apple laptops

Oct 23 2008

InvisibleSHIELD for new MacBook family available for pre-order

APPMB2FB 20081022 210253 InvisibleSHIELD for new MacBook family available for pre orderI’ve been playing around with ZAGG’s InvisibleSHIELD for the 2G iPod touch and after some initial misgivings, I have to say, I like the being able to show off the beauty of Apple’s iPod rather than hiding it behind a bulky protective case. When I use the typical cases, I often wonder why I’m protecting the iPod against scratches if I never let its beautiful design out to be seen? What special occasion am I saving it for?

The invisibleSHIELD is made from a durable adhesive film exclusive to ZAGG. The company claims that it is the thinnest protective skin of its kind and that it protects from wear and tear without altering the innovative design. I have to say, though I haven’t gone out of my way to scuff my iPod, this material is tough–seriously tough.

Yesterday, ZAGG announced that invisibleSHIELDs for the new 13-inch MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro are available for pre-order (they are also selling for a reduced price of USD$43.96). Check out the invisibleSHIELDs currently for Apple laptops, most selling for USD$54.95.

I might be inclined to use the base skin from the invisibleSHIELD with a beautiful Gelaskin for the top (though I don’t think the Gelaskin is nearly as protective).

To serve as a demonstration of the skin’s durability, here’s a video produced by ZAGG that shows two iPhones; one protected by an invisibleSHIELD and one completely naked.

Note:

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May 5 2008

WaterField Designs Sleevecase

prodsleevecasedetail7og0 1 20080513 193432 WaterField Designs SleevecaseThe SleeveCase is an excellent computer case, made by WaterField Designs, and available in many configurations including over 40 different sizes, either vertical or horizontal, with a flap or without, 3 different strap options, and an additional pouch to hold accessories.

I tested the Sleevecase in the vertical orientation with the flap, Suspension Strap and the PiggyBack (the pouch). When it arrived, I slipped my MacBook Pro into it, and that’s when I realized how amazing of a product it is. For under USD$100 you get an amazing case which protects the MacBook Pro very well and is very comfortable to carry around.

The quality of the case is fantastic. I carefully looked it over, and I did not even see one loose thread on it. The Sleevecase appears as if it was made to perfection, and in my testing, it was perfect. The PiggyBack is an ideal size to hold the MagSafe power adapter, a wireless mouse, and my DVI to VGA adapter when traveling, and it is made to the same standard as the Sleevecase.

The Sleevecase is made from neoprene on the inside for great protection of your valuable laptop, and nylon on the outside. It uses Velcro to keep the flap shut, while still protecting the laptop.

From a design point of view, it is also wonderful, both in looks and functionality. I had a compliment from an Apple Employee when I visited the Apple Store with my MacBook Pro in this case. It goes along with the Apple laptops perfectly. The Suspension Strap makes carrying around my 6.8 pound laptop easy and comfortable.

This is truly the best case I have ever tested, from a functionality, design, comfort and price perspective. For under USD$100, it is a great buy. I highly recommend it to everyone who has an Apple laptop.

Product Info:
Name: WaterField Designs Sleevecase
Price: USD$95

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May 4 2008

BookEndz Docking Station

bookendzxz4 20080513 194016 BookEndz Docking StationThe BookEndz are docking stations for the Mac laptops. They are available for quite a few different models including the MacBook Pros, MacBooks, and Powerbooks. I had the chance to test the 17″ MacBook Pro model. It has connecters for all the ports on the laptop, and a special area for the MagSafe power adapter.

Setting up the BookEndz is very easy; just plug in all your accessories to the back of the BoodEndz, and place your laptop in, sliding the sides into the ports of your laptop. There was one surprising thing though when I read through the manual–it instructs to shut down the computer before connecting to or disconnecting from the BookEndz. In my testing, it worked perfectly without shutting down my MacBook Pro to connect and disconnect the BookEndz. I talked to the support department at BookEndz and I was told that I should follow the directions in the manual. I see this issue as a major flaw.

The BookEndz are very well built, as I would expect for this high price point. It is very solid and I would have no concerns about build quality. Considering this product is for the Apple laptops, I would assume that BookEndz would try to match and compliment Apple’s design. In my view, this product does not do wonders from a design perspective, with quite bulky sides and back. It also is too big to use on a laptop stand like the Griffin Elevator.

The largest flaw with the BookEndz are the price. The 17″ MacBook Pro model, which I was testing retails at USD$319.95. They are a little more reasonably priced for the MacBooks, at USD$159.

This product successfully fulfills the advertised description, and overall is very good. It has a few design flaws that should be worked out, but for those looking for a dock for their Apple laptop, I would suggest looking at the BookEndz.

Product Info:
Name: BookEndz Docking Station for 17″ MacBook Pro

Price: USD$319.95

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