iPad Case

What is iPad? iPad is thin. iPad is beautiful. iPad goes anywhere and lasts all day.

But, this really isn't comfortable. So I looked around for a case for my iPad. This was harder than I had expected. The Apple case is a dust magnet, incase's case is too thick, Macally's case falls apart, etc...

I eventually found this case on eBay for $27USD. It doesn't have a brand but hey, it's $27. The case is made of faux leather and is acceptable, but not spectacular in quality. And as you can see, there is some warping in the hinge area.

And it's relatively thin - a hard thing to find with iPad cases. The flap is also magnetic, so it holds itself shut.

The inside is covered with something that's supposed to be suede. Umm... feels more like rubber. Well, it's $27. Acceptable.

But what makes this case amazing is that it's a complete rip-off of the Apple case. Meaning that it's super versatile without Apple's dust collecting material. Slip the cover into the slot...

and you get a very functional stand.

Now I can do this.

And type.

And read. What can I say? It works as advertised.

Google Vitamin

A personal project as an addition to my portfolio. Enjoy.

Renders / Graphics: Adobe Photoshop

Living with the iPad.

In the past few weeks, I have gone completely paper-free. At first, I had be skeptical about how well the iPad could replace magazines and newspapers, but it's clearly evident when you start using it everyday. Apps like the Wired Magazine really show how the iPad is equally capable as paper. The iPad actually provides a better experience as it contains interactive and video elements into the magazine.

I read the news exclusively on the iPad now. It almost feels like paper - without leaving you with ink on your hands of course.

A cup of coffee makes it even better.

Have you tried the Financial Times app? I feel that it does the best job with reproducing the paper experience. The iconic FT pinkish paper look is translated too. Brilliant.

As you may remember, in my previous review, I said that the iPad felt a bit thick. Well, I'm changing my mind now. It's really not that bad -

- especially when you consider that all of the World's information is available on this slate.

Panasonic GF1 Case by Toma

I have been looking for a leather case for my Panasonic GF1 that is priced reasonably and looks decent. I came across this Korean brand named "Toma".

The case matches the GF1 wonderfully and makes it look almost like a rangefinder camera.

Love it.

Hand made.

The case is attached to the camera using the tripod mount. The bottom of the screw also has a hole for attaching the camera to a tripod. More expensive cases don't have the protruding screw but it's not a big deal.

Also comes with an optional matching neck strap lined with suede.

iPad is here.

It's here.

And it's magical.

People always try to compare the iPad to net-books, tablet computers but in honesty, it isn't meant to compete with either of them. It's a new class of PC - for very specific features. We really shouldn't take the iPad lightly, if it's able to execute these "specific features" well, it can become something quite special.

The first thing that I felt when I held the iPad is that it feels a bit thick. Yes, it sounds odd but It just doesn't feel as thin as it looks. It's not a deal breaker but I would have liked a few millimeters off the curved back.

Another thing that is evident is how much more tactile the home button feels compared to the iPhone.

The iPhone OS started off as a tablet OS and it's clearly evident. The iPhone OS runs so much better on the iPad that it makes the iPhone feel incredibly uncomfortable. When I use the iPhone now, it just... well, feels like crap.

Apple seems to be going for a sharper design language. The buttons and the rotational lock switch (which is awesome by the way) have a surprisingly sharp edge.

Every time I hold an aluminum Apple product, I am surprised by how well Apple executes aluminum. Also, the Apple logo isn't scratching and leads me to believe that it's ceramic or glass.

If you are going to buy an iPad, I really feel that the 64GB versions are ideal. The iPad is really all about stuffing all the content you own in it - and 16/32GB just doesn't cut it (for most people).

Also, I would go for the Wi-Fi version of the iPad. 70% of the places you're at will have Wi-Fi access anyways. Instead, use your phone (if supported) to tether your iPad to it.

One thing that bugs me immensely: the iPad's lock screen looks rather ridiculous. There is so much space on that screen that can be put to better use. It would be great to have the schedule, weather and other information on it.

If you think the iPad is "just" a "big iPhone" you are mistaken. The big display is really what enables it to be revolutionary.

Apps like iBooks really showcase what the iPad is all about. It's about a new age of content distribution and consumption that just "works".

The keyboard is very usable too. Almost life-size. It's still missing many languages though.

Some of my favorite Apps:

USA Today (free). I read it every morning and it's a brilliant metaphor of the newspaper. The looks and works very much like a real newspaper.

Reuters (free) is also fantastic but takes a completely different approach from USA Today. Instead of trying to imitate paper, it goes for a more modern UI. It also has imbedded videos with annoying ad pre-rolls.

Twitterlator ($5) is my Twitter client of choice. I've tried most of the ones for the iPad and none of them beat Twitterlator's good looks and ease of use.

Dropbox (free) has also released an iPad specific app, and we all know how ridiculously useful Dropbox is.

Wikipanion (free) is probably my favorite application on both the iPhone and iPad. If you are a heavy wikipedia user, it really gives you an experience that is so much more polished than using a web browser.

Weather HD ($1) is a weather application but looks incredible. It plays a surreal video that matches the current weather condition in the background.

Bloomberg (free). It's awesome. It's really really awesome. The fonts in this app are absolutely hideous but it is just so useful. Best way to read financial news and get quick stock quotes.

A Week - 12 (Mainly Downtown Vancouver)

Photos from the past two weeks or so. Most of them are from Downtown Vancouver, some from around my neighborhood. I've been working on my portfolio for ACCD and have developed a liking for the Cadillac CTS - which I didn't care for.