as “rapid deploy.” You’ll poke your eye out! The Snap is made from “soft material” and has a raised bezel around the front screen to offer some added protection. More info at the official Case-Mate Snap website.

Case-Mate Pop ID case for iPhone 5

CaseMate Pop! ID
$40
Leave your wallet at home with the CaseMate Pop! ID. The Pop! ID can hold two credit cards in a specially designed pouch on the back of the case. The Pop! has a dual-layered design for solid protection that features a soft impact-resistant interior layer and a hard durable exterior layer. Available soon in several different colors from the official Case-Mate Pop! ID website.
Case-Mate Quilted case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Madison Quilted
$70
The stylish Case-Mate Madison Quilted case makes quite a fashion statement. The premium style means a premium price. Check out the Official Case-Mate Madison Quilted website for when more info becomes available.
Case-Mate RPET 100 Percent Recylced iPhone 5 Case

Case-Mate rPET Recycled
$35
The Case-Mate rPET is a translucent case that is, yes, made from 100% recycled material. Feel good about yourself and still have your iPhone looking stylish, available in a wide array of translucent colors. The case looks best with a white iPhone (in my opinion). More info at the official Case-Mate rPet website.
Case-Mate Artistry Woods case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Artistry Woods
$50
The Case-Mate Artistry Woods offers a more natural look with its “genuine exotic hardwoods.” The cases are accented with brush aluminun accents to add durability. The case has an inner silicone rubber lining to add cushioning and shock absorption for your iPhone 5. Check it out at the official Artistry Woods website.
Case-Mate Artist Series cases for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Artist Collection
$35
The Artist Collection from Case-Mate is a version of the Barely There case featuring special designer prints from various talented artists. The collection currently has over 80 unique designs available. You can browse through them all at the official website for the Artist Collection series.
Case-Mate Xing case for iPhone 5

Case-Mate Xing Panda
$30
The Case-Mate Xing case features a cute panda design along with a special charm that hangs off the bottom corner. Case-Mate has 3 more animals available: a peacock, monkey, and penguin, all with their own special charms. Available from the official Case-Mate Xing website.

The 10 Most Useful iPhone/iPad Links of the Week

  • News
  • September 16, 2012
  • 0

1. Apple Introduces the iPhone 5

It’s here. Apple has posted all the details of the iPhone 5 on their website, and it’s going to be a sweet phone, even though it looks somewhat the same as the last two version. There are few manmade objects in this world more useful than an iPhone. Maybe your car? Maybe. How is the iPhone 5 is more useful than its predecessor, the iPhone 4S? The LTE radio means more info at faster speeds. It’s bigger screen can hold more data. The cameras improved low-light capabilities means more photos can be created and shared. And it’s A6 chip means the interface will be incredibly fast. In this modern world, you’ve got to have a smartphone, and the iPhone is still the king.

2. Which iPhone 5 Carrier Should You Choose?

Every year, PC Mag does extensive testing of the wireless carriers across the country, so their opinion counts for something. Here, Sascha Segan runs down the benefits of each carrier, with his overall choice being Verizon because it scores best with PC Mag readers and its has the best nationwide 4G network. AT&T is good if you need to use voice and data at the same time or if where you live doesn’t have LTE (AT&T has the best 3G network). Because of its unlimited data deals, Sprint is the best for heavy data users, but it’s also the slowest of the carriers.

3. What Things Can You Say to Siri in iOS 6?

Erica Sadun at TUAW posted a nice list of things you can ask (and tell) Siri. Probably the most useful new feature is launching apps via Siri, as in “Launch The Weather Channel app.” Another interesting tidbit is that you can now tell Siri your arbitrary relationships like “Anne Hathaway is my favorite actress” and Siri will remember. For what purpose, I don’t know.

4. Review: New Apple EarPods

My excitement for Apple’s new $30 EarPods has been tempered only slightly by early reviews. While they’re indeed better than Apple’s previous default earphones, they seem to still fall short in terms of sound quality compared with some of the best iPhone earphones for under $100. Jeremy Horwitz of iLounge scored the EarPods an A-, saying the EarPods “offer a number of welcome improvements, nearly across the board—sound quality, comfort, and stability have all jumped up, and even the three-button remote and mic capsule has seen small improvements in usability.” Still, pretty good for $30.

5. Which iPhone 5 for a Global Traveller?

Duncan Davidson does an exhaustive look at what the best version of the iPhone 5 is for international traveling. He concludes its the Verizon iPhone 5 because Verizon lets you easily buy small chunks of data for international traveling, and because the Verizon phone can be easily unlocked for using local sim cards around the world for those month-long stays.

6. Time Reporter Uses iPad As Main Computer for Year

Still think your iPad can’t replace your home computer? Harry McCracken over at Time writes about how he’s settled into the iPad as his primary computer. He goes into detail about the iPad’s benefits: battery life, simplicity, embedded Internet (3G & LTE), and reliability. He does admit he hasn’t completely abandoned his laptop, which he uses for serious graphics products.

7. What Apple’s New Lightning Connector Means for You

Goodbye, 30-pin dock connector. We knew ye well. Maybe too well. Dan Frakes at MacWorld examines the new Lightning plug. It’s should be easier to use, as its reversible sides mean there is no up when plugging it in. It’s more durable and 80% smaller. Of course, this totally obsoletes your old docks and cords. But wait, Apple is now selling two Lightning to 30-pin adapters, which they gouge you for at $29 or ($39, with cord). It’s the price of progress. Actually, one of the reasons the adapters are so expensive is because they contain a digital-to-analog audio adapter chip inside so they can output audio to stereos and other audio devices.

8.Notes and Reminders Now Editable on iCloud Website

You now can create and edit Notes and Reminders on the iPhone, then edit them on the web via iCloud.com, and vice versa. This really changes the usefulness of the Notes app in particular for me. A quick tip though: in the Notes app on the iPhone, make sure you create new notes in the iCloud folder (tap Accounts in the top left corner), else they won’t sync back to the iCloud site. Of course, also make sure you have iCloud turned on in the iPhones settings as well.

9. Official YouTube iPhone App Released

Apple is getting rid of its YouTube app in iOS 6, so you’ll need Google’s new YouTube app (free) to watch funny cat videos. Even if you aren’t updating to iOS 6, Google’s app is slightly better than Apple’s version, so there’s little reason not to download it.

10. With iOS 6, FaceTime Will Work Over Cellular on Verizon, Sprint, & (sort of) AT&T

FaceTime was previously limited to Wi-Fi, but now with iOS 6, the iPhone 5, 4S, and new iPad support its use over cellular—as long as the carriers are onboard. Well, they’re on board—mostly. AT&T Wireless has the stipulation that you have to have on of their new Mobile Share data plans. Does anyone use FaceTime? I think, if you have kids, you use FaceTime. If you don’t have kids, you probably don’t use FaceTime much.

Preview: iPhone 5 Cases from Griffin and Otterbox

Griffin

Griffin Chevron Case for iPhone 5

Griffin Chevron for iPhone 5
$24.99
The Griffin Chevron is a super-slim hardshell snap-on case with some purty, purty patterns. I usually don’t recommend these kinds of cases due to lack of protection and the fact that if they aren’t lined with a soft material, they can scratch your iPhone. But if you like them purty patterns and very thin cases, thin hardshell cases are usually very affordable. Not yet available for preorder, but you can check the cases out at the official Griffin Chevron website.
Griffin Survivor for iPhone 5

Griffin Survivor
$49.99
Griffin says the Survivor is the most protective case they’ve ever built. They even brag it has been tested to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standard 810F, whatever that is. The case is two layers: a hard polycarbonate frame surrounded by shock-absorbing silicone rubber. Also comes with a manly belt clip. Available from the official Griffin Survivor site.
Griffin Reveal for iPhone 5

Griffin Reveal
$19.99
The Reveal are thin clear plastic cases that let everyone know, hey, thats the iPhone 5 I’m carrying, how ya like me now, while adding a splash of color around the iPhone’s edges. I’m personally not a big fan of these cases (historically, the clear plastic tends to get scratched and smudged over time). Find more info at the official Griffin Reveal website.
Griffin Kazoo case for iPhone 5

Griffin KaZoo
$24.99
The Kazoo cases are built for kids or the kid at heart. They are made from soft silicone (rubber), which also means decent shock absorption. Available in blue elephant or monkey. Your kids has an iPhone 5? Lucky kid. Available at the official Griffin KaZoo website.

Griffin Animal Parade iPhone 5 Case

Griffin Animal Parade
$19.99
The Griffin Animal Parade cases are cute, extremely cute. Koala Bear? Hello. There’s also an Animal Parade app you can download to add a matching wallpaper to your iPhone. At $19.99, they ain’t too expensive either. Available at the official Griffin Animal Parade website.
Griffin Wise Eyes iPhone 5 Cases

Griffin Wise Eyes
$24.99
A wise old owl once told me to always have a case around your iPhone. Griffin Wise Eyes is a thin polycarbonate (hard plastic) case covered in owls—what a hoot! The case is so thin it will barely add any weight or thickness to your thin iPhone 5, yet protects it from everyday scrapes and scratches. Available from official Griffin Wise Eyes website.
Griffin Moxy

Griffin Moxy
$29.99
Those with moxy enough to wear leopard prints should check out the Griffin Moxy case series for iPhone 5, which combines style with protection. Available in several different types of patterns, including tiger stripes and snow leopard white, the Moxy is a polycarbonate case with a thin rubber lining inside to protect your iPhone’s surface from the getting scratched. A case for when things get rough in the urban jungle. Check it out at the official Griffin Moxy website.
Griffin Protector iPhone 5 Case

Griffin Protector
$19.99
The Griffin Protector is why I like silicone rubber cases, at $19.99, it’s cheap but its thick silicone offers good protection, especially in the shock absorption area. Sure, silicone has its downsides—pull it out of a pocket and it can be covered with lint. Never a big deal for me. Check it out at the Griffin Protector website.
Griffin Mustachio case

Griffin Mustachio
$24.99
Nothing is more beautiful than a finely styled mustache. Curl up the corners and the ladies come a running. The Griffin Mustachio Case is inspirational. Sure, it’s merely a thin hard-plastic case with pictures of mustaches on it, but so what. Found at the official Griffin Mustachio website.

Otterbox

Otterbox Defender for Apple iPhone 5

Otterbox Defender for iPhone 5
$45
Otterbox is known for its best-in-class protective cases, why should the iPhone 5 cases be any different? The Otterbox Defender is its flagship protective case, and it follows the same successful three-layer formula as previous generations: a polycarbonate (hard plastic) skeleton wrapped with a thick silicone rubber protective shell along with a built-in screen protector to help prevent scratches to the iPhone’s glass screen. The Defender is available in a ton of colors this time around as well. Available for preorder from the official Otterbox Defender website.




Otterbox Reflex case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Reflex
$34.95
The Reflex is a lightweight 2-piece case that is easy to slide on and off for docking purposes. One interesting feature is the air cushions in the cases’s corner help absorb impacts. Made of a combo of poylcarbonate and rubber. Available for preorder from the official website.
Otterbox Commuter case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Commuter
$34.95
The Commuter is a good compromise between protection and pocketability. It has two layers of protection (hard plastic and rubber) and comes with an adhesive clear screen protector. Available in several different colors. Check it out at the official Commuter website.
Otterbox Skeleton case for iPhone 5

Otterbox Prefix
$24.95
The Prefix is Otterbox’s affordable line of cases. It has a unibody design with a hard inner skeleton yet a textured outer silicone exterior for a softer feel in than hand. Interior rubber pads help protect your iPhone 5 from damage from the case itself. Official Otterbox Prefix website.

Unlocked iPhone 5 Pricing: $649, $749, $849, Will Be Available “Sometime Over the Next Several Weeks”

An unlocked iPhone 5 will eventually be available for purchase, just not right away. The unlocked version briefly made an appearance on Apple’s online store, revealing pricing details, but was quickly removed, according to TechCrunch, who managed a screenshot (seen at bottom of this post). The prices will be as follows:

  • $649 for 16 GB
  • $749 for 32 GB
  • $849 for 32 GB

The unlocked iPhone 5 will not, however, be available for purchase on launch day. Apple says they will be available in the “next several weeks,” according to The Verge. Unlocked iPhones are typically used on services like T-Mobile and Walmart’s Straight Talk in the US.

Unlocked iPhone 5 prices

Apple.com iPhone 5 Preorder Ship Dates Slip to 2 Weeks. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint Preorder Deliveries Still Say Sept. 21

iPhone 5 Shipping Date Slips

It took all of one hour for Apple.com’s iPhone 5 launch-day delivery inventory to sell out. Shipping dates for Apple’s online store have now slipped to a delay of two weeks. If you still want to get an iPhone 5 delivered on launch day, the websites of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are still showing ship dates for September 21 (*Update: The carriers ship dates have also slipped, too).

Customers can also line up outside of an Apple Store or the stores of one of the 3 big carriers next Friday to attempt to get their hands on an iPhone 5, but by initial reports, at least, it appears the demand for the iPhone 5 is at never-seen-before levels, so expect unprecedentedly long lines.

Tip: Check Your iPhone 5 Verizon, AT&T, & Sprint Subsidized-Pricing Upgrade Eligibility, All In One Place

Apple Store Wireless Carrier Upgrade Eligibility Tool

Apple’s iPhone Eligibility Tool is a handy all-in-one place to check if you’re eligible for subsidized “upgrade” pricing for the iPhone 5 from all of the big 3 carriers: Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. It’s fast and easy.

Just select your current carrier, then enter your number, zip code, last 4 digits of your social security number, and billing password (if you have one). It will show what the price of each iPhone iPhone 5.

ATT Upgrade Fields at Apple

iPhone 5 pricing for me

My last iPhone was the iPhone 4, bought at launch, so I’m good to go. $399 64GB Black AT&T iPhone 5, here I come. Wahhh!