Apple Products Reviews and Newsletter Resources

IRIScan: Mobile Scanning and OCR Power

Do you have an optical scanner? Is it too big to travel with you, but you wish you had a small one? Wouldn’t it be nice to have one that could scan without being attached to a computer? I found the solution at Macworld 2011 to do this and much more.

The IRIScan Anywhere 2 is a stand-alone battery-powered single-sheet scanner that can help to archive and organize your documents, recognize and manage business cards, and save its output to a wide variety of storage options. With a default resolution of 300 or 600dpi, it will save JPEG files to its own 512MB of flash memory, or interfaces with SD, xD, MS, MS Pro, MMC, USB Slave (type-B Mini), and USB Host (Type-A) for USB Flash Drive . . . 

Read the full review from the appleJAC Macintosh User Group.

 

zBoost Repeaters: Amping Your Cellphone Signal

Ever have problems getting a reliable cellphone signal? Are you experiencing a lot of dropped calls? That has been my frustrating situation (0 - 2 bars average) for almost a year in my home-office duplex (only two miles from a tower on the ridge, but my place is at the bottom of the valley among the trees). I finally found a better candidate at Macworld 2011 which works with any of my cell signals.

zBoost by Wi-Ex (www.wi-ex.com) is described as the leading provider of consumer cell phone signal boosters for the home and office. They showcased their home and office solutions in San Francisco on January 26, 2011, illustrating their ability to help iPhone, iPad, smartphone, connected devices and mobile phone users with dropped calls and slow data. I was particularly interested in the zBoost-SOHO (small office/home office) and zBoost-METRO (urban single-story unit) . . . 

Read the full review from the appleJAC Macintosh User Group.

 

iPad/iPhone/iPod Accessories: Power Enhancements

With all the apps and activities that are being conducted on our mobile devices, power consumption is an ever-increasing concern. Do you have to recharge every night, and even sometimes run out during the day? How about when you go on a trip? There are some great solutions now available.

The TekCharge™ MP1860A from Tekkeon, a dual port 1860 mAh power pack with two USB outputs, simultaneously charges and powers my iPad™, iPhone®, iPod® nano or iPod® touch, and a second small portable device. With mobile power at my fingertips, this high-capacity, lightweight battery lets me enjoy hours of extended play time on many of my small portable electronic products.

(also in this review: PowerPak Travel Charger from Technical, Boost Case from HRL Technologies, and TruePower iV Pro from TruePower, Inc.)

 Read the review from the appleJAC Macintosh User Group.

 

More iPad accessories: Protection, Utility and Convenience

As I said before, this Macworld could more appropriately been called “iPadworld” with all of the emphasis on portable Apple devices. The incredible variety of accessories for iPads was stunning, overwhelming and intriguing.

The HandStand from Hub International is another example of the new generation of versatile and useful cases. This iPad case is designed to be an extension of my arm with the flexibility of 360° rotation around my palm. For only $49.99 (http://thehandstand.com), this case feels good, protects well, and is very functional . . . a good buy. 

(also in this review: Hand-e-holder from Burns Computer Services)

Read the review from the appleJAC Macintosh User Group.

 

Microvision PicoP: Impressive Laser Micro-Projector

Have you ever wanted to show pictures, or slideshows, or movies to three or four people at once, but your iPhone or iPod screen was just too small? Even the iPad screen can be too small for a group of people. You could hook up to a big digital video projector, but its heavy and bulky, needs to plug into a wall socket, and is time-consuming to setup. On the other hand, with the marvels of today’s technology and miniaturization, wouldn’t it be great if you could just pull a projector out of your pocket, plug and play?

See the review from the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group

Moshi Codex: Impecciable style and protective Macbook case

Moshi describes itself as the “purveyor of electronics fashion” and its Codex case is both stunning and quite practical, combining runway fashion with solid laptop protection.

Unlike other Macbook protectors, this case is designed to be left on your computer at all times. Think of it as a sleeve you can use while the computer is still protected. Because it acts as a sleeve, it’s checkpoint friendly and can protect your Macbook on its sometimes perilous trip through airport security. I’m a big fan of cases like this because while some incidents can happen during transit, I often see the worst damage occur during the process of putting a laptop in a case or pulling it out. A hand slips or a zipper you thought was closed wasn’t. Ouch. Codex has Viscotex™ inserts and Terahedron™ inner lining to provide a advanced level of shock protection.

Read the review from the Lawrence Apple Users Group.

HoverCam: Digital Age Multi-Scanner

I’ve had many scanners including hand-scanners (4” wide), flat-bed scanners, all-in-one printer scanners, photostrip/slide scanners, portable roller scanners and many others. At the Consumer Electronics Show I found a new concept in scanners at a reasonable price.

The HoverCam Document Camera is a unique design that scans, copies, archives, e-faxes and video captures using a single elevated camera with lighted assistance. It will digitize filing systems, manage bills and receipts digitally, replace outdated scanners, and help make presentations a memorable experience. The included HoverCam Flex software makes managing scanned files an easy task,  cloud computing a reality, and data storage immediately available.

Read the review from the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group

Otterbox Commuter TL iPhone Case

By necessity, iPhone protection is both a personal and practical choice. On the personal level, there is the determination of how much risk you want to take with your expensive phone. Do you go naked or encase it in a massive shield? Then, on the practical level, what is the best balance between good protection without making the phone bulky and unattractive? The Otterbox Commuter TL attempts the Solomonesque job of splitting the difference down the middle, managing to combine a slim, attractive look with some decent protection.

Read the review from the Lawrence Apple Users Group.

iPort FS-3

The iPort FS-3 is a free-standing (FS) digital media system that provides audio connections between your iPod and your home entertainment system. The FS-3 is an elegant, albeit a bit expensive, integrated solution that let's you distribute playback of your iTunes library throughout your house. Installation is not trivial, and likely requires hiring a pro, which increases the cost of this solution. If you have the funds to spend, and don't already have an Aiport Extreme to Airport Extreme system that you use to play your iTunes library, the FS-3 is an incredible way to maximize your iTunes music listening pleasure.

NOTE: Since this product was originally received, iPort has condensed their FS series digital media systems down to two models, the FS-21 and FS-22, and apparently sold off the remaining models to Sonance (who now offers the FS-3 in this review as FS-3W).

Click here to read the detailed review by The Macintosh Guild.

Pogo Stylus

The iPhone, as many people know, is an absolute masterpiece of form and function. However, all these functions are useless if you can’t actually touch your phone. Dirty or gloved hands render the iPhone completely useless. The Pogo stylus bridges that gap, allowing you to use a stylus to control your iPhone.

Read the review from the Lawrence Apple Users Group.