Reviews

Jul 25 2008

iLugger

blue w500 20080725 192738 iLuggerUsually iMacs are not portable computers, but now, thanks to the iLugger Backpack they are. The iLugger is a sturdy backpack fitted for either the 17″, 20″ or 24″ iMacs with room for accessories such as a keyboard or mouse. Despite the way people are bound to look at you if you wear this on the street, the iLugger claims to provide a practical solution for people who need to transport an iMac.

There are obvious quirks to carrying a desktop computer on your back considering that the iMac, though thin and sleek, is not designed to be lightweight. At about 20 pounds, this is a heavy load to carry on your back and I would have appreciated more padding and more comfortable straps to accommodate the load.

Overall, the iLugger does what it claims to do and that is simply to make the iMac portable. Though, I do not agree with the claims of the iLugger making the iMac into a portable computer, because the fact is that 20 pounds is 20 pounds regardless of whether or not its in a backpack.

I was asked to do some durability and functionality testing on the iLugger, here are some interesting issues about it you might want to know;

  • The actual bag is very durable, I was not able to get it to tear. To find its tear point, I stuck a knife into the back. And only after a lot of jabbing, I was able to make a small whole.
  • The backpack straps are poorly designed, and poorly constructed. They run diagonally from a few inches below the top of the iLugger to its bottom.
  • The iLugger is too lightly padded and the poorly designed straps make the load feel even heavier.
  • The clips for connecting the removable backpack straps to the case are made of plastic and, during testing, one broke and then popped out while the case was on my back. Imagine this happening while your iMac was inside!
  • The shoulder strap is also poorly padded and I found it next to impossible to carry the iLugger with an iMac inside for more than 20 minutes. I found my neck began to ache.

Overall I was not very impressed with the iLugger. Though a good idea, it has been poorly executed.

Product Info:
Name: iLugger 17/20 Inch iMac Carrying Case
Price: USD$129.99

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Jul 23 2008

Otter Box Defender for iPod touch and iPhone

I was on a plane traveling to Cairo Egypt recently (on assignment for MacMerc, of course) and I noticed the man next to be using his iPhone. Said iPhone was encased in the most durable-looking enclosure I’d ever seen. He explained to me that he was heading out on a field assignment as a consultant, and would spend the next three months in a tiny African country. He wasn’t sure how he was going to like camping out for three months, or what kind of coverage AT&T would supply but he was sure his iPhone would be protected in its black case. That case was an Otter Box.

Otter Box is legendary for its rugged cases. In the world of iPhones and iPod touches, it has two levels of case. The Armor cases, including the one mentioned above, are waterproof (to a meter deep) and virtually mummify your iPhone or iPod touch. The Defender series is a compromise that offers more functional, lighter form factor but is still shock-resistant and protects from dust and scratches.

The Case

Even thought the defender is the little brother, it meets (if not exceeds) the needs of most users. The case includes three major components: a sturdy plastic endoskeleton that snaps on your phone or pod that protects it from drops. Incorporated in the endoskeleton is a clear film membrane that allows visual and touch access to your screen. This final component is a soft-grip silicone skin that covers most of the polycarbonate skeleton and controls access to ports while covering them when they are not in use.

defender ipod touch2 Otter Box Defender for iPod touch and iPhone

Between the three layers, you have a completely covered iPod touch (pictured) or iPhone. The hard skeleton holds it all in place. The screen allows almost perfect access to your touch screen. The silicone outer skin does a remarkable job of keeping your headphone jack and sync port accessible with small flaps that pop open for access and nicely seal the covering when replaced.

defender ipod touch4 Otter Box Defender for iPod touch and iPhone

Otter Box cases are serious about what they do, and they sometimes look like it too (unfortunately). The Defender series is a little more subtle, and is stylish enough not to require an explanation. This case is small enough for everyday use, but provides a level of protection that should match challenges of field use outside the office, outdoor recreation and even exotic world travel. This case is the iPhone’s ‘work clothes’.

The Defender made me feel like I could take my touch absolutely anywhere. It probably doubles the thickness of the touch, but it is still very pocketable. The access for syncing, charging and listening was perfect. The film is crystal clear, and doesn’t inhibit the display at all. My one complaint, though, is the access to the touch screen.

defender ipod touch3 Otter Box Defender for iPod touch and iPhone

There is a little space between the screen and the protective film that you can feel when touching the screen. The ‘play’ isn’t really a problem except when you want to touch something near the edge of the screen. There is a quarter inch area around the edge of the screen that you can’t really touch with the case on. It isn’t much of a problem until you are in applications with buttons along the bottom. You can still get them, but you have to push harder on the very edge of the screen.

The case also takes some time to get on, because of the two-piece construction. If you’re used to other silicone cases, this won’t be anything new. I was pleased to find that my wifi signal strength was not noticeably impacted while using the case. I can’t speak for EDGE or 3G, since I tested on a touch.


Conclusion

The Otter Box Defender is the only case I’ve used that is worth using on the iPhone or iPod touch. I say that because the glass-and-metal construction of the iPhone is tough enough to survive most indoor casual use. However, when you’re going to expose your device to real elements, it is worth investing in the Defender to keep yourself protected. And the Defender is the best protection I’ve seen that still allows your iPhone or touch to retain its original shape.

If you are willing to put up with some slight frustration with the screen edge, you will be pleased with the look and protection of this industrial-strength case.

Pick up an Otter Box Defender for your iPod touch or iPhone from Amazon or read more here and here.

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Jul 15 2008

Review– DLO VentMount for iPod touch (or iPhone)

If you’re like me, you rarely drive without your iPod but don’t have a great place to put it. Mine ends up on the console between seats, which works but not well. Sharp turns (not that I do that) send the polish metal-backed iPod sliding and changing tunes means talking your eyes off the road.

Now, there are giant suction-cup adjustable holder things, but they just don’t do the iPod touch or iPhone justice. DLO has a better option, the VentMount. By means of tiny arms reaching into your car’s vent the DLO mount embraces your iPod touch or iPhone and props it up right on your dash. The mount is just enough to safely hold your iPod at an adjustable angle while not completely blocking your vent or looking like an erector set stuck to your windshield. This review is specific to the iPod touch VentMount, though the iPhone VentMount is pretty much identical.

vent mount2 Review DLO VentMount for iPod touch (or iPhone)

Assembly

The arms attach to a faceplate. The iPod attaches to a belt clip that slides on and off the plate, a great deal if you’re the belt clip type. The installation took less time to do that it does to describe it here: attach the arms to the faceplate, clip the arms to your vent blade then slide on the belt clip. Be sure to test the location and carefully chose which blade to clip to, as it is a pain to remove the clips. The easiest way to get them off is to detach them from the plate and wiggle them out individually.

On the Road

My car has a steeply inclined dash – more than most. You’ll notice that my mount is pretty inclined because of that. The exact position is adjustable with a swing-out support that props the bottom of the plate up. The simplicity if the install is good because DLO’s manual is a single sheet with two line drawings.

I really liked having my iPod touch dash-mounted. While I am no safety expert [disclaimer] I did feel more attentive not having to look down to control my iPod [please don't wreck your car playing with your iPod, and if you do don't blame me, my boss Rick or any of our subsidiaries]. The position was also ideal for enjoying cover art and following driving directions in Maps. As a bonus, the mount looks cool even without an iPod in it. Oh, and even though I didn’t use it much, the belt clip rotates on the plate, allowing you to roll landscape style.

vent mount1 Review DLO VentMount for iPod touch (or iPhone)

Downsides

At under $30, the mount isn’t too expensive, and may become something you use everyday. There were a couple things that ate at me as I tried out the VentMount. First of all, it does obstruct the vent. The blocking of the vent actually isn’t bad. Instead the trouble comes because the arms restrict the vertical adjustment of the vent blades, so you can’t angle them up or down.

Also, I did worry a bit as my iPod got chilled rapidly by my air conditioning. Cold (or hot) temperatures within a reasonable range should not impair the function of the iPod, but changing temperatures isn’t good for Lithium-Ion batteries. After doing some research I found that this is mostly true of batteries during storage at high temperatures, so I can’t say that freezing or roasting your iPod during use will hurt it as long as you stay within Apple’s limits of operation.

Conclusion

So, temperature paranoia aside, the VentMount is a must-have auto accessory for touch and iPhone owners. Before picking one up, and before mounting one you’ll want to check out your vent situation in your car to get an idea what you’ll end up with. As long as your car is suited for it, it is the best solution around for using your iPod on the road.

Pick up a VentMount for your iPod touch or iPhone (1st gen) from Amazon for under $25. Read more about the VentMounts at DLO here and here.

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