Reviews

KB Covers

covers 20080226 213601 KB Covers

KB Covers are durable silicone covers for Apple Keyboards and Laptops. I had the chance to test out a few of their products, including a few for the MacBook Pro and a few for the Apple Aluminum Keyboard. They have many different styles, and different designs, including Keyboard Covers that have printed shortcuts on them, such as for Photoshop or Final Cut.

These KB Covers are molded for the exact product you order them for, and look very good with the overall Apple design. They are washable, so if you happen to get them dirty, it is quite easy to clean. They help to protect your new shiny Mac or Keyboard for dust, spills, and wearing away. Its very easy to remove them, and switch between covers if you do happen to order a few.

I see KB Covers as great accessories for every Mac user, especially those who work on the go a lot, and those that work in messy places.

Product Info:

Name: KB Covers
Price: $24.95 to $39.99 depending on model

PED3 for iPod Touch

PED3 TLO 1 PED3 for iPod TouchThe PED3 is a stylish iPod Touch (or iPhone) stand that can rotate 360 degrees. I have had the chance to test out the PED3 for iPod Touch over the last few weeks. In this review I will tell you what I think about thoughtout’s latest product.

An all black, shiny metal base connects to the head of the PED3 with a metal rod in rubber washer design. Though this allows for unlimited rotations, it also makes the head wobbly. Rubber “Fingers” hold the iPod or iPhone in place, and there is a space in the back of the stand for your iPod USB cable to come through, allowing you to charge and update your iPod or iPhone from this stylish stand.

I see the PED3 for iPod as a great product for users who want to watch movies or music from the iPod or iPhone while at their desks.

Product Info:

Name: PED3 Rotating Stand for iPod Touch
Price: $39.99

Also available, PED3 Rotating Stand for iPhone

FastMac MacBook Pro Battery

image scale 20080206 082801 FastMac MacBook Pro BatteryOver the last few days I have had the opportunity to test the FastMac MacBook Pro 17″ Battery. This is one of only a handful of third party replacement batteries for the MacBook Pro. It is contained within a shell identical to that of the original battery, and even has status LEDs. Throughout my testing this battery preformed equal or better to the Apple MacBook Pro Battery. I highly recommend it to all users who are interested in a second or replacement battery.

For the battery geeks out there, this battery uses Lithium-Polymer cells. For all the tests I charged the batteries up to 100%, then recorded the percentage remaining once the test was complete.

In my first test of battery life, I first opened up Photoshop, and left it idle until the battery was drained and compared the times of the Apple battery against the FastMac. The FastMac battery won this test hands down. For my second test, I compressed a roughly 42 minute DV video clip into H.264, and once again the FastMac Battery had a higher percentage remaining then the Apple.

I next decided to do a test that I thought the Apple battery would exceed in. I charged both batteries up to 100%, then left the MacBook Pro sleeping, lid closed for 30 minutes, and recording the percentage remaining when I opened it. For this test, the two batteries scored the exact same, both still had 100% remaining, according to the menu bar status.

So overall the FastMac battery has done a very good job stacking up to its USD$129 counterpart. If you are wondering why I did not publish exact numbers, all the tests I did are approximate for showing the performance of the FastMac battery in comparison Apple supplied one. I would suggest this battery to anyone that wants a new battery.

Product Info:

Name: Battery, Rechargeable: MacBook Pro 17, TruePower
Price: $99.95
Warranty: 1 Year